Modesto Car Accidents: California a Leader in Distracted Driving Prevention


 

With distracted driving resulting in more than 3,000 deaths each year (and more than 415,000 injuries), the federal government is awarding grants to states like California, which have enacted primary enforcement laws addressing the issue.blackcellphone.jpg

Modesto personal injury lawyers understand that $17.5 million has been set aside to divvy up among those 10 states, plus Washington D.C. and Guam, that have deemed use of handheld cell phones while driving a primary offense.

Having the measure as "primary offense" means that an officer in California can stop you and cite you solely for talking on the phone or texting while driving. Lawyer firm in Pennsylvania. In states where such actions are considered "secondary offenses," it means that an officer can't stop you solely for talking on your phone, but if he or she has another legitimate and lawful reason to stop you, you can be cited for it.

The grant has been awarded by Congress under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (also known as MAP-21). The only requirement is that the state have a comprehensive, primary law that forbids texting while driving.

California has some of the stiffest laws on the books. Handheld devices used for either talking or texting are considered a primary offense for ALL drivers - not just teens, as is the case in some states.

Still, distracted driving deaths continue to be a major problem. And it isn't just teenagers.

Anyone using a cell phone is four times more likely to be involved in a crash than someone who isn't, and distracted driving causes nearly as many accidents as drunk driving and speeding. That's according to the California Office of Traffic Safety. In fact, multiple studies have indicated that talking on a cell phone or texting while driving leads to the same type of reaction delay as having a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent - which in all states is the threshold for drunk driving.

These state laws are clear and this increased awareness initiative will mean they have no excuses for continuing to do anything other than drive behind the wheel.

States can decide what to do with the money once it's been awarded, though it is expected that it will be used for increased law enforcement on the roads, ongoing public awareness campaigns and possibly a push in some places to enact tougher penalties for violations.

Congress has set aside an additional $5 million for national distracted driving awareness.

The announcement of the grants coincided with the release of a series of public service announcements from "Glee" cast members. It's part of the "Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks." campaign, which kicked off in October of last year.

Some things to keep in mind to help you avoid distracted driving:

Turn your phone completely off or turn it to silent mode before you even get in the vehicle.

If you need to make a phone call, pull over.

Ask a passenger to make a call for you.

Know your route before you get in the car.

Make sure your pets are properly secured before you start the car.

If you have a situation you need to handle involving children, pull over to do it.

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