The Fatal Mistake of Distracted Driving in New Hampshire
Every year more than 3000 fatalities occur as a result of distracted drivers, and that number continues to rise. With smartphones, GPS systems and other features included in infotainment systems, there are far more distractions for drivers on the road now than there were decades ago. However, it is not only these high-tech devices that cause distractions while driving. So-called "lower-tech driver activities" are also responsible for far too many accidents. These activities include behaviors such as talking to a passenger, adjusting the temperature, changing the radio station, or anything else that causes the driver to look away from the road in front of them.
How do we combat this? By regulating ourselves. Our New Hampshire car accident attorneys know that it is the responsibility of every driver to limit distractions as much as possible while behind the wheel. Whether this means refraining from eating while driving, pulling off to the side of the road to send a text, or shutting off the phone altogether, all drivers need to maintain safe driving practices while on the road.
Tech companies offer solutions, so why aren’t we using them?
Many tech companies such as Apple and Android have created apps and other features to help drivers mitigate these distractions. These features can turn your phone off while driving or automatically send a text to anyone who contacts you as you drive, letting that person know why you aren’t answering your phone.
However, all of these apps and other features are voluntary, and as such, they are only effective if the driver chooses to use them. Many of these features focus on voice recognition and other hands-free features because, as a spokeswoman at Ford said, research “indicates that helping drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road is the most important factor in minimizing distractions.”
New Hampshire laws on texting and driving
New Hampshire's no texting law, RSA 265:79-c, prohibits the use of hand-held mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. It doesn't matter if the vehicle is moving or stopped in traffic. Motorists are never allowed to text, utilize apps, engage in phone conversation or use a hand-held mobile device for any reason, unless their vehicle parked in an area where it is legal to do so.
Our attorneys at the law offices of Burns, Bryant, Cox, Rockefeller & Durkin, P.A. know that an accident happens in a fraction of a second. It is crucial, therefore, for drivers to keep their eyes on the road at all times. As with the examples above, failure to do so could have disastrous effects not only to the driver but to others around them. No text, app or distraction is worth a person’s life.
If another driver's negligence resulted in your auto accident, you should contact us for a free consultation or call 603-742-2332.
