There is no denying that our world has gone mobile. Not too long ago, it was commonplace to be disconnected from others when traveling in your car, running errands, or taking part in any activity that required you to be away from a land line. Now, cellphones have made it increasingly easy to stay connected. They’ve afforded us a level of convenience that we could never have imagined just a few short years ago. They allow us to check emails on the go, make and receive calls anytime we like, and have one convenient hub for taking pictures or video and managing our schedules.
While they may even be considered a safety measure for their ability to connect us to others, cellphones are oftentimes also a hazard. They have been shown to decrease awareness of our surroundings, making us vulnerable to situations with catastrophic consequences. No place is this more evident than on the road. Distracted driving due to the use of cellphones has become a leading factor in auto collisions. Just consider some of these points:
- In 2011, an estimated 1.3 million, or 23% of all car accidents involved cellphone usage
- In 2010, 18% of crashes involving fatalities were linked to driver distraction
- Text messaging while driving increases the likelihood of an accident by an astounding 23%
As evidence of the high level of danger associated with cellphone usage and distracted driving continues to mount, most states have passed legislation to address the matter to some degree. Understanding the laws in your particular state is an important part of being a safe, well informed driver. Unfortunately, because the law varies so greatly from one state to the next, many are unsure of them. For Louisiana drivers, here is what you should know:
- Texting is banned for all drivers
- All cellphone usage is banned for those with a learner’s permit or intermediate license. It is also banned for all drivers under the age of 18 and school bus drivers
- For drivers not listed in the stipulations above, there is no current ban on handheld devices
While you may not receive a ticket for handheld cellphone use in Louisiana, avoiding driving distractions of all kinds is the safest course of action. Rather than running the risk of bringing harm to yourself or others, wait until you are no longer operating your vehicle to make or answer a phone call, check email, or send a text. All of these activities have been proven to increase your odds of being involved in a dangerous collision.
If you have already been involved in an accident with a distracted driver and have been injured as a result, contact the Spencer Calahan Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys are experienced in all areas of personal injury and can help you determine the best course of action for your particular case. To reach our office, simply click here, or call us directly at (225) 387-2323.
