We've heard a lot about the problem of distracted driving in connection with car accidents. Now, a new group that calls itself Bicyclists Against Distracted Driving (BADD) is striving to create awareness among motorists about how deadly distracted driving can be for cyclists. According to a news report in The Union, One of the three group founders, Carolyn Jones-Rogers, lost her 53-year-old husband, Jim Rogers, in January when his bicycle was struck by a vehicle on Highway 174. That driver was apparently using her cell phone at the time of the collision. Jones-Rogers and three others are apparently kicking off this grassroots effort during the Amgen Tour of California.

Distracted Driving Laws and Statistics

Handheld cell phones and texting have already been outlawed in California. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23123 (a): "A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving."

Still, recent data shows that the use of handheld cell phones while driving is not only prevalent but in fact, growing in California. According to statistics recently released by California Highway Patrol officials, the number of citations issued for hand-held cell phones has increased in California – from 7,779 in July 2008 to 12,761 in July 2009. Since the hand-held law became effective, CHP officials have issued a total of 173,616 citations for violations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), all forms of distracted driving caused 515,000 personal injuries and 5,870 fatalities in 2008, nationally.

Great Effort to Curb Distracted Driving

BADD is trying to create awareness especially among teens and the younger generation in an attempt to reach them before they form bad driving habits. One of the founders also testified in April at a California Assembly hearing supporting laws that increase penalties for distracted driving.

The work that this group has commenced is much needed in California and in our nation. If we don't do something about it now, this could become as big a problem as drunk driving did in the early '80s. Research studies have shown that a texting driver is not much different from an intoxicated driver with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent, which is the legal limit for drivers in California and other states. As a California personal injury lawyer, who sees the effects of distracted driving first-hand, I wholeheartedly support BADD's efforts.

It is our duty as a society to fight and make sure that we nip this thing in the bud. Distracted driving is already taking a deadly toll on motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. We all need to do our part by putting away those cell phones as soon as we get in the car. We really need to start treating our roadways as "no phone zones."

What ways would you suggest to increase awareness among young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving?

None of the parties mentioned in this article are represented by us at the time this article was posted. The source of our information is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm for a consultation. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. The BISNAR | CHASE personal injury law firm will provide free, confidential consultation to "not at fault" persons and their family members if you mention your source was the “Personal Injury Law Journal." They can be reached at 866-456-5235 during California business hours.

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