Texting while driving is banned for all drivers in Utah. In fact, using a handheld device while committing a moving violation is considered careless driving under state law.
The reality, though, is that many drivers still put lives at risk by using cell phones while behind the wheel. This is true despite multiple studies, state laws and anecdotal evidence that underscore the fact that distracted driving is a life-taker.
According to a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, texting or simply reaching for a phone while driving triples the risk of a crash.
Another study conducted by the same institute found that texting takes a driver's eyes off the road for an average of five seconds. During that relatively brief span, a vehicle going 55 miles per hour can travel the length of a football field. A driver who is looking down at a phone and not at the road is essentially blindfolded for that period of time. With that in mind, consider all of the things that could happen over the course of 100 yards:
- Traffic could suddenly slow or stop
- Another vehicle could move into the texting driver's path
- A child or other pedestrian could step onto the road
- An animal could enter the roadway
- There could be a sudden curve in the road
These are all situations that require attentive driving in order to avoid a potentially injurious or fatal collision. In fact, every driving situation requires the motorist's strict attention.
If you or a loved one has been injured because of the actions of a distracted driver, then don't hesitate to speak with a personal injury attorney about your available legal options. Negligent drivers and their insurance companies can be held accountable for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation and other expenses resulting from a motor vehicle accident.
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