It may not come as a shock that distracted driving is a major challenge in California and across the nation. However, recent information suggests that it may even be getting worse. With the advent of cellphones with seemingly endless capabilities, this naturally led to people using the devices behind the wheel. Failure to watch the road can obviously lead to auto accidents with injuries and fatalities. Since it is so dangerous, law enforcement and legislators try to tamp down on it. Unfortunately, as the statistics show, it is a problem that people who have been hurt or lost a loved one should be aware of in the aftermath of a collision.
Poll of more than 600 Californians stokes concern about distracted driving
Several entities conducted a poll of more than 600 Californians to gauge how worrisome distracted driving is in the state. The survey found that nearly two of three participants who had a child younger than 17 thought the issue was getting progressively worse. Statistically, nearly one-thousand teens lost their lives in a collision between 2015 and 2019. Southern California was noted as a location where it is a significant concern as 70% stated it was getting worse. Six percent stated they thought it was improving. What makes road safety an even more troubling issue is that initiatives like Vision Zero – designed to dramatically reduce pedestrian fatalities – have not worked. Despite them, there was a rise of pedestrian fatalities by 36% from six years ago.
Ninety percent stated that texting caused distraction. Two-thirds said the same about social media. Half confessed to using their device when behind the wheel. Women were 13% more prone to using their device when driving when compared to men. In the poll, it was also found that 80% of young people had a greater likelihood to drive distracted than their parents. Those ages 16 to 30 said they knew their age group had a greater propensity for distracted driving.
Knowing how to proceed after being in a distracted driving crash may require guidance
For drivers who are adhering to the rules of the road and pedestrians and bicyclists who do the same, there is very little they can do to protect themselves when encountering a driver who is not paying attention. Although motor vehicle accidents can happen for any reason including intoxication, recklessness, speeding and drowsiness, distraction is a fundamental and ongoing problem. For advice on what steps to take to cover medical costs, lost time at work, long-term damage and even a fatality, having professional help may be essential.