New California Law Seeks to Keep Devices Out of Our Hands While Driving
Nevada generally follows its neighboring state regarding laws, and California may be trying a bold new approach to the subject of distracted driving with the implementation of its newest law. If you are holding anything but the wheel, you will receive a ticket. Drivers no longer need to be caught in the actual act of making a call or texting and police officers can ticket them simply for having a mobile device such as a phone or tablet where it can be accessed behind the wheel. The law doesn’t just seek to reduce the number of drivers using their smartphones, but to eliminate their very presence from view.
Texting While Driving is the Single Largest Threat to Drivers in Recent History
Over the last fifty years, increased population and access to mobile technology have combined to give us the sharpest increases in traffic fatalities we have ever seen. 46 states have now outlawed texting and driving, but it can be extremely difficult for police officers to catch culprits red-handed. Previous versions of California’s law have not been deemed strict enough to help reverse this trend.
For example, drivers were once able to stream video with mobilecameras under California’s old laws. This created the same types ofdangers that come with texting and driving, except the drivers’ focus onthe camera for long periods of time can be even more deadly. Californiais often the first state to enact policy that sweeps the nation, solawmakers across state legislatures everywhere are awaiting data todetermine whether they should propose similar measures at home.
391,000 accidents were reported in 2015 that involved distracteddrivers. When adding in those who stream video from their vehicles, thethreat from phones and tablets is magnified. There are about 660,000cell phones in the hands of drivers on our roads on any given day.
Most Drivers Killed in Accidents are Distracted
Upon reviewing NHSTA data, California’s lawmakers noticed that 3,263 of the 3,477 people killed in car accidentsin 2015 were distracted while they drove. There is now no doubt thatforcing people to stop using mobile devices behind the wheel will savelives. While many safety advocates are praising the new legislation,others are not convinced that it is truly addressing the issue.
The physical devices are only one part of the problem. When driversare in the company of others, however, there are other forms ofdistractions that can pull their attention from the road. This isreferred to as a cognitive distraction. For example, the passengertexting next to you, the radio, the child screaming in the back seat andthe uncontrolled pet are all able to take our eyes off the road.
Passengers are not aware of how their unruly behavior can impact thedriver, either. It is generally assumed that the only person who needsto be alert, aware and focused is the person doing the driving.
Some feel that there are no laws that will ever solve the problem solong as our friends and family members can distract us simply by beingthere. Instead, we need to be aware of how we are affecting the personbehind the wheel and be responsible passengers and expect the same ofthose we transport when it is our turn to man the wheel.
Technology as a Failsafe
Automakers are beginning to address the issue of distracted drivingby developing features that will warn drivers when they are approachinganother vehicle too quickly or alerting them when they try to changelanes that a vehicle is in their blind spot. These technologies are notalways beneficial, however, as some of them may prove to be adistraction themselves.
Strides are being made to make these features more intuitive and toimprove the technology itself to avoid false-positives. For example,safety features that activate the brakes to avoid a collision have beenresponsible for accidents when they apply the brakes needlessly, and thevehicle is then struck from behind by the person who was not payingattention or could not react quickly enough.
Only time will tell whether the combination of safety initiatives and new laws can turn the tide in this ever raging battle against distracted driving. While most people attribute the problem primarily to teenagers, it is time that everyone begins to take responsibility for how they contribute. The most innovative technology of our time will never be able to control whether a driver chooses to focus on the road or the handheld device that belongs in his or her pocket during the trip.
The best car accident attorney in Las Vegas at Steve Dixon Law encourage everyone to be safe while driving. However, if you are in an accident because of an unsafe driver, please call for a free consultation at (702) 329-4911. Be sure to check out our reviews on Google and Avvo.com for the best personal injury attorney in Las Vegas as well.