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Texting & Driving/Distracted Driving Accidents

The 2011 Nevada Legislature passed a law making it illegal to use a handheld cell phone or other similar device to talk, text, or engage in other distracting activities while driving. Fines of $250 were imposed as of January of 2012 for any driver caught using a handheld phone or device to talk, read, type, etc.

The reason that this law exists is to minimize car accidents caused by distracted driving in Nevada. Talking on your cell phone makes you four times more likely to cause an accident or be unable to avoid an accident. Your reaction time is delayed by cell phone use as much as it would be if you were driving legally drunk, even in situations where your method of communication involves a hands-free device, like Bluetooth. The conversation itself is the distraction.

Half a million people were injured and almost 3,500 people died in 2012 because of distracted driving car accidents in the United States. Of course, these numbers only include the accidents that were confirmed as being caused by distracted driving, and it is likely that the true numbers are much higher.

What Can You Do To Minimize Distractions?

  • Always secure your cell phone somewhere where you are not tempted or able to access it while driving. For example, put it in your glove box.
  • Pull over in a safe area (like a parking lot) to make any phone calls that you cannot avoid making, or make your phone calls before you start driving. Never pull over on the side of the road because this can be dangerous.
  • Download an application that can block phone calls and texting while you drive.
  • Avoid calling a person whom you know is currently driving.
  • Avoid eating, applying makeup, or reaching for objects while driving.
  • Ask passengers to help with distracting activities, like reading directions.

Fighting for Distracted Driving Victims

Texting while driving is known to be THE most dangerous example of distracted driving, and plenty of lives are lost every day to this irresponsible behavior. Thousands of people continue to cause these distracted driving accidents by texting and using mobile devices, despite how well known the danger is and despite the fact that almost every state (including Nevada) prohibits the behavior.

Fortunately, you can take action to receive the compensation that you deserve when you’ve been injured by a distracted texting driver. Contact an attorney to learn more about your options.

Statistics Related to Texting and Driving

  • You are 23 times more likely to cause an accident if you text and drive (Virginia Tech Transportation Institute).
  • In 2011, more than one million accidents were caused by cell phone use (23% of all accidents).
  • Over one million accidents were caused by cell phone use in 2011 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
  • Of that one million, 3,331 people were killed by distracted driving collisions in 2011 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
  • Texting demands your visual attention, manual attention, and mental attention all at the same time, making texting and driving one of the most damaging forms of distracted driving.

Las Vegas, NV Texting and Driving Laws

Throughout Nevada, there is a ban on using handheld cell phones while driving, including a ban on texting. Drivers are not allowed to check messages at any time, even while stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. Most US states prohibit texting and driving, while many have more limited bans.

In Nevada, the ban on texting while driving is a primary law. This means that even if no other traffic offense is observed, an officer can still pull you over and give you a ticket for violating the ban on texting and driving. In some other states, this is not a primary law, which means that the driver must commit another traffic offense to be cited for texting while driving.

If you violate this law in Nevada, you can receive a citation, fines, and suspension of your license. If you injure someone else by texting and driving, you are likely to be held accountable and financially liable for the damages that occurred through your negligence.

Choosing a Nevada Car Accident Attorney

When it comes to choosing a Nevada car accident attorney, you need one that understands the law, is prepared to fight for your rights, and advocates against the dangers of texting while driving. When you’ve been injured in a distracted driving accident, contact a Nevada car accident attorney to discuss the details of your case and what your claim is worth.

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