Nevada Distracted Driving Laws
Nevada’s distracted driving enforcement needs are much like the rest of the country. Distracted driving facts collected from across the country show that in 2016 alone, motor vehicle accidents in which distracted behaviors were a factor accounted for 3,450 deaths occurred on the roads. Each day, more than eight people die and another 1,161 are injured in the United States from auto accidents where distraction is cited as a reason for the incident taking place.
Nevada passed its distracted driving laws in 2012 to combat the problem of the growing number of accidents on their roads and highways. The Nevada Highway Patrol has issued more than 12,000 traffic tickets in 2012 alone. They elaborated that few of them were repeat offenses. To find out more about Nevada’s distracted driving law, continue reading the article below.
What is distracted driving in Nevada?
When motorists find themselves subject to driving distractions, it means they are neglecting to pay attention to the driving environment due to some behavior that diverts their focus. Distracted driving accidents and incidents are going up in number in conjunction with more adoption of technology across the country. The Centers for Disease Control classifies distractions into the following three categories:
- Visual – Visual distractions are the kind that diverts a driver’s eyesight away from the road. Some visual distractions include texting and driving, adjusting the radio or searching for items in your car.
- Manual – Manual distractions cause drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel of their vehicles. Manual distractions include eating, smoking and grooming (shaving, hair, makeup, etc.).
- Cognitive – Activity that takes averts your attention from the driving environment, like having a conversation whether with someone in the car or on the phone, can also be distracting.
A fourth category of driving distractions is included in some instances includes auditory, which is when drivers listen to something that distracts them from their driving, such as music.
Texting while driving is considered the most dangerous of the distracted behaviors because it involves all three major categories of distractions. Because of this, the consequences for texting while driving are often more severe.
Distracted activities in which drivers indulge behind the wheel most often include:
- Using a phone and/or texting
- Eating or drinking
- Talking to other passengers in the car
- Grooming (shaving, makeup, etc.)
- Reading
- Using any PDAs or navigation devices
- Watching videos of any kind
- Using the radio, CD player or MP3 player
- Loud music
Distracted Driving Laws in Nevada for Handheld Devices
Nevada’s laws against distracted driving place a complete ban on using any type of handheld device while operating a motor vehicle on the state’s roads and highways. The ban applies to all drivers regardless of their age or experience. Furthermore, the ban is a primary law. This means that law enforcement officers may pull you over if they see you using a handheld device, and they do not need to witness you committing some other moving violation first. However, the state permits you to use a hands-free device or use a voice-activated system integrated into your vehicle. There are other exceptions to the laws on distracted driving including:
- People reporting medical emergencies, safety hazards or crimes.
- Drivers using voice-activated navigation systems that are integrated into the vehicle.
- Drivers using two-way radios for which they have permits and which have separate, handheld microphones.
- Law enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel carrying out their duty.
- Utility workers responding to emergencies or repair calls using equipment supplied by their companies.
- Amateur radio operators helping with communications during an emergency or disaster.
Texting and Driving Laws in Nevada
Cell phone use while driving laws in Nevada ban all drivers, regardless of age or experience, from composing, reading or sending text messages while driving a motor vehicle. Drivers may not use any sort of device. This is also a primary law. However, there are exceptions mentioned above.
Nevada Distracted Drivers Regulations for CDL Holders
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) forbids all commercial drivers from using handheld devices while operating their vehicles. Nevada law enforcement will issue a texting and driving ticket to commercial driver’s license (CDL) drivers who violate the state law.
Distracted Driving Penalties in Nevada
Texting and driving fines in Nebraska amount to $200 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense and $500 for the third offense and each subsequent offense. In addition, the state will assess three demerit points on the guilty driver’s record for multiple violations.
Ways to Prevent Distracting Driving in Nevada
Educating drivers about the ways to stop texting and driving as well as dissuading them from other risky behavior that may result in motorists becoming distracted while operating a motor vehicle is important. Tips that can lower the chances of having a distracted driving accident include the following:
- Using mobile phones strictly in the event of an emergency. If using one is necessary, then first pull over to the side of the road and stop your car to make sure you can use the device safely. Refrain from using your handheld device to engage in casual communication that is not attending to an emergency.
- Fatigued driving increases the chances of you having an accident four-fold. In such a situation it is best to pull over to the side of the road or rest stop and take a break before continuing on your trip.
- Too many people in your car with you can cause distracted driving conditions as we as too much activity going on in the car. This is an especially difficult situation for teenage and novice drivers who are more easily distracted.
- Eating and/or drinking in a moving car while you are behind the wheel can become a major distraction. Spilling food or drink as well as eating can become very dangerous when you take your hands off the wheel.
- Multi-tasking can easily cause a distracted driving Changing the radio station, texting, or using a phone while operating a motor vehicle all reduce your capacity to be attentive to the driving environment.