• 03
  • March
    2011

More and more states have tightened their rules seeking to reduce or eliminate motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving. Cell phone use and texting have been the cause of many serious injuries nationwide. Recently, Wisconsin passed legislation that banned texting while driving. Despite having this ban in place, there is no state law that restricts drivers from using cell phones while behind the wheel.

Each state is responsible for creating its own rules to deal with distracted drivers. But led by Ray LaHood, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has started a campaign on their website featuring those who have been impacted by distracted driving. Laurie Hevier, from Wisconsin Rapids, presents her story in one of the videos.

Julie Davis, Laurie's mother, was walking on the side of the road when she was struck by a passing vehicle. The vehicle was traveling at 70 miles per hour when it hit Davis. No signs of braking were present. Julie died as a result of the impact, leaving her children and grandchildren heartbroken. The 19-year-old driver who struck Julie received a fine of $173.40 for inattentive driving.

The DOT video underscores the fact that accidents due to distracted driving are entirely preventable. Drivers need to know how dangerous it is when they stop paying attention to the road. This message is especially important for teen or inexperienced drivers, as often they are not aware of the potential issues that may arise until it is too late.

Financial compensation cannot bring back a loved one. But it is a way of holding distracted drivers accountable for the serious or even fatal car accidents they cause.

Source: Grassroots efforts continue seeking to end distracted driving, USDOT, 2-7-11