In a world filled with smartphones with easy access to social media, streaming apps and video calls at the touch of a button, it can be difficult to stay focused on the task at hand. Unfortunately, many drivers in California seem to have lost the battle between focusing on their phones or on the road. Distracted driving continues to be a widespread problem that is continually getting worse.
Is everybody distracted?
According to one study, nine out of 10 drivers said they used their smartphones while driving at least once over the past year. A different study from StateFarm determined that despite 90% of people admitting that reading emails while driving is dangerous, approximately 33% of them did it anyway. Distracted driving is about more than just texting though, and includes:
- Messing with navigation or GPS
- Speaking with passengers
- Using built in vehicle technology
Teenagers are especially susceptible to distracted driving behaviors. In addition to phones, having a passenger in the vehicle is one of the biggest distractions for teen drivers. Built in vehicle technology that comes with voice commands are also a problem for drivers of all ages. Since manufacturers install this type of technology many people assume that it is safe to use while driving despite evidence showing that it can be dangerous.
Victims injured in distracted driving accidents often have long roads to recovery ahead of them. In addition to focusing on their physical injuries, they also have to contend with things like medical bills, lost wages and emotional trauma. Navigating these damages is not easy, but California victims often find it helpful to pursue compensation via the careful actions of a personal injury lawsuit.
