Texting  and phone use are leading causes of distracted driving.  The law in Maryland prohibits the use of a handheld phone while driving.  This includes the writing, sending or reading of a text or electronic message.  Avoid a fine and park the phone before you drive.

All distractions endanger drivers, passengers and pedestrians.  Most distractions involve cognitive and sensory distraction.  When you make a call on a hand-held phone you are not only holding and looking at the phone, you are also dialing, listening and thinking about the conversation.

Driver distractions include:

• Texting
• Using a cell phone or smartphone
• Eating and drinking
• Talking to passengers
• Grooming
• Reading, including maps
• Using a navigation system
• Watching a video
• Adjusting a radio, CD player, or MP3 player

Remember distractions are:

• Visual - looking at something other than the road
• Auditory - hearing something not related to driving
• Manual - manipulating something other than the wheel
• Cognitive - thinking about something other than driving

Click here for more.