The Need For Strict Distracted Driving Laws in Westlock, AB

Studies show that Canadian vehicles on an average drive over 330 billion kilometers every year, and individuals spend substantial time in their cars. Westlock has some of the highest commuting times in the country. It naturally leads to a certain degree of boredom, and drivers often do something else while at the wheel. Having a cup of coffee or snack, applying makeup, or listening to the radio or an audiobook are some common distractions. Therefore it is imperative to have stringent distracted driving laws in Westlock, Alberta.

Any activity besides driving can be a potential hazard, not only for the driver but for other vehicles on the road too. Nowadays, the biggest distraction is the small palm-sized smartphone that helps people keep connected at all times. Drivers cannot resist receiving or making a call, texting, or catching up on email received while in traffic, leading to frequent distracted driver accidents in Westlock, Alberta.

Over the last decade, urban drivers in Westlock were on the cell phone while driving at a rate that was more than twice the national average in Canada. With the exponential rise in distracted driving fatalities in Westlock, Alberta, from 2006 to 2010, the Westlock legislature found it necessary to make drivers face harsh legal consequences of distracted driving. Consequently, on September 1, 2011, the toughest distracted driving laws in North America were passed by the Westlock legislature.

Even though the Westlock government has passed distracted driving laws, distracted driving accidents have not gone down in Westlock, Alberta. People are routinely injured and have to consult distracted driving accident lawyers to get them out of the mess. If you have ever noticed a car in front of you moving erratically, the driver is probably distracted. Common warning signs are weaving along the road, ignoring road signs, traffic signals, and speed limits. Drive alongside, and you will surely find the driver texting or speaking on his smartphone or something else – surely not focusing on the road ahead only.

In spite of the severe legal consequences of distracted driving, statistics show that distracted driving laws Westlock, Alberta have not made much impact. From the introduction of distracted driving laws in Westlock on September 1, 20011, to March 31, 2017, there were 139,579 convictions, of which 97% were for the use of some form of an electronic device. It is indeed a serious issue because a distracted driver can fail to see up to 50% of the surrounding environment. Further, distracted drivers contribute to about 30% of all motor vehicles collision in Westlock, Alberta. They are three times more likely to be involved in a car accident than focused drivers.

If a distracted driver has injured you, get in touch with a distracted driving accident attorney in Westlock, Alberta, at the earliest. Give us a call – we have years of experience dealing with distracted driving cases in Westlock. We are thoroughly conversant with the prevailing distracted driving laws. Regardless of what the distracted driver was doing while driving, we will expertly handle your case and put you at ease.

Do Not Hesitate To Contact Us If You Have Suffered a Personal Injury in Westlock

Legal Clauses Followed by an Elite Driving Accident Attorney in Westlock, AB

In case of injury in a distracted driving accident, contact a distracted driving accident attorney in Westlock, AB, at the earliest. It is because the laws related to distracted driving accidents are not simple. It is difficult to prove that the other driver was engaged in some activities banned in law.

Drivers are restricted from using handheld cell phones, either calling, texting, or emailing, even when stopped at red lights. The use of electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays, and programming portable audio players (e.g., MP3 players) is strictly prohibited. Entering information on GPS units, reading printed material in the vehicle, writing, printing, or sketching is also not allowed. Finally, personal grooming, which is at the root of many accidents, has been banned too. These include brushing and flossing teeth, putting on makeup, curling hair, clipping nails, or shaving.

There are no specific laws regarding pets, but the authorities can argue that a driver at the time of the accident was so involved with one that it was comparable to any other banned clause like reading or personal grooming.

These are some of the factors that are taken into account when we, as trusted distracted driving accident lawyers, take up your case after an incident in Westlock, Alberta.

The legal consequences of distracted driving in Westlock, Alberta, are very severe. Individuals charged with distracted driving have to shell out a massive $287 fine. If the police feel you have been driving carelessly and could have caused a more serious potential risk and hazard, an additional $402 is levied. Similarly, distracted driving laws in Westlock put three demerit points on record for distracted driving and an additional six demerit points for careless driving.

Distracted driving accident lawyers in Westlock will take up cases when distracted driving accidents lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Should a distracted driver end up injuring or killing another person, he/she may face incarceration too. A distracted driving accident attorney in such instances will fight the case to ensure a reduction of jail time.

Requesting Help From Distracted Driving Accident Lawyers in Westlock, Alberta

Even though stringent distracted driving laws have been passed in Westlock, distracted driving accidents continue to cause catastrophic injuries. It is more so in densely populated metropolitan locations. These injuries are often life-changing in nature. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or bone and joint injuries can have long-term consequences, leading to loss of income and future job opportunities.

If you are injured in a distracted driving accident, give us a call. Being trusted and experienced distracted driving accident lawyers in Westlock, Alberta, we will fight your case for receiving fair and deserving compensation. We will begin investigations immediately and forward your claim for relief to the relevant authorities. We handle every type of distracted driver accidents like intersection crash, highway accidents, hit and run, roll-over, fatal car crash, drunken driving accident, and rear-end accident.