Distracted Driving is the 1st Leading Cause of Car Accidents in California
The arrival of the cell phone has taken distracted driving to the next level and made it a top reason California drivers cause accidents. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reported that in 2021, 140 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver on state roadways. The tragic figure marked an increase of 27.3% from the year before.
The Distracted Driving Laws in California
California drivers are supposed to avoid any actions that prevent them from safe driving. They can be charged with reckless driving for taking certain actions behind the wheel. Distractions are one such reckless action. This could include eating in the driver’s seat, looking at sights along the road, or making eye contact with passengers.
These actions may lead to a collision but, in some cases when an accident doesn’t occur, an officer could still charge you after deciding your actions are affecting your ability to drive safely. The offense is covered in California’s vehicle statutes:
California Vehicle Code 23103.
“(a) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.”
Reckless driving violators can face fines of up to $1,000 and even jail time.
You can visit our California Safety and Laws information page for more information about cell phone use and distracted driving on local roads.
Distracted Driving Caused by Cell Phone Use
Cell phones have earned their own section in the California law books. Basically, California drivers can’t hold a cell phone while they are driving. They have to use some type of hands-free device. The laws also prevent drivers under 18 years old from using a cell phone for any reason other than in an emergency.
The exact law is listed here.
California Vehicle Code 23123.5.
“(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while driving.
(b) This section shall not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the vehicle.”
The Price for Using a Cell Phone and Causing an Accident
Violators of the cell phone laws can face an initial fine of $20 and further violations around $50. But these fines aren’t the total. Court fees will push your fines for holding a cell phone up into the hundreds of dollars.
The DMV can also add points to your driver’s license when you have multiple offenses. Causing an accident while using a cell phone will quickly leave motorists facing reckless driving charges. This can up the punishment for victims including jail time.
For more information, you can visit our blog running down the other top ten causes of California car accidents.
Distracted Driving National Statistics
These statutes are meant to save lives yet more and more people seem to ignore them each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlights the dangers of distracted driving each year.
- 12% of all accidents across the U.S. involving injuries were attributed to distracted driving in 2022
- In 2022, 3,308 people were killed in distracted driving accidents. Almost 300,000 victims were injured.
Make Sure You Hold a Careless Driver Responsible for Your Accident
If you are struck by a distracted driver and suffer car damage or injuries, you are empowered to seek full compensation for repair bills and medical bills.
If you are seriously hurt and another driver is to blame, a California car accident lawyer can provide valuable protection. Insurance companies will look to blame you for the accident so they can get away with offering you nothing to help with recovery.
Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your injury is worth and how to hold insurance companies fully responsible.
