On Monday, April 25, the California State Senate approved a bill by a vote of 24-12 that would implement fees of up to $500 for motorists who use their phones while driving, The Orange County Register reports. The bill will now go to the Assembly for approval.
According to the article, under the bill the base fine for talking or texting on a cell phone when behind the wheel would increase from $20 to $50 per violation. Once penalties and other fees are added, a first offense would cost a motorist $309. A repeat offender would be fined $100, totaling over $500 with the added fees. Additionally, any subsequent violations would add a point to the motorist’s driving record. The bill also makes it illegal for bicyclists to talk on a cell phone while riding their bikes. The first offense would cost a cyclist $20 and then $50 for additional offenses.
Many motorists do not fully realize the dangers of using cell phones while behind the wheel. In July of 2008 the CHP issued 7,779 citations for hand-held cell phone use statewide. In January of this year 12,621 citations were issued. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009 5,474 people lost their lives and an additional 448,000 people were injured in distracted driving-related traffic accidents.
California’s hands-free law went into effect in July of 2008, with texting being made illegal in January of 2009. Despite these laws, cell phone use by motorists continues to be a problem, endangering not only their lives, but the lives of other motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists on the road. In Orange County alone in 2010, the California Highway Patrol issued 11,367 citations to motorists who failed to use hands-free devices and to motorists under the age of 18 using any type of cell phone. The CHP also issued 397 citations for texting-while-driving in Orange County in 2010.
The California distracted driving car accident attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have seen first-hand the pain a fatal accident can cause a family. Our lawyers have successfully litigated many wrongful death cases, including those that involve distracted driving. To learn how our law firm can assist you during this difficult time, call 1-877-800-1700 to schedule your free consultation.
