Texting and driving isn’t just against the law, texting and driving is dangerous. A recent study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that texting behind the wheel takes a driver’s eye off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. It’s not surprising that texting while driving increases the chances of crashing by over 23 times normal driving. Accidents resulting in death caused by texting and driving could lead to a reckless homicide involving a vehicle. That’s why involuntary manslaughter attorney Jesse K. Sanchez is here. Call us today at (317) 721-9858 or email us at [email protected] today.
The State of Texting and Driving in Indiana
Nearly every state has some degree of regulating distracted driving. In some states there is a complete ban on using a cell phone while driving, and an officer may cite a driver for using a hand-held cell phone without any other traffic offense taking place. When it comes to cell phone use and driving, there are a few distinctions that you should understand. Those distinctions around use are as follows:
- ANY cell phone use prohibited – HANDS FREE
- Texting prohibited
- Texting and internet access prohibited
There are certain states, Indiana included, that completely ban ANY cell phone use for drivers under the age of 21. While there is an Indiana ban on texting and driving, at this time the law leaves room for drivers to partake in any number of online activities while behind the wheel. AT THIS TIME INDIANA IS NOT A HANDS-FREE STATE, though there may be local ordinances that further restrict mobile phone use and driving.
Texting and Driving. It’s Almost Like Drunk Driving
Bisociety.org claims that drivers who are texting while driving are 23% more likely to crash their cars. This percentage is equivalent to that of the average person who has drunk four beers and then began to operate a vehicle. If you think about it, your reaction time is slower than if you were focused completely on driving and it’s even more difficult drive defensively.
Statistics Say You’ll Likely Crash.
A study completed by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute stated that those who text and drive are 23% more likely to be involved in a car accident. While talking on a phone did not cause drivers to take their eyes off the road, the use of a keypad to text and drive distracted motorists by taking their eyes off the road an average of 4.6 seconds.
Texting and Driving is Illegal
Indiana’s Distracted Driving Law, Indiana Code 9-21-8-59, has made it illegal for drivers to type a text message, transmit a message or read emails while driving. Indiana’s texting and driving law became effective on July 1, 2011. The Indiana texting and driving law comes with fines up to $500. Indiana was the 32nd state to ban texting while behind the wheel. Though there is no explicit ban against “FaceTiming” and driving, ultimately, it is distracted driving and is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. There also is no current prohibition on taking pictures while driving. Taking pictures while driving is just A BAD IDEA.
You Shouldn’t Text and Drive
There are a number of reasons not to text and drive. Reasons why you should not text and drive are numerous, certainly many more than we discussed. When you consider who is texting and driving at the same time, as a general policy, it could be anyone, just be safe and make sure it isn’t you. Don’t text and drive. It’s against the law. Criminal defense attorney, The Law Office of Jesse K. Sanchez is here for you, just call 317-721-9858.
