Is AZ too Lenient Regarding Distracted Driving?

April 15, 2016

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which has prompted safety advocates and local law enforcement officers to bring awareness to Arizona’s dangerously lenient rules regarding distracted driving.

Currently, there are no bans on using cellphones while driving in Arizona, making the state one of only two in the U.S. that does not have any laws against texting-while-driving. In 44 other states, driving while distracted is illegal for all drivers, and four states have made it illegal for teenaged drivers.

In an effort to promote the passing of a new law against cellphone use while driving in Arizona, supporters often reference the following statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

• Eighty percent of all auto accidents are caused by distracted drivers
• In 2015, ten percent of all teenaged drivers engaged in distracted driving behaviors that ended in deadly crashes
• In 2014, more than 3,150 people lost their lives and nearly 424,000 were seriously injured after being involved in a crash caused by distracted driving
• Individuals are 12 times more likely to be involved in an accident if they talk on a cellphone while driving, and they are 16 times more likely to crash if they respond to a text while driving
• At any moment during any day, over 650,000 drivers are using their cellphone or other electronic devices while behind the wheel

While Arizona has not yet enforced a ban on cellphone use while driving, Phoenix, Tucson and Tempe prohibit texting while driving in their city limits. Distracted drivers who cause an accident in any of these cities can face fines up to $250, as well as possible criminal charges if another driver or passenger died as a result of the collision.

Until Arizona passes a law that limits or bans cellphone use while driving, all motorists need to be aware of the dangers associated with distracted driving. By becoming educated on safe driving practices, Arizona drivers can keep themselves and other motorists safe and alive during travel on our many roadways.

If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, the experienced Tucson car accident lawyers at the Phillips Law Group can help you file a lawsuit and receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call 1-800-706-3000 or fill out ourFREE Case Review Form