TENNESSEE PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY BLOG: Gilreath and Associates

Contact  SidGilreath.com

Tennessee Injury Blog

Helping victims of injury and wrongful death obtain compensation is just one side of our practice. We also strive to educate potential clients and the public at large so they can better discuss cases with legal counsel and ensure successful outcomes.
  • Home
  • About
    • Attorneys
    • Firm Overview
    • Press Releases & Publications
  • Case Results
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Brain Injury
    • Trucking Accidents
    • Auto Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Aviation Accidents
    • Boating/Watercraft Accidents
    • Medical Malpractice
    • Defective Products
    • Workers Compensation
    • Railroad Injuries/FELA
    • Memphis Car Accidents
    • Nashville Personal Injury Attorneys
    • Knoxville Car Accident Attorneys
    • Nashville Car Accidents
    • Birth Injury
  • Learn
    • FAQs
  • Blog
  • Contact
    • Directions
    • Referring Attorneys
Home / Safety / “Should I Wait to Send that Text?” The Dangers of Cell Phones and Driving

“Should I Wait to Send that Text?” The Dangers of Cell Phones and Driving

March 3, 2015 By Staff Writer

put-your-phone-downWhether you are cruising down the highway or winding back roads, or going from state-to-state, keeping 100% of your attention on the road is vital.  In the hustle and bustle of today’s society, it is no wonder that people are often tempted to use their cell phones when sitting behind the wheel of a car, but that’s no excuse for putting other people’s lives at risk.

How many more injuries and deaths will it take for people to truly realize the danger of mixing phones and driving?

Distraction.gov states that distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on American roadways.  In 2012, 3,328 people were killed due to distracted driving-related accidents. Many more were injured.

Texting and driving, in particular, is considered one of the most alarming driver distractions, since it requires visual, cognitive and manual focus.

There are several reasons why using a cell phone can lead to a car accident, including:

  • You can’t properly hold the steering wheel with two hands while texting;
  • You can’t watch the road as you should when dialing or texting; and
  • Your mind is not focused on driving safely if you are having a heated or exciting conversation.

Fortunately, many states have finally cracked down on cell phone usage.  Currently, 44 states have a ban on texting behind the wheel and 14 states ban cell phone usage altogether while driving.

Tennessee Cell Phone Law

Tennessee state law forbids the use of cell phones by drivers with a learner’s permit or an intermediate license (those who are under 18). This ban includes both hand-held and hands-free devices, as well as texting. Moreover, the state mandates that it is illegal for anyone to text and drive.

Drivers caught breaking the law will face a $50 fine, and those who hold learners’ or intermediate licenses will be hit with a $100 fine. Tennessee’s cell phone ban is a primary law, meaning officers can pull over a driver for using their phone without needing to see another violation.

For more details about the dangers of mixing cell phones and driving, read this article in our knowledge center.

The Tennessee car accident lawyers at Gilreath & Associates strongly encourage drivers to wait to think twice before sending that text message.  Your life and health, as well as the lives of the people around you, are far more important than any conversation you could have!

If you are involved in a distraction-related accident caused by you or another party, please contact us today for a free consultation.  The laws and complexities of these types of cases can be difficult, and you will likely need an experienced attorney who can walk you through all the steps to help build your case.

Related Resources

  • FDA Issues Class I Recall for Medtronic HeartWare Heart Pumps
    FDA Issues Class I Recall for Medtronic HeartWare Heart…
  • Hank Williams’ Daughter Killed in Tennessee Car Accident
    Hank Williams’ Daughter Killed in Tennessee Car Accident
  • Chris Gilreath Talks Trucking Industry Regulations & Accident Liability
    Chris Gilreath Talks Trucking Industry Regulations &…
Nationwide Toll Free: (800) 637-7024
Nationwide Toll Free
800.637.7024

Search

Categories

  • Advocacy
  • Auto Accidents
  • Community
  • Inadequate Security
  • Injury
  • Legislation
  • Medical Device
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Product Failures
  • Safety
  • Tennessee
  • Trucking Accidents
  • Wrongful Death

Archives

Tags

auto safety aviation accidents birth injury boating accidents boating safety brain injury car accidents child safety civil lawsuits community events court rulings covid-19 defective medical products defective products distracted driving DUI food safety hip replacement lawsuits medical malpractice medical malpractice cases medical product failures meningitis outbreak motorcycle accidents negligence nursing home abuse pedestrian accidents personal injury personal injury lawsuits pharmaceutical liability playground safety premises liability prescription errors product liability attorneys product recalls product safety lawsuits slip & fall Tennessee malpractice lawyer Tennessee truck accidents Tennessee truck accident safety regulation tort law tractor trailer accidents train accidents truck accident settlements workers' comp wrongful death

Membership badges

Gilreath & Associates
KNOXVILLE
Bank of America Center
550 Main Ave
Suite 600

Knoxville, TN 37902
United States
865-637-2442
Gilreath & Associates
MEMPHIS
One Memphis Place
200 Jefferson Ave
Suite 711

Memphis, TN 38103
United States
901-527-0511
Gilreath & Associates
NASHVILLE
The Stahlman Building
501 Union St
Suite 400

Nashville, TN 37219
United States
(865) 637-2442
  • SidGilreath.com
  • Find us on Facebook

The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Law Firm Web Design & Marketing Services by SEO Advantage, Inc.™


Gilreath & Associates: Tennessee Enjuris Partner Attorney


Tennessee Personal Injury Lawyers at Gilreath & Associates offer free and personal consultation to help you evaluate your legal options.
Our attorneys are dedicated to helping you recover financially from an injury stemming from someone else's negligence.