Dangers of Distracted Driving
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Driving requires a lot of focus and a driver’s full attention. Even the smallest distraction can lead to a catastrophic set of events and cause a life-altering accident. The number of deaths caused by accidents due distracted driving has been rising significantly in California and researchers have shown that distracted driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Here are some tips on how to avoid distracted driving.
What is Distracted Driving?
So, what is considered as distracted driving? Any activity which can divert attention away from driving is considered as distracted driving. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified three different kinds of distraction to drivers. Any activity which takes the driver’s hands off the wheel is referred to as Manual distraction (Like changing the radio station while driving). Any activity which takes driver’s eyes off the road is referred to as visual distraction (like looking at a text message while driving). Any activity which takes a driver’s mental attention away from the road is referred to as cognitive distraction (like preoccupied with the conversation of fellow passengers while driving).
Distracted Driving laws
California has quite strict distracted driving laws and penalties against violations of these laws.
1. Use of cell phones for talking while driving: In California, it is prohibited by law to use a cell phone while driving.
a. Penalties and Fines: Base fees + added assessment can cost you more than $150 for the first offense and $250 for a subsequent one.
b. Exceptions: Using a cell phone in hands-free mode or while driving in a private property or for an emergency purpose can be counted as an exception.
2. Use of cell phones for texting or other purposes while driving: In California, it is prohibited by law to use a cell phone for any purpose like texting or browsing while driving.
a. Penalties and Fines: Base fees will cost you $20 for the first offense and $50 for a subsequent one.
b. Exceptions: Using a cell phone in a hands-free, voice-operated mode or single swipe required to use GPS for mounted devices or for an emergency purpose.
3. Underage Drivers: For drivers below the 18, special laws are in place. In California, drivers under 18 are strictly prohibited to use any wireless devices while driving. There are no exceptions like use of devices in hands-free or voice-operated mode.
Distracted driving facts/statistics
· Various studies have analyzed the relationship between distracted driving and accidents. It was found the motorists who text while driving are 5.36 times more prone to accidents compared to those who don’t.
· While trying to identify which age group is most affected, it was found that 16-24 years old are the ones showing the highest rates of distraction while driving. Also 16% of accidents due to distracted driving involved drivers under the age of 20.
· In one study conducted in 2016, it was found that 7.6% of drivers showed signs of distraction while driving because of using electronic devices and 80% of accidents are caused by some form of distraction.
Tips to avoid distracted driving
Circumvent cell phone: The pretext to avoiding distracted driving is to avoid the usage of cell phones during driving. You shall indulge in a phone call only under circumstances which require immediate attention. In absolute emergency it is advised to connect hands free devices for attending a call or pull over the car to avoid any potential crash hazards. In the case of GPS devices it is unwise to utilize hands for operating the device rather it is prudent to use voice commands for instructions. Moreover the usage of phones for texting is completely prohibited and punishable offences, you should never use your phone for sending text while driving.
Shun eating: You should never eat while your hands are on the wheel. It is strictly counseled to avoid consumption of any beverage or eatable while driving. The act of saving time can easily cause a road crash.
Do not multitask and drive: It is a particular attraction among people to perform other non essential tasks while driving which is preliminary risky. You should make sure not to indulge in any secondary activity while driving. Your sole focus should be on the road to ensure you are not distracted at all.
Side car in dozy situation: In several cases of distracted driving the primary reason is the dozing off of the driver. You should be proactive in pulling off the road in any encounter of lethargic feeling or nodding, this will prevent you from getting into any accident.
Fight a distracted driving ticket
Distracted driving is a perilous and risky thing which is certainly irresponsible and should be definitely avoided by a driver. It is always a possibility while driving to be distracted by various interruptions on the road. The driver must be active in its approach towards distracted driving elements.
Getting a ticket due to distractions while driving is a common thing in California due to the vigilance and strictness of the police. Dismissing a driving ticket although very difficult, can be dismissed with the correct knowledge about the laws governing distracted driving. In case of any mistake made by the officer in writing your ticket, the ticket can be dismissed with the right kind of argument. Professional aid should be sought by the person charged with ticket, online system tools like GETDISMISSED are great help in such a situation as they are aware of the laws and have enough knowledge to build a defence increasing the probability of success.
How Can GetDismissed Help You?
GetDismissed has helped tens of thousands of drivers dismiss their traffic tickets through trial by written declaration. Our system will process and build a defense package for you. All you have to do is photograph your ticket and driver’s license, discuss your circumstances and download your defense document and send the documents to court. Get started today!
Steve has been leading the fight against traffic tickets for over 22 years and is the CEO/President of GetDismissed, a service that empowers California drivers with traffic tickets to fight back without going to court. As a thought leader and business entrepreneur, Steve has also been featured on TV, Radio, Print, and Online as a traffic ticket expert talking about such subjects as distracted driving, contesting traffic tickets, traffic ticket myths, traffic ticket tips, traffic law, and more. Steve is a published author, releasing his first book in 2011, and now has four books regarding fighting traffic tickets which can be found on Amazon. Read More…
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