“New Study: Are Distracted Driving Laws Failing to Protect Us?“
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42% of high school students admit to texting or emailing while driving.
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5% of all fatal crashes involve distracted drivers.
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Laws vary by state, with some having weak enforcement or legal loopholes that let offenders avoid penalties.
Distracted Driving Laws & Enforcement by State:
|
State |
% of Fatal Crashes Involving Distracted Driving |
Handheld Phone Ban |
Primary Enforcement |
|---|---|---|---|
|
California |
11.3% |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Texas |
11.2% |
No |
Yes |
|
Florida |
14.0% |
No |
No |
|
New York |
12.0% |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Georgia |
8.0% |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Ohio |
8.96% |
Yes |
No |
State-by-State Legal Breakdown: Distracted Driving Policies :
California:
Enforces a ban on handheld phone use with primary enforcement. Despite these measures, distracted driving contributed to 11.3% of all traffic fatalities in 2022.
Texas:
Lacks a statewide handheld phone ban but prohibits texting while driving, enforced as a primary offense. In 2022, 11.2% of all fatal crashes involved distracted drivers.
Florida:
Does not have a handheld phone ban and enforces texting bans as a secondary offense. This contributes to challenges in reducing distracted driving incidents.
New York:
Implements both handheld phone bans and primary enforcement. The state reported that 12.0% of fatal crashes in 2022 involved distracted driving.
Georgia:
Enforces a Hands-Free Law with primary enforcement. Despite these laws, 8.0% of all traffic fatalities in 2022 were related to distracted driving.
Ohio:
Recently a handheld phone ban, but enforcement remains secondary. This has led to concerns about the effectiveness of the law in reducing distracted driving incidents.
Quote from Triumph Law:
“Distracted driving laws across the U.S. are inconsistent and, in many cases, outdated. While some states have implemented hands-free laws, weak enforcement, and legal loopholes continue to allow dangerous behavior on the roads. If we truly want to reduce distracted driving fatalities, we need stronger, uniform legislation and tougher penalties nationwide.”
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Author: David Keech
David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]
