Driving is not something that should be taken lightly. If a driver does not concentrate on driving and he is alone, the risk of an accident is certain. Apparently, distracted driving causes more accidents than drunk driving.
One might think that a quick peek on their smartphones while driving is harmless, but it is the littlest thing that can trigger greater disarray. In Nevada, distracted driving is strictly prohibited and the police employ a “Zero Tolerance” rule over it.
Here are some things you should know about distracted driving before you seek out a criminal defense attorney for inquiry.
What is distracted driving?
It is considered distracted driving when a driver lost focus and awareness on the road. This is not limited to the use of phones for calls, texts, or emails – it actually covers a wider spectrum that involves different matters.
Distracted driving can be divided into three types: Visual, Manual, and Cognitive.
Visual
Visual driving distractions cause drivers to literally take their eyes off the road. Such visual driving distractions are fiddling on the radio, watching videos, looking at the map or other navigational devices, and even looking at passing scenery.
Manual
Manual driving distractions remove a driver’s hands off the wheel. Examples of manual driving distractions are eating, drinking, smoking, and any other movements that do not involve the steering wheel, the ignition, or the gearshift.
Cognitive
Cognitive driving distractions are those that take away your mind’s focus on the road. Talking to other passengers, listening to music, and deep contemplation are just some of the prime causes of this distraction.
Furthermore, it should be noted that texting while driving is still the top driving distraction as it falls under the three types. Visually, you are distracted as you look at the phone instead of on the road. You are also manually distracted as you use one hand, or both, to type. Lastly, you are cognitively distracted as you are wrapped up in the conversation rather than the driving itself.
Distracted driving in Nevada
In 2012, the state of Nevada passed a law that forbids driver device use while driving. If caught, a driver will be pulled over and will be charged with a fine that ranges from $50 to $250. Consistent violations will result in a six-month license suspension.
In Nevada, distracted driving is still a major road problem as it caused 3,477 casualties in 2015. These days, the Nevada police force are strictly enforcing “Zero Tolerance” on offenders to successfully fulfill the “Zero Fatalities” campaign.
Distracted driving in numbers
Below are some statistics about distracted driving:
- There is an estimate of 3,000 deaths a year that were related to distracted driving.
- According to recent studies, young drivers under 20 fill up the largest number of distracted drivers.
- A trivial glance on a phone while driving takes approximately 5 seconds. Within these seconds, the driver is unaware that his car is covering a distance of a football field.
- A survey from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety showed that 90% of drivers are aware of the dangers of distracted driving. However, this violation still occurs.
Avoiding distracted driving
There are many ways to counter distracted driving. Here are some practices you can apply on your next drive:
Maintain focus
Remember that nothing is better and safer than good old focus on the road. If people can drive without distractions before, so should we.
Set up every thing
Before hitting the road, make sure all are well set up or adjusted – from your GPS, to the mirrors, to the engine.
Ask help from your passenger
If a child passenger in the backseat needs to be comforted, ask the other people in the car to soothe him.
Pull over
This is the safest option if you really need to make use of body parts essential to driving. However, do not just pull over in the middle of a busy road.
Get rid of phones
Keep your phones or other electronic devices as far as possible to reduce your urge to look at them.
Be physically ready
If you are going for a long drive, make sure you ate adequately and you are well-rested.
A distraction-free driving experience will surely need a considerable amount of focus to master. If you, or someone you, are facing a driving violation charge, then enlist the help of a Las Vegas criminal attorney!