Nearly 50,000 car accidents take place every year in Rhode Island, most of which are entirely preventable. It only takes a moment of inattention to cause a severe or even fatal crash, and despite numerous safety laws, distracted driving accidents continue to claim countless lives nationwide.
When a Driver Is Distracted by Electronics
Use of cellphones and tablets while driving isn’t just dangerous—it’s also Illegal in Rhode Island. State law prohibits use of any handheld mobile electronic devices behind the wheel. If a driver is under 18, they are forbidden to use any mobile electronic device regardless of hands-free capability. These laws apply when the car is in motion or when the car is idle (including stopped at intersections or red lights).
Electronics continue to be a factor in preventable crashes, including:
Cellphones.
If a police officer sees you holding a phone for any reason while driving, you can be pulled over and fined up to $100. Common illegal activities include texting, taking selfies, playing games, reading the news, using chat apps, or checking email. While drivers are allowed to make and take calls on cellphones using hands-free systems, voice-only phone calls can still be a distraction and should be kept to a minimum.
