In the state of New York, all drivers are prohibited from talking on a hand-held cell phone.
Drivers are also banned from text messaging behind the wheel, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). If you’re busted breaking either of these laws, you face the risk of getting two driver penalty points, in addition to the fine of $150 for violations.
These new penalties went into effect back in July of 2011.
Our state has some of the strictest distracted driving laws, but we’re still seeing a great deal of distracted driving car accidents. Why is that? Well, a recent study, published through ScienceNow, determined it might not be the distractions that are causing the accidents, but the habits of the driver in the first place.
Our Queens car accident attorneys understand that people who talk on their cell phones while driving are more likely to engage in other dangerous driving behaviors, regardless of whether a phone is present.
The recent study looked at more than 100 drivers. They were divided into drivers in their 20s, 40s and 60s. Researchers then split these groups into two groups: those who used their cell phones regularly behind the wheel and those who reported rarely doing so. The vehicles were equipped with a bunch of monitoring systems, but with no cell phones. The findings of the study are helping researchers to explain why laws against distracted driving haven’t been able to make more of an impact on state accident rates.
The drivers who were regular cell phone drivers were more likely to make other poor driving decisions. They were more likely to exceed posted speed limits, more likely to change lanes irresponsibly and were more likely to slam on the gas and brake pedals. The problem is that many drivers think they’re indestructible behind the wheel and that they’re entitled to special rights on our roads. The truth of the matter is that we’re all out there together and we should be keeping our attention on the road.
“They are subtle clues indicative of more aggressive driving,” said study leader Bryan Reimer.
What might have been apparent in this study is that the simple act of picking up that cell phone in the first place should have been used as a clue into the driver’s habits behind the wheel, clearly stating their first concern is not roadway safety.
It’s clear that laws and bans aren’t going to be enough to get some drivers to focus on the road. Take the cell phone away from a bad driver and you still have a bad driver. Speeding, aggressive driving, tailgating, driving too fast for conditions and other driving distractions — including eating, drinking, applying makeup and tuning the radio or GPS device — increase your risk of an accident.
The change starts with you!
If you or a family member has been injured in an accident, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose, PLLC for a free and confidential consultation. Call 1-877-313-7673 today.
More Blog Entries:
Illegal Driving Causing Majority of Fatal Traffic Accidents in New York, New York Injury Blog, August 14, 2012
New York Teen Facing Criminal Charges After Car Accident, New York Injury Blog, August 12, 2012
