Here in California, distracted driving has become a significant concern. This behavior, often associated with texting and cell phone use, can contribute to accidents and make the roads less safe.
Understanding the risks of texting and distracted driving can help Californians make better choices behind the wheel.
Distracted driving in California
Over the past year, distracted driving contributed to 9,733 injuries and 96 fatalities in California. These numbers translate into real-life tragedies. Distraction can profoundly impair a driver’s ability to react, turning a momentary lapse of attention into a lifetime of remorse.
Despite its inherent dangers, texting while driving is a daily occurrence. Between October 2021 and September 2022, California Highway Patrol officers issued 57,446 citations for violations related to cell phone use while driving.
Texting and other distractions
Distracted driving does not discriminate by age, affecting drivers of all backgrounds. Among adults, several common distractions pose a grave threat to road safety. Texting, for instance, removes a driver’s mental, physical and visual attention from the road. Sending a text message from behind the wheel is one of the most perilous choices a driver can make.
Phone conversations can also divert a driver’s focus from the road. Activities like eating or personal grooming often lead to dangerous distractions as well. Even seemingly innocuous tasks such as adjusting the radio or conversing with passengers can create hazardous situations for drivers.
In the dynamic world of driving, road conditions can change in an instant. Drivers can prevent crashes by avoiding distractions like texting and remaining responsive and attentive.