The High Cost of Distracted Driving in California: Insurance and Legal Consequences
You are driving to work in San Diego’s rush-hour traffic when your phone alerts you to an incoming call. You glance down to see who is calling you and bam! You’ve run into the back end of the car in front of you. Although this might just be a fender-bender, depending on how fast you were going, it could lead to serious medical and repair costs you are suddenly on the hook for if the other driver (or their passengers) sustained injuries.
Your liability car insurance will help you pay for the ensuing repair bills to their car and their medical and associated costs. If there are serious enough damages, your insurance may not be enough – leaving you open to paying out of pocket or even being sued and your assets seized.
Remember, your minimum-required liability will not pay for your own repairs and injuries. Full coverage car insurance will help with repair costs, but staying focused behind the wheel is the best defense against these consequences.
Distracted driving in California is a major concern, with sometimes serious consequences for drivers who allow interruptions to divert their attention from the road. Even brief inattention can lead to serious costs, affecting those involved and their financial and legal standing.
What Is the True Cost of Distracted Driving in California?
Distracted driving in California poses a serious threat to everyone on the road. Activities like texting while driving, putting on makeup, eating, adjusting the radio and even talking to a passenger can divert attention and increase the risk of accidents.
To address this, the California Vehicle Code strictly regulates distracted driving, with violations resulting in hefty fines and even license suspension.
Is it really a big deal? Absolutely. The Office of Traffic Safety reports that distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, with many crashes involving handheld devices and texting while driving. Whether taking a drink of that icy cold soda or checking notifications, taking your attention off the road—even for a few seconds—can have life-changing consequences, including being subjected to personal injury claims and higher auto insurance premiums.
Distraction Behind the Wheel—More Than Just Texts and Calls
Texting and calling on a cell phone while driving are well-known distractions, but many other activities can divert a driver’s attention in California. Checking a phone for driving gigs, eating, drinking, or talking to passengers are frequent examples. Even noisy passengers, checking on children, or reaching for objects can lead to dangerous lapses in focus.
Other common distractions include looking at scenic views, daydreaming, or adjusting the radio or GPS. Even in-car entertainment, such as listening to music or watching videos, can pull attention away from driving. Reading and personal grooming habits also pose significant risks.
Interestingly, while hands-free devices allow drivers to keep their hands on the wheel, they can still lead to mental distractions. Even though Bluetooth devices may seem safe, they can prevent drivers from staying fully focused on the road. California distracted driving laws are designed to curb these unsafe habits and make the roads safer for everyone.
What Is California’s Legal Stance on Distracted Driving?
Given the severity of the consequences, it’s no surprise that the California Vehicle Code takes a firm stance on distracted driving. The law prohibits the use of handheld devices while operating a motor vehicle, including actions such as texting, making calls, or using apps, unless the driver utilizes a hands-free system.
California distracted driving laws are in place to ensure the safety of all road users and minimize distractions that could lead to accidents. As a result, drivers who fail to follow these regulations face a range of penalties, including:
- First offense: A base fine of $20 (which can be much higher with added fees).
- Subsequent offenses: A base fine of $50 plus additional penalty assessments.
- Points on your driver’s license: A second violation within 36 months adds a point to your record.
- For drivers under 18: The use of any electronic device, even hands-free, is illegal while driving.
In serious cases where emergency service intervention becomes necessary, distracted driving incidents can escalate from minor infractions to more severe legal consequences. Commercial drivers face even stricter rules, and texting while driving or calling on a cell phone in a work vehicle can result in significant fines and job-related consequences.
The Ripple Effect of Distracted Driving on Car Insurance
One of the most significant long-term costs of distracted driving in California is the impact on your car insurance premiums. While a single citation might not directly affect your rates, subsequent offenses or accidents caused by distraction can lead to substantial increases.
Insurance companies view distracted driving as risky behavior, often signaling a higher chance of future accidents. This can lead to being classified as a high-risk driver, resulting in higher premiums. The exact increase depends on the provider and individual circumstances, but rates frequently rise after incidents involving distracted driving.
Insurers consider several factors, including the severity of the accident, fault determination, and whether the violation involved texting while driving or another illegal use of cell phones or handheld devices. If personal injury claims arise from the incident, legal costs and settlements can add even more to the financial strain, stress, and complications.
Navigating the Consequences: Points, Penalties, and Prosecution
But the consequences don’t stop there. Beyond monetary fines, distracted driving can affect your driver’s license and driving record. As of July 1, 2021, the California DMV assesses one point on your driving record for distracted driving within 36 months. Accumulating points can lead to serious consequences:
- Four points within 12 months
- Six points within 24 months
- Eight points within 36 months
Accumulating these points can result in a driver’s license suspension. Not only is this an inconvenience (navigating California life without a driver’s license is difficult and expensive), but it can also have far-reaching effects on your daily life and employment, especially if driving is essential for your job.
Preventative Measures and Safe Driving Practices
Driving is a privilege that comes with a huge responsibility. The Office of Traffic Safety emphasizes the importance of avoiding distractions, as even a momentary lapse can lead to serious consequences. Staying focused behind the wheel helps prevent accidents, keeps everyone safe, and maintains lower insurance rates.
Driving is a privilege that comes with an awesome responsibility. When you consider the serious nature of the activity and the risks involved, taking care to avoid distractions is a small sacrifice. It is the best way to stay safe on the road, prevent accidents, and keep insurance rates low.
Tools and Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving
Staying free of common distractions while driving might seem easy, but it may not be as easy as locking your cell phone away in your glove box. Here are some tips to help you avoid this dangerous practice:
- Use Do Not Disturb Mode – Most smartphones have a setting that blocks notifications while driving. Stow your cell phones completely out of reach and view.
- Plan Ahead – Set up GPS, playlists, and other apps before starting your motor vehicle.
- Pull Over for Urgent Messages – If you must text or email, park in a safe location.
- Keep Your Hands on the Wheel – Avoid eating, grooming, or handling loose items while driving.
- Keep Pets Secure – Never let pets roam the vehicle while in motion or let them sit on your lap while you drive.
- Never Drive Drowsy – If you feel tired, get off the road and rest.
- Avoid Stressful Conversations – Try to keep conversations with passengers calm.
- Hold Yourself Accountable – Encourage passengers to help you stay focused.
Stay Safe & Save on Insurance – Get a Free Car Insurance Quote Today!
Distracted driving in California isn’t just a safety concern—it’s an expensive mistake. Protect yourself, your passengers, and your wallet by following the law and staying alert behind the wheel. If you want to keep your insurance costs low and maintain a clean driving record, focus on the road, avoid distractions, and drive responsibly.
Need affordable coverage? Call Cost-U-Less Insurance at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast online quote. Even better, find a Cost-U-Less office near you and visit us in person. We’d love to meet you!
