How do you enforce a law that prohibits texting while driving? Think about it. We all know how dangerous distracted driving is, but many of us do it anyway. Too often, we think of ourselves as the exception rather than the rule. Unfortunately, when it comes to cell phone use and driving, there is no “other guy.” The single most important thing to know about cell phone use while driving is that it presents a safety hazard for everyone.
We’ve all heard the statistics. We know that a typical text takes our eyes off the road long enough to cross a football field, end to end. We know that a large percentage of crash fatalities result from distracted driving.
Louisiana law does not ban handheld cell phone use for most drivers. It does prohibit cell phone use by inexperienced drivers and bus drivers. But most drivers do not fall within those laws.
Texting is a different story. Louisiana law bans texting while driving and makes it a primary offense. This means that the police can pull a driver over when he sees texting while driving. But many people, knowing this, hold their phones down low so that their texting cannot be seen outside the car.
Who are we fooling when we do this? It’s a lot like the dieter who sneaks cupcakes in the middle of the night, when everyone else is sleeping. He may not get caught, but he is the one who will gain weight in the end.
If you really think about it, there is a huge difference between using a cell phone or texting while driving and secretly eating cupcakes. Eating cupcakes incognito affects just the cheater. But the distracted driver is cheating more than herself. She is endangering her passengers and everyone else around her.
When it comes to distracted driving, be your own police. And remember, if you are hurt in a wreck with a distracted driver, Wright Pichon & Gray is here to help. We offer free consultations, and we will help guide you to a favorable result. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.