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The California Highway Patrol (CHP) recently issued a press release about grant funding they received to help “silence” distracted driving. According to the CHP, nearly 10,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes last year. The CHP is launching the grant-funded statewide “Distracted Driving Education for Adult Drivers” traffic safety program, and it will run through September 2023.  

Reducing crashes caused by distracted driving is a top priority for the CHP, and they plan to conduct at least 80 enforcement operations targeting adult distracted drivers and 600 adult traffic safety presentations over the next 12 months. These efforts will also go hand-in-hand with their program to target teen distracted driving.  

Cell Phones Aren’t The Only Distractions  

Although many behaviors can be distracting behind the wheel, cell phone usage is one of the biggest culprits. From October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022, CHP officers issued approximately 57,466 cell phone violation citations. Additionally, last year, 9,733 people were injured and 96 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers in the state.  

The CHP wants people to know that texting isn’t the only form of distraction behind the wheel. Distractions can come in various forms. They can be manual, visual, cognitive or a combination of those three types. Eating, grooming, talking to passengers, operating a GPS system and even changing the radio station can all be considered types of distractions. Anything that takes your eyes, hands or mind off the task of driving is considered a distraction behind the wheel.  

Distracted Driving Crashes Are Preventable  

Thankfully, crashes caused by distracted driving are completely preventable. Drivers are encouraged to make a commitment to distraction-free driving. If the phone is tempting, put it on silent and place it in the backseat of your vehicle until you get to your destination. The text or call can wait. Checking your phone is never worth putting our own safety or the safety of others at risk.  

If you have been injured by a 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.