In Massachusetts, Aaron Deveau was convicted of causing a car accident while he was text-messaging. He was charged with motor vehicle homicide and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, using a mobile phone while operating a motor vehicle, reading or sending an electronic message, a marked lanes violation, and two counts of negligent operation and injury from mobile phone use after a car accident that killed a father of three on February 20, 2011. Two others were seriously injured.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Deveau, who was 17 at the time, sent 193 text messages the day of the crash, including some just a minute or so before impact and dozens more after it. Deveau denied sending a text message moments before the crash. Instead, he testified he was tired from his dish-washing job and was distracted while worrying about his homework. The Massachusetts teen, who faced a maximum of four years behind bars, was sentenced to one year in prison. He was also ordered to perform 40 hours of community service and surrender his driver's license for 15 years.
Studies have shown that texting while driving makes you four times more likely to cause a crash, yet 75 percent of teens admit to text messaging while driving. Massachusetts has a law that makes it illegal to text while driving. Although Florida does not yet have a similar law, there is talk about this type of law every year the Florida legislature meets. Don't be surprised if Florida doesn't soon have such a law.
Drive safely and watch out for those who don't.
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Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes represents those injured in car accidents caused by negligent drivers. His Clearwater law firm -- Perenich, Caulfield, Avril & Noyes -- is one of the oldest personal injury law firms in Tampa Bay. If you or a friend or family member is injured because of an automobile accident, call Attorney Noyes at 727-796-8282 or simply click here to schedule a free case consultation.
