Distracted driving is the general term that New Yorkers may use to refer to any activity that takes a driver’s attention off of the road. Often times, distracted driving is caused by cell phone use. Texting and driving, making phone calls, checking email and surfing the web are all common ways that drivers become distracted by their technology. Those who are suspected of distracted driving can be sanctioned for their alleged actions.

However, the state of New York also targets drivers who engage in other allegedly dangerous behaviors while driving. Any of these activities may make a driver inattentive to their driving responsibilities, and therefore, those drivers are considered inattentive drivers when they do them. Inattentive behaviors can include, but are not limited to, driving while tired, driving while distracted and driving with one’s eyes off of the road.

Drivers who operate with distractions or in an allegedly inattentive state may be ticketed by law enforcement officials. As of 2013, drivers here may receive up to 5 points on their licenses for driving while distracted, and as readers know, points on one’s license are not a good thing. The more points that a driver accumulates the closer they may come to losing their driving privileges.

Distracted driving and inattentive driving can be subjective determinations, and in some cases, law enforcement officials may make mistakes with regard to what drivers are actually doing when they are behind the wheels of their cars. Tickets for distracted and inattentive driving may be challenged, and individuals who are worried about protecting their driving privileges can seek support from traffic violation defense attorneys.