PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS SAN DIEGO & VISTA,CALIFORNIA

FREE 1 HR INTERVIEW TOLL FREE 844-439-8969

Is California’s Texting Ban Working?

California’s texting ban took effect on July 1, 2008 in an effort to stop drivers from using their cell phones behind the wheel. While some studies have praised the effectiveness of the ban, which prohibits the use of all hand-held devices by drivers, other researchers question the effectiveness of the law in curbing this often deadly practice.

Using a cell phone while behind the wheel is a dangerous habit. But as any personal injury lawyer in San Diego understands, this doesn’t stop thousands of people from driving distracted in California every day. In fact, advances in mobile technology since California’s texting ban took effect have only served to make it easier for drivers to do so.

A recent study conducted by the University of Colorado and RAND Corporation speculated that the state’s texting ban and subsequent enforcement has not done enough to discourage California drivers from texting while behind the wheel.

CONFLICTING RESEARCH ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TEXTING BAN IN CALIFORNIA

A mid-August IEEE Spectrum article brought to light conflicting research over the texting ban’s effectiveness. According to the article, the University of Colorado and RAND Corporation’s joint study revealed that the number of accidents on California roads did not change significantly in the months after California’s texting ban took effect.

Officials from the University of Colorado speculated that “simply banning hand-held cellphone use may not produce the desired effect in traffic safety.” The article goes on to question whether or not state and federal policymakers should consider stiffening penalties associated with texting bans.

However, critics of the study cited its limited time frame – 6 months before and after the ban took effect – in questioning the ban’s effectiveness. A study conducted by the University of California-Berkley looked at a period of 2 years before and after the ban became law. The study concluded that fatal accidents caused by distracted drivers in California fell 50 percent.

Despite these numbers, there’s no doubt that mobile technology has grown in the years since California’s texting ban took effect. Drivers are no longer only able to talk and text. They can now use their cell phones to access email, browse the internet, use social media applications and complete other tasks while on the road.

A CLOSER LOOK AT CALIFORNIA ANTI-TEXTING LAWS

In California, it’s illegal for all non-emergency service professionals to “write, send, or read a text-based communication” while behind the wheel. Drivers caught manipulating a hand-held device while driving are subject to a $20 fine for their first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. Prohibited actions include the following:

  • Text messaging
  • Reading or sending an email
  • Browsing the internet
  • Programming a phone GPS while driving
  • Text in traffic or while stuck at a red light

Drivers are still permitted to engage in the following behaviors:

  • Type directions into a GPS that is separate from a phone
  • Sending or reading text messages while a car is parked
  • Read directions from a map or GPS on your phone while driving

Unfortunately, just because it’s the law doesn’t mean most California drivers follow it. Many distracted drivers simply believe an accident could not happen to them. Accident victims who believe their accident was caused by a distracted driver should consult with a personal injury lawyer immediately to discuss their legal options.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in California, a personal injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Ronald B. Laba is ready to help. Call 866-434-1577 today for a free one-hour interview.

FREE CASE CONSULTATION

All fields with an * are required.

RECENT BLOG POSTS

4 Main Reasons People Don’t call a Lawyer

While it seems that most people should know it is important to seek advice when they are injured, statistics show that many people don’t. San Diego accident attorney Ronald B. Laba knows it can be difficult to even make a phone call to an attorney’s...

Read More

Joomla! Debug Console

Session

Profile Information

Memory Usage

Database Queries