Drivers have so many options to keep themselves entertained when they are on the road: iPods, satellite radios, portable DVD players, instant messaging, email, and even the world wide web. Many of these allow drivers to stay connected to the world while they are on the wheel. However, what some call a means to staying connected, others might call a driving distraction. Since you are hurtling down the road driving 60 miles per hour in a metal machine weighing several hundred pounds, it might be a good idea to limit your distractions to a bare minimum.
And if drivers can’t control themselves, the friendly officers of the law are there to protect them from harming themselves or someone else. While people are aware of the direct relationship between speeding tickets and insurance rates going up, police will gladly give tickets for using electronic devices improperly, which will also cause rates to go up.
1. Using a Cell Phone
In many countries, using a cell phone while driving is illegal and will result in a penalty or even worse. Some places have amended laws to allow cell phone use if the driver is using a hands-free device, such as a headset or Bluetooth, but that’s just mainly for answering calls.
2. Texting While Driving
Given that texting requires the driver to focus and type on a tiny screen while actively ignoring the road, texting or emailing are completely illegal.
3. Watching a TV/DVD
It is not uncommon to follow a minivan and see the kids enjoying a cartoon in the back seat while mom or dad drives. It’s also not that uncommon to see a small screen running a DVD in the front seat being watched by the driver.
4. Having a Radar Detector
Even though radar detectors are still easy to buy in most electronics shops or online, many countries and states ban the use of any type of radar detector in the car.
5. Blasting the Radio
Even if you have no one in the car but yourself, you can still find yourself at the receiving end of a ticket if your radio is too loud. Many cities have ordinances specifying a maximum decibel level and/or reasonable distance for your music to reach. Unlike the above-mentioned driving distractions, this one is a little harder to prove or disprove in court.
The List Could Go On and On
Distracted driving includes anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road or causes them not to be in complete control of the vehicle. Even if you have a completely legal device in your car or are just enjoying a burger and fries and a cup of soda, you can still get a ticket.
Bottom line: Drive safe and drive smart.
