Distracted driving has become an epidemic on roads across the United States. Drivers distracted by their cell phones, dashboard infotainment systems, and even other passengers are causing accidents at alarming rates. Recent data shows that Riverside County, in Southern California, is experiencing a troubling increase in distracted driving crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road can be considered distracted driving. While cell phone use gets most of the blame, other activities like eating, adjusting music, and attending to children also qualify as distractions. Even daydreaming can be dangerous.
Experts say that distracted driving impairs drivers in three main ways:
- Visually – Taking your eyes off the road
- Cognitively – Taking your mind off driving
- Physically – Taking your hands off the wheel
This impaired driving dramatically increases the chance of an accident. At highway speeds, looking away for just two seconds doubles the chances of crashing. Texting while driving takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds, making a collision extremely likely.
Distracted Driving on the Rise in Riverside County
While detailed statistics are not available, reports indicate that distracted driving accidents have risen across California over the last decade. However, some counties, including Riverside, have been hit particularly hard by this dangerous trend.
With its population centers seeing rapid growth, Riverside County struggles with increased traffic and congestion. This combination raises the risk of distracted driving accidents. Other metro counties like Los Angeles and San Diego have also seen jumps in crashes, but the rise in Riverside County is described as significant.
Cell Phones – The Leading Distraction
By far, cell phone use while driving is the most prevalent and dangerous distraction on the road today. Texting or talking on a handheld cell phone has been proven to significantly delay driver reaction times and impair attention and is the main distraction a Riverside car accident attorney sees.
While county-specific data is unavailable, nationally the NHTSA estimates that at any moment during daylight hours, about 660,000 people are using their cell phones while operating vehicles. Hands-free phone use reduces the physical distraction but does not eliminate the mental distraction. Drivers engaged in phone conversations fail to visually scan for hazards and process driving cues, regardless of hands-free equipment.
Distracted Driving Laws
Given the research showing the extreme risks of cell phone use behind the wheel, many jurisdictions have passed laws prohibiting or restricting this activity. California banned the use of handheld cell phones while driving over a decade ago. Texting while driving is also illegal. However, using a hands-free device is still permitted.
Some experts argue that stronger legislation is needed. Potential new laws that could reduce cell phone distracted driving include:
- Banning all cell phone use, including hands-free
- Restricting cell use for novice drivers under age 18
- Requiring smartphone driving mode apps that block functions
- Increased penalties and fines for texting or calling while driving
However, enforcement remains challenging even when strong laws are present. Putting down the phone and focusing fully on the road becomes a matter of personal responsibility.
Other Distractions Causing Crashes
While cell phones lead the list of distractions, they are not the only issue Riverside County drivers face:
Dashboard infotainment systems – Modern vehicles are equipped with touch screens, voice commands, and other complex electronics. Interacting with these systems takes eyes and attention off the road. Easy access to apps and entertainment tempts distraction. Limiting use of these features can help.
Passengers – Unruly kids or animated adult conversations in the car can divert the driver’s focus. Studies show that the risk of collision drastically increases with each additional passenger. Keep the car quiet and interactions calm.
Eating/Drinking – Unwrapping food packaging, taking bites, sipping beverages, and managing trash are physical and visual distractions from driving. Spills and burns can also startle drivers. Avoid eating while driving when possible.
Personal grooming – Applying makeup, shaving, styling hair, changing clothes – drivers attempting these activities while operating a vehicle put themselves and others in jeopardy. Take care of grooming before getting on the road.
The High Costs of Distracted Driving
Beyond the immeasurable emotional toll of losing loved ones, distracted driving accidents impose significant financial costs as well. Hospitalization, vehicle repairs, legal fees, insurance premiums, lost wages – a single fatality can generate over $1 million in expenses and lost productivity.
For families, the distracted driver who caused the death can face devastating liabilities exceeding their insurance coverage. Large injury settlements and court judgements can negatively impact finances and credit for many years.
Some estimates show that U.S. auto collisions related to cell phone use while driving cost society over $40 billion annually. This factors in loss of life and property, injuries, legal costs and increased insurance rates—a deadly epidemic by any measure.
Injuries Caused by Distracted Drivers
The injuries caused by distracted driving collisions run the full range from minor to catastrophic. Some of the most common include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Back and neck injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe lacerations and abrasions
- Internal organ damage
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Amputated limbs
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Severe burns
- Wrongful death
In addition to the physical harm, psychological and emotional trauma frequently follows crashes. This can include PTSD, anxiety, depression, and phobias which may require extensive therapy to overcome.
Preventing Distracted Driving Accidents
Combating the distracted driving problem will require action from drivers as well as changed policies and legislation. Experts recommend maximizing safety through:
- Education campaigns on distraction risks
- Phone apps to block functions while driving
- Advanced vehicle technology
- Strict enforcement of handheld device bans
- Limiting phone use by novice drivers
- Leading by example for others
Drivers must commit to delaying phone use and minimizing all other activities that can pull their focus from the highway. It’s also incumbent on car makers to limit dashboard distractions. Creating a safe transportation culture must become a top priority for all.
Legal Options After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured by a distracted driver in Riverside County, contact the expert attorneys at Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys for a free consultation by calling 800-4THE-WIN(800-484-3946). An experienced car accident lawyer Riverside CA can fully protect your rights and help recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
An attorney will investigate fault and build a strong claim to force the distracted driver and their insurance company to pay for:
- Medical expenses from the crash
- Ongoing therapies and rehabilitation
- Lost current and future income
- Vehicle damage or replacement
- Pain and suffering
Let our team fight on your behalf while you focus on healing from the collision. Call today to help hold distracted drivers accountable.
