A police officer from Chula Vista, California was thrown from his motorcycle and injured when a teen driver who was texting behind the wheel rear-ended another vehicle, causing it to collide with the officer’s motorcycle. The officer was leading an instructional ride for other officers who ride motorcycles and had a group of 10 other people with him at the time of the crash.
The officer was seriously injured but was flown to a nearby hospital where his condition was said to be good. The teen driver and the driver of the third vehicle that was involved were also taken to the hospital but there was no information available about any injuries that they may have suffered.
Using a cellphone while driving is banned in California because it increases the likelihood of a car or motorcycle accident. Drivers without provisional licenses may use a hands-free device to talk on their phones, but texting is never permitted. The driver who apparently caused this accident held a provisional license because of her age. If criminal charges are filed against her this accident may impact her ability to get an unrestricted licensed in the near future.
In addition to the criminal implications of causing an accident while texting illegally, the girl may also face a civil suit from the officer or the other driver who was possibly injured as a result of her negligence. Like other drivers who have not exercised reasonable care by failing to follow traffic laws, she may be liable for medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, and other types of loss associated with this crash.
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune, “CHP: Cop hurt in crash caused by texting teen,” Teri Figuroa and Susan Shroder, May 29, 2013.