Distracted Drivers Kill

One thing I have learned in over two decades as a personal injury trial lawyer is that laws by themselves do not change driving behavior. Consistent enforcement holds driver’s accountable for careless and irresponsible driving habits. If government officials would ramp up the educational tools that they have been using for the last ten or so years and tie in some serious enforcement, far fewer Tennesseans would die in ditches and on roadways.

Distracted driving is the number one most costly factor and newer and more powerful electronic devices, cell phones, GPS and now even televisions used in cars are going to continue to keep fatality numbers high. Many forward thinking states have banned texting while driving. Unfortunately enforcing the ban is a problem.

Even in the face of important studies that show the talking on a cell phone, with or without hands free devices impairs the driver as much as if he/she was legally drunk. But legislators are loath to extend the ban to cell phone use. Lives are in their hands and they are turning their backs on safety.

If you or anyone you know has been injured or killed in a Tennessee car accident, please contact Nashville injury attorney Phillip Miller and the Nashville personal injury attorneys at Phillip Miller and Associates at (615) 356-2000, or contact our office online here.

Education And Enforcement Reduce Fatalities

An article on Channel 2, WKRN Nashville caught my attention this morning and I’m happy to report the news is positive. Following an interview with a Spokesperson for the Tennessee Highway Patrol Channel 2 reports that Since 2005 Tennessee roadway fatalities have decreased on a consistent basis. According to the article by last October (2008) there had been 805 fatalities on Tennessee roads and this year (2009) there has been a reduction with only 707 fatalities. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not in any way saying that 707 fatalities is a good thing, but a decrease of this size means that someone is doing something right.

I regularly advise my readers that they can do their parts by following the Rules of The Road by not speeding, tailgating, running red lights or any other thing that puts others in jeopardy. THP officials said they attribute the decrease largely in part to people paying more attention to the law. They go on to say that education and enforcement are getting the people’s attention. Recent educational programs by the State include, DUI, aggressive driving and seatbelt enforcement.

The Staff and automobile accident attorney’s at Phillip Miller & Associates encourage everyone who gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle in Tennessee to focus on the fact that you are behind the wheel of a weapon that can take your life and the lives of others and you should act accordingly.

If you or a loved one is injured in a Tennessee automobile accident contact the Nashville car accident lawyers at Philip Miller & Associates and find out about your rights and remedies.

http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/