Can Phone Manufacturers Help Solve America’s Distracted Driving Epidemic?

Public safety officials and lawmakers are desperate for solutions to prevent distracted driving crashes. Lawmakers in states across the country have considered harsher punishments to deter distracted driving, such as fines or license suspension. However, options such as harsher punishments may be more effective if combined with other solutions. Just because motorists may be fined does not mean they will not use their phones behind the wheel. All states have laws addressing distracted driving to some extent. Crashes caused by motorists texting or browsing behind the wheel continue to happen in these states. Solutions created by technological innovation may also play a big role in solving this public safety crisis.A recent article published by Wired makes a good point: solutions for preventing distracted driving should have a firm understanding of how people use mobile technology. It is ironic that technology is the cause behind distracted driving crashes, but also a possible solution. Automakers and smartphone manufacturers could develop solutions that prevent distracted driving.

How Can Phone Manufacturers Prevent Distracted Driving Crashes?

Phones could utilize “driving mode” to help prevent distracted riving crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has expressed support for this idea. If implemented correctly, this idea would prevent many features on phones from working while people are driving. Apps, text messaging, and even nonemergency phone calls could be blocked.In some ways, the feature would be similar to airplane mode. Just in case you do not know what airplane mode is, it is a feature on mobile devices that restricts radio communications while on commercial aircraft.There are some challenges to this solution. Smartphones would have to identify drivers and not passengers. This can only be possible if smartphones work with vehicle infotainment systems. Many cars on the road still do not have these features, so driving mode may have limited success. Smartphone manufacturers would also have to agree to implement these changes. Although NHTSA has issued voluntary guidelines on driving mode to smartphone manufacturers, it has no regulation authority over the handheld consumer electronics industry. There is also the possibility the self-driving car market will explode faster than expected, beating this possible solution to the punch. While this idea is not perfect, that does not mean it should be discarded.App manufacturers can also pitch in to help with America’s distracted driving problems. Some app creators and wireless carriers have already developed software that prevents or discourages phone use while driving. AT&T’s DriveMode app for iPhones prevents phone calls and text messages from reaching drivers. Sprint’s Drive First and T-Mobile’s DriveSmart apps have similar features. Apps developed by third parties such as SafeDrive or Cellcontrol also claim they can prevent distracted driving by blocking certain smartphone features.There are downsides to using apps as a solution. Unless required by parents or an employer, people may choose not to use the apps. They are voluntary.Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions to this public safety problem. It will likely take a combination of forces and laws to come together and solve this issue.One of the worst aspects of distracted driving crashes, is that they are preventable. These tragedies do not have to happen in the first place. Individuals hit by distracted drivers and their family members deserve the chance to seek justice. They deserve to know they will be taken care of after being harmed by these tragedies. Our attorneys can help in this regard. The Texas car accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC will fight insurance companies on your behalf and hold distracted drivers accountable.

Has Distracted Driving Caused an Increase in Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents?

Pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving vehicles are a regular occurrence here in Texas and throughout the nation. Statistics collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show 4,884 pedestrians died in incidents involving vehicles during 2014. Another 65,000 suffered injuries.Even when pedestrians and cyclists take precautionary measures, such as utilizing reflective tape, limiting headphone usage, obeying traffic signals, paying attention to vehicles or avoiding distractions, they can still be hit. This is not their fault. Motorists are often distracted by text messaging, changing the radio, or perhaps they are driving recklessly or negligently in other ways. In addition, motorists may not practice extra caution in areas with heavy foot or cycling traffic.There are steps motorists can take to reduce their chances of hitting cyclists and pedestrians.

7 Ways Motorists Can Avoid Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents

1. Be cautious in areas with pedestrians: Excessive speed is a major cause of pedestrian and bicycle accidents involving vehicles. Never speed in residential areas or crowded intersections where there is a greater density of cyclists and pedestrians.
2. Make eye contact: Make eye contact with pedestrians who are waiting to cross the street. This way, you know their intention.
3. Keep an eye out for pedestrians and cyclists: Many pedestrian accidents involve vehicles making turns. Such accidents happen because motorists were inattentive or not looking out for nearby pedestrians and cyclists. Be especially attentive for cyclists and pedestrians at dark. Finally, always remain cautious of jaywalkers.
4. Be mindful of where you are driving: Residential areas and schools are more likely to have heavy foot traffic or cyclists. Very young children may not understand the dangers of playing in the road. They also may be unable to judge the location of approaching vehicles.
5. Avoid aggressive driving: Impatience and road rage lead to unsafe driving. Aggressive driving will complicate your ability to see pedestrians and cyclists.
6. Remain attentive: Distracted driving crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists are preventable. Never text and drive. In addition, avoid fidgeting with the radio, shaving, applying makeup or eating while behind the wheel. If you are not paying attention to the road, you are much more likely to hit pedestrians and cyclists.
7. Always yield to pedestrians: Always give pedestrians the right-of-way at crosswalks and elsewhere, even jaywalkers.

Should Injured Cyclists and Pedestrians Contact an Attorney?

Our law firm has experience helping cyclists and pedestrians hit by inattentive and negligent drivers. Pedestrians and cyclists injured by these motorists may suffer catastrophic injuries that require lengthy hospital stays and extensive rehabilitation. Medical bills and lost income can accumulate into the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.An attorney can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible motorist or other parties on your behalf. Damages recovered from a personal injury lawsuit can help pay for medical bills, lost income and other expenses. Our attorneys can use mobile phone records, internet browsing history, witness statements, camera footage and accident reconstruction specialists to help your case succeed.The Texas personal injury attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC can help people harmed by negligent motorists.

The Top 9 Necessities for A Road Trip Checklist

Creating a checklist before departing on a road trip can help you avoid several different types of worst-case scenarios. A lot can go wrong during your journey, even if your road trip is covering a short distance. Vehicles may break down, or they can be unsafe for driving. Creating a checklist helps you prepare for the worst-case scenarios. We have created a list of nine necessities for a road trip checklist.

1. Check vehicle’s fluid levels: It’s best to know if your car has unsafe fluid levels before departing on your trip. Check windshield wiper, transmission and coolant fluid levels before leaving. You can also check the date you are required to perform an oil change.
2. Inspect your tires: Never drive vehicle with unsafe tires. For example, tires with poor tread may cause the car to hydroplane during rainy weather. Check your tread level by using the “quarter trick”. Take a quarter and stick it in the tread of all your vehicle’s tires. If the top of Washington’s head is showing, consider installing new tires. In addition, check for wear and tear. Holes and tears in your tire may cause a blowout accident.
3. Examine and service your battery: You can wind up stranded if your car battery fails. Imagine being stuck at a rest stop in the middle of nowhere. Not fun. To prevent this from happening, check your battery with a voltmeter or probe and make sure the terminals are clean. WikiHow has an interactive guide that can show you how to safely check a battery. Servicing a battery can be dangerous. In some cases, this is best left to a professional.
4. Stock up on emergency supplies: Stock your vehicle with emergency supplies. These supplies may include first aid kits, flashlights, flares, blankets, repair tools, water and food. Bring a GPS navigation system in case you get lost.
5. Check your brakes: Unless you know how to already, have a repair shop examine your brake pads and rotors. Check the thickness of the pads.
6. Install traffic and weather apps: Some smartphone apps will alert you to hazardous traffic or weather conditions. Install these on your phone before leaving. Google Maps can provide you with real-time traffic information. The NOAA’s app provides users with weather alerts. Be sure not to glance at the apps while driving.
7. Inspect your car seats: Make sure your car or booster seats are installed correctly if you are traveling with children. An estimated 80 percent of child car seats are installed incorrectly. In the event of an accident, and incorrectly installed seat can raise the risk of fatal or catastrophic injuries. Check to see if you have the right type of car seat by reading our recent blog on this subject.
8. Bring basic necessities: Bring sunglasses, a spare set of car keys and cash for toll roads. Cell phone signal boosters can help you stay in contact with loved ones during your trip. These are available for purchase on Amazon.
9. Check for recalls: Use safercar.gov to make sure your vehicle is not under recall. Do not use your vehicle for a road trip if your manufacturer has issued a recall. Enter your VIN (vehicle identification number) into the website’s search engine to pull current recall information.

What to Do If You Are Injured on Your Journey

If you or loved ones are injured in a car accident during your journey, seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the circumstances, try to write down as much as possible about what happened and take photos of the wreck if you are able. If an adjuster from the other driver’s insurance company calls you, tell them you cannot talk at this time and hang up the phone. Your next step should be to contact a Texas car accident attorney.Attorneys can defend you from insurance companies that do not have your needs in mind. In addition, they may also discover additional ways you can recover damages from an accident. These damages may help pay for medical bills, lost income and rehabilitation costs.

What Can Happen to People Who Survive Distracted Driving Accidents?

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics show in 2014, 3,179 people were killed in accidents involving distracted drivers. However, another 431,000 were injured that same year. It is important to remember that people who survive these accidents suffer catastrophic and life-altering injuries. The story of Liz Marks is a great example of how people who suffer injuries from distracted driving accidents can have their lives put on hold.In April of 2012, Liz Marks’ life changed forever when her vehicle slammed into a flatbed truck that was in the process of making a left turn. Moments before crashing, the 17-year-old had answered a text message from her mother. Liz was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition. In the three months that followed, she relearned how to walk, talk, read and write. Doctors performed multiple reconstructive surgeries to repair damage to her skull. Liz lost the ability to fall asleep without medication, she is blind her right eye, and no longer has a sense of smell. She developed a new personality and lost all of her friends. College was no longer an option.Since her accident and rehabilitation, Liz has appeared in national headlines, on talk shows and in warning videos released by NHTSA. She has dedicated her life to spreading public awareness on the dangers of distracted driving.Many other survivor stories involve people hit by distracted drivers. In 2008, Jacy Good was driving home with her parents after graduating college. Jacy had landed a dream job with Habitat for Humanity, and was in the process of planning a wedding with her long-time boyfriend. On her way home, a teenager who was texting behind the wheel turned left through a red light, causing a semi-truck to swerve and hit her vehicle. Jacy’s parents died from the impact, but she survived with a severe traumatic brain injury. Even after months of therapy, she admits life will never be the same. Jacy is paralyzed from her brain injury, and cognitive tasks are significantly more difficult. She did marry her boyfriend and became a safe driving advocate.

Do People Who Suffered Injuries from Distracted Driving Accidents Have Legal Options?

It is important to understand people injured in these accidents can suffer severe brain injuries, paralysis from spinal cord injuries, and disfigurement from broken bones or burns. These injuries can make returning to an occupation, or starting a career, close to impossible. For younger people involved in these accidents, distracted driving may rob them of their futures.It is crucial for these individuals and their families to seek legal help. An attorney is much better suited to handle your needs going forward, including dealing with insurance companies and holding the responsible driver accountable.The Texas car accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by negligent drivers.

Why You Should Always Check Car Safety Features While Shopping for a Vehicle

If you are going shopping for a new vehicle, it is important that you know how car safety features work. Modern vehicles come with pedestrian detection technology, automatic braking and other features that can prevent car accidents. Newer and inexpensive vehicles are also likely to have safety features. The problem is that many salespeople are clueless about what these features are or how they work.A recent WIRED Magazine article really hits home on this point. The article mentions a recent MIT study where undercover researchers toured 18 Boston-area car dealerships to quiz salespeople on these safety features.According to the researchers, four of the 17 salespeople gave “poor” explanations of these features. Six gave thorough summaries. Another two salespeople gave such bad information, that had the researchers been real shoppers, people could have been hurt. Features salespeople were quizzed on included cruise control, blind spot monitoring, collision avoidance and pedestrian detection technology.You get the picture, right? The people you depend on to sell you a vehicle are not always dependable or knowledgeable. If you receive incorrect information on how to use these features, it could hurt you or other people. That is why researching your vehicle beforehand is a matter of great importance.

How Can You Research Car Safety Features Shopping for a New Vehicle?

There are several organizations that provide detailed information on vehicle safety features, such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Affairs. However, there are also online tools that allow consumers to research vehicles and safety features at their own pace.MyCarDoesWhat.org is a joint-collaboration between the National Safety Council (NSC) and the University of Iowa. The search tool on MyCarDoesWhay links shoppers and car owners to their vehicle manufacturer’s website. For example, if you have an Acura, the MyCarDoesWhat will link you to Acura’s website, where you can receive detailed information on features used by your specific model. The website also has links to auto manufacturer user manuals.If you really want to become a master on this subject, MyCarDoesWhat allows you to research what each individual safety feature does. The information on safety features is highly detailed. For example, if you were to select automatic braking from the website’s dropdown menu, you will see information about the safety features and common questions. Depending on your selection, you may also see videos showing how to best utilize safety features.The website has information on lane departure warning systems, parking assistance, antilock braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and traction control technology – just to name a few examples. If you find meticulously researching subjects to be tedious and boring, the website also has a section where you can learn about safety features by playing games.Learning how your vehicle works can be the difference between life and death. We hope this online tool can give you the knowledge needed to maximize your personal safety while car shopping.The Texas car accident attorneys at Mike Love & Associates, LLC encourage you to continue following our blog and Facebook for information on vehicle safety and auto recalls.