What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted Driving is when a person operates a motor vehicle while engaging in activities that divert attention from driving tasks, such as:
- Talking on a cell phone
- Using a navigation system
- Texting or emailing
- Eating
- Adjusting hair or makeup
- Using the audio system
- Texting
What is Distracted Driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Distracted driving is any activity that…takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.” Studies have shown that texting while driving significantly increases the likelihood of a crash or near-crash event. The detrimental effects of distracted driving can range from minor fender-benders to severe accidents resulting in life-altering injuries or fatalities.
Understanding the risks associated with distracted driving and adopting safe driving practices can help mitigate its adverse impacts on road safety and overall public safety.
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Do Pedestrians Always Have the Right of Way?
When you first learned to drive, you may have been told pedestrians have the right of way. While this is generally true, pedestrians don’t always have the right of way. Of course, drivers must always be aware of their surroundings, including looking for pedestrians, but pedestrians must also be aware of traffic lights, crosswalks, and oncoming traffic.
If you were involved in a pedestrian accident and are questioning who has the right of way, Munley Law is here to help.
When Do Pedestrians Have the Right of Way?
Under Pennsylvania law, there are a few scenarios where pedestrians always have the right of way. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of drivers and pedestrians to practice safety on the roadways and be mindful before walking into traffic.
Crosswalks Without Signals
If a pedestrian is at an unmarked crosswalk without traffic signals, […]
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Is Lane Splitting Legal in Pennsylvania?
Have you ever been driving through a congested area and noticed a motorcyclist weaving in and out of traffic? While many motorcyclists think lane splitting should be common practice, it is currently illegal under Pennsylvania law.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident and have been lane splitting, or hit a motorcyclist due to lane splitting, it can impact your personal injury claim.
What Is Lane Splitting?
Lane splitting, also known as white lining, occurs when a motorcyclist drives between two rows or lanes of traffic. Most commonly, riders split lanes when traffic is moving slowly or at a standstill. Lane splitting can occur on any type of road, including highways or rural roads.
Lane splitting is not the only traffic maneuver you may see a biker make. Other practices include:
- Lane filtering: The rider moves between stopped traffic or slow-moving traffic
- Lane sharing: Multiple motorcyclists share the same lane and ride beside each other in a close formation
- Shoulder surfing: When a rider drives on the shoulder of the road
A University of California, […]
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Harrisburg Wrongful Death Lawyer
Grief over the loss of a loved one can be all-consuming. Sadness, anger, depression, loneliness, and even numbness – they are all common responses to losing a spouse, child, parent, sibling, or close friend. In the midst of your grief, the last thing on your mind is a personal injury lawsuit. However, even though it may not seem like it now, the compensation you can recover from a claim for damages may be the thing that stands between financial debt and financial freedom following the death of that beloved person due to the negligence of others.
At Munley Law, our compassionate Harrisburg wrongful death lawyers are deeply understanding of what you and your family are going through. We are here to protect your rights, to secure fair compensation for your losses, hold the responsible party accountable, and give you a sense of justice in the midst of your grief. […]
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Common Causes of Car Accidents
Have You Been Injured in a Car Accident?
Car accidents are an all-too-common fact of life on United States roads and highways. Since the first car accident fatality in 1896, society has developed traffic laws and regulations in an effort to keep our roads safe and avoid motor vehicle accidents. Car manufacturers have increasingly developed advanced technology such as adaptive headlights and forward collision warning system (FCWS) to help decrease the frequency with which traffic accidents occur.
Despite these precautions, however, more than 5 million car accidents occurred in 2020, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), causing the deaths of 38,824 people. In addition to these fatal accidents, 2.28 million people suffered personal injuries due to vehicle accidents. These injured victims can suffer life-altering pain, high medical expenses, lost wages, emotional trauma, and even permanent disability. […]
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Fatal Car Accident in North Whitehall, PA
On Tuesday, October 15, a tragic single-vehicle accident claimed the life of a man in North Whitehall Township in Lehigh County. The incident, which occurred along the 2700 block of Valley Road, brought attention to the ongoing issue of traffic fatalities in the region.
According to local news reports, the crash involved a pickup truck. Emergency responders pronounced the driver dead at the scene. The accident’s severity necessitated the closure of Valley Road between Apple Valley Estates and Kernsville Road for an extended period, allowing law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation.
Lehigh County: A Hotspot for Traffic Incidents
This recent fatality adds to the concerning statistics in Lehigh County. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports that the number of fatal auto accidents in Leigh County has remained relatively steady over the past five years. As one of the most populous counties in Pennsylvania, […]
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