Distracted Driving Can Result In Severe Consequences

In Hawaii, just the same as every other state, distracted driving remains a serious concern among most people. It only takes a minor distraction to cause a serious accident that results in one or more people suffering an injury or fatality.

Every year, there are thousands of distracted driving accidents throughout the country. Furthermore, distracted driving killed more than 3,100 Americans in 2017 alone. And that doesn’t even take into consideration the number of injuries.

With distracted driving remaining such a big problem, police officers in Hawaii are doing their part in cracking down.

In Hawaii, there are a variety of distracted driving laws in place, both for individuals under and over the age of 18.

For example, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any type of wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle. This includes both handheld and hands-free cellphones. The possible consequences of an underage distracted driving ticket include:

• Fines
• Attorney fees
• Court costs
• Driver’s license suspension
• Insurance rate increase

Drivers over the age of 18 must also adhere to strict distracted driving laws, with these individuals banned from the use of hand-held devices while driving.

Note: Violating this law in a school or construction zone typically results in a more severe penalty.

What can you do?

If you’re pulled over for any form of distracted driving, do the following:

• Remain courteous and friendly at all times
• Don’t make up one lie after the next in an attempt to convince the officer that you had no choice but to use your device
• Don’t say too much, such as admitting that you were texting or checking your email on your phone

If you receive a traffic citation, review it in great detail and refrain from pleading guilty and paying the fine. You may be able to fight the ticket in court with the goal of eliminating all penalties or reducing the consequences.

A traffic citation may not be the most serious crime, but it has the potential to impact both your personal and financial lives. Don’t hesitate to fight back and protect your legal rights if you have grounds for doing so.