The Rise of Distracted Driving: Why It’s Still the Leading Cause of Crashes

Despite increased awareness campaigns, stricter laws, and evolving vehicle safety technologies, distracted driving remains the leading cause of car crashes across the U.S.—and Southern California is no exception. On the congested streets of Irvine and throughout Orange County, distracted driving has become a daily danger that puts every motorist, cyclist, and pedestrian at risk.

But why, with everything we now know, is distracted driving still such a persistent and deadly issue?

Let’s take a closer look at the data, the dangers, and how victims can fight back with the help of an Irvine car accident lawyer at Bojat Law Group.

What Counts as Distracted Driving?

Most people immediately think of texting behind the wheel—and they’re not wrong. Texting is one of the most dangerous forms of distraction because it combines all three categories of driver inattention:

• Visual distraction: Taking your eyes off the road
• Manual distraction: Taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive distraction: Taking your mind off driving

But texting is only the tip of the iceberg. Distracted driving can include:

• Eating or drinking while driving
• Adjusting GPS or music
• Applying makeup
• Talking to passengers
• Even daydreaming behind the wheel

In short, anything that shifts your focus from the road—even for just a second—can be enough to cause a crash.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022—a number that continues to climb, especially among drivers aged 16–24. In California alone, over 140 people die each year in crashes involving distracted drivers, and thousands more suffer injuries ranging from whiplash to traumatic brain damage.

Local police in Irvine have also noted a sharp uptick in cellphone-related citations. Despite California’s strict hands-free law, too many drivers continue to scroll through apps, text, or hold their phones while driving—often with devastating consequences.

Irvine’s Busy Roads Make Distraction Even More Dangerous

From Jamboree Road to the 405 and 5 Freeways, Irvine’s traffic corridors are some of the busiest in Orange County. Add in tourists, commuters, college students, and rideshare drivers—and you have a recipe for disaster when even one person isn’t paying attention.

Even a two-second glance at your phone while driving 50 mph means traveling blind for over 150 feet. That’s longer than half a football field—enough to miss a red light, rear-end another vehicle, or strike a pedestrian crossing legally.

If you were hit by someone who was distracted—whether texting, eating, or fumbling with their phone—you deserve answers, support, and full compensation. That’s where an experienced Irvine car accident lawyer at Bojat Law Group comes in.

Why Distracted Driving Laws Aren’t Enough

California’s laws prohibit holding a phone while driving, and drivers under 18 aren’t allowed to use a phone at all—not even hands-free. Yet enforcement remains difficult. Unlike DUIs, there’s no breathalyzer for distraction. Proving that someone was mentally or visually distracted often comes down to circumstantial evidence or witness testimony.

This is why it’s crucial to work with a law firm that knows how to dig deep. At Bojat Law Group, we’ve successfully handled numerous distracted driving claims by:

• Requesting phone records
• Pulling traffic camera footage
• Interviewing eyewitnesses
• Consulting accident reconstruction experts
• Highlighting a pattern of negligence

We don’t just take the driver’s word for it—we uncover the truth and hold distracted drivers accountable.

What Victims Need to Know

If you’ve been involved in a crash in Irvine and suspect the other driver was distracted, here’s what to do:

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention. Even if you feel “fine,” many injuries (like concussions or whiplash) worsen over time.
2. Get documentation. Take photos, talk to witnesses, and save any evidence—like a text timestamp that aligns with the moment of impact.
3. Avoid speaking with insurance companies until you’ve consulted an attorney. Their goal is to settle fast and cheap.
4. Contact a lawyer who knows how to win distracted driving cases in Orange County.
   

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

A distracted driving crash isn’t “just an accident.” It’s preventable—and you shouldn’t be left footing the bill. Depending on the case, you may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost income and reduced earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages (if a loved one was killed)

The legal team at Bojat Law Group fights to uncover every source of liability and pursue the maximum compensation possible for your loss.

Why Choose Bojat Law Group?

We’re not a billboard law firm. At Bojat Law Group, every case we take is personal. You’ll work directly with attorneys who understand the real-life cost of distracted driving and who will stand by you every step of the way.

Our firm offers:

• No win, no fee representation

• Free consultations
• Decades of combined experience in car accident litigation
• A deep understanding of California traffic law and insurance tactics

Don’t let someone else’s distraction derail your future. The sooner you call, the sooner we can preserve evidence and start building your case.

Call Us Today

If you or someone you love was injured by a distracted driver in Irvine or nearby, call Bojat Law Group at (818) 877-4878 for a free case review. Let an aggressive, knowledgeable Irvine car accident lawyer fight for the justice you deserve.