Despite devastating consequences, cell phone use while driving an ongoing problem in California
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day in the United States, distracted driving is a factor in more than 1,153 crash-related injuries and more than nine deaths. The CDC also defines three types of distracted driving — visual, manual and cognitive — and using a handheld cell phone while driving falls into all three of those categories.
California law bans texting and use of handheld devices while behind the wheel. Additionally, novice drivers and bus drivers are not permitted to use any kind of cell phone while driving, regardless of whether the device is hands-free or handheld. Other drivers may use hands-free devices, but this can also be a dangerous distraction.
Efforts have been stepped up in recent years to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, but more needs to be done. You don’t have to look far to find drivers looking down at their cell phones or holding phones up to their ears, and crash investigators still examine cell phone records and discover that drivers were using their phones just before the accident.
The reasons for this kind of behavior are various. Drivers may know that texting and talking while driving are dangerous, but they mistakenly think they are immune to the consequences. People are also busy, and they talk and text while driving in order to deal with the pressures of work, family and friends. Still, the risks of injury and death far outweigh any of those excuses.
Distracted drivers can face criminal charges if a crash results in injury or death. However, the injured person or the family of the deceased may need to take civil action to hold the distracted driver fully accountable. Taylor & Ring’s auto accident overview has more on victims’ legal options after a serious crash.
Serving clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles and Southern California area, we represent victims in a variety of civil litigation cases. If you or a loved one has been injured, turn to an experienced Los Angeles personal injury or sexual assault lawyer.
Find out more about Taylor & Ring.