While the safety features on vehicles have improved dramatically in recent years, the fact remains that cars are large, heavy items that travel at very fast speeds, and can thus be quite dangerous. Because of this, drivers should always follow safe driving techniques, to ensure that they are the safest drivers possible.
One of the most dangerous driving habits is distracted driving. Distracted driving includes (but is not limited to) texting or using apps on your smartphone while driving, making phone calls while driving, and giving your attention to your vehicle’s entertainment system or navigation system while driving. Given the speed that cars travel at, and the distance they travel in a short time period, being distracted from the road for even one second can result in a serious accident, and even a fatality.
To keep people from dangerously driving while their attention is elsewhere, states have distracted driving laws. These laws are among the most important rules of the road, as they not only keep potentially distracted drivers safe, but also surrounding drivers. Each state has different distracted driving laws; some states outlaw the use of all distractions, while other states are more lenient in what drivers are allowed to use. The fine associated with breaking the distracted driving laws also vary from state to state. To make sure that you are not only a safe driver, but also a legal one, be sure to review the distracted driving laws in your state.
Distracted driving laws in each state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Driving while distracted can put you and your passengers in danger, the drivers and pedestrians around you in danger, and potentially result in a hefty ticket. To make sure that you are a safe and legal driver, always abide by your state’s distracted driver laws.
