Do You Agree With Meridian’s Ban On Using Handheld Devices While Driving?

Personal Injury| Car & Vehicle Accidents

March 18, 2022

By Bruce D. Skaug
Managing Attorney, Skaug Law PC |

It took a tie-breaking vote by Mayor Tammy DeWeerd to pass the hands-free ordinance through a divided Meridian city council.

If you are pulled over for using a handheld device while driving in Meridian, expect to pay a total of $155 in fines and court costs, according to Meridian Police Chief Jeff Lavey.

Meridian is the first city in the Treasure Valley to enact a ban against using cell phones and handheld navigation devices while behind the wheel.

The new ban also forbids the use of a handheld device at a red light or stop sign.

Handheld bans are also in place in Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Hailey, and Ketchum.

Idahoans Support Restricting Phone Use

According to polls, most Idaho drivers support a ban on handheld cell phone use. I agree with them.

Using a phone while driving contributes to 1.6 million crashes each year, according to the National Safety Council.

In Idaho, 9 percent of all fatal crashes and 22 percent of injury crashes are due to some form of distracted driving (Idaho Transportation Department Crash Report).

Our law office has helped many crash victims who were hurt by a driver who was attending to their phone instead of the road.

Some of our clients were seriously injured, requiring multiple operations, time away from work and a painful recovery.

Is checking your phone worth the trauma you may cause?

Is it worth someone’s life?

Texting Most Risky

Of all the things you can do on a cell phone while driving, texting by text is by far the most dangerous.

A text can take your eyes off the road for a brief five seconds. But at 55 mph, you would have traveled the length of a football field.

Texting while driving is 6 times more likely to cause an accident than driving drunk, according to one study.

Idaho has already banned texting and driving in favor of other states.

Mission is profiled as messaging while for novice and teen drivers. Montana has no restrictions on phone use.

Texting is just one dangerous activity that falls under the category of distracted driving.

Other Hands-Free Driving Distractions Include:

• Eating and drinking
• Adjusting the entertainment system
• Operating your navigation system
• Reaching to pick up something you dropped on the floor
• Disciplining children
• Anything taking your attention away from what is happening on the road around you

For a deeper look into distracted driving, the National Safety Council (NSC) offers a free white paper download: Understanding the Distracted Brain.

According to the NSC white paper, our eyes are not enough to be just hands-free. Any attempt to multitask diverts a person’s attention from driving and can cause “attention blindness.”

Where Do Other Treasure Valley Cities Stand?

According to a Boise City spokesman, a handheld device ban is not being considered at this time.

Garber Glong, the mayor of Nampa, has invited residents to give their input on a ban.

The City of Caldwell has discussed a ban. A spokesman for the mayor said they will be considering it in the future.

What You Can Do To Help

If you want to reduce your risk, you can make a decision to not handle your phone or other devices while you are driving.

When you need to take or make a call, pull off the road, and stop.

You can let frequent callers know if you don’t answer, you must be driving, and you will not use the phone while driving.

By choosing to reduce your driving distractions, you can be an example for your children and others.

Set rules for your family about using their cell phones when driving.

If you are a passenger of a driver who is using their phone, tell them you’re uncomfortable with it. Speak up.

Injured by a Distracted Driver?

If you were injured because of a distracted driver, you should call the attorneys at Skaug Law.

We will answer your questions and advise you of your legal options to seek justice against the offender and maximum compensation for your injuries.

There is no cost to speak to one of our injury lawyers. Call now: 208-466-0030.

If you do decide to work with us, you have our 90-day guarantee.

If you are not happy with our services in the first 30 days, we will give you your file, and you owe us nothing.

Get Help After a Distracted Driving Accident

The post “Do You Agree With Meridian’s Ban On Using Handheld Devices While Driving?” appeared first on Skaug Law Idaho’s Injury Lawyers.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver in Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation.

About the Author

Bruce D. Skaug is the Managing Attorney at Skaug Law PC. With years of experience representing personal injury and accident victims throughout Idaho’s Treasure Valley, Bruce is passionate about advocating for safer roads and holding distracted drivers accountable.

Personal Injury Attorneys Serving Idaho’s Treasure Valley

Our accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys proudly serve distracted driving accident victims throughout the region:

• Meridian, ID – Personal Injury Attorneys & Accident Lawyers
• Nampa, ID – Accident Attorneys & Personal Injury Attorneys
• Caldwell, ID – Workers’ Comp Attorneys & Accident Lawyers
• Boise, ID – Personal Injury Lawyers & Car Accident Attorneys

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