Driving while texting: knowing what’s legal

There are plenty of dangers that come with distracted driving and some of the laws surrounding phone use. But what if you’re sitting at a stop light and suddenly get a phone call or a text, and you pick your phone up to use it?

Maryland state police say, not so fast. Whether you are stopped at a red light, or at a stop sign, it is illegal to use your handheld phone, even if your car is completely stopped. Lieutenant Ryan Bricker with the Maryland State Police says if you must make a phone call or you have to check your email, pull over.

47 ABC spoke with Lt. Bricker and he says “The best thing that we tell people is to pull off to the side of the road, put your vehicle in park, do what you have to do, and then continue on your way. Most people can only concentrate and do one thing they cant multi-task.”

Lieutenant Bricker wants to remind all drivers that even if you take your eyes off the road for a few seconds it can result in a minor fender bender or a serious accident.