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’s Campaign against Distracted Driving Wins Praise
By injuheis on July 7, 2010
According to WJLA, a new report shows that the fight against driving while distracted is working, but not everyone is engaging. Many drivers continue to text, place phone calls, and participate in other distracting behaviors instead of focusing attention on the road. As a result, local governments have passed stronger laws and education campaigns against distracted driving. In 2003, only 17 states collected distracted driving data if there was an accident. Today 43 states collect distracted driving data.
Maryland has made significant strides in its campaign to prevent distracted driving. It has a texting while driving ban. The governor recently signed into law a ban against using a cell phone without a hands free device. Drivers under 18 cannot use cell phones while driving, even with a hands free device. The Maryland Senate is also considering making it illegal to read a text message while driving. Maryland also has included distracted driving in its overall state safety program.
Tragically, in 2008, 34 residents were killed as a result of distracted driving in Maryland. Almost 6,000 people were killed in 2008 nationwide as a result of distracted driving. If you or someone you know was injured by a distracted driver, you have legal rights. The distracted driver may be liable for damages to your automobile, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
For an experienced auto accident attorney in Baltimore who is dedicated to helping automobile accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve, contact Steven H. Heisler, “The Injury Lawyer”, at 877-228-4878 for your free consultation. As a Maryland injury attorney with years of experience handling car accident cases, Mr. Heisler has the legal knowledge you need to be successful with your case.