Southern California Accident Blog

Cell Phones Can Cause a Serious Driver Distraction

Who doesn’t own a cell phone these days?  It is a rarity to hear about people who don’t use cell phones.  Even though the state of California has enacted laws that ban handheld devices and texting and driving, drivers still use their cell phones on a regular basis - they just use headsets. 

Studies have found that the simple act of talking on a cell phone while driving or looking down to dial, can increase the risk of being involved in a car accident.  One such study was conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.  Researchers found that it only took three seconds of being distracted for the chances of being involved in an auto accident to increase.  Dialing a telephone number can easily take your eyes off the road for three seconds.

Some safety experts believe that drivers can get so wrapped up in a telephone conversation that they have trouble concentrating on the road. They may not be capable of recognizing road hazards, as there driving abilities become impaired.

If you have been injured in an Orange County car accident caused by a distracted driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.  Contact Steinberg & Spencer Injury Lawyers at 800-350-8888 for more information about your legal rights as an accident victim.