Texting has become a very common method of communicating with others. Unfortunately, the trend has become so common that today many individuals text behind the wheel, which can be very dangerous for anyone traveling on the road. Statistics even suggest that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving drunk.
In an attempt to mitigate these dangers, there are laws in place designed to prohibit this type of activity. If you or someone in your family ran afoul of these laws, a Davidson County texting while driving lawyer may be able to help. Contact an adept criminal defense attorney today and know that you are in capable hands.
How Texting while Driving Is Prosecuted
There are several different ways in which a person can face charges as the result of texting while driving.
Since 2009, there has been a law in place in Davidson County to prevent individuals from texting while driving. Violations of this law can result in a person facing a class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $50. It is important for motorists to note that this law makes it illegal to text while driving, which means that individuals will not face prosecution under this law for texting while their motor vehicle is moving so long as they are not the one driving.
Reckless Driving and Endangerment
If someone texting while driving is found to be operating any vehicle with a conscious disregard for the safety of either people or property, they may be charged with reckless driving. A law enforcement is not required to prove that a person was texting while driving to prosecute an individual under this law.
In the same vein, if an accident occurs where a motor vehicle operator strikes another person or vehicle, that driver could potentially face a felony charge of reckless endangerment. This offense occurs when a person recklessly engages in contact that places a person or piece of property in immediate danger of harm or serious death. A Davidson County texting while driving lawyer could attempt to mitigate charges that a person my face.
Criminally Negligent Homicide
Finally, a person who texts while driving and causes a fatality can be charged with criminally negligent homicide. While Davidson County has laws prohibiting texting while driving, the state does not have any laws in place specifically addressing fatalities caused by motor vehicle operators in the process of texting.
Texting While Operating a Bus
Buses are very large vehicles that can cause serious injuries and even fatalities when accidents occur. Local laws specifically prohibit bus drivers from using cellphones while a bus in motion and transporting children.
What Makes Texting While Driving So Dangerous?
It is critical that motor vehicle operators remain aware of their surroundings and focused on the road while driving. When a person texts while driving, they take their hands off the wheel and attention off the road.
Even though it may occur in intervals that only last a few seconds, even a momentary lapse in concentration can be very dangerous. Statistics suggest that a person who texts while driving is at least three times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident compared to someone who does not.
Contacting a Davidson County Texting While Driving Attorney
Texting while driving frequently leads to very serious injuries and fatalities, and as such is treated very seriously by the Davidson County court system. If you or a loved one were charged with texting while driving, consider consulting a seasoned Davidson County texting while driving lawyer.
The insurance company has a legal team. You should too.