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Monthly Archives: November 2014
Parents Found to Contribute to Teen Driving Distractions
Nov 28, 2014 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith
For most parents, the day their teens get their driver’s licenses is a frightening one. Losing control over their children’s activities means losing the ability to keep them safe. These days, parents typically use mobile phones to regain a degree of control. In fact, teens report that calls from their parents represent a notable contributor to the distractions teens experience while driving. In Tuscaloosa alone, each auto injury lawyer at our firm has seen too many examples of the results of distracted teen driving. We recommend taking a common-sense approach to keeping everyone safe on the road. Many Teens Report Driving While Talking to Parents The American Psychological Association interviewed eight restricted and unrestricted licensed teen drivers, all of whom reported talking to parents while driving. The results from a written survey of nearly 400 teens were not quite as alarming. However, based on license types, 31 to 50 percent of drivers reported talking to parents — more than talking to friends in most cases. Just as disturbing, only 43 percent of drivers with learners’ permits reported no cell phone usage. Unfortunately, that percentage seems to decrease based on license type. Only 10 percent of drivers age 18 with unrestricted licenses report they do not use phones while driving. A Tuscaloosa auto injury lawyer understands that an unrestricted license does not instantly provide the ability to drive effectively while distracted. Most calls can wait until all drivers arrive at their destination safely. Parents Need to Become Part of the Solution […]
Read MoreProposed Electronic Log Rules Might Help Tuscaloosa Truck Wreck Lawyers Protect Victim Rights
Nov 14, 2014 - Truck Accidents by Cross & Smith
If a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rule proposed in March 2014 moves forward, truckers will be required to monitor their hours of service using electronic devices. Many drivers use these devices already, but others still rely on paper logs. Our truck wreck lawyers believe the proposed change will help ensure greater accuracy in trucking records. More accurate evidence would help level the playing field for individuals who sustain serious injuries at the hands of drowsy truck drivers. How the Proposed Law Would Work The proposed law has received overall support from many trucking companies, as well as the American Trucking Association, According to TruckingInfo.com, the law would require truckers to switch from paper logging to electronic logging devices (ELDs). These devices would comply with many standards, such as the following: In-vehicle devices would record basic information about truck use, including date, time, location, engine hours and other information about the driver, vehicle and carrier. Each ELD would be synchronized with the engine to record activity. The devices would also record pertinent information when a truck is moving. Tampering protection would prevent anyone from changing original information while providing the ability to check information integrity. Reliable Tracking May Facilitate Legal Cases for Accident Victims In spite of detailed logging requirements set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Interstate Truck Driver’s Guide to Hours of Service, hand-written records are more error-prone than electronic information. Even more important, these records are easy to falsify. When our Tuscaloosa truck wreck lawyers […]
Read MoreAlabama Families Need To Take Action To Protect Elderly Drivers, Tuscaloosa Accident Attorneys Say
Nov 4, 2014 - Car Accidents by Cross & Smith
As medical science continues to advance, people are living longer, more active lives. In 2010, the Social Security Administration Period Life Table, predicted life expectancy for males and females at 76.1 and 80.94 years, respectively. In fact, many people are significantly exceeding those expectations. Regrettably, tables cannot predict when seniors need to stop driving since every person is unique. Our Tuscaloosa accident attorneys have seen too many lives cut short by elderly drivers. Family members need to know how and when to take the car keys away. A recent Alabama accident illustrates how a lack of focus or perhaps reduced vision can put seniors and others on the road at risk. According to an October 7 report by Alabama Media Group, a 78-year old man was fatally injured when he pulled out of his retirement community into the path of a school bus. The good news is that no children were on the bus at the time of the collision, but the man’s family lost a valuable member who clearly had good years ahead of him. A Progressive Approach is Essential in Helping Seniors Make the Right Decision Keep in mind that seniors are traditionally the heads of families. Many do not take kindly to edicts from their children. So, rather than taking the keys away suddenly, our Tuscaloosa accident attorneys recommend taking it one step at a time, as follows: Check for medical issues: Anyone, young or old, can experience medical concerns that temporarily affect their driving abilities. Perhaps […]
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