Next month, the California Highway Patrol will being setting its sights on so-called "zombie drivers". This crackdown is part of the second-annual National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. According to a KTLA news report, distracted drivers use a third less of their brain while driving distracted. Zombies are being used in public service announcements to make the point that drivers are like zombies when they text or talk on a handheld cellphone while driving. In the month of April, there will be regional crackdowns where officers specifically target distracted drivers. During a similar month-long enforcement effort last year, 52,000 people across the state were cited. Since the handheld cell phone ban went into effect in 2008, there has been a 20% reduction in collisions on California Highways, according to official sources.
See the KTLA news story HERE.
In spite of the law enacted in 2008, you can see drivers on just about every roadway in California using handheld cell phones in violation of the statute. Like any other form of multi-tasking, driving while distracted tends to diminish the quality and amount of care paid to both tasks. A driver who is also holding and speaking into a phone simply cannot give the roadway their full attention. Most automobile accidents involve some form of distracted driving, whether it be talking with a passenger, fiddling with the sound system or talking on a cell phone. In fact, just today, two pedestrians were killed and another was critically injured In Denver, Colorado when the driver of a pickup truck carelessly drifted onto the shoulder of the road, hitting all three pedestrians. According to the story in the Denver Post, the driver of the truck has been arrested and his cell phone taken as evidence. Reportedly, witnesses have told police the driver was on his cell phone at the time of this tragic accident. Colorado does not yet have a complete ban on the use of hand held cell phones while behind the wheel, and the pickup driver has been charged with careless driving resulting in death, a misdemeanor.
Compensation for the victims of distracted driving accidents should be an important concern for all Californians. When a distracted driver operates their vehicle in a careless manner and caused a serious or fatal accident, they should be held accountable for all of the injuries and damages they cause. An attorney with experience at handling distracted driving accidents can make a fair assessment of these claims. Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling auto and distracted driving accident cases. He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.
Have you or a loved one been injured or killed in an accident caused by a distracted driver?
Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above. This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter. A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.
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