According to the National Safety Council (NSC), distracted driving is a major contributor to traffic accidents across the United States. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 660,000 people are using their cell phones while driving at any time during the day. While the number of distracted driving accidents has decreased in recent years, the issue is still serious enough to warrant its own awareness month.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the first week of April is the California Teen Safe Driving Week. With the risk of injuries and death so high, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has launched a new advertising campaign, known as “Just Drive.” Their goal is to get people to avoid all distractions while driving. Safety advocates and local law enforcement agencies are spreading awareness through education and enforcement measures. Furthermore, the California Department of Transportation has put distracted driving warning messages on all the changeable signs on the freeways throughout the month.
Safety Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving Accidents
The Santa Ana Police Department provides several tips to avoid distracted driving crashes:
- If you need to check your phone or send a text, pull over and park in a safe location, NOT the side of the freeway
- Have a passenger in your car check your phone for you
- If it is difficult for you to stay off your phone while driving, put your phone in your trunk or in the backseat until you reach your destination
- Avoid scrolling through social media, texting, calling, or using any apps while you drive
Distracted driving involves more than just using a cell phone. Distractions include anything that takes your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off of driving. Eating a sandwich, fiddling with A/C controls, or having a heated argument with a passenger all count as distracted driving. It is important to take steps to prevent distractions, and to remain completely focused on the road.
Injured by a Distracted Driver? Call Our Orange County Car Accident Attorneys Today at (760) 530-4868.
Cohn & Swartzon, P.C. has represented hundreds of clients for more than four decades. We believe our clients deserve the best possible representation, and use tailored legal strategies in each case. Our Orange County car accident lawyers stay up to date on federal and state traffic laws, and will work diligently as you pursue justice from those responsible.
Contact our office today to discuss your case in a free consultation.