With the rise in popularity of smartphones, cases of distracted driving are rising as well. But distracted driving is more than just using your phone while you’re behind the wheel.
There are mainly three different types of distractions:
This means distracted driving can mean the following:
Anything you do that diverts your attention from the road is considered “distracted driving.” Although it has been proven how dangerous and damaging distracted driving is, sadly, distracted driving cases are still increasing.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 3,142 people were killed on the road due to distracted driving.
Every state has different laws involving distracted driving. A good majority of them, including California, bans drivers from using their cell phones while driving.
California Vehicle Code also states, “A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless the phone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking.”
Unfortunately, despite these existing laws against distracted drivers, cases of car accidents in California remain high. Particularly in Los Angeles, where around 244 people were killed in traffic collisions in 2019.
Los Angeles car accident lawyers encourage drivers to avoid using their cellphones while driving as much as possible. Mainly due to these alarming statistics:
Distracted driving can lead to very serious consequences. It not only harms the person doing it but other innocent motorists on the road as well.
A few seconds may seem like a small amount of time, but it’s all it takes for a disaster to occur. Keeping your eyes away from the road is a very risky and irresponsible thing to do as a driver. Distracted driving can cause serious injuries and, for those unfortunate enough, even death.
The majority of distracted drivers are teenagers and young adults.
In the U.S. in 2018:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers under 20 have the highest proportion of fatal crashes due to distracted driving. It is most likely because younger drivers cannot fully comprehend the consequences of distracted driving as they are still new to the road.
The best way to reduce distracted driving cases is by thoroughly educating young drivers about the consequences that come with it. Being a driver is a huge responsibility, as you are not only responsible for your safety and the safety of your passengers, but you are also responsible for the safety of the other people on the road as well.
Here are some things you can do to minimize distracted driving cases:
Parents are also encouraged to teach their teens about proper road etiquette to avoid more accidents from occurring. If you are a parent with a teenage driver, take time to talk to them and explain the responsibilities that come with driving.
