As technology progresses into new fields of communication, problems inevitably arise. Policy-makers often find themselves, some times years after the invention of a new device, reacting to changes in society caused by innovations in technology. When cell phones first gained widespread use, some legislation was passed in order to address the machines. Eventually, with increased concern for safety, cell phone usage became restricted in certain cities and states. With the popularity of texting as a communication method, a similar series of events took place. Especially after such figures as a Virginia Tech University study showed that attending to a numeral pad increases the probability for a collision or nearly being in a collision by 2.8 times. With the dangers of texting while driving well-documented, many states have turned to making the act illegal. However, other technologies have similar uses or similar input methods with slight differences that remain legal and can improve your efficiency while driving.

GPS navigation devices involve a digitally produced output almost identical to some smart phone applications, but the nature of portable GPS assistants allow for safer driving. The emphasis of these legal devices and the texting while driving legislation is on a hands-free and road-first environment. Most popular devices provide directions audibly for a driver to ensure that they are not spending too much time checking the visual display. However, in case a driver decides to visually reinforce the spoken directions, these machines offer a simple, clear display that provides an automatic driver-based orientation to the geography of the area.

As a general rule, certainly not locality-specific, which should be taken into account, the state law of Washington states that devices may only be used if they are stationary and connected to the vehicle itself. In this interpretation, smart phones, even with navigation applications installed, do not pass the safety test. Instead, built-in or suction cup-attached computerized assistants keep the driver's hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

If you want to learn more about the injury liability side of texting while driving laws, contact the car accident lawyers of Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C., by calling 800-242-2874 to gather more information.