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In our technologically driven age, where connectivity is at our fingertips, our inclination towards multitasking is unsurprising. However, despite this accessibility, there’s one crucial place where we must disconnect: behind the wheel.
Types of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving includes any behaviors that divert your attention from what you are doing. It manifests in three main forms:
- Visual Distractions: Taking your eyes off the road.
- Manual Distractions: Taking your hands off the steering wheel.
- Cognitive Distractions: Taking your mind off driving.
Each form of distracted driving contributes to the heightened risk of accidents, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness for the safety of all road users.
Cell Phone Use
Recognizing the heightened risks associated with cell phone use while driving, California has implemented stringent laws to address these dangers. The use of electronic communication devices, such as cell phones, is strictly prohibited while driving. However, drivers aged 18 and above are allowed to use hands-free devices. The regulations are more stringent for minors, who are strictly forbidden from using cell phones in any capacity while driving.
Statistics underscore the peril of cell phone use, encompassing activities like texting, dialing, or talking, as it amplifies the risk of a crash by three times. Notably, the act of sending or reading a text diverts a driver’s attention for an average of 5 seconds—an alarming equivalent to driving the length of a football field with closed eyes at a speed of 55 mph.
Consuming Food and Beverages While Driving
Despite the focus on reducing cell phone use while driving, eating and drinking behind the wheel also pose a great threat. Spills or leaks can lead drivers to divert their attention from the road simultaneously, resulting in a threefold increase in the likelihood of a crash.
While California does not have specific laws explicitly prohibiting eating or drinking (non-alcoholic) beverages while driving, law enforcement retains the authority to issue tickets under related laws if a driver’s actions jeopardize the safety of others.
Other Distractive Behavior
Aside from cell phone use and eating or drinking, there are other activities that can also prove distracting behind the wheel, such as:
- Playing videos
- Looking at social media
- Reading
- Reaching for items
- Speaking with passengers
- Grooming
- Changing the radio
- And more!
What Can You Do?
There are things that you can do to prevent distracted driving, such as:
- Using driving apps that notify others you are driving
- Discuss driving rules with teens
- Avoid engaging in deep conversation
- Avoid multi-tasking
- Do not reach for items while in motion
- Do not engage in grooming while driving
- If you are going to listen to music, put it on while in park and do not change it
The Attorneys at Ardalan & Associates, PLC Help Those in CA Who Have Been Injured in a Vehicle Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a vehicle accident in California you may be entitled to compensation. Be sure to speak with a knowledgeable and experienced California personal injury attorney. He or she can help to gather evidence and walk you through each step of your case.
The lawyers at Ardalan & Associates, PLC will help fight for your rights. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.