Nevada police cracking down on distracted driving

Nevada police cracking down on distracted driving
On Behalf of Bradley, Drendel & Jeanney • Apr 11, 2014
Portable digital devices are great for keeping in touch with people, taking photos or just playing a game while stuck in a long line. In the past few years, the devices have become such a big part of many people’s daily routines that some Nevada residents forget that there are certain situations in which they should definitely not look at their phones. Perhaps the most important time to put the phone away is when one is behind the wheel.

Recently, Nevada law enforcement have been cracking down on motorists who are using their cell phones while driving. The crackdown is part of a campaign called Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.

Nevada law prohibits talking or sending or receiving messages on a wireless device while driving. Those who are cited for violating the statute can be fined up to $250.

Still, authorities say that one in four fatal car accidents is caused by a distracted driver. “Distracted driving” is a loose category, but studies show that texting and driving is widespread and can easily lead to an accident. Nevada Highway Patrol officials have said they view distracted driving to be as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.

In Nevada, the law states that those injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver may receive compensation for medical expenses and associated damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. If an accident occurs involving a driver who fails to execute the same level of caution that another reasonable person would under similar circumstances, that driver may face negligent driving charges. Drunk driving is strong evidence to show negligence. So too is distracted driving.

A Nevada attorney working for clients who have been injured in a car accident would investigate the circumstances of the crash, looking for evidence to show whether the other driver caused the crash through carelessness. Evidence that the driver was texting while driving or otherwise distracted could be very important.

Source: Public News Service, ” NV Law Enforcement Cracking Down On ‘Distracted Drivers’ ,” Troy Wilde, April 8, 2014