Distracted driving is a serious issue that causes many car accidents.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distractions as any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Distractions can include texting, eating, drinking, grooming, and using a navigation system. Although they may seem like trivial distractions, every distraction endangers the lives of the driver, the passengers, and the bystanders.
In 2010, 3092 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. Approximately 416,000 were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. Nearly a fifth of all injury crashes were reported as distraction related crashes.
The most serious distraction is mobile use while driving. Texting while driving requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver. When a driver sends or receives a text, the driver’s eyes are taken off the road. During the time the driver’s eyes are taken off the road, the car is still constantly moving. The driver is basically driving blind at probably at least 40 miles per hour. This is a recipe for disaster. Furthermore, data shows that cell phone use while driving reduces brain activity by 37%.
Many of the states have passed a law banning texting and hand held phone use while driving. Some states have even have laws that ban hands-free cell phone use. These laws are important to keeping Americans safe on the road. It is also important for everyone to be educated on the dangers of distractions while driving. Certain states ban eating and drinking while driving, but there are many more distractions. Even changing the music station can be a dangerous distraction. Every driver needs to be educated on the dangers of distracted driving.
Orange County has a zero-tolerance policy for distracted driving. Drivers talking on cellphones, sending texts, eating, or applying makeup will be cited. In Orange County, there are no specific laws to cite distracted drivers, except for the ones regarding cell phone use. However, there are many vehicle codes that officers can use to cite distracted drivers. In 2010, the California Highway Patrol cited 13,321 drivers in Orange County. A ticket for a violating of the cell phone laws costs a minimum of $159. Avoid citation, by simply not using your cell phone while driving.
Distracted driving can cause very serious accidents. At The Law Offices of Dara Khajavi, we understand how traumatizing a car accident can be. We hope that you are never a victim of a car accident, but if you find yourself in this position, we are ready to help. Our Orange County car accident lawyers have won countless cases. Please do not hesitate to call us.