Category: personal injury

By now, the dangers of cell phone use while driving are well known. Texting while driving is prohibited in 48 states, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, and the District of Colombia. Moreover, 21 states prohibit all hand-held cell phone use while driving. These laws have led to the proliferation of devices to allow drivers to use voice control to operate their phones. Although hands-free devices are commonly thought to be safer than traditional cell phones while driving, is that really the case?

Surprisingly, several studies have shown that hands-free cell phone use is just as dangerous as traditional cell phone use while driving. Several states, recognizing this, have prohibited any cell phone use by new drivers. While it seems logical to assume that keeping both hands on the wheel would be safer, the problem with talking on the phone while driving has less to do with a driver’s hands and more to do with his brain.

The National Safety Council published a white paper on the subject of hands-free devises in 2012 and concluded that any cell phone use takes a driver’s attention away from his surroundings. Researchers studying human brain functions found that we do not actually “multi-task,” or perform multiple functions simultaneously.  Instead, the brain switches back and forth between tasks. While the switching back and forth is quick, our attention focuses on one thing and then the next, in rapid succession. While driving, even a small lapse in attention can be dangerous, especially at highway speeds.

In a 2015 episode of the popular television show, “Mythbusters,” the hosts found that, on a driving course and in a simulator, subjects had as many accidents while using hands-free devices as they did using hand-held devices.

While talking to passengers inside one’s vehicle can also be distracting, studies have found that cell phone conversations are more dangerous. One possible explanation for this could be that passengers can also watch the road, alerting drivers to unseen dangers.

It may be impossible to expect all drivers to give their phones up completely, but some safety practices can minimize accident risks. All new drivers should avoid any cell phone use, for example. Furthermore, all drivers should forego talking on the phone in heavy traffic, bad weather conditions, or on unfamiliar roads.

If you or a loved one is injured by a distracted driver, the law firm of O’Brien & Ford can help. Call us today at 716-907-7777 or visit our website at https://obrienfoldprd.wpenginepowered.com/.

Over ten million automobile accidents happen in the United States every year, from small fender-benders to multiple vehicle accidents with serious of fatal injuries. Driver error, weather conditions, faulty equipment, and intentional actions can, alone or in combination, lead to an accident.

Distracted Driving
According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration, distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents in the United States, accounting for as much as eighty percent of all accidents. Distracted driving can take many forms, but one of the most common is texting or using a phone while driving. In the time it takes to send one text, a car traveling at highway speeds can travel the length of a football field. All states prohibit texting while driving, and many have prohibited the use of all hand-held mobile devices while driving.

Other driving distractions include eating, putting on makeup, and talking to passengers. Passengers in a vehicle are particularly distracting to new drivers, so some states limit the number of passengers that teenage drivers may carry.

Impaired Driving
After distracted driving, impaired driving is the most common cause of highway injuries and deaths. Driving while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, and certain prescription medications is a recipe for disaster. This poses a great risk to the driver, his passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians.

Often overlooked or dismissed, fatigued driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of controlled substances. Commercial truck drivers are especially vulnerable to the temptation to drive for too many hours with too little sleep in order to meet deadlines.

Weather
Snow, ice, and rain can all be hazardous, especially for drivers who are unfamiliar with driving in those conditions. Even the most experienced drivers must be particularly cautious around snow and ice, but drivers who have never lived in regions where those conditions are much more likely to be involved in accidents. Whenever rain, snow, ice or fog are present, the posted speed limits may not be safe, braking times will be greater, and visibility can be reduced.

Driver Error
Even the best drivers make mistakes. A slight miscalculation could turn a near miss into a collision. Accidents happen when drivers fail to notice motorcycles and smaller vehicles or do not signal properly before turning or changing lanes. Accidents at intersections occur when drivers fail to observe stop signs or do not look in all directions before proceeding. Never assume that other drivers will signal properly, observe speed limits, or obey stop lights or signs.

Faulty Equipment
Examples of equipment failures that lead to accidents should also be taken into consideration:

• Non-functioning brake lights or turn signals
• Brake failure
• Tire blowouts
• Improperly calibrated speedometers
• Improperly secured cargo

Call and Accident Expert
If you are injured in an accident, the top-rated attorneys at The O’Brien & Ford Firm can help. Visit our website at https://obrienfoldprd.wpenginepowered.com/, or call 716-907-7777 for a free consultation.