distracted driving

Distracted Driving Involves More Than Your Phone

June 15, 2020 | Gregory J. Brod

To most people, the term ‘distracted driving’ usually refers to texting while driving. Although texting and driving is a form of distracted driving, and against the law, there are many other types of distractions drivers contend with when behind the wheel. Although these other forms of distractions may not be against the law, a driver may still be found negligent when engaging in these behaviors. Accident victims can hold negligent drivers liable for providing compensation for any injuries or losses. For this reason, it is crucial that all drivers are aware of the different types of distractions, so they can avoid them.

Adjusting Controls in the Vehicle

Looking over to adjust the climate control in your vehicle, the radio, or any other type of control may seem like a fairly safe practice. When you do this though, you take your eyes off of the road, and you can cause an accident in that short moment. If possible, ask a passenger to make these adjustments, or use the controls on the steering wheel, if your vehicle is equipped with them.

Distracted Driving and Motor Vehicle Accidents in California

January 25, 2019 | Gregory J. Brod

If you are a driver in the San Francisco area, you likely have some stories about the distracted drivers you have seen around you. You can often see drivers eating, talking on the phone, texting, reading, and even putting on clothes or makeup. It is certainly scary to watch, especially knowing that they are behind the wheel of what is essentially a two-ton weapon moving at speed. Many of us often say to ourselves, “That person is going to hurt or kill someone if they do not pay better attention to what they are doing!” The question then, is what happens when they actually do hurt or kill someone?

Motor Vehicle Accidents and Distracted Driving Statistics

In 2017 (the last year for which statistics are available), motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 37,133 fatalities in the US. According to The Office of Traffic Safety, California accounted for 3,602 of those. 858 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles in California, as well. Nationwide, 3,450 people were killed by distracted drivers as well as 562 pedestrians and bicyclists. This accounts for almost 10% of total fatalities. In California, which has some of the most strict distracted driver laws, there were more than 178,000 cell phone use convictions and more than 31,000 convictions for texting while driving (these numbers are for 2016, the most recent year for these numbers). Californians ranked texting while driving and talking on a phone (either with hands or hands-free) as the two largest dangers while driving and over 62% of those surveyed said they had either been hit or almost hit by someone using a cell phone. Clearly, distracted driving is a serious issue and is causing a substantial number of injuries and deaths that are potentially avoidable.

Distracted Driving Causes Accidents and Injuries

November 30, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Distracted driving has changed a lot over the last few decades. Distracted driving used to be mainly people who were eating, applying makeup, or changing the radio station while driving. Today, distracted driving has become a lot more complicated. It can also cause major accidents with serious injuries. The use of cell phones for talking and texting has created a large problem and the need for new legislation. In California, drivers are not allowed to use handheld devices while behind the wheels of their vehicles.

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, DOT, distracted driving has reached epidemic proportions. In 2014, there were 3,179 people who died as a result of distracted driving accidents. Additionally, 431,000 people were injured in 2014 in accidents caused by distracted driving. The problem is so significant that DOT has a website, Distraction.gov, devoted completely to distracted driving. They provide informational materials for teens, parents, educators, employers, and community groups. The information is useful for raising public awareness about distracted driving.