The legal team at Bowles & Verna has helped countless accident victims in and around Walnut Creek. Following serious auto accidents that cause injury and disability, it’s important that you speak with our lawyers. We can help you recover damages to cover medical bills and other losses.
As we become more and more dependent on mobile devices, it’s not surprising that we use them a lot throughout the day. Yet it’s of the utmost importance that mobile phones not be used to text or browse the web while driving. There are so many dangers this poses to drivers, passengers, other motorists, and pedestrians.
Driver Distraction Is No Joke
Distracted driving refers to any instance in which a driver’s full attention is diverted from the road. This could mean looking away from the road to grab something from the backseat or the glove box, or it could mean reaching for some food on the passenger seat. Distractions mean you aren’t looking at the road, or that you are not in a position to brake or swerve should there be some kind of adverse condition that arises. When it comes to distraction, there is no greater cause than the use of a cell phone.
Why Texting and Driving Is So Dangerous
If you text while driving, you take your eyes off the road and also occupy at least one hand in typing out a response. Sometimes people who text behind the wheel use both hands. In this case, a driver is effectively no longer a driver.
If you text while you drive, you take your eyes off of the road for an average of three to five seconds at a time. For perspective, at highway speeds, you can travel the length of a football field in just around four seconds. A lot can happen in that distance.
California Laws on Cell Phones While Driving
California has strict laws regarding cell phone use behind the wheel. The state passed the Wireless Communications Device Law, which went into effect in January 2009. The law states that no driver can write, send, or read text messages while they are behind the wheel. Passengers can do this, but drivers must have full attention while they drive.
Drivers are allowed to talk on the phone while driving, but only if they are using a hand-free set and are at least 18 years old. Drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to talk on the phone while they drive.
The only exception to these rules is if a driver has to make an emergency phone call.
Parents Need to Teach Teenage Drivers Responsibility
Given the seriousness of texting while driving, it’s important that parents stress safety at all times as they teach their sons and daughters to drive. If you child does text or use the phone while behind the wheel, do not be afraid to restrict or take away driving privileges. This can teach your child a valuable lesson, and it can literally save a life.
Text Only When It’s Safe
We all have to text some time, so if you have to text, do it when it’s safe. Make sure that you have pulled away from traffic to a parking, rest area, or a safe curb. Your vehicle should be completely stopped before you take out your phone and use it.
Speak with Skilled Injury and Accident Attorneys Today
For more information about your legal options following a serious injury or collision, be sure to contact our skilled personal injury and auto accident attorneys today. Our legal team will side with you every step of the way.