Nevada police issued almost 12,000 distracted driving citations in 2012

February 22, 2013

When driving in Nevada, if you are thinking of quickly checking an email or text message on your cellphone, you had better think again. Nevada has had strict distracted driving regulations in place for over a year, and the Nevada Highway Patrol has recently reported on its successes.

During 2012, the NHP issued 11,992 citations to Nevada drivers who were caught violating the distracted driving law. According to the statistics released by the NHP, the number of citations was particularly high during the first half of the year, likely while news was spreading about the new restrictions.

According to the NHP, over 1,100 distracted driving citations were issued during each of the first five months of the year. The most citations were issued in May, when law enforcement officers handed out 1,269 tickets. In June 2012, the numbers started to decrease, with only 878 citations being issued. By December, Nevada motorists seemed to have become familiar with the restrictions, as the number of citations dropped to 438.

The NHP also reported that a small number of people were issued citations for second and third distracted driving violations during 2012. In total, 30 citations were issued to drivers who were second-time offenders and 25 third-time offenders received citations. As a driver receives more citations, the penalties -- including fines and points against his or her license -- increase.

Abide by Nevada's distracted driving laws to prevent auto accidents

Nevada has some of the strictest distracted driving laws in the country. All Nevada motorists are prohibited from texting while driving. Texting bans have spread across the country as the dangers of texting while driving have been revealed.

When a driver sends a text message, he or she is distracted visually, manually and cognitively. Not surprisingly, the combination of these three types of distraction is especially dangerous. In fact, a study conducted by Virginia Tech found that texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than drivers who are not distracted.

In addition, Nevada drivers are banned from using handheld cellphones while behind the wheel. While drivers may use hands-free technology to talk on their cellphones, they are prohibited from using handheld devices while driving. According to a study by Monash University, such restrictions are important, as motorists using handheld cellphones are four times more likely to cause a motor vehicle accident in which they sustain personal injuries.

When someone is injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, he or she may be entitled to damages. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in such a collision, consulting with a skilled, Nevada personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.

Article provided by Henness & Haight, Injury Attorneys
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