CHP: Open Your Eyes to The Dangers of Distracted Driving

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently issued a press release about their efforts during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Throughout the Month of April, the CHP will be raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. They will be working with the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Impact Teen Drivers (ITD) to help increase education and enforcement efforts surrounding the issues associated with driver distraction.  

According to research, it takes the average person approximately five seconds to look down at a cell phone to read a text. If you’re driving 55 miles per hour, that’s the equivalent of driving the length of a football field blindfolded. You would never close your eyes for that length of time when you’re driving, so you shouldn’t be looking at your phone.   

 Distracted Driving Stats in California 

  • In 2021, the CHP issued more than 55,800 citations for distracted driving.  
  • Driver inattention resulted in more than 13,000 crashes in 2021.  
  • In 2021, there were 56 distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes.  
  • Nearly 6,300 distracted drivers were involved in injury crashes in 2021.  

Distracted Driving Awareness Month Events  

From April 7th through the 20th, CHP officers will be out in full force looking for distracted drivers during their statewide enforcement campaign. Additionally, April 11-24, the OTS will be running an educational campaign that is geared towards encouraging drivers to put their phones down and avoid distractions behind the wheel.  

Distracted Driving Accidents in Southern California 

It can take additional investigative efforts to determine if a driver was distracted or using their phone at the time of a crash. A Personal Injury lawyer can keep you abreast of any investigative developments in your case and fight to get you the compensation you deserve to pay for medical bills and other expenses associated with your injuries after a car crash involving a distracted driver.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a dangerous or distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.