California is cracking down on distracted driving during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Learn about the increased enforcement efforts, proposed legislation to increase penalties, and the ongoing debate surrounding distracted driving laws. Stay informed and avoid costly fines by keeping your focus on the road.
Though 2010 marked the first annual Distracted Driving Awareness Month, California did not participate in an official capacity. So this year, California is impacting with a statewide crackdown on distracted driving. About 225 local police agencies will team up with the California Highway Patrol to implement 103 CHP Area Commands and a “zero-tolerance policy” against offenders.
A first-time offense carries a $20 fine, but the economic damage can reach over $200 with additional charges. So during Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April, remember to be safe and avoid distracted driving, or your wallet could regret it.
Citing the nearly 6,000 people killed and 500,000 injured in distracted driving car accidents in 2009, California Senator Joe Simitian has introduced legislation to increase the penalty for distracted drivers. Simitian says steady enforcement of distracted driving laws will have a significant long-term effect on California drivers.
“Enacting seat belt legislation, for example, took a long time. Now it’s routine that when you climb into the car, you buckle the belt,” he told me in an interview last year. “It will take time, education, and enforcement. But we’ve raised the notion that if we had a higher fine, it would be a more significant deterrent and we could save even more lives.”
Simitian says that his bill could reduce California traffic deaths by 700 each year. However, critics have said that distracted driving laws have not yet been proven to reduce car accidents. According to new information from the US Department of Transportation, 2010 had the fewest number of car accident deaths since 1948.
But safety advocates like Simitian and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood point to the families that have been impacted by distracting deaths. Hearing their stories, they say, it’s impossible to say that distracted driving is not dangerous and that 6,000 deaths per year should be accepted.
So remember to put the phone down when you’re driving California Distracted Driving Awareness Month and beyond. And while there are phone applications that screen texts and calls while you’re driving, avoid some of the more dangerous distracted driving technologies (like Facebook on your car’s dashboard). Otherwise, you could be slapped with a hefty traffic fine from the California Highway Patrol.
Distracted driving remains a serious issue in California, contributing to a significant number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. By raising awareness and increasing enforcement efforts, the state aims to reduce these numbers and make roads safer for everyone. Remember, even a momentary distraction can have devastating consequences.
Put your phone down, avoid other distractions, and focus on the road. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, contact GJEL Accident Attorneys for a free consultation. Our experienced team can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
While California’s focus on distracted driving is commendable, it’s important to remember that staying safe on the roads is a year-round responsibility. Drivers should always be mindful of potential distractions and take proactive steps to minimize them.
This includes putting phones away, avoiding eating or drinking while driving, securing loose objects, and ensuring passengers are not causing distractions. By practicing safe driving habits, we can all contribute to creating safer roads for everyone in California.
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on California’s roads. By understanding the laws, the risks, and the state’s commitment to enforcement, drivers can make informed choices to prioritize safety. Let’s all do our part to prevent distracted driving accidents and create safer roads for everyone.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, don’t hesitate to reach out to GJEL Accident Attorneys. We have the experience and dedication to help you navigate the legal complexities and seek justice for the harm caused by someone else’s negligence.
Photo credit: Mike Babcock
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.