An Important Reminder to Put the Phone Away When Driving

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Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers warn drivers to put their phones away to avoid distracted driving. In this day and age, it is no secret that texting while driving can have devastating consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it takes approximately five seconds to send or read a text, which is equivalent to driving the length of a football field, at 55 mph, blindfolded.

As tempting as it is to quickly read a text or answer a phone call, doing so can jeopardize your safety, and the safety of other motorists on the road. In fact, research shows that when people are talking on the phone the risk of being in an accident quadruples. Yet too many people continue to engage in this dangerous behavior.

The next time you are tempted to answer a phone call, or send a text while driving, consider the potential consequences and put the phone down.

Reasons to Avoid Texting While Driving

While most people know that it is not a good idea to text while driving, they may not understand all of the reasons why it is so dangerous and irresponsible.

The following are some of the most important reasons to avoid texting while driving:

  • It is against the law. In Maryland, texting and the use of phones, including hand-held devices, are banned for all drivers. If caught texting while driving, the drivers will likely receive a citation from a policeman, including a fine.
  • Increased insurance rates. Once your insurance company finds out that you received a ticket for texting while driving, your insurance rate will go up. If your texting caused an accident, the rate will increase even more. Depending on the circumstances, your insurance company may drop you completely.
  • It puts passengers’ lives at risk. Reading or sending a text while driving could endanger the lives of the other people in the car if you caused a car accident.
  • Other motorists on the road are at risk of being in an accident. When you are texting, your attention is off the road, which means that other motorists are at risk from your distracted driving.
  • Endangers pedestrians. Humans are less noticeable on the road compared to other motor vehicles. When your attention is distracted, and pedestrians are crossing the street, or walking near the road, you could cause serious, even fatal injuries if your vehicle hits a pedestrian.
  • Affects your reaction time more than driving under the influence of alcohol. According to a study by Car and Driver magazine, sending or reading a text can delay a person’s reaction time more than being legally drunk.
  • Much greater chance of being involved in a car accident. People who text while driving are 23 percent more likely to be involved in a car accident.

April has been named Distracted Driving Awareness month by the National Safety Council (NSC).

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Distracted Driving Accidents

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a car accident involving another motorist who was texting while driving, you are urged to contact the Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will hold the negligent party responsible for the accident and the injuries you suffered. Our experienced legal team will protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential 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.