Texting While Driving Ban Becomes Law
The laws against distracted driving in Maine were initially passed in 2009. However, traffic infractions and auto accidents continue to lead to injuries and deaths. The campaign against distracted driving has led to the passage of a new law by Maine’s legislature in June, 2011. This law becomes effective 90 days from the adjournment of the legislature which occurred on June 29, 2011. Therefore, as of September 27, 2011 we will have a new law that will allow police officers to stop any drivers seen texting. The new law imposes a fine of not less than $100 for the first offense, and the fines increase with subsequent infractions of the law.
TEXTING WHILE DRIVING BAN BECOMES LAW
The laws against distracted driving in Maine were initially passed in 2009. However, traffic infractions and auto accidents continue to lead to injuries and deaths. The campaign against distracted driving has led to the passage of a new law by Maine’s legislature in June, 2011. This law becomes effective 90 days from the adjournment of the legislature which occurred on June 29, 2011. Therefore, as of September 27, 2011 we will have a new law that will allow police officers to stop any drivers seen texting. The new law imposes a fine of not less than $100 for the first offense, and the fines increase with subsequent infractions of the law.
Studies all over America have shown that strong laws combined with highly visible police enforcement of the laws can significantly reduce dangerous texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. Across the United States thousands of people are killed in distracted driving accidents and a half million others are injured, many of these people the victims of negligent driving because the driver of the other vehicle was texting or otherwise distracted.
The current distracted driving laws have not been considered sufficiently effective in preventing auto accidents and personal injury. Other laws that have been in place for years will continue to prohibit the use of cell phones while driving for people with learner permits and intermediate licenses, as well as for all drivers under the age of 18. Our legislature has also considered the passage of laws completely prohibiting the use of electronic devices while driving. However, none of those proposals have become law.
Auto accidents, trucking accidents, train accidents and even motorcycle accidents may be the result of texting while driving. In personal injury law it is required that you prove many things, most often proving that the negligence of someone else caused you damages and injury. If someone is texting while driving and this leads to an accident, then negligence can be proven by that fact alone. Your personal injury lawyer should always obtain cell phone records when a driver has caused an accident and is suspected of using their cell phone at that time. These records will pinpoint the time of use and how the phone was being used at that time.
Overwhelming support for the passage of the new ban on texting while driving is an indication of how strongly Maine people believe that the time has come to punish offenders. Personal injury claims resulting from texting while driving in the future may reflect the same overwhelming distaste for the activity and lead to higher judgments and higher settlements in personal injury actions. While we all may be tempted to continue texting and driving, the advisable solution is not to do so. If it is necessary to communicate while driving, the safest thing to do is to get safely out of any travel lane before using your phone for calls or for texting.
If you are the victim of an auto accident, motorcycle accident, truck accident or train accident due to the operator texting while driving or otherwise distracted, call Marchese Injury law for caring and professional assistance with your personal injury claim. We can help you. Call us Toll Free at (888) 775-6042 or locally at 775-6042. Our office is located at 477 Congress Street Suite 1104, Portland, Maine. You will speak to an attorney, not a phone screening staff person, and you will get the best results fromMarchese Injury Law, PA. Call or email now for a free consultation.
