California lawmakers look to strengthen texting and driving laws

May 16, 2013

According to The Dallas Morning News, AT&T recently released survey results regarding the prevalence of texting and driving among commuters. According to the survey, nearly half of all commuters admit to texting while behind the wheel. Not only do the participants admit to this conduct, they even admit that they are aware of the risks associated with doing such. While 49 percent of the 1,1011 commuters surveyed admit to texting while driving, 43 percent consider it a habit.

Given the obvious dangers associated with texting while driving, there have been many attempts at pleading with drivers to stop engaging in such conduct. For instance, companies such as AT&T have launched anti-texting campaigns to inform the public of the dangers associated with texting behind the well. Unfortunately, however, such efforts have not always yielded favorable results.

Recent efforts to strengthen California texting laws

Last year California passed a law that made texting while driving illegal. There was, however, one exception carved out under the newly implemented regulation: individuals could text as long as they are using hands free technology.

According to the Contra Costa Times, research indicates that there are serious risks associated with hands-free texting behind the wheel. Even when an individual is using a hands-free device, he or she is nevertheless cognitively distracted. The Contra Costa Times states that studies indicate that drivers using hands-free texting devises glance down for 2.5 seconds each time they look at their phone to ensure the words are being accurately transcribed. This visual distraction, coupled with the cognitive distraction, leads to compounding risks.

Concerned with these compounding risks, Assembly member Jim Fraiser sponsored a bill that would also ban hands-free texting behind the wheel in the state of California. Co-sponsored by the National Safety Council, the bills supporters believe that it will reduce the number of distracted drivers on California roads.

Looking at a cellphone rather than the road is an undeniable distraction to persons behind the wheel. However, the dangers associated with such actions may be influenced by other factors. For example, if the driver is also speeding while texting, there is a higher potential for a more forceful collision.

Bringing a claim against a faulty driver who's carelessness caused injury may be necessary for some individuals, especially to those who incur substantial medical bills. The effects of an automobile collision not only negatively impact the injured party, but can also place huge strains on the victim's family. An individual who has been injured by a texting driver should contact an attorney experienced in car accidents and personal injury cases. A car accident attorney can help ensure that the texting driver is held responsible.

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