Your federal government wants carmakers to make it impossible for you to text, check Facebook, and watch a video while you’re driving. Sounds sensible – right?? If successful, their efforts may stop a number of senseless and often fatal car accidents.
The recommendations are laid out in a 281-page report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation. The DOT has made distracted driving a focal point of their current driver safety efforts.
“Distracted driving is a deadly epidemic that has devastating consequences on our nation’s roadways,” DOT Secretary LaHood said in a statement. “These guidelines recognize that today’s drivers appreciate technology while providing automakers with a way to balance the innovation consumers want with the safety we all need. Combined with good laws, good enforcement, and good education, these guidelines can save lives.”
Distracted driving accounts for a large number of traffic fatalities each year and that number has been rising. And these stats don’t count the large number of car accidents from distracted driving that do not lead to a fatality.
The goal of the new recommendations to carmakers is to significantly limit the number of time drivers take their eyes off the road – with a goal of limiting that time to two seconds per incident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also plans to release additional studies over the next two years to address mobile phones and other portable devices that could be used in vehicles, along with a study on voice-activated controls. There is a push to have car technologies that will disable these devices once the vehicle is in motion as well.
Automakers are fighting these new initiatives.
If you are ever the victim of a car accident, call a qualified Connecticut car accident lawyer. A knowledgeable Connecticut car accident lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
RisCassi & Davis has handled hundreds of car accident cases over our more than 65 years serving the people of Connecticut.
What’s more, our attorneys have received local and national recognition for our handling of these cases including:
- Top listing in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Law Firms”
- Top listing by Martindale-Hubbell as a “New England Top Rated AV Preeminent® Law Firm.
- Admission of five of our personal injury lawyers as members in the very prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers. The American College is a professional society of Fellows who become members only by invitation, with admission limited to experienced, outstanding trial lawyers who are unquestionably and eminently qualified as actively engaged trial lawyers. Only 1% of all trial lawyers in any state are offered admission as members to the College.
- Listing in New England Super Lawyers published by Connecticut Magazine. Less than 5% of attorneys in the New England states receive this honor
- Lifetime Achievement awards from the Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association
- Board Certification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy
We have a great team dedicated to car accident cases. Our offices are in Hartford but we are available to meet with you in your home or office if that is easier for you. Please contact us if we can help you.
The consultation is free and there is no obligation of any kind.