The Impact of Distracted Driving in Delaware: Legal Perspectives

Distracted driving can take so many forms that many people may not even realize they are driving while distracted. Exploring the different types of distracted driving may help you take more control over this. This may help reduce legal consequences in Delaware for distracted driving and distracted driving accidents. If you do find yourself in an accident, talk to a Wilmington accident lawyer to figure out your next steps.

DELAWARE DISTRACTED DRIVING LAWS 

Being aware of Delaware distracted driving laws can be helpful for knowing what is allowed and not allowed while driving. The Delaware hands-free cell phone law means that drivers in Delaware are not allowed to hold any electronic device while driving. This not only means cell phones but also tablets, laptops, gaming devices, or any other electronic devices.

Drivers who are caught holding or using an electronic device like these while driving could face fines ranging from $100 to $300 total. The more times a driver is caught breaking this law, the higher these fines can be. Not only does this law restrict holding or using an electronic device, but this law also prohibits texting while driving.

Using phones in hands-free ways like through a hands-free device is allowed. Many vehicles have built-in devices that allow phone calls through the speakers of the car itself. Wireless or wired headphones may also allow hands-free phone calls. 

TYPES OF DISTRACTED DRIVING 

Texting or calling while driving are not the only forms of distracted driving. Distracted driving can take a variety of forms. The three types of distracted driving are visual, cognitive, and manual. Visual distractions are anything that takes the eyes off the road like texting or looking for something in the car.

Cognitive distractions include anything that takes the mind off of driving. This might look like arguments with passengers or multitasking. Texting may involve thinking about what to text while holding the phone, which may be both a cognitive and manual distraction. Manual distractions involve taking the hands off the steering wheel.

Phone calls, adjusting the radio, trying to reach for something in the vehicle, and texting can all require taking either or both hands off the steering wheel. This can lead to the loss of control of the vehicle. A variety of car accidents can result when a driver loses control of the steering wheel.

If you were in a distracted driving accident, then you may have legal options. Consider contacting a Wilmington personal injury lawyer to figure out what your legal options are. A lawyer can work with you to explore what legal steps to take to defend yourself from liability and acquire compensation for damages.

CONTACT EDELSTEIN MARTIN & NELSON FOR LEGAL HELP

Dealing with the aftermath of a distracted driving accident can feel overwhelming but you may not have to do this alone. Feel free to contact Edelstein Martin & Nelson by dialing (302) 504-4815 to speak with a Delaware car accident attorney for a free consultation today. Our dedicated team of lawyers is ready to maximize your chances of compensation for lost income, pain and suffering, and medical bills. We are located in Wilmington, DE.