The Cassidy Law Firm Blog

Thursday, March 21, 2019

What is Distracted Driving?

We are more distracted than ever. With smartphones allowing us to immediately access all kinds of information and keep in touch with a broad community, we have a tough time putting them down and taking a break to focus on other tasks. This is why distracted driving has become such a problem it really has evolved into a nationwide epidemic. According to the State of New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, distracted driving was cited as a major contributing factor in more than 804,000 motor vehicle crashes in the state from 2011 to 2015. Distracted driving accidents have led to thousands of people being injured each year. The Cassidy Law Firm represents those injured by those who have chosen to be negligent by driving distracted.

 

 New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys

 

Distracted driving occurs when a driver takes part in any activity that diverts his or her attention from operating the motor vehicle. Such distractions may include:

  • Texting
  • Talking on the phone
  • Any type of smartphone or cell phone use
  • Eating and drinking
  • Talking to vehicle passengers
  • Applying make-up, brushing hair, and other types of grooming
  • Looking at a map

 

What are the penalties for Distracted Driving?

The safety issue of distracted driving has become such a pronounced problem that the State of New Jersey has enacted laws penalizing drivers for it. It is a primary offense for a driver to talk or text message with a hand-held phone or electronic communication device. A primary offense means that a law enforcement officer can pull you over if he or she suspects you are committing this infraction. No other reason is needed. For your first offense, you will face a fine of $200-$400. For a second offense, you will face a fine of $400-600. For your third or subsequent offense, you will face a fine of $600-$800, 3 motor vehicle points, and the possibility of a 90-day suspension of your driver’s license. For second, third, and subsequent offense penalties to apply, the convictions must have occurred within a 10-year period.

Additionally, if you cause a car accident while engaging in distracted driving, you will likely be held liable for any injuries resulting from the crash. Drivers have a duty to one another to act with due care while driving. When this duty is violated, a driver is considered to have acted negligently. Distracted driving is considered to be a negligent act and may result in the driver being held financially responsible for compensating any accident victim for injuries and other losses sustained.

Car Accident Attorneys You Can Trust to Fight for your Best Interests.

At The Cassidy Law Firm, we are proud to serve the residents of Shrewsbury and Monmouth County. It is a dangerous place out there on the roads. Those who choose to drive while distracted make that danger an even bigger reality. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact The Cassidy Law Firm today. We zealously represent our clients in the pursuit of full and fair monetary compensation for their injuries.


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