Pennsylvania addresses distracted driving issues

Distracted driving accidents are increasing in the United States. The problem is linked to technology and the use of other cellphone devices while driving.

2013-03-09

March 09, 2013 (Press-News.org) Distracted driving continues to be a serious issue across the United States. The practice involves the diversion of one's attention from the road or the task of driving. According to Distraction.gov, 3,331 individuals lost their lives in car accidents involving a distracted motorist in 2011. Moreover, an additional 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes caused by inattentive drivers that same year. Unfortunately, the problem keeps growing.

If performed while operating a vehicle, the following activities constitute inattentive driving:
- Adjusting the radio or CD player
- Eating or drinking
- Applying makeup
- Talking, texting or emailing on a cellphone
- Talking with other passengers in the car

These are just a few actions that can reroute a motorist's attention from the road.

A common cause of inattentive driving is technology. With the explosion of fancy cellphones and similar devices, the problem is growing -- especially among teen motorists. According to a study by the Governors Highway Safety Association, deaths of 16- and 17-year-old motorists in car accidents in the first half of 2012 were up 19 percent from the same marked period of 2011. Fortunately, legislatures are attempting to wrestle the issue.

In the state of Pennsylvania, a driver may not use an Interactive Wireless Communication Device (IWCD) to transmit, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion. An IWCD might be a wireless phone, portable or mobile computer or similar devices. Such devices facilitate texting, instant messaging, emailing or Internet browsing.

This charge is a primary offense in the state, meaning law enforcement can pull over a driver for the offense, alone. An officer does not need to witness another road violation, such as speeding, to stop a vehicle for the offense. In addition to court fees and other costs, violators of the law should expect a $50 fine.

While it may be tempting to read a text message or send a quick note to a friend while driving, the result of such actions has led to a number of fatalities in Pennsylvania. At the end of the day, it is simply negligent for drivers to retract focus from the task of driving.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident that was induced by inattentive driving, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. It may be time to evaluate your options for financial recovery.

Article provided by McCarthy Weisberg Cummings, P.C.
Visit us at www.mwcfirm.com/

ELSE PRESS RELEASES FROM THIS DATE:

Aging tires may be to blame in a Missouri rollover accident

2013-03-09

How old are your tires? Many do not readily know the answer to that question. Even a set of tires bought to replace aging threadbare tires could be older than assumed. A recent news investigation found that the key to uncovering tire age is looking for a Department of Transportation four-digit code stamped on every tire that lists the week and year of manufacture. For example, a tire with the code 1503 was made the 15th week of 2003 and is about 10 years old. Tires that are older than 6 years can be dangerous according to safety experts. Driving on old tires can greatly ...

Many Americans on verge of financial collapse, report says

2013-03-09

The economic difficulties of recent years have affected Americans in many different ways. On one hand, many of those who were lucky enough to keep their jobs were relatively unscathed. However, many fared much worse. The plight of this group was recently echoed by a report from the Corporation for Enterprise Development. According to the report, about 43.9 percent of U.S. households are on the brink of financial collapse. The report found that this group of people is "liquid asset poor," meaning that this group of Americans does not have enough money to live ...

Who keeps the home: Property division in a Minnesota divorce

2013-03-09

The largest asset for many couples is the equity in their home. This amount fluctuates with the housing market. During the recent housing market collapse, it became a case of apportioning losses and many divorcing couples lost their homes to foreclosure, if neither could afford payments. As the housing market rebounds in the Twin Cities, separating couples are in better position of splitting positive equity. The Pioneer Press reports that the median sales price in the 13-county metro area rose to $160,000 in January, which is 14.3 percent higher than a year ago. As the ...

Moving past your divorce

2013-03-09

Before two people decide to get married, they will often discuss some of the plans that they have for the future, to be sure that they are both on the same page. They may discuss whether or not they want to have children, and where they want to live. This clear communication can help the couple move forward, and begin making plans for the rest of their lives together. However, we all know that not every marriage will work out. Many couples give very little thought to what will happen in the event that the marriage ends in divorce. They try everything they can to make ...

Driving Safely in the Snow

2013-03-09

Many Colorado outdoors enthusiasts love a fresh coat of powdery snow for their activities., stalled vehicles and motor vehicle accidents can all result from the difficulties of driving on snowy roads that lack friction, but you can reduce the chances of being in an accident by following some safe driving practices. Preparation and Driving Safe driving begins even before your car leaves the driveway. The Colorado Department of Transportation recommends that you find out the road conditions before you leave. Clear off snow from your vehicle and your headlights, so that ...

Celebrities prove that when it comes to DUIs, no one is bulletproof

2013-03-09

Some days, it seems like it's almost impossible to turn on the news or open a newspaper without reading a provocative headline -- complete with a not-so-glamorous mug shot -- about some star's DUI charge. The latest in a long string of celebrity DUI arrests One of the latest famous faces to hit the news with a DUI arrest was actor Thomas Gibson. The 50-year-old is most famous for his role as Unit Chief Aaron Hotchner in the hit television serious Criminal Minds. Gibson's character is a tough boss who rarely shows any chinks in his armor to the special agents who work ...

Severe car crashes and the steps to recovery

2013-03-09

New Yorkers have their Metro Cards. Denizens of Los Angeles have their cars. But while New Yorkers have other means of transportation, many Angelenos would be lost without their wheels, given the sprawl of their city and limited public transportation options. It's no surprise that in a city known for its endless traffic jams, car accidents -- and injuries -- are inevitable. But what stands out about one accident recently reported in a local college newspaper is the seriousness of the injuries sustained a freshman business major in a car crash on Interstate-5. Student ...

New exception allows texting and driving in California

2013-03-09

Since 2008, drivers in California have been prohibited from using cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. The single exception has been that drivers 18 years of age and older are allowed to use a hands-free device. The following year, the California Wireless Communications Device Law prohibited drivers from writing, sending or reading text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving. This law took effect on January 1, 2009. Exactly four years later, on January 1, 2013, an exception to this texting and ...

Attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm Secure Favorable Result for Seminole County Firefighter

2013-03-09

After a four-day trial at the Seminole County Courthouse in Sanford, Florida, Attorneys Lindsey Gergely and Chris Kaigle with The Umansky Law Firm received an acquittal of all charges for their client, former Seminole County Firefighter/ EMT Dean Erlandson. Mr. Erlandson was brought to trial on four very serious charges: aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated assault with a knife, false imprisonment, and domestic violence battery. Late Friday afternoon, March 1, 2012, to a packed courtroom, the jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty as to all counts. Dean ...

Jaw-Dropping New Book Unravels Clark Rockefeller Murder Mystery

2013-03-09

As the trial for the murder suspect and con man best known as Clark Rockefeller gets underway in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, March 11, Star Creek Entertainment releases Frank C. Girardot Jr.'s gripping true crime book, "Name Dropper: Investigating the Clark Rockefeller Mystery" (19.99). Based on his year-long investigation, Saratoga FL native Girardot reveals chilling details about the evidence - most of it circumstantial -- that led to Rockefeller's arrest for allegedly killing computer geek John Sohus in San Marino, CA in 1985. Actor Dean Norris, ...