Countless state and federal agencies have been conducting campaigns in California targeted at increasing the awareness concerning the dangers of distracted driving. These campaigns include many different methods of spreading their message, including running television commercials in areas where the issue is a serious problem. In some cases, local law enforcement agencies may even receive grants to conduct patrols to look for drivers who may be talking or texting while driving.
Despite all of the efforts aimed at ending distracted driving, there are still a large number of individuals texting or using a handheld cellphone while driving. A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety discovered that 40 percent of drivers aged 18 to 39 admit that they text while driving. Over 50 percent of these drivers say that they use their cellphones to make calls while behind the wheel.
Engaging in these behaviors greatly increases the risk that these individuals will be involved in a car accident with other drivers on the roadway. A study by the University of Utah attempted to learn how dangerous talking or texting while driving was for motorists. It determined that these tasks required a great deal of input from those who are driving, and this led to motorists taking their attention off of the road for a significant period of time.
The California Highway Patrol is concerned about the number of accidents caused by these drivers. They have increased their efforts to reduce serious injuries and fatalities caused by those who are using cellphones to text or place calls while driving. The CHP has been participating in a month-long crackdown on drivers on Interstate 5 in the hopes that this will help remove some of these drivers from area roadways.
If you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, you need to take steps to ensure that you are able to recover compensation from the responsible parties. Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney to begin building your case.
It is important to have someone on your side, someone who is looking out for your best interests throughout the entire process. An attorney will be able to help you examine any settlement offers you receive, to understand if they will cover the expenses that you have incurred after receiving medical treatment. If the case cannot be resolved before trial, an attorney will be able to present your claims to the jury, demonstrating how your injuries were caused by the negligent parties.