We all know that a number of Los Angeles car accidents are caused by distracted drivers, especially those who text while driving. CBS News reports that the city is cracking down on texting drivers, specifically the younger drivers, by launching a campaign directed against them. The "No Texting While Driving" public safety campaign is being led by AT&T.

Recent studies have all shown that texting is the worst form of distracted driving. It takes your hands off the wheel, eyes off the road and your attention somewhere else. It is pretty much like driving with your eyes closed.

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to 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, nationwide. The National Safety Council blames 28 percent of car accidents each year on motorists talking on a handheld cell phone or texting while driving. A recent study by Virginia Tech also showed that texting drivers are 23 times more likely to get in a car accident.

The Laws Relating to Handheld Cell Phones

California law prohibits drivers from texting or using a handheld cell phone while driving. 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."

Texting while Driving Can Be Deadly

I'm pleased that the city of Los Angeles is launching this awareness campaign. As parents, we need to be role models for our children. If we text while driving or talk on a handheld cell phone while driving, what kind of a message are we sending out to our children – the future drivers?

Please remember that if you cause an accident while texting and driving, you could be held liable for the accident and injuries caused to victims. If you were injured in an accident as the result of a distracted driver, please get in touch with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer to get more information about your legal rights and options.

Do you text while driving? What do you think causes people to continue to indulge in this habit in spite of knowing that it could be dangerous?

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