Distracted Driving in Roseville
For the most part, the streets of Roseville, California are safe – drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists obey the laws. Unfortunately, as more of us use mobile technology like smartphones, GPS devices, and even smartwatches, we face an increase in distracted drivers who think they can use a mobile device and drive at the same time.
Federal Express Truck Hit By Alleged Distracted Driver
This mentality was once again proven false in mid-January when a Federal Express truck and a car with a distracted driver behind the wheel collided. In that car crash, a Ford Taurus veered while crossing the Sierra Street Bridge in Roseville. The car bounced off the side of the bridge and into oncoming traffic. The vehicle then collided with the Federal Express truck. The bridge had to be temporarily shut down.
Reportedly, both of the drivers were taken to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. The bridge sometimes called Crooked Bridge by Roseville locals, reopened a few hours later, after the wreck was cleared.
Police believe that the Taurus swerved because the driver was distracted.
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is, by definition, any activity that takes a driver’s mind and eyes off the road while the vehicle is in motion. This can include activities like changing the radio station, speaking to a passenger in the back seat of the vehicle, reaching for an object in the car, eating, or grooming, such as brushing hair or putting on makeup. However, there has been a national spike in distracted driving accidents, including fatal accidents, in the last few years, and researchers attribute this increase to the wider use of mobile technology.
Statistics on Distracted Driving
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has gathered statistics on distracted driving problems in California. On average, 80 percent of auto accidents involve some type of driver inattention, and texting or talking on a cell phone is the leading cause of that inattention. Both of these activities are illegal in California, so motorists who use cell phones while the vehicle is in motion are breaking the law.
California’s OTS also notes that texting, even a short message like “OK” or “LOL,” takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, but it only takes two seconds for an accident to happen when the vehicle is moving at an average speed of 55 miles per hour.
Distracted driving puts pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and passengers, at serious risk.
Roseville Distracted Driving Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville Auto Accident Lawyer. If you or a member of your family has been seriously injured in a Roseville, CA car accident caused by the negligence of another person, especially if that driver was texting or talking on a cell phone, I can help. Distracted driving is a serious problem, but you do not have to face these injuries alone. I’ve been helping injury victims secure the medical treatment and compensation they deserve since 1982. Call me to discuss the serious injuries you or a family member has sustained. We can discuss what can be done about it. It is important to call right away after an accident to protect your rights and preserve evidence. I can be reached at 916-921-6400, 800-404-5400, or contact me online for free, friendly advice.
Check Social Media for Ed Smith’s Client Ratings here: Yelp and Avvo and Google.
Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
See Past Verdicts and Settlements.
Photo Attribution: [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons