Distracted drivers paying the price

No texting. No Internet browsing. No social media. No distractions. Automobile technology and driving don't mix. Maybe that's why teen fatalities are on the rise.

In 2010 almost 3100 people died from distracted drivers nationwide.
Distracted drivers is a national problem. Every state makes it's own laws about distracted drivers. In NC, the fine is $100, but in other states if you're caught texting and driving it could cost you $750.
Cell Phone and Texting Laws

This chart outlines all state cell phone and text messaging laws.

• Handheld Cell Phones: 9 states, D.C. and the Virgin Islands prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving.
• All Cell Phone Use: No state bans all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for all drivers, but many prohibit all cell phone use by certain drivers:
• Novice Drivers: 30 states and D.C. ban all cell phone use by novice drivers.
• School Bus Drivers: Bus drivers in 19 states and D.C. may not use a cell phone when passengers are present.
• Text Messaging: 35 states, D.C. and Guam ban text messaging for all drivers.
  • Novice Drivers: An additional 7 states prohibit text messaging by novice drivers.
  • School Bus Drivers: 3 states restrict school bus drivers from texting while driving.
• Some states such as Maine, N.H. and Utah treat cell phone use and texting as part of a larger distracted driving issue. In Utah, cellphone use is an offense only if a driver is also committing some other moving violation (other than speeding).

Crash Data Collection: Many states include a category for cell phone/electronic equipment distraction on police accident report forms. Recently proposed federal legislation would require states to collect this data in order to qualify for certain federal funding.

Preemption Laws: Many localities have passed their own distracted driving bans. However, some states – such as Fla., Ky., La., Miss., Nev., and Okla. – prohibit localities from enacting such laws.       

© 2011 Governors Highway Safety Association

Note: A primary law means that an officer can ticket the driver for the offense without any other traffic violation taking place. A secondary law means an officer can only issue a ticket if a driver has been pulled over for another violation (like speeding).

The federal government is calling for automakers to help curb deaths by building vehicles that will disable built-in wireless devices while cars are moving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposes make the distractions available only if the vehicle is in park.  

Take the phone-free pledge.

Make the commitment to drive phone-free today.

Distracted driving kills and injures thousands of people each year. I pledge to:

• Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
• Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in my car is distracted.
• Encourage my friends and family to drive phone-free.

Are you a distracted driver? Do you know the laws in your state? Check the laws with your State Highway Safety Offices.