Distracted Driving Facts and Figures in California
Smartphones are a way of life now; they keep people connected. However, it doesn’t mean you should be connected all the time – especially behind the wheel. Using your smartphone behind the wheel is tempting, but using your phone while driving is not only a bad idea, it’s illegal in California. To avoid negligent behavior that could put you at risk of a crash and legal liability, it’s important to know what you are and aren’t allowed to do while driving.
Current California Cell Phone Laws
Currently, in California, no drivers are permitted to use mobile phones while on public roads for:
- Calling
- Reading texts
- Writing texts
Though most drivers are permitted to use phones if their car is equipped with a hands-free system, nobody under the age of 18 may take advantage of this exception to cell phone bans in California. To qualify as a hands-free system in California, your phone needs to be installed on either a windshield or a dashboard in a manner that doesn’t inhibit your view of the road. You must also be capable of using a single tap or swipe to either activate or deactivate the phone.
California’s DMV reports that over 426,000 tickets resulted from cell phone use while driving in 2017, and the occurrence of distracted driving incidents from cell phone use has increased from 5.4 percent of all drivers to 7.6 percent of all drivers in the span of two years. Almost 60 percent of all California drivers report they were either hit or almost struck by a driver who was either talking or texting while driving.
Other Distracted Driving Behaviors
In California, even though cell phones are the prominent reason distracted driving occurs, there are numerous other behaviors that can end in a reckless driving ticket, a speed unsafe for conditions ticket, and a finding of fault and liability if an accident occurs while on the road. Tickets are commonly given for offenses such as:
- Reaching for an object located on the floor of your vehicle
- Manipulating vehicle controls such as touchscreens while driving
- Changing clothes
- Applying makeup
- Shaving
- Reading
- Eating
Speak to an Experienced California Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured as a passenger in a car wreck, it’s important you take a few steps to look after your well-being and avoid missteps that could greatly impact your ability to recover for your injuries. The skilled California Car Accident Attorneys at Daneshrad Law have years of experience fighting for victims like you to recover full compensation for your damages. We use our knowledge, skill, and assets to build a team of experts, investigate your claim fully, and build the strongest case possible for your recovery. Attorney Alan Daneshrad knows how to deliver results; he’s secured millions in compensation for his clients’ injuries. Call us 24/7 at (888) 881-3529 to schedule a free initial case consultation. Let us evaluate your case and work hard to get you the best possible results for you from an unfortunate situation.
