Although the exact number of fatalities associated with driving while texting is not available, studies evaluating the impact of such behavior demonstrate the clear dangers of texting and driving. A Los Angeles Times story addresses a study that shows driving while texting is more hazardous than driving under the influence of alcohol.
In 2009, Car and Driver Magazine conducted a study in which two individuals drove under a range of conditions. On average, the results showed that while legally drunk – having a blood alcohol content of 0.08 – one man traveled 4 feet past a marked point where he was supposed to stop. While driving sober and reading an e-mail on his cell phone, the man went 36 feet beyond the stopping point and 70 feet when sending a text message. In one result, a sober driver who was texting while driving went 319 feet after the marked point before coming to a stop. Considering that 66% of respondents in a 2007 Harris Interactive poll admitted to texting while driving, and the numbers likely have increased since then, the dangers of the practice cannot be emphasized enough.
California bans motorists from using handheld cell phones and texting while driving. An officer may ticket a driver for these offenses without other traffic violations occurring. However, the fines are minimal, especially in comparison to the penalties for drunk driving, and, thus, may not be a sufficient deterrent to the behavior. Only seven other states and the District of Columbia ban handheld cell phone use. There are still 20 states that do not have laws prohibiting texting while driving. As discussion mounts regarding making the penalties for cell phone-related driving violations stricter, new laws to ban the use of hands-free cell phones may be introduced.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an auto accident that you believe was caused by a distracted or negligent driver, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. At Panish Shea & Boyle LLP, our Los Angeles distracted driving accident lawyers can help you obtain compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Call us today at 877-800-1700 for a free consultation.
