Distracted Driving
What is it ? Anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel .
There are three main types of distractions :
• Visual — taking your eyes off the road .
• Manual — taking your hands off the wheel .
• Cognitive — taking your mind off of driving . Who ’ s doing it ? Most of us . Some people may not want to admit it . However , it ’ s more common than you think . Distractions include turning to talk with a passenger , turning up the radio volume to your favorite song , or perhaps picking up your cell phone to make a call or read a text .
How risky is distracted driving ? It is very risky and is known to lead to fatal car crashes . The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that 80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention . Up to 3,000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved .
Is texting and driving really that dangerous ? The short answer is yes . Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three types of distractions . In addition , it takes the driver ’ s attention away from driving more frequently and for longer periods than other distractions
What Can You Do ?
The most important thing you can do is obey the law . Here is a review of California ’ s law on driving with a cell phone and texting .
VC 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 .
VC 23123.5 . ( a ) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write , send , or read a text-based communication .
VC23124 ( a ) This section applies to a person under the age of 18 years . ( b ) Notwithstanding Sections 23123 and 23123.5 , a person described in subdivision ( a ) shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone
CONTINUED ... Mobile Device Scams and Frauds
new phishing schemes may look like they come from a trusted source and include requests for information like experience surveys , feedback requests , or previously purchased item recommendations . Here are a few ways to protect your mobile device :
• Let calls from unrecognized numbers go to voicemail , and then listen to the voicemail .
• Do not call back any recorded messages , especially those offering free trials or call back requests regarding a prize you have won .
• Avoid accepting insurance calls from scammers claiming to be with your mobile service carrier , or the company where you purchased your phone . These scammers will try to offer to sell you insurance , and you may never actually get the phone insurance . Always contact the trusted company directly to confirm the offer is valid .
• Do not call back unrecognized numbers , especially if it rings only once . You run the risk of being charged connection fees if the call came from outside the USA . Some area codes that have been used in such scams are : 265 , 809 , 876 , 284 , and 473 .
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