Wisconsin Law Combats Distracted Driving Among Novice Drivers

November 06, 2012 (Press-News.org) Wisconsin safety agencies are extremely concerned with the dangerous habit of distracted driving, which is commonly practiced among teen motorists. Did you know that car accidents kill more teenagers in Wisconsin than any other cause of death? Distracted driving is a major issue that contributes to this statistic. To combat the issue, Wisconsin recently passed a new state law that prohibits drivers with an instruction permit or probationary license from using a phone while driving. The law takes effect in November 2012.

A driver violating the restriction on cellphone use is subject to a forfeiture of $20 to $40 for a first offense and $50 to $100 for a subsequent offense within a year.

According to a representative from the Wisconsin State Patrol, 43 percent of 16 and 17-year-olds admit to talking on a cellphone while driving, and 40 percent of teens up to age 17 note that they have been in a car when the motorist used a cellphone in a way that endangered passengers.

Furthermore, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 11 percent of all motorists under the age of 20 involved in deadly crashes were engaged in distracted driving.

The new Wisconsin law aims to address the issue, which is linked to inexperienced drivers. Although the law will affect many teen motorists, the restrictions also apply to other drivers with a Wisconsin probationary license. This group includes:
- Motorists licensed in other countries
- Drivers with suspended or revoked instruction permits or probationary licenses
- New Wisconsin residents who have less than three years of driving experience
- New residents under 21 years of age

However, for those addicted to their phones, it can be difficult to kick the practice. To help avoid habits of distracted driving, the State Patrol suggests the following:
- Turn off your cellphone
- Use your voice mail program to inform callers that you are currently driving and will return their call when you are done
- Ask a passenger to make a call or text for you

If you must communicate on your phone, the State Patrol recommends that you first pull your vehicle over to the side of a road. The new law does not penalize drivers for talking and driving for the purpose of reporting an emergency; however, it is best to avoid any distractions.

It is illegal for any Wisconsin driver to text while driving. The law prohibiting any driver from texting while operating a motor vehicle in Wisconsin has been in effect since December of 2010. Texting, eating, putting on makeup or practicing other disruptive activities while driving is not safe. If you have been injured by a distracted driver, you may want to contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney. A lawyer can help you pursue recovery from a negligent driver for harm that you have sustained.

Article provided by Bollenbeck Fyfe, S.C.
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