What Counts as Distracted Driving in Orange County?

In California, distracted driving is loosely defined as anything that takes your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes and mind off the road. While a lot of work has been put into raising awareness of the dangers of cell phone, smartphone, and tablet use behind the wheel, mobile devices aren’t the only things that distract drivers behind the wheel.

Not Sure What Counts as “Distracted Driving” in California?

Distracted driving behaviors include anything that takes your attention away from road. Under that definition, any of the following actions behind the wheel could be considered distracted driving in California:

• Texting or talking on the phone
• Talking to passengers in your car
• Turning your head to speak with children in the back seat
• Fiddling with the radio or an MP3 player
• Eating or drinking
• Checking a map or setting your GPS
• Reaching for an object on the floor or in the console
• Putting on makeup, combing your hair, grooming for work, etc.
• Reading or watching a video

Because most of us drive every day, it’s easy to forget the consequences of driving distracted. Taking your eyes away from the road or letting your mind wander for even a few seconds can end in a wreck that takes a life or causes serious injuries.  It’s probably the simplest safety rule, but it’s also probably the most important: stay alert when you’re behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, distracted drivers are one of the most common causes of serious Orange County car accidents, and many injured victims have a hard time getting adequate compensation in the aftermath. If you have been injured by a distracted driver and need help, please reach out to an experienced OC accident lawyer with Russell & Lazarus at 1-(949) 851-0222.