Distracted Driving

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Teens and Distracted Driving Could Require a Pennsylvania Injury Lawyer

As an experienced injury lawyer at Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Marion Munley has seen many teens start out as careful, cautious drivers, but it only takes a few months behind the wheel before teens feel over-confident in their driving skills and get involved in a car accident. Dialing cell phones, texting, eating, and talking to passengers are all examples of things that teens may do while driving. Multitasking distracts teens and all drivers from the road, a skill that still requires their full attention.

This topic was recently published in the Jan. 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine from a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development. The data reveals that, compared to experienced drivers, new drivers engaged in secondary tasks less frequently during the first six months. Between months 7 and 15, […]

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One in Four Moms Text While Driving With Babies

New mothers are talking and texting on cell phones – and even checking e-mail – while driving with their baby on board, according to a new survey.

Seventy-eight percent of mothers with children under two years old admitted talking on the phone while driving with their babies. And more than a quarter of them said they text and check e-mail.

The survey was conducted by the child-protection advocacy group Safe Kids Worldwide and American Baby magazine.

One scary conclusion: The driving habits of new moms are every bit as dangerous as that of teenage drivers.

Texting while driving creates a crash risk 23 times higher than driving while not distracted, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Following is from USA Today:

The survey of 2,396 mothers finds an attitude among new moms that is reflected in the general population: They tend to think they’re safe drivers but actually engage in risky habits. […]

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Text & Wreck Targets Young PA Drivers

Young drivers in Pennsylvania will soon be noticing a “Text and Wreck” button popping up on social media sites.

The logo is the winning entry in a national Distracted Driving Design Challenge sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Its creator was 14-year-old high school student Hah’mari Watson, who said the artwork was inspired after she and her family were in a car crash caused by a texting driver.

View or download her winning “Text & Wreck” icon here.

The Distracted Driving Design Challenge was held to create awareness among young motorists about the dangers of texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. The “Text & Wreck” image will be used on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites.

“The Department of Transportation is committed to helping young drivers get the message that texting and driving don’t mix,” said U.S. […]

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Pennsylvania State Trooper Dies in Accident

State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan announced the tragic death of 47-year-old Trooper First Class Blake T. Coble of Troop D, Beaver Station after he was killed in an automobile wreck last Thursday. Coble was on duty Oct. 4 when he was struck by a semi at 10 a.m. at Black Hawk Road near Route 168 in South Beaver Township.

According to news reports, Coble’s patrol car was struck by the tractor-trailer when the truck driver went through a stop sign at the intersection. No charges have been filed against the driver of the truck, who has been cooperating with investigators, state police said.

In a press release announcing Coble’s death, Noonan said:

“He [Coble] died serving the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police mourn his loss and extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends. […]

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Take the Time During National Fire Prevention Week to Protect Your Family Against Fires

Residents of Pennsylvania are urged to take the time this week to participate in National Fire Prevention Week.  Fire Prevention Week, celebrated Oct. 7-13, has been set aside through a Presidential Proclamation as a time “to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from fires, and we honor the courageous first responders who put their lives at risk to keep us safe.”

According to the National Safety Council, in 2010, there were 3,100 unintentional deaths related to fire, smoke and flames.  Many of these fires resulted in death, serious injuries and destroyed homes.

The National Safety Council offers the following steps for families to take to prevent fires:

• Have properly working smoke alarms
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year
• Place smoke alarms on each floor of your home and in each bedroom
• Plan a family escape route and practice it once a month
• Install a home sprinkler system
• Place fire extinguishers throughout your home and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use them

One key theme of the week is to “Have 2 Ways Out!”  According to Firehouse.org, […]