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Distracted Drivers
Washington, D.C., Maryland, & Virginia
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 5,474 people were killed and an additional 448,000 were injured in 2009 because of distracted driving. With the advent of cell phones, texting, and other hand-held technologies, distracted drivers have become an ever-present threat to responsible motorists on the road. A recent study shows that distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
In general, distracted driving is defined as: “any non-driving activity a person engages in that has the potential to harm or distract him or her from the primary task of driving.” The Department of Transportation classifies distracted driving in three main ways:
- Manual – removing your hands from the steering wheel
- Visual – looking at something other than the road
- Cognitive – taking your mind off of driving
Texting has become one of the most prominent causes of auto accidents because it involves all three types of distraction listed above.
Common Sources of Distracted Driving
Other distracting activities that often contribute to car accidents include:
- Use of a cell phone
- Drinking and eating in your car
- Turning in your seat and talking to passengers
- Reading (including maps)
- Grooming
- Using a GPS or other navigation system
There are no federal laws regarding in-car distractions; instead, these laws fall under the jurisdiction of the state, and often differ from state to state. Most states now have laws banning specific types of distractions, such as cell phone use and texting while driving.
Distracted Driving Laws in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
Texting is banned for all drivers in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland. All three states also employ a ban on all cell phone use, both handheld and hands-free, for novice drivers.
The definition of “novice driver” differs slightly from state to state:
- Washington D.C. – drivers with a learner’s permit
- Virginia – all drivers under age 18
- Maryland – drivers under age 18 with a learner’s permit or provisional license
If you have further questions about distracted driving laws in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, or if you have been injured in an auto accident because of a distracted driver, please contact our experienced car accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel, P.C. today to schedule your free consultation.
