While cell phones have been a part of our lives for some time, the technology associated with those phones and other mobile devices has been in a constant state of development. The advent of smartphones resulted in a dizzying array of apps that perform useful and entertaining functions. But when used while behind the wheel, these apps can be a deadly distraction.
Every year, distracted driving accidents are responsible for taking thousands of lives. Federal data indicates that in 2015, over 3,400 people were killed in distracted driving accidents. And California lawmakers are very aware of this problem.
Recently, a new law went into effect that forbids drivers from so much as holding a mobile device while operating a motor vehicle. This new law is a furtherance of previous legislation that prohibits drivers from texting and talking, but did not prevent them from using apps that streamed video or connected to social media sites.
California’s new law is one of the most extensive in the nation. But will it actually stem the tide of distracted driving accidents plaguing our nation’s roads? Maybe, but according to an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety senior researcher, such laws when enforced may change behavior, but this does not lead to a comparable decrease in crashes.
Clearly, this new law is a positive step, but it is likely not a cure-all and we can expect that there will still be serious and fatal accidents caused by distracted drivers. And if you or a family member should have the misfortune of being harmed by a distracted or otherwise negligent driver, you may wish to seek the services of an experienced California personal injury attorney. An attorney can investigate the accident in an effort to prove liability and act as your representative as you pursue appropriate compensation.
