CELL PHONE USE CAUSES CAR ACCIDENTS; CALIFORNIA LAW RESTRICTING AND BANNING CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING TO GO INTO EFFECT JULY 1, 2008
Using cell phones while driving are found to be the most common distraction factor for drivers. A study by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. shows that 73% of drivers talk on their phones while driving, with younger drivers occupying a substantial portion of those drivers. A separate study by Carnie Mellon concluded that cell phone usage reduces brain activity associated with driving by 37%. As a result, cell phones are often a leading factor in fatal or severe traffic collisions. These statistics are even more alarming as cell phone ownership has been shown to increase rapidly in recent years. As of February 2008, over 254 million people subscribe to cell phone services, up from 4.3 million in 1990. Because of the increase reliance on these wireless devices, drivers are more commonly using them while on the road.
When cell phones and driving are combined, the results can be tragic. Take, for example, a fatal automobile crash that killed four people last December in North County San Diego, California. One of the survivors of the collision claims that the crash occurred when the driver dropped a cell phone. While bending down to pick it up, the driver of the SUV hit a guardrail, crossed into oncoming traffic, and collided with a Toyota Camry – killing all four occupants inside.
/>Responding to numerous studies highlighting the danger of cell phone usage while driving, the California legislature passed a law that makes it illegal to use a cell phone without a hands-free device for drivers 18 years or older. Drivers under 18 may not, under any circumstance, operate a cell phone while driving. The law will become effective beginning July 1, 2008. Violators of the law will face a fine of $20 for the first offense and $50 for each subsequent offense.
If you or someone close to you has been injured in a traffic collision in the state of California, you may have remedies against the other driver. During this difficult time, it is important that you enlist the help of an experienced professional that has your best interests in mind. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP are here for you. Call 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9766) now for a free consultation regarding your rights.
