April Is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
California motorists might like to know that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and the National Safety Council is using this opportunity to warn people about the dangers of driving while not paying attention to the road. Otherwise responsible drivers may even give in to some distractions while driving because many people assume hands-free technology is safe since it is included in vehicles, but this technology typically caters to convenience instead of safety and could still cause problems.
Using a cellphone while driving is one of the biggest distractions, and this is true whether one is holding a phone or using hands-free technology. Hands-free devices are still distracting because one’s mind is focusing on the call, which makes it more difficult to drive. Even those who are not holding a phone may miss traffic signals and have trouble braking in time.
There are other distractions besides cellphone usage that make motorists more likely to crash. Turning around in a seat or reaching for a moving object makes one nearly nine times more likely to crash whereas talking on a cellphone increases the chances of crashing by four. However, there is a smaller percentage of people engaging in other distractions at one time while around 10 percent of drivers might always be talking on a cellphone.
Most states have recognized that texting and driving are dangerous and have enacted legislation banning the practice. Few, however, have concluded that hands-free technology can also be a cause of serious car accidents. While distraction is more difficult to prove that impairment, an attorney for an injured victim can use cellphone records and eyewitness testimony to demonstrate that a driver was distracted at the time of an auto accident.
Teen Driver Related Auto Accidents
It is generally acknowledged that the greatest risk of auto accidents involves younger drivers, aged between 16 to 19.
In fact, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 15-20-year-olds because of immaturity and lack of driving experience. Teens’ lack of experience affects their recognition of and response to hazardous situations and results in dangerous practices such as speeding and tailgating. Other factors that lead to higher risk is night driving.
Teenagers are involved in more motor vehicle crashes late in the day and at night than at other times of the day. If your teenage driver has been involved in an auto accident, make sure to contact an experienced Sacramento auto accident attorney for help. The safety of every driver on the road depends on everyone taking the necessary precautions to learn the best driving skills.
In California, parents must sign a consent form to allow their son or daughter under the age of 18 to drive. By doing so, they assume liability for any accidents by their teen drivers. Parents must also be held responsible for accidents caused by teen drivers who have a history of DUI’s or known drug issues. About 75% of serious teen driver crashes are due to “critical errors”:
- Lack of scanning that is needed to detect and respond to hazards
- Going too fast for road conditions
- Being distracted by something inside or outside the vehicle
The majority of newly licensed teen drivers lack significant skills, leading to a much higher risk of crashing compared with more experienced drivers. It is the parent’s responsibility to make sure their children have the proper skills to ensure everyone on the road is safe. If you have been involved in an accident with a teen driver, contact an experienced auto accident attorney.
Speak with an Auto Accident Attorney in Sacramento About Your Case
If you were injured due to the negligence of another, regardless of the nature of the underlying accident, it is important to contact an experienced Sacramento accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. The Weinberger Law Firm has the resources and expertise to aggressively litigate your case in court, fighting to get you just compensation for your injury. Call (916) 357-6767 today for a free consultation regarding your personal injury case.