Cellphone Bans While Driving: When Good Intentions Go Wrong

The cellphone ban while driving in New York state is enforced with hefty fines and, as of October 2011, three points against the driver's license for violators.

2012-03-15

ALBANY, NY, March 15, 2012 (Press-News.org) What better time to catch up with friends and loved ones or take care of personal business than during a long commute or road trip? Many drivers find this tranquil time in the midst of their hectic lives perfect for doing just that. But in some states, such as New York, certain uses of cellphones while driving are illegal.

In fact, the cellphone ban while driving in New York state is so strict that just being spotted with cellphone in hand while driving may be reason enough to be pulled over. The penalty for such an infraction is no slap on the wrist either. Hefty fines and, as of October 2011, three points against the driver's license are the disciplinary actions in place for violators.

Reasoning for Ban Found to be a Bust

The law was originally put in place with the best intentions in mind. Law makers in New York State believed that the use of cellphones while driving was a major safety risk. However, research has found that the ban has not decreased accidents at all. In fact, the Highway Loss Data Institute conducted research for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and discovered that the number of accidents have actually increased since the ban was put in place.

Much like the prohibition laws of the 1920's and 30's, outlawing the act of handheld cellphone use is not in any way a complete deterrent of the behavior. In reality, bans have simply forced drivers to find more creative ways to use their cellphones -- often trying to hide their phones while texting. Just like prohibition, this and other creative methods have caused additional issues that did not previously exist: holding the phone out of sight causes a number of other safety issues.

Cellphone Use Continues in Lieu of Law

Even though there is a law on the books banning its use, most drivers continue to fill commute time with cellphone communications. Not only is the time convenient for doing so, it is simply not perceived as dangerous. Drivers often argue that there are numerous other non-banned activities that can be considered just as much of a "distraction" -- such as eating, talking to a passenger, or changing radio stations.

Regardless of these other distractions, the push in New York state and throughout the nation has been to target cellphone use. In fact, by the end of December 2011, 34 states had passed laws prohibiting texting and emailing while driving. But the question remains, if laws such as these are not actually making roads safer -- and are, in fact, causing more accidents -- then will such bans remain?

While the laws still exist, drivers beware. Violations of texting while driving or handheld cellphone use can result in fines over $100 and points added to driving records.

Website: http://www.trafficviolationlawyerny.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Beyond The Physical: How Traumatic Brain Injuries Impact Relationships

2012-03-15

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is on a remarkable journey of recovery -- and her husband is on it with her. In January 2012, she resigned from Congress. But many Americans have been inspired with the courage and determination she has demonstrated during her recovery. Just one year ago, the Congresswoman suffered gunshot wounds to the head and a severe traumatic brain injury as the result of a shooting rampage. Although Giffords and her husband, astronaut Mark E. Kelly, have spoken about her progress with regard to physical recovery, they have kept private regarding how her ...

Updates to Utah's Not a Drop Law

2012-03-15

The Highway Safety Office became involved in underage drinking projects to help avoid dangerous roads and highways. The reasoning is based on a combination of youths under 21 lacking sufficient driving experience and teens still developing the self-control necessary to stem impulsivity and risk-taking. However, despite the needed deterrence, underage DUI penalties are threatening future aspirations of teens. Actively Discouraging Teen Drinking and Driving Many penalties are applied in an attempt to combat drinking and driving in Utah's youth. Criminal penalties ...

Proposed Guidelines for Car Manufacturers Target Distracted Driving

2012-03-15

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has revealed its next weapon in the war on distracted driving: innovative, tough proposed guidelines for car manufacturers. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who makes the fight against distracted driving a highly visible priority of his department, announced the first phase of the proposed guidelines on Feb. 16, 2012. The guidelines are neither actual regulations nor laws, but rather voluntary guidelines suggesting mechanical features for cars and other light passenger ...

Partnership & Property Agreements Beneficial for Unwed Couples

2012-03-15

Since their partnerships are not recognized by state law, Arizona's unmarried, cohabitating couples face a unique set of legal obstacles in regards to property rights. For these couples, property agreements which outline assets, expenses, income, banking information and instructions for what happens to property in the event of a death or break-up can be incredibly beneficial. A cohabitation property agreement is a vital document for unmarried, cohabitating couples who have accumulated common property, possibly including a home. This document can help determine what will ...

Non-Oregonian Patients Complicate Enforcement of Medical Marijuana Law

2012-03-15

Oregon's medical marijuana laws do not include a reciprocity provision. That is to say: Oregon law does not recognize the validity of non-Oregon issued medical marijuana cards. If you reside outside of Oregon and wish to possess and consume marijuana legally while in Oregon, you must apply for an Oregon-issued card. Since an appeals ruling in 2010 clarified that non-residents may enroll in Oregon's medical marijuana program, there has been an influx of out-of-state patients to Beaver State physicians and marijuana providers, even when marijuana use is illegal in the patients' ...

Understanding the Social Security Disability and SSI Claim Appeals Processes

2012-03-15

Making and continuing to pursue a Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits claim can be a slow, often-delayed and arduous process. A swell of applicants, combined with a shrinking budget, has led to a "tightening" of the Social Security Administration's standards, leading to a decline in approval rates. By some estimates, as many as 65 percent of disability applications are denied during the first round of review. Often, applications are denied because applicants did not provide sufficient proof of disability. Enlisting ...

No More Hand-Held Phones for Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

2012-03-15

A new federal ban on hand-held mobile phone use in commercial motor vehicles took effect Jan. 3, 2012. The regulations were issued jointly by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, both divisions of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and will affect about 4 million commercial truck drivers, plus commercial bus drivers. The ban reaches cell phone use while moving or when stopped for a light or stop sign, but allows emergency calls. Hands-free devices like Bluetooth headsets may still be used. Anyone ...

GA Court of Appeals Decision Upholds Patient Health Privacy Rights

2012-03-15

The Georgia Court of Appeals has reversed a former court ruling that forced an injured worker to authorize their physicians to talk ex parte with employers. In 2006, Laura McRae suffered serious burns to her esophagus when she drank a cup of lye that she mistook for her beverage in the break room of the Arby's restaurant where she worked. McRae signed a form allowing for the release of her medical information, which was set to expire within 90 days, when she revoked it in writing or in the event of a pending hearing. Three years later, McRae's physician concluded ...

Virginia to Require Ignition Interlock Device on First DUI Offense

2012-03-15

Beginning July 1, 2012, every first-time drunk-driving offender in Virginia will be required to install an ignition interlock device in his or her vehicle as a condition of further driving. An ignition interlock is a Breathalyzer on wheels, preventing a car from starting if the driver fails an on-board alcohol breath test. About the size of a mobile phone, the ignition interlock is integrated into the vehicle's starting mechanisms. Ignition interlock standards are set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And, in Virginia, the ignition interlock device's ...

Couple Represented by David K. Miller Awarded Almost $3 Million in Oregon Wrongful Birth Case

2012-03-15

David K. Miller, of the Oregon law firm Miller & Wagner, LLP, represented a Portland-area couple who was awarded almost $3 million last Friday in a "wrongful birth" case. The couple gave birth to a daughter with Down syndrome, even though the couple was previously told prenatal tests had "definitively" ruled out their child having the chromosomal abnormality. As a result of the negligently performed prenatal tests, the couple based their difficult and personal decision to continue the pregnancy on incorrect information. Although the couple loves ...

Cellphone Bans While Driving: When Good Intentions Go Wrong

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: