In Arizona, over 125,000 car accidents occur each year, with many of them resulting from preventable distracted driving mistakes. Distracted driving refers to any activity that diverts a driver's attention away from driving, such as texting or arguing with passengers. While Arizona's current laws focus on cell phone use while driving, most distracted driving activities are still legal. However, a proposal is currently under consideration that could allow police to give distracted driving tickets to drivers who are driving erratically due to other tasks, such as eating or grooming.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a distracted driving accident, it can be a traumatic experience that can result in significant financial losses. It is important to seek the assistance of experienced attorneys who can help you recover your losses. At Viper Law Group, we will help you understand your legal rights and work with you to develop a strategy to recover your financial losses. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get the help you need.
Are there Laws Against Distracted Driving in Arizona?
Effective January 1, 2021, texting and handheld cell phone use while driving is illegal throughout Arizona.
Here are the penalties for distracted driving under Arizona law:
It is important to note that these offenses will not add points to a driver's license. However, enhanced penalties and demerit points will be assigned if a driver causes serious bodily injury or death while violating these laws. The new law aims to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted driving. It's important for drivers to understand the risks of using handheld devices while driving and comply with the law to promote safer driving practices.
How are Distracted Driving Laws Enforced in Arizona?
In Arizona, distracted driving laws are enforced through primary enforcement, which means that police officers can pull drivers over if they witness them violating state distracted driving laws. This means that even if drivers obey all other traffic laws, they can still be pulled over and cited if a police officer sees them sending a text message or otherwise violating the state's distracted driving laws.
It is important for drivers to be aware of the state's primary enforcement policy and to take steps to avoid distracted driving. This includes using hands-free devices to make phone calls and send text messages, pulling over to a safe location to use electronic devices if necessary, and avoiding other distractions such as eating or grooming while driving.
While some drivers may believe that they are in full control of their vehicle while using electronic devices, the reality is that distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents and can result in serious injuries or fatalities. By obeying the state's distracted driving laws and avoiding distractions while driving, drivers can help reduce the risk of accidents and promote safer driving practices on Arizona's roads.
Exceptions to Arizona Distracted Driving Laws
The distracted driving laws in Arizona have some exceptions, including:
Understanding these exceptions and using technology responsibly while driving is important. Drivers should always prioritize safety and avoid distractions, even when using hands-free devices or other exceptions allowed by the law.
Contact an Accident Attorney in Scottsdale
If you or a loved one has been in a distracted driving accident, our experienced attorneys can help you recover losses and get the compensation you deserve. At Viper Law Group, we are dedicated to obtaining the compensation you deserve, including medical expenses and lost wages, and we offer a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't have to pay upfront. Contact our attorneys today for a free consultation and learn how we can assist you.