It is no surprise that drivers who operate a vehicle while distracted are more likely to get into in an accident than those who are attentive. But just how much more dangerous is this practice?

A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety provides guidance.

What did the study find? The study involved a review of continuously recorded video from drivers that were involved in crashes. Researchers with the study looked into how many of these drivers were engaged in cell phone use immediately prior to the crash and compared these accidents to drivers who were not using their phone but operating their vehicle in similar traffic and environmental conditions.

Ultimately, researchers found that texting while driving more than doubled the odds of involvement in a car crash. The visual and manual combination that comes with texting, browsing or dialing proved most dangerous – increasing the odds of an accident by almost eight times when compared to a driver that was focused on the road.

What is the purpose of this study? The goal of the study is to help remind drivers to put down their phones and focus on the road.

This is a problem throughout the country, including here in California. The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that 80 percent of crashes involve some sort of driver inattention. Thousands are killed in these accidents every year, even more injured.

What about victims of distracted driving accidents in California? Victims of distracted driving accidents in our state have options. One option is to hold the driver accountable for negligently operating his or her vehicle. This can result in a monetary award to help cover the costs that result from the accident. An attorney can discuss this option and provide guidance.