Statewide effort focuses on distracted driving in school zones

Local authorities in Louisiana are joining the effort named “Back to School Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign.” The campaign is intended to raise awareness of Louisiana’s ban on handheld cell phones in school zones. Using a cell phone in a school zone in Louisiana is illegal unless the phone can be used with a hands-free setting. Authorities note there are significant dangers associated with using a cell phone while driving.

Authorities are seeking to raise awareness of risks of cell phone use while driving and to keep children, school staff and school crossing guards safe. Cell phone use while driving is considered a type of distracted driving. Distracted driving is a danger on the roadways. There are three categories of distracted driving, including cognitive distraction, visual distraction and manual distraction. Using a cell phone while driving to text, for example, combines all three types of driver distraction because it removes the driver’s focus and eyes from the roadway and hands from the wheel.

Victims of distracted drivers may be able to bring a personal injury claim for damages to recover compensation for their medical damages, lost wages and pain and suffering damages. Car accidents caused by distracted drivers can result in serious injuries and harm for victims and their families. Through a personal injury claim for damages, injured victims and their families may be able to recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages from the negligent driver responsible for the crash. Victims of distracted driving should be familiar with the legal protections available to them when they have suffered harm in an unexpected distracted driving-related accident.