Distracted Driving Doesn’t Always Involve Cellphones

November 21, 2019

In this day and age, distracted driving is everywhere. With more people juggling busy schedules and a myriad of responsibilities, as well as having access to more outlets of entertainment, the task of driving is often made secondary.

In 2017 alone, distracted driving crashes resulted in approximately 3,166 fatalities across the United States. The true number of distracted driving fatalities, however, is likely higher since not all distractions leave behind physical evidence.

Can Pennsylvania’s texting & driving crackdown stop distracted driving?

In Pennsylvania, texting and driving is a primary offense, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). That means police can stop and cite drivers for handling cellphones without committing any other traffic violations.

Drivers who are caught violating this rule could face a $50 fine in addition to court costs and other fees.

While cellphone use behind the wheel may be the leading cause of distracted driving crashes, it’s not the only factor. Any activity that causes visual, manual, or cognitive distractions can be equally as dangerous.

PennDOT warns that the following distractions can impair a driver’s reaction time and lead to a crash:

• Eating, drinking, or smoking
• Adjusting the radio, dashboard settings, or infotainment system
• Talking on a cellphone
• Talking to other vehicle occupants (especially risky for novice drivers)
• Search for an object in the vehicle
• Reaching for or moving an object
• Reading, writing, or filling out paperwork
• Personal grooming or taking care of hygiene
• Taking eyes off the road when passing through a crash scene or work zone
• Looking at people, objects, or events outside the vehicle

Do I need a lawyer if I was involved in a crash with a distracted driver?

If you were involved in a crash with a distracted driver, it’s critical that you speak to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible for these reasons:

• Proving that distraction was a factor in your crash may not be easy.
• Insurance companies may argue that the other driver wasn’t at fault.
• You may have sustained injuries that require medical treatment and time away from work.
• Without an attorney, you will likely not be compensated for your medical bills and lost wages.
• You may be eligible for noneconomic compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of life enjoyment.

You need an experienced car accident lawyer who can launch a thorough investigation into your crash and gather crucial evidence to help you build a solid claim. The legal team at Villari, Giannone and Matteo knows how to do just that and get results. We have law offices in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To find out how we can help you, fill out our contact form online.