CRASH TEST DUMMIES BEHIND THE WHEEL OF SMART CARS?

CRASH TEST DUMMIES BEHIND THE WHEEL OF SMART CARS?

Over 1,000 licensed drivers ages 18+ took part in a nationwide online survey to find out if smart cars are making drivers dumb through modern automotive gadgets like driver assistance Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA). According to the survey and its results, motorists behind the wheel of modernly equipped vehicles are taking more risks, especially when coupled with negligent cellphone use such as texting and driving. In fact, the results of the survey reveal that smart car drivers confess to using their cellphone negligently through video chatting and/or using apps while they drive. Texting and driving accounts for over 60% of drivers with ACC and/or LKA, with social media interaction accounting for over 50% of drivers. Obviously, this negligent use of cellphones while driving has led to distraction behind the wheel, which according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has resulted in 3,166 fatalities in 2017 nationwide and some 50,000 accident reports in Florida alone, which ranks 2^nd nationwide behind Louisiana in terms of distracted drivers. According to EverQuote, just under 92% of all motorists in the U.S. use their cellphone while operating a motor-vehicle. In an interesting statement by the assistant vice-president in the Enterprise Research department at State Farm; “Innovations such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist are designed to make our roadways safer and meant to assist drivers, not replace them.” It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the constant construction works being carried in and around the Miami metropolitan area and the absurd traffic decisions taken by city officials, places motorists and pedestrians in ever-growing danger. Thus, and ironically enough, smartphones and smart cars seem to be making people dumber through neglect and overall distraction behind the wheel of a moving vehicle. Drive safe and let your cellphone ride shotgun and nothing more.

If you, a loved-one or friend has been in a car accident involving negligent cellphone use by a motorist in Miami, or in any of the Cities We Serve in Miami-Dade or Broward, Perazzo Law recommends contacting us ONLINE or CALL (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial consultation. Perazzo Law offers its personal injury clients ZERO-OUT-OF-POCKET fees.

TEXTING AND DRIVING LAWS IN FLORIDA

Given that Texting & Driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents today and with an outrageous number of car accidents taking place everyday on Miami avenues, streets and highways, the Governor of Florida has recently signed a bill that will allow the authorities to stop motorists spotted texting & driving while behind the wheel and in motion. Even though texting & driving has been illegal for many years now, cops weren’t allowed to pull drivers over even if spotted texting & driving. In fact, there were only 1700 citations throughout 2018 to those caught texting & driving. Though the bill focuses on reducing the number of accidents caused as a result of distracted motorists using their cell phone to send & read text messages, it also aims to educate motorists on the grave consequences that come from texting & driving accidents in Miami & other cities where texting & driving accidents are more common. Motorists will not be allowed to text & drive but they will be allowed to use the cell phones to talk, use GPS services, check weather forecasts, and read emergency messages. As of January 1st, 2020, motorists caught with their fingers on the keypad will be issued tickets of $30 plus court fees. Repeat offenders will lose points & their licenses.

PEDESTRIANS AND NEGLIGENT CELLPHONE USE BY MOTORISTS

When it comes to negligent motorists video chatting, texting, interacting on social media, or doing anything other than keeping the hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, pedestrians are literally in harm’s way. In Miami, Perazzo Law knows that pedestrian accidents are on the rise throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with Florida ranked 2nd as the most dangerous place for pedestrians. A pedestrian accident as a result of negligent cellphone use by a motorist can result in severe, if not fatal, bodily harm. Pedestrians that are struck by moving vehicles can suffer a vast number of different injuries, which may translate into devastating medical expenses, economic losses, and reduced quality of life. Perhaps the most devastating when not fatal can include brain trauma from severe impact to the head and neck area. Head injuries which lead to brain trauma can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. Broken bones and fractures are quite common, and usually lead to rehabilitation, which can result in lost wages, economic loss or physical impairment.

If you, a friend, or loved-one has suffered bodily injury as a result of a car accident in Miami or any of the Cities We Serve in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties, the Perazzo Law Firm urges you to contact our North Miami Beach office ONLINE or CALL (786) LAWS-411 for a FREE initial consultation. The Perazzo Law Firms offers NO WIN, NO FEE legal representation to all Florida residents injured in car accidents.

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