We Know That Texting While Driving Is Distracting, But Many Of Us Don't Realize How Deadly It Can Be.
It is no question that texting while driving impairs the driver's abilities. Many of us have done it, whether we want to admit it or not.
In December of last year, AT&T released a documentary illustrating the dangers of texting-and-driving in hopes of raising awareness of the risks involved in distracted driving.
The 11-minute film, called "The Last Text" is part of AT&T's larger "It Can Wait" campaign. The documentary features stories about families and friends who have lost a loved one in a texting-and-driving accident. Since it's release, the documentary has been viewed nearly 85,000 times.
It is a widely known fact that texting while driving is distracting and can cause a driver to drift into another lane or brake suddenly because they are less able to maintain safe distances from other cars. But exactly how dangerous is it?
A study by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) showed that texting while driving is "more dangerous than drugs or alcohol" in young drivers, aged 17-24. Though, adults do it as much as teens.
Research showed that reaction time slowed by 35% when they were writing or reading text messages while driving. In comparison, reaction time deteriorated by 21% for those under the influence of cannabis, and by 12% at the legal alcohol limit.
California Laws on Texting
As of July 1 2008, California drivers have been required to use a hands-free device to talk on the phone while operating a vehicle, and drivers under the age of 18 have been prohibited from any non-emergency use of an electronic device while driving.
Effective January 1, 2009, Californians who type or read text messages while driving will face a traffic ticket and fine, under a law signed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
California State Bill 28 "specifically bans the use of an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication while driving a motor vehicle." Drivers who violate this law will be fined.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a texting-while-driving car accident caused by another person, you are entitled to receive compensation for your medical costs, loss of wages, and all other accident-related expenses. Texting while driving has dangerous consequences, and California law bans it. The San Diego auto accident attorneys at the Jurewitz Law Group will make sure you get the benefits you deserve. Call our personal injury lawyers at 888-233-5020.
Have you been injured in an accident in San Diego or anywhere in California and don't know what to do next? We are here to help and provide you with the important and relevant information you need to make an informed decision about:
- How to handle your personal injury claim
- Who is the right injury accident attorney to help you with your case, and
- Whether you even need to hire a lawyer to help you with your insurance claim
Call the Jurewitz Law Group at 888-233-5020 to order one of our free California personal injury books to get the information you need or to set up a free consultation with one of our experienced San Diego personal injury attorneys.
