Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Atlanta personal injury lawyer blog
Friday, February 26, 2010
Awareness of Distracted Driving on the Rise
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Surprising New Study Results on Mixing Driving and Cell Phones
Friday, February 5, 2010
Distracted Walking: Just as Dangerous as Distracted Driving
Friday, January 15, 2010
Georgia Legislation on Distracted Driving and Cell Phone Use
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Survey: One in Four Teens Text While Driving
Monday, November 9, 2009
Visual Evidence that Distracted Driving Ends Lives
You may not see be able to see the motorcycle in this picture. At first glance, it is nearly invisible
From a different angle, the circumstances become more evident.
The driver of the Honda motorcycle was going 85mph when the Volkswagen pulled out in front of him from a side street. She was talking on her cell phone and apparently did not see him. At that speed, he did not have the time to react to stop before he collided with the car. His motorcycle went through the windshield with enough force to flip the car entirely and send it flying through the air. All of the participants in this accident, both drivers and a single passenger in the Volkswagen, were killed instantly in the crash.
The dangers of driving while distracted are no new revelation on this blog or in the news. Numerous studies have examined the dangers of speaking on the phone while driving, and found that cell phones – both hand held and hands free varieties – significantly impair driving performance. In some cases, the level of impairment has been shown similar to driving at the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08 percent. Every day, more than 800,000 drivers use their handheld cell phones.
Texting while driving is considered “incompatible with safe driving” by the CTIA-Wireless Association, and for good reason. But while the danger of texting while driving seems as though it ought to be obvious, an estimated 20 percent of drivers drive while texting, and an estimated 66 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24.
While the actual incidence of distracted driving is difficult to accurately measure, driver distraction was reported to have been a factor in 16 percent of fatal crashes in 2008, as recorded in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
In 2008, an approximate 515,000 people were injured as a result of distracted driving according to the police, and 5,870 people were killed. The actual number is possibly much higher.
Cell phones are the single most common cause of distraction in drivers on the road today, more common that drowsiness, eating, GPS or any other cause of driver inattention. At the same time, an ever more robust body of evidence suggests that they are one of the greatest dangers on the road, leading to drivers up to four times more likely to have a traffic accident. Beyond that, we have graphic reminders such as the above pictures to remind us viscerally of the horrific outcome when the inevitable happens and driving in a constant state of distraction leads to a fatal accident.
While laws are in place in some states, like California, to prevent drivers from using hand held cell phones, hands free varieties are still common and only 18 states and the District of Columbia outlaw texting while driving. It is important to remember the danger this technology represents. The only safe way to drive is with cell phones put away.
If you have been injured by someone driving while using their cell phone or otherwise distracted, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Call (404) 531-9700 to schedule your free consultation at MLN Law.
Friday, October 2, 2009
White House Signs Executive Order for Federal Texting While Driving Ban
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Truck Drivers Want to Keep On-Board Computers
Friday, September 11, 2009
LaGrange, Georgia City Ordinance May Ban Texting While Driving
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The 10 Most Common Lethal Driving Mistakes
Monday, June 29, 2009
Atlanta 4th in the Nation for Road Rage
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Study of Distracted Drivers
Cell phones cause distracted driving
I have written many times about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving - and considering the number of teens who text while driving and the devastating potential consequences of driving while distracted, I suspect that distracted driving will continue to be a common topic on this blog. It should come as no surprise that I am pleased to see increased understanding of the risk of texting or talking on a cell phone while driving.
Until relatively recently, it seemed that to a large portion of the country, the cell phone had become an all too accepted part of the driving experience. Seeing someone else driving with phone in hand or glued to his ear was simply too ubiquitous to work up concern over. And for too many of us, multitasking our phone and text conversations into our driving time was simply too tempting.
But in the past few years, and even just the past few months, we have witnessed more and more states discussing and passing legislation which penalizes or even criminalizes cell phone distractions while driving. In some states, only younger drivers are prohibited from talking or texting while driving, while in others, teens and adults alike are not allowed to text or talk while driving. And both groups can face hefty fines.
This push back against distracted driving has been motivated in no small part by insurance providers seeking to avoid the increasing liability presented by distracted drivers. And this is no mean nickel and diming on the side of insurance agencies - in 2008, nearly 6,000 people in the United States died in accidents where driver distraction was a factor. That is 16 percent of all traffic fatalities for that year. It is also only a small fraction of all of the accidents caused by distracted driving.
Insurance companies and the government, however, are not the only driving force behind this growing awareness.
Following in the footsteps of MADD and other, similar groups who have sought to raise money and awareness of driving and cell phone dangers, anti-distracted driving accidents have been appearing in greater and greater numbers on television and in the news. These groups, such as FocusDriven, are often fueled by individual experiences with loss of friends or family members to distracted driving. They have even begun hiring celebrities to endorse their platform.
Oprah herself is among those who have helped this issue find a platform. The popular television host has devoted time on her show to highlighting those who have had their lives altered and loved ones lost to distracted driving. She took the opportunity to ask her audience to take a No Phone Zone pledge.
With this sort of pressure on communities and law makers, perhaps we really will see a change in distracted driving statistics.
At present, nineteen states and the District of Columbia have regulations in place either limiting or outright banning texting while driving a vehicle. Nine states prohibit novice drivers from texting while driving.
Six states ban the use of hand held cell phones while driving entirely.
Until relatively recently, it seemed that to a large portion of the country, the cell phone had become an all too accepted part of the driving experience. Seeing someone else driving with phone in hand or glued to his ear was simply too ubiquitous to work up concern over. And for too many of us, multitasking our phone and text conversations into our driving time was simply too tempting.
But in the past few years, and even just the past few months, we have witnessed more and more states discussing and passing legislation which penalizes or even criminalizes cell phone distractions while driving. In some states, only younger drivers are prohibited from talking or texting while driving, while in others, teens and adults alike are not allowed to text or talk while driving. And both groups can face hefty fines.
This push back against distracted driving has been motivated in no small part by insurance providers seeking to avoid the increasing liability presented by distracted drivers. And this is no mean nickel and diming on the side of insurance agencies - in 2008, nearly 6,000 people in the United States died in accidents where driver distraction was a factor. That is 16 percent of all traffic fatalities for that year. It is also only a small fraction of all of the accidents caused by distracted driving.
Insurance companies and the government, however, are not the only driving force behind this growing awareness.
Following in the footsteps of MADD and other, similar groups who have sought to raise money and awareness of driving and cell phone dangers, anti-distracted driving accidents have been appearing in greater and greater numbers on television and in the news. These groups, such as FocusDriven, are often fueled by individual experiences with loss of friends or family members to distracted driving. They have even begun hiring celebrities to endorse their platform.
Oprah herself is among those who have helped this issue find a platform. The popular television host has devoted time on her show to highlighting those who have had their lives altered and loved ones lost to distracted driving. She took the opportunity to ask her audience to take a No Phone Zone pledge.
With this sort of pressure on communities and law makers, perhaps we really will see a change in distracted driving statistics.
At present, nineteen states and the District of Columbia have regulations in place either limiting or outright banning texting while driving a vehicle. Nine states prohibit novice drivers from texting while driving.
Six states ban the use of hand held cell phones while driving entirely.
Labels: atlanta auto wreck attorney, auto wrecks, cell phone, distracted drivers, driving, driving and cell phones, driving and technology, driving and texting
A recent study produced some surprising information about the effect of using a hands free cell phone headset while driving. Many states, including California and New York, have laws which prohibit the use of cell phones while driving, but make allowances for hands free devices. The logic behind this is that having both hands on the wheel instead of one on the wheel and holding a cell phone, would result in better driving. The instincts of both law makers and insurance agencies - and of the many other people worried by distracted driving all around them on the road who supported these laws - said that hands free headsets would be an improvement, at least.
But now, the numbers are starting to come in, and that just isn't the case.
Adrian Lund, the president of the group which performed the study (the Highway Loss Data Institute), expressed their reaction simply.
"We were very surprised," he said. "You know that there should be fewer [crashes]. We were looking for that, and we aren’t seeing that pattern."
Atlanta’s own Clark Howard was inspired to speak up on this topic. The TV host and consumer advocate voiced his outrage at having money from tickets issued under the hands free cell phone laws essentially just going to the state. He also expressed a view that I personally can respect - that any cell phone use is distracting, no matter if people use cell phones hands free or otherwise. If they are talking on the phone while driving, people are not devoting their attention to the task at hand, and they are putting themselves and those around them at increased risk for an accident.
Adrian Lund supported this idea himself. "Our real problem is to do something about the bigger problem of distracted driving," he said, "whether that's cell phones, whether that's the baby crying in the back seat, whether it's the CD you dropped on the floor, whatever it is."
Clark's advice to drivers was to always keep their eyes on the road, no matter what. This is, it seems, a lesson which he is still working to instill in his son, and a lesson most distracted drivers could stand to learn along with Clark's four year old.
It may be a bit early to leap to conclusions based on this study's results. It did not look into the exact circumstances of different crashes, which took place while driving with a hands free device, which drivers were speaking illegally on hand held phones, and which were not speaking on the phone at all. All it establishes is that enacting laws against using hand held phones while driving does not lower the overall crash rate.
"We can’t even see a blip in the data for crashes," said Lund.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia auto accident lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
But now, the numbers are starting to come in, and that just isn't the case.Adrian Lund, the president of the group which performed the study (the Highway Loss Data Institute), expressed their reaction simply.
"We were very surprised," he said. "You know that there should be fewer [crashes]. We were looking for that, and we aren’t seeing that pattern."
Atlanta’s own Clark Howard was inspired to speak up on this topic. The TV host and consumer advocate voiced his outrage at having money from tickets issued under the hands free cell phone laws essentially just going to the state. He also expressed a view that I personally can respect - that any cell phone use is distracting, no matter if people use cell phones hands free or otherwise. If they are talking on the phone while driving, people are not devoting their attention to the task at hand, and they are putting themselves and those around them at increased risk for an accident.
Adrian Lund supported this idea himself. "Our real problem is to do something about the bigger problem of distracted driving," he said, "whether that's cell phones, whether that's the baby crying in the back seat, whether it's the CD you dropped on the floor, whatever it is."
Clark's advice to drivers was to always keep their eyes on the road, no matter what. This is, it seems, a lesson which he is still working to instill in his son, and a lesson most distracted drivers could stand to learn along with Clark's four year old.
It may be a bit early to leap to conclusions based on this study's results. It did not look into the exact circumstances of different crashes, which took place while driving with a hands free device, which drivers were speaking illegally on hand held phones, and which were not speaking on the phone at all. All it establishes is that enacting laws against using hand held phones while driving does not lower the overall crash rate.
"We can’t even see a blip in the data for crashes," said Lund.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia auto accident lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: Atlanta personal injury lawyer, cell phone, distracted drivers, driver safety, drivers, driving, driving and cell phones, driving and technology
I have written a great deal about distracted driving but not so much about distracted walking, which can be just as dangerous. Cell phones, iPods, and other electronic devices can lead to serious injury and death for pedestrians, especially in cities like Atlanta that are not necessarily pedestrian-friendly.
The New York Times recently published on article about distracted walking: “The era of the mobile gadget is making mobility that much more perilous, particularly on crowded streets and in downtown areas where multiple multitaskers veer and swerve and walk to the beat of their own devices.”
According to the NYT, distracted walking accounted for at least 1,000 emergency room visits in 2008. Distracted walking can cause trips and falls as well as more serious accidents such as collisions with vehicles. Distracted walking accidents are on the rise. They doubled from 2007 to 2008.
The NYT points out several cases of distracted walking. A 16-year-old suffered a concussion after walking into a telephone pole while texting. A 28-year-old man fractured his finger after he tripped and fell while talking on his cell phone. A 68-year-old man sprained his thumb and his ankle after he fell off his porch while talking on his cell phone.
According to the results of a recent study, young people are more likely to suffer injuries due to distracted walking. This makes sense, as young people use distracting technologies more frequently, in general. However, older people are not immune to distracted walking injuries. The study found that half of distracted walking ER visits were by individuals under 30; a quarter were by people 16 to 20; and a quarter were by people 41 to 60.
Another study found that distracted pedestrians using their phone will often not notice hazards right in front of them. The study found that only 25 percent of pedestrians using their cell phones noticed a clown on a unicycle that passed directly in front of them! Now, image if that clown had been a vehicle. The scientific name for this phenomenon is “inattention blindness.” People can only pay attention to so many things at once. Scientists suggest that cell phone use taxes our auditory resources as well as our visual resources. When we’re talking on the phone, we’re often visualizes elements of the conversation. This takes away from our ability to visually interact with our environment. If you’re walking down the sidewalk, it’s best to save the phone conversation for later. Wait until you’re sitting in a safe place!
As I mentioned earlier, Atlanta is not a safe place for pedestrians, and you should certainly pay attention when walking around the city. A pedestrian was killed while crossing a street in Cobb County on Tuesday. On the same day, another pedestrian was killed while crossing an intersection in Mableton, Georgia. Police reported that the man was using the crosswalk when the crosswalk light was red. A 14-year-old young woman was recently killed when she was hit by a car as she was walking home after school in Stone Mountain. Atlanta is very dangerous city for distracted driving and distracted walking.
Have you been injured by a distracted driver or a distracted pedestrian? If so, contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 for a free consultation.
The New York Times recently published on article about distracted walking: “The era of the mobile gadget is making mobility that much more perilous, particularly on crowded streets and in downtown areas where multiple multitaskers veer and swerve and walk to the beat of their own devices.”
According to the NYT, distracted walking accounted for at least 1,000 emergency room visits in 2008. Distracted walking can cause trips and falls as well as more serious accidents such as collisions with vehicles. Distracted walking accidents are on the rise. They doubled from 2007 to 2008.
The NYT points out several cases of distracted walking. A 16-year-old suffered a concussion after walking into a telephone pole while texting. A 28-year-old man fractured his finger after he tripped and fell while talking on his cell phone. A 68-year-old man sprained his thumb and his ankle after he fell off his porch while talking on his cell phone.
According to the results of a recent study, young people are more likely to suffer injuries due to distracted walking. This makes sense, as young people use distracting technologies more frequently, in general. However, older people are not immune to distracted walking injuries. The study found that half of distracted walking ER visits were by individuals under 30; a quarter were by people 16 to 20; and a quarter were by people 41 to 60.
Another study found that distracted pedestrians using their phone will often not notice hazards right in front of them. The study found that only 25 percent of pedestrians using their cell phones noticed a clown on a unicycle that passed directly in front of them! Now, image if that clown had been a vehicle. The scientific name for this phenomenon is “inattention blindness.” People can only pay attention to so many things at once. Scientists suggest that cell phone use taxes our auditory resources as well as our visual resources. When we’re talking on the phone, we’re often visualizes elements of the conversation. This takes away from our ability to visually interact with our environment. If you’re walking down the sidewalk, it’s best to save the phone conversation for later. Wait until you’re sitting in a safe place!
As I mentioned earlier, Atlanta is not a safe place for pedestrians, and you should certainly pay attention when walking around the city. A pedestrian was killed while crossing a street in Cobb County on Tuesday. On the same day, another pedestrian was killed while crossing an intersection in Mableton, Georgia. Police reported that the man was using the crosswalk when the crosswalk light was red. A 14-year-old young woman was recently killed when she was hit by a car as she was walking home after school in Stone Mountain. Atlanta is very dangerous city for distracted driving and distracted walking.
Have you been injured by a distracted driver or a distracted pedestrian? If so, contact an experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyer. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 for a free consultation.
Labels: distracted drivers, pedestrian
In Georgia, it’s not against the law to use your cell phone while driving – not yet, at least.
Currently, it’s against the law for bus drivers in Georgia to use cell phone while driving when they have passengers on board. This law went into effect in August 2007. Since then, no new laws have addressed cell phone use while driving.
Georgia House Bill 23 is one promising piece of legislation which was approved by the House and is now sitting in the Senate. Currently, the cell phone prohibition in the bill only applies to drivers under the age of 18, but this could be changed to include all drivers. Further, in the current version of House Bill 23, it is permissible for drivers under 18 to use cell phones in emergency situations, to report accidents, to report crimes, and while parked. In the bill, wireless communication is defined as “talking, writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication, or listening on a wireless telecommunications device,” and a wireless telecommunications device is defined as “a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand alone computer, or any other substantially similar wireless device that is used to initiate or receive a wireless communication with another person. It does not include citizens band radios citizens band radio hybrids, commercial two-way radio communication devices, subscription-based emergency communications, in-vehicle security, navigation, and remote diagnostics systems, or amateur or ham radio devices.” In the proposed legislation, the driver’s license of a driver under 18 would be suspended if the driver is involved in an accident while engaging in wireless communication. Georgia House Bill 23 was approved by the Georgia House on March 12, 2009, and is still sitting in the Georgia Senate after a second reading on March 26, 2009. If you support a ban on cell phone use for teen drivers, contact your state senator and ask him or her to support HB 23.
Other bills addressing distracted driving are pending. Georgia House Bill 19 would create penalties (points and fines) for distracted drivers using cell phones at the time of accidents. This would apply to hands-free cell phone use as well as conventional cell phone use.
Georgia House Bill 21 would ban drivers with instructional driving permits or provisional driving permits from using cell phones while driving. HB 21 would also apply to hands-free wireless telecommunication devices.
Georgia State Rep. Allen Peake has reported that he will file a bill in 2010 that would ban text messaging for all drivers on Georgia roads. Peake, from Macon, said that his bill would be combined with HB 23.
Rep. Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City, a sponsor of HB 23, said, “If the law is enacted and proves successful, it will bolster the case for further efforts to reduce distractions among all drivers.”
However, on his blog, Ramsey stated that he did not believe a ban on cell phones for all Georgia drivers is in the near future; “I would not be optimistic it would pass this year.”
In the meantime, you can stay safe by enacting your own ban on cell phone use while driving. Distracted driving kills. Please keep your eyes on the road when driving.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, contact an experienced Georgia auto wreck attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Currently, it’s against the law for bus drivers in Georgia to use cell phone while driving when they have passengers on board. This law went into effect in August 2007. Since then, no new laws have addressed cell phone use while driving.
Georgia House Bill 23 is one promising piece of legislation which was approved by the House and is now sitting in the Senate. Currently, the cell phone prohibition in the bill only applies to drivers under the age of 18, but this could be changed to include all drivers. Further, in the current version of House Bill 23, it is permissible for drivers under 18 to use cell phones in emergency situations, to report accidents, to report crimes, and while parked. In the bill, wireless communication is defined as “talking, writing, sending, or reading a text-based communication, or listening on a wireless telecommunications device,” and a wireless telecommunications device is defined as “a cellular telephone, a text-messaging device, a personal digital assistant, a stand alone computer, or any other substantially similar wireless device that is used to initiate or receive a wireless communication with another person. It does not include citizens band radios citizens band radio hybrids, commercial two-way radio communication devices, subscription-based emergency communications, in-vehicle security, navigation, and remote diagnostics systems, or amateur or ham radio devices.” In the proposed legislation, the driver’s license of a driver under 18 would be suspended if the driver is involved in an accident while engaging in wireless communication. Georgia House Bill 23 was approved by the Georgia House on March 12, 2009, and is still sitting in the Georgia Senate after a second reading on March 26, 2009. If you support a ban on cell phone use for teen drivers, contact your state senator and ask him or her to support HB 23.
Other bills addressing distracted driving are pending. Georgia House Bill 19 would create penalties (points and fines) for distracted drivers using cell phones at the time of accidents. This would apply to hands-free cell phone use as well as conventional cell phone use.
Georgia House Bill 21 would ban drivers with instructional driving permits or provisional driving permits from using cell phones while driving. HB 21 would also apply to hands-free wireless telecommunication devices.
Georgia State Rep. Allen Peake has reported that he will file a bill in 2010 that would ban text messaging for all drivers on Georgia roads. Peake, from Macon, said that his bill would be combined with HB 23.
Rep. Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City, a sponsor of HB 23, said, “If the law is enacted and proves successful, it will bolster the case for further efforts to reduce distractions among all drivers.”
However, on his blog, Ramsey stated that he did not believe a ban on cell phones for all Georgia drivers is in the near future; “I would not be optimistic it would pass this year.”
In the meantime, you can stay safe by enacting your own ban on cell phone use while driving. Distracted driving kills. Please keep your eyes on the road when driving.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, contact an experienced Georgia auto wreck attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: car accidents, cell phone, distracted drivers, Georgia, law
Yesterday the Pew Research Center released results from its Internet & American Life project survey, which was conduced over the summer of 2009. The results show that one in four teenagers text while driving.
The survey asked 800 teens ages 12 to 17 about their experiences with cell phone use in cars (as passengers and drivers). The Pew Research Center also teamed up with the University of Michigan between June and October to conduct nine focus groups on driving and mobile phone use with teens ages 12 to 18.
Here are the major findings from the survey as well as the focus groups:
- 75 percent of American teens between 12 and 17 own cell phones
- 66 percent of American teens between 12 and 17 use cell phones to send or receive text messages
- Older teens are more likely than younger teens to have cell phones and use text messaging services
- 82 percent of teens 16 to 17 have cell phones and 74 percent of them use text messaging
- 34 percent of texting teens 16 to 17 say that they have texted while driving
- 26 percent of all American teens 16 to 17 have texted while driving
- 52 percent of teens 16 to 17 with cell phones say that they have talked on a cell phone while driving
- 43 percent of all American teens 16 to 17 have talked on a cell phone while driving
- 48 percent of all American teens 12 to 17 have been in a car when the driver was texting while driving
- 40 percent of all American teens 12 to 17 have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put themselves or others in danger
The problem of distracted driving continues to grow. Texting while driving is of particular concern. Several states, including Oregon, California, and Connecticut, have already passed laws to ban all texting or talking on handheld phones while driving. The Senate is currently considering a bill that would provide federal funding to states that enact similar laws to bans texting while driving. A recent executive order from President Obama bans texting while driving for all federal workers while on the job.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were 5,870 fatalities and 515,000 injuries in wrecks in which at least one driver was distracted. Researchers from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reported earlier this year that text messaging carries the highest risk of all cell phone related behaviors behind the wheel. The researchers also noted that teen drivers are at a much higher crash risk compared to other drivers.
If you need to use your handheld cell phone while you’re driving, please pull over first. Park your vehicle before you text or call. With all of our modern electronic distractions, it’s easy to forget that automobiles can turn into lethal weapons if we take our eyes off the road for just a couple of seconds.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver or careless driver, contact an Atlanta auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
The survey asked 800 teens ages 12 to 17 about their experiences with cell phone use in cars (as passengers and drivers). The Pew Research Center also teamed up with the University of Michigan between June and October to conduct nine focus groups on driving and mobile phone use with teens ages 12 to 18.
Here are the major findings from the survey as well as the focus groups:
- 75 percent of American teens between 12 and 17 own cell phones
- 66 percent of American teens between 12 and 17 use cell phones to send or receive text messages
- Older teens are more likely than younger teens to have cell phones and use text messaging services
- 82 percent of teens 16 to 17 have cell phones and 74 percent of them use text messaging
- 34 percent of texting teens 16 to 17 say that they have texted while driving
- 26 percent of all American teens 16 to 17 have texted while driving
- 52 percent of teens 16 to 17 with cell phones say that they have talked on a cell phone while driving
- 43 percent of all American teens 16 to 17 have talked on a cell phone while driving
- 48 percent of all American teens 12 to 17 have been in a car when the driver was texting while driving
- 40 percent of all American teens 12 to 17 have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put themselves or others in danger
The problem of distracted driving continues to grow. Texting while driving is of particular concern. Several states, including Oregon, California, and Connecticut, have already passed laws to ban all texting or talking on handheld phones while driving. The Senate is currently considering a bill that would provide federal funding to states that enact similar laws to bans texting while driving. A recent executive order from President Obama bans texting while driving for all federal workers while on the job.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were 5,870 fatalities and 515,000 injuries in wrecks in which at least one driver was distracted. Researchers from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute reported earlier this year that text messaging carries the highest risk of all cell phone related behaviors behind the wheel. The researchers also noted that teen drivers are at a much higher crash risk compared to other drivers.
If you need to use your handheld cell phone while you’re driving, please pull over first. Park your vehicle before you text or call. With all of our modern electronic distractions, it’s easy to forget that automobiles can turn into lethal weapons if we take our eyes off the road for just a couple of seconds.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver or careless driver, contact an Atlanta auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Labels: auto accident, distracted drivers, driving and texting
You may not see be able to see the motorcycle in this picture. At first glance, it is nearly invisible
From a different angle, the circumstances become more evident.
The driver of the Honda motorcycle was going 85mph when the Volkswagen pulled out in front of him from a side street. She was talking on her cell phone and apparently did not see him. At that speed, he did not have the time to react to stop before he collided with the car. His motorcycle went through the windshield with enough force to flip the car entirely and send it flying through the air. All of the participants in this accident, both drivers and a single passenger in the Volkswagen, were killed instantly in the crash.
The dangers of driving while distracted are no new revelation on this blog or in the news. Numerous studies have examined the dangers of speaking on the phone while driving, and found that cell phones – both hand held and hands free varieties – significantly impair driving performance. In some cases, the level of impairment has been shown similar to driving at the legal blood alcohol limit of 0.08 percent. Every day, more than 800,000 drivers use their handheld cell phones.
Texting while driving is considered “incompatible with safe driving” by the CTIA-Wireless Association, and for good reason. But while the danger of texting while driving seems as though it ought to be obvious, an estimated 20 percent of drivers drive while texting, and an estimated 66 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24.
While the actual incidence of distracted driving is difficult to accurately measure, driver distraction was reported to have been a factor in 16 percent of fatal crashes in 2008, as recorded in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
In 2008, an approximate 515,000 people were injured as a result of distracted driving according to the police, and 5,870 people were killed. The actual number is possibly much higher.
Cell phones are the single most common cause of distraction in drivers on the road today, more common that drowsiness, eating, GPS or any other cause of driver inattention. At the same time, an ever more robust body of evidence suggests that they are one of the greatest dangers on the road, leading to drivers up to four times more likely to have a traffic accident. Beyond that, we have graphic reminders such as the above pictures to remind us viscerally of the horrific outcome when the inevitable happens and driving in a constant state of distraction leads to a fatal accident.
While laws are in place in some states, like California, to prevent drivers from using hand held cell phones, hands free varieties are still common and only 18 states and the District of Columbia outlaw texting while driving. It is important to remember the danger this technology represents. The only safe way to drive is with cell phones put away.
If you have been injured by someone driving while using their cell phone or otherwise distracted, it is important to talk to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. Call (404) 531-9700 to schedule your free consultation at MLN Law.
Labels: cell phone, distracted drivers, driving and texting
Yesterday at the conclusion of the Department of Transportation’s Distracted Diving Summit in Washington, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that the White House has signed an executive order than bans federal employees and contractors from texting behind the wheel while on government business.
According to ABC News, LaHood said, “This order sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable. It shows that the federal government is leading by example. This is a very big deal.”
The executive order signed by President Obama states that “the Federal Government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving.”
A press release from the White House read: “Recent deadly crashes involving drivers distracted by text messaging while behind the wheel highlight a growing danger on our roads. Text messaging causes drivers to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the steering wheel, endangering both themselves and others. Every day, Federal employees drive Government-owned, Government-leased, or Government-rented vehicles (collectively, GOV) or privately-owned vehicles (POV) on official Government business, and some Federal employees use Government-supplied electronic devices to text or e-mail while driving. A Federal Government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for State and local governments, private employers, and individual drivers. Extending this policy to cover Federal contractors is designed to promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement.”
During the summit, Se. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, said, “I'm completely amazed that anyone believes that it is a reasonable idea to take your eyes off of the road, look down and type a message while driving in traffic. The time has come to act before it is too late, before more lives are lost and we look back with regret that we did nothing in the face of imminent danger.”
Motor vehicle laws are under state jurisdiction, but the Alert Drivers Act released earlier this summer would require states to ban texting and emailing behind the wheel or lose 25 percent of federal highway funding.
Victims of distracted driving like Dave and Trudy Teater spoke at the summit. The Teaters lost their 12-year old son Joe in 2004, to a driver who was talking on a cell phone. They are now activists for enacting a ban on texting while behind the wheel.
"He was just the life blood and spark plug of our family," said DaveTeater, who is now a spokesperson for the National Safety Council. "It's our hope that we can prevent others from doing the same thing."
As of today, 18 states plus the District of Columbia have already taken action to prohibit texting for drivers. In Utah, a driver can receive up to 15 years in prison if he or she causes injury or death while texting behind the wheel.
"Driving while distracted should just feel wrong, just as driving without a seat belt or driving while intoxicated,” said LaHood in his closing remarks. “We’re not going to break everyone of their bad habits, but we are going to raise awareness and sharpen the consequences.”
Have you been injured or lost a loved one due distracted driving? If you need legal advice from an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
According to ABC News, LaHood said, “This order sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unacceptable. It shows that the federal government is leading by example. This is a very big deal.”
The executive order signed by President Obama states that “the Federal Government can and should demonstrate leadership in reducing the dangers of text messaging while driving.”
A press release from the White House read: “Recent deadly crashes involving drivers distracted by text messaging while behind the wheel highlight a growing danger on our roads. Text messaging causes drivers to take their eyes off the road and at least one hand off the steering wheel, endangering both themselves and others. Every day, Federal employees drive Government-owned, Government-leased, or Government-rented vehicles (collectively, GOV) or privately-owned vehicles (POV) on official Government business, and some Federal employees use Government-supplied electronic devices to text or e-mail while driving. A Federal Government-wide prohibition on the use of text messaging while driving on official business or while using Government-supplied equipment will help save lives, reduce injuries, and set an example for State and local governments, private employers, and individual drivers. Extending this policy to cover Federal contractors is designed to promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement.”
During the summit, Se. Robert Menendez, D-NJ, said, “I'm completely amazed that anyone believes that it is a reasonable idea to take your eyes off of the road, look down and type a message while driving in traffic. The time has come to act before it is too late, before more lives are lost and we look back with regret that we did nothing in the face of imminent danger.”
Motor vehicle laws are under state jurisdiction, but the Alert Drivers Act released earlier this summer would require states to ban texting and emailing behind the wheel or lose 25 percent of federal highway funding.
Victims of distracted driving like Dave and Trudy Teater spoke at the summit. The Teaters lost their 12-year old son Joe in 2004, to a driver who was talking on a cell phone. They are now activists for enacting a ban on texting while behind the wheel.
"He was just the life blood and spark plug of our family," said DaveTeater, who is now a spokesperson for the National Safety Council. "It's our hope that we can prevent others from doing the same thing."
As of today, 18 states plus the District of Columbia have already taken action to prohibit texting for drivers. In Utah, a driver can receive up to 15 years in prison if he or she causes injury or death while texting behind the wheel.
"Driving while distracted should just feel wrong, just as driving without a seat belt or driving while intoxicated,” said LaHood in his closing remarks. “We’re not going to break everyone of their bad habits, but we are going to raise awareness and sharpen the consequences.”
Have you been injured or lost a loved one due distracted driving? If you need legal advice from an experienced Georgia personal injury attorney, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: distracted drivers, driving and texting
As if cell phone weren’t distracting enough, many long-haul truck drivers have on-board computers in their cabs, and they don‘t want to give them up. They typically have the monitor set up near the steering wheel, and they hold the keyboard in their laps. They use the computers to get directions, check email, surf with Internet, and stay in touch with dispatchers as well as family members.
A Distracted Driving Summit organized by the Transportation Department begins today in Washington, and some truck drivers are worried that new legislation will take away their rights to use text messaging devices as well as on-board computers while driving. Many trucking companies have invested heavily in on-board computer technology to facilitate communication with truckers.
In a New York Times article published on Sunday, Clayton Boyce, spokesman for the American Trucking Associations, argued that the computers require less concentration than cell phones because they “have a screen that has maybe two or four or six lines [of text], and [truck drivers] are not reading the screen every second.”
“We’re supposed to pull over [to use on-board computers], but nobody does,” said Kurt Long, 46, a trucker from Oklahoma. “When you get that load, you go and you go and you go until you get there.”
Long’s computer contains a warning: do not use while vehicle is in motion. “But it gives you a proceed button,” he said with a laugh during an interview at a truck stop.
Most trucks with on-board computers must use them while they are driving. They cannot afford to pull over to use the computer because that would lose valuable time.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute videotaped truckers behind the wheel and found that those who use on-board computers are 10 times more likely to crash, almost crash, or wander from their lane. The same study found that truckers are 23 times more like to crash when sending text messages. Researchers note that truckers typically use on-board computers more often than they text.
Richard Hanowski of Virginia Tech asks, “Is this any different than texting? With either one, the risks are very high.”
Some on-board computers are designed so that they will not work when the vehicle is in motion, and some trucking companies already have bans or partial bans on cell phone use and computer use while driving.
Randy Mullett of the Con-way trucking company explained that his company’s drivers only use the computer technology to communicate with dispatchers. The truckers have to push a button on the screen to acknowledge that they received the message. Mullet said it’s not much different than pressing a radio button.
Mullett said, “If it took a driver 15 minutes, four times a day to pull over, you’d basically lose 10 percent of a driver’s time. You can’t take 10 percent of a truck fleet out of service to make them answer…. Let’s figure out a way to work with Congress that doesn’t make these technology advances obsolete or less efficient than they are.”
I personally do not like the idea of any driver using on-board computers or cell phones. Their eyes should be on the road at all times. A brief distraction can lead to the loss of multiple lives.
Long, the truck driver from Oklahoma might agree with me now. The New York Times reported that he had a wreck last week after taking his eyes off the road to reach for a cup of coffee.
“I guarantee, if you’re not an ace on that keyboard, you’ve got to look to find them letters,” he said. “Sometimes, it takes a lot longer to find a letter on that keyboard than it does to get a cup of coffee.”
Let’s hope that the Distracted Driving Summit will result in swift legislation that prevents accidents and saves lives.
If you need legal advice about an injury caused by distracted driving, call Atlanta truck accident lawyer Michael Neff at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
A Distracted Driving Summit organized by the Transportation Department begins today in Washington, and some truck drivers are worried that new legislation will take away their rights to use text messaging devices as well as on-board computers while driving. Many trucking companies have invested heavily in on-board computer technology to facilitate communication with truckers.
In a New York Times article published on Sunday, Clayton Boyce, spokesman for the American Trucking Associations, argued that the computers require less concentration than cell phones because they “have a screen that has maybe two or four or six lines [of text], and [truck drivers] are not reading the screen every second.”
“We’re supposed to pull over [to use on-board computers], but nobody does,” said Kurt Long, 46, a trucker from Oklahoma. “When you get that load, you go and you go and you go until you get there.”
Long’s computer contains a warning: do not use while vehicle is in motion. “But it gives you a proceed button,” he said with a laugh during an interview at a truck stop.
Most trucks with on-board computers must use them while they are driving. They cannot afford to pull over to use the computer because that would lose valuable time.
The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute videotaped truckers behind the wheel and found that those who use on-board computers are 10 times more likely to crash, almost crash, or wander from their lane. The same study found that truckers are 23 times more like to crash when sending text messages. Researchers note that truckers typically use on-board computers more often than they text.
Richard Hanowski of Virginia Tech asks, “Is this any different than texting? With either one, the risks are very high.”
Some on-board computers are designed so that they will not work when the vehicle is in motion, and some trucking companies already have bans or partial bans on cell phone use and computer use while driving.
Randy Mullett of the Con-way trucking company explained that his company’s drivers only use the computer technology to communicate with dispatchers. The truckers have to push a button on the screen to acknowledge that they received the message. Mullet said it’s not much different than pressing a radio button.
Mullett said, “If it took a driver 15 minutes, four times a day to pull over, you’d basically lose 10 percent of a driver’s time. You can’t take 10 percent of a truck fleet out of service to make them answer…. Let’s figure out a way to work with Congress that doesn’t make these technology advances obsolete or less efficient than they are.”
I personally do not like the idea of any driver using on-board computers or cell phones. Their eyes should be on the road at all times. A brief distraction can lead to the loss of multiple lives.
Long, the truck driver from Oklahoma might agree with me now. The New York Times reported that he had a wreck last week after taking his eyes off the road to reach for a cup of coffee.
“I guarantee, if you’re not an ace on that keyboard, you’ve got to look to find them letters,” he said. “Sometimes, it takes a lot longer to find a letter on that keyboard than it does to get a cup of coffee.”
Let’s hope that the Distracted Driving Summit will result in swift legislation that prevents accidents and saves lives.
If you need legal advice about an injury caused by distracted driving, call Atlanta truck accident lawyer Michael Neff at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: distracted drivers, driving and texting, truck safety
LaGrange, Georgia Mayor Jeff Lukken initiated a city ordinance after pointing out that a driver is 23 times more likely to have an accident if texting while driving.
The proposed ordinance, if approved by the Mayor and City Council, would prohibit text messaging while operating a motor vehicle while in the City Limits of LaGrange. It would carry proposed fines of $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and $150 for the third offense. The fine could be as high as $1,000 if the texting causes an accident.
Chief Louis Dekmar, Director of Public Safety for the City of LaGrange, said that enforcing the ordinance would be difficult, but he also pointed out that police officers could look at cell phones to determine whether or not a driver had recently been texting.
If the ordinance is passed, police would be able to stop drivers who appear to be sending or reading text messages. Drivers would be able to refute charges by showing their cell phone to officers.
Mayor Lukken said that the ordinance would send a strong message to the citizens: “Don’t Text and Drive in LaGrange.” The ordinance would also apply to those with learner’s permits.
During the public hearing of the first reading of the ordinance at a recent LaGrange City Council meeting, one citizen said that it would be “impossible to enforce” and questioned possible profiling by age, gender, and race. Mayor Lukken responded, “We are trying to send a message to the citizens that it is 23 times more dangerous driving a car when texting.”
The Mayor also explained that police would be able to tell if drivers were texting immediately before accidents. City Manager Tom Hall pointed out that 18 states have already banned text messaging while driving. Georgia is one of the states that has not banned texting while driving.
Last month in Savannah, Georgia, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) enacted a policy to encourage every state to ban texting behind the wheel for all drivers. GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey said, “The action by the GHSA membership is based on the fact that texting while driving is indisputably a distraction and a serious highway safety problem. If every state passes a texting ban, it will send a message to the public that this dangerous practice is unacceptable. We can begin to change the culture that has permitted distracted driving.”
Later this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation will host a Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit will focus on ways to reduce wrecks caused by distracted driving behaviors like texting.
If you haven’t seen the graphic public service announcement about texting while driving, I highly recommend that you watch it and show it to others (especially younger drivers).
Have you been injured by a distracted driver? If you need a Georgia accident lawyer, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
The proposed ordinance, if approved by the Mayor and City Council, would prohibit text messaging while operating a motor vehicle while in the City Limits of LaGrange. It would carry proposed fines of $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, and $150 for the third offense. The fine could be as high as $1,000 if the texting causes an accident.
Chief Louis Dekmar, Director of Public Safety for the City of LaGrange, said that enforcing the ordinance would be difficult, but he also pointed out that police officers could look at cell phones to determine whether or not a driver had recently been texting.
If the ordinance is passed, police would be able to stop drivers who appear to be sending or reading text messages. Drivers would be able to refute charges by showing their cell phone to officers.
Mayor Lukken said that the ordinance would send a strong message to the citizens: “Don’t Text and Drive in LaGrange.” The ordinance would also apply to those with learner’s permits.
During the public hearing of the first reading of the ordinance at a recent LaGrange City Council meeting, one citizen said that it would be “impossible to enforce” and questioned possible profiling by age, gender, and race. Mayor Lukken responded, “We are trying to send a message to the citizens that it is 23 times more dangerous driving a car when texting.”
The Mayor also explained that police would be able to tell if drivers were texting immediately before accidents. City Manager Tom Hall pointed out that 18 states have already banned text messaging while driving. Georgia is one of the states that has not banned texting while driving.
Last month in Savannah, Georgia, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) enacted a policy to encourage every state to ban texting behind the wheel for all drivers. GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey said, “The action by the GHSA membership is based on the fact that texting while driving is indisputably a distraction and a serious highway safety problem. If every state passes a texting ban, it will send a message to the public that this dangerous practice is unacceptable. We can begin to change the culture that has permitted distracted driving.”
Later this month, the U.S. Department of Transportation will host a Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C. The summit will focus on ways to reduce wrecks caused by distracted driving behaviors like texting.
If you haven’t seen the graphic public service announcement about texting while driving, I highly recommend that you watch it and show it to others (especially younger drivers).
Have you been injured by a distracted driver? If you need a Georgia accident lawyer, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: cell phone, distracted drivers, driving and texting
We’re all guilty of driving mistakes. Sometimes we drive while drowsy or let ourselves become distracted by a strange site or a commotion going on in the car. It’s not uncommon to drive down a street and see others in cars talking on cell phones, putting on makeup, shaving, or even reading!
Whether you are a paragon of driving virtue or a terror on the road, you’d better read a recent list released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the most common deadly driving mistakes. Don’t let friends and loved ones risk their lives with these risky behaviors:
1.) Swerving – According to the NHTSA study, failing to stay in their own lane is the #1 reason drivers end up in fatal accidents.
2.) Drowsy Driving – According to the NHTSA, in 2007 fatigued driving caused the deaths of 1,404 people, and more traffic fatalities occurred during the hours when most people are accustomed to being asleep (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) than at any other time of day.
3.) Driving Under the Influence – According to MADD, someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 40 minutes. Young people 21 – 34 are responsible for the highest number of drunk driving fatalities, and perhaps not surprisingly, most drunk driving fatalities occur at night and on weekends.
4.) Over Correcting – Teens and other inexperienced drivers are most prone to this nervous maneuver. Over correcting when facing trouble on the road can lead to rollovers and much worse. More than 4% of auto fatalities every year occur because of this jumpy mistake.
5.) Speeding – Driving too fast is the second highest cause of death in car accidents. 30% of speeding fatalities occur at speeds of 50 mph or above. Driving too fast for conditions is another culprit.
6.) Failure to Observe the Right of Way – This is the top cause of auto accidents for seniors ages 70 and above and the fifth leading cause of crashes overall. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, elders either fail to see other drivers, or see the drivers but miscalculate the time they have to merge.
7.) Reckless Driving – From weaving and tailgating to driving on the wrong side of the road, reckless driving caused 1,850 fatalities in 2007. Driving over 80 mph or driving 20 miles or more over the speed limit is considered reckless driving.
8.) Running Red Lights – According to the nonprofit Insurance Research Council, 75% of auto accidents occur in cities. Why? Because of drivers’ tendency to step on the gas when the light turns red.
9.) Failure to Buckle Up – Though seat belt use is up, the fact remains that 33% of auto accident fatalities occurred because drivers and passengers weren’t using their seat belts. Seat belts help prevent ejection, and ejection results in death in 76% of all motor vehicle accidents.
10.) Distracted Driving – Talking on the phone, texting, reading, all of these are the modus operandi of the distracted driver. Cell phone use may be the biggest culprit, with an estimated 1 million Americans are driving and talking on the phone at any given time.
Pass these deadly driving mistakes on to family and friends and let’s all keep the roads a little safer.
Whether you are a paragon of driving virtue or a terror on the road, you’d better read a recent list released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the most common deadly driving mistakes. Don’t let friends and loved ones risk their lives with these risky behaviors:
1.) Swerving – According to the NHTSA study, failing to stay in their own lane is the #1 reason drivers end up in fatal accidents.
2.) Drowsy Driving – According to the NHTSA, in 2007 fatigued driving caused the deaths of 1,404 people, and more traffic fatalities occurred during the hours when most people are accustomed to being asleep (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) than at any other time of day.
3.) Driving Under the Influence – According to MADD, someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 40 minutes. Young people 21 – 34 are responsible for the highest number of drunk driving fatalities, and perhaps not surprisingly, most drunk driving fatalities occur at night and on weekends.
4.) Over Correcting – Teens and other inexperienced drivers are most prone to this nervous maneuver. Over correcting when facing trouble on the road can lead to rollovers and much worse. More than 4% of auto fatalities every year occur because of this jumpy mistake.
5.) Speeding – Driving too fast is the second highest cause of death in car accidents. 30% of speeding fatalities occur at speeds of 50 mph or above. Driving too fast for conditions is another culprit.
6.) Failure to Observe the Right of Way – This is the top cause of auto accidents for seniors ages 70 and above and the fifth leading cause of crashes overall. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, elders either fail to see other drivers, or see the drivers but miscalculate the time they have to merge.
7.) Reckless Driving – From weaving and tailgating to driving on the wrong side of the road, reckless driving caused 1,850 fatalities in 2007. Driving over 80 mph or driving 20 miles or more over the speed limit is considered reckless driving.
8.) Running Red Lights – According to the nonprofit Insurance Research Council, 75% of auto accidents occur in cities. Why? Because of drivers’ tendency to step on the gas when the light turns red.
9.) Failure to Buckle Up – Though seat belt use is up, the fact remains that 33% of auto accident fatalities occurred because drivers and passengers weren’t using their seat belts. Seat belts help prevent ejection, and ejection results in death in 76% of all motor vehicle accidents.
10.) Distracted Driving – Talking on the phone, texting, reading, all of these are the modus operandi of the distracted driver. Cell phone use may be the biggest culprit, with an estimated 1 million Americans are driving and talking on the phone at any given time.
Pass these deadly driving mistakes on to family and friends and let’s all keep the roads a little safer.
Labels: distracted drivers, driver safety, drunk driving, safe driving, teen drivers
With the holiday weekend coming up and many families taking driving vacations or simply staying near home on staycations, its worth giving a little extra thought to driver safety. Sadly, if you plan to stay in or near Atlanta this weekend you may have something more than fireworks shows to worry about, and that something is road rage.
Atlanta earned the dubious distinction of being one of the nation’s top five leading road rage cities in a survey conducted by AutoVantage, a national auto club. We found ourselves keeping company with three northern cities and one neighbor to the west on the following list:
1.) New York
2.) Dallas/Ft. Worth
3.) Detroit
4.) Atlanta
5.) Minneapolis/St. Paul
AutoVantage came up with these numbers after surveying drivers in 25 major metropolitan areas during the first three months of this year and compiling the ranked list based on reports of angry and aggressive drivers. For the purposes of the survey, angry drivers included drivers who overreact and lose their tempers while aggressive drivers included drivers who cut into lines, honk, speed and tailgate.
The survey also compiled some data we can all learn from, such as what causes road rage and which types of drivers are most likely to fall victim of a case of road rage.
The study concluded that the behaviors most likely to incite road rage include:
1.) Talking on a cell phone
2.) Texting or emailing
3.) Driving too fast
4.) Tailgating
5.) Eating or drinking while driving
6.) Cutting over without notice
7.) Slamming on the brakes
8.) Running red lights
9.) Multitasking (such as putting on makeup, shaving or reading)
Further, the people most likely to engage in road rage inducing behaviors are young people or people with long commutes. They admitted to the survey takers that they were more likely to talk on cell phones or drive too fast on a regular basis.
The study also identified some major causes of road rage, which included:
1.) Witnessing bad or careless driving from others
2.) Anger or frustration
3.) Running late or being in a hurry
4.) Experiencing traffic problems or road construction
5.) Witnessing drivers who “think they own the road”
Some tips for avoiding the urge to rage include allowing yourself plenty of time for your trip, listening to soothing music, and, of course, giving other drivers the benefit of the doubt and assuming that their mistakes are not directed at you. If you experience road rage from others, it’s key to remain calm and in control. Extreme reactions can just compound the chain of road rage and lead to more incidents or even an accident.
The best way to curb road rage is to begin with your own habits and be a careful, safe and courteous driver. If you are not yet following all the rules of courteous driving, why not start this 4th of July weekend?
Interested in more road rage statistics? Visit this website to see the full AutoVantage report and read more road rage statistics. (Warning, the link leads to a PDF that may open slowly on some machines.)
Atlanta earned the dubious distinction of being one of the nation’s top five leading road rage cities in a survey conducted by AutoVantage, a national auto club. We found ourselves keeping company with three northern cities and one neighbor to the west on the following list:
1.) New York
2.) Dallas/Ft. Worth
3.) Detroit
4.) Atlanta
5.) Minneapolis/St. Paul
AutoVantage came up with these numbers after surveying drivers in 25 major metropolitan areas during the first three months of this year and compiling the ranked list based on reports of angry and aggressive drivers. For the purposes of the survey, angry drivers included drivers who overreact and lose their tempers while aggressive drivers included drivers who cut into lines, honk, speed and tailgate.
The survey also compiled some data we can all learn from, such as what causes road rage and which types of drivers are most likely to fall victim of a case of road rage.
The study concluded that the behaviors most likely to incite road rage include:
1.) Talking on a cell phone
2.) Texting or emailing
3.) Driving too fast
4.) Tailgating
5.) Eating or drinking while driving
6.) Cutting over without notice
7.) Slamming on the brakes
8.) Running red lights
9.) Multitasking (such as putting on makeup, shaving or reading)
Further, the people most likely to engage in road rage inducing behaviors are young people or people with long commutes. They admitted to the survey takers that they were more likely to talk on cell phones or drive too fast on a regular basis.
The study also identified some major causes of road rage, which included:
1.) Witnessing bad or careless driving from others
2.) Anger or frustration
3.) Running late or being in a hurry
4.) Experiencing traffic problems or road construction
5.) Witnessing drivers who “think they own the road”
Some tips for avoiding the urge to rage include allowing yourself plenty of time for your trip, listening to soothing music, and, of course, giving other drivers the benefit of the doubt and assuming that their mistakes are not directed at you. If you experience road rage from others, it’s key to remain calm and in control. Extreme reactions can just compound the chain of road rage and lead to more incidents or even an accident.
The best way to curb road rage is to begin with your own habits and be a careful, safe and courteous driver. If you are not yet following all the rules of courteous driving, why not start this 4th of July weekend?
Interested in more road rage statistics? Visit this website to see the full AutoVantage report and read more road rage statistics. (Warning, the link leads to a PDF that may open slowly on some machines.)
Labels: atlanta, distracted drivers, driver safety, drivers, Georgia, road rage
The National Safety Council and Nationwide Insurance have announced they will sponsor an International Symposium on Distracted Driving, Oct. 14-15 2008 in Arlington, Virginia.
The symposium will convene leaders in transportation and safety, the auto industry, business, education, and government and social sectors to confront an urgent and escalating safety issue: driving while distracted, which accounts for a significant portion of today’s motor vehicle-related injuries and deaths.
Motor vehicle collisions continue to be the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, according to the National Safety Council. The Council reports there were 44,700 motor vehicle related fatalities and another 2.4 million disabling injuries in 2006.
"Distracted driving contributes to hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths each year," said Janet Froetscher, the Council’s President and CEO. "People who drive while talking on a cell phone, for instance, are four times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers who aren’t on cell phones. This symposium will accelerate critical conversations about how we can most effectively combat distracted driving as a national issue, drawing from a variety of perspectives to save lives."
The International Symposium on Distracted Driving will aim to:
* Document the science of distracted driving.
* Document possible solutions to the problem in four key areas that include public education, business policy, legislation and law, and technology.
* Recommend measures across all sectors of our society to help prevent injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving.
"It is high time to focus public attention on this serious and growing national problem," said Bill Windsor, Associate Vice President of Safety for Nationwide. "The symposium will yield information that may benefit everyone who drives. Individuals, legislators, community leaders, law enforcement officials and others involved in traffic safety will also benefit, from understanding how they might take action in their communities."
Details are available at the National Safety Council’s Web site, http://www.nsc.org/events/conferences/distractedsymp.aspx or by calling the Council’s Transportation Safety Group at 630-775-2334.
The symposium will convene leaders in transportation and safety, the auto industry, business, education, and government and social sectors to confront an urgent and escalating safety issue: driving while distracted, which accounts for a significant portion of today’s motor vehicle-related injuries and deaths.
Motor vehicle collisions continue to be the leading cause of injury-related death in the United States, according to the National Safety Council. The Council reports there were 44,700 motor vehicle related fatalities and another 2.4 million disabling injuries in 2006.
"Distracted driving contributes to hundreds of thousands of injuries and deaths each year," said Janet Froetscher, the Council’s President and CEO. "People who drive while talking on a cell phone, for instance, are four times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers who aren’t on cell phones. This symposium will accelerate critical conversations about how we can most effectively combat distracted driving as a national issue, drawing from a variety of perspectives to save lives."
The International Symposium on Distracted Driving will aim to:
* Document the science of distracted driving.
* Document possible solutions to the problem in four key areas that include public education, business policy, legislation and law, and technology.
* Recommend measures across all sectors of our society to help prevent injuries and deaths caused by distracted driving.
"It is high time to focus public attention on this serious and growing national problem," said Bill Windsor, Associate Vice President of Safety for Nationwide. "The symposium will yield information that may benefit everyone who drives. Individuals, legislators, community leaders, law enforcement officials and others involved in traffic safety will also benefit, from understanding how they might take action in their communities."
Details are available at the National Safety Council’s Web site, http://www.nsc.org/events/conferences/distractedsymp.aspx or by calling the Council’s Transportation Safety Group at 630-775-2334.
Labels: avoiding car accidents, cell phone, distracted drivers
Research shows that driver inattention is the leading factor in most crashes and near-crashes. According to a 2006 NHTSA and Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study, nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the crash. Cell phone use is one of the most common driver distractions.
GHSA discourages the use of cell phones while driving. In a recent media alert, Chairman Chris Murphy has stated that “All drivers, but particularly teens, need to focus solely on driving—and that means the cell phone needs to be off."
Concern over the increasing use of cell phones while driving has prompted many state legislatures to restrict the practice, including:
* Banning handheld cell phone use by all drivers
* Restricting cell phone use only for a specific demographic, such as teens or school bus drivers
* Implementing text messaging bans
An increasing number of states are listing cell phone use as a data element on crash forms. There are numerous studies on cell phone use that indicate that any type of cell phone use can distract the driver. One such study is from Carnegie Mellon University: according to researcher Marcel Just, drivers need not dial, hold or even talk into a cell phone to be distracted. Simply listening intently is enough to impair driving.
What is less clear is the impact of cell phone bans. To date, there has been little research on the various handheld bans that have been enacted in numerous jurisdictions. These types of laws are difficult to enforce and may give drivers a false sense of safety. For these reasons, GHSA continues to oppose handheld cell phone bans.
GHSA discourages the use of cell phones while driving. In a recent media alert, Chairman Chris Murphy has stated that “All drivers, but particularly teens, need to focus solely on driving—and that means the cell phone needs to be off."
Concern over the increasing use of cell phones while driving has prompted many state legislatures to restrict the practice, including:
* Banning handheld cell phone use by all drivers
* Restricting cell phone use only for a specific demographic, such as teens or school bus drivers
* Implementing text messaging bans
An increasing number of states are listing cell phone use as a data element on crash forms. There are numerous studies on cell phone use that indicate that any type of cell phone use can distract the driver. One such study is from Carnegie Mellon University: according to researcher Marcel Just, drivers need not dial, hold or even talk into a cell phone to be distracted. Simply listening intently is enough to impair driving.
What is less clear is the impact of cell phone bans. To date, there has been little research on the various handheld bans that have been enacted in numerous jurisdictions. These types of laws are difficult to enforce and may give drivers a false sense of safety. For these reasons, GHSA continues to oppose handheld cell phone bans.
Labels: auto accident, cell phone, distracted drivers
Archives
February 2007 April 2008 May 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 January 2009 March 2009 April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 2009 January 2010 February 2010 March 2010
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]
