Have you ever been guilty of talking, texting, or emailing behind the wheel? Or maybe you have eaten or drunk a beverage while driving or fiddled with the car radio. These are all examples of distracted driving or any activity that takes your focus on safety away from the road.
Sobering Statistics
Distracted driving can be dangerous, and the United States appears to be the leader in this risky habit. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,275 lives alone were lost to distracted driving in 2023. That’s not all; another 324,819 were injured in distraction-related crashes in the same year.
Holding a cell phone to your ear while driving is seen as the main culprit, and people of all ages have been at fault. It’s not just teens or young adults becoming distracted behind the wheel.
Just about every state in the nation has enacted distracted driving laws. Oklahoma has a law that strictly prohibits drivers from sending or reading any messages on a handheld mobile device, resulting in a $100 fine. In spite of these types of laws, distracted driving is still a major problem on America’s roadways.
European Countries Tougher
If you think driving while distracted is not a big deal in Europe, think again. The US Department of Transportation has a global fact sheet on the subject and found that at least 32 countries have enacted laws banning cell phone use while driving. Portugal has gone a step further by banning any kind of phone, including hands-free, while driving.
Texting on your phone is one of the most potentially risky things to do. Statistics show that drivers who text are more than 20 times more likely to crash than non-distracted drivers.
“Drop It,” or Else
In the United Kingdom, you must be in full control of your vehicle at all times. UK law says it’s illegal to hold and use a mobile phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.
In other words, keep your hands on the steering wheel or handlebars. You cannot use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. If stopped by the UK police, you could be nailed with 6 penalty points and a £200 fine.
Norway, the Strictest
European countries aren’t fooling around when it comes to road safety, and Norway is leading the pack. According to the numbers, Norway has the highest fine on the books for mobile phone use while driving. Prepare to shell out €867 in Euros (or $1,011.67 in US dollars). The country wants to set a strong deterrent against distracted driving.
Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands also rank in the top five list of countries with notably high fines for mobile phone use while driving.
Denmark was rated the strictest European country for driving penalties, including speeding, driving drunk, running a red light, and using a mobile phone while driving (ranked 5th).
About Personal Responsibility
Distracted driving is preventable, and it comes down to individual choices. It is essential to know the laws in your city and state when you get behind the wheel. It’s not the time for multitasking. Put the phone away and always make a conscious effort to stay focused.
If you or someone you know was involved in an accident where there was distracted driving, it’s important to speak with an attorney who has experience in this field of law. Contact a highly skilled team of attorneys who will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.
