Technology and Driving Distractions

Technology is a huge part of today's society and many Americans do not like to separate themselves from their devices, even while they are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Distracted drivers¹ can cause devastating accidents and should be held responsible for any injuries they cause to others. Contacting a skilled California distracted driving accident lawyer is important to ensure injured victims receive the compensation they deserve.

Some examples of technological devices or programs that commonly cause collisions can include:

Smartphones – Cell phones have evolved into mini-computers that allow us to stay connected to work, family, and friends via social media, text, and email at all times. Often, drivers feel such a need to stay connected that they email, text, send other messages, update statuses, or browse social media or the Internet while they are driving. Because these activities result in visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, they are considered to be one of the most dangerous driving distractions.

Smartwatches – These wrist watches provide an alternative to using a handheld smartphone or mobile device, as they provide notifications for texts, emails, phone calls, and reminders that are communicated from your phone via Bluetooth. While many consider a smartwatch to be less distracting than a phone, it still requires drivers to take their eyes off the road to read notifications and to remove their hand from the steering wheel due to the touch screen. Therefore, these watches still cause substantial distractions.

Infotainment systems – As another alternative to using handheld devices, car manufacturers have begun installing in-car infotainment systems into vehicles. These systems allow a driver to use their voice to control their music, use a GPS, answer or make phone calls, send or listen to texts or emails, and more. Simply because a driver is using their voice instead of their hands to control the system does not mean that the driver is not still distracted, however. Reports indicate that these systems can still cause cognitive and visual distractions² and lead to accidents.

Proving that a driver was distracted at the time of a collision so that you can recover for your losses can be complicated. It is important to have an experienced California distracted driving accident attorney handling your case.

Steven M. Sweat, APC

5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450

Los Angeles, CA  90036

References:

¹http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html

²http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-aaa-hands-free-driving-ratings-biz-1007-20141006-story.html

Teenage Drivers Can Often Be Distracted

Almost every driver becomes distracted at one point or another, however, certain drivers have a greater tendency to be distracted on a more regular basis. Government statistics¹ show that in 10 percent  of all fatal collisions involving teen drivers, the teen driver was distracted. This  makes teenagers the primary age group for distracted driving.

In addition to the driver involved in serious accidents, an estimated 25 percent of teens admitted they responded to a text or other type of message at least once during a drive and often multiple times in a single car ride. Text messages take a teen driver's eyes away from the road for an average of five seconds, which is a long time especially if you are traveling at highway speeds.

Despite the work of advocacy groups to stop distracted driving in CA, the dangerous practice still continues. Parents should fully educate their teen drivers on the dangers of distracted driving, which can including more that texting. Other common distractions involve having friends in the car, changing the radio or GPS, talking on the phone, and more. All of these distractions have the capability to cause severe collisions and injuries.

Distracted driving accidents can cause serious injuries

When a driver is distracted, especially due to visual distractions, they can swerve out of their lane, fail to notice traffic slowing in front of them, or even cross over into oncoming traffic. These mistakes can result in extremely serious head-on, rear-end, or side collisions. These accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, amputations, burns, crushed limbs, and much more.

These serious injuries from CA distracted driving accidents can lead to extensive losses for victims due to often long-lasting medical treatment, lost income, and physical and emotional suffering. Any distracted driver—teenage or adult—who caused the accident should be held fully accountable for their actions and the victim should receive just compensation for all losses incurred.

Anyone injured in a California distracted driving accident should consult with an experienced auto accident lawyer as soon as possible to learn how you can recover.

Steven M. Sweat, APC

5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 450

Los Angeles, CA  90036

References:

¹http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html

Any Driving Distraction Can Cause Injury in California

Education against distracted driving is widespread. Both the federal government and the California government have implemented educational programs and strict laws to deter distracted drivers. One of the most targeted types of driving distractions is also widely considered to be the most serious—texting and driving. “Texting” can refer to either reading or composing any type of text-based message on a mobile handheld device including text messages, emails, social media messages, and more. Any victim of an accident caused by distracted driving should consult with a California auto accident lawyer to discuss a possible case.

In reaction to the lobbying against texting and driving, both drivers and manufacturers have taken action to avoid the dangers of this activity. However, they may not realize that they are still engaging in potentially very dangerous driving distractions even if they do not pick up their phones while behind the wheel.

Hearing a cell phone can be distracting

There are three major types of driving distractions, which are manual, visual, and cognitive. Manual distractions happen when you take your hands off of the wheel to do another activity, such as reaching for and pushing buttons on a phone. Visual distractions can occur whenever you look away from the road in front of you, including looking at a screen to read or write a message. In order to avoid these distractions, many drivers have decided to leave their phones aside on the passenger seat, in a purse, or in another location.

A recent study determined that, even if you never pick up or look at your phone, even hearing the phone ring can result in dangerous distraction. The researchers determined that even hearing a notification of a text message or call can cause a significant enough cognitive distraction to lead to errors on the part of the driver. Therefore, even drivers who believe they are being safe can be distracted by even leaving the ringer on their phones on while they drive.

The more we learn about distracted driving, the more we learn about how mobile devices can lead to drivers being distracted and causing collisions and injuries. If you have suffered injuries in a distracted driving accident, you should call an injury victim's attorney in California as soon as possible to discuss your case.

Senate backs crackdown on texting while driving - NewsAdvance.com : General Assembly

Senate backs crackdown on texting while driving - NewsAdvance.com : General Assembly

As more states move to make texting and driving illegal, California appears to have been in the forefront on moving to ban this dangerous conduct.  Distracted driving causes car accidents!

Glee Distracted Driving PSA: "On My Way" (0:30)

Survey: 35 Percent of Smartphone Owners Use Them While Driving

Survey: 35 Percent of Smartphone Owners Use Them While Driving

Startling statistics by the McKinsey Institute show 35 % of all drivers admit to using their smart phones while driving and not just for calls but, also to send texts and emails.  Many states, including California, have now banned the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle.

Billboard Industry Touts Discredited Research to Support Safety Claims for Electronic Signs

Billboard Industry Touts Discredited Research to Support Safety Claims for Electronic Signs

Proposals for "Clarification" of California Vehicle Code Regarding Texting and Driving Could Actually Impair Safety

New texting law sparks concern

Did You Know? Federal Regulations Prohibit Texting or Other Use of Portable Electronic Devices by Commercial Drivers

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.aspx?reg=392.80 

The link above sets forth the Federal Regulations provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which applies to most all commercial drivers including semi truck operators.  This prohibits the use of cell phones and other devices for texting or talking while operating a commercial vehicle except in the case of emergency calls.  If this regulation is ignored, this would be a "per se" violation of law and could lead to sanctions on the driving permit (including suspension or revocation).  If the distracted driving leads to an accident causing injuries, this may also give rise to a civil claim for "negligence per se."

In 2013, legislation on texting and driving?

In 2013, legislation on texting and driving?

Trial and Settlement Value of Herniated Disc Claims in Different Types of Motor Vehicle Collisions

Trial and Settlement Value of Herniated Disc Claims in Different Types of Motor Vehicle Collisions

Prosecutors Target Drowsy Drivers; Cellphone Usage Records Provide Evidence of Sleep Deprivation - News - ABA Journal

Prosecutors Target Drowsy Drivers; Cellphone Usage Records Provide Evidence of Sleep Deprivation - News - ABA Journal

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.

• By City News Service
• Email the author
• October 30, 2012

    

 Upload Photos and Videos

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.

Related Topics: Santa Monica Police, Santa Monica Police Department, and Texting And Driving

CHP, UPS join forces on distracted driving

CHP, UPS join forces on distracted driving

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).

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 

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

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?

-

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.

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

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.