Distracted driving kills people.
According to Zero Fatalities Nevada, at least 517 drivers and vehicle occupants died in car crashes from the year 2011 to 2015 in the state of Nevada. Most of these accidents are attributed to distracted driving that can be caused by different reasons such as using devices, being spaced out, or putting attention to other while driving.
As a persistent problem in the state, Nevada enforces a strict implementation of the anti-distracted driving law. It is currently under “Zero Tolerance” in the state, which means violators will not be forewarned but immediately sanctioned when caught. Just this April, American Automobile Association’s Foundation for Traffic Safety released a poll that surveyed people of Nevada about how rampant they think distracted driving is. Over 87% of Nevada residents believe that it is a more serious predicament than before.
There is a massive chance of being caught in a distracted driving violation in Nevada. If you are wrongly accused of distracted driving or driving under the influence (DUI), seek the aid of criminal defense attorney in Nevada that specializes in the field.
Types of Distracted Driving
A person can be distracted in three different ways:
- Visually
- Manually
- Cognitively
Handheld devices such as mobile phones, tablets, game consoles, and more are the prime causes of distracted driving as it requires our visual, manual, and cognitive functions. According to Nevada Dot, there are 1.3 times of car crash risk when you are talking to a phone and 2.8 times when you are dialing and 3.4 times when you are reading a text. A data from Zero Fatalities Nevada states that 37% of brain activity that should be focused on driving is taken away by usage of handheld devices.
Aside from texting or calling someone on the phone, activities such as eating, drinking, fiddling with the navigation systems, putting on makeup, or giving full attention to other passengers can cause driving distraction.
DUI is different from distracted driving but equally dangerous. It usually incurs graver consequences such as driver license suspension, impoundment of vehicle, and jail times. To learn more about the differences of distracted driving and DUI, get information from a trusted DUI attorney.
Distracted Driving Laws and Penalties
Made legal in 2012, using handheld wireless communications for texting, calling, or other mobile related activities is prohibited. This is enclosed in the Nevada Revised Statutes 484B.165 that you can read for better information.
When sighted breaking the law, you will be charged of misdemeanor and will be subject to a fine of $50 in the first offense within 7 years, $100 for the second offense within 7 years, and $250 for a 3rd offense within the same period of 7 years. If you are caught illegally using a mobile phone in a work zone or on a pedestrian, your fees will be doubled.
A demerit of four points from your driver’s license will also occur during the second offense. Gathering 12 demerit points to your driver’s license will cause license suspension.
Fortunately, one can be exempted of this driving law under certain circumstances. Exceptions include:
- Volunteer firefighters, medical attendants, and law enforcement officers acting within the scope or course of their employment.
- People reporting medical emergencies, criminal activities, and safety hazards.
- Licensed radio operators that are providing public communication service in accordance to disasters and other types of emergencies.
- Public utility workers that are required to use handheld wireless communications device.
With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you can fight paying the fine or lower the violation to non-moving one.
Nevada’s New Focus on Distracted Driving
Dedicated to put an end to distracted driving, the law enforcement of Nevada provided a crackdown against distracted drivers.
Early this year, the Nevada Highway Patrol (NPH) performed a firm surveillance along the road, urging drivers to put mobile phones down and turn all their attention to driving. As well as setting navigation systems before driving and wearing seat belts. They were also hands-on in monitoring if drivers are using Bluetooth devices when talking to someone on the phone. Prior to this, NPH also carried out a crackdown in 2017. With the staggering rate of distracted driving cases that result to accidents, crackdowns are expected to become a more regular affair.
No life should be endangered while driving. If you cannot prohibit yourself from using handheld devices or being distracted by other diversions, it is better to stay away from behind wheel.