1.
WWW.THEINJURYLAWYERMD.COM

2.
Distracted Driving in
Maryland
Distraction is a part of our daily
lives. Between text messages,
emails and phone calls, it can
seem like we are constantly
being bombarded with some
form of correspondence from
work, friends or family members.
However, if there is one place
that we should strive to be free
of these common distractions,
it’s behind the wheel of an
automobile.

3.
How Big Is The Problem?
Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration reports that distracted
driving contributes to 58 percent of vehicle accidents in
Maryland.
 Distracted driving accidents frequently lead to injuries and
fatalities.
 Nearly 40 percent of all accidents involving distracted drivers
resulted in injuries.
 Every year, these crashes take the lives of roughly 30,000
people.
 Between 2009 and 2013, 46.4 percent of all Maryland
distracted driving crashes took place in Baltimore.

4.
Types of Distraction
The CDC lists three different types of
distraction: visual (taking eyes off the road),
physical (taking hands off the wheel) and
cognitive (taking your mind off the act of
driving). Activities that lead to distracted
driving include:
 Talking, texting or emailing on a cell
phone
 Eating
 Grooming
 Talking to other passengers
 Using the car stereo
 Using a GPS or navigation system

5.
Who Is A Risk?
In a 2011 survey, 69 percent of drivers in the United States said
they had talked on their mobile phone in the past 30 days.
 31 percent said they had texted while driving.
 Younger, inexperienced drivers might be more likely to drive
while distracted.
 In another study, the CDC found that nearly half of all high
school students texted or emailed while driving.
 Almost 40 percent of all distracted drivers involved in vehicle
accidents were under the age of 30.

6.
Multitasking and the
Science of Distraction
Some people have an inflated sense of their ability to multitask.
However, studies indicate that very few people are able to divert
their attention to multiple tasks at the same time.
 Only 2 percent of the population can effectively manage
multiple tasks at the same time.
 Even the act of listening diverts a driver’s attention from their
focus on the road by around 37 percent.
 When a driver traveling at 55 miles per hour takes their eyes
off the road for just five seconds, they will have covered the
length of a football field.
 Using your phone while driving can increase your risk of a
vehicle accident by three times.

7.
Hands-Free Is Not
Distraction-Free
Many people mistakenly believe
that using hands-free technology
eliminates the threat of
distracted driving. Engaging in
a conversation impairs a driver’s
cognitive abilities, even if their
physical and visual focus isn’t
devoted to their phone. A driver’s
reaction time can be greatly
reduced by using hands-free
technology.

8.
Tips For Eliminating
Distracted Driving
Take these steps to avoid causing a distracted driving
accident.
 Self-impose a “no phone” rule while behind the wheel.
 Consider putting your phone in the back seat to eliminate the
temptation to talk or text.
 Use your cell phone only in emergency situations.
 If you want to use your phone, find a safe place to park.
 Keep the activity level and number of passengers in your car to
a minimum.
 Never eat while driving.

9.
Maryland Law on
Distracted Driving
 Maryland law prohibits
drivers from texting and
talking on cell phones.
 Exceptions are made only for
emergency calls - 911,
ambulances, hospitals, law
enforcement, etc.
 First-time offenders face the
possibility of an $83 fine,
second-time offenders face a
fine of $140 and third-time
offenders face a $160 fine.

10.
Jake’s Law
In December of 2011, a distracted driver in an SUV travelling 65
miles per hour rear-ended another car, killing a 5-year-old
occupant named Jake Owens. This collision led to the passage of
Jake’s Law in 2014, which imposes harsher penalties for
distracted drivers who cause serious injuries. Offenders can face
up to 3 years in jail, a $5,000 fine and 12 points on their driver’s
license.

11.
Have You Been Injured By A Distracted Driver?
Distracted driving is preventable. If you or loved one has been injured in a
distracted driving accident in Maryland, you may be entitled to financial
compensation for your losses. Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer”, is a
respected Baltimore distracted driving car accident attorney and has helped
many distracted driving victims hold negligent drivers accountable for the
injuries they cause. Contact Mr. Heisler today to learn more about your
legal rights and options at
1-855-946-0489.