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Distracted Driving Awareness Month – Take the Pledge to Drive Safely

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and attorneys at Salamati Law want to bring attention to the very real dangers of this deadly epidemic that claims thousands of lives every year. At any given moment, some 660,000 drivers in the United States are using handheld electronic devices or talking on their cell phones while behind the wheel. Unfortunately, statistics show that the problem of accidents due to distracted driving has only worsened in recent years, as more teenagers admit to sending SnapChats or texting while driving – activities that take their eyes off the road for an astounding five seconds.

In conjunction with the National Safety Council, our legal team hopes to raise awareness of this sweeping epidemic, in an effort to improve roadway safety and keep one less person from becoming another statistic in Los Angeles.

Distracted driving in California

Through educational campaigns, the National Safety Council hopes to empower Americans to take control of their safety while driving. However, recent research from UC Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center does not hold promising news for California drivers. According to the study, cell phone use while driving has increased by 39 percent since 2014. The results may be disturbing, but certainly not surprising given the widespread use of smartphones and apps.

During last year’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, California law enforcement officers ticketed nearly 50,000 motorists who were using cell phones while driving. That figure is almost double the number of tickets issued over an average month.

Educational campaigns can impart positive changes, but these changes can take years, cautions Chris Cochran, a spokesperson for the Office of Traffic Safety. Meanwhile, advanced technology and a slew of new apps have created a smartphone-addicted society; and cell phones are considered the number one leading distraction.

Take the pledge to drive safely

This month, authorities ask motorists to take the pledge to “Take Back My Drive” for the safety of themselves, their passengers and bystanders.

For the next 30 days, motorists are asked to refrain from the following while driving:

  • Sending SnapChats or texts
  • Taking videos or selfies
  • Checking or sending emails
  • Updating social media status
  • Talking on their cell phone – whether hands-free or handheld
  • Using voice-to-text features
  • Manually inputting GPS info while the vehicle is moving
  • Messaging or calling someone that you know is driving

Remember that distracting activities encompass much more than using a cell phone or handheld gadget. Talking to a passenger, eating, brushing your hair, or adjusting music can also divert your attention away from the task at hand.

Legal advocacy in Los Angeles

California’s ban on texting while driving and using handheld wireless phones highlights the real danger posed by distracted drivers. Any accidents or property damage resulting from a distracted driver may form the basis for a personal injury lawsuit.

At The Salamati Law Firm, our veteran Los Angeles car accident attorneys will do everything in our power to hold distracted drivers accountable for the injuries and financial losses they cause. If you or a loved one has been harmed, we encourage you to reach out for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options. We always fight for maximum compensation allowed under California law.

Call our office toll-free at 888-259-4060 to arrange a private, no-obligation consultation.

For more information on Distracted Driving follow these links:

  1. 7 Apps That Prevent Distracted Driving and Texting
  2. Disturbing Statistics on Distracted Driving in California

Resources:

  1. The Mercury News, California’s distracted drivers more common this year, state says http://www.mercurynews.com/my-town/ci_28485504/californias-distracted-drivers-more-common-this-year-state
  2. National Safety Council, April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month http://www.nsc.org/learn/NSC-Initiatives/Pages/distracted-driving-awareness-month.aspx
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