With the increasing popularity of our cell phones and smartphones alike, more and more accidents happen every year as a result of distracted driving. It is a tragic reality that thousands of people die every year as a result of phone usage while on the road. Most commonly we think about texting while driving as the major cause of accidents, but calling people on the phone is another huge element in distracted driving that people may not realize. In fact, recent studies point to more than one and a half million crashes and/or collisions of the road result from cell phone usage. By using your cell phone while you drive, you are putting your own life at risk, and risking the life and well-being of those around you. It is important to also find out your specific state’s laws in regards to cell phone usage to ensure you are following the law correctly.
What are my state’s cell phone driving laws?
Cohen & Cohen is proud to successfully serve residents of Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland, and the surrounding areas. While we may not include your specific state’s cell phone laws, it may be in your best interest to look up the laws within your own state to be better informed.
Almost all states have a texting while driving ban, forty-seven to be exact. Most likely, wherever you are in the United States, you will not be allowed to text and drive. The confusion of cell phone laws arises as to whether or not you can call somebody with your phone, use your GPS, or use other applications while you are on the road.
Washington DC Washington DC has a no hand-held cell phone policy at all while driving. That means, in Washington DC, it is illegal to pick up the phone and call someone, no matter what your age or how long you have had your license.
Maryland Maryland has a similar cell phone and driving policy to that of Washington DC. In Maryland, regardless of your age, it is illegal to pick up your hand-held cell phone at any point during the duration of your drive.
Virginia Of these three locations, Virginia has the most lax laws in regards to cell phone usage. While drivers under 18 are not allowed to use their hand-held devices at any point, adults are allowed to use cell phones while on the road if they are using GPS navigation systems, dialing a number to call someone, and/or calling or reporting an emergency.
There are many ways to avoid getting a ticket for using your cell phone on the road. Bluetooth technology, apps that disable your phone while driving, apps that read your emails and texts aloud for you, and simply putting your phone in a place that you can’t reach while you drive are all great alternatives to using your phone on the roads. This way, you can avoid risking injuring yourself and others when you get behind the wheel.
If you or someone you love believes they have suffered an injury from somebody else’s cell phone usage on the road, it may be in your best interest to reach out to Cohen & Cohen and we will be more than happy to set you up with one of our skilled attorneys.
