Distracted driving is a major cause of California car accidents. Although handheld cellphone use is prohibited in the state, cellphone use is still a contributing factor in many serious crashes.
One of the most dramatic illustrations of the dangers of cellphone use happened in Lodi recently. Authorities say that six people died in a multi-car accident caused by a driver who was reportedly on his phone.
The crash killed a pregnant woman, her unborn child and three children who were siblings. The accident happened at the intersection of Lane and Vine Street.
At least one dozen people were hospitalized and the Lodi News-Sentinel has characterized the crash as one of the worst in the city’s history.
Witnesses standing in front of Lodi Middle School reported seeing a man speeding through the intersection. Some estimate that the man may have been going as fast as 90mph before the crash happened.
Several of the victims were reportedly ejected from their vehicles. Tarps covered the dead as living victims were triaged for the hospital.
