California is one of seven U.S. states that currently ban hand-held cell phone use and texting while driving. Only hands-free devices are allowed, but talking while not holding a phone still doesn't prevent accidents, according to
Distraction.gov, the U.S. Department of Transportation's website dedicated to educating the public on distracted driving. The site equates using a cell phone while driving (no matter if it's hand-held or hands-free) to the delay in a driver's reaction time with a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent.
Distracted driving is responsible for nearly 6,000 fatalities in 2008 and 500,000 more injuries in the United States alone. Cell phone use is a major culprit, but grooming, navigating with maps or GPS systems, eating, drinking, talking to passengers and tuning radio stations are also examples of common driving distractions. Here are some ways you can eliminate distractions while driving:
- Turn off your cell phone and put it out of reach, like in a purse in the backseat, so you're not tempted to use it while driving.
- If you don't want to turn your phone off, set it to "silent" mode so you're not tempted to answer it.
- Ask passengers not to use their cell phones while you drive.
- If you must make a call or use your GPS system, pull over and do so safely once you're at a complete stop and out of traffic.
- Drive defensively. Pay attention to drivers who are on their cell phones or distracted in any other way so that you can prevent an accident when they're not paying attention.
- Plan out your route clearly before you start the car so you don't have to consult maps or GPS while operating your vehicle, even at a stoplight.
If you've been injured by someone who was distracted while driving, you need to know your rights. A Modesto personal injury attorney can recreate the accident scene with experts and witnesses to recover damages for you.
