In 2017, roughly 6,000 pedestrians died in automobile crashes, a figure that is up about 9% from the two previous years, according to a recent article in USA Today. A primary reason for the upswing in these fatalities is attributable to distractions, both inside and outside of the vehicle. Experts quoted in the article link the proliferation of technology, such as touch screens and smartphones, with increased distracted walking and driving, which in turn results in more pedestrian crashes and deaths.
Alabama is one of 46 states to have a direct law prohibiting texting while driving, but do lawmakers need to consider a prohibition on texting while walking? According to the article, distracted pedestrians are just as much to blame for the crashes as drivers are. The small city of Montclair, California passed an ordinance prohibiting the use of a cell phone or headphones while crossing the street. Honolulu, Hawaii has a similar ordinance in place for pedestrians as well. You can find a lot of other useful and interesting information on distracted pedestrians from our previous blog piece, here and general information on pedestrian accidents.
Alabama has required auto liability insurance for years but enforcement has remained a lingering problem. Uninsured drivers raise insurance premiums for everyone and can wreak financial ruin in an accident.
Driving a company car, truck or van is a daily occurrence for many employees. As someone who drives as a part of their job, you’re at an increased risk to be involved in a motor vehicle accident simply by the fact you’re on the road a lot. So, what happens if you’re in a car accident while on the job?
While self-driving and autonomous cars loaded with crash avoidance features seem to be the way of the future, there will inevitably be bumps along the road. Recently, a man in Florida was killed while using the autopilot feature on his Tesla automobile. The Tesla smashed into a truck turning left in front of it after it failed to anticipate the truck’s movements. The family of the deceased accident victim is now suing Tesla. According to Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk, the car failed to break due to the high ground clearance of the truck and a white reflection from the truck, which the car may have anticipated as an overhead road sign.
When traveling out of state, even the safest driver faces the possibility of an unexpected car accident. Driving on unfamiliar roads in an unfamiliar city heightens the risk for an accident. Of course, with any accident, contact 911 immediately, take pictures of the accident scene and any damage to the vehicles, write down the names and numbers of any other involved parties or witnesses, and contact your insurance company. Visit our page on the steps to take after a car accident