Texting while driving became banned in New York for being a dangerous activity. Especially in Suffolk County, you can get a fine whether it is your first offense. This law that bans using hand-held cell phones became stricter to control the number of drivers who use their phones while driving, in a desperate way to diminish fatal accidents.
It is known that younger drivers are prone to be involved in texting and driving accidents. Because of this high probability, the New York state, in collaboration with police enforcement, tries to mitigate the number of incidents where people tragically lose their lives.
At The Ward Law Group, we encourage drivers to be cautious on the roads, always respect traffic laws, and be aware of negligent driving behaviors. If you or a loved one gets hurt in a car accident, you can count on our personal injury law firm to help you recover compensation for your damages.
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING ACCIDENTS STATISTICS AND DATA
Between 2018 and 2021, there have been 17,248 fatal motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and young drivers in New York. Public yearly data provided by NHTSA with the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) gives us the terrifying numbers that alert us about the problem.
Even though multiple factors generated those accidents, texting and driving accidents are one of the tops.
We know that texting while driving doubles the risk of an accident. It has been proven that the average time a distracted driver diverts their attention from the road to send a text or do something else is 23 seconds, which is enough time to hit any obstacle in front of them.
In 2021, there were 4,923 fatal motor vehicle accidents involving young drivers (15 – 20 years old). That is a very sad number of young lives, so it is extremely important to provide awareness and information campaigns to reinforce those new drivers about the dangers of this activity.
LAWS AND REGULATIONS IN SUFFOLK COUNTY
Like many jurisdictions across New York and the United States, Suffolk County has laws and regulations regarding texting while driving to mitigate the risks associated with this dangerous behavior. These laws protect motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists by discouraging distracted driving and holding offenders accountable for their actions.
Penalties for Offenders
Texting while driving is considered a primary offense in Suffolk County, meaning law enforcement officers can pull over and ticket drivers solely for this violation without needing another reason. The penalties for texting while driving can vary depending on the circumstances and any prior offenses.
For first-time offenders, the penalties typically include fines ranging from $50 to $150. However, it's important to note that these fines can increase substantially if the offense results in a collision or injury to others. In some cases, drivers may also face points on their driver's license, leading to increased insurance premiums and potential license suspension if accumulated over time.
- This violation carries three driver violation points for offenses committed between October 5, 2011, and May 31, 2013.
- This violation carries five driver violation points for offenses committed on or after June 1, 2013.
Repeat offenders or those caught texting while driving in school zones or construction zones may face harsher penalties, including higher fines, mandatory driver safety courses, and even the possibility of license suspension. Suffolk County takes a firm stance on repeat offenders, recognizing the serious safety risks of distracted driving.
Efforts to Enforce These Laws
Law enforcement agencies in Suffolk County are committed to enforcing texting-while-driving laws to ensure compliance and promote road safety. Police officers regularly patrol roadways and utilize various methods to detect and apprehend distracted drivers, including visual observation, undercover operations, and technology-assisted enforcement techniques.
Additionally, community outreach and educational campaigns are crucial in raising awareness about the dangers of texting while driving and the importance of complying with traffic laws. Suffolk County authorities collaborate with local schools, businesses, and community organizations to educate drivers of all ages about the risks and consequences of distracted driving.
Efforts to enforce texting-while-driving laws also extend to public advocacy and legislative initiatives to strengthen existing regulations and implement stricter penalties for offenders. Suffolk County strives to create a safer driving environment for everyone on the road by working collaboratively with lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and advocacy groups.
CONSEQUENCES OF TEXTING AND DRIVING ACCIDENTS
Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that can have devastating consequences for individuals and their loved ones. When drivers engage in this risky activity, they not only put themselves at risk but also endanger the lives of others on the road. The consequences of texting while driving accidents can be severe and far-reaching, affecting victims physically, emotionally, financially, and legally.
Physical Injuries
One of the most immediate and visible consequences of texting while driving accidents is physical injury. These accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma and permanent disabilities. Common injuries sustained in texting-while-driving accidents include whiplash, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and internal organ damage.
The severity of injuries often depends on various factors, including the speed of the vehicles involved, the collision angle, the use of seat belts and airbags, and other safety features. Victims may require emergency medical treatment, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing care to recover from their injuries. In some cases, injuries sustained in texting-while-driving accidents can lead to long-term or permanent disabilities, significantly impacting victims' quality of life.
The Ward Law Group supports you as a legal advocate for any victim of this type of accident. If you ever get injured in a car accident in Suffolk County, don´t hesitate to call our car accident lawyers.
Emotional Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, texting while driving accidents can also cause significant emotional trauma for victims and their families. The sudden and unexpected nature of these accidents can leave lasting psychological scars, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and survivor's guilt.
Victims may experience a range of emotional responses in the aftermath of a texting-while-driving accident, including shock, disbelief, anger, grief, and fear. Witnessing or being involved in a traumatic event can shatter a person's sense of safety and security, leading to nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty coping with daily life. Family members and loved ones may also experience emotional distress as they navigate the challenges of supporting and caring for an injured or traumatized relative.
Legal Ramifications
Texting while driving accidents often have legal implications for all parties involved. In New York, like many states, drivers who cause accidents due to distracted driving may be held liable for damages resulting from their negligence. This means that victims of texting-while-driving accidents have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages through personal injury claims.
Even if New York is a No-Fault State, meaning that your car insurance will be the first compensation point, the damages are often above insurance limits. Therefore, the right to file a personal injury claim against the negligent driver becomes a relief.
To establish liability in a texting-while-driving accident case, victims must demonstrate that the at-fault driver breached their duty of care by texting while driving, which directly caused the accident and resulted in injuries. Evidence such as eyewitness testimony, police reports, cell phone records, and expert testimony may support the victim's claim and hold the responsible party accountable.
Financial Costs
Texting while driving accidents can also impose significant financial burdens on victims and their families. In addition to medical expenses and property damage, victims may incur other costs related to their injuries, such as transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, medical devices, and prescription medications.
Furthermore, injuries sustained in texting-while-driving accidents can prevent victims from working or earning a living, resulting in lost wages and diminished earning capacity. These financial losses can strain victims' finances and make it challenging to cover basic living expenses, let alone the costs of medical care and rehabilitation.
Moreover, the financial impact of texting while driving accidents extends beyond the immediate aftermath of the collision. Victims may face ongoing expenses for long-term medical care, therapy, and adaptive equipment, as well as the potential loss of future income and retirement savings.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL ASPECTS
Despite knowing the risks associated with texting while driving, many individuals continue to engage in this dangerous behavior due to various psychological and behavioral factors. Understanding these underlying reasons can provide insights into why people are willing to take such risks behind the wheel.
1. Addiction to Smartphones:
Smartphones have become integral to daily life, serving as a primary means of communication, entertainment, and information. As a result, individuals may develop a compulsive need to check their phones frequently, even when driving. This addiction to smartphones can override rational decision-making and lead drivers to engage in texting while driving despite knowing the potential consequences.
2. Instant Gratification:
Texting provides instant gratification by allowing individuals to communicate quickly and receive immediate responses. In today's fast-paced society, people have grown accustomed to instant communication and may feel compelled to respond to messages promptly, even when driving. This desire for immediate gratification can drive risky behaviors on the road, as individuals prioritize staying connected over their safety and the safety of others.
3. Underestimation of Risks:
Some individuals may underestimate the risks associated with texting while driving, believing that they can multitask effectively or won't encounter any hazards on the road. This overconfidence in one's abilities can lead to a false sense of security and a disregard for the potential consequences of distracted driving. Additionally, individuals may rationalize their behavior by convincing themselves that they only send a quick message or "just glance" at their phone without recognizing the inherent dangers of taking their eyes off the road.
4. Social Pressures:
Social pressures can also influence individuals to text while driving. In today's hyper-connected world, there may be perceived expectations or social norms regarding constant accessibility and responsiveness. Drivers may feel pressure to respond to messages promptly to avoid appearing rude or unresponsive to friends, family, or colleagues. This societal pressure to stay connected can incentivize individuals to use their phones while driving, even when they are aware of the risks involved.
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER FOR TEXTING AND DRIVING ACCIDENTS
When it comes to seeking legal representation for victims of texting-while-driving accidents in New York, The Ward Law Group stands out as an exceptional choice. With over 10 years of experience advocating for injured individuals, The Ward Law Group has established a reputation for excellence in personal injury law.
The Ward Law Group understands the complexities of texting while driving accidents and the devastating impact they can have on victims and their families. Their dedicated attorneys are committed to providing compassionate support and aggressive representation to ensure that clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Schedule here for a free consultation. We are ready to assist you with your case. We speak Spanish, too, so you can feel comfortable being listened to in your language. Call us at 855-DOLOR-55.
With a deep understanding of New York personal injury law and a passion for justice, The Ward Law Group is the best option for victims of texting while driving accidents seeking experienced and reliable legal representation. Victims can trust The Ward Law Group to fight tirelessly on their behalf and guide them through every step of the legal process with integrity, compassion, and expertise.