KTLA reports that the month of April has been named Distracted Driving Awareness Month in California to remind motorists of statewide legislation that bans the use of cell phones while driving. Unfortunately, even though such legislation exists, many motorists still use their cell phones when behind the wheel, putting not only their lives in danger, but all others on the road.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), along with over 225 local agencies and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), stepped up enforcement beginning on Monday, April 4. For the rest of the month, these agencies will conduct “zero-tolerance enforcements” on distracted driving across California. LAPD Lieutenant Ron Katona stated “We take the issue of distracted driving very, very seriously. The ongoing, irresponsible practice of drivers using their cell phones and texting has to stop.” Recently, as reported by The Los Angeles Times, in Glendale, a suburb of Los Angeles, over 80 people were cited by police for texting or talking on their cell phone while driving in rush hour traffic during a single day of enforcement.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,474 people were killed and an additional 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents in 2009 that were reported to have involved distracted driving. Of those fatalities, 995 involved reports of cell phone use as the primary distraction, which is about 18 percent of fatalities in distracted driving-related accidents. Of those injured, about 24,000 involved reports of cell phone use as the source of distraction, which is about 5 percent of injuries in distracted driving-related accidents.
As California distracted driving car accident attorneys, we are unfortunately all too familiar with the consequences of distracted driving, and have seen first-hand the grief a fatal car crash can cause a family. We also understand how important it is for families who have lost a loved one due to another motorist’s negligence, such as using a cell phone while driving, to obtain justice and fair compensation for their pain and suffering. Our lawyers have successfully handled many wrongful death lawsuits, including distracted driving-related cases, and can provide the legal assistance your family needs during this difficult time. To learn how we can help, call 1-877-800-1700 to schedule a free consultation today.
