(888) 254-1234
blog home northern california fatal car crash | Northern California Personal Injury Blog

northern california fatal car crash | Northern California Personal Injury Blog

Even Hands-Free Cell Phone Use Can Lead to Serious Distracted-Driving Accidents

By Kelly Balamuth on April 4, 2012

In July 2008, California led the nation in passing a law that banned the use of handheld cell phones while driving a car, but permitted the use of hands-free devices for making calls. Lawmakers reasoned that if drivers were required to keep both hands on the wheel while talking, they would keep better control of their vehicles and be less likely to cause a serious car crash.

Bay Area Cell Phone Distraction CrashHowever, new research from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and other researchers suggests that’s not the case. Rather, it turns out that drivers who are talking on any electronic device – whether held in the hand, worn in the ear, or broadcast over the car’s speakers – are four times more likely to cause a serious injury or fatal car accident than drivers who aren’t conversing via phone at all.

That’s because the act of conversation distracts the brain, making it impossible to do the constant scanning, focusing, and reacting that are required to drive a car safely, according to researchers. Keeping both hands on the wheel isn’t enough to compensate for the extra “processing power” the brain uses up on the conversation – power that should be used to focus on the road.

Distracted driving is a major source of serious car accidents, many of which take lives. While cell phones are a common distraction, they are not the only one that can cause a crash. At Balamuth Law, our well-trained Bay Area distracted driving accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians get the compensation they need after an accident. For a free consultation, call us today at (888) 254-1234.

Attorney Kelly Balamuth was profiled in the
September 2013 Issue of Plaintiff Magazine.

1001 Country Club Dr., #F
Moraga, California 94556
Phone: (925) 254-1234
Toll Free: (888) 254-1234

Moraga Personal Injury Attorney Disclaimer: The information and materials contained on this web site do not constitute legal advice and are presented without any representation or warranty whatsoever, including as to accuracy or completeness. They are not intended to create, and receipt of them does not establish, an attorney-client relationship between you and Balamuth Law. You should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel.

© 2011 - 2024 Balamuth Law - All rights reserved. Serving the Northern California Area.

Website Design & Search Engine Optimization by SLS Consulting