Distraction on the road: texting and driving in new jersey

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents on the roads today. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 3,142 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers. One of the most common distractions while driving is texting, and New Jersey has taken measures to combat this dangerous behavior.

As technology advances, the temptation to use cell phones while driving has become increasingly difficult to resist. In New Jersey, it is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, and this includes texting. Despite this law, people still text and drive, putting themselves and others at risk. In this article, we will explore the dangers of texting and driving in New Jersey and the legal consequences of doing so.

The Dangers of Texting and Driving

Texting and driving is a dangerous behavior that can lead to serious consequences. When a driver is distracted by their cell phone, they are more likely to be involved in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving. When a driver is texting, they take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, and their mind off driving. This trifecta of distractions can lead to devastating consequences, including injury, property damage, and even death.

Legal Consequences of Texting and Driving in New Jersey

In New Jersey, it is illegal to use a handheld electronic device, including a cell phone, while driving. This includes cell phones, tablets, and any other handheld device that can send or receive text messages, emails, internet browsing, or other forms of communication. The law applies even when the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. 

The penalties for violating New Jersey’s distracted driving law can be severe. For a first offense, drivers face a fine of $200 to $400. For a second offense, the fine increases to $400 to $600, and for a third or subsequent offense, the fine can reach $800. The driver may also receive points on their license, which may include the possibility of a license suspension. If a driver causes an accident while texting and driving, they can face even harsher penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

Other Consequences of Distracted Driving in New Jersey

The consequences of distracted driving go beyond just financial penalties. Texting while driving is incredibly dangerous and puts everyone on the road at risk. When a driver takes their eyes off the road to read or send a text message, they are essentially driving blind for several seconds, increasing the likelihood of a crash.

In fact, according to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At a speed of 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field while blindfolded. It’s no wonder that texting and driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving.

Contact Team Law Today for a Free Consultation About Your Distracted Driving Accident

At Team Law, we understand that accidents can happen at any time, and when they do, they can be life-changing. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping our clients get the compensation they deserve. With decades of experience, our team of attorneys is here to fight for your rights and help you navigate the complex legal system. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, we’re here to help.

The experienced attorneys at Team Law can help you understand your legal rights and options. Our team of dedicated lawyers has extensive experience handling cases involving distracted driving and can help you get the compensation you deserve. We believe that no one should have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s negligence. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and get the justice you deserve.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.