Are Hands-Free Mobile Devices Safer While Driving?

In a previous blog post, we discussed Nevada’s tough stance on distracted driving, including text messaging and cell phone use behind the wheel. Under Nevada law, the following is prohibited:

• Text messaging while driving (primary law for ALL drivers)
• Handheld cell phone use while driving (primary law for ALL drivers)

Nevada takes this tough approach because residents and lawmakers understand the overwhelming risks texting and cell phone use creates when it takes place behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Numerous studies over the years have found that cell phone use is the most dangerous form of driver distraction, and experts are in agreement that it continues to drive the number of preventable deaths and injuries on public roadways higher by the year. Using a cell phone dramatically increases drivers’ risks for causing car accidents.

While there is ample evidence for why motorists should avoid cell phones while driving, there is still great demand for devices that enable hands-free utilization of phones. These include Bluetooth devices and headsets. While they may be hands-free, it is important to remember that they are not risk-free.

Hands-free cell phone use is still a form of distraction. While it is not illegal in Nevada, it still takes a driver’s attention away from the primary task of operating a motor vehicle. It does this by commanding a driver’s cognitive attention (thinking about a conversation and conversing with another person). Drivers who set up Bluetooth devices, put on headsets while driving, or even make gestures while talking on the phone may also take their visual and manual attention away from driving momentarily, increasing risks of accidents.

The Nevada Department of Transportation specifically calls attention to the fact that hands-free cell phone use still poses risks, and advises motorists to avoid cell phone use altogether when on the road. The agency further recommends that if you need to make a call, pull off to the side of the road or place the call when you have arrived at your destination.

Distracted Driving Accidents

When it comes to distracted driving accidents, motorists can be held accountable for their failures to exercise reasonable care when driving. Engaging in risky multi-tasking such as cell phone use – even if it is hands-free and permissible under law – is still an act a reasonable motorist would know poses dangers. As such, drivers who cause car accidents while distracted by hands-free devices may be held accountable for their negligence, and liable for the damages they cause victims.

As a firm that has helped numerous injured victims and families across Las Vegas and the state of Nevada, Shook & Stone has seen the devastating impact of distracted driving first hand. When handling these cases, we work diligently to conduct investigations into the underlying cause and to highlight distraction as a negligent act that more likely than not led to preventable accidents and injuries.

By leveraging out insight into personal injury law and the many car accident cases we have handled throughout the years, our legal team helps place clients in position to make a full and fair recovery of their damages, which can include their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other economic and non-economic damages. We also have the tools and resources to help create a level playing field between our clients and the powerful insurance companies that only want to pay them as little as possible.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver, including a driver who was using a hands-free device at the time of a crash, our attorneys are available to review your case and discuss if you have a valid claim for compensation. To learn more about your rights and what our Las Vegas car accident lawyers can do to help you, contact us for a FREE consultation.