People are busy these days and many drivers use their driving time as opportunities to make calls and text using their phones. You’ve likely found yourself doing this at times. It’s easy to think to yourself, it will only take a second. However, it’s been shown that it takes a minimum of five seconds when you text – five seconds that your eyes and attention are taken off the road. To put that in perspective, in five seconds, you can travel the entire length of a football field without viewing the street in front of you. And that makes it very dangerous to you and all the other drivers around you.
What happens when someone is distracted with a call or a text and they crash their car into you, causing serious injuries to you or your passengers? Due to their distracted driving, you are hurt and worried, your medical bills piling up, your car is damaged or even totaled, and you are missing work. You may be wondering if you have a personal injury case.
Pennsylvania Law Regarding Texting and Driving
In March of 2012, Pennsylvania law made it illegal for drivers to text and drive. The following summarizes the laws that are in effect regarding texting and driving in the state:
Drivers in Pennsylvania are prohibited from using wireless devices to text while their car is moving.
Texting refers to writing, responding to, and sending texts or instant messages, emails, or any other written communication.
Using the internet while driving is also illegal.
Using Bluetooth accessories to read or write texts is also prohibited in Pennsylvania, however, vehicles with built-in wireless phone systems are excluded.
As texting while operating a vehicle is now considered a primary offense, law enforcement can pull over drivers who they suspect are texting while driving, even when they haven’t violated any other traffic laws.
Additionally, there are federal laws that prohibit texting for bus and commercial truck drivers:
The federal ban has been in effect since January of 2010.
Commercial motor vehicles are defined by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as any vehicle that is:
Over 10,000 pounds
Made to carry a driver plus nine or more passengers, for a fee
Made to carry a driver plus 16 or more passengers, without fees
If You Are Injured by a Driver Using a Cell Phone
Statistics show that texting while driving is the single most dangerous activity on U.S. roadways, even more so than drinking and driving – likely because most drivers believe that it is a harmless thing to do, while everyone understands how dangerous drinking and driving is. But, if you or a loved one has been injured by a driver using their phone to text, then you know just how dangerous texting while driving can be.
It’s important that you contact an attorney who is experienced in handling cases that involve distracted driving, including texting while driving, to represent your best interests in your car accident claim. Contact the law office of Rand Spear the Accident Lawyer, for a consultation about your case today. Your case will be reviewed, and you will be advised how to proceed, so that you are able to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
