As cell phone usage and car accidents caused by distracted driving increase across the nation, police officers are seeking new methods for detecting those who are breaking laws governing talking or texting while driving. As many Missouri and Illinois residents may know, it can be difficult for police officers to tell whether distracted drivers are using cell phones because drivers will often keep their cell phones in their laps while using them. Unfortunately, this means that police may not catch someone in the act of using their phones while driving until they actually cause a car crash.
On the other hand, technology is also increasing in areas beside that of making it easier for people to talk or text while driving. Some are hoping that a device which operates similarly to a speed-detecting radar gun would allow authorities to determine when drivers are using their cell phones. In fact, the technology would actually allow police to know when people are texting versus when they are making phone calls.
Because this technology is still in the initial development stage, it is not yet a reality. That is why police officers nationwide are employing various other strategies in their cell phone crackdown. One involves equipping police forces with elevated trucks or SUVs to allow officers to look down on other drivers, which means they can more easily detect cell phone use. Some police forces have officers spotting from overpasses. When an officer sees someone violating cell phone laws, he or she will then radio to another officer, who will then make typically pull over the vehicle to issue a citation.
Cell phone records can be useful for police officials to prove someone has violated cell phone regulations. However, this step is typically not employed until a driver has actually caused a collision; often one that has already caused serious injury or death. In fact, distraction.gov shows the following statistics related to cell phone use while driving:
- 660,000 drivers utilize either their phones or some other type of electronic device while on behind the wheel;
- 421,000 individuals suffered injuries in collisions caused by distraction; and
- 3,328 individuals lost their lives in crashes caused by distracted drivers.
An Illinois police department uses their own strategies to try to find drivers who are breaking laws meant to protect the innocent from those who are misusing their cell phones. According to one officer, they attempt to remain stationary in high-volume areas of traffic. This allows them to keep watch over passing motorists and decide whether those who look down at their laps or use cell phones in plain sight should be pulled over.
Those who have suffered injuries in a car crash due to distracted drivers and/or cell phone use may wish to call my St. Louis personal injury law firm at 1-888-586-7041. I am experienced in representing clients who have been hurt or lost loved ones in car accidents seek financial restitution in civil courts of law. Please consider calling us if you are a Missouri or Illinois resident and wish to take action to preserve your rights by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the party you believe responsible for causing your financial and physical damages.
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Source Article: http://newswire.net/newsroom/news/00085872-5-1-ways-the-cops-can-tell-you-re-texting-while-driving.html and http://wqad.com/2014/10/29/what-one-qca-police-agency-is-doing-to-snag-distracted-drivers/