Since it’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, we’ve been writing a lot about efforts to curb distracted driving here in California. Statewide, 225 local police agencies have teamed up with the California Highway Patrol to establish safety zones and declare a “zero-tolerance policy” for distracted drivers. But while California is generally considered a leader in safe driving laws, the trend has caught on, and a number of states nationwide have boosted their driver safety laws right in time for Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Last week, we wrote that while North Dakota has a questionable record for distracted driving laws, its Congress is trying to pass two laws that would ban distracted driving but also make the dangerous practice a primary offence, meaning the police officer could stop any vehicle suspected of texting while driving. Now two other states not usually receptive to distracted driving laws have jumped on board, calling texting while driving dangerous and unacceptable.
The Texas Department of Transportation welcomed Distracted Driving Awareness Month with the “Talk. Text. Crash.” Campaign. The program was dedicated largely to the memory of 12 Texas drivers who have been killed by distracted driving. Their family and friends were featured speakers at the campaign launch event. “We’re trying to get the great people of our state to limit their distractions,” said Texas DOT Traffic Safety Coordinator Karen Peoples. “Whenever you’re behind the wheel, make arriving safely at your destination your number one priority.”
There are a number of important steps drivers can take to cut down on distracted driving. But the best strategy is always simply to decide to put down the phone while you’re behind the wheel. Some phone apps will screen texts and calls with a reply that say the driver will return the call when he or she has reached the destination safely. But beware of the most dangerous distracted driving technologies, including Facebook on the car’s dashboard and Google’s self-driving car. Keep it simple, and turn off your phone.
Photo credit: Flagstaff, AZ
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.