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Archive for the ‘Motor Vehicle Accidents’ Category

Do Automakers Contribute to Distracted Drivers?

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

In these days, it seems that automobile manufacturers play a huge role in distracted drivers.  The distracted driver has become just as much of a problem as the drunk driver.

Distracted driving seems to be a new battlefield.  Among the common problems such as drivers texting while driving are now automobile manufacturers including too much technology in their automobile builds.

One such an example is Ford’s MyFord Touch system.  This system is available to the driver in the cockpit.  This summer, Ford added an 8 inch LCD touch screen in the center of the dash that coordinates entertainment functions such as the radio, satellite radio and mp3 playback.  The center also manages phone calls, the navigation system, climate control, and settings for the traction and cruise controls.

Consumer Reports, who has no ties to lobbyists or manufacturers and is privately funded, no longer recommends the Ford Edge Sport.  Consumer Reports states:  “While the screen has some benefits, like a crystal-clear view from the rear facing camera, it lacks tactile feedback.  So when you reach down to tap on a music selection you must take your eyes off the road or you’ll touch the incorrect tiny button….the screen is about four or five inches too low, forcing the driver to look down and to the right when assessing the screen.”

By including so many technologies which cause a driver to lose focus, Ford could be opening many avenues for car accident lawsuits.

 

 

 

A Nationwide Cell Phone Ban

Thursday, December 29th, 2011

In a bold move that is already drawing criticism, the National Transportation Safety Board has announced a recommendation for a nationwide ban on all cell phone use while driving. It is a recommendation only, not a requirement, but it is certain to have far-reaching effects on the national discussion over driving and cell phone use.

The NTSB Chairwoman, Deborah Hersman, defended the all-encompassing ban, saying it is the duty of her organization to ensure public safety.

“I think our charge is not to worry about what’s popular,” said Hersman. “We don’t take surveys to try to figure out what we should say. In fact, many of the recommendations that we make are not popular with folks, whether it’s policymakers or the average citizen, because we’re asking people to change behavior. We’re asking people to do things that might be hard.”

According to the NTSB, 3,092 roadway fatalities last year were related to distracted driving, though the number could be far higher.

Robert Sumwalt, NTSB member, said, “This (distracted driving) is becoming the new DUI. It’s becoming epidemic.”

This controversial announcement was discussed last week by The Metier Law Firm, LLC, on their blog as well.

Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – Texas accident attorneys

 

Texas Leads in Teen Deaths From Traffic Wrecks

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

According to a report out of Austin, more teenagers in Texas die in traffic accidents than in any other state.  A 2009 report released from Allstate showed that 556 teens lost their lives on Texas roadways that year.

The report also said that Texas needs to strengthen its teen driving laws.  Currently, teens are only allowed to have one passenger in the car under age 21 while they are behind the wheel.  Regulations detail that teens are not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 am.

In 2009, it was mandated that teens are not allowed to talk or text on cellular phones until they are 18 years old.

Reports have reflected that lawmakers have failed to instate laws that protect teen drivers.  By simply raising the age of full driving privileges to 18 and not allowing a driver’s permit until age 16, approximately 221 lives and $1.5 billion could be saved each year.