With today’s increased use of cell phones and other electronic devices, it is no surprise that there has been an increase in both distracted driving and automobile accidents. In California, laws prohibit the use of cell phones unless they are used in the hands free mode. Text messaging is also banned while driving. However, it appears that there are other distracting activities associate with cell phones that are not currently covered under the legal ban.
Use of Cell Phones is Up
In spite of the ban on cell phone use, the actual use of cell phones while driving has increased, according to a study by the California Office of Traffic Safety. The percentage of drivers observed using their cell phones has gone up from 9.2% in 2015 to 12.8% in 2016. This is a record high since the observation has been conducted. The previous high was noted at 10.8%, which occurred in 2013.
Smart Phones to Blame
The results of the study are attributed to a rise in the use of smartphones. There are more than 10 million smartphones in use today and that number continues to rise every year. Along with smartphones comes the ability to get online, use applications, and access email. The current laws address only texting and talking on the phone while driving, and none of the other distractions that smartphones in cars provide.
New Proposed Legislation
Because the current laws do not properly address the latest technology advances, new legislation has been proposed. The new law will revise the wording of the use of handheld electronic devices to include the use of the device itself rather than focusing on the activity that is being performed. Of the activities that are done using cell phones, typing and posting to social media are most commonly noted as being done while driving. When drivers were interviewed, however, most of them did not feel that cell phone use was distracting at all, and many drivers admitted to using their phones at least sometimes while they were behind the wheel.
Distracted Driving Accidents are Up
Auto accidents involving distracted drivers have been on the rise. The CHP, California Highway Patrol, utilizes a traffic records system that shows that the number of accidents involving distracted driving has been increasing. In 2014 there were more than 22,650 distracted driving victims in California. The number of drivers injured or killed has increased every year. In 2015 alone, 11,090 drivers were seriously injured or died in accidents in which distracted driving was a factor.
Distracted driving can cause serious car crashes. Taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds can result in a terrible accident. Those who are the victims of distracted driving accidents may be entitled to compensation. Call or Text the experienced legal team at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea today at (619) 528-4550 to schedule a consultation, or email us to get further information about our services.
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