Delaware Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers

What are Delaware’s distracted driving laws?

Delaware, according to the Office of Highway Safety, as of 2011, bans all drivers from using hand-held devices and items including – smart phones, cell phones, and laptop and gaming computers. Drivers cannot use these devices to read, write, or send text messages, use the Internet, or send an email unless the items are “hands-free.” The penalty for a first violation is $100. The penalty for subsequent violations will be between $200 and $300.

Delaware was the 30^th state to ban text messaging and the eighth to ban hand-held cell phones.

The state of Delaware has a primary law for distracted driving, which bans all drivers from using a handheld mobile phone while driving. There is a ban on cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers and novice drivers. There is a ban on texting for all drivers of any age. The specific statutes that regulate reckless driving and distracted driving, the use of electronic devices, and cell phone use by bus drivers are as follows

• 4176. Careless or inattentive driving. This law provides that drivers can be charged with inattentive driving if they fail to give their full time and attention to the operation of their vehicle. First offenses can be fined between $25 and $75. Subsequent offenses, within a three-year period, can be fined up to $95.
• 4176C. Electronic communication devices. This is the law that prohibits the use of any electronic communication device while a vehicle is in motion including mobile devices, laptops, and electronic games. The law provides for some exceptions including the use of hands-free devices, use by law enforcement officers and other professions listed in the statute, reporting traffic accidents, and other exceptions.
• Cell phone use by school bus drivers; penalties. This law prohibits school bus drivers from using a cell phone while the bus is in motion and transporting at least one child – unless specific equipment exceptions apply.

The skilled Wilmington distracted driving injury attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman will investigate the accident, preserve the evidence, and determine who was at fault. We make it a point to answer your questions as soon as we can so that you’re never left waiting (and panicking) when you need information. Our team does everything it can to make sure that you will receive the best possible outcome for your injuries and losses from a distracted driver accident.