How many billboards did you drive by today? In the space of a normal commute, it could be dozens or even hundreds. In some areas, they’re so common that they blend together and you may not even realize how many there are.
Have you ever wondered, though, if those billboards should be illegal?
You may be surprised to learn that some states have banned or restricted them. Often, it’s for the sake of keeping the state open and beautiful. For instance, Hawaii and Alaska are two states that have done this. They get a lot of tourists, and all of them want to see a pristine natural environment. Officials have decided that keeping the states in that beautiful condition is more important than extra advertising. There are those who oppose it, of course, but it’s the stance lawmakers have taken.
Even if you take out that factor, though, you need to consider the role of distracted driving. In recent years, that has come to mean texting and driving, but the truth is that anything can be a distraction. People crash their cars looking at other accidents out the window or talking to passengers or just trying to adjust the mirrors. It stands to reason that any time a driver spends looking at a billboard is time that he or she is not looking at the road, and you can argue that a distraction of that magnitude could cause an accident.
If you get injured by one of these distracted drivers, regardless of the reason for the distraction, you need to know if you have a right to compensation for your medical bills and other costs. It’s always wise to discuss your situation with an attorney before you speak to an insurance company about your claim.