Nearly all states ban some aspect of texting while driving. Indeed, distracted driving has become a national epidemic, as it is now one of the top three causes of crashes nationwide. To combat this significant problem, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently announced a program designed to help reduce the incidence of distracted driving by adult drivers, noting that distracted-driving crashes “are 100 percent preventable.”
Many distracted driving initiatives target younger drivers, those perceived as more tech-savvy and likely to text while driving. However, many sources have confirmed that texting while driving is not confined to younger, less experienced drivers but rather spans age populations.
The CHP’s program is focused on helping California’s adult drivers understand the tremendous risk presented by distracted driving. Although many people believe they are increasing their efficiency when they handle calls and texts while driving, this is simply not true. Driving cannot be performed safely while texting or talking on the phone.
Both driving and using your mobile phone—even in hands-free mode—take your full attention. “The act of talking on a cell phone . . . can give you ‘inattention blindness,’ where your brain isn’t seeing what’s right in front of you.” Consider these sobering statistics from the California Office of Traffic Safety:
- Distraction contributes to approximately 80 percent of crashes.
- Using mobile devices is the leading cause of driver distractions.
- The majority of crashes provide only two seconds for a driver to react, but the average text takes about five seconds.
When any driver chooses to engage in distracted behavior, we are all affected. We lose our family members and friends. We lose our ability to be independent. We lose respect for each other. No matter who you are, resolve today not to drive distracted. Our country cannot progress on this issue without your help.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a distracted driver, contact the team at Alexander Law Group, LLP at 888.777.1776 for a free case consultation today. We help our clients recover monetary compensation for their injuries and expenses.
