In today’s day and age, using devices while driving has become very common. After initially realizing that using cell phones and other devices while driving results in an increase of car accidents, states began writing laws to prohibit drivers from doing so. At that point, hands-free devices were introduced as the safer alternative. The question is, are they really safe at all?
Hands-free Devices
It was discovered that driving while talking on a cell phone was dangerous because it forced drivers to only use one hand while driving. Hands free devices are proving to be just as dangerous. Safety professionals say that the danger doesn’t just lie in the driver removing one hand from the recommended 10 and 2 position, but in the distraction itself.
The Arizona Department of Transportation conducted a report to see how much of a problem hands free devices were causing on local roads. The study found the following facts about drivers using hands free devices in 2015:
- 165 car crashes resulted from drivers using hands-free devices.
- Two people were killed in accidents caused by hands free devices.
- 53 people injured as a result of drivers using hands free devices.
- Drivers using various hand held devices and hands free devices caused 1,086 car crashes.
Tucson Takes Action To Protect Drivers
Earlier this year, the Arizona government decided that it was time to take action to help better protect its citizens. Therefore, they created a law making it illegal to drive while using either a handheld device or hands free device. The law officially went into effect in June of 2017.
Law enforcement officers are using the law to try and remind drivers about the danger of driving while distracted. Although it may seem strict, the law intends to prevent more people from possible injury over using hands-free devices while driving. The police and every Tucson car accident lawyer at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys want you to remember key steps you can take to prevent an accident:
- Keep both hands properly positioned on the steering wheel;
- Keep your eyes focused on the road;
- Avoid eating or other activities while driving; and,
- Keep music and other entertainment at a conservative volume.
The law is statewide but varies from county to county in terms of the severity of the offense. In some counties it will be a primary offense. Meaning police officers will have the right to pull over drivers that they notice using one of these devices. In other counties it will be a secondary offense, which means drivers will need to violate another law to be pulled over and issued the citation for using a device.
Hire A Tucson Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been the victim of a car accident that was the result of a distracted driver? You need to stand up for yourself and protect your rights. The best way to do that is to hire yourself an experienced, trusted and reliable injury lawyer to represent you to fully protect your best interests in a lawsuit.
You can reach our Tucson car accident lawyers any time by calling (520) 977-1900. Although our offices are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
We will take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, because we know that car accidents can happen any time, day or night.