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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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, […]
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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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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, […]
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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 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, […]
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