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It happens in seconds. A driver glances down to reply to a text—and crashes into the car in front of them. In that brief moment, lives can be permanently altered.
Each April, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month reminds us that the road deserves our full attention. Backed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this nationwide campaign encourages drivers to take distraction seriously—and for good reason. Distracted driving claims thousands of lives each year across the U.S.
New Jersey is no exception. From busy highways to neighborhood streets, distracted drivers put everyone at risk.
What Counts as Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving isn’t just about texting. It includes any activity that takes your hands, eyes, or attention off the road, including:
- Using a smartphone (texting, calling, checking GPS)
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the radio or climate controls
- Talking to passengers
- Daydreaming or “zoning out”
Texting is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distraction: manual, visual, and cognitive. According to the NHTSA, sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds—long enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.
Distracted Driving Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey has enacted some of the strictest distracted driving laws in the country:
- Handheld device use while driving is illegal. All calls must be made via hands-free systems.
- Texting while driving is prohibited under any circumstances.
- First-time offenders can face fines ranging from $200 to $400, with penalties increasing for repeat offenses.
- In serious cases, distracted drivers may face criminal charges—especially if their actions result in injury or death.
During April, law enforcement agencies across New Jersey participate in high-visibility enforcement campaigns to catch distracted drivers and raise public awareness.
Legal Options After a Distracted Driving Crash
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you have the right to pursue compensation. A personal injury claim can help you recover for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
In wrongful death cases, surviving family members may also be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, and more.
To build a strong claim, it’s critical to gather evidence that shows the other driver was distracted. This may include:
- Cell phone records
- Dashcam or traffic camera footage
- Eyewitness testimony
- Police accident reports
An experienced car accident attorney can help preserve this evidence and build a case for full and fair compensation.
Fighting Distraction, One Driver at a Time
At Nagel Rice LLP, we’ve seen firsthand how devastating distracted driving accidents can be. We stand with safety advocates in using April as a time to reflect, educate, and take action. If you or someone you love has been affected by a distracted driver in New Jersey, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact us today for a free consultation.