California Car Accidents Caused By Cell Phone Use

Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s focus or mind off the road or their hands off the steering wheel. The most common form of distracted driving is cell phone use, whether it’s holding a cell phone while talking on the phone or reading or sending text messages. In California, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents.

California Distracted Driving Laws

In California, if you talk on the phone while driving, you must use a hands-free device. The state has also made it illegal to send, read, or write a text message while driving. This law applies to drivers over the age of eighteen.

For drivers under the age of eighteen, it’s illegal to use a cell phone at all while driving, even with a hands-free device. This also includes texting. For both drivers under and over the age of eighteen, a cell phone can be used to make emergency calls to law enforcement, the fire department, or emergency medical responders.

What Are the Penalties in CA for Cell Phone Use While Driving?

The fines for cell phone use while driving include:

• First offense: $20
• Second and subsequent offenses: $50

Points for Distracted Driving Tickets

Fees are not the only cost of a citation for distracted driving in California. It can also result in points on the driver’s license, which can cause the driver’s auto insurance rates to skyrocket. A driver will receive one point on their license if they receive a second distracted driving citation within thirty-six months of a prior distracted driving ticket. The point will remain on a driver’s record for thirty-six months.

How Cell Phone Use Impairs Motorists

One of the most effective ways to stay safe on the road is to remain highly vigilant. Distracted driving can take many forms, but cell phone use is by far the most common. Most people are aware of how dangerous it can be to drive while texting or talking on the phone. Unfortunately, many motorists still disregard the risk, thinking a quick text or call won’t put anyone in danger.

Cell phone use while driving is dangerous for many reasons, including:

Visual Impairment

Unobstructed, clear peripheral and front vision is crucial to safe driving. When a driver’s eyes are off the road and focused on their cell phone, even for only a second, the driver will be unable to react to changing road conditions.

Manual Distraction

If one or both of the driver’s hands are operating their cell phone, tasks such as signaling, shifting, or steering can become more difficult. A driver’s manual dexterity can be inhibited if they are texting or operating their cell phone while driving.

Loss of Focus

Driving is both a mental and physical task, requiring focus, concentration, and the ability to make split-second decisions. When a driver is on their phone, their mind becomes engaged with things other than driving.

Should I Hire a Car Crash Lawyer After a Distracted Driving Accident?

If you were involved in an auto accident that was caused by a driver using their cell phone, a car accident lawyers at MVP Accident Attorneys can help. We understand how devastating the aftermath of an auto accident can be, especially if you suffered injuries, and we want to help.

When you hire a car accident lawyer on our legal team, they will go above and beyond to fight for your right to fair compensation. They will investigate your accident, gather vital evidence, and handle all communication with the insurance company. When you hire a car accident lawyer at MVP Accident Attorneys, you can feel confident that they will work tirelessly to help you recover the compensation you deserve for an accident that was caused by the negligence of another.

Contact Us Today

If you were involved in an auto accident that a distracted driver caused, you may be entitled to compensation. At MVP Accident Attorneys, we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer on our legal team to learn more.