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Distracted driving continues to be a problem in today’s world. Texting and driving is often seen as the pinnacle of distracted driving, with some people saying that it is just as bad as driving under the influence and causes far too many car accidents. Though most states have a ban on texting while driving, Arizona has not yet passed any such state-wide law — it is one of three states without one. Recently, lawmakers have been suggesting that this year may be the time that a ban will be enacted, and one lawmaker has finally introduced such a bill.
The bill would forbid drivers in the state of Arizona from “using a wireless communication device to manually write or send a written message.” The use of GPS or navigation devices would not be affected under this proposed law. In the past, there have been several attempts to create laws like this one, but none have managed to succeed. Some cities and municipalities have passed local ordinances, and a ban on cellphone use for drivers under 18 was enacted last year,
The recent death of a police officer may be behind this latest push for a statewide law. Earlier this year, an officer was struck and killed when he was on the side of the road after pulling over a different driver. The driver who hit him admitted to texting on a cellphone during the incident. Governor Doug Ducey supports a ban, telling reporters he would sign a bill of that nature.
Though it is still uncertain whether Arizona will pass a bill outlawing texting and driving, the fact remains that it is the cause of many car accidents across the country. Anyone who is injured or loses a loved one to such a tragic incident has every right to confer with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A civil claim may be the best way to recoup any financial losses that are often incurred as a result of tragedies like these.