Posted: October 7, 2014
As texting while driving continues to be a deadly problem nationwide, efforts are underway to curb the risk. Technology solutions and awareness campaigns are just some of the ways companies, government agencies and non-profit organizations are coming together to make the roadways safer for everyone. While the New Jersey distracted driving accident lawyers at Eisbrouch Marsh applaud these efforts, we also recognize that much work has yet to be done to stem the tragic epidemic of cell phone-related car accident injuries and deaths.
Technology blocks texting while driving
The New York Times recently reported on an entrepreneur in Boulder, Colorado who has developed a device to block a driver’s ability to send or receive texts while behind the wheel. Scott Tibbitts, a chemical engineer with a former company that designed and built systems for NASA, started to work on the technology in 2009. Five years later, the Katasi system is up and running, but a question remains as to who will invest in this new device.
Tibbitts switched his professional focus after witnessing the tragedy of distracted driving firsthand. In 2008, Tibbitts was scheduled to meet with an executive in Denver regarding new entrepreneur opportunities. Upon arrival at the executive’s office, he discovered the man had been killed in an accident that very morning – the victim of another teen driver who had been texting and driving. The experience, coupled with the fact that two of his children were rapidly nearing legal driving age, spurred Tibbitts into his new venture.
Earlier this year, Tibbitts’ new device looked like it was about ready to hit the market after companies like American Family Insurance and Sprint agreed to partner with Katasi. However, upon further review of the potential cost and legal liability associated with the device, Sprint backed out of the deal, leaving Tibbitts scrambling to find another cellphone carrier to work with him on the product launch.
At this point, release of the Katasi system is still up in the air, as Tibbitts continues to seek out new business partners.
The problem of distracted driving
Although Tibbitts is still trying to get his venture into the marketplace, his focus on distracted driving dangers is well placed. TRW Transportation reported on the results of a study by Cohen Children’s Medical Center that found 3,000 teens die in crashes annually that involve texting and driving.
Even more concerning is the fact that more than half of all teens surveyed admitted to texting while they were behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.
Another study by Virginia Tech Transportation Institute found that text messaging took a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 23 seconds. That seemingly short time period increases the odds of a crash or near crash nearly two times.
Calling instead of texting isn’t much safer, according to VTTI researchers. Acts involved with making calls, such as reaching for a phone and dialing a number, increased crash danger by three times.
Filing a NJ texting & driving accident lawsuit
If you are the New Jersey victim of a crash involving texting and driving, the consequences can be severe. Permanent injuries may lead the inability to perform your job or participate in activities you once enjoyed. When the unthinkable happens and a fatality occurs, the lives of an entire family are changed forever.
Even relatively minor injuries can lead to mounting medical bills, pain and suffering and lost wages as you take off work to recover. The financial strain impacts the accident victim as well as the victim’s family. Legal compensation may be the way to relieve financial stress and moving ahead with your life.
At Eisbrouch Marsh, we are all too familiar with the consequences of texting and driving. Our New Jersey car accident lawyers work with victims of cell phone-related crashes to protect their legal rights and help them pursue the monetary compensation they need and are entitled to.
If you have been the victim of a distracted driver accident in New Jersey, you don’t have to navigate the complex legal system alone. Contact Eisbrouch Marsh today to learn about your legal rights and get a free evaluation of your case. Our representatives are standing by at 201-342-5545.
Resources
- New York Times, Trying to Hit the Brake on Texting while Driving, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/14/business/trying-to-hit-the-brake-on-texting-while-driving.html?_r=0
- Textinganddrivingsafety.com, Texting and Distracted Driving Infographic, http://www.textinganddrivingsafety.com/texting-and-driving-stats/
- Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, New VTTI Study Results Continue to Highlight the Dangers of Distracted Driving, https://www.vtti.vt.edu/featured/052913-cellphone.html
- TRW Automotive, Texting while Driving Now Leading Cause of U.S. Teen Deaths, http://safety.trw.com/texting-while-driving-now-leading-cause-of-us-teen-deaths/0710/
- Distraction.gov, What is Distracted Driving? http://www.distraction.gov/content/get-the-facts/facts-and-statistics.html
