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April – National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April 7, 2014 By

The month of April has been deemed National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in order to help make drivers around the country more aware of the dangers involved in distracted driving.  Officials are struggling to come up with effective ways to cause people to take cell phone use while driving, and other driving distractions, seriously.

In 2012 the state of Nevada imposed fines ranging from $50 to $250 for cell phone use while driving.  But in the last year citations leaped an amazing 67%, lending credence to the idea that the average person still has not decided to forgo cell phone use while operating a vehicle.

Generally speaking, people know that using a cell phone while driving is not safe.  Companies such as AT&T, which last year launched its own anti texting while driving campaign, have helped to make a public aware of the dangers involved in the practice.  Nevertheless, people have become so involved with their technology that they find it very difficult to disconnect, even while operating an automobile.

This month Nevada authorities plan a high profile crack down on cell phone use while driving across the state.  While a crackdown may certainly help to get the message across, at the end of the day it can also lead people to attempt to hide their cell phone use as they drive, which could actually be more dangerous.  So, though policing efforts may yield fruit, ultimately it will be the public’s own decision not to engage in this activity, due to education of the dangers, which will probably lead to the greatest change.

We encourage all Las Vegas residents to avoid cell phone use while driving at all costs. The risks are simply not worth the benefits. If you, or anyone you know, has been the victim of an auto accident, call the  law offices of Jolley Urga Woodbury & Little now at (702) 699-7500 or contact us online today.

Filed Under: Distracted Driver

Unrestrained Pets: An Accident Waiting to Happen

March 30, 2014 By

We all love our dogs and cats. For many of us they are more than just pets, the are members of the family. It is no wonder, then, that so many people like to take their pets out on  the road with them – especially their dogs. But as you can imagine, having an unrestrained dog in the car can be dangerous. This is because, though we love them, dogs can be a huge distraction to a driver.

A recent study concluded that over half of drivers who have an unrestrained dog in the car while they drive actually pet their dogs. Almost one out of five allow their dogs to sit on their laps, and over 10 percent actually feed their dogs while driving! It says a lot about the bond between man, or woman, and their dog when this kind of bonding continues even while driving. But is it really worth it?

Researchers say that distracted driving can raise a person’s likelihood of causing an auto accident, sometimes to the same level as driving after drinking. Because dogs have a mind of their own, it is best to restrain them when driving. This is not only for your safety and the safety of others on the road, but it’s for the dog’s safety as well. There have been numerous cases of dogs jumping out of a window or sunroof of a moving car. It is clear that caring dog owners want to take man’s best friend on the road with them. But, responsible dog owners make sure the dogs are properly restrained when they do.

Distracted drivers are increasingly the cause of serious and fatal accidents. If you, or anyone you know, has been the victim of an auto accident, call the  law offices of Jolley Urga Woodbury & Little now at (702) 699-7500 or contact us online today.

 

Filed Under: Distracted Driver, Uncategorized