TIPS FOR MANAGING SOME OF THE MOST COMMON DRIVER DISTRACTIONS
Mississippi is one of 11 states without a ban on text messaging for all drivers. However, the following laws are in effect:
- Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands free) for bus drivers. (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for bus drivers (Primary law)
- Ban on texting for novice drivers (Primary law)
- Preemption Law prohibits localities from enacting distracted driving bans
With this in mind we thought we would give you some tips for managing some of the most common driver distractions. They were taken from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA).
- Turn it off. Turn your phone off or switch to silent mode before you get in the car.
- Spread the word. Set up a special message to tell callers that you are driving and you’ll get back to them as soon as possible, or sign up for a service that offers this.
- Pull over. If you need to make a call, pull over to a safe area first.
- Use your passengers. Ask a passenger to make the call for you.
- X the Text. Don’t ever text and drive, surf the web or read your email while driving. It is dangerous and against the law in most states.
- Know the law. Familiarize yourself with state and local laws before you get in the car. Some states and localities prohibit the use of hand held cell phones. GHSA offers a handy chart of state laws on its website: www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html.
- Prepare. Review maps and directions before you start to drive. If you need help when you are on the road, ask a passenger to help or pull over to a safe location to review the map/directions again.
- Secure your pets. Pets can be a big distraction in the car. Always secure your pets properly before you start to drive.
- Keep the kids safe. Pull over to a safe location to address situations with your children in the car.
- Focus on the task at hand. Refrain from smoking, eating, drinking, reading and any other activity that takes your mind and eyes off the road
It is important to seek immediate legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney if you are involved in a car accident. At Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. our personal injury lawyers have more than 65 year of combined legal experience representing people injured in car accidents, including accidents caused by driver distraction. Our goal is to gather the evidence needed for a strong case on your behalf as soon as we can. Persuasive evidence helps us pursue compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering and lost wages. In the event of a fatal accident we work with the surviving family members to develop a wrongful death claim.
Call Hopkins, Barvié & Hopkins, P.L.L.C. today for your free case evaluation with a top personal injury attorney in your area.
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