In Wisconsin, it feels like construction never truly ends, even in the winter. So the next time you’re driving past those orange cones, be aware that on October 1, it will be illegal to use a cellphone while driving in a Wisconsin work zone.
Texting and driving has been illegal in Wisconsin for some time, but the law still permits drivers to talk on their phone while driving in the majority of the state. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, 24,089 crashes were due to inattentive driving in 2015, resulting in 10,640 injuries and 103 fatalities. Clearly, distracted driving is Wisconsin is a serious problem.
In work zones, extra attention to changing road conditions and the presence of construction workers are critical to safety. Under Wisconsin Act 308, inattentive drivers caught talking on their cellphones in these zones will be ticketed $40 on their first offense and up to $100 thereafter.
What Else You Need to Know about Wisconsin Act 308:
- Bluetooth and hands-free devices will remain legal to use while driving through work zones.
- Drivers are still permitted to call 911 in cases of emergency while driving in work zones.
- This law will apply to anyone driving within a work zone, including commercial drivers and workers.
With an average of nearly 2,000 work zone crashes annually in the state, the message is simple: if you see orange cones, put down the phone.
At Hupy and Abraham, we are committed to reducing preventable accidents. To help spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving, request a free Don’t Text and Drive bumper sticker and fans of the popular Pokémon GO game can even request a free Don’t Catch and Drive sticker by following these links.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, the car accident attorneys at Hupy and Abraham are here to help. Call 800-800-5678 or start a live chat 24/7 at Hupy.com.