Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents. When a driver is distracted, it can take just a few seconds to get into a collision. There are a number of reasons for the recent increase in the number of accidents attributed to distracted driving. Most notably, the use of cell phones for texting, talking, and using apps is something that is likely contributing to the higher incidence of serious distracted driving crashes. New technology is available that allows police to learn whether a driver was using his or her phone when a crash occurred – a device called the Textalyzer. There is a strong debate over the use of this device, however.
What is a Textalyzer?
A Textalyzer is technology that provides data about cell phone use when the phone is plugged into the device. The Textalyzer was developed by Cellebrite, an Israeli security company. The technology is designed to provide information about how mobile devices were being utilized in the moments before a car crash. If the Textalyzer is approved, police would be allowed to use the device on the cell phones of those people involved in accidents. It would be used in much the same manner as a breathalyzer. The driver’s cell phone would be connected to a tablet device that would provide law enforcement with a summary of phone activity along with the times that the activities took place.
It is important for police officers to be able to find out immediately whether cell phone use contributed to an accident. Currently, this information can be found only through a subpoena after the fact and may not always be available. There are concerns by some people that the Textalyzer infringes on people’s privacy rights. However, it is essential to note that the content of the conversations or text messages is not obtained, only the time stamp and the type of activity the phone was being used for.
How a Textalyzer can Help
A Textalyzer will provide law enforcement with immediate knowledge of the circumstances and contributing factors of a collision. If a driver was illegally using a device while driving, a violation may be given. Additionally, when Textalyzer laws are in place, it will deter people from using their devices while behind the wheel.
The use of this type of device will help enforce the current laws that make it illegal to text while driving. Texting while driving is a form of distracted driving and causes thousands of crashes every year. If you were involved in an accident that may have been caused by a distracted driver, it will be necessary to know whether the driver was texting at the time of the incident. Currently, California does not allow Textalyzers, however, some day they may. Your attorney will gather all evidence in the case and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. You may be entitled to money for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Call the experienced legal team at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea for a consultation to discuss the details of your accident.
2 Comments
John Doe
February 16, 2018
you should be AGAINST this as the police should need a search warrant for it as it is a form of a illegal search.
PGS Law Office
February 16, 2018
Thank you for the feedback.
“There are concerns by some people that the Textalyzer infringes on people’s privacy rights. However, it is essential to note that the content of the conversations or text messages is not obtained, only the time stamp and the type of activity the phone was being used for.”
The sentence above comes directly from the blog, and it is important to note that an illegal search is not something we would advocate.
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