As of 2001, New York drivers have been forbidden from using cell phones behind the wheel. Recently, we reported on our New York Injury Lawyer Blog that drivers can face two-points on their driver’s license in addition to a $100 fine.
Still, the law doesn’t seem to scare everyone into practicing safe driving.
New York City personal injury lawyers recognize that nearly two million “cell phone use while driving” tickets have been issued in New York. The numbers stand strong even against the New York law strictly forbidding all drivers from using any hand-held phones while driving, reports The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
DOT and Consumer Reports have now teamed up to help enforce the law and keep teen drivers safe on the road. Parents and educators can now access a “Distracted Driving Shatter Lives” guide to help educate their teens about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.
Distracted driving still plagues our teen drivers according to a nationally conducted survey by Consumer Reports:
-64 percent of teen drivers witnessed other drivers texting while driving.
-63 percent of those surveyed admit to using a hand-held phone while operating a vehicle.
-30 percent of those drivers confess to driving and texting at the same time.
-Nearly all drivers reported seeing other drivers using a mobile phone behind the wheel.
According to DOT, more than 500,000 people were involved in distracted driving accidents in 2009 — nearly 5,500 of them resulting in death.
“Behind the statistics are real families who have been devastated by these tragedies.” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a distracted driving accident, contact New York City Personal Injury Lawyer Nicholas Rose at (718) 261-0549 for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
