Distracted Driving Lawyers Angola, IN

Distracted driving takes the lives of thousands of people yearly. In fact, according to the CDC, about eight people die daily due to distracted driving. Not only can distracted drivers face fines, points on their licenses, and perhaps even a license suspension if caught, they often face insurance problems that will drive up the cost of their premiums, sometimes pricing them out of the market.

Types of Distracted Driving

The CDC has identified three categories of distracted driving. There is visual distracted driving, where a driver takes their eyes off the road. There is manual distracted driving, where a driver takes their hands off the wheel. And there is cognitive distracted driving, where a driver’s attention is split between the road and some other distraction.

As an example, texting while driving is an example of all three categories of distracted driving at the same time. Not only is a driver taking their eyes off the road, but they are also taking their hands off the wheel while splitting their attention between the road and their phone.

Other types of distracted driving include drunk or drugged driving, fiddling with the radio while driving, and even wearing noise-canceling headphones while driving.

Who Drives Distracted?

Anyone can drive distracted, but instances of distracted driving are most notable in teens and young adults. About 25% of fatal accidents involve distracted drivers between the ages of 20 and 29. However, drivers aged 16 to 19 also showed a greater rate of distracted driving than the 20-somethings. In fact, the older you get, the less likely you are to drive distracted. 

Is All Distracted Driving Unlawful?

No. Distracted driving takes many forms. Most states have recently moved to make texting while driving a primary offense. That means that police officers have probable cause to pull over a vehicle if they see a driver who is texting while driving. In the case of Indiana, texting while driving is a primary offense. You can be ticketed and pulled over if you are caught unlawfully using your cellphone. 

Indiana’s Distracted Driving Laws

Indiana makes it illegal for anyone to text while driving. Texting while driving does not merely include sending text messages. It also means email, surfing the web, fiddling with your GPS, or making sure the right Spotify playlist is playing. For those under the age of 18, Indiana makes it illegal to use a cell phone at all, regardless of whether or not you are texting.

Talk to an Angola, IN Traffic Defense Attorney Today

If you are facing a ticket for distracted driving, the consequences to your license can be quite harsh. You can, however, fight the ticket. The Angola, IN traffic defense attorneys at The Bellinger Law Office can help.