8598246170_a96656631a_zWhile fatalities from traffic collisions are at their lowest rates since 1975, tickets for texting and using a phone without a hands-free device are on the rise. Going back to 2008, a number of laws have been created on the state level that put a variety of stipulations on the use of wireless devices while operating a vehicle. For those that not only want to avoid potentially expensive tickets but also remain as safe as possible while behind the wheel, here is a closer look at the dangers of texting while driving and what to do if a ticket is issued for this infraction.

Driving and Cell Phone Use by The Numbers

One of the biggest studies ever carried out by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) involved the use of wireless phones while driving. They began to a see a pattern emerge as more drivers not only began to use cell phones, but would also text and use mobile apps while driving.

Overall, California’s traffic fatalities were on the decline and well below the national average, but they did find some startling statistics involving drivers within the state:

  • 65% of all drivers believe texting and driving is the single largest danger while on the road
  • Cell phone tickets increased 22% between 2010 and 2011
  • Texting convictions increased 47%in 2011
  • The average driver spends 9%of their time driving on their phone

State Laws on Cell Phone Use While Driving

Beginning in 2008, California gradually began to release laws involving texting, answering calls, and making calls. What is most important for all drivers to understand is that;

  • Law enforcement officers have the ability to issues infractions for any electronic device if they believe that it is distracting the driver.
  • The law, however, states that those over the age of 18 can speak on their cell phone with the use of a hands-free device.
  • Texting is illegal to do while driving and those under the age of 18 are completely prohibited from using their phone while operating a vehicle.

There are a number of exceptions though, beginning with contacting emergency services.

  • All drivers can legally make a call to local law enforcement, fire fighters, or a health care provider.
  • Those that work in the emergency services, such as an ambulance driver, may only use a cell phone while driving and on-duty.

The 2 most recent laws involve the use of a push-to-talk button as well as interactive maps on the smartphone.

  • Push-to-talk buttons are no longer legal on any public roadways, but the use of a map app on one’s smartphone is legal.

Cell Phone and Texting Tickets

The first infraction for texting while driving can run as little as $20, and this is why many drivers attempt to simply pay the fines and move on. Unfortunately, these costs are only the beginning and drivers could be looking at hundreds of dollars in fees. For subsequent tickets, a single infraction can quickly move into the range of $175 or more after all expenses have been taken into consideration.

The laws discussed above have been implemented to improve the safety for all those that are on the road, and expensive tickets may only be the least of the driver’s concern if they find themselves in an accident. Even though texting while driving is never worth it, one option a driver has to contact a local traffic attorney in the event of receiving a ticket. Without an experienced attorney, drivers could be looking at mounting court fees, increasing DMV fines, and time-consuming trips to the court for every single infraction.

[Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/intelfreepress/8598246170/]

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Scott Desind

Scott Desind | Traffic Ticket Attorneys The Traffic Ticket Attorneys, Desind and Klijian, have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets. Our attorneys are well respected and known for their experience in fighting traffic tickets, specialized knowledge of the law and procedures and results by the court personnel, officers, deputies, competitors and clients.