Five-Point Plan Aims to Reduce Texting While Driving in Nassau County

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, in an effort to discourage the dangerous practice of texting while driving, has unveiled a five-point plan just as the new school year has begun and cars full of younger drivers and their passengers take to the road.

In seeking the cooperation of phone manufacturers, auto insurance companies, local law enforcement and the court system, Rice’s plan does more than just target drivers themselves, although a public awareness program is also part of her agenda.

The prevalence of texting while driving is a growing problem in the Long Island area and throughout the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 50 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 admit to texting while driving. By taking the driver’s eyes off the road, texting and other electronic device usage reduce one’s ability to react to sudden changes in traffic flow, curves in the road, pedestrians and other potential hazards.

Cell phone use is a contributing factor in thousands of car accidents every year, many of which result in serious injuries or death. It can be difficult to know whether another driver is distracted, but there are some measures motorists should take to avoid this behavior. Simply keeping one’s phone out of reach is a good start, but if a phone call absolutely cannot be avoided, drivers should make an effort to pull over. By forming safe habits around cell phone use in the car, individuals can avoid contributing to a serious problem in our community.

If you or a loved one have been injured after a driver’s negligent use of a cell phone or other electronic device, explore your options for a personal injury lawsuit. Contact an experienced  auto accident lawyer with Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP today. We serve clients throughout Long Island, NY, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties.