July is National Cellphone Courtesy Month, a great time to consider just how courteous you are with your cellphone habits, and an even better time to reconsider how you use your phone while you drive.
In the state of Tennessee, it is illegal to:
- Text or Type While Driving. This applies to all drivers of all ages and is a primary offense. This means you can be pulled over and ticket for texting alone, even when no other laws have been violated
- Operate a Handheld Device While Driving. This also applies to all drivers and is a primary offense. Holding your cellphone for any reason while you are driving can result in being pulled over and ticketed
- Use a Cellphone for Any Purpose. This applies only to drivers who hold a GDL. Using a cellphone with a GDL is a Class 3 misdemeanor and can result in fines and delay your eligibility for the next level of license
Using a cellphone for any reason while driving is incredibly dangerous. This applies equally to hands-free devices which, according to research, are no safer than handheld options. This July, commit to turning your device off or putting it on silent and learn to drive without distraction.
Victims of Distracted Drivers
Distracted drivers are more likely to cause an accident than any other drivers on the road. The NHTSA has found that distracted drivers are six times more likely to cause an accident than intoxicated drivers, with a reaction time that is 23% slower than drunk drivers. If you have been injured by a driver who was using a cellphone, you have every right to hold that person accountable for all of your injuries.
Victims of distracted drivers are entitled to seek compensation for:
- Property Damage
- All Related Medical Expenses
- Any Wages Lost During Recovery
- Physical and Emotional Pain and Suffering
- And More
If you have been injured or a loved one has been killed by a distracted driver, it is always a good idea to talk to an attorney who can review your case and help you determine the next best step.
To schedule a free case review at the Chattanooga office of Herbert Thornbury, Esquire, please call 423-991-2231 today. Attorney Thornbury serves Tennessee and nearby areas of Georgia.