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The state of New Jersey does not mess around with texting and driving. Not only is it illegal to text when driving but if you knowingly text a person when they are driving you might find yourself in court too. The fact is that no matter your age, ones reaction time is delayed when they are distracted. We just can’t really do two things at once. So the question is “Are cell phones truly a distraction?” There is a growing concern about teenagers texting and driving. However, studies have shown that adults are texting just as much or more. Adults log more hours on the road. They use their so called down time or drive time for working and connecting with friends and family. 

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According to a study conducted by Texas A&M University’s Texas Transportation Institute found on AutoTrader.com cell phones are a distraction. Participants were asked to stop when they saw a flashing yellow light. Those who drove the course without texting responded to the signal in two seconds. But when the driver was texting, the response time was extended by three to four seconds. Additionally, the texting driver was 11 times more likely to miss the flashing light altogether. The 3-4 second lag time in the actual driving study is significant because in that period at highway speeds one can travel the length of a football field. Read the full report.  We all think we can do two things at once. The reality is that our mind switches back and forth between the two tasks. Sometimes so quickly that it almost seems as if we are doing two things at the same time. Take the test on the video below to see if you can really do two things at a time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4 After taking the test how confident are you about driving and texting, no matter your age and driving ability.  

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For additional information about texting and driving laws in New Jersey click here. If you are in need of a lawyer due to texting and driving contact the the Law Offices of Aretsky & Aretsky . 

You just got a ticket for speeding. It isn’t your first, but you’re not too worried about it. You figure all you need to do is pay for it and move on. But is that all there is to it? No. People often don’t realize the long lasting effects a moving violation can have on a person’s:

• Insurance rates
• Driving record
• Employment opportunities
• Induce Deportation

In addition to the ticket fine you will be required to pay, you probably already know that getting a moving violation will get points on your driving record, which will end up causing your auto insurance rates to jump up. In tough economic times we’re facing today, every penny counts, so why wouldn’t you take the opportunity to have someone to represent you in this matter? You may have never even considered contacting a traffic lawyer before, and assumed that everyone just goes to court on their own. A traffic defense lawyer has extensive knowledge and experience of traffic laws that everyday citizens know nothing about.

While paying a little extra each month on your auto insurance may not really bother you too much, consider the effect this traffic ticket could have on your driving record. According to the New Jersey DMV website:

“A certified driver history record abstract lists all accidents, violations and actions (including, but not limited to suspensions, points credits, fee payments and restorations) incurred by a motorist.”

Since this is a public document, anyone can access your driving history. And do you know who cares about your traffic violations? Present and future employers – especially if the job you hold or are seeking requires any work hours behind the wheel. In addition, if you are ever in a legal trial of any kind, lawyers can access this document and use any of the information against you. And what if you live here illegally? In a recent article on NJ.com, it was reported that in New Jersey alone, illegal immigrants without a criminal record are more likely to get deported compared to the rest of the U.S. This same article reported that one man who lived and worked here illegally was driving with a suspended license, without any prior criminal record and was facing deportation.

These are major issues that do not need to be dealt with on your own. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let us hear the details of your particular situation, and we’ll come up with a plan together.