This week marks the beginning of California Highway Patrol’s “Teen Safe Driving Week” with an urgent reminder from the CHP about the dangers of distracted driving.

Patrol officers state that despite state laws banning texting while driving, distracted driving – including texting, cell phone usage and eating and drinking while driving – have reached epidemic proportions.

In fact, driver distraction is the leading cause of car accidents, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimating that nearly 80% of all car crashes involve some form of driver distraction.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash as the result of driver distraction or any other factor, it is important to consult with an experienced Roseville car accident lawyer immediately to protect your rights and begin an investigation into the all of the circumstances surrounding the incident.

As part of CHP’s driver distraction awareness campaign, CHP conducted driving skills tests at California high schools. During the driving test, volunteers were asked to drive through a parking lot while performing a variety of activities that cause distraction including drinking water, placing a cd into the player and text. The driver’s inevitably missed turns and ran over cones. Had the drivers taken these actions on the open road the result could have been far worse.

CHP officers caution, “Teens are most likely to get into a deadly accident during the first few months of having their license, which is why officers say it is important for parents to avoid distractions as well. “Ninety-nine percent of teens get their actions, attitude, and behavior from their parents, do not say ‘do as I say not as I do,’ lead by example.”

For more information about Safe Driving Programs, or if you have been injured in a California car accident, please contact a dedicated Roseville car accident lawyer personal injury lawyer at Sette Law Office for an immediate consultation.