Texting and driving is very dangerous. You are more than 20 times more likely to be in an accident if you are texting. Some experts claim that texting is even more dangerous than drinking while driving. As a result, most states have laws against it. Here are some things that you need to know to reduce the chances of an accident and avoid getting in any trouble.

Texting at a Stop Light is Usually Still Illegal

Many people believe that texting and driving laws only apply while the vehicle is in motion. However, it is actually illegal to text while sitting at a stop light in many states too.

You will need to read the texting and driving laws in your state. They may read that it is actually illegal to “text while operating a motor vehicle.” This law means that people who text while sitting in traffic can be fined. One man in California tried to have his ticket dismissed, but the Supreme Court ruled that he violated the law. The law is similar in most other states as well.

People May Be Held Liable for Texting a Driver

Most experts agree that drivers should be liable for any accidents they cause while driving. However, some feel that the person they are texting should be held responsible as well. This is a much more controversial argument, but an appeals court in New Jersey argues that people who are texting a driver could be held liable as well.

One woman was named as a defendant for texting a driver that later caused an accident. The court decided that she wasn’t responsible, but stated that other drivers could be charged in the future. There are two requirements under this common law ruling in New Jersey:

• The prosecution or plaintiff needs to prove that the person sending the texts knew that the recipient was driving.
• They need to prove that the sender knew that they would respond before stopping their vehicle.

Nobody has been successfully prosecuted under the new law, but they clearly could be in the future. If you live in New Jersey then you need to be careful when texting someone that you know is driving. You may assume that they are going to stop their vehicle before responding to their text message, but that may not be the case. Plaintiffs in other states could try to pass similar laws so you will need to be careful if you live in another state as well.

Criminal Charges May Be Pressed for Serious Accidents

Some people have faced criminal charges after causing a serious accident. You could even face manslaughter charges if the accident is fatal. Some people are facing up to ten years in prison after striking and killing someone while sending a text message. You may need to read this blog if you need to know more about the criminal legalities of texting and driving.

This is the biggest reason that you should never text and drive. Facing a fine or civil lawsuit is bad enough, but it isn’t worth taking the risk that you will kill somebody. You will have that on your conscience and record for the rest of your life.

About the author: Kalen writes about legal, safety and current events. He teaches people the importance of avoiding texting and driving.

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