A Rochester Lawyer Warns Against Driving & Texting

Driving with a portable electronic device in hand has become the norm as more people feel the need to text friends and family when they’re on the road. However, texting while driving is a distraction and can have dangerous consequences, including serious physical injury or death. Thomas A. Corletta, Attorney at Law is an experienced Rochester, NY, family law and criminal defense attorney who has been helping clients with DWI cases, bankruptcy, traffic law, and more for over 35 years.

Here are some important things you need to know about texting and driving:

Distracted Drivers Put People in Danger: The U.S. government website for distracted driving reports that 3,154 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers in 2013. Locally, 5 high school seniors were killed in a notorious accident in what was believed to be caused by texting and driving.

State Law Prohibits Texting While Driving: New York State law prohibits drivers from using portable electronic devices while the vehicle is in motion. “using” means holding the phone and using any of its data functions in any way , including looking at it. There are limited exceptions for emergencies, if you are actually communicating with a doctor, hospital, ambulance, fire, or police, or you are a police officer, fireman, or first responder performing official duties.

There Are Penalties for Driving & Texting: In the state of New York, fines for texting while driving range from $50 to $200 on a first offense, with fines rising on subsequent violations within an 18 month period. This is also a 5 point driving violation. For young drivers holding junior licenses, a conviction mandates a 120 day license suspension. For other drivers holding probationary licenses, a conviction during the 6 month probationary period will also mandate a 120 day suspension.

If you've been charged with a traffic violation and need competent, trustworthy legal advice, contact Thomas A. Corletta, Attorney at Law today by calling (585) 546-5072. For more information about his experience and work as a lawyer, visit his website.