Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Safety Council postponed the observance of Distracted Driving Awareness Month from April to October 2020. Below we will discuss distracted driving and how it impacts you as a Nevada driver.

If a distracted driver injures you, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of experienced Las Vegas car accident lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Distracted driving greatly increases your chances of a crash. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are three main types of distraction:

• Visual
• Manual
• Cognitive

Visual Distractions

A visual distraction takes your eyes off the road. Visual distractions include the following:

• Changing the radio station or music selection on the car stereo.
• Looking at a map or adjusting the destination on a GPS device.
• Adjusting the air conditioning or heating temperature controls.
• Searching for items on the floor, passenger seat, or back seat of the car.
• Applying or checking makeup in the rearview mirror.
• Checking out the view on a scenic drive.
• Turning to look at a traffic accident or police activity on the side of the road.
• Scrolling through email, social media accounts, or other smartphone apps at a stop light.

Manual Distractions

A manual distraction takes your hands off the steering wheel. Manual distractions include the following:

• Eating or drinking.
• Cleaning up spilled food or drink.
• Smoking, or any activity related to smoking, such as finding and lighting a cigarette.
• Searching inside your wallet or purse for items, such as phone, makeup, or gum.
• Touching the dials or buttons that control temperature, windows, mirrors, or music selection.
• Reaching for items, such as food or a cellphone.
• Using your hands to assist a child or pet.
• Securing a seatbelt (your own or a passenger’s).
• Texting or talking on the phone without a hands-free device.

Cognitive Distractions

A cognitive distraction takes your mind off of driving. Cognitive distractions include the following:

• Talking to passengers in the car or on the phone.
• Paying attention to a child or pet traveling with you in the car.
• Driving while upset or angry.
• Daydreaming or getting lost in thought.
• Thinking about problems at home or work.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Hands-free talking or voice-texting on a cell phone.

Texting while driving is a cognitive, visual, and manual distraction. According to one report, texting while driving is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. Drivers that text and drive are dangerous and can cause accidents.

If you or a loved one are injured by a distracted driver, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you protect your rights. The Las Vegas car accident legal team at Anthem Injury Lawyers is experienced at handling all types of complex issues. This includes spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.

Nevada Laws

In response to the dangers of distracted driving, states passed laws to prevent drivers from texting and driving. In Nevada it is a crime to physically handle a cell phone or other electronic device while driving. This includes talking, texting, going online, programming a handheld GPS, or playing music. Concentrate on the road and avoid distracted driving.

Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484B.165 applies to distracted driving and provides in part:

1. A person shall not, while operating a motor vehicle on a highway in Nevada:
2. Manually type or enter text into a cellular telephone or other handheld wireless communications device, or send or read data using any such device to access or search the Internet or to engage in non voice communications with another person, including, without limitation, texting, electronic messaging and instant messaging.
3. Use a cellular telephone or other handheld wireless communications device to engage in voice communications with another person. Unless the device is used with an accessory which allows the person to communicate without using his or her hands. Other than to activate, deactivate or initiate a feature or function on the device.

What Is the Fine for Distracted Driving in Nevada?

In Nevada, a violation of the distracted driving law is considered a misdemeanor. The penalties for a distracted driving citation include:

• First offense: $50
• Second offense: $100
• Third or subsequent offense: $250

How Do Nevada Fines Compare to Surrounding States?

You may wonder how Nevada fines compare to fines of surrounding states. Fines for a first offense in surrounding states are listed below:

• Oregon: $260
• California: $162
• Utah: $100
• Idaho: $85
• Arizona: $75

Please note the above fines may vary depending on the specific details surrounding the distracted driving incident. Additionally, court costs and fees can increase the amount a person has to pay.

A fine is not the only harm distracted driving can cause. Distracted driving is dangerous and causes accidents. If you are injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. We can even come to you to discuss your case. We serve Las Vegas and vicinity with the experience you need to win car accident cases and gain the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.

Talk to Your Teen About Distracted Driving

Teen drivers are especially vulnerable to the dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving awareness month is a great time to talk to your teen. Remind your teen to stay focused on driving. Talk to your teen about the following before they get behind the wheel:

• Never text and drive. Texting includes writing, reading, and sending messages.
• Do not talk on a cell phone while driving. This includes hands-free devices and speakerphones.
• Drive with both hands on the wheel.
• Never eat or drink while driving.
• Drive only when alert.
• Only drive when in emotional control.
• Do not use headphones or earbuds while driving.

If your teen is injured by a distracted driver in Las Vegas, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 for a free consultation.

Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers

We hope you stay safe on the roads. If a distracted driver injures you or a loved one, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation.

Award-winning personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers based in Henderson, Nevada. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specialize in personal injury claims. Whether you have been injured in a distracted driving accident caused by another, or are the victim in another type of accident, contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.