Commit to Distraction-Free Driving for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving is responsible for hundreds of thousands of car accident injuries and deaths nationwide. Although being distracted while driving has always been a problem to an extent, it has become a more serious safety issue since the advancement of cell phones and smart phones. April, as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is the perfect opportunity to recognize the dangers of distracted driving and to make a commitment to stay focused when on the road.  

Types of Distraction

There are three main types of distraction according to Distraction.gov: Manual, Cognitive, and Visual. Manual refers to distractions that take the driver’s hands off the wheel; cognitive refers to any distraction that takes the driver’s mind off of driving; and visual refers to distractions that take the driver’s eyes off of the road. Such distractions include, but are not limited to:

• Grooming;
• Eating and/or drinking;
• Reading (even a map);
• Using a navigation system (in the car or on a phone);
• Texting;
• Using a cell phone or smart phone;
• Adjusting the CD player, MP3 player, or radio; and/or
• Talking to other vehicle occupants.

Texting is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do as it combines every form of distraction.  

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,474 people were killed and 448,000 were injured in distracted driving-related crashes in 2009. Of the fatal crashes, 994 involved reports of cell phone use. Furthermore, according to Monash University, “drivers who use hand-held devices are [four] times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.”  

When to Call a Massachusetts Car Crash Attorney

When a driver gets behind the wheel, they have a responsibility to focus their attention on the task at hand. Distraction is a choice and drivers who choose to text, eat, or otherwise distract themselves from driving endanger the lives of every other person on the road.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury as the result of a distracted driver, the dedicated auto accident lawyers in Boston at the Kiley Law Group can help you hold the at-fault driver liable for your losses. To learn more about obtaining the financial compensation you deserve, call us today for a free legal consultation at (888) 208-1695.

Methuen Woman Killed in Stoneham Accident on Route 93

Ashleigh Baudin, 25, of Methuen was killed in a collision on Route 93 in Stoneham early Sunday morning.  
What Happened  
The Eagle Tribune reported today that Baudin’s Volkswagen Beetle struck the back of a box truck that had been parked in the breakdown lane of Route 93 South at around 3:30 a.m. that morning.

According to officials, the truck’s emergency flashers were on at the time of the crash. Baudin died at the scene. There was an unidentified male passenger from Medford in Baudin’s vehicle and he was transported to a Boston area hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities have reported that alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor and are currently investigating the fatal accident. Debris from the collision covered the right lanes and breakdown lane of the highway, forcing officials to close down the travel lanes to clear the roadway.  

When Should You Call a Massachusetts Vehicle Accidents Attorney?
Have you been seriously injured in a car accident in Massachusetts? Contact a Massachusetts car accidents attorney with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options before you sign any forms, give a statement to an insurance company, or hire a lawyer. Call us today at (888) 208-1695 to receive your free consultation.


DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.