CHP: ‘Distracted Driving is Not Worth It’
Applying make-up, adjusting the radio, or reading a map is legal while driving, but the California Highway Patrol says each of these activities contributes to distracted driving.
Anything that diverts the driver's eyes or attention from the roadway, even for 1-2 seconds, could result in tragedy. The bottom line, whatever the distraction, the CHP wants drivers to know that "It's Not Worth It!"
"Thousands of people every year lose their lives to an action that is 100 percent avoidable," said CHP Captain Austin Danmeier. "CHP officers enforce cell phone laws to try and reduce the number of people injured or killed as a result of distracted driving. Drivers make the choice to engage in distraction, and with that choice comes consequences."
The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that at least 28% or 1.6 million crashes are caused each year by drivers using cell phones and texting. The NSC estimates that 1.4 million crashes each year are caused by drivers using cell phones, and a minimum of 200,000 additional crashes each year are caused by drivers who are texting.
Teens are considered at the most risk for distracted driving. They are inexperienced drivers and are saturated with technology, says CHP Officer Daniel Jacowitz.
"Illegal text messaging would qualify as a manual, visual, and cognitive distraction since an individual uses their hands to type, their eyes to see what they are typing, and their mind because they have to think about the message," Officer Jacowitz says.
Even with hands-free technology, although legal, cell phones are still hazardous and not risk-free, the CHP says. Studies show that texting on a cell phone is by far the most hazardous distraction.
From an officer's standpoint, texting and talking on a cell phone can show driving behavior similar to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Distracted drivers often weave in and out of lanes, or they speed up and slow down in unusual ways.
The CHP says this behavior is unsafe while operating a vehicle, and they will issue a citation.
"It is the responsibility of all drivers to help keep the roads safe," says Officer Jacowitz. "If you have teenagers in your family who are driving, make sure they understand the laws and what their responsibilities are as well."
Safe operation of a vehicle requires motorists to pay attention to their driving, other vehicles around them, and changing road conditions, the CHP says. Focus on the road ahead and get to where you are going safely.