Every year, distracted driving causes thousands of Maine car accidents
Distracted driving is a big issue in Maine, with drivers engaging in activities such as texting, talking on cell phones, eating, and adjusting GPS devices, causing many serious and fatal car accidents.
Michelle Anderson, Director of Operations at The National Road Safety Foundation, stresses that seemingly innocent activities like tuning the radio or eating and drinking can distract a driver's attention from the road and lead to deadly consequences.
The Foundation has designated this month as Distracted Driver Awareness Month, aiming to educate Maine drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.
At Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of distracted driving accidents. As experienced car accident lawyers, we are committed to helping crash victims recover from the aftermath of collisions. It is crucial to raise awareness of the risks of distracted driving and encourage safe driving behavior to prevent further tragedies on Maine roads.
How many accidents are caused by distracted driving in Maine?
Distracted driving accidents continue to pose a significant threat on Maine's roads, with around 3,400 accidents caused by distracted drivers each year, resulting in roughly 500 injuries and 45 fatalities, according to data collected by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety.
Sgt. Daniel Hanson of the Maine State Police emphasizes the severity of this issue, telling News Center Maine last April that distracted driving is a significant problem both in Maine and across the country. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that distracted driving accounts for 25 to 30 percent of all fatal car accidents nationwide, causing 11,500 to 13,800 deaths annually. In addition to fatalities, an alarming 325,000 people suffer severe injuries in distracted driving accidents each year.
What are the distracted driving laws in Maine?
Maine has implemented stringent laws to discourage drivers from engaging in distracted driving behaviors. In particular, the state has made it illegal to text while driving. Drivers caught reading, writing, or sending a text message while driving can be fined $50 for the first offense and $250 for all subsequent offenses, as stated in Maine Motor Vehicle Statute, Title 29-A, Section 2116.
Moreover, in 2019, Maine expanded its laws to ban handheld electronic devices, including using a handheld cell phone while driving. If caught, drivers face the same penalties as those for texting while driving, according to Maine Motor Vehicle Statute, Title 29-A, Section 2121.
To further prevent distracted driving, Maine has also imposed a complete cell phone ban on all drivers under the age of 18 while driving, regardless of whether the phone is handheld or hands-free. These measures emphasize the state's commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users and reducing the number of distracted driving accidents on Maine's roads.
Contact a Maine distracted driving accident lawyer
Distracted driving accidents in Maine can quickly escalate into complex legal battles, particularly when the responsible driver denies wrongdoing or their insurance company refuses to pay for your damages. However, prompt action is crucial to protect your legal rights and demand the compensation you deserve.
The skilled attorneys at Jabar LaLiberty, LLC are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to clients involved in distracted driving accidents in Maine. We can address any questions or concerns you may have about your case and work diligently to build a robust legal strategy.
We prioritize your needs and always work toward the best possible outcome for your case. You can rely on our dedicated legal team to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our offices are located in Portland and Waterville, Maine.