Maryland Moves Closer to Cell Phone Ban
By injuheis on April 19, 2010
The Maryland Senate recently passed a ban on using cell phones while driving. The bill will be sent to the House for a vote. The bill will ban the use of cell phones while driving in most circumstances. However, the offense will be a “secondary offense”, which means a law enforcement officer cannot pull over a motorist unless the officer sees another infraction being committed.
Driving while distracted is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents in Maryland and throughout the United States. According to a Virginia Tech study, the number one source of driver inattention is the use of a wireless device. In addition, drivers that use cell phones are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. One study even showed that the use of a cell phone while driving lowered the driver’s reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol level of .08!
If you are involved in an automobile accident, and you suspect that accident was caused by the other driver’s use of a cell phone or other wireless device, you should document your reasons for those suspicions. Talk to the police officer at the scene. If possible, take pictures of any cell phone or wireless device that may have been used. If the other driver was at fault, that driver may be responsible for not only vehicle damages, but also medical bills and other compensatory damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, please do not hesitate to call Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” a free consultation. As an experienced Maryland car accident injury attorney, Mr. Heisler will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected in your Maryland automobile accident case. Call 877-228- 4878 today to learn more about how Steven H. Heisler can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve.
Source:http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/2010/03/cell_phone_ban_passes_in_a_squ.html;http://www.nationwide.com/newsroom/dwd-facts-figures.jsp
