As the number of deaths due to distracted driving has increased, so has the number of states restricting or banning the use of cell phones while driving. These laws range from bans on certain behaviors, like texting, to bans on all cell phone use by a driver. As of January 1, 2010, New Hampshire joined the 33 other U.S. states that have banned texting while driving.
New Hampshire’s law states that “A person operating a moving motor vehicle who writes a text message or uses 2 hands to type on or operate an electronic or telecommunications device, is guilty of a violation,” the fine for which is $100.00. Scrolling through a contacts list or dialing in a phone number or name is not considered“texting” under this statute, which still allows New Hampshire drivers to make phone calls on their cell phones while driving. However, the law most likely covers typing on a laptop computer or smart phone, as well as using Twitter or other apps that require two hands, according to an article in the Boston Globe. New Hampshire joins 33 other U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and Guam in banning some form of distracted driving related to cell phones or other electronic devices. Many counties and other localities in the United States have also banned or restricted cell phone use.
Distracted driving can cause serious injuries. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, please don’t hesitate to call the experienced New Hampshire car accident injury attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. For a free and confidential telephone consultation, call us today at (603) 614-5055.