Louisiana joins the drive against distracted driving

The state of Louisiana officially joined the national offensive against distracted driving, which is partially caused by the use of portable electronic devices.
 
The U. S. House of Representatives passed a resolution last April making it National Distracted Driving Month. A number of agencies joined in the program, whose goal is to create awareness among drivers of the dangers of being distracted while driving. 
 
Causes of distracted driving can include rubbernecking, eating, talking to others in the vehicle, adjusting controls in the car, drinking, using a cell phone, texting, or working a GPS device.
 
Believe it or not about 80 percent of all traffic incidents and 65 percent of all near crashes involve a distraction. In the country, distraction was reported in 16 percent of all fatal accidents in 2008. This is up from 12 percent in 2004.
 
“The statistics point to distracted driving as a growing and deadly problem,” said Lt. Col. John LeBlanc, executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission. “During April we want to remind everyone that when behind the wheel, their full attention should be on driving and not on talking on the phone, adjusting the vehicle’s electronic devices, texting or other activities that distract them.”
 
Louisiana law now prohibits texting while driving. Drivers under the age of 17 are prohibited from using a cell phone except to report an emergency. The fine can be up to $175 for the first offense and $500 for each offense after that. The fine doubles if the driver was in an accident while texting. Minors can be fined $100 for the first offense for using a cell phone while driving and following offenses can be up to $250. 

The Young Firm in New Orleans understands the serious nature of automobile and truck accidents and the injuries that can result. Our firm will investigate the causes of any accident and pursue appropriate legal action.

Call a Louisiana car and truck accident attorney today at (866) 660-7220 for a free and confidential consultation if you have been involved in a car accident or an accident with a truck.

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