With more and more cases of serious auto accidents caused by texting and driving making news headlines, it seems that many Americans seem to be in favor of stronger distracted driving laws, tougher enforcement, and harsher penalties. Not surprinsingly, distracted driving accidents now account for a significant percentage of the total number of car accident injuries and fatalities recorded in the country every year.
A a recent poll conducted by the National Safety Council showed that as many as 73% of individuals are in favor of stronger enforcement of texting and driving laws. Half of the men and women surveyed also supported more stringent penalties for disctracted driving; including losing one’s driver’s license, increased auto insurance premiums, and higher citation penalties for repeat offenders. If you or a loved one was injured in a San Fernando Valley car accident, and the other driver was texting while driving, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer.
As many drivers are aware, California has laws in place that ban both texting while driving and the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Perhaps the rather mild penalties associated with breaking these laws accounts for the seeming lack of compliance to these rules by drivers throughout the state. One thought is that stricter penalties might lead to less texting and driving and therefore, fewer auto accidents.
It is important to take measures to reduce your chances of being involved in a distracted driving accident. A few guidelines recommended by the National Safety Council include avoiding using a cell phone while at the wheel and switching off your cell phone before you begin driving. If you are a passenger in a car and the driver’s cell phone rings, ask if you can answer the call or let it go to voicemail.
Again, texting and driving causes too many serious car accidents in the San Fernando Valley. If you have been injured in an auto accident by a distracted or otherwise negligent driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney abou tyour legal rights and potential for financial recovery.
For more information about filing a car accident claim, contact auto accident attorney Barry P. Goldberg today.
