DISTRACTED DRIVING CAN MEAN MORE THAN TEXTING BEHIND THE WHEEL

Cell phones make it easy for Connecticut residents to stay connected. For better or worse, a cell phone can help a Stamford resident reach out to family members in times of celebration or follow-up on work commitments when they are on vacation. Today, cell phones are more than just portable telephones. From a smart phone a person can send texts and emails, watch videos and read books, surf the internet, draft correspondence, and do much more.

There is, however, a time and a place for cell phone use. While using one when seated at one’s desk or in one’s house may be safe, using a cell phone while driving a car is not. Many jurisdictions throughout the nation have banned the practice and attach heavy penalties to individuals who engage in this dangerous behavior.

Cell phone use while driving, often called “texting and driving,” is dangerous because it takes a driver’s focus and attention off of the road. When a driver does this, they may not see what is happening around and in front of them and their actions may result in a deadly accident. Any activity that diverts a driver’s attention may be considered a distraction.

Distracted driving can occur when any diversion upsets the focus of a driver. Eating a meal, reading a map, or even talking to a passenger in one’s car may distract a driver and put them in a dangerous situation. The failure to act reasonably and meet one’s duty of care to others may indicate that a distracted driver was negligent and potentially liable to others for the harm that they caused.

Distracted driving should be avoided, but when it happens innocent motorists, pedestrians, and others can be harmed in preventable accidents. Those victims may choose to protect their legal rights and consult with motor vehicle accident attorneys for support and guidance.