Posted on January 29, 2010 by Joe Bornstein

Truck And Bus Drivers Banned From Text Messaging When Behind The Wheel

A new federal law prohibits truck and bus drivers from sending or reading text messages while driving.

The new law was established to help reduce the number of accidents involving “big rigs” and is effective immediately. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles will be subject to fines upwards of $2,750.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this results in a driver traveling the length of a football field, including end zones, without looking at the road. The research also shows that drivers who text are 20 times more likely to get in an accident than those who keep their eyes on the road. In 2008, nearly 6,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted or inattentive driver, and more than 500,000 were injured.

Nineteen states, plus the District of Columbia and Guam, have passed laws banning texting while driving. Six states, plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, ban the use of handheld devices while driving. Now, no matter where in the U.S., truck and bus drivers cannot send or read text messages while driving.

Currently in Maine, it is illegal to drive while distracted. The fine for a single traffic infraction can range up to $500 with the surcharges and fees added to the original ticket amount. Examples of distracted driving include: using a cell phone or GPS device, eating, and applying makeup.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the results of truck accidents and bus accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident as a result of someone else’s negligence, call us today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And the next time you’re behind the wheel, save the distractions for a time when it’s safe to do so, such as the side of the road or at your final destination. It just may save your life.

For more information on distracted driving, including the different laws for each U.S. state, please visit the federal website: www.distraction.gov.

The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein – Maine Lawyers Working For Maine People

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Posted on November 9, 2009 by Joe Bornstein

Texting While Driving: A Dangerous Distraction

A new poll by CBS News shows that nearly all Americans think texting while driving should be illegal. According to the poll, 97% of those surveyed feel the dangers and risks of texting while driving and the subsequent results are enough to warrant punishment.

Currently, in Maine, it is not illegal to text while driving. It is, however, illegal to be distracted while driving. The new distracted driver law which went into effect on September 12, 2009 encompasses all potentially distracting actions. While not illegal to talk or text on the phone, eat, drink, apply makeup or other such actions while driving, it is illegal if one causes an accident or is deemed to be driving distracted by a police officer.

According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers are 23 times more likely to get in an accident when texting. Many safety experts are comparing texting while driving to drinking and driving. In 2008, nearly 12,000 Americans died in alcohol related crashes, or 31 percent of total road fatalities. Fines for driving distracted are $119.

Though texting while driving is not yet illegal in Maine, it is without a doubt dangerous. Currently, 14 states in the U.S. have a ban on any texting while driving, with many state legislatures investigating the inherent risks. In Maine, it is illegal for a driver under the age of 18 to use a cell phone in any capacity while driving.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the results of distracted driving on a daily basis. If you’ve been injured in an accident by someone else’s negligence, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. You may be entitled to compensation.

And the next time you’re driving on the highways and byways of Maine, put down your phone and pay attention to the task at hand. In addition to saving you a $119 distracted driver fee, it may just save your life.

For more information on Maine driving laws please visit: http://www.maine.gov/portal/travel/transportation/highways.html

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Posted on September 10, 2009 by Joe Bornstein

Distracted Driver Law Keeps Eyes On The Road

Beginning September 12, a new Maine law will help alter the course of accidents. Now, no longer can a driver operate a vehicle while distracted without being penalized.

The new distracted driver law is an attempt to cut down on accidents in Maine. Many states have previously banned the use of cell phones or text messaging while driving, however, Maine isn’t looking to technology as the root of the problem. It is instead hedging the most common denominator, drivers being distracted.

An estimated 12,000 accidents occur each year in the state of Maine due to a distracted driver, or roughly one-third of the total accidents in the state. Nationwide, the number soars to an estimated 5 million. State and local police will now be on the lookout for drivers who are acting carelessly or are distracted while driving and impose fines. A first offense of the new law carries a $50 fine, a second can be upwards of $250.

There is no set standard as to what qualifies as being distracted, rather it is open to an officer’s discretion. If an officer sees a distracted driver, he or she will pull you over. Distractions that have been known to cause accidents include:

  • Use of cell phone
  • Use of GPS system
  • Changing the radio 
  • Eating
  • Applying make-up
  • Brushing your teeth
  • Fooling around with friends

The new law does not attempt to stop driver actions, it instead hopes to minimize their effects and keep both drivers and pedestrians safe. For those that concentrate on the road, they will be in the clear. For those that are easily distracted or preoccupied, they will be fined.

At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein we see firsthand the results of motor vehicle accidents. In attempt to maintain your health and the overall safety on the highways and byways of Maine, we’d like to offer you the following driving advice:

Keep your eyes on the road and hands upon the wheel.

For more information on the new distracted driver law please visit: www.drivinglaws.org/maine.php.
 

 

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