It is no surprise that the percentage of Buffalo personal injury auto accidents that may be attributable to distracted driving seems to have increased as cell phones and texting have become prevalent. Recently, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator David Strickland noted that the biggest challenge his agency faces is finding the right balance between new technologies that make it easier for drivers to report serious accidents – potentially saving lives – and the potential for the very same technology to distract drivers and cause personal injury accidents.
Automakers have increasingly incorporated new communications technology into their vehicles that can be helpful in obtaining help during an emergency. Unfortunately, many of these devices and systems rely upon cell phones or other electronic technology that has been established to lead to accidents by distracting drivers.
Mr. Strickland noted that 90 percent of motor vehicle accidents are the fault of drivers, and that the NHTSA is concerned over the number of motor vehicle deaths that are caused by distracted driving. He also discussed the issue of texting and driving. Currently, many states and cities, including New York State, ban texting while driving. There is, however, no NHTSA guideline in place. Mr. Strickland indicated that they are working with automakers and cellular phone companies to determine the appropriate standard.
Overall, he expressed a hope that once the distracted driving issues are resolved, these technologies could be used to help reduce the serious personal injury and death caused by motor vehicle accidents.
{ 0 comments… add one now }