Distracted Driving More Common and Dangerous Than We Realize

by Staff Blogger | May 16th, 2011

May 16, 2011 The State of California has found that distracted driving is now one of the top three factors in fatal and serious injury automobile accidents, joining impaired driving and speeding. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), nine percent of all drivers are using mobile devices while operating a motor vehicle. The scary part is the numbers are more than likely on the low-end according to the report released by the OTS because of the short limited view surveyors were given. Another study found that it was less dangerous to drive drunk than to drive and operate a cell phone. The University of Utah Psychology Department found that “cell-phone drivers may actually exhibit greater impairments (i.e., more accidents and less responsive driving behavior) than legally intoxicated drivers.” California Highway Patrol Commissioner Joe Farrow is quoted as saying “This shows how ingrained the use of mobile devices has become. Even when faced with laws, studies, and stories of tragedy, too many are not able to put down their cell phones.” If you or someone you know has been hurt or killed due to someone texting or talking on a cell phone, the California auto accident lawyers at Berg Injury Lawyers may be able to help. There are laws in place to protect those injured due to a distracted driver’s negligence; the victim shouldn’t pay the price.