Utah Car Accidents Caused By Distracted Drivers - Are You Protected?
Rainy weather, icy roads, sudden tire bursts—these are all dangerous threats to Utah commuters, as they can cause serious accidents. One of largest threats on our roadways, however, isn’t an outside factor like winter weather. It’s the driver. Distracted drivers are the cause of many Salt Lake City car accidents, some of which result in serious injuries or fatalities. In our fast-paced society, many commuters attempt to multi-task while driving by eating lunch on the go, putting on make-up, or taking a business call on their cell phone. Such behavior puts lives in danger.
According to KSL News, engineers at the University of Utah are trying to limit the number of distracted drivers. While lawmakers have attempted to do this by passing legislation, such as Utah’s texting and driving ban, these engineers are taking a less conventional route. Mechanical Engineering associate professor Mark Minors says that teams from all over the university are working on devices that can be attached to a vehicle’s interface and take control of certain aspects of the driving. Although he could not divulge much information at this time, Minors said that this new technology may be able to help prevent distracted driving. Similar technology is already in use in high-end cars. Radar devices in some cars are able to sense if the vehicle is approaching an object too quickly, and automatically apply the brakes if the driver is distracted and doesn’t notice the object. While technology is for automatic driving is still far away, recent technological advances are helping to reduce the threat of distracted driving.
Cell phone use is one of the most common types of driver distractions. According to a study at the University of Utah, using a cell phone (hand held or hands free) reduces a driver’s reaction time to that of a driver with a blood alcohol level of .08 percent, the legal limit. Furthermore, a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that drivers using cell phones are four times more likely to get into a crash. For more information on distracted driving and other Utah car accident statistics, visit the Christensen Law Firm’s online library.
One quarter of all accidents results from distracted drivers. If you have been in a Utah accident due to another driver’s negligence, you are entitled to receive full compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Working through insurance papers and dealing with adjustors can be very cumbersome and time-consuming. Consider hiring Utah’s best personal injury lawyer, attorney Kenneth Christensen. With years of legal representation and expertise, Mr. Christensen can help ensure you receive a fair and just settlement. He diligently works on every case, offering personal attention and dedication to your accident claim. For a free consultation about your legal rights, contact the Christensen Law Firm at 801.506.0800 or visit our Utah car accident law online library
