Are Californians Safe From Distracted Drivers?

Distracted drivers are capable of killing and catastrophically injuring other motorists and pedestrians. Pedestrian and car accidents caused by distracted drivers have become a national problem, but there have also been cases in California that have led to injury and death.

Recently, a driver hit a woman in Carlsbad while she was walking along a sidewalk. Witnesses and police are saying the driver may have been distracted. An investigation into the accident will be forwarded to the San Diego District Attorney’s Office.

Pedestrians are not the only people at risk for being injured or killed in distracted driving accidents. Last year, a Rohnert Park man was sentenced to a year in jail for distracted driving after his truck ran into the back of another car, killing both occupants. The man was checking a text message when the accident happened.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Many people make the mistake of assuming that distracted driving involves only the use of a mobile phone, but that is incorrect. Distracted driving can include a number of activities, such as eating, grooming, using a GPS or messing with the radio. Other passengers can also present a distraction to drivers. To ensure the safety of yourself and others, the best way to drive safely is to focus on driving and nothing else.

Mobile phone use is the cause for the highest number of fatal car and pedestrian accidents, killing nine people a day and injuring another 1,000. Sending a text message takes an average of 4.6 seconds, and at over 50 mph, that covers 300 feet of road. Research suggests that drivers are 23 times more likely to be in a car accident if they are texting and driving.

Does California Have Laws Against Distracted Driving?

In California, police departments and highway patrol regularly receive extra funding to catch impaired and distracted drivers. California law enforcement will pull over drivers who are texting or talking without a hands-free device and ticket them. First time fines are $162 and the fine amount increases with each additional violation.

Bonnici Law Group uses its experience and desire for justice to help the victims of car accidents hurt by the negligent driving habits of others. We invite you to come and visit our Facebook and Twitters pages to learn more about us.

Bonnici Law Group – San Diego Car Accident and Injury Attorney

Did You Know? According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, using a headset to talk on your mobile phone is not substantially safer than using a hand-held phone.

You can learn more about California laws regarding texting and driving by visiting distraction.gov.