Distracted Driving Accidents Caused by Phones: What You Need to Know

Just how dangerous are cell phones when it comes to causing distracted driving crashes in Valley Center? According to a recent report released by Cambridge Mobile Telematics, cell phones are much more dangerous than many of us assume. Even if drivers keep their phones away most of the time while they are driving, a high percentage of motorists will use their phone at least once or twice while behind the wheel. Some motorists assume it is relatively safe to check email or send a text message while sitting at a stop light or in heavy traffic. Others assume that quickly updating the navigation system on a smartphone will not result in any permanent consequences.

Yet according to the Cambridge Mobile Telematics, more than 40% of all drivers in the U.S. are distracted by their phones while driving at any given point during daylight hours. Since it is not yet possible to know with certainty whether a collision was caused by a distracted driver, the new report intimates that cell phone-related distractions may cause many more serious and fatal traffic collisions than we would like to believe.

Distracted Driving Crashes can be Avoided, but We Need to do More

One of the key takeaways from the Cambridge Mobile Telematics report is that current state laws designed to reduce the number of distracted driving collisions caused by smartphone use are insufficient. In California, all motorists are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving unless they are using the phone in hands-free mode. The law applies to phone use whether or not the driver is stopped at a light or is making adjustments to a navigation system. In California, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using cell phones while driving for any reason.

However, according to the new report, smartphone use has increased, and motorists continue to use phones while driving regardless of the consequences. According to Ryan McMahon, the Vice President of Insurance and Government Affairs at Cambridge Mobile Telematics, states need to take more action to reduce the rate of smartphone use behind the wheel. As he explains, “while much has been done over the last decade to reduce distraction on the roads, based on the steady rise in fatalities, it’s clear that there is still much work to be done.”

What Should You Know About Distracted Driving?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), distracted driving can take many forms. Examples of distracted driving include but are not limited to:

• Using a smartphone while driving;
• Using a vehicle navigation system or GPS;
• Combing your hair while driving;
• Putting on makeup on your way to work;
• Eating while driving;
• Talking to another passenger while you are driving; and/or
• Feeling mentally distracted because of an issue at work and taking your mind off the road.

Contact a Valley Center Distracted Driving Accident Attorney

Were you injured in a collision caused by a distracted driver? If you were harmed by a distracted driver, an experienced Valley Center car accident lawyer can help you seek compensation for your losses. Contact the Walton Law Firm today to get started on your claim.

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