Distracted Driving

Safety advocates, car manufacturers, and enterprising entrepreneurs continue to invent products aimed at reducing the severity and frequency of car accidents. Newer inventions have saved numerous lives. In addition to better seat belts and airbags, the following technologies have reduced the number of car accidents:

Rear-Facing Cameras

Backing out of a parking space or driveway can lead to an unexpected collision with a vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian. When used in conjunction with the rearview mirror and side mirrors, rear cameras make reversing easier for drivers. Many cars are being built with rear-facing cameras. A car owner without a rear-facing camera can purchase a wireless model to install at home.

Lane Departure Warning Systems

Veering outside of a lane is a common phenomenon that can end in a sideswipe car accident. Special sensors attached to some cars can alert motorists when they are getting too close to center or side lanes. The alerts are especially appealing to people driving uninterrupted for long periods of time.

Blind Spot Warning Systems

Every vehicle has specific blind spots. These are zones where drivers cannot adequately see anything present. In cars, blind spots are along the right and left rear sides. A warning system that indicates a vehicle or object in the blind spot can prevent a crash by serving as an extra pair of eyes for the individual behind the wheel.

Braking Systems

Anti-lock brakes are standard on some car models. An autonomous braking system does not require any human intervention to respond to an impending collision. Instead, the vehicle senses that a crash may occur and stops accordingly. These newer types of braking systems have become increasingly appealing among car buyers.

Forward Collision Warning Systems

A forward collision warning system alerts a driver when they get too close to the vehicle in front of them. Unlike an autonomous braking system, a forward collision warning system does not take over control of the car. It merely serves as an audible signal for the motorist to slow down.

Hands-Free Devices

In New Jersey, a driver is not allowed to talk on their cellphone unless the device is in hand-free mode. In Pennsylvania, a proposed law would echo this New Jersey regulation. All motorists should avail themselves of hands-free options whenever it is possible. These technologies help drivers keep their eyes on the roads. Being distracted for just a few seconds can lead to an accident.

Adaptive Lights

Some vehicles are equipped with adaptive lights. These lights sense the correct amount of brightness needed for safe travel. They also turn off and on without driver intervention. Not only is this convenient, but it can save batteries from being drained due to turned-on lights.

Applications

Many researchers are exploring the use of applications to help promote safe driving. A handful of insurance companies are even experimenting with application use to determine how safely a driver operates.

What Should I Do After a Collision?

New technologies are decreasing fatal accidents; however, collisions still happen. If a driver does get into a car accident, they should receive adequate compensation to cover personal injury treatment costs. A knowledgeable lawyer can help with a claim after an accident.

Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Support Injured Car Accident Victims

If you have serious injuries because of a car accident, you deserve to know your rights. Our Monmouth County car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC help victims with their claims. We can help you get compensation. Call us at 732-660-1200 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released fact sheets about distracted driving and the costs of fatal car accidents in all 50 states. Motorists in New Jersey and Pennsylvania should pay special attention to these sheets as they provide accident prevention measures, explain the costs of fatal accidents, and outline issues that parents and young drivers should be aware of.

How Deadly is Distracted Driving?

In 2018, 2,841 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in the United States. In order to prevent distracted driving, states, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, have banned texting and driving.

Pennsylvania allows drivers to hold a cellphone to complete a phone call, but for no other purpose, such as texting. New Jersey requires drivers to keep their phones in hands-free mode for phone calls, navigation, or speech-to-text replies for text messages and emails.

How Should New Drivers be Trained, Licensed, and Monitored?

The CDC has noted steps to reduce distracted driving accidents and fatal crashes, especially among new drivers. A recommended program for new drivers includes:

• It is required that a new driver holds their learner’s permits for at least one year before obtaining a full driver’s license.
• Keeping nighttime driving restrictions in place until drivers reach at least 18 years old.
• Restricting young passengers who can be in the car with new drivers.

How Costly are Fatal Accidents in New Jersey?

Fatal accidents in New Jersey caused nine million in medical costs and $789 million in lost productivity in 2018. In just one year, 580 people were killed in fatal car crashes. Some important facts include:

• Vehicle occupants represent 59 percent of fatalities.
• Bicyclists make up three percent of all fatalities.
• Motorcyclists represent 12 percent of accident deaths.
• Pedestrians account for 26 percent of accident deaths.

Since vehicle occupants were the most affected by fatal crashes, it is no surprise that young adults and teenagers accounted for a total of $380 million in losses. Young adults are often inexperienced and rush to get to their destinations. Teenagers are new drivers who simply do not have adequate experience.

Are Fatal Accidents in Pennsylvania More Costly Than Collisions in New Jersey?

In 2018, fatal car accidents caused $17 million in medical costs and $1.78 billion in lost productivity in Pennsylvania. While Pennsylvania is much larger and more populous than New Jersey, this statistic points to an alarming loss of life and work in the state. Pennsylvania lost more than 1,200 people in just one year.

Similar to New Jersey, young adults and teenagers accounted for more than 50 percent of all losses in fatal accidents. Young adults may be more prepared for driving in the future as new permit and license rules become more stringent.

If one is injured in a distracted driving accident, a lawyer can help them with a personal injury claim.

Oakhurst Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Assist Distracted Driving Accident Victims

If you have injuries from a distracted driving accident, contact one of our Oakhurst car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC today. We will fight for your rights and help you recover compensation where applicable. Call us at 732-660-1200 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we assist clients throughout Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Car accidents can be caused by many different factors, including distracted driving. Though it is sometimes impossible for victims to avoid getting into distracted driving collisions, victims can take specific steps to improve their chances of recovering damages.

Before getting into the basics of how to handle a car accident scene due to a distracted driver, it is critical for all motorists to understand the basics of distracted driving. For instance, many people naturally assume that a distracted driver was probably texting or checking emails, and this may be the case. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), each year, 3,000 distracted driving fatalities can be linked to improper cell phone use. However, texting is not the only form of distracted driving. Distracted driving comes in a variety of forms because anything that takes a driver’s focus off the road can be a distraction. Eating and drinking while driving, conversing with passengers, and adjusting navigational devices are all distractions.

Should I Always Seek Medical Care?

Immediately after an accident, a victim should contact emergency services. Calling police and other first responders helps solidify when and where the wreck took place. It will also initiate the creation of a police report, which will be useful later if a victim wishes to pursue a personal injury suit.

Regardless of whether or not a victim feels physically okay after a car accident, the victim should seek medical attention. Often, ambulances will arrive to administer medical attention to injured drivers and passengers on the spot. If a victim refuses to be evaluated and later learns they are injured, the distracted driver’s insurance could try to discredit the victim. Therefore, a victim should at least schedule an appointment with a physician within a day or so after a crash. If the victim is seriously injured, they should keep track of any medical bills, diagnostic information, and related documentation. These items will be helpful for connecting the crash and the injuries.

Though an accident scene can be very confusing, victims who can take pictures and videos should make it a priority to construct a visual record of what happened.

When Should a Victim Call a Lawyer?

Even accidents that seem minor can become tough to settle with insurance providers. Insurance companies want to keep as much money in-house as possible. Adjusters recognize that victims are often distracted and flummoxed by the experience of trying to recover damages. This is why some insurance providers either deny claims or offer settlements worth far less than the victim has to pay to fully recover.

In general, any seriously or significantly injured victim of a distracted driver car accident should seek out advice from a legal professional before submitting a claim. Taking this pragmatic approach improves the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement offer.

Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Help Distracted Driving Crash Victims Recover Fair Settlements

Did you get into a serious crash with a distracted driver? Before submitting an insurance claim, call one of our Monmouth County car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC. Call us at 732-660-1200 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Using a cellphone while behind the wheel is one of the most dangerous actions a driver can do. It is imperative that drivers choose to avoid dangerous cellphone usage because it takes their focus off of the roads. However, what happens if one witnesses a reckless distracted driver? If a motorist views a distracted driver, they have some options.

The first step is to recognize dangerous distracted driving behaviors. A motorist should be on the lookout for odd changes in speed, drifting between lanes, or if a driver fails to resume driving after a light turns green.

Most importantly, a motorist should steer clear of any driver that is acting erratically. If they are distracted, they may pose a real danger to anyone in the vicinity. Keep some distance by driving ahead of the vehicle, or slow down and let the car pass.

If it can be done safely, try to make note of important information, such as the color, make, model of the car, and license plate number. Use this information to make a report to law enforcement. A driver should make a report with a hands-free, voice-activated device. In New Jersey, witnesses can report aggressive or distracted driving by dialing #77, which is a handy resource for motorists when they are able to safely use phones.

What Should I Remember When Making a Report?

It is important to refrain from distracted driving when making a report. A passenger may be the best person to handle the task, but if that is impossible, a driver attempting to offer information about a distracted driver should pull over to a safe place before making the call.

When someone suspects that a driver is distracted, they should not get close to the motorist to make sure. They should not go out of their way to collect incriminating information.

When Should I Speak to a Lawyer?

Phones and other electronics are among the newest distractions, but other risky driving behaviors include eating or drinking, looking away from the road, and noisy passengers. All distractions should be avoided while driving. If a person is hit by a distracted driver, they may be eligible for compensation. A helpful lawyer will be able to assist with a personal injury claim so that one can focus on recovery.

Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Obtain Compensation for Clients Hurt in Motor Vehicle Crashes with Distracted Drivers

If you were hurt in a car accident with a distracted driver, you may be able to collect damages. Our Monmouth County car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Contact us online or call us at 732-660-1200 for a free consultation today. Located in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we proudly help car accident victims throughout Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Summer months are the most dangerous for teen drivers. In fact, the weeks between Memorial Day and Labor Day are known as the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer” for teen drivers due to the number of fatalities caused by drivers between 16 years old and 20 years old. During these weeks, fatal car accidents involving teen drivers increase by 15 percent on average, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

It is well known that one of the biggest public safety risk for teens is driving accidents. Teens are involved in more automobile accidents than any other age group. These crashes are the leading cause of death for teens.

During the summer, teenagers find themselves with more time on their hands while schools are closed for the season. The additional free time translates into more opportunities to be on the road. With that in mind, in time for the start of the summer driving season, automobile safety groups have made an effort to get the word out to teen drivers and their parents about the dangers teens encounter behind the wheel.

What Factors Cause Dangerous Driving for Teens?

Some common dangers that teenagers encounter include the following:

• Inexperience: Simply by the nature of their age, teen drivers often have not had the driving practice required to make the most informed choices about driving safety. They also have less experience with split-second reactions to avoid collisions. The best way to prepare to be a safer driver is to apply good driving techniques. Many teens have not had enough experience behind the wheel to avoid costly miscalculations for speed, stopping, reacting, and driving defensively.  
• Disregard for the rules: Sometimes, a teenager’s immaturity causes the teen to ignore driving protocols and safety rules. Teenagers are not the only age group that commits traffic violations, but as a group, they disproportionately defy speed limits and other driving laws.
• Distracted driving: Teens are certainly not the only drivers who become distracted, but distracted driving is one of the leading causes of teen-related traffic accidents every year. The distractions often involve texting or making calls on a cellphone. Also, passengers in the car can cause the driver to lose focus.
• Drinking and driving: Just like distracted driving, drunk driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors to engage in while driving. The decision to drive while intoxicated creates a dangerous situation for all drivers.

What Can Parents do to Prevent Teen Driving Accidents?

Be a good role model. While you drive with your teen, obey traffic laws, display patience with other drivers, wear your seat belt, and refrain from using your cellphone.

Do not condone underage drinking. Whether it is at your house or not, your teen should know that underage drinking can be dangerous, especially while driving.

Have a plan. Talk with your teen about the risks of driving. Make a pact that says you promise to pick them up, no questions asked, to save them from making bad decisions.

If an accident occurs due to the negligence of another driver, contact a lawyer right away. A lawyer will help you and your teen through the legal process.

Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Help All Car Accident Victims

If you were injured in a car accident caused by a teen driver or you are a teen driver that was in an accident, you may be able to collect damages. Our Monmouth County car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC can help you obtain compensation for your accident. Contact us online or call us at 732-660-1200 for a free consultation. Located in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we serve clients throughout Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

A recent study on distracted driving showed that almost 30 percent of respondents have texted while driving, joined video chats, or responded to emails while behind the wheel. Almost 57 percent of those taking the survey said they eat or drink while driving, and nearly nine percent said they feel as though they have no choice but to respond to text messages immediately. It is important to learn about the dangers of distracted driving, and take safety seriously. Distracted driving can lead to serious injuries or even fatalities.

What is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving involves any activity that takes your eyes off the road. These examples of distracted driving might shock you if you participate in these activities:

• Texting and driving
• Checking or responding to emails while driving
• Checking a map or directions while driving
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Turning around to manage your children while driving
• Talking with your hands and driving
• Driving aggressively or battling with another driver

If you have done any of these actions, you have been distracted behind the wheel. Admittedly, most people have done at least one of these activities before. As drivers, we should take our safety seriously. Fortunately, you can unlearn your driving habits by practicing safe driving consistently.

How Can You Avoid Distracted Driving?

When you get behind the wheel, you should try these safety tips to avoid distracted driving:

• Set the “do not disturb” feature on your phone to hold back all calls, send automatic text replies, and even email replies. The reply can tell the recipient that you are behind the wheel and you will get back to them soon.
• Wait to eat or drink until the next time you stop.
• Set up your directions or satellite navigation to play through your vehicle’s stereo or your phone’s speaker.
• Ask your children to focus on electronics, toys, or a movie while in the car.
• Pull over if there is a serious issue among the passengers in the car.
• Allow aggressive drivers to pass.
• Identify aggressive drivers, slow down, and stay away from them.
• Try to relax and breathe through your tension if you are frustrated by another driver or heavy traffic.

You must create an environment in your vehicle that is distraction-free, and you must let your passengers know that you want to focus on the road. While you want your passengers to be comfortable, you should be careful if your passengers fall asleep on long trips. People who are sleeping around you might make you feel more tired.

What Are More Issues with Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving may not result in a car accident, but you might put yourself in a precarious situation that is uncomfortable, embarrassing, or dangerous, such as being pulled over because a police officer believes you are intoxicated or missing an exit or road you must take.

All forms of distracted driving should be avoided. You and your passengers could be in grave danger if distracted driving causes a major car accident. If you have injuries that were caused by a car accident, you may be able to obtain compensation.

Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC Help Accident Victims Injured by Distracted Drivers

Reach out to one of our Monmouth County car accident lawyers at the Falcon Law Firm, LLC if you have car-related injuries. Call us at 732-660-1200 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Oakhurst, Parlin, and Aberdeen, New Jersey, and Doylestown, Pennsylvania, we assist clients throughout Asbury Park, Belmar, Deal, Ocean Township, Point Pleasant, Long Branch, West Long Branch, Sayreville, Middlesex County, and Monmouth County, New Jersey, as well as Bucks County, Pennsylvania.