The federal government unveiled sample legislation last week to encourage state lawmakers to ban text messaging while driving. The announcement is the latest in a string of aggressive moves by the government aimed at reducing the number of serious and fatal car accidents caused by distracted drivers.
New York is a leader in combating distracted driving. In November, the state took aim at reducing the number of New York car accidents caused by distracted drivers when it passed a law that bans texting while driving.
New york joined 18 other states and the District of Columbia, which have such laws already on the books. Nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation hopes to encourage the remaining 31 states to enact such laws.
"Our top priority is safety and we are determined to help the states eradicate the dangerous practice of texting while driving," said David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
It's the latest push by the federal government to ban text messaging while driving. As reported earlier this year on New York Injury Lawyer blog, the government has also passed tough new regulations banning government workers from texting while driving and banning the use of text-messaging or mobile web devices by all commercial bus and truck drivers.
The campaign includes a government website, www.distraction.gov, which will act as a nationwide clearinghouse for information on distracted driving.
The government contends text messaging while behind the wheel is particularly dangerous because it involves three types of distraction: Visual, Manual and Cognitive. Other types of distracted driving include using a cell phone, eating, drinking, grooming, dressing, talking to passengers, reading or using other vehicle electronics, including stereos and GPS systems.
Among the recent findings on the dangers of distracted driving:
-4 of 5 accidents involve some form of driver distraction.
-About 6,000 people died each year in traffic collisions involving a distracted or inattentive driver and more than 500,000 are injured.
-Drivers who use hand-held devices are four times more likely to be involved in an injury accident.
-Young drivers (already at increased risk of an accident) are the most likely to be involved in a traffic accident caused by a distracted driver.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in a New York car accident, call the New York City car accident attorneys at Queller, Fisher, Washor, Fuchs & Kool for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call 866-LifeLaw (866-543-3529).
