Watch the Road, Not Your Text
So many of us take the privilege of driving for granted, as we don't pay close attention to the road or the task at hand. With the onset of new technology, it has become easier for many of us to use smart phones in our vehicles while on the go. The use of handheld cell phones to talk or text has been a major problem contributing to car accidents in Iowa and across the nation.
Currently, the state of Iowa has banned teen drivers from using any handheld electronic devices behind the wheel, and adults have been banned from texting while driving. These laws took effect July 1, 2010. They specifically deal with cell phones and public safety, but any other form of distracted driving also could place a driver and his or her passengers in danger of an Iowa car, motorcycle, or truck crash.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving is any task that takes a driver's eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the road. There are many distractions that dDrivers have to fight off many distractions while driving, including:
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Texting while driving
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Talking on handheld cell phones
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E-mailing or using the Internet
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Using navigation systems
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Changing radio stations, Mp3 players, or iPods
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Eating and drinking
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Talking to friends and passengers in the vehicle
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Grooming
While each of the above-mentioned tasks could cause a distraction and lead to a catastrophic accident, texting while driving may be the scariest activity, because it takes a driver's hands off the wheel, eyes off the road, and mind off the task of driving. This distraction encompasses visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, and can result in a serious car accident and injuries.
If you have been in a car accident in Iowa due to another driver's negligence, then contact the law office of Brady Preston Gronlund today. Texting and driving may be the cause, and you will need an attorney to help you get fair compensation for the injuries you sustained. Call (319) 866-9277 to speak with an experienced Iowa injury attorney.