The National Transportation Safety Board of the United States recently recommended a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving. Officials from the transportation board claim that distracted driving is becoming as serious of a safety issue as intoxicated driving. Additionally, the report claimed that hands-free devices are no safer than traditional cell phones. Previously, the board had recommended restrictions on cell phone use for inexperienced drivers, commercial vehicle drivers, and in school zones. However, if states acted on this recommendation, all non-emergency cell phone use while driving would be illegal.

To make the recommendation, the NTSB analyzed data regarding distracted driving and cell phone usage. More than 3000 individuals died last year as a result of distracted driving, including a particularly devastating pile-up in Missouri that resulted in two deaths and 38 injuries. However, despite the NTSB recommendation, many states are hesitant to adopt a complete ban on cell phone use while driving.

Austin has taken several steps to reduce incidences of distracted driving, including banning texting while driving. Additionally, all cell phone use is banned in school zones. There are very few limitations, however, on making calls or other forms of cell phone usage while driving. Almost 100 car crashes in Austin per year are caused by using a cell phone while driving. If you have been involved in an accident caused by cell phone use or distracted driving, contact the McMinn Law Firm today.

The deaths of two teenagers shortly before the year’s end were the 53rd and 54th traffic fatalities in Austin of 2011. The accident occurred at South 1st and Thelma Drive, where the victims were crossing the street in the crosswalk when a pick-up truck struck them.

The startling number of pedestrian deaths has prompted the Austin Police Department to take measures to promote pedestrian safety, including the formation of the Pedestrian Enforcement Safety Team (PEST). Texas is one of the top ten states for pedestrian fatalities, and Austin alone has experienced 20 pedestrian deaths in 2011. As a result of the most recent deaths, dozens of individuals gathered to rally for further pedestrian protection efforts. As a result, the Austin city council agreed to investigate the area of the crash and develop measures to make Austin safer for pedestrians.

Austin is a walkable city, and many residents choose to walk or bike instead of driving. The APD recommends that pedestrians walk on sidewalks when possible, cross at intersections, and wear bright colors at night. If you have been the victim of a pedestrian accident, contact the McMinn Law Firm today.

More and more cities and states have started banning texting and cell phone use while driving. Austin has a city-wide ban on texting while driving and a statewide ban almost became law this summer but despite their efforts, a recent study revealed that texting while driving hasn’t abated–rather, 50% more drivers than last year have sent messages from behind the wheel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced the statistics along with their annual report on drivers’ behaviors. The report found that a significant number of drivers were engaging in activities during driving that were distracting and possibly dangerous, including answering and making calls, sending and reading text messages, and using the Internet. Young adults are the most likely to be distracted by their phones while driving.

Distracted driving is the cause of about one-tenth of auto crash fatalities, which amounts to over 3000 deaths. If a distracted driver has caused a car accident that injured you or a loved one, contact McMinn Law Firm today.

The Texas Department of Public Safety has removed more than 66,000 unsafe trucks and more than 12,000 unsafe commercial drivers from Texas roads since the start of 2011. The program, Operation Texas Thunder, is cracking down on vehicles and drivers that shouldn’t be on the road in an effort to reduce accidents and improve overall safety.

According to DPS officials, commercial vehicles are responsible for 15 percent of Texas crash fatalities and they believe the program has already saved countless lives.

Statistics:

- 331,505 inspections performed by the Highway Patrol

- 66,189 commercial vehicles removed for safety violations

- 12,301 drivers removed for safety, license violations

Accidents involving commercial vehicles often result in fatalities or severe injuries due to their size and weight. If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact the McMinn Law Firm for a free case review.