Bans on Hand-Held Cell Phone
March 26, 2018According to a recent study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, there were 55 percent fewer handheld phone conversations among teen drivers in states that enforce a ban on all handheld phone calls, compared to states with no bans. The research showed that texting bans were not as effective at discouraging teens from texting while driving, which continues to be a major cause of distracted driving car accidents. The study examined the impact that state-level handheld cellphone laws had on the talking and texting behaviors of teens over a four-year period.
Researchers found that universal bans, which apply to all drivers, were more effective at discouraging teen drivers from talking on the phone while driving, compared to bans that only applied to young drivers. When it comes to texting, however, even universal bans against texting while driving were not particularly effective at preventing teens from continuing to text on the road. In addition, approximately one-third of all teen drivers continue to talk and text while driving, regardless of the laws that are in place.
According to the study, even though almost every state bans texting while driving, they are not particularly effective. Yet the handheld cellphone bans are more adequate for preventing calls while driving. Study researchers believe that more states should implement universal cellphone bans in an effort to discourage teens from engaging in this dangerous behavior.
Understanding Teen Driving Behavior
It is unclear as to why teens respond differently to the various laws, but researchers believe teens are more likely to obey a law if it is easily enforced. For example, it is much easier for a police officer to see that someone is talking on the phone when the person is holding it to their ear, as opposed to catching someone texting with their phone sitting in their lap. Unfortunately, teens are particularly attached to their phones to stay connected to friends and family.
While enforcing stricter cellphone laws is an important step towards reducing the number of distracted driving wrecks, more needs to be done to change behaviors when it comes to overall cellphone use. This includes educational programs that focus on the dangers of talking and texting while driving, and interventions for those who continue to use their phones, despite the laws against it.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving another driver who was texting or talking on the phone at the time of the accident, it is in your best interest to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton, P.A. as soon as possible. Distracted driving continues to be a serious problem, especially among teen drivers. We take this issue very seriously and will work tirelessly to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve for your injuries. We will continue to fight for your until you are fully satisfied. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.