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Special Report from your Long Island Accident and Injury Lawyer: New York State's Ban on Texting While Driving Now in Effect

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On November 1, 2009, New York State's Law banning texting while driving went into effect.  What does it mean to text in New York State?  If you are driving you may not also be doing the following with an electronic portable device:

  • hold
  • speak into
  • read from
  • touch

 

What can you do?  Nothing unless you want to upgrade to the newest available technology out there.  Otherwise, keep the device in your pocket book or in your glove compartment.  Keep your hands on the wheel and keep your eyes on the road.  You are driving.  You are operating a dangerous instrument.  And now, if you get into an accident and cause property damage or injuries and were found to be in violation of this new law, you may be considered under the law to be 100% responsible for the accident.  That's called negligence per se.

I guess if there is any upside at all, its the fact that the only way you can receive a ticket for this infraction is if you are pulled over for something else like speeding or improperly changing lanes - two things which can easily happen when you are looking down at your crackberry and not paying attention to the road.