Distracted Driving is a cause of Syracuse car accidents

Syracuse, like many other New York State cities, have high rates of distracted driving car accidents that could have easily been prevented.

So why do distracted driving accidents in Syracuse keep happening? For one, most drivers think they have the ability to drive and use their cellphone safely, whether they are texting or talking to someone. After all, you only need to look away from the road for a few seconds to read a text, right? And what’s a few seconds?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,reading or sending a text requires a driver’s eyes to move off the road to their phone for about five to six seconds. If the driver is driving at least 55 miles per hour, that is comparable to driving 100 yards (the length of a football field)–with her eyes shut.

Distracted Driving Accidents in Syracuse Don’t Always Involve Digital Devices

Drinking hot coffee and spilling it on your lap, turning around to tend to a fussy toddler in a car seat, thinking about whether you should quit your job or applying cosmetics are among other forms of distracted driving that significantly increase your risk for causing an accident or being the victim of someone’s negligent driving.

Consequence of Distracted Driving Citations

Distracted Syracuse drivers don’t have to cause accidents to be cited for driving while distracted, either. In New York State, it is against the law to use your cellphone while operating a vehicle unless it is an emergency. Because it is a primary law, police officers are permitted to stop drivers who they observe using a digital device while driving.

If you are issued a citation for distracted driving in Syracuse, points will be assigned to your license and you could be fined. Those with probationary driver’s licenses caught texting while driving can have their license/permit suspended for 120 days.

Distracted driving accidents in Syracuse seriously injures drivers and pedestrians every year. If you suffered physical injuries due to a distracted driver hitting your vehicle, call a Syracuse car accident lawyers today to schedule a consultation with an experienced car accident attorney. We may be able to obtain compensation to help pay for your damages.