Despite the fact that talking and texting on your cell phone while driving is illegal it still occurs frequently. The biggest risk involved when using a mobile device while driving is the distraction it causes which can often lead to an accident. There are plenty of facts that support the dangers of distracted driving, including:
- 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattetion.
- Up to 6,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
- Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
- Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, far enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph. Most crashes happen with less than 3 seconds reaction time.
- The act of talking on a cell phone, even hands free, can give you “inattention blindness,” where your brain isn’t seeing what’s right in front of you. You aren’t even aware that you are driving impaired.
Distracted driving is defined as anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel (which is typically the case when talking or texting). It has been estimated that 10 percent of drivers are using a mobile device; this is especially dangerous for teens and other inexperienced drivers. For more reasons you can visit the California Office of Traffic Safety, you can also download their Distracted Driving Fact Sheet and FAQs. Currently California law states:
- Adult drivers (18 and older) banned from using cell phones unless they employ hands-free devices.
- Drivers may not use wireless devices to “to write, send, or read a text-based communication” — as in text messaging.
- Minors are prohibited from using wireless phones while driving — with or without hands-free accessories.
- School bus operators and transit bus drivers prohibited from using cell phones while driving.
For further information, the DMV provides resources on text messaging law, cell phone law, and teen wireless device law.
Car accidents can happen faster than you can react and being distracted increases your chances. You are putting yourself and others at risk. If you have been involved in a car accident you need an experienced personal injury attorney who can represent your best interests, call the Law Office of Gregory W. Fox today at (559) 222-5800, in most instances a consultation can be scheduled for the same day.