What Is the Department of Transportation (DOT)?
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the federal agency responsible for planning and coordinating federal transportation projects and setting safety regulations for all modes of transportation in the United States.
According to the official description, DOT’s mission is to “Ensure our Nation has the safest, most efficient, and modern transportation system in the world, which improves the quality of life for all American people and communities, from rural to urban, and increases the productivity and competitiveness of American workers and businesses.” The DOT plays a crucial role in setting and enforcing regulations that affect transportation safety, infrastructure development, and environmental sustainability.
DOT’s main activities include funding infrastructure projects, conducting research to improve transportation systems, and implementing policies to enhance safety and accessibility. It also addresses issues such as traffic management, vehicle safety standards, and the environmental impact of transportation. Understanding the Department of Transportation is critical to comprehending how federal policy influences the everyday movement of people and goods, shaping economic development and public safety nationwide.
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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. […]
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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” […]
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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. […]
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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, […]
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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. […]
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