If you drive a truck in Montana, you may not think twice about having your cellphone near you while you drive. This device can be distracting, though, and it is important to understand the consequences of using your cellphone on the road.
You may not realize how distracting it can be to use a cellphone behind the wheel. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, you can easily keep your eyes away from the road for about 4.6 seconds when you send a text message. It is also six times more likely that you will be involved in a collision if you dial a cellphone behind the wheel. Because of this, you may sometimes need to pay a fine if someone catches you making a phone call and sending a text message while holding your cellphone. This fine can range up to $11,000.
Because of the dangers of distracted driving, you are usually prohibited from holding your cellphone as you drive if you drive commercial motor vehicles. This means you typically cannot dial a phone number if you will need to press more than one button, and you also should generally refrain from reaching for this device as well. Additionally, you usually cannot send text messages behind the wheel.
There may be times, though, when you need to use your cellphone on the road. In this situation, you can typically use an ear piece or a voice activation feature so you can place calls if you need to. Additionally, you can generally mount your cellphone in a place where you can easily use the device.
This information is general in nature. It should not be used in place of legal advice.
At Colton Holm Law Firm, we look forward to learning how we can help you resolve your legal concern.Call us today: (406) 259-9986