Tag Archives: cell phone

Distracted Driving: Who is Responsible?

Distracted driving is fast becoming an epidemic. With every driver having a cell phone (that probably does a lot more than text or make calls) and every car coming equipped with on-board GPS and entertainment systems, the ways a driver can be distracted is on the rise. So now the question arises: who should be responsible for the fight against distracted driving? Should cell phone companies install apps that prevent texting or is it the responsibility of auto companies to make sure the in-car technology is keeping everyone on the road safe? The consensus was that everyone needs to chip in at a distracted driving hearing hosted by the National Transportation Safety Board. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5400 people died in distracted driving crashes in 2009, so it’s obvious that some action needs to be taken.

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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Releases New Distracted Driving Report

Thirty-five states in the US have banned texting while driving—but that doesn’t mean people are putting down their phones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asked 6,000 drivers last year about their driving habits, and the vast majority (90%) of respondents said that they would support a rule that banned texting while driving. In spite of this, two in ten drivers admitted to texting or sending emails behind the wheel. Even more concerning is that among younger drivers (aged 20-24), 50% admitted to texting while driving.

It seems most drivers seemed to think that even when they were engaging in distracting behavior, they were still able to drive safely; whether they were texting, putting on make-up or even reading the paper. But over 3,000 people died last year from accidents caused by distracted drivers, and most of those distractions were cell phone related. Ray LaHood, Transportation Secretary, is attempting to pass federal legislation that bans texting while driving and stops senseless deaths. While we can hope that if this legislation passes more people will avoid distractions, safe driving really starts with you.

That is exactly why I started Teens Against Distracted Driving (TADD.) It is up to each of us not only to drive safely, but also to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. There are lots of ways that you can help: you can take our pledge (and get a free bracelet!), you can spread awareness at your school, you can take our survey or you can check out some of these great sites and resources. Texting and driving is an epidemic, but it can be stopped one driver at a time!

 

Cell Phone Ban in Washington Could Lead to New Dangers | Teens Against Distracted Driving

On March 26th, Washington passed a ban on the use of cell phones while behind the wheel and will go into effect this June. However, lawmakers are now worried that this new law will cause drivers to endanger themselves in a new way.

Read more about the texting while driving danger at Straight Talk Law.

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law

Kim Kardashian Takes Picture of Cop Texting While Driving | Teens Against Distracted Driving

Kim Kardashian said that she recently had a very bad texting and driving experience herself, but she did not divulge any details on the topic. Now, she has busted and taken a picture of a cop texting while driving and posted it on her Twitter. However the question must be asked: Was she taking the picture while driving?

Read more about Kim Kardashian and texting while driving at Straight Talk Law

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law.

Fatal Texting While Driving Car Accident in Florida | Teens Against Distracted Driving

A driver in Florida was texting when he struck and killed a bicyclist back in 2008. Lawrence A. Daniels, the driver of the vehicle, was texting when he ran a stop sign. Now, the family of the man who was hit, James Caskey, is filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Please do not text and drive.

The details of this fatal texting while driving car accident can be found at Straight Talk Law.

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law.

Texting While Driving Ban Passed in Wyomoing | Teens Against Distracted Driving

Wyoming joins the fight and passes a band on texting while driving. Starting July 1st, the act is now a primary offense.

Read more about the Wyoming texting while driving ban at Straight Talk Law

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law.

Oklahoma Texting While Driving Car Accident | Teens Against Distracted Driving

An Oklahoma woman was, you guessed it, texting while driving when she slammed her car into a concrete wall and suffered serious personal injuries to her leg.

Read more about this texting while driving car accident at Straight Talk Law

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law.

Texting Driver Ordered to Pay $22 Million in Damages | Teens Against Distracted Driving

Reed Vestal from Texas was ordered this week to pay $22 million in damages for a texting while driving car accident that occurred in 2007.
Cases like this are the reason I started a group designed to get people to stop texting while driving. Please, never text while you are driving. It simply isn’t worth it.

Continue reading about this tragic texting while driving car accident at Straight Talk Law

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law.

Fatal Semi Truck Accident the Result of Texting Driver | Teens Against Distracted Driving

We are sad to report another life lost as the result of a texting while driving car accident. This one involved a 51 year old woman from Wisconsin named Kathy A. Endsley and an unfortunate collision with a semi truck.

Continue reading about this
fatal texting while driving car accident at Straight Talk Law.

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law.