Item: Flaxman Law Group
Rating: 5
Author: Clara Barman

Could Hands-Free Distractions Still Mean More Florida Car Accidents?

Published on: January 21, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

In Florida, there is no ban on using cell phones and driving. Even so, many drivers are switching to phone applications which allow them to text hands-free. The applications read back text messages and allow drivers to deliver text messages by speaking their messages and then converting the audio file into text. However, police are worried that these phone applications may give drivers only the illusion of greater safety.

Police in Florida and across the country are worried about distracted driving. Distracted driving has been shown to decrease response times and cause accidents. In fact, many experts equate distracted driving accidents with Florida drunk driving accidents – both distracted drivers and drunk drivers are dangerous because they have poor motor skills and cannot focus on the road in a safe manner.

Cell phones are considered a key distraction, because during texting drivers must avert their eyes from the road for several seconds at a time – more than enough time to cause a serious Florida pedestrian accident or traffic accident. There are now five apps on the market which can covert texts into voicemail and spoken messages into texts. The apps are legal in every state because they do not require a driver to hold their device while driving. However, experts worry that the apps are just another way for distracted drivers to drive distracted.

Customers have responded well to the apps, some claiming that they have no time to pull over to send a text or place a call. Some also say that the apps are a more realistic option for distracted driving. Indeed, many polls and studies seem to suggest that some drivers will continue to try to text and drive or talk and drive. The apps at least ensure that their eyes stay on the road and their hands stay on the wheel as they do so.

However, police officers and other experts say that distracted driving is more about the mind than it is about just the hands and eyes. Even with a handless device, drivers can easily become distracted by their phone conversations or text messages and can still easily cause an accident. Some even worry that the new technology itself may be a distraction to drivers.

Continue reading →

Florida Car Accidents Result in Many Law Enforcement Deaths

Published on: January 18, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to 2010 statistics from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Florida ranks fourth – only behind Texas, California, and Illinois – for the number of law enforcement fatalities. Nationwide, the rate of law enforcement fatalities rose 40% between 2009 and 2010. In some cases, fatalities occurred as a result of gun violence. For example, three police officers were killed by gunfire in Florida while making traffic stops.

However, Florida car accidents and traffic fatalities seem to contribute significantly to police fatalities. Out of 160 law enforcement deaths cross the country, 73 police officers lost their lives in traffic accidents and many more were seriously injured. According to experts, the reason for the high accident rate is because police officers are often asked to speed and make dangerous decisions behind the wheel of cruisers for public safety. For example, to stop a dangerous criminal, police may engage in a chase. Unfortunately, driving at high speeds can easily lead to accidents and can also harm bystanders.

According to driver experts, the increased number of distracted drivers and heavier traffic make car accidents more likely for everyone, especially for law enforcement professionals, who may significant amounts of time driving as part of their work. Some experts have even questioned whether the presence of computers in police cruisers is not contributing to accidents by distracting law enforcement officers.

Continue reading →

Prevent Teen Car Accidents in Florida by Having a Chat with Your Teens

Published on: January 7, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Even though graduated licensing and awareness campaigns exist to alert teens of the dangers of drunk driving and other dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, statistics show that many Florida car accidents involving teens are still highly preventable. In many cases, these accidents are caused by teens who speed, drive distracted, or drive drunk. Even though teens may know that such behaviors are wrong, they sometimes still engage in these behaviors.

Experts believe that lack of driving experience, emotional immaturity, and a belief that dangerous behaviors won’t result in serious consequences ensure that teens still engage in risky and dangerous driving. According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and other advocacy groups, it is important for parents to sit down with their teen drivers to discuss dangerous driving. These discussions should include:

1) Set rules. It is important for parents to set rules with their teens. Rules for teen drivers can include things such as “no drinking and driving,” “no cell phone use of any kind while driving,” and “no more than two passengers at a time” can be good places to start.

2) An explanation of how dangerous reckless driving can be. Even though teens may have heard about the dangers of using a cell phone, drinking and driving, and speeding, they need to hear about these things from their parents, too. Keep in mind that many teens feel “it can’t happen to me,” which is why they go ahead and engage in risky behaviors. As a result, it is important to show how Florida car accidents can happen to them. Show them graphically what can happen in an accident – have them chat with Florida burn injury victims or others who have been injured in an accident. Contact your local MADD chapter and law enforcement – they usually have community liaisons and educational materials you can share with your teens. Strive to make the dangers of car accidents real.

3) Repetition. It’s a message that is worth repeating. The more often your teen drivers hear about the dangers of speeding, distracted driving, and drinking and driving, the more likely they are to take the message seriously. Have more than one talk with your teens and arrange for MADD or local law enforcement to visit your teen’s school.

4) Consequences. Make sure that you discuss the consequences for your teen driver speeding, driving drunk, or driving distracted. Make it clear what you will need to do in the event that your teen does decide to drive unsafely. Your teen should know that there are consequences to dangerous driving – even when it does not cause an accident.

5) Options. Give your teen options to driving unsafely. For example, make sure your teen knows that they can always call you (and preferably a few other family members) to get a safe drive home when they need it – no questions asked. Repeat the message often. If your teens know that there is a safe alternative and there will be no punishment, they are more likely to make the safer choice.

Continue reading →

A New Year, a New Chance to Stop Distracted Driving and Florida Car Accidents

Published on: January 4, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Just like quitting smoking or committing to a healthy lifestyle, making a resolution to stop texting and driving can make your life better in 2011. If you are still looking for a New Year’s resolution to commit to, commit to end distracted driving. While many in Florida are divided on the issue of texting bans or cell phone bans, the statistics don’t lie.
According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System distracted driving caused by texting and driving has caused over 15,000 fatal auto accidents within six years. The Florida Senate has tried and failed to pass a ban on texting and driving. It is expected that the Senate will again attempt to pass the legislation in 2011.

However, there is a growing movement among drivers to stop distracted driving – with or without an official law. For example, Russ and Kim Hurd have become advocates for texting bans after their daughter Heather was killed by a distracted driver. This year, a part of U.S. 27 will be named the Heather Hurd Memorial Highway. The family is also fighting to pass Heather’s Law, a which would ban text messaging and cell phone use while driving.

Some companies are also stepping up to stop distracted driving. For example, the government has banned texting and driving for employees. In November, Disney sent its employees a letter prohibiting them from texting and driving. Disney has noted that it could fire or fine employees caught texting and driving. Truck carriers have also largely banned texting and driving.

While many experts applaud the desire to stop texting and driving, however, they point out that many distracted driving accidents in Florida and across the country are caused by many types of distractions. Changing music, talking on the phone, having an emotional discussion with a passenger, eating, drinking, or putting on makeup can all cause a Florida car accident. If you want to make 2011 a better year, therefore, you might want to resolve to avoid all distracted driving. Keeping your eyes and your mind on the road may be the most important resolution you make.

Continue reading →

Could Our Perspective on Florida Drunk Driving Accidents Be Changing?

Published on: December 14, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

While Florida drunk driving accidents account for thousands of injuries and fatalities each year and while drunk driving awareness campaigns are usually launched during the holiday season, some recent polls suggest that more people are worried by distracted driving than by drunk driving. While no poll has been published about Florida driver’s views, national and international polls suggest that more drivers see texting and driving as a slightly more serious threat to their safety than drunk driving.

This may represent a serious shift in the way we view dangers on the roads. So far, many states have banned texting and driving, although Florida is not currently among that number. Even in states that have banned the practice, experts note that laws are simply not enough. In order to get rid of both drunk driving accidents and distracted driving, society has to make both practices socially unacceptable.

What is interesting about this is that drunk driving has already become socially unacceptable, largely thanks to public awareness campaigns and efforts by groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). Public awareness about the topic has increased steadily since the 1980s, and as a result, many drivers see drunk driving as socially unacceptable.

The same process has only begun with distracted driving. This past year, when Oprah Winfrey ran a show about the dangers of texting and driving, the issue received a lot more media attention. As well, advocacy groups dedicated to the topic have been created after families have lost children and loved ones to distracted drivers. These groups have helped raise awareness about the topic and in some states have even helped change legislation. So far, the issue seems to revolve around the use of mobile devices while driving. It is so far unknown whether other types of distracted driving – such as driving while eating or talking to passengers – will also become socially unacceptable.

So far, studies suggest that while drivers worry about the impact if distracted drivers on their own safety, people are not always so willing to put their own mobile devices away. While many drivers believe that distracted drivers are a danger on the road, polls suggest that many drivers do text and drive or talk on their cell phones while driving. Younger drivers, especially, are likely to text and drive, despite the known dangers.

Continue reading →

Raising Awareness About Florida Car Accident Risks

Published on: December 10, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many Florida pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents are very preventable. Many are caused by risk factors which could be avoided with a little work. Becoming aware of the risky behaviors which lead to Florida car accidents is the first step. Avoiding the risk factors – such as distracted driving, speeding, and fatigue, to name just a few – is the second important step in preventing Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Finally, you may wish to raise awareness about risk factors to convince other drivers to drive safe. Here’s how we can all spread the message:

1) Social media and the Internet. The Internet and social media sites are a great way to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving, the importance of seat belts, and other life-affirming lessons.

2) Safety campaigns organized by law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies routinely establish safety campaigns to remind drivers about safe driving. Most agencies are happy to have volunteers who spread the message. Call your local law enforcement agency to learn about their current campaigns as well as opportunities for public involvement.

3) Public talks and discussion. When Oprah ran a show about distracted driving earlier this year, many people and media outlets suddenly began talking about the issue. While few people have that type of clout, spreading the message on a smaller scale and taking part in discussions about safe driving can save lives.

4) Petitions to legislators. Signing petitions for new laws that would make the streets safer sends an important message to legislators and in some cases changes laws for the better. In many cases, laws have been changed due to a few determined people who wanted to make the roads safer.

5) Pledges among students and drivers. Pledges are another way to make Florida roadways safer. When you take a pledge to stop distracted driving, drunk driving, and other dangerous driving habits, you make the roads a little safer by making your own driving safer.

Continue reading →

How to Make a Difference to Florida Car Accident Rates

Published on: December 7, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

When one reads about Florida pedestrian accidents and fatal car accidents, it’s easy to think that there’s nothing that can be done. However, every driver and pedestrian on the roads has several options to ensure everyone’s safety:

1) Become a good driver. Everyone thinks they are a good driver, but most of us have trouble spots and bad habits that can easily lead to a Florida car accident. The only way to find out whether you have any deadly habits is to get the input of a professional driving instructor. An instructor can evaluate your driving skills and can suggest ways to improve your driving. Racing school and defensive driving courses are two other ways to ensure that you are safe on the roads.

2) Get aware. Read up about the latest news and studies regarding Florida car accidents. Find out which intersections and risky behaviors have the highest rates of crashes. Keep up to date about car recalls to see whether your vehicle is affected.

3) Get involved. If you do spot any problems that can lead to a car accident – such as a dangerous interaction or poor lighting along a stretch of road – write to your elected representatives and your local newspaper. Sign petitions to suggest new laws which can make the streets safer for everyone. Join the public discussion and the effort to make driving safe.

5) Become responsible. It all starts with you. When you avoid drinking and driving and swear off distracted driving, you make the roads a little bit safer. When you decide to take a taxi rather than drive distracted, you may be taking a very small step that can help prevent a Florida car accident. Don’t make excuses. Instead, make the right decision to do the right thing. It’s easy to blame the other “bad” drivers out there, but if more people were responsible for their own driving, we’d see fewer Florida car accidents.

Continue reading →

Traveling to See Family This Holiday Season? Plan to Arrive Safe

Published on: November 23, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

This is the time of year when many families are planning long trips – including loan road trips – for the holidays. If you want to help prevent Florida car accidents and arrive safely, you need to plan ahead. Here’s how:

1) Use online mapping tools to chart your holiday driving plans, especially if the route is not familiar with you. Tools such as Google maps and Google Streetview allow you to envision your route before you go, select different routes, and even estimate how long your drive will take you.

2) Plan to drive well-rested. When deciding on your trip, develop a strategy to ensure that you will not drive fatigued. Fatigued driving causes many Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents each year. Make sure that the day before you leave is not too hectic and you have enough time to get a proper rest. Note hotels and motels along your route, in case you are tired and need a rest. Consider driving with a friend, who can do some of the driving when you get tired.

3) Plan to drive undistracted. Distracted driving causes many Florida truck accidents and car accidents each year. Make sure that you avoid all distractions – such as mobile devices and loud music – while you drive. Turn your phone off before you get in the car, to prevent family members from calling to check where you are on your route.

4) Consider weather past state lines if you are driving outside of Florida for the holidays. If you will be driving well outside the state, you may encounter snowy conditions and ice on the roads. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape and has good snow tires for the journey. Listen to weather reports before you leave and change your plans as needed.

Continue reading →

Distracted Driving a Concern for Law Enforcement Trying to Halt Florida Car Accidents

Published on: November 11, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

Some universities in Florida and across the country are starting awareness campaigns to warn student drivers about the dangers of distracted driving in a bid to reduce the number of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Campaigns such as the “Put Down Ur Cell Fone” campaign try to raise awareness among the students about distracted driving through on-campus signage and demonstrations. The message is clear: to reduce your risk of causing a Florida pedestrian accident or car accident, put away your cell phone when getting behind the wheel of your car.

Targeting student drivers may be a smart move, since according to some studies, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest number of drivers who routinely drive distracted. According to some statistics, up to 16% of under-20 drivers drive distracted. The dangers of this type of behavior are well documented. A study by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis found that 6% of all car collisions are related to cell phone use. Cell phone use causes 636, 000 car accidents each year, and these accidents result in 330 000 injuries and 2 600 fatalities.

Cell phones are not the only danger. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute 65% of near-accidents and 80% of all car accidents involve a driver who was distracted by some activity within three seconds of the collision or near-miss. Distracted driving can include texting, cell phone use, talking to passengers, adjusting music, searching for an item, eating, drinking, applying makeup, and any number of other activities. Researchers are very clear: don’t attempt to multitask while you drive.

Some states have banned texting while driving, but Florida so far has not taken that step. Nevertheless, law enforcement would like to see drivers voluntarily putting their mobile devices away when driving. Any distractions take away your focus and your eyes from the road. Even if this happens for only a few seconds, that is more than enough time for a Florida car accident to take place.

Distracted drivers face penalties for reckless driving. As well, if someone causes a crash because they have chosen to drive distracted, they can be held liable for the accident and can be sued. Insurance rates for such drivers also tend to increase. It is smartest – and safest – to put your entire focus on the road while driving.

Continue reading →

Preventing Florida Car Accidents May Involve More Than Raising Awareness About Distracted Driving

Published on: October 7, 2010 | By Flaxman Law Group

A new survey conducted by Leger Marketing has found that while most drivers agree that distracted driving is dangerous, about 75% of drivers polled say that they allow for such distractions while driving rather than actively striving to eliminate such distractions from the car. The survey results seem to suggest that in order to reduce Florida car accidents caused by distracted driving, it’s not enough to simply let drivers know about the dangers of distracted driving: more has to be done to compel drivers to nix distractions before they get behind the wheel.

The survey further revealed that drivers have skewed notions about which distractions are most dangerous behind the wheel. About 88% of drivers polled agreed that texting on a cellphone was dangerous, but only 19% thought that adjusting an iPod or radio while driving was a problem. Another 83% of respondents said that talking on a cellphone while driving was wrong. This is despite the fact that most experts agree that any distractions to the driver can increase the risk of an accident.

According to the survey results, many drivers continue to engage in behaviors they know are dangerous and distracting. For example, 60% of drivers admitted they adjust their car’s stereo while driving while 8% admitted to texting or emailing behind the wheel. Another 15% of drivers admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving, even though most respondents agreed that the behavior was risky.

According to Allstate, 80% of car accidents can be attributed to distracted drivers. While the survey results from the Leger Marketing study suggest that more drivers are getting the message about distracted driving, it is also clear that drivers are not getting the full message. Drivers are still confused about distracted driving caused by behaviors not linked to mobile devices. As well, even though drivers know the dangers of distracted driving, many drivers continue to engage in risky behaviors. To prevent more Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents, increased awareness and wide-spread changes to driver behavior need to be made.

Continue reading →