Texting While Driving | Don’t Text and Drive In Wisconsin

Texting while driving is as bad or worse than driving while intoxicated. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, distracted driving encapsulates any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from driving a vehicle. However, according to statistics, this hasn’t stopped drivers from getting into serious accidents.

Why Texting While Driving Is the Most Serious Breach of Wisconsin Law

The state recognizes three types of distractions:

Visual – Anything that makes the driver take his/her eyes off the road.

Manual – Anything that makes the driver take his/her hands off the wheel.

Cognitive – Anything that makes the driver take his/her mind off driving.

Texting while driving fulfills all three conditions and is thus considered to be one of the most dangerous acts a driver can be found guilty of in the state.

Driving and Wisconsin Cell Phone Laws

The Wisconsin Cell Phone Laws apply to:

• 18-year-olds and drivers who have a permit or a probationary license unless they have to text while driving to report an emergency.
• Hands-free and handheld operation of a phone because either can increase the risks of an accident occurring.

Additionally, even if the act is the reason for a stop, it is often secondary i.e. most are stopped for other violations that were the result of texting or phoning while driving. This can include erratic driving.

Breaking the law can lead to serious consequences such as the following:

• A fine and a four-point inattentive driving ticket.
• An extension of GDL restrictions if the driver is under them and this is the first ticket he/she receives. 

If the ticketed driver is driving under an instruction permit, he/she will have to wait six months from the date of the ticket to get a proper license. If they get a second ticket, their demerit points will double as a consequence. Needless to say, getting or being eligible for a driver’s license after that can result in a long and grueling wait.

If you have been the victim of a distracter driver in Wisconsin, you need an experienced Wisconsin distracted driver accident lawyer in your corner to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. At the Law Offices of John V. O’Connor, we will examine your right to be compensated after examining the site of the accident thoroughly. This includes gathering evidence with professionals who are experts at accident reconstruction and medicine. In fact, we will even fight for your rights if the insurance company refuses to cooperate with you. Get in touch with us in Kenosha, WI today!