Since 2009, California has created several different laws that ban drivers from using their cellphone. Two laws prohibit all drivers from using cell phones and drivers who are under the age of 18 from using hands-free cell phones. Another law was established to ban texting while driving. Passengers are free to use cellphones while being transported in a motor vehicle, but all drivers, including non-California residents, cannot utilize their phones while they are operating an automobile. Laws banning the use of cellphones is becoming more and more popular within the United States, and many states have banned drivers from either talking on a phone, texting, or both while they are behind the wheel. Many studies have shown that drivers who use cellphones while driving are more distracted, which means they are more susceptible to car accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, please contact the San Bernardino injury attorney at Vetchtein Law.
Not only is it illegal for drivers in California to talk and text while driving, but if a driver is involved in a car accident while using a cellphone, they may be at risk for a lawsuit. When a driver sues another driver for damages that were caused by a car accident, the plaintiff often has to prove that the other driver, or the defendant, caused the accident due to careless driving habits. Plaintiffs can argue that the defendant caused the accident because they were using their cellphone immediately before or even during the collision. Careless driving caused by cellphones include driving with one hand on the steering wheel, taking eyes off the road to read a text message, email, or to dial/find a phone number, failing to pay attention to surroundings because of a cellphone, and being distracted by a conversation on a cell phone.
Driving is a skill that requires a person's full attention to maintain a safe driving environment for both themselves and other people on the road. Drivers must always keep their eyes and mind on the road and their hands on the steering wheel to ensure that an accident does not occur. The leading cause of most vehicle crashes and near-crashes is driver distractions, which is a problem that can easily be resolved. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 80% of crashes and 65% of near-crashes involve some type of driver distraction. If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident that was caused by distracted driving, contact our office to schedule an appointment with a car accident lawyer from the firm.