W.Va. scholars suggest disabling cellphones in vehicles
Two West Virginia University researchers suggested cellphones should be disabled in moving vehicles.
April 03, 2013
W.Va. scholars suggest disabling cellphones in vehiclesArticle provided by Brewer & Giggenbach, PLLC
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Distracted driving has become a serious problem on our roads in West Virginia and across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,331 people died in distracted driving collisions in 2011 -- an increase of almost 65 fatalities from the year prior. In addition, approximately 387,000 people sustained personal injuries in distracted driving accidents in 2011. Consequently, researchers have been considering the best ways to prevent these dangerous auto accidents and ensuing traffic fatalities.
Recently, two researchers from West Virginia University suggested a way to curb these accidents in an articlepublished in the Journal of the American Medical Association. They recommended that vehicle manufacturers install technology that would prevent motorists from using their cellphones while the car is being driven.
The authors stated that the technology should prevent drivers from using handheld cellphones to talk, text or participate in other distracting activities. They clarified that they are not suggesting hands-free technology be blocked from use as well, unless future research shows such technology is also dangerous.
Avoid distracted driving accidents in West Virginia
The researchers believe distracted driving laws have not made sufficient progress in preventing auto accidents. Many states have enacted legislation to prevent distracted driving collisions, including West Virginia.
In West Virginia, all motorists are banned from texting while behind the wheel. The ban is a primary law, which allows law enforcement officers to stop a motorist solely for violating the texting prohibition. Laws banning texting while driving have been enacted in many states across the country, as this type of distraction has been found to be especially dangerous.
A study conducted at Virginia Tech determined that drivers who text while behind the wheel are 23 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident than their non-distracted counterparts. In addition, a study conducted at the University of North Texas Health Science Center found that over 16,000 traffic fatalities between 2001 and 2007 were caused by texting drivers.
In addition, drivers in West Virginia are prohibited from using handheld cellphones while on the road. This ban is a secondary law through July 1, 2013, meaning police officers may only issue citations for violating the law if the motorist is first observed violating another primary law.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by a distracted driver, seeking the advice of a skilled, West Virginia personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.