In recent years, the majority of states have passed laws limiting cell phone use while driving in an effort to reduce distracted driving accidents. While cell phones can be a distraction in driving, they are not the only form of distraction that is dangerous and illegal.
What is Distracted Driving?
The federal government defines distracted driving as anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your attention away from driving safely. Any non-driving activity may potentially result in distracted drivers.
Why Have Cell Phones Been Singled Out?
Studies and individual accident reports indicate that cell phones may be a particularly dangerous form of distracted driving. Drivers who talk on handheld cell phones, for example, have a hand off the steering wheel and have their attention diverted from driving safely. Drivers who are texting may face even greater distraction since not only are their hands off the steering wheel and their minds diverted by their conversations, but their eyes may also be diverted from the road.
Are Other Forms of Distracted Driving Also Illegal?
Despite specific laws that prohibit cell phone use or texting while driving, other forms of distracted driving may also cause accidents and result in liability for the accident. Reckless driving laws, for example, may prohibit distracted driving. Additionally, negligent distracted drivers may be liable for any injuries or fatalities that result from their actions.
Distracted driving laws and public awareness campaigns rightly focus on the dangers of cell phone use while driving because of the particular dangers posed when drivers use cell phones. However, drivers should be aware that other forms of distraction may be just as dangerous and illegal.
