Wisconsin Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
representing victims of personal injury
Working with us on Injury Cases due to Distracted Driving Accidents
The National Safety Council estimates at least 28% of all traffic crashes – or at least 1.6 million crashes each year – involve drivers using cell phones, including talking, texting, and incidental uses such as reading and dialing. Despite the known risks of distracted driving, two-thirds of drivers admit to talking on the phone while driving, and one-third admit to texting while driving. If you have been injured by a driver who was using a cell phone, one of our lawyers can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering.
Driven to Distraction
Many drivers believe that using their cell phone for just a few seconds won’t affect their driving. In fact, studies that shown that:
- Texting while driving makes a driver 23 times more likely to crash.
- Drivers talking on a cell phone are 4 times more likely to have a car accident.
- Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver’s reaction time as slow as that of a 70 year old.
- Answering a text takes away your attention for about five seconds. That is enough time to travel the length of a football field.
Texting & Driving Laws in Wisconsin
Texting while driving is against the law for all drivers in Wisconsin. The ban on texting while driving went into effect December 1, 2010. Unfortunately, not all drivers adhere to the law, and texting while driving continues to be a significant cause of car crash injuries and fatalities in Wisconsin.
Cell Phone Use While Driving in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not have a state-wide law prohibiting all drivers from talking on the phone. There is, however, a law that prohibits all drivers with a learners permit or probationary license (including all drivers under the age of 18) from talking on the phone while driving, except in the event of an emergency.
In addition, a number of municipalities in North Central Wisconsin, including Wausau, Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids have banned the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. These laws apply to all drivers.
