Cell phones have quickly become one of the most dangerous road hazards in our country today. Cell phone use while driving, especially texting, is just as dangerous as operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Not paying attention to the drivers and traffic situations around you, even for a second, can lead to car accidents with devastating results. In an effort to minimize these types of serious car accidents, Arkansas has enacted stringent laws to punish offenders and deter others from using their cell phones while driving.
In 2009, Act 181, better known as Paul’s Law, was enacted to restrict cell phone use while driving. Named for Paul Davidson, who was killed in a car crash as a result of the other driver texting while driving, Paul’s Law prohibits drivers of any age from texting while driving unless it is an emergency.
Another cell phone law enacted by the state of Arkansas prohibits any driver under the age of 18 from using a cell phone at all, except in an emergency. Drivers aged 18-20 may use a cell phone but only by way of a hands-free device or, of course, in the event of an emergency.
These laws notwithstanding, drivers still text, dial and talk on their cell phones while driving. Doing so splits their focus so they are not able to respond as quickly to changes in the traffic patterns around them.
The car crash attorneys at the Duncan Firm are very familiar with these laws. Our team of legal experts can help you get the compensation you deserve if you are injured in an accident because the other driver was distracted while using their cell phone.
Arkansas State Police report that in 2008 more than 780 car crashes involved drivers who were distracted due to the use of cell phones or other electronic devices. Teenagers make up the majority of drivers using cell phones and are causing thousands of serious car accidents each year in Arkansas and elsewhere.
Here are some statistics we have compiled to show you just how common this very dangerous habit has become:
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car accident due to cell phone use, please contact the experienced Arkansas car accident attorneys at Duncan Firm by completing the form on this page or dialing 877-638-6226. Our team serves Little Rock and surrounding areas.