Social awareness campaigns have been widely successful in demonstrating the effects of engaging in risky behavior while driving. For example, drinking and driving campaigns, especially near the time prom is going on, have created awareness about the increase in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents. However, despite the many signs pointing to the dangers of texting and driving, it is alarming that not only are people still engaging in this behavior, but that it also is not out rightly banned in states across the nation, including Massachusetts.
Only junior drivers, those who are younger than 18, are prohibited from using their cellphones while driving. For the rest of the drivers, there is a prohibition against texting and driving, which means drivers cannot text, send emails or access the Internet while driving a motor vehicle. Even if the car is stopped in traffic, the prohibition still stands.
Since teens are more likely to engage in this risky behavior, the outright ban is a good way to prevent them from using their phone behind the wheel. Their age means not only are they not cognitively developed enough to make smart decisions, they also lack the experience required to correct a vehicle in case of a sudden movement. This combination makes them more likely to be involved in car accidents.
When someone is involved in a car accident with a negligent driver who was texting and driving, it is not easy to prove. However, that should not deter accident victims from holding them accountable for the compensation they deserve. Experienced personal injury lawyers can use investigative tools to create timelines and gather evidence to make their case.