When a California driver is looking at a phone or using it while driving, his or her attention is not on the road as it should be. Distracted driving continues to be a major safety concern, and most people are aware that it is risky even to glance at the phone for a moment when driving. Despite the risk of car accidents, many drivers continue to engage in this dangerous behavior. Distraction appears to be a problem that is not diminishing in the near future.
In most states, it is now illegal for a person to text and drive. Some states even have laws that prohibit holding a phone while driving. However, statistics estimate that around 3,000 people die each year in car accidents caused by distracted driving. This number does not include the people who have suffered injuries in crashes or had a close call due to a distracted driver.
To combat this problem and hopefully motivate drivers to display better behavior behind the wheel, many insurance companies are offering incentives to drivers. This may include discounts for safe driving or going a certain length of time without an accident. These programs require drivers to allow the companies to track their phones so they can get an accurate picture of driving data.
Regardless of why a person is driving while distracted or what type of programs a person’s insurance company is offering, a California driver is responsible for the choices made while behind the wheel. Victims of car accidents that happen as a result of the poor decisions of another person have options available to them. This includes the possibility of seeking financial recovery through a personal injury claim.