May 10
31
Draft Bill Created By D.O.T To Assist States In Planning Against Distracted Driving
Draft Bill Created By Dot To Assist States In Planning Against Distracted Driving
The NHTSA prepared this bill, which included the participation of the American Automobile Association and auto industry experts. Upon reviewing the bill, it is apparent that some terminology used may not be effective in decreasing distracted driving. Los Angeles injury lawyers in particular have a problem of a clause included in the sample bill, which exempts penalties and fines for those motorists who text in order to:
Receive messages related to the operation and navigation of motor vehicle, safety related information including emergency traffic or weather alerts, data used primarily by the motor vehicles or radios.
In essence, motorists who live in states that pass laws containing this language will be exempt from penalties or fines if they get alerts and tweets regarding incoming traffic.
Motorists in California are allowed to sign up so that traffic alerts can be sent to them. This causes discord between two branches of government. On one hand, lawmakers are concerned about the possible risks associated with receiving frequent messages and tweets, while on the other hand, state transportation officials want to make it simple for motorists to know in advance about traffic jams and road blocks in order to determine the route they will take.
Those that run messaging services insist that messages or tweets be read only before driving, and that the devices must not be used while a motorist is operating a vehicle. This doesn’t prevent thousands of motorists reading traffic alerts while they are driving, which is likely what will happen. The AAA has no doubts that reading messages frequently while driving will contribute to increased risks of accidents.
Studies prove that reading incoming messages while driving can be just as distracting as actually texting, and motorists who want to see cell phone and smart phone use reduced are disappointed.
While California does have laws against cell phone use or texting while driving, fines and penalties imposed on motorists who violate the rules tend to be light, which makes the enforcement of these laws difficult. Personal Injury lawyers in California believe that stricter enforcement of the laws that currently exist is necessary.
The Reeves Law Group has offices across California and is dedicated to representing personal injury victims, including victims of auto accidents.
Joel Mclaughlin
