Across New York and Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies have mounted a crusade against cell phone use and texting while driving.

Stiffer and more comprehensive penalties addressing this conduct are regularly enacted by the legislature. Signs on state highways now advertise "Text Stops". It is no secret why attention to cell phone use is on the rise. Distracted driving causes accidents and hurts people, often severely. Federal estimates suggest that distraction contributes to 10% of all fatal car accidents - over 3000 deaths every year. Not surprisingly, teens are the most susceptible to using their cell phone while driving. Indeed according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 71% of teen drivers admit to composing text message while behind the wheel of a car.

The Plaintiff's Personal Injury team at Levene, Gouldin & Thompson is well aware of the hazards of distracted driving. The nature of the distraction can be visual - taking your eyes off the road; manual - taking your hands off the wheel; and cognitive - taking your mind off of driving. If we suspect that one of our seriously injured clients was the victim of a distracted driver, we employ legal and investigative tactics to prove the wrongdoing. However, it is critical to employ these techniques soon after the accident before records of cell phone use become unavailable for one reason or another.

If you have questions or concerns about the effects of distracted driving on your case, call the Levene, Gouldin & Thompson Plaintiff's Personal Injury team. We will be with you every step of the way.

For more information, see:
www.distraction.gov
www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/distracted_driving/