Distracted Driving In Maryland – What You Should Know

These days it seems Americans are so accustomed to multi-talking that we’ve come to believe we are invincible when it comes to doing multiple tasks in addition to driving.  And it’s true– people get away with eating, texting, and other activities while behind the wheel every day. Unfortunately, it’s really a game of Russian roulette; you never know when the next causality of distracted driving will be you, or will be an innocent who happened to cross your path at just the wrong moment.

What Constitutes Distracted Driving? 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines distracted driving as anything that takes your focus from driving and could ultimately result in an accident. The campaigns advising drivers to stay off cell phones and avoid texting or talking on the phone are well-publicized, but there are plenty of other distractions that get in the way of safety on the road. That includes a host of activities you may not normally think of as distractions:

• Eating and drinking;
• Interacting off with friends;
• Adjusting the radio or temperature controls;
• Taking pictures;
• Looking for an address;
• Programming your GPS;
• Looking at scenery;
• Disciplining your children or pets.

Maryland Law 

In Maryland it is unlawful to read, write, or send text messages when you’re behind the wheel, or to use any handheld device whatsoever.  Drivers under 18 cannot even use hands-free devices while driving.  These rules apply any time you are behind the wheel—even when stopped at a red light.  Unfortunately, the law is not enforced consistently, and too many drivers ignore it.

Distracted Driving has Serious Consequences 

There is more to worry about than the $83 ticket you could receive for distracted driving.  The truth is, the consequences of distracted driving are very real, and very tragic.  Nearly 200 people lose their lives due to distractions on the road in Maryland each year, and thirteen times that number—over 26,000—are injured.  The infuriating thing about these statistics is that every one of these deaths and injuries is preventable—if only drivers would stay focused on the road.

The Aftermath of an Accident 

You may be overwhelmed with rage as a result of a driver’s negligence and stupidity If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed due to a distracted driver.   Now is the time to turn that resentment into action. The experienced Baltimore personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of Hasson D. Barnes know precisely the steps to take in the fight for justice on your behalf. Our primary focus will be working to obtain the best possible settlement to address your physical, emotional and mental pain.  Schedule a confidential consultation in our Baltimore office today.

Resource:

fdot.gov/Safety/programs/distracted-driving.shtm