There are many factors that lead to car crashes, including distracted driving. In particular, texting while operating a vehicle can be dangerous and lead to collisions. As a result, Alabama has banned communicating via text—whether through email, texting, or instant messaging—while behind the wheel. Here’s what you need to know about the laws before visiting an accident attorney. 

Why Did Alabama Pass Distracted Driving Laws? 

In 2017, distracted driving was responsible for nearly 3,200 deaths, according to the National Highway Safety Administration. Additionally, 80% of crashes are related to a distraction three seconds before the collision. Thus, Alabama passed these laws to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries. 

What Are the Laws Around Cell Phone Use?

In Alabama, all motorists are prohibited from texting or checking the internet while they’re driving. Additionally, teens (anyone under 18) aren’t allowed to use their cell phones at all while driving—even if they’re utilizing a headset or speaker-phone. However, legal adults can speak on their mobile devices via headphones or headsets, and they’re allowed to text at red lights. 

While not necessarily prohibited according to the law, some other forms of distracted driving include eating, reading, changing the radio station, and operating a GPS system. These activities may be considered when determining if a motorist was negligent. 

Are There Exceptions? 

Alabama laws do allow texting at certain times—primarily, if one needs to do so for safety reasons. For example, one can send a mobile message while parked on the shoulder of a road or to reach the police, emergency services, a health care provider, or the fire department. Finally, as long as the coordinates are already in place, one can use a navigation device. 

Getting into a crash due to someone else’s negligence can be frustrating, especially if they were illegally texting and driving. When you need a reliable car accident attorney, contact Jones & Jones, P.C. Attorneys at Law in the Wiregrass, AL, area. They’ve been in business since 1953 and will ensure you get the compensation you deserve. To learn more about their accident attorneys, call (334) 222­-3161 or visit their website. 

Nothing on this or associated pages should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information is intended to be general and should not be relied upon for any specific situation

Note: No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.