Distracted driving falls into three categories: manual, visual, and cognitive. Each can increase the risk of a car accident by interfering with a driver’s ability to react quickly.
Manual distractions occur when a driver takes their hands off the wheel—such as when eating, reaching into the backseat, or sending a text. Visual distractions take your eyes off the road. Texting also falls into this category, along with reading a map or checking email. Finally, cognitive distractions take your mind off driving. Whether you are daydreaming or talking to a passenger, these distractions can make it more difficult to react to changing road conditions.
Distracted driving endangers everyone on the road. To stay safe, it’s crucial to remain focused and avoid any activity that takes your hands, eyes, or attention away from driving.
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Overview of Arizona’s Hands-Free Law
When Did the Law Go Into Effect?
Arizona’s hands-free law took effect on January 1, 2021, with full enforcement beginning in July 2021. This law prohibits drivers from using handheld mobile devices while operating a vehicle, meaning it’s illegal to manually send a text or email, or make a phone call, while driving.
What Devices Are Covered?
The law prohibits the use of any mobile device while driving, including smartphones, tablets, and gaming devices. Exceptions include emergency situations, using voice commands, or setting up GPS devices while the vehicle is safely parked.
Is It Illegal To Text and Drive in Arizona?
Yes, texting while driving is illegal in Arizona. The state has strict laws in place to prevent distracted driving. Even checking your phone while stopped at a red light may be a violation, as the law applies to drivers who are temporarily stopped but still in control of the vehicle. The law also goes beyond texting—it prohibits any manual phone use while behind the wheel, including typing, swiping, or browsing.
Penalties for Distracted Driving in Arizona
Distracted driving comes with penalties in the state of Arizona. If you’re pulled over for texting, talking on the phone, or any other distraction, the following may apply:
- A fine of $75 to $149 for a first offense
- $150 to $250 for subsequent offenses
If distracted driving contributes to a crash causing serious injury or death, the penalties can escalate. In such cases, drivers may face misdemeanor or even felony charges depending on the circumstances, which can carry up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,500—or more for felony-level offenses.
Exceptions to Arizona’s Distracted Driving Law
Arizona’s hands-free and distracted driving laws have exceptions. For example, using voice commands to send a text or make a call is allowed, as long as it doesn’t require the use of your hands, shoulders, or other body parts. Similarly, it’s legal to use a GPS if you input the destination before driving while the vehicle is safely parked.
Law enforcement and emergency personnel are allowed to use handheld mobile devices while driving, as long as they are performing their official duties. This exception enables these professionals to maintain communication across their platforms in critical situations. Furthermore, the law permits all drivers to use handheld devices to report illegal activities or request emergency assistance.
Distracted Driving and Car Accidents in Arizona
In 2022 alone, nearly 120,000 crashes occurred, injuring 35,878 people and killing 1,178.
Distracted driving is more than a legal violation—it can result in real-world consequences. When someone is not paying attention to the road, this can lead to severe accidents, injuries, and even fatalities, both to the people in the car and those around them.
Nationwide, distracted driving claimed over 3,275 lives in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Distracted driving often leads to rear-end collisions and intersection crashes. If someone isn’t paying attention to the road, it becomes easier to fall short of braking in time, resulting in colliding with another car or entering an intersection illegally.
Can I Sue a Distracted Driver in Arizona?
If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s distraction, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. To succeed, it’s essential to prove negligence, liability, and damages. In driving cases, negligence means breaching the duty to operate a vehicle in a reasonably safe manner that doesn’t put others at risk.
If a distracted driver causes an accident, their actions can serve as evidence of negligence. To pursue a successful claim, that negligence must also result in measurable damages, including medical bills, lost income, and other injury-related losses. When both negligence and damages are proven, your attorney can build a strong case to hold the at-fault party accountable and pursue fair compensation. Contact our compassionate team of car accident attorneys today to assess your case
How Feller & Wendt LLC™ Can Help After a Distracted Driving Accident
At Feller & Wendt, LLC™, we understand the devastating impact of distracted driving. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to holding distracted drivers accountable for their actions. We can review your case, determine its eligibility for a personal injury claim, and start gathering evidence of fault.
If you or a loved one has been hit by a distracted driver, do not hesitate to get in touch; our team can help with your case. Call our law office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to explore your legal options.
* This information provided by Feller & Wendt, LLC™ is for informational purposes only and should be in no way construed as legal advice.
