Like most other states, New Jersey prohibits texting on a cellphone while driving. The rationale behind these laws is that such behavior takes a driver’s eyes and thoughts away from the road, and it can result in serious accidents. However, many motorists don’t realize that hands-free technology such as speakerphones can be dangerous as well.
Newer vehicles come equipped with other forms of information and entertainment technology that are accessible from the dashboard. While many drivers might believe that using them is safe because the manufacturers are allowed to put them there, they are really more for convenience, and the result may be an increase in the number of distracted drivers.
The National Safety Council has designated April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The nonprofit organization is intending to spread the word that these types of hands-free devices can be just as dangerous as holing a cellphone and talking it. It points out that even conversations with passengers within a car can cause drivers to become inattentive. Many companies are now forbidding their employees from using cellphones while they are on the clock and behind the wheel, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, has a similar ban in place for its workers.
People who are injured in a crash caused by an inattentive driver often face long recovery periods during which they incur significant out-of-pocket medical expenses. They may want to have legal assistance for recovering these and other losses. An attorney can often demonstrate that a driver was distracted at the time of the accident and thus negligent by using cellphone records that show that a call was in progress.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, call the Cherry Hill Personal Injury Lawyers at Folkman Law at 856-354-9444. You can also contact us online.
