While new cars are safer than ever, auto accidents continue to rise. Even with advanced safety systems to minimize crashes, traffic accidents and fatalities continue to increase.
Many safety experts think that distracted driving, mainly due to cellphones, is responsible for this. Even though laws have been created that prohibit talking on a cellphone and texting while driving, enforcing these laws has not been easy.
As an attorney, I am personally involved in fighting for those who are injured because of the negligence of others. Injuries resulting from distracted driving and cellphone use while driving can be severe, life-changing, and fatal.
With Spring upon us, there will be more and more drivers on the road. I’d like to mention a few steps that everyone can take for safer driving.
Steps for Safer Driving:
Put Down the Phone. It is tempting to immediately respond to a cellphone call while driving. However, drivers who are distracted by cellphones have slower response times, take their eyes off the road for extended periods of time, and have an increased risk for collisions.We have all seen that car drifting into other lanes or crawling well below speed limit. Talking on the phone while driving is dangerous and it risks an accident or worse. Don’t be that driver!
It is estimated that 1 out of every 4 auto accidents are due to cellphone distraction, this includes hand-free cell phone communication. Many of these accidents could have been prevented by responsible drivers waiting to communicate on their phone after parking their vehicle.
Texting is Blind Driving. Texting is possibly the most dangerous thing a driver can do. It takes the driver’s eyes and attention off the road. If you are driving at 70 miles per hour, in the 5-seconds you take your eyes off the road your car has traveled the length of a football field. The risk is frightening.
Wear your seat belt. Half of fatal car crashes involve drivers and passengers who are not wearing seat belts. Seat belts save lives and provide protection from injuries. Buckle-up! It is the smart thing to do.
Get Recalled Cars Fixed. Millions of cars are recalled each year for safety issues, performance flaws, and failure of parts. Check with your dealer or with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, who identify all vehicles with parts subject to recall and all vehicles requiring inspection and repair.
Do Not Tailgate. Driving too closely to the vehicle in front of you causes anxiety for that driver and reduces your response time. The two-car length rule – keeping two car lengths between you and the car in front of you – is a good rule to follow.
Use Your Turn Signals. Use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning. It is to your advantage to alert others drivers of your intentions so that they can react accordingly. Also, it is the law! Using your turn signal is a good way to avoid a ticket.
We Help Victims.
If you have been in a collision, the attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner can help. We are experts in representing people who are injured in auto accidents. We apply a disciplined approach to gain a comprehensive perspective on the facts, issues, and injuries experienced by victims. Auto accidents involving injuries are complicated. Insurance companies rely on professional adjusters to negotiate. To deal with these professionals, you need a highly-trained, highly-skilled attorney to protect your rights.
We know your rights and the applicable laws. We are your advocates. We are experts at negotiating with powerful insurance companies. Experience matters.
We make the legal process as stress-free as possible. We focus on recovering compensation for you, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
The attorneys at Friend, Levinson & Turner Law make the legal process as stress-free as possible. We focus on recovering compensation for you – while you concentrate on your physical and emotional recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, please call my office at 312-346-8465 or contact us using the form below.
