New traffic safety rules and laws often go into effect in a New Year. Depending on where you live, there could be new laws pertaining to distracted driving or ignition interlocks for drivers convicted of DUI.
An Overview of New Traffic Safety Rules and Laws for 2013
According to Consumer Reports, this year (Oct. 1) Missouri will become the 17th state that requires drivers convicted of a DUI to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicles. In New York, these are required whenever an individual has been convicted of a DWI misdemeanor or felony.
Another change in the laws this year applies to West Virginia. As of July 1, cell phone use while driving will be banned. This law has already been adopted in New York, where texting or emailing while driving is also prohibited.
Teens may be affected by new laws. The graduated driver licensing program in Maine will extend what used to be a requirement of six months in which teens could not drive with passengers or at night to nine months.
All of these laws and rules strive to make the roads safer. That’s good because early estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that between January and September 2012, there were 25,580 traffic fatalities.
Contact a Long Island Accident Lawyer
Whether you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic accident, you may consult a lawyer at Gacovino, Lake & Associates regarding your case. Call us at (800) 246-4878. We may be able to help determine the cause of your accident and who could be held liable. Additionally, a lawyer can help collect the evidence necessary to prove fault after a traffic accident.
