Hands-Free Devices and Distracted Driving

 Posted on December 16, 2015 in Car Accidents

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in California. The state prohibits drivers from using handheld cellphones while driving. It has had the cellphone ban on the books since 2008. But a recent study shows that using a hands-free device like a Bluetooth headset may not make driving any safer.

Distracted Driving Studies

Researchers at the University of Colorado examined data from California before and after the ban on handheld cell phone use. It discovered that the ban had no significant impact on the number of traffic accidents. Other studies have repeatedly shown that drivers using hands free devices are just as distracted when driving as drivers holding cell phones in their hands while driving.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is more than just talking on a cell phone while driving. Distracted driving is anything that takes your focus away from the task of driving. Activities such as changing stations on the radio, eating, looking at something happening outside of the car on the side of the road can all lead to distracted driving.

The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that over 400,000 people are injured every year as the result of distracted driving. Thousands of those injuries include deaths.

What is Your Duty When Driving?

When you are driving, you have a responsibility to stay focused on the road. Even if you are doing something legal, if you are not paying attention to your driving, you can be liable for the damage you cause in a car accident.

It may be legal to drive with a Bluetooth headset, but if you are involved in a car accident and it is later shown that you were on the phone during the time of the car accident, you may be found to be responsible for the car accident.

Staying Safe

The safest thing for you and your passengers is for you to always remained focus on the task of driving when you are behind the wheel. This may mean, not using your cell phone at all while in the car. 

If you have been involved in a serious car accident, you need to speak with a tough San Jose personal injury attorney right away. Call the Law Office of John J. Garvey, III today at 408-293-7777 to schedule a consultation. Make sure you understand your rights before it is too late.

Sources: 

http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html
http://www.dmv.org/ca-california/safety-laws.php
http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2014/07/17/no-evidence-california-cellphone-ban-decreased-accidents-says-cu-boulder