Here’s Why You Need to Get Off Your Phone While Driving

A lot of experienced drivers display exceptional control over the steering wheel with one hand. But have them hold a phone on the other and you’ll realize that there’s a thin line between a safe trip and an accident-riddled one.

Handheld Phone Usage While Driving Comes With a Fine That’s Worth More Than Money

According to a report by the California Highway Patrol, phones are considered the number one distraction while driving. Drivers are 23 times more likely to get into an accident when they’re texting and driving at the same time.

Statistically speaking, using a handheld phone while driving increases your chances of being involved in a collision by as high as 400%.

When a distracted driver causes a vehicle collision, the damages go beyond dented panels and smashed windshields.

Distracted drivers may have to spend thousands of dollars on vehicle repairs and compensation for collision victims.

But on top of these damages, distracted drivers (and their victims) could also end up seriously injured or worse一dead.

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States with Cell Phone Driving Laws

Regulations on the use of cell phones while driving vary by state. Some states permit drivers to use their phones provided that they do it hands-free while others impose a total ban on cell phone usage.

Texas

In Texas, for example, texting and driving has been prohibited since 2017, although the state still permits cell phone use to an extent.

Also in 2017, Texas implemented the hands-free law. According to this provision, drivers are required to use hands-free technology when using their phones while driving.

Bluetooth headsets and speaker phones are some alternatives drivers can utilize when using their phones while driving.

In addition, the hands-free law also prohibits texting, emailing, tweeting, and posting while operating a motor vehicle.

First time offenders can be fined for $99, while any subsequent violation can result in a fine amounting up to $200.

Colorado

A similar provision is recognized in Colorado. In 2023, state lawmakers passed a bill regarding the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.

According to the bill, only hands-free accessories will be permitted while driving. The only time a mobile electronic device can be used is if the individual is any one of the following:

• Someone who is contacting a public safety entity
• Someone who is contacting responders for an emergency
• An employee or contractor of a utility when responding to a utility emergency
• An employee or contractor of a city or county acting within the scope of the employee’s or contractor’s duties as a code enforcement officer or animal protection officer
• A first responder

For a first offense, violators will have to pay $75 and get two license suspension points. Second-time offenders within 24 months will have to pay $150 and get three license suspension points.

Lastly, a third or subsequent offense within 24 months will incur a fine amounting to $250 and four license suspension points.

California

In California, primary laws prohibit all drivers from texting or using a mobile phone unless they’re utilizing some sort of hands-free technology.

California laws on distracted driving are pretty much similar to other states, but there’s a slight difference in penalty fees. First-time violators are charged up to $162 with the total amount increasing with each subsequent violation.

Can’t Help Using Your Phone?

Here are some tips you might want to keep in mind when it comes to mobile phone usage while driving.

Go Hands-Free

Many states permit mobile phone usage as long as drivers go hands-free. So if you want to keep using your phone while driving, it’s good to invest in devices like speaker phones and bluetooth headsets.

Also, don’t forget to take advantage of advanced features on your phone, such as voice-assisted speed dialing and automatic redial.

Make Sure Your Phone Is Easy Enough to Reach from the Driver’s Seat

Fumbling for your phone when you’re behind the wheel can be extremely distracting and might even cause an accident if you take your eyes off the road even for a few seconds.

Always make sure that your phone is within arm’s reach for easy access.

Don’t Engage In Stressful Conversations

Driving can be stressful enough on its own, so don’t add fuel to the fire by engaging in a stressful conversation over the phone.

Stressful or emotional arguments can certainly be distracting, but they make car rides dangerous as well.

Prioritize Using Your Phone for Emergencies

There’s no denying that mobile phones bring you closer to people regardless of the distance, and they can help in situations when an immediate response is needed.

Only use your phone for emergencies, including fires, car crashes, and road hazards, among others.

Avoid Using Your Phone Under Hazardous Driving Conditions

Adverse weather conditions such as heavy snow and rain as well as scenarios like merging into traffic require a driver’s full attention.

Be careful when using your phone during these times. Or better yet, pull over to take a call or respond to a message instead of multitasking.

The Bottomline

No matter the circumstances, always remember that using your phone while driving is a form of distraction that can put lives in danger.

Driving requires your full attention, and speaking on the phone or texting can negatively impact your focus on the road. This also applies to hands-free mobile phone usage.