On behalf of David Raimondo of The Raimondo Law Firm posted in Car Accidents on Tuesday, August 5, 2014.
A study published in the August addition of the American Journal of Public Health could provide additional support for laws banning texting while driving. The researchers behind the study found that there is a direct link between texting ban laws and a reduction in car crashes. The study was conducted by a team out of the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health and reviewed 11 years worth of data from the continental United States. Based on this review, the researchers found that teens experienced the largest, positive impact of state laws that ban texting.
More specifically, the researchers note texting bans can lead to up to an 11 percent reduction in teen traffic fatalities. The study found primary texting bans were most effective. This type of law allows an enforcement officer to pull a driver over simply for texting. Some laws require the officer to have another reason to make a stop, with texting as only a secondary offense.
Texting laws vary with each state. New York state bans all drivers from texting. Those who violate this law face monetary penalties and can have points removed from their driver’s license. Violation can also serve as evidence if the distraction contributed to an accident that injured another person.
Those injured in these accidents may qualify for compensation to help cover the costs associated with the crash. As a result, victims should contact an auto accident lawyer to discuss their case and help better ensure they receive the compensation they deserve.
Source: The Washington Post, “Texting bans work: They cut teen traffic deaths by 11 percent, study finds,” Niraj Chokshi, August 1, 2014
Tags: auto accident, compensation
Related Posts: Cars that drive themselves – not just for science fiction anymore, Can computers stop accidents? Police in the South say yes., Frequent storms on Long Island creating driving conditions that are hazardous to motorists, even when travel is necessary, Young drivers can now face a 60-day license suspension for improper cell phone use while driving
