As the United States continues to struggle with the ever-changing situation caused by COVID-19, we are seeing less traffic on the roadways thanks to staying at home orders in most states. However, drivers are still on the roadways, and there has been an increase in pedestrian and bicyclist recreation activity as people seek to exercise during this ongoing pandemic. Distracted drivers could be lulled into a false sense of security because there is less traffic on the roadways. At Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers, our Cleveland car accident attorneys want to discuss what measures were recently proposed to curb distracted driving in Ohio.
While February may seem like a lifetime ago, that was when Gov. Mike DeWine proposed legislation that would make texting while driving a primary offense. This would mean that police could stop drivers that they believed or texting and distracted while driving. The proposed bill would also increase the penalties for using a cell phone well operating a motor vehicle.
“The use of wireless devices while driving has become so common that many drivers don’t stop to consider the deadly consequences,” said Gov. DeWine. The governor went on to say that he did not believe Ohio’s current laws were strong enough.
The so-called “hands-free” bill has bipartisan support in the state legislature and specifically makes the following actions primary offenses that police officers could stop drivers for:
Rightfully so, our governor and the rest of the state has been focused on slowing the spread of COVID-19. Gov. DeWine has extended Ohio’s stay at home orders that allow only for central businesses to remain open. However, residents are still allowed to go outdoors and exercise as long as they maintain social distancing requirements. This means there are still many people out walking, running, or riding bicycles.
The fear is that drivers and pedestrians alike will be less focused on safety because there is less traffic on the roadways. It is important for drivers to understand that any distractions behind the wheel can still be incredibly dangerous, even with less traffic than normal. We strongly recommend that all drivers put away phones and any other device that could cause distractions and continue to be vigilant when looking out for bicyclists and pedestrians.
If you or somebody you care about has been injured by the actions of a distracted driver, seek legal assistance immediately. At Paulozzi LPA Injury Lawyers, our qualified and experienced team is ready to get to work investigating your case so we can secure the compensation you deserve. This could include:
If you need a Cleveland car accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 888-710-0040.
