The U.S. Department of Transportation has called for a complete ban on cell phone (including smartphones) use by drivers, reports FindLaw.com.
The call follows a statement by the National Safety Council, which said that: "28% of all traffic crashes — about 1.6 million crashes per year — involved drivers talking on their cell phones or texting." The council estimates that at least 200,000 crashes directly involve texting while driving.
As well as the Department of Transportation call, 37 states and Washington, D.C. have banned text messaging while driving by all drivers in their jurisdiction. Ten states and Washington, D.C. have also banned hand-held use of cell phones while driving.
"Knowing your state's laws involving texting and driving is just as important as knowing the DUI laws," commented Nicholas Timko, a New York City attorney. "In a growing number of states, texting is a primary offense, which means you can be pulled over on suspicion of texting, similar to drinking while driving. If you're found guilty, you can be heavily fined and lose your driving privileges."
The Lord Advocate is to refer five cases to the UK Supreme Court for a further ruling as to the scope of the Cadder v HMA decision which was handed down by last October by the Supreme Court. Contact expert criminal defence solicitors in Edinburgh on 0131 557 9151.
New clauses have been added to the latest draft of the Scotland Bill which may permit Scottish criminal appeals to be heard in the UK Supreme Court. Contact 0131 557 9151 for a free initial criminal law consultation.
New figures show that there has been a significant increase in recent years in the number of women in Scottish prisons. Contact McSporrans criminal lawyers for a free initial consultation on 0131 557 9151.
Drink driving case clarifies the scope of Cadder. Contact 0131 557 9151 for a free initial criminal law consultation.
On 22 March 2011, the Double Jeopardy (Scotland) Bill passed its third and final stage through the Scottish Parliament. Contact McSporrans criminal lawyers for a free initial consultation on 0131 557 9151.
A new partnership has been set up to try to prevent crimes against animals in Fife in Scotland. Contact McSporrans today on 0131 225 8813 for free initial advice.
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