April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving continues to be one of the deadliest threats on American roads today. While smartphones often receive the majority of the blame, distractions appear in countless forms: adjusting navigation systems, changing music selections, consuming food, or even applying cosmetics while behind the wheel.

These momentary lapses in attention can result in devastating consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,275 lives were lost due to distracted driving in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and prevention efforts.

While designed with convenience and connectivity in mind, modern vehicles often contribute to the problem. Advanced touchscreens, voice command systems, and sophisticated navigation interfaces — though intended to enhance the driving experience — frequently distract drivers from their primary responsibility: the safe operation of their vehicle

No message, song, or notification is worth a life. If it can wait, it should.

In response to the rise in distracted driving, the National Safety Council has declared April as National Distracted Driving Awareness Month to shine a spotlight on its dangers. This month-long campaign does more than simply urge drivers to put down their phones. It honors victims of distracted driving, educates about the dangers of multitasking while driving, and encourages actions to improve road safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is also cracking down with its Put the Phone Away or Pay campaign. From April 10 to 14, law enforcement will be increasing patrols and ticketing drivers caught texting behind the wheel.

If a distracted driver injured you or someone you love, you deserve accountability and a path to justice. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 for a free consultation. We’re ready to stand up for your rights and help you move forward.

What Is Distracted Driving, And How Does It Cause Accidents?

Distracted driving is anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road, and it’s far more common and dangerous than most people realize. It causes accidents by delaying reaction times, impairing judgment, and making it harder to notice changes in traffic or road conditions. Distractions fall into three main categories:

• Visual — Taking your eyes off the road (like reading a text or looking at a GPS).
• Manual — Taking your hands off the wheel (like eating or reaching for something).
• Cognitive — Taking your mind off driving (like daydreaming or deep conversations).

Texting is dangerous because it diverts your eyes, hands, and focus from the road. Reading or typing a text can take your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

The statistics reveal the tragic reality of these choices. Between 2013 and 2022, nearly 32,000 people died in crashes caused by distracted driving. In 2022 alone, it claimed 3,308 lives, injured an estimated 289,310 more, and was responsible for the deaths of 621 pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-vehicle occupants.

Young drivers are especially at risk. In 2022, drivers aged 16 to 24 had the highest rate of handheld phone use behind the wheel. Drivers ages 15 to 34 and 75 and older had the highest distraction rates in fatal crashes, with 6% of drivers in each group reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This figure shows that distraction behind the wheel is dangerous at any age.

When someone chooses to look at their phone or take their hands off the wheel, it’s the innocent victims who often pay the price. That’s where a personal injury attorney can step in to help them seek justice.

How Distracted Driving Affects Victims

A distracted driving accident can turn your life upside down in seconds. While the driver who caused the crash may walk away without a scratch, victims are often left dealing with serious, long-lasting consequences:

• Serious Injuries — Broken bones, head trauma, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and more.
• Medical Bills — From emergency care and surgery to follow-up appointments and physical therapy.
• Car Repairs Or Loss — Your vehicle may be severely damaged or totaled.
• Emotional Trauma — Many victims experience anxiety, PTSD, or a fear of driving again.
• Lost Income — If your injuries keep you out of work, financial stress can add up quickly.

The most frustrating part? You did nothing wrong. One person’s decision to glance at a text or take their hands off the wheel left you injured, and now you’re dealing with the fallout.

This is exactly why personal injury claims exist: to hold distracted drivers accountable and help victims recover the compensation they need to move forward. A successful claim can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Take, for example, a case we handled. Our client was simply walking across the street when a distracted driver ran him over. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, and the insurance company fought hard to avoid paying. However, once we presented the full depth of his injuries, everything changed. The case settled for $4,000,000 just weeks before trial — bringing much-needed closure and support to an incredible client.

If a distracted driver has hurt you, you don’t have to face this alone. Legal help from skilled car accident lawyers can make all the difference in your recovery and your case. Arash Law’s personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for your rights and help you move forward with confidence.

Can You Take Legal Action Against A Distracted Driver?

Yes, you can. If a distracted driver caused your accident, you have every right to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and other damages. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s careless actions.

In California and many other states, distracted driving is not just dangerous — it is also illegal. Since 2008, California law has prohibited using handheld devices while driving. Drivers are only allowed a single tap or swipe if the phone is securely mounted. For drivers under 18, any phone use behind the wheel is completely not allowed.

Despite precautionary measures, like high visibility enforcement, crashes still happen. When they do, proving that the driver was distracted is crucial to a personal injury claim. That’s where evidence comes into play:

• Phone Records — Confirm texting, calls, or app usage during the crash.
• Traffic Camera Footage — Can show erratic or inattentive driving.
• Witness Statements — Help verify that the driver wasn’t paying attention.
• Police Reports — Officers often note if distraction is suspected or observed.

Across the U.S., 34 states and D.C. have banned handheld devices for all drivers, and 49 states ban texting while driving. These restrictions have made a difference. States like Ohio, Alabama, and Michigan saw distracted driving drop after passing hands-free laws, proving that legal action can lead to safer roads.

However, laws alone aren’t always enough. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or blame you for the crash. A skilled personal injury attorney can gather the proper evidence, stand up to the insurers, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

How Much Compensation Can Victims Receive?

Compensation is determined based on the losses experienced in a distracted driving accident claim. These losses, legally referred to as “damages,” typically fall into three categories: economic, non-economic, and, occasionally, punitive.

Economic damages are the measurable financial losses that resulted from the accident:

• Medical Expenses — You may be entitled to reimbursement for ambulance rides, emergency room care, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, doctor visits, physical therapy, and future medical treatment. You can include these costs if long-term care or medical devices are needed.
• Lost Income — When injuries prevent a return to work, you can recover lost wages. If the ability to work has been permanently affected, future earnings and lost career opportunities may also be considered.
• Property Damage — Compensation can include the costs of replacing or repairing a damaged vehicle. Personal items inside the car, such as a phone or laptop, may also be covered.

Non-economic damages address the emotional and physical impact of the accident, which is difficult to quantify in monetary terms:

• Pain And Suffering — Compensation can cover physical pain, emotional distress, trauma, and a lower quality of life.
• Mental Anguish — If the crash leads to anxiety, depression, or PTSD, you may be eligible for compensation.
• Loss Of Enjoyment Or Companionship — If your relationships or ability to enjoy daily activities have been affected, you could receive remuneration.

Punitive damages are available in rare cases where the distracted driver’s behavior was hazardous — such as texting while speeding. These damages aim to punish the driver and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Every distracted driving case is unique, and compensation amounts vary widely based on factors like injury severity, long-term prognosis, available insurance coverage, and the specific circumstances of the accident. Working with an experienced personal injury attorney ensures your damages are thoroughly documented and properly valued to maximize your recovery.

Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving

Knowing how to avoid distractions is crucial, not only for drivers but also for victims of distracted driving accidents. Understanding these tips helps drivers stay focused, and for victims, it offers insight into the causes of crashes, empowering them to advocate for safer roads and support their case in the event of an accident. Make safety your mission by using these tips from NHTSA and NSC:

Before You Drive

• Complete Pre-Drive Tasks — Set your navigation destination, adjust seats and mirrors, select playlists or podcasts, and arrange any needed items within easy reach before moving your vehicle.
• Secure Passengers and Pets — Buckle children into appropriate car seats and make sure they have accessible entertainment items. Place pets in secure carriers or harnesses to prevent them from moving freely in the vehicle.
• Plan Your Journey — Review your route beforehand to avoid last-minute navigation changes. Allow extra time for traffic delays to reduce stress-induced distractions.
• Utilize Driving Apps — Consider installing safe driving apps like LifeSaver, DriveMode, or Safe Drive, which automatically silence notifications while your vehicle is in motion.

While Driving

• Activate Do Not Disturb Features — Use your phone’s built-in driving modes (like iPhone’s Do Not Disturb While Driving or Android’s Driving Mode) to silence notifications and automatically send auto-replies to incoming messages.
• Delegate To Passengers — When traveling with others, designate a “co-pilot” to handle navigation, communications, climate control, and music selection so you can focus exclusively on driving.
• Avoid Multitasking — Never attempt to eat complex foods, apply makeup, read materials, or engage in other activities that require visual or manual attention while operating a vehicle.
• Manage Emotional Distractions — If you’re experiencing strong emotions like anger, sadness, or extreme excitement, take a moment to compose yourself before driving, or consider delaying your trip until you can focus properly.
• Practice The “Pull Over” Rule — If something urgently requires your attention, signal, pull to a safe location, and park before addressing the situation.

For Employers and Organizations

• Implement Distracted Driving Policies — Establish clear workplace policies that prohibit employees from conducting business calls or responding to messages while driving, even with hands-free devices.
• Create A Safety Culture — Encourage staff to plan communications around colleagues’ travel times and respect their unavailability while on the road.

As A Passenger

• Speak Up For Safety — If your driver becomes distracted, politely but firmly request that they focus on driving. Offer to handle tasks like navigation or messaging on their behalf.
• Set A Positive Example — Don’t pressure drivers to respond to your messages or engage in distracting conversations when you know they’re behind the wheel.

For drivers, staying alert and distraction-free is a responsibility you share with everyone on the road. For victims, knowing how these distractions happen can help you understand your case and fight for the justice you deserve. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.

Get Involved And Help Save Lives

Distracted driving affects everyone, and we can all make a difference in spreading awareness and promoting safer driving. Here’s how different groups can contribute to making our roads safer:

• Teens And Young Adults — Speak up when you see distracted driving. Share the message with your friends and family and commit to distraction-free driving. Consider starting a Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) chapter at your school to promote safe driving practices.
• Parents And Guardians — Lead by example. Talk to your kids about the dangers of distracted driving and the serious consequences it can have. Your words can make a lasting impact, so make sure to set a strong example behind the wheel. Utilize apps like Life360 or DriveMode that monitor phone use while driving and provide coaching opportunities for new drivers.
• Community Members and Advocates — Support stronger distracted driving laws and penalties. Organize awareness events during April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Share information about distraction risks online and consider volunteering with organizations like the National Safety Council.
• Survivors and Victims’ Families — Powerful stories can drive change. Organizations like TrafficSafetyCoalition.com and ImpactTeenDrivers.org highlight personal experiences to educate about the dangers of distracted driving, often making a stronger impact than statistics alone.

When distracted drivers cause accidents, holding them accountable for their actions is crucial. If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving accident, the experienced team at Arash Law is here to help you fight for your rights. We can recover damages for your injuries, losses, and suffering. Take the first step toward accountability and recovery. Call Arash Law at (888) 488-1391 to get free accident lawyer advice.

From Awareness To Accountability — Let’s Make April Count

April’s designation as Distracted Driving Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the thousands of lives needlessly altered or ended each year by preventable crashes. This month honors those who experienced life-changing consequences from momentary distractions and strengthens our collective commitment to creating safer roadways for everyone. However, for victims and their families, awareness campaigns alone cannot address the profound physical, emotional, and financial impacts of a distracted driving crash.

When a distracted driver’s decision to check a notification, send a text, or divert attention from the road shatters your life instantly, you deserve more than statistics and safety pledges. You need concrete support: accountability for negligent actions, answers to your questions, compensation for your losses, and experienced legal guidance to navigate a challenging recovery process.

If you suffered harm in a distracted driving accident, you might be wondering, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer?” At Arash Law, our specialized car accident attorneys fight relentlessly for distracted driving victims daily. Our firm has successfully recovered over $750 million for injured clients throughout California, providing them with the financial resources needed to access quality medical care, replace lost income, and rebuild their lives after traumatic incidents. Whether you’re facing mounting medical expenses, extended time away from work, permanent disability, or ongoing psychological trauma, our dedicated legal team can advocate for your best interests at every stage of the process.

The path to justice begins with a single step. Call (888) 488-1391 today for a free, confidential consultation with our experienced attorneys. Together, we can work to hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions. Let one of the biggest personal injury law firms in California help you secure the compensation you rightfully deserve to move forward with dignity and financial security.