Is technology the key to stopping distracted driving?

Distracted driving is a serious safety concern in Florida and throughout the country. Even though most drivers understand the risks associated with looking at their phones or losing focus while operating a vehicle, it still remains one of the leading causes of car accidents. Automakers are now trying to build safer and smarter vehicles to help combat this problem. 

Technology in newer vehicles could play a vital role in fighting distracted driving. When vehicles are capable of assisting drivers who are unfocused or not driving safely, it may help to reduce accidents. However, drivers remain responsible for each choice they make behind the wheel, especially if it leaves another person with injuries, regardless of the type of technology that may be in their vehicle.

Safer cars may make better drivers

The main cause of distracted driving is cell phone use. Whether it’s talking on the phone, texting, reading an email or even scrolling through social media, you know there are many reasons why phones can easily take a driver’s focus. The following are examples of how technology can help someone be a safer and more vigilant driver: 

• Phone blocking – This type of technology can disable certain phone functions while a car is in motion. It allows a driver to stay focused instead of hearing notifications for texts or phone calls.
• Lane-departure warning systems – One of the most common behaviors exhibited by distracted drivers is swerving. This system will alert a driver when he or she is moving too far over in the lane.
• Lane-keeping assist – This system works in conjunction with lane-departure systems. It can actually move the vehicle back in to the center of the lane when the driver swerves or crosses the line.

These are only examples of how vehicles can help drivers make better choices behind the wheel. Even with these tool incorporated into the vehicle, distraction can still have dangerous consequences.

Distracted driving accidents 

Even a moment of distraction can result in a crash that can leave innocent people seriously or fatally injured. If you suffered injuries in a collision that you believe was the result of distracted driving, there are legal options available to you. You have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim against the liable party. An assessment of your case can help you understand whether you have a case and how you can move forward with this process.

In Florida and beyond, pedestrians are often at risk when nearby motorists are negligent or reckless behind the wheel. Earlier this year, a tragedy occurred that resulted in the death of a woman and her dog. The incident sparked a police investigation that remains active at this time. A man who is grieving the loss of a loved one in the fatal auto accident says he trusts that justice will be served.

The man’s 63-year-old girlfriend was walking her dog when she was struck by a vehicle. Sadly, she did not survive her injuries, and the person driving the vehicle that hit her did not remain at the scene. However, the vehicle was found in a garage later.

Police say they believe they know who was driving the car and have released a photograph to the public. There is a $3,000 reward available for anyone who provides information to investigating officers regarding the woman’s whereabouts. The boyfriend of the decedent has issued a public statement, saying no one should help the hit-and-run driver hide, and anyone caught doing so will likely be charged with aiding and abetting.

The 52-year-old woman who police say was driving the vehicle that struck the pedestrian has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal auto accident. Often, once police find hit-and-run drivers, it not only leads to a criminal trial, but often also leads to wrongful death claims in civil court filed by immediate family members of those whose deaths were caused by the negligent or reckless actions of those arrested and charged with such crimes. Anyone considering filing such a claim in Florida may wish to discuss his or her case with an experienced personal injury law attorney before heading to court.