In New Jersey, it has been illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving since 2004. Furthermore, the law which banned cell phone use while operating a vehicle was revised in 2006 to single out cell phones specifically, which shows how widespread and serious this issue is both in the state and throughout the country.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation has been keeping track of how many car accidents involved cell phone use dating back to 2001. The data, which tracks accidents by county, shows just how prevalent this problem is. In 2002, there were 454 cell phone-related car wrecks in the state. However, 1,518 accidents were recorded in 2010, which left a total of 663 people injured.
When drivers take their eyes off of the road to use their cell phones, they increase the likelihood of an auto accident and put the lives of others at risk. Whether they are talking to a friend or texting and driving, this occurs far too often every day. When a collision occurs as a result of careless behavior, the consequences can be severe. On top of tremendous emotional and physical pain, catastrophic injuries and loss of life, these crashes sometimes result in significant medical expenses, lost wages and other financial difficulties. At Escandon, Fernicola, Anderson & Covelli, we work hard to help people recover from an accident after a negligent driver has turned their life upside down.
Those who are unsure of their legal options and rights may want to contact an attorney for assistance. If you are looking for additional information, feel free to visit our distracted driving page.
