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

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