4 Types of Drivers Who Always Cause Road Accidents

There are two types of drivers in the United States – the responsible drivers and the irresponsible ones. In particular, there are also different types of irresponsible drivers who often cause road accidents.

The following are the types of irresponsible drivers who typically cause traffic accidents in the country:

Texting drivers – Motorists who use their cell phones while driving are likely to cause road accidents. These drivers, also known as distracted drivers, cause thousands of traffic accidents every year in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2009 alone, about 5,400 people were killed and some 448,000 were injured due to distracted drivers.

Drunk drivers – Drivers who operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol are susceptible to causing and getting involved in auto accidents. CDC reports that almost 30 people die every day due to alcohol-related car accidents. This fatality rate translates to one death every 48 minutes. Typically, drunk drivers have impaired senses, logical thinking, and time reaction skills; thus, making them vulnerable to road accidents.

Traffic law violators – Whenever drivers break traffic laws, they are not only breaking laws but they are also putting their life, and those of others, in great danger. Drivers who beat the red light or disrespect crosswalks are likely to injure other motorists or pedestrians. It is imperative for all drivers to abide by the laws to ensure their own and other people’s safety.

Speeding drivers – Drivers who speed are most likely to have limited time to react to traffic situations, thus making them vulnerable to causing traffic crashes. Speeding drivers can accidentally hit another person’s car, a pedestrian, or some road objects.

California citizens who get injured in a car accident caused by an irresponsible and negligent driver have the right to claim for personal injury damages. They are advised to consult first with a Los Angeles car accident attorney to know the legal steps they have to take.

Some of the Important California Traffic Laws That You Should Know

 

From 1990 to 2009, only four US states have maintained a recorded amount of more than a thousand deaths caused by road accidents. These States are, from the highest to the lowest; California, Texas, Florida, and New York.

The reason why California records the highest number of road-related accidents among all US states is because of high traffic volume that are situated in key cities such as Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Because of this, the state strongly imposes certain traffic laws that help decrease the ever growing number of deaths, injuries and property damages caused by single, dual, and multiple vehicle collisions.

Here are some of the important traffic laws being implemented all throughout California:

•    Mandatory seat belt law
Every driver and passenger must be restrained by seat belts and/or safety seats. However, those with medical ailments are not required to wear seatbelts unless a notice from the physician is provided.

•    Laws related to the use of safety helmets
Motorcycle users aged 18 and above are required to wear a safety helmet when driving. A safety helmet must meet the standards of the Department of Transportation and other driver safety institutions. Minors and children who use bicycles, roller skates, non-motor scooters, and skateboards are also required to use helmets suitable for the use of the aforementioned vehicles.

•    Laws regarding the use of mobile phones while inside the vehicle
Drivers must always use hands-free equipment when receiving a call or trying to call someone using the mobile phone while driving. The year 2009 saw the implementation of a text messaging law, wherein reading, writing or typing down a text message using text-based communication is prohibited. This applies to all drivers, licensed or not.

Injuries and fatalities in road-related accidents cannot be avoided. However, trying to ease the ever-growing statistics must always start with the compliance of every driver and passenger to these important California laws. For more information about other related traffic laws, it would be helpful to contact a vehicle accident lawyer based in the California area.