Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Are Targeting Aggressive Drivers

Pennsylvania law enforcement will be out in force until August 16 targeting aggressive drivers on PA highways.  In a partnership with PennDOT, the PA State Police, the Montgomery County Health Department and Buckle Up PA are taking on dangerous drivers on the highways through the statewide aggressive-driving campaign.

According to a press release issued last week by PennDOT, law enforcement will be focusing on motorists who exhibit key aggressive driving behaviors including tailgating, speeding and running red lights.  Last year, police issued 142,013 aggressive driving-related citations across the state.

Philly.com reports that inPennsylvania, aggressive drivers caused 6,300 crashes in 2011, killing 168 people.

PennDOT has been actively targeting aggressive driving through its Pennsylvania Aggressive Driving Enforcement and Education Project. The project is funded through $2.3 million in federal funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The NHTSA notes that aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our nation’s roadways. […]

Deadly Pennyslvania Accident Serves as a Reminder of the Importance of Seatbelts

A deadly car accident in Wells Tannery last month serves as a reminder that seatbelts are not an inconvenience – they can be lifesavers.  Two teens died and two were seriously injured when the driver of their car apparently lost control sending the vehicle off the roadway and into several trees.  Sadly, none of the four occupants were wearing a seatbelt.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that while the use of seatbelts saved 356 lives in Pennsylvania in 2010, another 136 could have been saved if all of the people had buckled up. The NHTSA reports that 868 people (aged 5 and over) died in PA accidents in 2010. Of those, 273 were properly restrained, whereas 505 did not have their seatbelts on at the time of the crash.

JustDrivePA.org maintains key educational material on its website related to seatbelt usage. […]

Pennsylvania Drivers Asked to be On the Lookout for Joggers

Running is one of the most popular forms of exercise among Americans. In fact, according to Running USA, there are over 35 million recreational runners in the United States.  Although there are numerous health benefits to running including, weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, natural stress relief and increased strength, runners also risk serious injuries from being struck by a vehicle.

Just this month, a 20-year-old woman was jogging in Blooming Grove, just 35 miles east of Scranton, when she was struck and killed by a car, according to news reports.  The driver apparently intentionally ran his vehicle onto the shoulder of the highway and struck and killed the woman as she jogged on Route 507. Although this was an extreme case, it does serve as an example of the dangers Pennsylvania runners face when running on the roadways and highways.

Runners and pedestrians face the same risks when around traffic – distracted drivers, […]

PennDOT Offers PA Residents Key Safety Resources

Although you may have heard of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in regards to road construction projects throughout the state, PennDOT is also tasked with keeping the Pennsylvania roadways safe through various programs and campaigns.  As part of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April, PennDOT launched “Just Drive PA,” a new initiative aimed at improving safety on Pennsylvania roadways.

According to a PennDOT notice:

The ‘Just Drive’ slogan reinforces that distractions, driving impaired and other unsafe driving behaviors have no place on our roadways.” said PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch. It reinforces the need to drive properly, wear seat belts, look out for other travelers and always avoid distractions. Remember “when you’re behind the wheel, your biggest and only responsibility is to focus on safe driving.

The Just Drive PA website, www.justdrivepa.com, features a “Distracted Driving” […]

PA Drivers Have Opportunity to Participate in PennDOT Survey

Our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys have continuously urged PA drivers to drive safely when on our highways.  We also strive to present articles regarding safety initiatives and campaigns aimed at improving highway safety.  Now, Pennsylvania residents have the opportunity to be heard regarding the efficacy of the state’s traffic safety enforcement and their peers’ driving behaviors.

PennDOT has published its Highway Safety Planning Survey online at www.JustDrivePA.com.  The survey questions focus on several key safety initiatives: seat belt use, impaired driving, speeding, motorcycles, distracted driving.  Each state is required to complete this survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Residents have until July 27 to complete their feedback.  The survey is anonymous, although information is maintained on gender and zip code of residence.

Palmer-Forks Patch reports that more than 3,500 people responded to last year’s survey.

According to PennDOT’s website, […]

Pennsylvania Drivers Encouraged to Observe National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

Just last week we reported on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s initiative to combat distracted driving – the Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving.  Our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys are committed to raising awareness of the dangers of distracted driving, most often caused by cellphone use behind the wheel.  Now, “National Cell Phone Courtesy Month” runs through July, and PA drivers have yet one more opportunity to put down their cellphones when driving.

Jacqueline Moore, an international etiquette expert, began the cellphone courtesy initiative in 2002 when she realized that many Americans were unsure of the etiquette around cellphone use.  Although her intent of the campaign is to encourage others to be more respectful of their surroundings while using their cell phone, as distracted driving becomes more widespread, cellphone courtesy should extend to vehicles.   According to government statistics, over 3,000 Americans lose their lives every year on U.S. […]

Pennsylvania Fourth of July Car Accident Statistics Point to Risky Behavior

Pennsylvania State Police released the traffic accident statistics from the long Fourth of July weekend. Sadly, too many people lost their lives due to risky driving behaviors such as drunk driving and not buckling up.

According to the press release, nine people were killed and 312 people were injured in a total of 845 Pennsylvania car crashes during the Fourth of July holiday driving period.  Seven of those killed were not wearing seat belts.  85 of the car crashes were alcohol-related, including four of the fatalities. During the same period, state troopers arrested 432 people for driving under the influence.

“I’m disappointed that so many drivers still get behind the wheel after drinking,” State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan said. And it’s clear that far too many people don’t buckle up when they travel. The numbers illustrate once again that risky behavior, […]

The IIHS Suggests Toughening Up Pennsylvania’s Graduated License Program

Pennsylvania’s graduated licensing (GDL) program has been identified by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) as one of the best GDL programs in the nation.  In a recent study, the IIHS honed in on five components of GDL’s that can improve safety among teen drivers.  Although PA meets many of the requirements, there is still room for improvement.

In March, we offered detailed information about the GDL after the USA Today did a featured story on teen driving.  In 2010, Governor Tom Corbett tightened the restrictions for teen drivers by enhancing the GDL.  However, the IIHS believes that by adding even stricter requirements in Pennsylvania, the state could see a 27% reduction in teen accidents.

In 2010, there were 27,149 crashes involving drivers between the ages of 16 and 20.  There were 57 car crash deaths in accidents in 2010 that involved a 16- or 17-year-old driver. […]

Pennsylvania Drivers Urged to Read DOT’s Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving

Our Pennsylvania truck accident attorneys have continually stressed the dangers and the tragedy of distracted driving.  Just last month we presented information about a young teen who is now serving jail time due to a distracted driving accident that resulted in the death of a 55-year-old man.  For some, unfortunately, a serious jolt such as an accident is what it takes to wake them up to the dangers of distracted driving.

However, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who has been steadfast in his battle to end distracted driving in the United States, hopes to end accidents caused by distracted drivers.  Now, under his direction, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has launched its Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving.

The blueprint, according to LaHood’s blog, Fast Lane, “is putting critical safety information into the hands of those who can make the biggest difference. Parents, teens, driving instructors, […]

PA Car Accident Attorney Says Expected Increase in Fourth of July Car Travel Raises Need to Keep Safety in Mind

Scranton, PA, June 29, 2012 — Pennsylvania car accident lawyer Caroline Munley today urged the state’s residents to keep safety in mind as decreasing gas prices fuel an expected upsurge in drivers on the road this July 4th holiday.

“As more people hit the road to celebrate Independence Day and for early summer vacations, the increase in traffic congestion raises the need to be mindful of safe driving practices,” said Munley, managing partner of the Pennsylvania personal injury firm of Munley Law in Scranton.

“We urge travelers to refrain from fatigued driving, drinking and driving and distracted driving, such as using cell phones for talking or texting while driving, which are all major causes of car accidents,” she said.

The AAA auto club said it expects 42.3 million Americans to travel more than 50 miles from home over the Independence Day period, […]

Pennsylvania Accident Victims Should Request a Copy of Their Vehicle Accident Report

Earlier this month our PA truck accident lawyers offered some information regarding vehicle accident investigations.  However, we did not include information on the crash report and what happens with all the information that is compiled – and how you can access that information.   Below we explain the importance of a Pennsylvania crash report.

The Pennsylvania State Police, along with the state’s nearly 1,300 local municipal police departments, have a duty to investigate each traffic accident that occurs on the Pennsylvania roadways.  That is no easy task with over 120,000 miles of roads and highways in the state.  According to the 2010 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics, in 2010, PA police investigated 121,312 traffic crashes.  Of those accidents, 1,324 people died and 87,949 were injured.

When police come upon accidents the scene is often chaotic.   The police must first make sure all of the accident victims are properly attended to and then they need to redirect traffic.  […]

Facebook and Twitter to be Offered as Features in New Cars

Earlier this year U.S. automakers unveiled their latest features, including improved airbags and seatbelts, focused on saving lives and preventing serious injury in automobile accidents.  These features were applauded by safety advocates for helping to keep car occupants safe on America’s highways. However, as carmakers unveil their latest Internet-based features, safety advocates fear automakers are contributing to the distracted driving epidemic.

According to the New York Times, automakers are planning on offering high-tech features in some of their 2013 models allowing drivers to stay ‘wired’ while in the car, without accessing their smartphones.  Some of the apps that will be offered by Mercedes-Benz, Acura, Honda, Lexus, and Subaru, among other automakers, include GPS, Pandora streaming music, movie ticket ordering and even restaurant reviews from Yelp.  However the carmakers aren’t stopping there.  Some of the dealers will be offering access to social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.  […]

Teen Sentenced to Prison in Distracted Driving Accident

Just this month one judge ruled in a first-of-its-kind case that someone sending a text message cannot be held liable for a distracted driving accident.  Now, in the first ruling in Massachusetts history where someone has been convicted for causing a fatal accident while texting behind the wheel, a judge found a teen guilty of killing someone when distracted by his cellphone while driving.

In February 2011, the then 17-year-old killed a 55-year-old man and seriously injured the man’s 50-year-old girlfriend when he crossed the center line and crashed into the oncoming vehicle.  After just four hours of deliberation the jury returned a verdict of guilty in the fatal accident, according to CBS News. The teen was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in jail, with a year to serve and the remainder suspended.  In addition, the teen lost his driver’s license for 15 years and owes an unspecified amount of restitution. […]

Pennsylvania State Police Announce Pursuit Statistics

The Pennsylvania State Police announced Monday that the number of pursuits across the state increased in 2011.  Pennsylvania police were involved in 1,453 vehicle pursuits last year, a slight increase over the 1,413 pursuits reported in 2010.

A pursuit is initiated by police “when the driver of the vehicle is resisting the apprehension by maintaining or increasing his speed or by ignoring the police officer’s audible or visual signal to stop.”

According to the press release, thirteen pursuit-related deaths were reported in 2011. Twelve of those killed were fleeing from police; one death involved an uninvolved person. No Pennsylvania police officers were killed as the result of pursuits. However, in a case we reported in February, a West Virginia policeman died in the midst of a pursuit that crossed the PA line.

Many police chases result in serious car accidents.  Last year, […]

Police Reconstruct Fatal Pennsylvania Accident

After a double-fatal car accident in Rome Township, PA, on Friday night, state police closed a portion of the road to reconstruct the deadly accident.  According to news reports, police closed State Route 1022 Monday morning in Bradford County in an effort to help determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

A couple died in the Friday night accident when the driver of their car, their 49-year-old son, apparently veered into the oncoming lane, where the vehicle was then struck by a dump truck.  The man’s mother and father died at the scene of the accident.  He was taken by helicopter to the nearby hospital.

The driver of the dump truck said he saw the SUV coming towards him and swerved to avoid the SUV, however, the two vehicles still struck nearly head-on.  The dump truck driver, who was wearing a seatbelt, […]

Education and Helmet Usage May Decrease Risks for Pennsylvania Motorcyclists

Summer is just about here, and as the days grow warmer more Pennsylvanians take to the road on their motorcycles.  Although the start of June brought an end to May’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorneys want to reiterate to motorists to be vigilant for motorcyclists sharing the road with you.  Unfortunately, a recent study about the continued high number of nationwide motorcycle accident fatalities reminds us all that motorcyclists are still faced with serious dangers when taking to the roadways.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, even though the number of fatalities among automobile accidents has reached the lowest number since 1949, a nearly 2% decline over last year’s numbers, “motorcycle deaths remain one of the few areas in highway safety where progress is not being made.” The GHSA reports that motorcycle fatalities remained unchanged at about 4,500 in both 2011 and 2010.   […]

AAA Reports Summer Months Deadly for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers more likely to be in an accident in the summertime

Last week our Pennsylvania car accident attorneys asked parents to have open discussions with their teenage drivers to ensure they are fully aware of the dangers of distracted driving and to encourage safe driving behaviors.  It is especially critical for parents to get this message out as summer starts, and, according to AAA, five of the 10 deadliest days of the year for teens loom.

The Reporter reports AAA identified that teens are more susceptible to deadly crashes in the summer months between Memorial Day and Labor Day than any other time period during the year – making it even more critical to educate your teens.

Sadly, AAA has dubbed the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day the “100 deadliest days of summer,” due to the high number of teen accident fatalities.  […]

Judge Rules Person Who Sent Text Resulting in Motorcycle Accident Not Liable

At the end of May we reported on the distracted driving lawsuit brought by a couple who both lost their left legs when the motorcycle they were riding was struck by a driver who was texting.  The couple claimed that not only should the teen driver of the vehicle that hit them be held liable for their motorcycle accident, but so should the driver’s girlfriend, who sent him a text message just seconds before the crash.

The judge ruled last week in the first case of its kind to hit the dockets in the U.S.  He dismissed the claims against the woman in the lawsuit ruling that the person sending the text to which the driver was responding “cannot be held liable.”

The ruling sends the message that it is not the responsibility of the texter to monitor where the recipient of a text message is when responding to a message.  […]

Summer starts increase of teen driver car accidents

Teens statistically more likely to be in an accident during the summertime

Scranton, PA, June 01, 2012 — Pennsylvania car accident lawyer J. Christopher Munley said today that a recent PennDOT statement about distracted driving among young drivers is a good starting point for an important conversation with their children about traffic safety and car accidents as the summer begins.

“As statistics show, the summer can be the deadliest time of year for teenage drivers,” said Munley, managing partner of the Pennsylvania personal injury firm of Munley, Munley & Cartwright, P.C. “Now is a good time for parents to talk to young, inexperienced drivers about safe driving and the seriousness of their responsibility as drivers.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes are the leading cause of death for American teenagers. In the months of June through August, […]

Pennsylvania Residents Asked to Remember the Meaning of Memorial Day and To Drive Safely After Enjoying the Festivities

Memorial Day signifies the start of summer for many people across the United States, and as we pointed out last week, AAA estimates nearly 35 million Americans will take to the roads for their favorite vacation destination.  However, our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys ask that you not forget the meaning of Memorial Day and take the time to honor our fallen soldiers.

“On Memorial Day we need to stop and pay with sincere conviction our respects for those who died protecting and preserving the freedoms we enjoy, for we owe those honored dead more than we can ever repay.”  This quote is posted on MemorialDay.org to remind U.S. citizens of the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Many cities and towns celebrate our soldiers with parades and ceremonies, including the 145th annual Memorial Day ceremony at Scranton’s Nay Aug Park.  And family and friends get together for backyard barbecues to enjoy the day.   […]