Distracted driving laws and use of cell phone while driving

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Distracted driving is something that seems to be causing serious problems in the US. Thousands of people become the victims of distracted driving every year. Accidents are caused mainly due to distracted driving. While some people get killed, the others suffer serious injuries as a result of this.

These accidents are caused mainly due to talking on the cell phones or due to text messages while driving. This has become a huge menace and seems to have reached dangerous levels. States are trying hard to deal with this problem. Statistics show that there is a steady rise in the number of cases of distracted driving and states are embracing laws that regulate cell phone use while driving. Distracted driving is not only causing harm to the person behind the wheel, but is also putting pedestrians and fellow motorists on the road under serious risk. This is something that cannot be ignored. Hence, a number of states have put regulations in place.

There are a number of states that have banned the use of handheld cell phones while driving. A majority of the states have also passed laws prohibiting motorists from texting messages while driving. In fact, cell phone violations are considered to be a primary offense in most states, however, there are a few states that have classified them as a secondary offense, and tickets can be issued for this offense only if the motorist is pulled over for some other violation.

Now, Maryland has also joined seven other states along with US Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia in banning the handheld cell phones by motorists. The US, Canada as well as other countries have now realized the dangers involved in texting messages while driving and using a handheld device while steering the wheel.

So, if you are planning to visit the US, then you should ideally obtain some information about each state, province, or country where you may be driving. You must be aware of the distracted driving laws in each state in order to avoid getting a ticket.

Distracted driving is not just an issue in the US alone, but it is also a serious international issue. As per reports from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorists who use cell phone (whether handheld or hands free) face a fourfold increase in risk of being involved in a crash that can be serious in nature. Texting while driving also affects the driving habits and compromises the safety of the driver as well as the passengers in the car.

While some states may only find the usage of cell phones while driving to be a secondary offense, there are states where you can be pulled over for talking over the handheld cell phone and you may also have a pay a spot fine.

So, prior to planning your trip, you must ensure that you take time and familiarize yourself with the various distracted driving laws that are applicable in each and every state where you plan to drive. Getting a hands free device beforehand is a good idea to start with.