California Teens Driving Distracted Despite Law

A recent OTS study highlights the need for young California drivers to be more vigilant about not driving while distracted.

2012-06-30

June 30, 2012 (Press-News.org) According to a recent report from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the number of young drivers in California who drive while using a cellphone has doubled in 2012. In 2011, approximately nine percent of 16 to 25-year-old drivers stated they drove while using a cellphone, but in 2012 that number is as high as 18 percent. Some believe this is due to the increase in text messaging as a form of communication. Many feel texting is a quick and harmless alternative to having a phone conversation.

The OTS study also found that 46 percent of young drivers felt that they were perfectly capable of driving a motor vehicle while using a cellphone and that the distraction was not an issue. Many young drivers feel like they are immune to the dangers of driving distracted and believe it is not going to be them who are involved in a motor vehicle accident; they are the exception to the rule.

It is for this and other reasons that California increased its efforts recent years to ban driving while using a cellphone. In 2008, when the law went to effect, the authorities issued approximately 300,000 tickets for violating the cellphone ban. In 2011 alone, police handed out about 500,000 tickets. The penalty for driving while using a cellphone is $159 for a first offense and $259 for a second offense.

A potential monetary fine may not be a deterrent for some California drivers, but what should be of real concern are the other dangers. A motorist who willfully drives distracted by using a cellphone while operating a vehicle is taking an unnecessary risk for themselves, their passengers and the other drivers on the road. The likelihood of an accident increases when a driver does not pay full attention to the operation of a vehicle. Severe accidents can have long-term repercussions and can even be fatal.

Although some teen drivers may not have the life experience to realize the risk they are taking, it is important for all drivers to understand that operating a vehicle is not a task that to be taken lightly, as serious accidents and injuries can be the result.

Article provided by Law Offices of Lee Arter
Visit us at www.lawyerlee.com

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Bicycle Accidents and Safety in California

2012-06-30

For many people in California, riding their bikes is a way of life. It is a way to get to work or spend leisure time, but though it can be fun, it can also be dangerous. Unfortunately, bicyclists do not have much of the protection that many motorists do, such as the protection of the vehicle itself in to safety devices like air bags and seatbelts. Safe riding practices may prevent some accidents involving a bicycle; however, in many circumstances there is little a bicyclist can do to prevent an accident. There are many different risks and accident causes that California ...

The Basics on Auto Insurance Coverage in Oregon: From PIP to UIM

2012-06-30

People who are injured in car accidents in Oregon may already know that an important factor in most cases is the extent of automobile or other insurance coverage available. If the car or truck accident caused serious head and back injuries and a legacy of medical expenses, a personal injury attorney can explain how uninsured/underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and personal umbrella policies can come into play. To be best prepared in the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident, drivers and passengers alike can benefit from a better ...

Oil and Gas Truck Hours-of-Service Exceptions May Cause Driver Fatigue

2012-06-30

Ask anyone who works at an excavation site for an oil or natural gas mining operation, and they'll tell you that drilling can be dangerous work. But one of the biggest threats facing oil and gas workers -- as well as the general public -- is not explosions, or equipment malfunctions, or noxious fumes. It is something that, at first glance, seems far less threatening: truck accidents. While highway accidents can be a danger in any profession that involves travel on the open road, they appear to be especially prevalent in the oil and gas industry. Why? Many experts blame ...

Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel and Suites Offers 15% Savings for Georgia Residents

2012-06-30

Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel North, located at Atlanta Perimeter Center, announces a special savings offer for their hotel guests to enjoy. Guests who are residents of Georgia will save 15% on room accommodations when they book the Georgia Residence Rates promotion. A valid GA driver's license/ID is required at check-in. Advanced reservations are required, some restrictions may apply. The Sheraton Atlanta Perimeter Hotel and Suites' services and amenities include: - Free high-speed Internet access - Club level lounge - Concierge desk - 24-hour outdoor heated ...

British Airways Launches the 'Go after the Games' Sale

2012-06-30

Holidaymakers looking to getaway after the summer of sport can grab a great value holiday with British Airways which has launched its 12-day summer sale. The flight and holiday sale offers savings of up to 25 per cent on flights and holiday packages travelling after September 10, 2012. With a choice of over 80 worldwide destinations included in the sale with economy and premium economy flights as well as city breaks, USA holidays, fly-drive packages and sun breaks to the Caribbean all on offer. Top European destinations are included with two night city breaks in Prague ...

Hotter Shoes Reveals Shoe Collection for Summer Holidays

2012-06-30

Hotter Shoes has revealed its stylish comfort shoe collection which features a range of comfortable and stylish footwear for summer holidays and weekend breaks. Design Director, Ian Spedding commented: "We have created a collection of summer shoes that our customers will find comfortable no matter how they enjoy their holidays, from active sightseers to relaxed beach lovers. With on-trend style details and an array of fabulous colours our customers can be confident that our shoes will look just as good as they feel. "For walks along the beach our designers ...

British Airways to Launch Year-Round Flights to Ibiza and Palma

2012-06-30

British Airways is bringing a bit of winter sunshine to London City Airport by extending its popular Palma and Ibiza flights to a year-round service. At present the two Balearic Island destinations are summer-only but from October they will continue through the winter with two flights a week on Thursdays and Sundays. The news will come as a welcome boost to Ibiza since the island does not currently have a single direct service to the UK during the winter. The two islands are very popular with leisure customers through the summer and now winter sun seekers and ...

Protecting That New Car Feeling for Life

2012-06-30

GIO Insurance launched its new GIO Platinum car insurance, which in an Australian first(1) includes lifetime new car replacement following total loss for eligible customers(2). GIO spokesperson Duncan Bone said the product was built in recognition of how important a new car is to Australians. "A new car is one of the great pleasures of life and better protection is what we are offering, whether the car is written off or stolen six months or twelve years after it's been bought," he said. New cars have become an increasing part of Australian life with one ...

Summer Alert: 9 Dry Skin Care Treatment Tips to Help Beautify You

2012-06-30

Sun, sand, surf, sandals, sunglasses and swimsuits - they all add up to another great summer. But summer can be disastrous for your skin; dry skin can ruin your summer. So what is the best lotion for dry skin? What tips can help you solve the problems of dry skin on your face, how to treat sunburn, etc.? Follow these 9 tips to help keep your skin healthy and beautiful: - Nothing causes dry skin faster than sunburn. Limit your tanning time to before 11:00 a.m. and after 2:00. - Choose a sunscreen with as few chemicals as possible. Studies show that some chemicals ...

Repair Labs Offers Certified Apple Technicians

2012-06-30

Repair Labs continues to be a leader in the the iPhone and MacBook restoration industries. Thus, they understand the importance of using an Apple certified technician. An Apple certified technician has received training directly from Apple and are certified by Apple after they pass a series of test that will prove their ability to effectively repair Apple products. In a recent online interview the owner of RepairLabs, Sean Hennessy, stated, "We are proud that we can provide our customers with only the highest quality technicians that are Apple certified. We know ...

California Teens Driving Distracted Despite Law

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

LAST 30 PRESS RELEASES: