Cellphones can cause distracted drivers to take their eyes off the road and miss important things they need to see in order to remain safe. For instance, when a driver is texting, they may not see another car coming, resulting in an accident.
They may also be unaware of traffic signals, signs or motorcyclists and pedestrians because they are more focused on texting. That may lead to serious motor vehicle accidents and fatalities.
Reaction time
It takes longer for a person to react to something that happens when they are distracted. This means if someone is texting while driving, for instance, and they need to brake quickly, their reaction time will be much slower than if they were not using a cellphone. As you can imagine, that can lead to very dangerous situations on the road.
Cellphone driving laws in West Virginia
West Virginia has a law that prohibits people from using their cellphones while driving. Being caught violating this law can lead to a fine amounting to $100 if it’s your first offense and $200 for subsequent offenses.
How can you avoid this problem?
If you can’t resist the temptation to use your phone, then put it in a place where you can’t reach it. That may mean locking it in the glove box or putting it in the backseat. If it’s not within arms’ reach, you’re much less likely to pick it up.
Secondly, you can try to use hands-free technology. You can buy a hands-free device, such as a Bluetooth earpiece or speakerphone. You can also use voice commands to dial the phone and text messages instead of using your fingers.
Thirdly, make an effort to keep your eyes on the road at all times. If you’re driving and see a text message come in, wait until you can safely pull over to the side of the road before reading it. That way, you won’t be putting yourself and other drivers at risk.
It’s important to note that motor vehicle accidents caused by cellphone use can result in serious injuries. If you have been injured because of someone else’s careless driving, you may be able to file a motor vehicle accident claim to recover damages.
