Driving Accidents & Cell Phone Usage - California Injury Attorney

Wireless Mobile Service Devices / Cell Phones May Contribute to Causing an Accident

Many studies have been conducted around the safety of using cell phones and other portable cellular devices while driving. Cell phones and related devices continue to infiltrate the population. And, as a new generation of drivers emerges every year, they are getting behind the wheel with the expectation and habit of using their cell phones at-will.

Statistics show accidents resulting from cell phone usage are steadily increasing. The California Highway Patrol claims cell phone usage while driving is the No. 1 cause of distractive-driving accidents.

There are several documented hazards associated with driving and cell phone usage and other portable in-car devices (radios, cd players, GPS, etc.). First, many drivers become distracted with the operation of the device. Removing your eyes from the road, just for a short period of time, could cause a potentially fatal accident. The biggest problem is that drivers are not paying attention to the needs of their driving. Instead, many people are absorbed with their cell phone conversations rather than directing their attention to driving. This could be even more hazardous if one is experiencing inclement weather conditions, heavy traffic, or poor road conditions. This could put the driver, his or her passengers, or other pedestrians at risk.

New laws to combat this problem have been passed and implimented in many of the states throughout recent years. However, in California there are some new laws recently passed as well as new laws for 2008 that should be noted:

Note the law in California:

• Cell phone usage while driving a school or transit bus is prohibited
• Rental cars with cell phones must include written operating instructions and other safety-related topics
• Effective as of 7/2008, all drivers must use hands-free device, except for in emergencies. Emergency Response Vehicles (EMT) exempt from this law.
• Commercial Vehicle Drivers are exempt from this law until 2011.
• Effective as of 7/2008, all teen drivers, under the age of 18, are prohibited from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, including a hands-free device.

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Take the first step in pursuing fair and just compensation for the physical injuries and financial harm you've suffered by contacting a San Francisco personal injury attorney today.