2011 Texting Law In Effect
A law setting minimum $100 fines for texting while driving is among the scores of new laws taking effect on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, which marks 90 days after the close of the 2011 regular legislative session.
After a vague 2-year-old “distracted driving” law failed to do its job, lawmakers aimed directly at texting behind the wheel, putting Maine alongside the 33 other states that ban it.
Troopers will be on the lookout for violations, said state police Col. Robert Williams, which he says are easy to spot.
A law setting minimum $100 fines for texting while driving is among the scores of new laws taking effect on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, which marks 90 days after the close of the 2011 regular legislative session.
After a vague 2-year-old “distracted driving” law failed to do its job, lawmakers aimed directly at texting behind the wheel, putting Maine alongside the 33 other states that ban it.
Troopers will be on the lookout for violations, said state police Col. Robert Williams, which he says are easy to spot.
It is not just texting while driving that leads to car accidents…talking on a cellphone or making a call may lead to a collision causing serious personal injury…and the driver is deemed negligent in their operation of the motor vehicle causing a crash. This happened in Maine not long ago.
Police believe that the truck driver killed July 11 in a collision with an Amtrak train in North Berwick had just ended a cellphone call with his supervisor when he realized he was heading toward a railroad crossing gate — at 50 mph, 20 mph over the speed limit. The driver of a car who drove behind Barnum along the route, said in the report that he saw the truck drift across the center line and breakdown line several times, as if its driver was distracted or tired. Skid marks showed that Barnum slammed on his brakes as he passed the 30 mph sign, 239 feet from tracks.
Police subpoenaed cellphone records, which showed that at least one of the phones Barnum had with him had taken a call at 11 a.m., lasting five minutes. The records do not track the length of the call in seconds.
The crash was reported at 11:05 a.m. It’s unclear whether Barnum had a hands-free cellphone, Peasley said. The trucking company has a policy banning cellphone use unless the driver uses a hands-free set. This is a policy that all individuals should have, although studies have shown that even hands-free use of a cellphone may cause auto accidents.
The driving statistics above gives an idea why texting is considered the most serious among the various distractions while driving. You need an experienced lawyer who you will give you his full and caring attention, who can maximize your compensation, and who has dealt with accidents caused by cell phone use while driving. Call a firm that will give you the service that you deserve….call or email Marchese Injury Law, P.A., statewide toll-free at 1-888-775-6042, or locally at 775-6042 for an appointment. Our intial consultations are fee, and you are never charged a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Our accident attorneys will guide you through the challenges faced by auto accident and motorcycle accident victims, and we will take the worries away from you. When you need an experienced injury attorney, make Marchese Injury Law, P.A. your choice for personal injury lawyer representation in Maine. We can help you get your medical bills paid, and to fight the insurance companies for all the money you deserve. Our offices are located at 477 Congress Street, Suite 1104, Portland, Maine, in the historic Time & Temp Building, although we can meet you at other locations if more convenient for you.
