Police officers are again reminding motorists to avoid using hand held devices, particularly mobile phones, while driving to avoid further vehicle accidents. After the guilty plea of a Newport Coast woman last Tuesday, the Newport Police Department issued a statement reminding motorists not to text and drive.
Danae Marie Miller was involved in a vehicle accident that occurred last February, 2011 and was sentenced to 4-year state imprisonment after pleading guilty for the death of a former Olympics athlete, Amine Britel.
It appeared from police investigation that Miller has been distracted from her driving mainly due to her texting and intoxication. Miller’s vehicle struck and consequently killed Britel, who was cycling along San Joaquin Hills Road.
Miller admitted her fault and pleaded guilty of the charges against her.
Police spokeswoman, Kathy Lowe said in an e-mail that driver distractions are among the leading causes of fatal vehicle accidents. Oftentimes, momentary distractions such as reading or sending text messages can lead to fatal consequences.
Lowe also noted that under California Law, the use of hand held devices while driving a vehicle is illegal. Also, drivers under the age of 18 may not use cell phone while driving
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) shows that texting brings a vehicle accident risk that is 23 times worse than driving without distraction, while sending or receiving text message takes an average of 4.6 seconds when drivers take their eyes off the road.
Apparently, drivers who use hand held devices are four times more likely to be involved in fatal vehicle accidents, according to a police statement.
Every year, there is a statewide Distracted Driver’s Awareness Month campaign held and this year, it will be on April wherein the Newport Beach Police Department plans to participate.
All injuries from a vehicle accident can be subjected to so-called personal injury claims, as mandated by federal laws. However, it is still best to avoid such injuries and claims through proper safety measures. Motorists should be fully aware of a more comprehensive safety precautions while on the road. Therefore, vehicle accidents, injuries, vehicle accident lawyer fees, and other grief related matters can be avoided.
