New York is paving the way to implement a new technology that will allow police officers to test the phone usage of motorists who have been in automobile accidents. The test would reveal whether or not the driver’s phone had been in use just prior to or during the accident, determining if distracted driving was the culprit.
Should it be approved, the new technology – deemed the “textalyzer” – can be administered at the scene of an accident in order to hold distracted drivers accountable for using their phones behind the wheel. Individuals who refuse to turn over their phones could run the risk of losing their driver’s licenses.
Ben Lieberman of Distracted Operators Risk Casualties (DORCS) stated the following:
When people were held accountable for drunk driving, that’s when positive change occurred. It’s time to recognize that distracted driving is a similar impairment…this is a way to address people who are causing damage.
The proposal is controversial and has been labeled a breach of privacy, although the “textalyzer” would not have access to personal information apart from the times at which the phone was in use.
Distracted driving can have horrible consequences. If you or someone you know has been injured in an automobile accident involving a distracted driver, seek help from a personal injury lawyer immediately.