Distracted driving can cause car accidents that can seriously injure and harm victims. To help prevent distracted driving accidents in Louisiana, drivers should know what is considered distracted driving and avoid those behaviors but victims of distracted drivers should also know about the legal protections available to them.

The facts about distracted driving in Louisiana

Distracted driving is a contributing factor in many car accidents. From 2011 to 2015 in Louisiana, 26,977 victims were injured and 192 victims were killed because of driver distraction either inside or outside of the vehicle.

What is distracted driving

Distracted driving is most commonly thought of as texting while driving or cell phone use while driving but any behavior that removes the drivers’ s attention and focus from driving can be considered distracted driving. This can include eating while driving, grooming while driving or reading while driving. Operating a radio or navigation decide may also be considered distracted driving. Drivers should also avoid activities while driving that remove their hands from the wheel or eyes from the roadway. Engaging in distracted driving is risky for everyone on the roadway.

Distracted driving laws and liability in Louisiana

In Louisiana, all drivers are prohibited from texting while driving and all cell phone use must be hands-free in school zones. Additionally, drivers under the age of 16 are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. Distracted drivers may face fines and other penalties but may also face civil liability to victims harmed by their negligent actions in a car accident. Victims should be familiar with how they may be able to receive help with their injuries and damages following a distracted driving accident.