Northern California Distracted Driving Accident Attorneys
Driver inattention or distraction is a major contributing factor to one out of every four accidents. Actions as brief as changing a radio station, reading a storefront sign, checking GPS directions, retrieving a dropped French fry, or glancing at an email on a smartphone can all reduce driver reaction time sufficiently to cause an accident. Especially when combined with high speeds, distractions reduce the amount of time you have to stop suddenly, should you need to. Distracted driving is especially a problem for teens and inexperienced drivers.
At Estey Bomberger, our Northern California car accident lawyers represent victims of all types of accidents, including victims of crashes caused by negligent and distracted drivers. From our many years of experience, we have handled claims involving virtually every imaginable type of driver distraction. If you or a member of your family has been involved in a car accident caused by a distracted driver, contact us to discuss your rights today.
Falling Asleep at the Wheel
A major contributor to accidents is falling asleep at the wheel. Fatigue, or "drowsy driving" takes a driver’s attention away from the road and puts drivers, passengers, and others on the road at risk of serious injury or death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 56,000 crashes each year in which driver drowsiness/fatigue is cited by law enforcement. Each year, drowsy driving accidents cause 40,000 nonfatal injuries and 1,550 fatalities. Driver fatigue is especially a concern for big-rig and semi-truck drivers. Accidents involving a driver falling asleep at the wheel occur most frequently on freeways and highways, resulting in solo vehicle accidents, head-on collisions or high-speed rear end accidents.
Talking on Cell Phones and "Texting and Driving"
In 2010, the National Safety Council released a report indicating drivers talking on cell phones or "texting and driving" cause 28 percent of the approximately 1.6 million crashes that occur every year. One study showed that drivers sending or receiving text messages are 23 more times likely to cause a crash. Although talking on a cell phone without a hands free device and "texting and driving" are both against the law in California, many drivers choose to ignore these laws, increasing their risk of a collision.
Eating and Driving
Although the NHTSA does not keep statistics on the number of accidents each year that involve food, "eating on the run" is recognized as a major contributor to accidents. In 2009, insure.com published a list of the top ten most distracting or dangerous foods to consume while driving. They are:
- Coffee
- Hot soup
- Tacos
- Chili
- Hamburgers
- Barbecued food
- Fried chicken
- Jelly or cream-filled donuts
- Soft drinks
- Chocolate
Avoiding Distractions While Driving
Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. You can reduce your risk of causing an accident by always keeping your eyes on the road. The following are some general tips to reduce distractions in your vehicle:
- Don’t apply makeup or shave while driving
- Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking while driving
- Avoid making or receiving phone calls while driving
- Look at a map or read directions before you start driving
- Don’t drive if you are upset
- On long trips, designate a passenger "co-pilot" to assist with navigation, make any necessary phone calls, distribute food and tend to children or pets.
What To Do If You’re Involved in an Accident
Victims of distracted driving accidents may be entitled to financial compensation. If you are hurt in an accident, or if a loved one was killed in an accident caused by a negligent or distracted driver, contact an experienced Northern California personal injury lawyer at Estey Bomberger to discuss your case. A skilled lawyer who is familiar with the unique legal issues of accidents caused by distracted drivers can help you recover the maximum compensation from whoever is responsible for your accident. All consultations are free, with no obligation. We will not charge any fees unless we win your case.