The distraction that causes the most damage is texting. When you are texting behind the wheel, you are taking your eyes off the road for an estimated five seconds or more. That may not seem long but driving for five seconds at 55 mph or more is like driving the length of an entire football field. That means you have the potential to do a lot of damage to your vehicle and others who are traveling.
In New Jersey alone, distracted driving contributes to at least 52 percent of all vehicle accidents. According to a report, the Garden State is the worst state in the United States when it comes to being distracted behind the wheel. New York drivers fall victim to distracted driving too, being ranked the fourth worst state. Now that we know plenty of people distract themselves from driving, what are the consequences?
Consequences of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can result in a number of life-threatening consequences, including:
- Getting into an Accident: A driver who is distracted is more likely to get into an accident than one who is not. As we mentioned earlier, distracted driving contributes to more than half of all vehicle accidents in New Jersey.
- Criminal Penalties: New Jersey police, especially during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, try to crack down on distracted drivers as much as possible. It may not be the most serious crime one can commit, but there are penalties that you could face. For example, texting and driving is illegal in New Jersey. Those who are found guilty could face hundreds of dollars in fines, a license suspension, and motor vehicle points on their driver’s license.
- Raised Insurance Premiums: Insurance rates are related to a person’s driving history. If a driver receives multiple traffic citations or accumulates too many points on his or her driving record, their insurance premiums could significantly rise.
- Loss of Driving Privileges: If a person accumulates too many points on their driving record, they may lose driving privileges through a suspended or revoked license.
Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone Today
When it comes to the legalities of driving, things could get confusing; especially in New Jersey. That is why it’s necessary to have an experienced attorney on your side. The Law Offices of Anthony Carbone can help those who have been victimized by distracted driving. Contact us today at 201-733-2230 for a free consultation.