The Reality of Distracted Driving Accidents in Maryland
By admin on May 25, 2011
Distracted driving, especially involving cell phones, is a leading cause of traffic accident injuries and fatalities, but it is also an easily preventable cause. Although much focus is given to the distraction caused by cell phones, other forms of distraction or inattention, such as eating, drinking, dealing with loose pets, grooming, or settling children are just as dangerous.
Over 5,000 people were killed nationwide in distracted driving accidents last year, despite the emergence of stricter laws concerning the use of cell phones and other electronic devices. Maryland is one of eight states that have banned handheld cell phones for all drivers. Banning cell phone use is only one step in preventing distracted driving car accidents in Maryland.
According to the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), there were 24,769 inattentive driver accidents in Maryland in 2008. These accidents claimed 34 lives and injured 11,578 people. Almost half of these Maryland car crashes were rear-end collisions. In order to decrease these numbers, drivers have to consciously decide not to compromise the safety of themselves, their passengers, or other motorists by becoming distracted. This is the only way to truly prevent distracted driving accidents, injuries, and fatalities in Maryland, and the nation.
Unfortunately, until everyone commits to not eating, drinking, using their cell phone, reading, or handling pets or children while driving, distracted driving accidents will continue to occur. There are legal ramifications that may help remind people of the dangers of distracted driving, however.
Distracted drivers who cause accident injuries and fatalities may be held liable for the damages they cause. Dedicated Baltimore auto accident lawyer, Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” helps injured Maryland car crash victims understand their legal rights and options so that they may make an informed decision regarding the legal action they wish to take. Please contact Mr. Heisler today at 877-228-4878 so that he may answer any questions you may have.
Maryland Moves Closer to Cell Phone Ban
By injuheis on April 19, 2010
The Maryland Senate recently passed a ban on using cell phones while driving. The bill will be sent to the House for a vote. The bill will ban the use of cell phones while driving in most circumstances. However, the offense will be a “secondary offense”, which means a law enforcement officer cannot pull over a motorist unless the officer sees another infraction being committed.
Driving while distracted is one of the leading causes of automobile accidents in Maryland and throughout the United States. According to a Virginia Tech study, the number one source of driver inattention is the use of a wireless device. In addition, drivers that use cell phones are four times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves. One study even showed that the use of a cell phone while driving lowered the driver’s reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol level of .08!
If you are involved in an automobile accident, and you suspect that accident was caused by the other driver’s use of a cell phone or other wireless device, you should document your reasons for those suspicions. Talk to the police officer at the scene. If possible, take pictures of any cell phone or wireless device that may have been used. If the other driver was at fault, that driver may be responsible for not only vehicle damages, but also medical bills and other compensatory damages.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, please do not hesitate to call Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer,” a free consultation. As an experienced Maryland car accident injury attorney, Mr. Heisler will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected in your Maryland automobile accident case. Call 877-228- 4878 today to learn more about how Steven H. Heisler can help you obtain the compensation that you deserve.
Source:http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/traffic/2010/03/cell_phone_ban_passes_in_a_squ.html;http://www.nationwide.com/newsroom/dwd-facts-figures.jsp