Most people in New Jersey have cellphones and other electronics upon which they rely. In-car systems installed in vehicle dashboards make life more convenient, but using the systems or talking on cellphones while driving may lead to serious accidents. Like most other states, New Jersey bans texting while driving, but even hands-free technology can cause a motorist to be inattentive.
Talking on cellphones distracts drivers’ attention away from the road.According to the National Safety Council, 53 percent of drivers mistakenly believe that infotainment centers installed in their dashboards are safe because they are placed there by the manufacturers. These systems aren’t safe to use while driving and are meant to only be convenient. In an attempt to draw attention to the problem, the NSC has designated April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Many companies around the country has instituted policies that forbid their employees to use cellphones entirely when driving during working hours. At least one city has done so as well. It should of course be noted that texting or speaking on a phone is not the only source of distraction for motorists. Adjusting a radio’s volume, sipping a cup of coffee or even just having a conversation with a passenger can cause the driver to lose focus on roadway and traffic conditions.
A distracted driver can cause an accident that results in serious harm to passengers as well as to occupants of other vehicles. Through a review of cellphone records as well as eyewitness testimony, an attorney for an injured victim can demonstrate that the driver was negligent and should be held financially responsible for the client’s losses.
