You are quite busy at work, and you need to make phone calls when you’re on the road. It doesn’t always make sense for you to pull over, because it slows you down, and you can’t get where you’re going as fast as you’d like.
Unfortunately, it has been shown that driving while using a cellphone is extremely dangerous. It is distracting in more than one way, which means that you could end up causing a traffic accident.
Currently, Hawaii’s laws ban the use of handheld cell phones while driving. If you are caught driving while holding your cellphone, you could be cited and face fines.
What kind of impact does distracted driving have on the United States?
Distracted driving costs the United States around $40 billion a year. That’s an incredible amount of money for something that can be completely avoided.
With over 400,000 people suffering injuries and over 3,000 killed in 2017, you can see why driving while distracted is such a gamble.
In 2018 alone, the Hawaiian police issued over 14,500 citations for distracted driving. One of those citations could be issued to you if you don’t put down your phone when you’re driving.
It is possible to avoid using a handheld device. There are hands-free methods of talking while you drive, which are still potentially dangerous but much less distracting than driving while holding your phone.
Why is driving with your handheld device so dangerous?
It is dangerous because it takes your thoughts off what’s happening around you. Additionally, at least one hand will be off the wheel, and you may not be looking at the road, either. With any kind of distraction, there is a risk that you will be a less efficient and more dangerous driver, but when you add in a cellphone, you’re significantly increasing the risk of a collision.
What can you do if you are cited for using your phone while in your vehicle?
If you are caught using your handheld device, it’s a good idea to look into a defense. You could be facing fines and points on your license if this is your first offense. If this isn’t your first offense, the penalties could be significantly increased. Don’t take for granted the idea that this is “just a ticket,” because it could have a significant impact on your insurance costs as well as other aspects of your life.