NTSB Lists its "Most Wanted" Safety Improvements for 2013

December 04, 2012 (Press-News.org) Whenever a motor vehicle accident occurs, officials will examine the collision to determine what can be done to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. This can lead to new rules being created to address frequent problems, such as laws that prohibit distracted driving. If vehicles themselves are unsafe, this information can be used to help improve vehicle safety.

Each year, the National Transportation Safety Board releases its "Most Wanted" list, which contains the items the agency would like to see addressed to help make roads and vehicles safer. The NTSB is responsible for investigating certain car, truck, plane and train accidents that occur across the country.

Impaired and distracted drivers

For 2013, one of the items of concern to the NTSB relates the number of impaired drivers on our nation's roadways. The agency has made this one of their long-term goals, and the number of drivers killed in alcohol-related crashes has decreased. However, drunk driving accidents still happen frequently enough for it to remain on the NTSB's radar.

One of the other major areas of emphasis for the NTSB in 2013 is reducing the number of motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted drivers. In 2012, the NTSB called for a complete ban on using cellphones while driving, including hands-free phones. The NTSB has called for devices that do not relate to the driving process to be removed from vehicles, including trucks. The agency has recommended that trucking companies adopt aggressive policies related to distracted driving to help reduce trucking accidents.

Technology to reduce truck accidents

The NTSB also is asking that trucks and passenger vehicles install collision avoidance systems. This technology would alert motorists when they are about to leave their lane or potentially collide with a vehicle in front of them. These systems would also monitor vital components of the vehicle, such as tire pressure, and could notify drivers when equipment is not performing as designed.

Trucking companies are being requested to install stability control devices in their trucks. These devices allow a vehicle to better make sudden stops or moves that are often necessary on busy roadways. This would help prevent rollover accidents, which often lead to serious injuries.

While these recommendations may go a long way toward making highways safer, the agency is not allowed to create any rules that would force auto manufacturers or drivers to comply. State and federal government agencies may look to these recommendations when implementing new rules, which can help show that changes are necessary to improve safety.

Talk to a lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck accident, discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury attorney. Each case is different, and each injury will require different treatment. If you resolve your case before knowing the extent of your injuries, you may be unable to recover the compensation you deserve.

Article provided by Arata, Swingle, Sodhi & Van Egmond
Visit us at www.centralvalleylawfirm.com/