It’s amazing with all of the information out there these days that people still engage in activities like texting while driving, that they’re not aware, or don’t care, that distracted driving has been scientifically proven to be every bit as dangerous as drunk driving. Yet, the number of distracted driving accidents are on the rise rather than going down.
More and more states are looking at cell phones and mobile devices as the culprit in these accidents and are taking action to put a stop to it, despite powerful government lobbies against it. California has now joined those seeking to put an end to this road way danger. Discover a new addition to California’s distracted driving laws that seeks to end the problem and potentially save a lot of lives in the process.
Distracted Driving Laws
Distracted driving laws are becoming more common across the nation. It’s perhaps surprising that California, normally a leader in progressive lawmaking, has taken so long to take this action themselves. A recent law, however, was implemented in January of this year that now bans drivers from any cellular phone use while behind the wheel.
The law is strict; it requires officers merely to look and see if the phone is mounted on the car’s dash or in the driver’s hand. If it’s the latter, they’re clearly using it, and they can be cited. As a primary offense, drivers can be pulled over if observed using their phone.
What Constitutes Distracted Driving?
Opponents of the law are quick to point out that cell phones are only one aspect of distracted driving, and that the law doesn’t address things like yelling at your kids, eating, putting on makeup, playing with the infotainment system or the like. They say that if the law is to be implemented, it must be expanded to include all aspects of distraction.
Others claim that banning the use of mobile devices will infringe upon their right to make a living, that constant connectivity and communications are essential to their job. These arguments, for the most part, are falling on deaf ears. After all, supporters say, the world functioned fine for a long time without constant connectivity, and there’s nothing that’s so essential it can’t wait ten minutes for someone to find a place to pull over.
The Dangers of Texting
The average text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for approximately four seconds. When traveling at 50 mph, your car will travel 1,200 feet in that time. That’s a long distance without you looking at what’s in front of you. All it takes is the car in front of you to just tap their brakes, and fatalities can result.
Distracted Driving Accidents and Injury
In the end, laws or not, if you’re in an accident caused by a distracted driver and you suffer serious injuries, they’re on the hook to pay for those injuries. Getting compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical bills, damage to your quality of life and more, however, requires help from an experienced car accident attorney. If you need help in the San Francisco area, call Gruber Law Group for a free case consult today.