Federal officials would reportedly like automakers to make it impossible for drivers to utilize in-vehicle technology to send or receive text messages, check email, or watch videos while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. A 281-page report recently published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the United States Department of Transportation issued a number of voluntary motor vehicle guidelines focused on eliminating distracted driving. The guidelines included in the report were allegedly designed to reduce the amount of time a motorist takes his or her eyes off of the roadway. The recommendations may also have an impact on future smart phone technology.
In 2011, distracted driving supposedly caused about 10 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the voluntary guidelines were established in an effort to balance new technological innovations with the purported need for increased roadway safety. Although most of the recommendations included in the report seem like common sense, many drivers now reportedly send and receive text messages, view websites, and watch videos behind the wheel. The goal of the recently issued report was apparently to encourage auto manufacturers to either refrain from including consumer electronics in their vehicles or at least disable them while a car is moving.
A public statement from the Auto Alliance, an industry group that represents about 12 motor vehicle manufacturers, reportedly claims in-dash internet technology will discourage motorists from unsafely using their cellular phones. President and CEO of the Global Automakers, Michael J. Stanton, said the report should also have addressed hand-held smartphone technology as NHTSA data states only about two percent of accidents related to distracted driving involve in-dash technology. The NHTSA purportedly plans to issue two additional reports related to cellular phones and other portable devices over the next two years.
Sadly, anyone who travels on New Mexico roadways runs the risk of being hurt or killed by a distracted driver. The victim in a New Mexico traffic wreck may be able to recover damages for their physical harm, lost wages and benefits, and other damages that resulted from the collision. The close relatives of someone who was killed by a distracted motorist may also be eligible to receive compensation for the cost of their loved one’s funeral. If you were hurt by a distracted driver, you should contact a quality New Mexico personal injury attorney to discuss your rights in more detail.
At the Fine Law Firm, our hardworking Albuquerque personal injury lawyers are available to help you recover the damages you deserve following an unexpected injury accident. The Fine Law Firm represents people who were hurt in a traffic crash throughout the State of New Mexico. Our caring attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience assisting clients who were hurt through no fault of their own. To schedule a free initial consultation with a capable advocate, please call the Fine Law Firm today at (505) 889-3463 or contact us through the law firm’s website.
More Blog Posts:
Santa Fe Jury Awards Record $58 Million in Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Trucking Company, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, March 25, 2013
Albuquerque Police Chief Announces His Retirement Amid Allegations of Rampant Police Abuse, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, March 25, 2013
Additional Resources:
How Federal Distracted-Driving Guidelines Will Shape Your Next Phone, by Damon Lavrinc, Wired