Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents in Massachusetts, with an average of 257 cases happening each year. These accidents often lead to serious injuries and even loss of life.
To help prevent this, the state of Massachusetts enacted the Safe Driving Law to cut down on distractions and keep the roads safer for everyone. However, accidents still occur, and when they do, having a car accident lawyer can make all the difference.
This article delves into the Safe Driving Law, its implications, and how legal representation can help if you are involved in a car accident.
What Is The Massachusetts Safe Driving Law?
The Massachusetts Safe Driving Law was created to cut down on accidents caused by distractions, especially from handheld devices. It makes it illegal to text, email, or browse on your phone while driving.
For drivers under 18, the rules are even stricter—they cannot use any electronic devices, not even hands-free ones.
Breaking this law can lead to fines, required safety courses, and even losing your license if it happens more than once.
The Dangers Of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving takes many forms, from texting and talking on the phone to adjusting the radio or even eating. These seemingly minor distractions can have catastrophic consequences.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving leads to thousands of fatalities each year.
In Massachusetts alone, distracted driving has been identified as a leading cause of roadway accidents, prompting the need for stricter enforcement of safety measures.
Distracted driving is dangerous because it impairs three critical driving abilities:
- Visual focus
- Manual control
- Cognitive attention
Even a moment of not paying attention can lead to serious accidents, injuries, or even deaths.
Common Injuries In Distracted Driving Accidents
Distracted driving accidents often lead to serious injuries, some of which can have long-term effects. Here are some of the most common:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Back and Spinal Injuries
- Broken Bones
- Cuts and Bruises
- Internal Injuries
- Emotional Trauma
What Are The Penalties For Violating The Safe Driving Law?
Breaking the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law comes with penalties that get worse the more you violate it:
- First offense: A $100 fine.
- Second offense: A $250 fine and mandatory enrollment in a distracted driving education program.
- Third and future offenses: A $500 fine, insurance rate increases, and another round of the distracted driving program.
For drivers under 18, the stakes are even higher. Junior drivers can lose their license for up to 90 days if they repeatedly break the rules.
These penalties might seem tough, but they are there for a reason. Distracted driving can cause serious injuries or even cost lives, which is far worse than a fine or having to take a class.
How To Stay Compliant With The Safe Driving Law
Here is a closer look at the steps you can take to stay compliant with the safe driving law and avoid penalties:
Limit Phone Use
Avoiding phone use while driving is one of the most effective ways to stay safe and comply with the Massachusetts Safe Driving Law. Handling your phone, even briefly, can take your focus off the road and lead to dangerous situations.
If you need to make a call or send a message, use hands-free options like Bluetooth or voice commands to keep your focus on the road.
Remember, no call or text is worth risking your safety or someone else’s.
Pull Over Safely
Sometimes, distractions cannot wait, whether it is an urgent call or a crying child. In these situations, the safest option is to pull over in a secure location to address the issue.
Avoid stopping in hazardous areas, such as the shoulder of a busy highway, and instead look for designated rest stops or parking areas.
Taking a brief pause is far safer than attempting to multitask while driving.
Set The Example
Your actions behind the wheel set an example for others, especially younger or less experienced drivers. By staying off your phone and keeping your attention on the road, you show others what safe and responsible driving looks like.
When you lead by example, you encourage others to do the same, making the roads safer for everyone.
Parents, in particular, play a critical role in teaching safe driving habits to their children by modeling compliance with traffic laws and emphasizing the importance of attentive driving.
Compliance not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also reduces the risk of accidents.
How A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Even with strict laws in place, accidents still happen. When they do, a car accident lawyer becomes an invaluable ally. These legal professionals specialize in personal injury cases and can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident caused by distracted driving.
Here is how a car accident lawyer can assist you:
Gathering Evidence
After a crash, a lawyer helps figure out what happened to help you with your case. They look at things like phone records, videos, and the police report. They also talk to witnesses and work with experts to show who was at fault.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
Dealing with insurance companies is another area where a lawyer can help. Insurers often try to pay as little as possible, but a lawyer will fight for fair compensation to cover your medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and emotional distress. Their experience can make a big difference in getting the outcome you deserve.
Filing Legal Claims
If the insurance company will not offer a fair settlement, a lawyer can take the next step and file a lawsuit. This ensures your case is heard in court, where a judge or jury can decide on a fair resolution. Having a lawyer handle this is important because legal stuff can be complicated and stressful.
Providing Expert Guidance
A lawyer is there to guide you through the entire process. They will explain your rights and options clearly, so you can make smart decisions. While they take care of the legal details, you can focus on your recovery.
If you are searching for a trusted Boston car accident attorney, DiBella Law Office offers exceptional legal support with a commitment to client success. They provide free consultations to evaluate your case and operate on a no win, no fee basis, ensuring you only pay if they successfully secure compensation for you.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
Time is critical when dealing with a car accident case. The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of building a strong case. Early legal intervention allows for the preservation of evidence and ensures that procedural deadlines are met. It also gives you peace of mind, knowing that a professional is advocating for your rights while you focus on recovery.
Conclusion
The Massachusetts Safe Driving Law is there to remind us how dangerous distracted driving can be and what we can do to avoid it. By following the law and staying focused behind the wheel, you help keep yourself and others safe.
However, accidents can and do happen, often because of someone else’s negligence.
If you have been in an accident caused by distracted driving, talking to a car accident lawyer can really help. They can fight to get you the compensation you deserve so you can focus on moving forward.
