Distracted Driving Still Huge Threat in Southern California

Despite the ongoing efforts by public officials to raise awareness about the risks, distracted driving remains one the largest threats to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Traffic is notoriously heavy in Southern California, so distracted driving is a huge problem in the region.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving accounts for 80 percent of US car accidents and 65 percent of near misses. Researchers from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) reported that when drivers look at or send a text message, they take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. This may not seem like a long time, but consider this—a car traveling at 55 miles per hour will cover 100 yards in 4.6 seconds.

The State of California passed a law that will go into effect on January 1 allowing drivers to talk or text using only a hands-free device, such as Bluetooth and Talk-to-Text software. This is a great start, but texting and cell phone use is only one form of distracted driving. Anything that takes your hands, eyes or attention off of driving can be deadly. This includes eating, adjusting the stereo, using a GPS device and grooming or applying makeup.

Please visit our site for more information on car accidents, and contact our firm for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured because of a distracted driver.

Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego car accident lawyer.