How Can You Participate in Distracted Driving Awareness in Fresno, CA
Distracted Driving Awareness Starts with you.
As part of the effort to stop accidents caused by distracted drivers, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), along with other law enforcement agencies, are working to crack down on drivers who violate the states distracted driving laws.
According to a news article on ABC30.com, a driver was observed using an iPad while driving along with several other drivers who were using their phones while driving. A CHP representative said that phones are not the only distraction they observe. Drivers reading newspapers in the fast lane or women putting on makeup while driving are also examples of distracted driving.
How Prevalent Is Distracted Driving in California and the United States?
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of fatalities in distracted driving accidents increased by 8.8 percent from 2014 to 2015. Nationwide, 3,477 people died in distraction-affected crashes during 2015. Of the factors involved in crashes labeled “human choice,” distraction-affected fatalities had the highest increase from 2014 to 2015. For instance, fatalities in DUI accidents increased by 3.2 percent and speeding-related fatalities increased by 3.0 percent.
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has accumulated information about distracted driving in California from several resources. According to the information on the OTS website, over one-half of California drivers state they have been in an accident or in a near miss with a driver who was using a cell phone to text or talk while driving during 2016. Roughly 40 percent of drivers admit to making a mistake while driving because they were talking on a cell phone. Sadly, California drivers continue to text while driving, talk on cell phones, and engage in other distractions that can cause tragic accidents on our roads.
What Can I Do?
Distracted Driving Awareness starts with getting involved with federal, state, local, and private organizations that hold seminars and activities. Check with your city and state government offices for times and dates of activities.
Take the Pledge: One of the best things you can do is to vow not to drive while distracted. You can join the millions of drivers who have taken the pledge to avoid distracted driving. Over 24 million people have taken the AT&T “It Can Wait” pledge. You can take the pledge too and promise always to drive distraction-free with no exceptions. To help you keep your pledge, you can download the Drivemode App to minimize distractions while driving.
Take an Online Course: The National Security Council (NSC) is offering its online distracted driving course. You have 14 days to complete the course from the day you sign up. See how much you know about distracted driving and how you can protect yourself from a distracted driving accident. Test Drive a Course with a 5-minute demo. It’s free, and you will gain greater insight on what their courses have to offer and how it will help your family or organization: You can sign up on the NSC website. The NSC also has several other resources throughout the month to increase awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.
Talk to Your Teen Drivers: Set an example for your teen drivers by turning off electrical devices and putting away other distractions while driving. Distracted driving accidents are avoidable; however, it requires all drivers to keep our focus on the roads and the task of driving when we are behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Call a Fresno Distracted Driving Attorney for a Free Appointment
If a distracted driver has injured you, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your injuries. Call Torem & Associates at (888) 500-5000or use the contact form on our website to schedule your free consultation with a distracted driving attorney in Fresno.
Source: “CHP crackdown on distracted drivers.” Christina Davies. ABC30 News. 04 April 2018.
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