A New York bill is leading the way in helping crack down on distracted drivers. A proposed Textalyzer device could give law enforcement the evidence they need to determine if a driver was texting and driving at the time of an accident or before being pulled over.

Despite the fact that texting and driving is illegal in most states, including Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland, many drivers still text and drive, endangering themselves, pedestrians and other motorists.

According to preliminary estimates, vehicle fatalities are up by eight percent in 2015 over the prior year. Distracted driving is also on the rise and cell phone use while driving accounts for 25 percent of all crashes in the United States. More than 3,000 people are killed because of distracted drivers every year.

The Textalyzer has been touted as one way to alter people’s dangerous driving behaviors.

Benefits of the Textalyzer

The Textalyzer could assist officers by allowing law enforcement officials to check a driver’s phone on the scene. The Textalyzer would check the phone’s operating system to see if the driver had sent an email or text, taken a photo, or engaged in any other activity while driving. The device would not show the contents of any of these messages but would rather simply show recent activity.

Similar to drunk drivers refusing a breathalyzer test, if a driver refuses to give their phone to an officer, their driver’s license could be suspended.

Many advocates for the use of the device note the fact that the dangers of distracted driving are similar to those of drunk driving, so why not treat them in a similar way? If the bill passes in New York, the Textalyzer could easily spread to law enforcement agencies across the country.

Distracted driving can have serious consequences for innocent victims. If you or your loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, contact the auto accident lawyers at Goldberg Finnegan today. Schedule your free legal consultation to find out how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.