Friday, December 28, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Ticketing for Texting and Driving to Increase in Santa Monica, CA
Police to Focus Ticketing Efforts on Texting While Driving
Each month the Santa Monica Police Department concentrates its traffic enforcement efforts on one bad driving habit—November is texting while driving.
Santa Monica police will concentrate on ticketing drivers talking or texting on cellphones in November.
Using cellphones while driving is regarded as a major cause of traffic collisions, Sgt. Richard Lewis of the Santa Monica Police Department said on Tuesday.
Laws against drivers using cellphones went into effect in 2008, one of the first in the nation. The following year, a texting ban was passed by California legislators.
Each month the department concentrates its traffic enforcement efforts on one bad driving habit, Lewis said.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
U.S. DOT Supports Public Awareness of Dangers of Distracted Drivers
ONE TEXT OR CALL
COULD WRECK IT ALL
Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. In 2010 alone, over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is leading the effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. Since 2009, we have held two national distracted driving summits, banned texting and cell phone use for commercial drivers, encouraged states to adopt tough laws, and launched several campaigns to raise public awareness about the issue.
Distraction.gov is your resource for learning more about distracted driving. Get the facts, get involved, and help us keep America's roadways safe.
If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident caused by someone talking or texting on their cell phone, call our California statewide toll free hotline: 866-229-0101.
Provided by Glotzer & Sweat, LLP (Southern California Personal Injury Attorneys).
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
National Teen Driver Safety Week Is Prime Opportunity to Emphasize the Dangers of Distracted Driving
National Teen Driver Safety Week
October 14-20, 2012
The above video is a humorous illustration of the importance of teaching teenagers the responsibility that comes with a California driver's license. There are many causes for teenage traffic accidents in California and throughout the U.S. One of the major causes is teenagers driving while talking or texting on their cell phones or other mobile devices either alone or with their friends in the car. Along with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, this is one of the major causes of teen injuries and deaths on the roadways of Los Angeles, San Diego, and throughout Southern California. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has designated this upcoming October 14-20 as "National Teen Driver Safety Week." Use this week to teach your teens about the dangers of texting and driving.
For information on distracted driving accident and injury claims, visit our website: www.victimslawyer.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Texting Driver Runs Into Bus In Downtown Los Angeles
At least eight people were injured in downtown Los Angeles early Friday when a driver who authorities said was texting ran a red light and collided with a Metro bus, which jumped the curb, hit a tree and toppled a light post.
The driver of the white Honda and at least seven bus passengers were injured in the 5 a.m. accident, said police and transit spokesmen. They were taken to hospitals.
The Route 2 bus was northbound on Broadway when the motorist, heading east on 2nd Street, went through the light, said Jose Ubaldo, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a distracted driver texting or talking on their cell phone in or around Los Angeles, call the Los Angeles and Southern California texting and driving accident and injury attorney hotline: (statewide California toll free #866-229-0101) or visit our website: http://www.victimslawyer.com
Sunday, September 23, 2012
New I-Phone May Increase Distracted Driving
Getting more information for free is usually a good thing.
That's why we all love Google Maps and why Apple is emphasizing free Maps and navigation in its new iOS 6 software for the iPhone 5 and compatible models. But could the free software and service have the unintended consequence of increasing cases of distracted driving?
Apple certainly looks poised to take smartphone navigation mainstream. It's already received orders for over 2 million new iPhone 5s, and the company's use of TomTom software could encourage many owners to drop their dedicated GPS devices. It's certainly cheaper than built-in car navigation systems that cost from $800 to $1,500.
Of course, free phone-based navigation usually only works when you've got a reliable cell connection (as in Apple's and Google's case); most in-dash systems have no such weakness. But you do the math: Free vs. hundreds of dollars, how difficult a decision is that?
You do the math: Free vs. hundreds of dollars, how difficult a decision is that?
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Nevertheless, using a phone to direct you on the road isn't an ideal solution. Without a cradle mount, drivers are tempted to look down at the phone's directions, and even with the iPhone 5's larger 4-inch screen and improved speaker, it can be difficult to make out directions when you're negotiating heavy traffic at 65 mph. Then there's the potentially distracting fact that the phone is also a texting and social networking device, sitting there tempting you to read a girlfriend's SMS or frenemy's Facebook post. (You know you want to.)
People love their phones, and navigation is a great feature, so what can be done to minimize the danger?
Apple is including a "Do Not Disturb" feature in the new iOS 6 software. But owners have to voluntarily switch it on, and it is mainly intended to mute calls and messages save those from VIPs, like your mom or your spouse (or maybe just mute your mom, you decide). The feature isn't intended to quell distractions in the car.
Many car makers and smartphone developers believe a better approach is to make phones work more seamlessly with in-dash systems in automobiles. The general ideal is to put the controls for appropriate apps -- navigation and music -- onto the car's larger, up-front display. Such systems usually lock out the phone's screen once the handset is tethered to the car, preventing drivers from reaching for their Android handset.
At least half a dozen new systems that work this way are being introduced in automobiles this fall. The major hurdle for these approaches is that there are too many divergent ways to do this and there's no standard in place. In other words, you need a different app to work with Ford's Sync or Mercedes-Benz mbrace or Toyota's entune.
Worse, each allows different functions. Some will let you play Pandora, but not Rdio. Some let you speak commands, others require you to touch the car's screen.
One effort aimed at creating such as standard (and there have been several such efforts) is the Mirrorlink format
being promoted by the Car Connectivity Consortium. Consortium members include consumer electronics companies, automakers, and phone manufacturers. Products supporting Mirrorlink have been few so far, though, with Sony out in front offering two compatible in-dash systems that can be installed in vehicles. Unfortunately, the Mirrorlink function only works on a couple of Android smartphone models so far.
being promoted by the Car Connectivity Consortium. Consortium members include consumer electronics companies, automakers, and phone manufacturers. Products supporting Mirrorlink have been few so far, though, with Sony out in front offering two compatible in-dash systems that can be installed in vehicles. Unfortunately, the Mirrorlink function only works on a couple of Android smartphone models so far.
The other way to get around part of distraction problem is to allow inexpensive or even free navigation apps on smartphones to work via a car's in-dash LCD panel. That's the approach Telenav is taking with its new Car Connect version of its Scout nav app. For $24.99 a year, the navigation software will work on Ford vehicles with Sync screens and controls.
It's a great idea, but automakers have to cooperate and one wonders how many others will be willing to forgo their own profitable built-in navigation systems to allow this. (Ford's Sync systems are standard on some models, and start as low as $295 on other vehicles.)
In the meantime, no standard exists, and as you might have guessed, Apple isn't a member of the consortium backing Mirrorlink. Heck, the company won't even use the industry standard micro USB connector. Yet everyone seems to agree that something needs to be done to minimize distracted driving.
Let's hope that happens sooner rather than later.
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2012/09/19/will-new-iphone-5-increase-distracted-driving/?goback=%2Egde_1061567_member_166924620#ixzz27JdE7VSt
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
San Francisco Pedestrian Struck by Driver Talking on Cell Phone
Pedestrian gets $25K after struck by driver on cell phone
A pedestrian recovered $25,000 for injuries claimed after a turning vehicle struck her. In 2009, Jane Zhang Ma, then 41, was crossing the street when Xerxes Jimmy Dorabjee made a left turn near her. She claimed the right side of the car struck her. She did not fall, but suffered an elbow contusion, and spinal sprains and strains. Ma claimed that she had a green pedestrian light as she crossed the road, but that Dorabjee was on his cell phone and not paying attention. Dorabjee denied being on the phone and claimed Ma walked into his car while crossing outside of a marked crosswalk. The jury found Ma 25 percent at fault, reducing her $36,098 award. The award was then further reduced due to the case being filed in a limited jurisdiction court.Ma v. Dorabjee
San Francisco County
For legal assistance for victims injured by distracted driver talking or texting on cell phones: Contact the California injury and accident law firm of Glotzer & Sweat, LLP statewide toll free #866-229-0101.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Singer Peter Frampton Injured by Texting Driver in Southern California
Singer-guitarist Peter Frampton was hurt in a car accident on a Southern California highway, and claims a driver sending text messages was at fault.
Frampton says he suffers some neck and back pain and plans on visiting the ER.
After the accident, Frampton took to Twitter and blamed the collision on another driver. The 62-year-old rocker says he was sitting in stationary traffic on the highway when a "texting woman driver" ran into the back of him. In his tweet, Frampton suggests he may have suffered whiplash, reports CBS.
California is one of many states that has specifically banned texting while driving. The ban covers not only writing text messages, which allegedly led to Peter Frampton's car accident, but reading text messages as well. Also, the law makes it illegal to engage in other activities on a smartphone like writing and reading email messages and web browsing.
While the penalties for driving while texting are not that severe in California -- typically a $20 to $50 fine, plus state and local penalties that can add up to more than $100 -- the driver could face more significant liability in a lawsuit, such as when the distracted driver causes an accident.
In Peter Frampton's case, he claims that the texting woman caused the accident. Generally, liability for a car accident is similar to any other negligence claim, meaning that the driver who was at fault in causing the accident would be responsible for damages. If it can be shown that the woman was in fact texting as she drove, it would seem likely that she was responsible for the accident.
If you have been involved in a situation similar to Peter Frampton's car accident, you may want to contact a car accident attorney to learn about your rights and liabilities. Distracted driving laws differ in every state, and you will want an experienced attorney familiar with these laws.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed by a California driver texting or talking on their cell phone, call Glotzer & Sweat, LLP (attorneys fighting against distracted drivers in California). Statewide toll free # 866-229-0101 (Offices in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Santa Barbara, San Diego, West Covina, Ontario (CA), Long Beach and Orange County, CA).
Thursday, August 23, 2012
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FontMonday, August 20, 2012
Distracted Driving Laws Pass Congressional Muster
U.S. Senate panel OKs state incentives
Last updated: April 19, 2012 · Print this report · Comment
A key U.S. Senate panel has signed off on “the Distracted Driving Prevention Act,” which would bring $94 million in incentives to states that ban dangerous activities such as texting and cell-phoning while behind the wheel.
On June 9, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved the driver safety legislation (SB 1938) from Sens. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., and Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas. It now goes to the full Senate.
The approval was no surprise since Rockefeller is chairman of the Senate committee and Hutchison is its senior member.
Hutchison noted that the Senate bill would not endanger existing highway funding. A rival plan, SB 1536, would cut existing grants to states that don’t ban texting while driving.
“I think it is most appropriate for the states to handle this issue and devise laws that best meet their particular needs,” Hutchison said of her plan. “Our legislation does not threaten states with lost highway funds if they elect not to enact a distracted driving law.”
The plan would establish an incentive grant fund that would be shared with states that adopt laws in line with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s guidelines. Funding would come from other government auto safety programs.
In order to get a share of the $94 million distracted-driving-law incentives, states would have to ban texting and use of handheld cell phones for those operating a motor vehicle.
Enforcement must be primary, meaning police can pull over and cite motorists for these offenses alone. Some states have watered-down laws and legislation that require another offense such as speeding before a driver can be cited.
Senators wondered if the incentives were necessary since more than half of the states already have adopted bans on texting and driving.
“It’s not as if the states are ignoring this issue and need this financial push from Congress,” Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Texting and Driving in California Causes Accidents
1 YEAR OLD BANNED FROM USING A PHONE FOR LIFE AFTER CAR CRASH
A year ago, Ani Voskanian’s changed, as the 21 year old Californian woman got involved in a car crash at the corner of California and Columbus that cost 80 year old Misak Ranjibar his life. After a 3 month investigation Voskanian was charged with one count of felony gross vehicular manslaughter, as it was discovered that she was texting while driving 75 seconds before the accident. While she faced up to 20 years in jail, Court Judge Patrick Hegarty accepted her no contest plea and gave her community sentence that has a surprising specific condition.
In addition to having her driving license revoked for three years, Voskanian has been ordered to serve three year probation and 300 hours of community service in which she will have to tour junior and high school educating students on the dangers of texting while driving. Moreover, she is now banned for life from using a cell phone while inside a vehicle.
After the trial, Glendale Police Det. Ashraf Mankarios responded to critics who said Voskanian got off easy after recklessly causing a man’s death.
“In this particular case, there is a tragic loss of a father of a family. On the other hand, another family could have lost their daughter,” said the man who was the lead investigator in the case. “Although she will suffer the consequence as the result of this, in the end, both families came together, hugged and appear to be healing.”
California has recently approved a bill to more than double the fines for texting while driving. Fines for using handheld cell phones or texting while driving would increase to $50 for a first offense ($310 with court costs) and to $100 for additional offenses ($528 with court costs). Also, a point would be charged against the driver’s license on second and subsequent offenses. The bill is still waiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s approval.
Source: LA Times, August 19, 2011
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In addition to having her driving license revoked for three years, Voskanian has been ordered to serve three year probation and 300 hours of community service in which she will have to tour junior and high school educating students on the dangers of texting while driving. Moreover, she is now banned for life from using a cell phone while inside a vehicle.
After the trial, Glendale Police Det. Ashraf Mankarios responded to critics who said Voskanian got off easy after recklessly causing a man’s death.
“In this particular case, there is a tragic loss of a father of a family. On the other hand, another family could have lost their daughter,” said the man who was the lead investigator in the case. “Although she will suffer the consequence as the result of this, in the end, both families came together, hugged and appear to be healing.”
California has recently approved a bill to more than double the fines for texting while driving. Fines for using handheld cell phones or texting while driving would increase to $50 for a first offense ($310 with court costs) and to $100 for additional offenses ($528 with court costs). Also, a point would be charged against the driver’s license on second and subsequent offenses. The bill is still waiting Gov. Jerry Brown’s approval.
Source: LA Times, August 19, 2011
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