The lawyers of McDonald At Law are proud to serve people in and around Lancaster, helping them receive just compensation following serious injuries. This kind of legal representation is particularly important to have following serious car accidents that result in lasting injury and death.
In recent years, one of the common causes of preventable auto accidents has become cell phone use by drivers. Let’s explore why driver distraction caused by cell phones needs to be taken seriously.
Cell Phones and Driving Do Not Mix
Cell phones are a part of our daily lives, and it’s hard to imagine how we’d get by without them. Even still using a cell phone while operating a vehicle of any kind is dangerous and can contribute to serious accidents. This is true of making calls, but it’s especially dangerous when texting, writing emails, and looking up directions.
When possible, it’s always ideal to avoid texting and driving.
Pennsylvania Laws Regarding Cell Phone Use and Driving
In the state of Pennsylvania, it is illegal for a person to text, check or compose emails, or to use any kind of messaging service while behind the wheel of a car. If caught, violaters of the law will be subject to a fine.
It is not illegal for drivers to make calls while driving, even if they do not have a hands-free set. However, it is recommended that you have a hands-free set if you intend to make calls behind the wheel.
The Dangers of Texting While Driving
If you are texting or using a messaging service while driving, your eyes and full attention are diverted from the road for a significant amount of time. If just the few seconds it takes to look down at your phone and look up at the road, a vehicle on the highway will have traveled the length of a football field.
You can imagine how much this increases the risk of a serious collision taking place. Sideswipe collisions and rear end collisions are far more likely if a distracted driver is using his or her phone behind the wheel.
Be Smart When It Comes to Cell Phone Use
If you have to text, be sure to text only when your vehicle is parked and off the road. If there is an emergency to attend to, be sure to turn your vehicle off of the street or highway in order to return the text, email, or message.
When it comes to looking up directions, do your best to look them up ahead of time and have your GPS going before you are even on the road. If you need to double check directions, turn off the road and park so you can safely look up the information.
And as for calls, we once again recommend that you have a hands-free set. This will allow you to speak while driving without impairing your ability to use the steering wheel.
How an Attorney Can Help Victims of Injury
If you or a loved one was harmed by a motorist who was using his or her cell phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle, our team can help. Our attorneys will hold the negligent driver accountable for such an inexcusable act such as this, and help you recover damages for injuries, medical expenses, and other losses.
Find Out About Your Legal Rights After an Auto Accident
If you or a loved one was harmed in an auto accident due to a negligent person’s use of a cell phone while behind the wheel, be sure to contact our personal injury law firm today. The attorneys of McDonald At Law will fight for you in your time of legal need.