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Tag Archives: texting while driving

Bus crash injures dozens in Lincoln Tunnel

New York – Upwards of 40 accident victims were injured when one bus rear-ended another during rush hour commute into Manhattan this past week. The rear-end collision occurred when a New Jersey Transit bus filled with commuters collided with a school bus filled with children. The school bus was transporting the school kids into New York City for a graduation trip when the bus accident occurred. Initial analysis shows that the commuter bus driver was unable to stop in time to avoid the crash during traffic. Further investigation was necessary to determine why this was the case, and to rule out driver negligence or criminal activity, such as drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs. Commuter advocates say that some bus drivers are not properly trained or don’t always follow safety regulations, leading to increased dangers on the roads. For example, drivers need to make sure that they are well rested and not tired from driving shifts that are longer than permitted. In addition, drivers must direct their full attention to the roadways and traffic conditions, adjusting their driving accordingly. However, some activists warn that bus drivers, much like car and truck drivers, have become too distracted by things such as texting while driving, talking on a cell phone or adjusting the radio. These actions create a dangerous condition that is more likely to lead to this kind of accident.

The injury victims were treated on the scene and some were transported by ambulances to various hospitals. Others were directed to see their private doctors for evaluation and treatment of their injuries. Experts note that some of these injuries may not become fully evident until hours, days or even weeks after the motor vehicle collision. For example, what starts off as a mild stiff neck or backache can sometimes worsen and end up creating a permanent injury with spinal injuries and nerve damage. If you or someone that you know are injured in a vehicle crash, it is advised to see a physician or go to an emergency room for evaluation. You also have the right to speak to a top injury attorney who has expertise in dealing with personal injuries after a motor vehicle accident. See this site for more about last week’s bus accident.

Illustrative Photo Credit: Doug Kerr [License]

Studies show distracted driving still a danger, even with hands-free technology

Researchers into driver safety and possible causes of car accidents are concerned after having conducted two recent studies on hands-free devices. These include smartphone applications and integrated car entertainment or information systems. Accident specialists say that distracted driving has become a huge cause of injuries and wrongful deaths on the roads in recent years. They attribute this to driving while talking on a cell phone, texting while driving and fiddling with radios or MP3 players. The studies looked at the effect of technology, such as Apple’s Siri system or the integrated voice-activated systems currently being placed into several vehicles made by various car manufacturers. The systems are meant to allow drivers to text while driving, change radio stations or even send out Facebook postings or Tweets while keeping their eyes on the road. The investigators noted that while the technology does help drivers keep their eyes on the road, it has not helped with keeping the driver’s thoughts and concentration on the road. Not only did these cutting edge systems not prevent distracted driving, it may very well have contributed to the problem. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety explained that the studies suggest that drivers need to concentrate even more on their cell phones and in-car computer systems due to the complexity of the devices. The intricate instructions and procedures needed to make the devices work properly may end up being the cause of a car crash or injury, even when the driver of the vehicle is watching the road. A top New York accident lawyer warned that drivers, car manufacturers and technology developers must each take responsibility for the health and safety of other motorists, pedestrians, and bicylists as well as themselves. Ignoring the significance of these landmark driver safety studies can prove dangerous, even fatal, and can open them up to a personal injury lawsuit. Read the full version of the distracted driver safety study here.

Illustrative photo by Intel Free Press [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Long Island man killed during car crash while walking his dog

New York – A pedestrian who was walking his dog on a suburban street in Nassau County, Long Island was struck by a car in a hit-and-run accident. The injured man was rushed to the closest hospital emergency room but doctors were unable to save his life. The victim’s accident injuries were so severe that he went into a traumatic cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead shortly after arriving in the hospital. According to reports from the car accident scene, the man driving the vehicle hit the pedestrian victim and his dog just after midnight. He apparently fled the scene of the accident, which is a felony when the car accident involves personal injuries. A New York accident attorney notes that the charges can be even more severe when the car crash kills the victim. In this case, police say that the driver who caused the accident initially left the scene but then returned for an unknown reason. Police arrested the driver and report that he tested negative for alcohol or drugs. These factors can improve the chances that the man can avoid more serious criminal charges, such as drunk driving. However, according to the accident lawyer, this does not protect the driver from a civil lawsuit such as a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

It will now become the job of investigators to determine what caused the deadly accident. Common causes that will need to be further investigated include the man being a distracted driver due to talking on a cell phone, texting while driving and eating while behind the wheel. Experts also explain that the driver may have become tired and fell asleep behind the wheel, possibly more likely due to the hour at which the motor vehicle accident occurred. Public safety advocates say that drivers are responsible to pull over to the side of the road for a rest period if they are tired. Driving while tired can be a form of negligence that endangers the safety of everyone else on the road. Reports show that the man had just finished work in a local hospital when and was on his way home when the car collision occurred. Police may need to speak to his co-workers and his supervisor in order to determine more about the man’s behavior prior to getting into his car to drive home. Check out more details about this deadly car accident here.

Photo by U.S. Navy photo by Tom Watanabe. [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons