Cell phones have become an extension of our body, it is practically impossible for us to separate from them… not even when driving. And yes, it is a real danger to drive and have the phone nearby, a small glance at the screen can be a big threat to the rest of the drivers.
And every year in our country there are hundreds of thousands of accidents caused by silly distractions that could be avoided… And all because of our phones! That is why almost all states have tightened their laws. Today, 31 of them (together with Washington D.C.) prohibit touching the phone under any circumstance while driving, except in emergencies.
And even if you do not believe it, the numbers are beginning to show, fewer accidents, fewer deaths and harsher fines for those who keep risking without caring at all.
Do not touch the phone
In 49 of the 50 states it is already forbidden to send text messages while driving. But some go further, for example, in California, New York, Arizona or Pennsylvania any use of the phone that is not hands free is punished with an immediate fine.
In most of these places, it is enough for the officer to see you with the phone in your hand. And the fines go from 50 to 500 dollars, but if the use of the phone causes an accident with victims, the consequences can be much more serious, even prison…
States with partial restrictions
There are 19 states where the law does not go that far, but what is prohibited is sending messages or using the phone in risk areas such as schools or road work sections.
Texas, for example, prevents minors under 18 from using the phone while driving. Arkansas and Florida also impose other more specific limitations.
But, for example, in Montana there is no state law against phone use behind the wheel, although some localities apply their own rules.
Do these laws work?
The data says yes. In California, after the entry into force of its ban, deaths linked to phone use were reduced by 47%. In Tennessee accidents due to distraction dropped 31%, and in Colorado 19% just five months after the new regulation.
And it is that, you do not need to be very smart to know that any distraction multiplies by 4 the risk of an accident… And we are no longer talking about reaction time, which is reduced by up to 50%. Phones, while driving, are a danger. That is it.
The human and economic cost
Beyond the thousands of lives lost each year, which is the first thing we always think of, it must also be highlighted that road accidents cause an astronomical economic impact. Only in 2019, 98,000 million dollars were spent on medical expenses, insurance, property damage and loss of productivity… And if you add the factors of quality of life and human cost, the figure rises to 395,000 million.
Avoid distraction fines
Put the phone away. Nothing happens if you do not answer that snap now or if you wait a little to tell mom you are going home, if you cannot keep it out of your hands, put it away. If you need GPS, use a holder and activate voice commands. Android Auto or Apple CarPlay are for that. In most states, even touching the screen to look for an address can be a reason for a sanction.
It is one of the main causes of deaths on the road, these laws have not been imposed for the pleasure of a few, but to make our roads safer for everyone. We have to reduce accidents and save as many lives as we can.