Keep your eyes on the road. Well, that’s what you are supposed to do to reduce your risk of getting into a car accident. But we all know there are many distractions as we drive from place to place: kids, music, mobile phones, aggressive drivers, etc. And let’s not forget … billboards. Yes, those flashy digital bilboards so common throughout the Sacramento region and California are now being scrutinized by our state legislature.
Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles, has introduced a bill to prohibit new digital billboards in California until results are in from a federal study examining whether these flashy roadside advertisements are a dangerous distraction to drivers. Feuer said, “It is a simple, common sense matter to put public safety first. We ought to know the results before we allow more of them.” For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.
In Sacramento, message-changing billboards that are the kind being evaluated in the study can be found at Cal Expo and Sacramento State. Are they a dangerous distraction to drivers? They could be if drivers are more focused on the flashy billboards than they are on the road and other drivers.
There is opposition to the prohibition and potential ban, particularly from the film industry which does not want to see their promotional creativity limited. A Clear Channel advertising company representative reminded legislators that the digital billborads can also be used to quickly show kids’ photos during Amber Alerts.
Whatever the federal study shows, we should all remember to stay focused on the road. It only takes a brief moment of distraction to place yourself and others in harm’s way.
For more information you are welcome to contact Sacramento personal injury lawyer, Moseley Collins.