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Hands Free Devices Do Not Decrease Distraction

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
hands free phoneThe majority of Americans, more than 80 percent, believe that using a hands-free device is safer than using a handheld device. Unfortunately, numerous studies have shown that hands-free devices are not necessarily safer, because the brain remains distracted by the conversation. When drivers are on their phones, even if they are hands-free, drivers miss 50 percent of what happens around them. They are unaware of traffic signs, traffic lights and pedestrians.  The illusion that using a hands-free device means driving safely makes them especially dangerous. Hands-free devices are not risk-free devices. The National Safety Council states that drivers engaged in a phone conversation, even with both hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, are still distracted, because their focus is not on driving. Studies have shown that:
  • Hands-free features increase mental distraction
  • Voice-to-text is more distracting than typing texts while driving
  • Drivers who text with their voices tend to take their eyes off the road and decrease their reaction times to changing traffic conditions
There is no doubt that drivers who drive while distracted, whether they are using hands-free devices or hand-held devices, are a danger to everyone on the road. The U.S. Department of Transportation has held several summits aimed at eliminating the use of texting and cell phone usage while driving. The goal of the national summits has been to address what is rapidly becoming an epidemic. Thousands of Americans are fatally injured in distracted driving accidents each year. In 2012, more than 3,300 people lost their lives in such accidents. Get involved and keep our communities safe.  For more information, please go to Distraction.gov to learn more about how you can help keep Americas roads safer.

Arnold Law Firm: Your Law Firm

If a negligent and distracted driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit. A Sacramento car accident lawyer at Arnold Law Firm can review the merits of your claim and discuss your potential case with a free consultation.

Call (916) 777-7777 to reach out injury attorneys today.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.