The Associated Press has reported that a new study from the insurance industry found that banning the use of hand-held devices while driving has not been as effective as some lawmakers might have thought.
The study, which was conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute, examined insurance claims from accidents that occurred both before and after the ban took effect in New York, California, Connecticut and Washington D.C. The study found that banning the use of hand-held devices to send text messages or make a phone call has not resulted in fewer crashes and that claim rates did not go down after the ban took effect.
There are currently six states plus the District of Columbia that ban talking on a hands-held device while driving, and 19 states and the District of Columbia that ban texting while driving.
Naturally, the study's findings are raising a lot of questions and concerns from lawmakers. Jonathan Adkins, a spokesperson for the governors association, brought up the point that the ban allows drivers to use hands-free devices, which can be just as risky and dangerous as using hand-held devices. The National Safety Council is encouraging a complete ban on all devices—even hands-free devices—for this very reason.
Despite the findings of this study, lawmakers continue to push for bans on texting while driving and talking on a cell phone while driving.
If you have been issued a traffic ticket for talking on cell phone or texting while driving, a Michigan traffic ticket lawyer at the Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman can help you address your ticket in court and can provide you with any advice or resources you may need. To arrange a consultation with an attorney at our office, please contact Freedman & Freedman today by calling 1 (877) TKT-LAWS!
