Posted in Car Accident,Distracted Driving,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on September 16, 2015
Algood Considering Ban on Cell Phones in School Zones
The Algood city council is meeting tonight to discuss whether cell phones should be banned in school zones.
According to a report by the Herald-Citizen, the ordinance would ban the usage of cellphones in designated school zones between the hours of 7 a.m. through 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. through 3:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday when schools are in session.
The proposed fine for anyone caught violation the ordinance is $50 per offense with extra fees.
The ordinance would come with some restrictions, including allowing drivers of emergency vehicles to use handheld wireless telephones. In this case, emergencies are defined as sudden or urgent occurrence that require immediate action to provide help or relief to individuals.
An Algood city councilmember says that many parents are in a rush to drop off their kids at school and aren’t paying attention to what’s going on around them because they’re using their cell phones.
In addition to school zones, the ordinance would also apply to parking lots and pickup lanes on school campuses, as it’s designed to protect children, parents, and teachers who are walking to and from their cars and buses.
What Makes Distracted Driving So Dangerous?
Anyone who has ever been behind the wheel of a vehicle knows that safe driving requires high levels of concentration and alertness, and yet countless Tennesseans drive while distracted every single day. Whether they’re texting, talking on their cell phones, reading, eating, or doing anything else that takes their attention away from the road, doing anything other than focusing exclusively on the road ahead can significantly increase your risk of being involved in an accident.
Some of the most prominent risk factors of distracted driving include:
Text messaging, reading, browsing the internet, checking social media, or even briefly reaching for something in the passenger seat, glovebox, or floorboard all cause you to take your eyes off the road. Doing that even momentarily is all it takes to cause or be involved in an accident, as you can quickly drift into another lane or even strike a vehicle in front of you that is slowing down or turning.
You don’t have to look away from the road to feel the effects of distraction. Anything that causes you to think about something other than safe driving can increase your risk of a car accident. Talking on the phone, carrying on conversations with your passengers, listening to loud music, or even daydreaming can cause you to zone out and be a split second too late for avoiding potential accidents or situations that can lead to accidents.
A major risk factor of distracted driving that’s less talked about than others is the risk taking or potentially reckless driving behaviors associated with emotional changes. One of the biggest reasons why road rage is so dangerous is because it distracts drivers and changes their focus away from protecting their safety and the safety of others. It’s important to avoid driving if you’re upset or angry and to always stay as focused and relaxed as possible behind the wheel.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Cookeville car accident attorneys have handled countless car accident claims over the years, and we know that a large number of them were caused by distracted drivers. It’s important to remember that you have a duty to protect yourself, your loved ones, and everyone else on the road every time you get behind the wheel. That’s why all drivers should distractions when their vehicles are in motion.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, get in touch with our legal team today. We have the resources and experience to maximize your chances of getting the full compensation you deserve. Just dial (931) 754-1188 or fill out a free online form.
