Distracted driving significantly increases the risk of a crash and is one of the leading causes of car accidents. But despite the known dangers, many drivers still engage in distracting behaviors behind the wheel every day.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) kicked off National Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April with a Maximum Enforcement Period. The effort focused on driver distractions such as texting or using handheld devices while driving.
During the 24-hour enforcement period, CHP officers issued nearly 14,000 citations, including over 3,200 for violations of California’s hands-free law. They also handed out more than 2,400 warnings to reinforce the importance of staying focused while driving.
“Distracted driving is one of the most preventable dangers on our roads, yet it continues to put lives at risk every day,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “No text, call, or distraction is worth a life.”
Distracted driving is a serious problem in California
From 2020 to 2024, over 60,000 crashes in California were linked to driver inattention, leading to more than 350 deaths and over 43,000 injuries, according to data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System.
If you were injured in a crash involving someone who wasn't paying attention while behind the wheel, an experienced California distracted driving accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party accountable. At Clancy & Diaz, LLP, we fight to get crash victims the full compensation they deserve after an accident caused by driver negligence.
What is distracted driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts a driver’s attention away from the primary task of driving. There are three main types of distractions – visual, which takes your eyes off the road; manual, which takes your hands off the wheel; and cognitive, which takes your mind off driving.
Common examples of distracted driving include:
- Texting or using a smartphone
- Talking on the phone (even hands-free)
- Using a navigation system
- Eating or drinking
- Adjusting the stereo or climate controls
- Talking to passengers
- Grooming (such as applying makeup or shaving)
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it involves all three types of distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds – at 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.
Proving distraction after a crash can be difficult
Following a crash that leaves someone injured, many drivers won’t admit to being on the phone or taking part in other distracting behavior. That can make recovering financial compensation much more complicated for victims.
That’s why having an experienced distracted driving accident attorney on your side can make a difference. A lawyer can investigate and build a strong case based on evidence such as:
- Cell phone records – Logs of calls, texts, or data use can show activity around the time of the crash.
- Eyewitness testimony – Passengers, other drivers, or pedestrians may have seen the at-fault driver on their phone or engaging in another distraction.
- Surveillance or dashcam footage – Nearby traffic cameras, business security footage, or dashcams can capture the driver in action.
Injured in the Bay Area? Contact Clancy & Diaz, LLP
A serious car accident can impact your life physically, emotionally, and financially. If you need treatment for your injuries, medical expenses can add up quickly. And if you can’t work, there is less money coming in, leading to financial stress.
But if you were hit by a distracted driver, proving negligence can be complicated. Insurance companies will use many different tactics to limit your compensation. The attorneys at Clancy & Diaz, LLP have a record of getting results for clients – including recoveries of $2,617,566 and $1,800,000 in car accident cases.
Learn more about how we can help. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced distracted driving accident lawyer. With offices in Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, and Benicia, we proudly serve clients throughout California's Bay Area.
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