Distracted driving awareness month begins with focus on teens

Distracted driving is a plague in California and throughout the country. And it isn't just teens who engage in the reckless driving behavior of, for example, sending text messages behind the wheel. Even experienced, supposedly responsible drivers are often guilty of driving while distracted.

Now that we are about a week into April, it's time to alert drivers to the fact that this month is Nation Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The California Highway Patrol is participating in the nationwide safety effort by providing warnings and education to the driving public.

It all began with a focus on California teen drivers this week. Young drivers are not only inexperienced but generally more attached to the conveniences of their cellphones. Therefore, starting by alerting them to the proven dangers of distracted driving is a strategic plan. Traffic accidents are a primary cause of teen deaths in California and the U.S. and cellphones contribute to the danger all too often.

Overall, distracted driving isn't a teen safety issue. It is a public safety issue that deserves to be taken as seriously as drunk driving. Research shows that 22 percent of California crashes are caused by distracted drivers. Drunk driving isn't the only form of negligent driving, and this month the hope is that drivers all over the nation will get that message into their heads and respond with safer driving.

Our San Jose personal injury attorneys help victims of distracted drivers and all types of auto accidents seek the compensation that they need and deserve to move forward.

Source: KFMB-TV, "April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month," April 2, 2013