A new, not so exciting holiday is happening right now. April has been designated National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Law enforcement across Southern California is celebrating by stepping up enforcement of laws prohibiting distracted driving, including texting while driving, using a cell phone without a hands-free device, or using a cell phone at all for drivers under the age of 18.
Across the country, 2011 saw an estimate of over 3,300 people killed in traffic accidents from distracted driving. In California, there were almost 450,000 convictions for distracted driving in 2012. First-time fines start around $160 and subsequent fines are about $279.
Police agencies and traffic safety organizations offer some tips to avoid distracted driving:
- Turn off your phone while driving. Leave your phone out of reach.
- Avoid contacting anyone you suspect may currently be driving.
- Let people you’re communicating with know you’re about to start driving.
The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker strongly encourages drivers to obey distracted driving laws. We’ve seen firsthand the aftermath of auto accidents caused by distracted driving, especially texting while driving. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident where the other party was a distracted driver, contact our offices today at (800) 333-0000 for a free consultation.
