Distracted Driving Law Proposed in Arizona

Arizona legislators are considering banning texting while driving.

2012-02-29

February 29, 2012 (Press-News.org) Arizona has recently proposed a bill that would ban texting while driving. Those caught texting behind the wheel would receive a $50 fine, which would increase to $200 if the texting driver causes an accident. Phoenix already has a texting ban in place, but this rule would allow for more uniformity in texting laws throughout the state. The House Transportation Committee approved the bill 6-2, and it will go on for further consideration.

Even if the bill becomes law, it may still not prevent distracted driving from happening. Law enforcement officers may have difficulty enforcing the rule, as finding out that a driver was texting while driving can be impossible to prove. It can be even more challenging for officers when a car accident caused by a distracted driver has occurred.

Many of these crashes are attributed to other factors, and drivers texting or using a cellphone while behind the wheel are reluctant to tell law enforcement what they were doing prior to the crash. If evidence of distracted driving is not apparent to those investigating the accident, officials may fail to do the necessary follow-up to determine the accident's cause.

While there have been countless initiatives focused on reducing the number of distracted drivers, the process of actually investigating accidents for the presence of this type of behavior is less advanced. Police have little training in this area, and may not know what signs to look for while investigating an accident.

Police crash report forms in Arizona do not have a category for officers to indicate that distracted driving was a cause of the accident. Unless the officer actually discloses this information, it will not be recorded. Law enforcement officers are dependent upon witnesses and the drivers involved in the accident to determine that distracted driving was a factor, which can be a very difficult process.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area to understand what options are available for your situation. It is important to discuss your case with someone who can help you make a decision that is in your best interests.

Article provided by Plattner Verderame, P.C.
Visit us at www.plattner-verderame.com

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