As all drivers know, talking or texting on cell phones while driving is dangerous and can cause serious car accidents and injuries. In New Jersey, drivers are not allowed to talk or text on phones while they are driving a car, SUV, truck, bus, tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicles.
NJ Cell Phone Use When Driving Law
Pursuant to New Jersey law, it is a primary offense for a motorist to talk or text message with a hand-held wireless telephone or electronic communication device while driving. The law further provides that motor vehicle operators are only allowed to use a cell phone or other hand-held wireless telephone while driving if the operator is reporting to authorities about a traffic accident, a fire or other emergency situation.
Cell Phones are Not the Only Distraction
However, what many drivers do not realize is that cell phones are only one of the many distractions that can cause car crashes; there are other distractions that also cause serious car accidents, such as:
- turning on a radio,
- applying make-up,
- talking to other passengers,
- tending to children, or
- eating or drinking.
Distracted Driving Can Lead to Rear End Car Accidents in NJ
These other distractions often cause rear end collisions. For example, a child in a car seat drops his/her cup in the back passenger seat and begins to cry; the parents want to help his/her child. Typically, the parent reaches back and tries to get the cup that fell on the floor. The parent takes his/her eyes off the road for a second to see exactly where the cup is and when the parent’s attention is back on the road, the parent crashes into the cars in front of him. Traffic has slowed down but the parent did not realize it because he was not paying attention to the traffic and car in front of him. Every parent wants to keep their children safe from harm. However, many parents are putting their lives and their children’s lives at risk when they tend to their children in the car.
Whether it’s looking in the mirror to apply make-up or unwrapping food, anything which takes a driver’s attention away from the road can lead to a serious car accident. The bottom line is that, no matter what type of distraction caused drivers to take their eyes off the road, they will be liable and responsible for car accidents and injuries they cause in subsequent New Jersey car accident lawsuits.
Related NJ Distracted Car, Bus & Truck Accidents Legal Articles
- NJ Car & Bus Accident Lawyer Discusses Serious Accidents and Fatalities Caused by the Use of Cell Phones While Driving
- Texting a New Jersey Driver Who Causes a Car Accident? You May be at Fault Too
Injured in a NJ Distracted Driving Car, Bus or Truck Accident? Get Help Now
Distracted driving accidents in New Jersey happen all the time. If you were injured in a car, bus or truck accident on the NJ Turnpike, AC Expressway or other New Jersey highways and roads due to the negligence of a NJ distracted driver, call Philip T. Ciprietti, Esquire for a free initial consultation at 800.281.8695. Phil Cipreitti has been helping injured car, bus and truck accident victims in NJ for over 35 years.
*Disclaimer: Every case is unique and you should not take any action or make decisions in your case without speaking to a qualified car and truck accident lawyer in New Jersey. This website page does not provide legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Use of the contact form on this website or emailing Mr. Ciprietti does not create any attorney-client relationship. In addition, confidential information should not be sent through the contact form.