Are you facing criminal charges related to distracted driving?
The same traffic laws and regulations obviously bind all motorists. Whether you’re just passing through from another state or are a permanent resident, any time you get behind the wheel on Florida roadways, you are accountable for your actions according to current traffic laws. Depending on the type of vehicle you’re driving at the time, you may, in fact, be under additional restrictions, such as those pertaining to tractor-trailers or other commercial vehicles.
No matter what type of car or truck you drive, however, it’s important to be alert and cautious while driving and to obey all traffic requirements. Distracted driving is a problem that often leads to serious vehicle collisions. There are several types of driving infractions that place all travelers at risk for injury. Knowing what they are and how to avoid them, may help you prevent disaster. Such distractions can also lead to criminal charges against you. Knowing where to turn for help in such circumstances is also beneficial.
Stay focused: Avoid visual, manual and cognitive distractions
When you were first learning to drive, your instructor probably repeated helpful phrases, such as, “Keep your eyes on the road at all times,” or “Never drink and drive.” As time goes on, however, it’s easy to forget the lessons you once learned. The following list of basic types of driving distraction may serve as a reminder that helps you keep you and others who share the roadways, safe:
- Keep your eyes on the road: Visual distraction includes staring at billboards, or gawking at off-road scenes such as a police traffic stop or rescue endeavor at an accident scene in progress. It’s also dangerous to check make-up or hair in a rear-view mirror while driving. In short, it’s always best to be watching the road if you’re behind the wheel.
- Keep your hands on the wheel: Many people wreck their cars while eating or drinking while they drive. Adjusting knobs or dashboard controls, lighting cigarettes, or doing anything other than steering increases your risk for injury while driving.
- Think only of the task at-hand: While you’re driving a car is not the best time to dream up a new business or solve life’s problems. It’s safest to direct your thoughts to the road ahead and what the drivers around you are doing.
This list shows the most common types of driving distractions that can place you and others in harm’s way. There’s another aspect to the topic, however. What happens if you get pulled over by police or get in an accident that results in a fatality, and you are accused of distracted driving? Everything is not always as it appears. For instance, just because you have a cell phone sitting on your car console while you drive does not mean you were using it or that it distracted you in any way.
Regardless of the details of your particular situation, if you are facing criminal charges related to distracted driving, seeking immediate defense assistance may be crucial to obtaining a positive outcome in court. Often, avoiding conviction is directly connected to the type of defense presented. An experienced attorney is able to aggressively fight charges on your behalf.