Distraction: Facts About Distracted Driving

Many people do not subscribe to the idea that distracted driving is dangerous. Most people even think that they can really do things while they are driving. But what these people don’t realize is that a second of inattention can lead to very serious danger. Here are some of the facts that you might want to keep in mind that may change the way you see distracted driving forever.

A study made by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that cellphone users who are using their cellphone while driving. In cases where injuries have happened

The number of people who send and receive text messages has increased though the years.

Contrary to what others think, cellphones are not the only ones that cause distraction to the driver. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has defined the things that constitute distracted driving. More than electronic gadgets, talking to somebody while driving is also one perfect example of it.

California’s Existing State Laws Against Distracted Driving

The state of California implements various laws that help curb distraction driving to help lessen the chances of getting involved in a motor vehicle accident. For one, the use of all hand-held devices are prohibited according to the law. The state also prohibits the use of cellphones while driving for drivers that are younger than 18. However, all drivers, regardless of age group are not allowed to use their vehicles while driving. But these laws mean nothing if they are not implemented well. That is why the authorities of the state are making sure that these laws against distracted driving are observed at all times.

Your Role as Citizens

Time and again, authorities have done their part by coming up with laws to help put a stop to distracted driving. They have also been working hard to help catch offenders of these laws to help prevent accidents from happening because of distracted driving. Ultimately though, the effectiveness of these laws will depend on the compliance of the citizens with such laws.

What Can You Do if You’re a Victim of an Accident Due to Distracted Driving

In personal injury claims, proving that the other party was distracted during the time of the accident is quite hard. But, with the help of an expert car accident attorney in California, you can find ways on how to pin down the other party and prove their guilt of not paying attention to the road while driving. Such can definitely help you with your claims boosting your chances of winning your claims.

Wearing A Motorcycle Helmet in California: What You Should Know About It

Every motorcyclist, especially in California, must wear a protective gear when riding out on the road. Not only is this required by the traffic laws of the state, but wearing it decreases the rider’s chance of getting seriously injured if ever a collision happens. Because a motorcycle does not entirely protect the rider from the impact of a crash, it is imperative that he or she must wear something that would protect delicate body parts, particularly the head.

As it is, the motorcycle helmet is the most essential safety gear that every motorcyclist must wear at all times when riding the two-wheeled motor vehicle. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), helmets prevent motorcycle accident deaths 37 percent of the time. Also, the safety gear is 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries.

Because of how effective these protective gears are, a lot of states have adopted laws that make wearing helmets mandatory for persons who ride motorcycles. A total of 47 states plus the District of Columbia have a mandatory helmet law for motorcyclists. Nineteen of them have the universal helmet law, which means that helmets must be worn by both riders and passengers.

One of the states with the universal helmet law is California, which adopted the said measure in 1992. Upon implementation of the law, helmet use rose from 50 percent to 99 percent. It was proven effective once the law was laid down in the state; in fact, the number of motorcycle accident deaths decreased by 37 percent.