April was Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Nevada, the beginning of an ongoing crackdown on texting while driving and other driving distractions. Law enforcement officials in Nevada are raising awareness of the dangers of using a digital device while driving, and one of the ways they’re raising awareness is by handing out more citations. When drivers make calls or text while driving, they increase the chances of a serious traffic collision.
Despite efforts by lawmakers and police agencies to stop Nevada’s drivers from using their cell phones, many drivers still choose to use mobile devices. The Nevada Highway Patrol told KLAS-TV that the number of victims killed on Nevada streets by distracted drivers is about to surpass the number killed by impaired drivers. Nevada Highway Patrol officers keep handing out tickets, and Nevada drivers keep breaking the rule.
If you’re injured in a crash with a distracted driver in Nevada, speak to an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney as soon as possible; in many cases you can be reimbursed for your medical treatment, lost wages, and other injury-related expenses.
Talking on any wireless device or sending or receiving wireless messages while driving in Nevada is prohibited by law. You can be fined up to $250. Even so, one in every four fatal accidents in Nevada is the fault of a distracted driver. While some may debate what it means to be “distracted,” Nevada Highway Patrol officials have made it widely-known that they think distracted driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.
If you’re injured in a traffic accident caused by the negligence of another driver in Nevada, you have the right to file a personal injury claim to recover your medical expenses and lost income. Drunk driving is negligent driving. So is distracted driving. If you’re injured by a distracted driver, a good personal injury lawyer can investigate the accident and determine if you should file a personal injury lawsuit. A good lawyer may very well help you win the compensation you need and the justice you deserve, but you alone have to take the first step. If you’re injured now or in the future in the Las Vegas area, consult with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney as quickly as possible.
Talk to Teens
Year after year, teenagers continue to lead the pack in terms of distracted driving. It’s important that parents step in and talk to their teenagers about distracted driving before they cause an accident, injury or even worse, fatality.
Parents should always lead by example when it comes to distracted driving. Show teens that you are practicing what you preach by not using a cell phone or partaking in any other kind of distracted driving. Believe it or not, they will follow your example, so it’s important to be a good role model.
Besides leading by example, you should also talk to your teens about the consequences of distracted driving. Many teens mistakenly believe that distracted driving is just a slight risk, but they don’t understand that it can cause serious consequences. They also may be unaware that it’s actually against the law. All of this should be communicated to teens so that they are fully aware of why they shouldn’t be driving while distracted.
Parents should also try to not text or call their teens when they know that they’re driving. Instead, try to get the number of a friend who will also be in the car and get in contact with him or her instead. When parents contact teen drivers, the teens feel inclined to answer the call to avoid getting in trouble. Don’t put your teens in the situation where they have to choose their safety or making you happy.
Distracted driving is not just talking or texting on a cell phone. Parents should make sure that teens are aware of every kind of distraction that could present itself on the road. Changing the radio station, putting on makeup, eating or drinking, watching videos on a cell phone or tablet, talking to friends, or looking up directions are all considered distractions while on the road. Every second that your eyes and mind are not focused completely on the road puts you and drivers around you in danger.
Parents, remember to keep this conversation going in the house so teens know to always make the right and legal decision when it comes to driving distracted.
Driving While Eating
By now, almost everyone knows about the dangers of distracted driving, especially talking and texting on cell phones. But even more dangerous – possibly because it’s so much more common – is the distraction of eating while driving. With busier, on-the-go lifestyles, eating while driving has increased significantly, and it’s now the most common of all driver distractions. According to a PEMCO Insurance poll, 65 percent of drivers stated that they eat while driving.
Although driving while eating is not specifically mentioned as illegal, driving while being distracted is very much against the law in Nevada. Distracted drivers in California can be fined anywhere from $100 to $500, and more in some cases. In Nevada, fines are $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense, and $250 for subsequent violations. Repeat offenders may also receive points against their drivers’ licenses.
Eating while driving, however, may be the bigger problem nationally. In a study published in 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that eating while driving increases a driver’s chances of being in a traffic accident by 80 percent. All things considered, it’s probably best to set the food in the back seat next to the phone and to eat, talk, and text after you’ve finished driving.
If you’ve suffered a personal injury caused by a distracted driver, you may be able win obtain compensation for your injury by filing a personal injury lawsuit. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and will work for the best possible resolution of your case. Don’t hesitate; if you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney right away.
