Bicyclists to be Included in California Texting Ban | Seattle Car Crash Attorney

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As a Seattle car accident attorney, I have seen way too many texting while driving car accidents in Washington as well as around the country. After witnessing these dangers of texting behind the wheel, I completely support a ban on cell phone use while driving. But should the ban extend to cyclists as well?

A new bill in California legislature may make it illegal for cyclists to use handheld cellular devices on the roads.

Joe Simitian, the creator of the bill, says there was an error excluding bicyclists in the 2006 ban. Cyclists share the roads with large vehicles and can be critically injured if they become distracted.

The bill would also double the maximum fine for violators. Cyclists will be charged $20 for the first time offense and $50 thereafter. And, drivers will be charged $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. The total fine could be very expensive, costing some a $455 total.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, there have been dramatic improvements since the first ban went into effect in 2006. With officers issuing 204,000 citations in the past two years, the number of auto accidents and traffic fatalities has dropped by about 20 percent.

Despite these numbers, many cyclists are against the new bill. Those against the ban believe it is unnecessary to include cyclists. They argue that there is a huge difference between talking or texting while driving a 5,000 pound vehicle and using a cell phone while riding a small bike.

In any case, no one should be talking or texting on fast moving roads. Cell phones are the main cause of distracted driving, which drastically increase the chances for auto accidents.