Washington DC Injury Lawyer Blog

11-year-old Zachary Hodges has died. The boy passed away on July 12 one day after sustaining a severe head injury during a Georgetown pedestrian accident in Washington DC.

The woman whose car struck Hodges did not sustain any injuries. Following the Washington DC pedestrian accident site, the driver and her passenger stayed at the crash site.

Hodges is not from the area. His family was in Washington DC for a visit when the tragic accident occurred.

Child Pedestrians
Young children are at high risk of becoming involved in a pedestrian accident. Not only are they smaller and harder for some motorists to see, but they lack the judgment to known when it is safe to cross the street, sometimes opting to run into the road to pick up a ball or get to their friends who are playing on the opposite sidewalk. Many young children have no real sense that crossing the street can be dangerous. They may have a hard time gauging how fast a car is moving or whether there is enough time to cross the road before they are hit by a motor vehicle.

Although parents are responsible for training their child to safely cross the street and making sure that younger kids do not cross the street without adult supervision, it is still a motorist’s responsibility to drive safely, obey the traffic laws, and refrain from negligent or careless driving so that they don't accidentally injure a pedestrian.

Name Of Texas Boy Killed In D.C. Auto-Pedestrian Accident Released, KWTX, July 13, 2010

Boy struck by car in Georgetown dies, The Washington Post, July 12, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Educating Child Pedestrians, WalkingInfo

District Department of Transportation

Maryland Accident Law Blog

Continue reading "Washington DC Pedestrian Accident Kills 11-Year-Old Boy in Georgetown" »

According to a new report, the local governments in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia are doing a good job in their efforts to crack down on distracted driving. The report from the Governors Highway Safety Association is called "Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs.”

The report notes that combating distracted driving has become a priority for many states, with many of them enacting tougher laws and coming up with more education programs and media campaigns to educate people about the dangers of driving while distracted. The District (along with Maryland and 42 other state) also now make it a point to collect distracted driving data when Washington DC motor vehicle crashes occur. Also, Washington DC now includes the issue of distracted driving in its driver education classes and driver’s license test, while using social networking sites to make known the dangers of cell phone talking and texting while driving.

The GHSA’s report, however, does note that more effort across the board needs to be made to get teenagers to become more aware that distracted driving is dangerous. Seeing as multi-tasking while driving is dangerous for even the most experienced drivers, it is important that teens, who have the least amount of experience when it comes to operating a motor vehicle, have their full attention on the task at hand so that they don't increase their chance of injury or death.

Distracted driving has fast become a leading cause of US car crashes—especially with the so many people using cell phones to talk and text while driving. According to AAA, distracted driving is a cause of about 3 million auto accidents each years.

Our Washington DC car accident lawyers know how devastating it is to lose someone you love in a motor vehicle crash that could have been prevented were it not for other parties’ negligence.

Region's Distracted Driving Crackdown Gets High Marks, WJLA, June 16, 2010

Curbing Distracted Driving: 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs, GHSA

Related Web Resources:
District Department of Transportation

AAA Exchange

Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog

Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog

Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

Continue reading "Washington DC Stays Vigilant in Fight to Prevent Distracted Driving Accidents" »

A 62-year-old retired police officer was injured on Friday night when he was hit by a Chevy SUV. Bill Tinker was crossing H Street, NW, at New Jersey Avenue from a Police Week food and beverage area when the Washington DC pedestrian accident happened.

The impact of the Washington DC car crash knocked Tinker out of his shoes and into the windshield of the vehicle that struck him before he landed on the ground. He broke several bones and had to be evaluated for possible head injuries.

Washington DC Pedestrian Accidents
When a pedestrian is injured during a Washington DC car accident, one of the first issues that investigators will try to resolve is who was at fault in causing the pedestrian accident. DId the pedestrian, the motorist, or another party cause the crash?

In most pedestrian accidents, it is the person walking who will have sustained the more serious injuries. Pedestrians don’t have anything to serve as a buffer between them and the impact of getting struck by a car, a motorcycle, a truck, or a bus. Pedestrian injuries can be catastrophic and the medical and recovery expenses can be astronomical. Seniors and children are at most risk of getting hurt or dying in a pedestrian accident.

Granted, in most Washington DC pedestrian accident cases involving a liable motorist, the negligent party likely never intended to hurt anyone. However, the driver can still be held accountable for the injuries, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Police Week Participant Struck By Car, MyFoxDC.com, May 16, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Car Accidents With Pedestrians, Nolo

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety, FHWA Safety

Maryland Car Accident Attorney Blog

Continue reading "Washington DC Pedestrian Accident Injures Retired Cop During National Police Week" »

US News & World Report has just put out its first Best States for Teen Drivers ranking and the District of Columbia tops the list. One reason for this is that Washington DC has some of the strictest laws governing teen drivers and their driving requirements. The state of Maryland placed 4th. This is good news for Washington DC and Maryland teen drivers, considering that car accidents are considered the number one cause of fatalities to teens in the 16-19 age group. Over 4,000 teenagers die every year.

That said, there is always more that can be done to prevent the number of Washington DC car accidents involving teen drivers.

Per a recent study about teen drivers by Allstate Foundation:

• 61% of teens are concerned they might get involved in a car accident
• 82% of teen drivers say that they use a cell phone when operating a motor vehicle
• 42% say that they text message and instant message when driving
• 65% of teenaged drivers think that they are good motorists that pay attention when driving
• Parents are the #1 influence when it comes to teenage drivers

It is so important that teens aren’t distracted when driving. Learning how to drive safely and correctly is challenging enough without the dangers posed by cell phone conversations, text messages, alcohol, or drugs.

Washington DC has a graduated licensing program (Gradual Rearing of Adult Drivers) that imposes certain temporary restrictions on young drivers so that they can gradually gain experience. Also, DC drivers with a learner’s permit are banned from using any kind of cell phone while driving and all Washington DC drivers are prohibited from texting and talking on a handheld cell phone.

D.C. Tops New Ranking of Safest Places for Teen Drivers, US News & World Report, March 18, 2010

U.S. News Media Group and Allstate Insurance Company Release 2010 Best States for Teen Drivers, PR Newswire, March 18, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Teen Drivers, CDC

The Graduated Licensing Program, District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles

Allstate Foundation

Continue reading "US News & World Report Ranks Washington DC as Safest Place for Teen Drivers" »

According to the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of US traffic fatalities dropped to 33,963 in 2009. That’s an 8.9% decrease from 2008 when there were 37,261 highway deaths. This is also the lowest that the US traffic fatality figure has dropped down to since 1994, and the 15th quarter in a row that there has been a decrease.

While National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland called the continued decrease in traffic deaths encouraging, he says that the government will keep working hard to keep bringing the death toll down. The NHTSA took aggressive action last year to stop motorists from drinking with its Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest campaign. It's Click It or Ticket campaign cited people for not putting on their seat belt. The federal government also made great strides toward discouraging distracted driving—especially cell phone use and text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.

Our Washington DC personal injury lawyers applaud the government’s effort to lower the number of traffic deaths. We also are in agreement that there is more than can be done to encourage drivers to operate their cars responsibly so that more vehicle occupants and pedestrians don’t get hurt or die unnecessarily.

Just last week, US Senate majority Leader Harry Reid’s wife and daughter were injured in a semi-truck crash near Washington DC. Landra Reid, 69, and Lara Barringer, 49, received medical attention after they were struck by a tractor-trailer.

Landra suffered a broken back, nose, and neck, while Lana, who sustained cuts, was examined by a neurologist because she has been experiencing dizziness. Trucker Alan W. Snader was charged with reckless driving for his role in the tractor-trailer crash.

Traffic Fatalities for 2009 Reach Record Low, NHTSA, March 11, 2010

Reid's wife, daughter recovering from truck crash, Associated Press, March 16, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Early estimate of motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2009, NHTSA (PDF)

District Department of Transportation

Continue reading "33,963 US Highway Deaths in 2009, Reports US DOT" »

The US Department of Transportation and the National Safety Council have created FocusDriven. This is the first national advocacy group focused on supporting distracted driving victims and raising awareness about the dangers this very bad driving habit presents to motorists and pedestrians. The group was developed as a result last year’s Distracted Driving Summit in Washington DC. On its Web site, FocusDriven states that its vision is to save lives and prevent injuries by eliminating the use of cell phones while driving.

For awhile, motorists and lawmakers thought that using a cell phone wasn’t too dangerous as long a driver kept both hands on the wheel and used an earpiece or Bluetooth device. While there are accident statistics that indicate a higher crash risk when a driver uses a handheld cellular phone, rather than a hands-free device, the mounting data which proves that talking on any type of cellular device while operating a motor vehicle is just plain dangerous can no longer be ignored. Like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), FocusDriven wants everyone to fully comprehend that there is no doubt whatsoever that talking on a phone while driving can injure and kill people.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and the NSC chose to announce creation of the advocacy group on Tuesday, exactly one year after the NSC called for a nationwide ban on the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. The US government also recently launched a federal Web site called Distraction.gov, which focuses on raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. LaHood says the Obama Administration is committed to “putting an end” to distracted driving.

Washington DC Car Accidents
In a busy city like Washington DC, it is not uncommon for motorists and pedestrians to multi-task while trying to manage busy careers, social calendars, and personal lives. Many people are wedded to their cell phones and PDAs, so it is not uncommon to make calls and send messages while commuting to and from work. Unfortunately, multi-tasking while operating a motor vehicle is a bad idea and can be considered negligent driving if someone is killed or hurt in a Washington DC motor vehicle collision as a result.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and the National Safety Council Announce FocusDriven, January 12, 2010, (PDF)

Related Web Resources:
FocusDriven

Distraction.gov

National Safety Council

Continue reading "US Department on Transportation and National Safety Council Step Up Fight Against Distracted Driving with FocusDriven Advocacy Group" »

Amanda Mahnke, Representative Rick Larsen's communications director who was seriously injured when an empty bus struck her on September 3, is suing Metro for Washington DC personal injury. She is seeking $30 million in damages.

According to Mahnke’s DC bus accident lawsuit, she sustained permanent injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, a broken clavicle, a fractured skull, fractured ribs, a collapsed long, an epidural hematoma, a pelvis fracture, and other personal injuries when she was struck by the Metro bus while she crossing an intersection on Florida Avenue, NW. She is accusing Metro of negligence for allowing bus driver Carla A. Proctor to keep driving its buses even though she had been sued in the past for causing other collisions.

Proctor was involved in a multi-vehicle crash involving another bus and seven autos in March 2003 when she got out of the bus to examine a faulty door. According to lawsuits against Metro and Proctor, because she allegedly failed to set the brake the bus rolled down a hill. After Proctor struck a parked vehicle in December 2004, an elderly bus passenger filed a Washington DC bus crash lawsuit against Metro.

In another case, two people who were at a Wendy’s sued Proctor for DC personal injury after she drove a car through the restaurant’s window in July 2003. She was not on duty with Metro when this Washington DC car accident happened.

Metro finally fired Proctor after she struck Mahnke. No criminal charges have been filed against her over the bus crash involving Mahnke, but witnesses say the bus driver ran a red light and she may have been speeding. Metro says Proctor neglected to do everything she could to avoid hitting the 30-year-old pedestrian.

Capitol Hill staffer hit by bus sues Metro, Washington Examiner, January 8, 2010

Woman struck by Metrobus suing agency for $30 million, Washington Post, January 7, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Metro, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2008: Early Release, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

A young woman has died from injuries she sustained last night in a Washington DC pedestrian accident at a bus stop on Pennsylvania Avenue. An auto that drove onto the curb that she was standing on struck her.

Her death is the second Washington DC pedestrian fatality to occur on a sidewalk in less than 24 hours. Earlier yesterday, a man he was struck by a pickup truck on 12th Street and Rhode Island Avenue NE. The truck driver drove onto the sidewalk after hitting a car. Metro Police are investigating whether speed, weather, or other factors contributed to this tragic Washington DC traffic crash.

Although Transportation for America ranked Washington DC as number 32 behind 31 other US areas that are more dangerous for pedestrians—9 of the 34 traffic fatalities last year were Washington DC pedestrian deaths—pedestrian accidents continue to occur in this city filled with commuters, tourists, students, and families.

Drivers must watch out for pedestrians, who have no protection from the impact of getting struck by a tractor-trailer, a bus, a SUV, a car, a motorcycle, a 15-passenger van, a delivery truck, an 18-wheeler truck, or another kind of motor vehicle. The Insurance for Highway Safety reports that children younger than age 13, elderly adult pedestrians, and male pedestrians are the groups with the higher pedestrian death rate. However, regardless of age or demographic, striking a pedestrian with an auto can cause catastrophic injuries or death.

In addition to pedestrian carelessness and driver negligence, Transportation for America says poorly designed roads are also a common cause of pedestrian injuries or deaths. This is important to note, because there could be more than one party that can be held liable for a Washington DC pedestrian injury or death.

Pedestrian Hit, Killed in Northeast DC, MyFOXDC, December 22, 2009

Car hits, kills woman at D.C. bus stop; truck kills pedestrian, Washington Post, December 23, 2009

Pedestrians, IIHS

Dangerous By Design, Transportation for America

Related Web Resources:
District Department of Transportation

NHTSA

Continue reading "Two People Standing on Sidewalks Killed in Separate Washington DC Pedestrian Accidents " »

According to AAA, about 87.7 million people in the US are expected to travel at least 50 miles away from home this holiday season—77.7 million travelers by motor vehicle. In Washington DC, approximately 2.5 million people are expected to leave town and most of them plan on doing so by car. That’s 4 out of 10 Washingtonians, says AAA.

With many roads and freeways undoubtedly more crowded than usual, our Washington DC car crash lawyers would like to remind motorists to drive safely so that you aren’t involved in an auto collision. Common bad driving behaviors that cause Washington DC motor vehicle accidents and can be cause for personal injury claims or wrongful death lawsuits include:

• Drunk driving
• Not paying attention to the road
• Texting while driving
• Using a cell phone
• Falling asleep
• Drowsy driving
• Speeding
• Failure to obey traffic lights and stop signs
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving
• Road rage

With icy and wet roads a factor during the holiday season, motorists should adjust their driving speed to the road conditions. It is also a good idea to drive with the appropriate tires (all weather tires, snow tires, snow chains) and be up-to-date on all maintenance matters to make sure that your vehicle is running smoothly and no mechanical problems occur that could cause you to be involved in a Washington DC traffic crash.

Unfortunately, the holiday season can be a time when motorists forget to be careful. When this happens, the liable driver and those involved in the Washington DC car accident can spend years dealing with the consequences.

Our Washington DC injury law firm knows how tough it can be to deal with the ramifications of a car crash, a motorcycle collision, a pedestrian accident, or a truck crash, especially one that was another party’s fault. We help our clients recover compensation from these negligent parties.

2.5 million D.C. residents expected to travel for holidays, Washington Post, December 18, 2009

Preparing your vehicle for winter weather, National Safety Commission, November 12, 2009

Related Web Resources:
AAA

NHTSA

A 76-year-old man has died from his injuries after he and his wife were struck by a motor vehicle on the Mall in Washington DC this Sunday. According to police, Richard Greenstein and his wife were in a marked crosswalk on Madison Drive NW at 12th street when a vehicle that was backing up struck the two of them.

Greenstein’s wife was treated for minor injuries before being released. Police are investigating the Washington DC pedestrian accident.

In another pedestrian accident, this one on the DC-Maryland border, a 54-year-old man died from injuries he sustained in Temple Hills when he was struck by two Secret Service autos on their way back from Andrews Air Force base. The vehicles are used by Vice President Joseph Biden, who was not in either auto when the pedestrian crash happened at around 3am EST.

Larry D. Moore was crossing the parkway at Naylor Road when he sustained “multiple critical injuries.” He was later pronounced dead. Police are investigating the deadly traffic crash.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 34 Washington DC traffic deaths that occurred in 2008, 9 of them were pedestrian fatalities. Nationally, 4,378 pedestrians were killed and 69,000 others were injured.

More NHTSA 2008 Pedestrian Facts:

• 72% of US pedestrian deaths took place in urban areas.
• 70% of the pedestrians that died were males.

Because they have nothing to protect them during the impact of colliding with a truck, bus, car, or motorcycle, pedestrians nearly always get the short end of the stick when involved in a Washington DC traffic accident. The injuries are often fatal or incredibly serious, requiring extensive medical procedures and rehabilitation care.

Man struck by car on Mall dies, Washington Post, November 17, 2009

Man killed in Secret Service crash identified, Gazette.net, November 12, 2009

Biden’s Secret Service motorcade involved in fatal accident, The Raw Story, November 11, 2009

Pedestrians, NHTSA (PDF)

Related Web Resources:
United States Secret Service

US Department of Transportation

Continue reading "Elderly Man Dies from Injuries Sustained during Washington DC Pedestrian Accident on the Mall" »

According to the 2009 Sleep in America poll by the National Sleep Foundation, about 1.9 Million Drivers are involved in drowsy driving car crashes or near miss accidents each year. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the power sleepiness can have in causing Washington DC car accidents.

Per the poll, 105 million US drivers have driven while sleepy in the last year. 54 million drivers drive while drowsy at least once a month.

National Sleep Foundation chairman Thomas Balkin says that while motorists are good at recognizing when they are tired, this doesn’t stop them from getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle and driving. Balkin says that people mistakenly think that they can will themselves to stay awake but they often don’t even realize that they are falling asleep. Balkin notes that just one moment of “reduced awareness” can cause a motor vehicle crash.

Drowsy driving slows reflexes, reduces alertness, and impairs one’s ability to think clearly and rapidly respond to an emergency situation. A person who is sleepy or very tired while driving might inadvertently lane change, let go of the steering wheel, fail to notice traffic signs, not see other vehicles or pedestrians, drive off the road, or drive into oncoming traffic.

Drowsy driving can be grounds for a Washington DC injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit if another person is injured as a result.

In an attempt to decrease the number of drowsy driving accidents, the National Sleep Foundation has declared November 2 – 8 Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.

Ways to Avoid Drowsy Driving:

• Get a good night’s driving.
• Take periodic brakes (every 2 hours or every 100 miles).
• Don’t drink alcohol or take medications that cause drowsiness before driving.
• If necessary, stop and take a nap.
• Take caffeine if necessary.

.9 Million Drivers Have Fatigue-Related Car Crashes or Near Misses Each Year, Reuters, October 29, 2009

Drowsy Driving: Reduce Your Risk of Falling Asleep Behind the Wheel, Associated Content, June 27, 2006

Related Web Resources:
National Sleep Foundation

NHTSA

Continue reading "Stay Alert and Awake: Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Reminds Motorists to Prevent Washington DC Car Accidents Caused by Sleepiness and Fatigue " »

Ghosts and goblins may not be the scariest part of Halloween for kids. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Halloween is the second deadliest day of the year for pedestrians. Meantime, Safe Kids USA reports that kids are twice as likely to die in a child pedestrian accident on Halloween night than any other night.

The reason that the night of October 31 brings with it a greater risk of Washington DC pedestrian accidents is that there are more kids out on the streets and sidewalks than on other nights because they are trick or treating. Also, Consumer Reports is reminding readers that this year, Halloween is on a Saturday. This means there is no school or work the next day. The NTSB says that more pedestrian accidents happen on Saturdays than on any other day of the year. Because November 1, 2009 is when we’ll turn our clocks back an hour, this year, people have one more hour to stay out on Halloween.

Just because Halloween is a time for tricks and treats doesn’t mean that drivers and pedestrians should become less vigilant when out on the streets. Little kids in costume can be hard to see—especially if they are wearing dark clothing or masks—and in the excitement to get from one house to the next a young child may run into the middle of the road unexpectedly. Parents should make sure that young kids do not walk around by themselves unattended or, at the very least, familiarize them with the rules of safe walking.

For drivers, driving drunk on any night is never a good idea. It’s an especially bad idea on Halloween night when motorists must watch out for child pedestrians. Driving slower than the speed limit can also help. Now is also a good time (as any) to stop text messaging or talking on the cell phone while driving.

If your child was injured in a Washington DC pedestrian accident because a motorist was careless or reckless, you may have grounds for an injuries to minors lawsuit.

Real horror of Halloween: Pedestrian deaths, USA Today, October 26, 2009

Halloween safety tips for pedestrians and drivers, Consumer Reports, October 28, 2009

Safe Kids USA

Educating Child Pedestrians, WalkingInfo.org

Continue reading "Halloween Can Be Scary for Washington DC Pedestrians " »

Shortly after 1am on Saturday, a pedestrian was fatally struck on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Police say that the victim, a man in his 30’s who appears to be Hispanic, was hit by at least two motor vehicles. His death is the fourth pedestrian fatality in the Washington portion of the parkway in the last 14 months and the third one close to the exit ramp going into the District.

According to the D.C. Department of Transportation, The Washington DC pedestrian death rate is even higher than the pedestrian fatality counts of Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. About 600 Washington DC pedestrian accidents occur each year. Another study reports stated that over 80 pedestrian deaths take place in the Washington region every year.

On Tuesday, a woman died in a DC pedestrian accident when a Metrobus struck her. 47-year-old Stephanie Richardson got off a bus and was hit by another bus traveling in the same direction. She was transported to Washington Hospital Center where she was pronounced dead.

Some 14 people have died this year in Metro-related accidents. Just last month, a 30-year-old jogger sustained critical injuries when a Metro bus struck her. There are reports that the bus driver ran a red light and the pedestrian victim, Amanda Mahnke, was crossing the street because she had the walk signal.

Washington DC Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians injured in DC truck accidents, bus crashes, motorcycle collisions, and other traffic accidents may be entitled to Washington DC personal injury recovery. Serious pedestrian injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and internal injuries.

Pedestrian Fatally Struck on Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Washington Post, October 11, 2009

D.C. woman, 47, dies after being hit by Metrobus, Washington Examiner, October 7, 2009

Sources: Bus Ran Light, Hit Jogger, My Fox, September 25, 2009

Related Web Resources:
D.C. Department of Transportation

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Continue reading "Washington DC Pedestrian Fatally Struck by at Least Two Vehicles " »

President Barack Obama has signed an executive order banning federal employees from texting while driving a vehicle when on official business even if the vehicle being driven is not owned by the government. The order, issued last week, is an attempt to lead the charge encouraging people to stop texting while driving.

Lawmakers, ordinary citizens, safety advocates, and police attended a two-day Distracted Driving Summit in Washington DC that the US Department of Transportation organized. Already, the District of Columbia has a ban on texting or talking on a hand-held device while driving. Unfortunately, there are District of Columbia motorists who still engage in this dangerous habit that can lead to catastrophic Washington DC car accidents. Not only is texting while driving against the law but, like drunk driving, this popular form of distracted driving can kill people and lead to DC injury claims and wrongful death lawsuits.

The Obama administration has given each of the federal agencies 90 days to figure out how to enforce his order. He also wants the agencies to ban subcontractors and contractors from texting while driving. Federal employees working in national security or law enforcement are exempt from the ban.

For purposes of his order, President Obama defines “driving” as operating a motor vehicle. Drivers that are stopped at a traffic stop or traffic light or for any other reason that requires them to engage with the flow of traffic even if they are in "pause" mode with the engine running are still "driving." However, Mr. Obama says it is acceptable for a federal worker to text message if he or she has pulled over to the side of the road.

Distracted Driving Facts from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety:

• Driver distraction is the cause of 1 million North American traffic accidents each year.
• Although, per the 2009 Index, 95% of drivers think that texting while driving is unacceptable behavior, 18% of them still do it.
• More than 50% of the time a motorist is driving, he or she is engaged in at least one other task.

Obama enacts texting ban on federal employees, The Washington Times, October 2, 2009

The Facts about Distracted Driving – Know the Dangers/Avoid the Risks, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

Related Web Resources:
The White House

US Department of Transportation

Continue reading "President Obama Bans Federal Employees from Texting While Driving" »

At the opening of the Distracted Driving Summit, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said that texting while driving has become an “an endemic” and a “menace to society.” Over 300 people are taking part in the conference, including law enforcement officials, lawmakers, and safety experts.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,780 people died (16% of all deadly traffic collisions) and 515,000 people sustained injuries in distracted driving accidents last year. Many of these auto crashes are a result of people using cell phones and PDAs.

Distracted driving is reportedly a big problem among young drivers, especially those under age 21. Distracted driving was a factor in 16% of deadly crashes involving drivers in this age group.

Young motorists, however, aren’t the only ones who text and drive. CTIA-The Wireless Association reports that while 10 billion text messages a month were sent in December 2005, more than 110 billion texts were transmitted in December 2008.

Texting while driving is now illegal in Washington DC and 18 US states. Seven states have made it illegal to talk on a handheld cell phone while driving. Safety groups are calling on a nationwide ban making it illegal for drivers to text and have cell phone conversations. Meantime, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety wants the government to restrict the texting and cell phone talk of the operators of tractor-trailers, large vans, and motor coaches, while the Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers (members include Ford, General Motors, and Toyota) support a ban on handheld phones and texting while driving.

Too many catastrophic car accidents are happening because drivers were distracted. Texting usually requires the use of both hands and eyes. This means that the texting driver will spend at least a few seconds not holding the steering wheel, not watching the road, and not paying attention. These few seconds can end someone’s life.

Bus accidents, train accidents, truck accidents, and car accidents have happened because motorists were distracted. Our Washington DC injury lawyers are cognizant of how distracted driving can destroy lives and we are here to help.

Distracted Driving Summit Emphasizing Danger of Texting Opens Today in Washington DC, ABC News, September 29, 2009

Govt: Nearly 6,000 deaths from driver distraction, AP, September 29, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Distracted Driving Summit, US Department of Transportation

Distracted Driving, National Safety Council

CTIA-The Wireless Association

Metro says that it fired the bus driver who struck a female jogger during a Washington DC pedestrian accident on September 3. Carla A. Proctor hit Amanda Mahnke while operating an empty bus on Florida Avenue NW. The 30-year-old jogger is Representative Rick Larsen’s communications director. She fractured her skull and sustained several other fractures during the DC Metro bus accident.

Metro cited “failing to follow standard operating procedures” as the reason for Proctor’s dismissal. The September 3 accident, which occurred close to Dupont Circle, is not the first time that the bus driver was involved in a bus crash.

In March 2003, seven motor vehicles and another bus were damaged after Proctor exited the bus to check on a faulty door. The bus accident lawsuits that were filed against Proctor and Metro accused her of neglecting to set the brake properly. This allegedly caused the empty bus to roll down a hill and into an auto, triggering a chain reaction with the other motor vehicles. A Prince George’s County jury awarded three plaintiffs $27,713 in damages. A settlement was reached in another DC bus accident claim over the multi-vehicle crash.

In December 2004, Proctor drove her Metro bus into a parked auto while turning onto Wisconsin Avenue from O Street. A 72-year-old bus passenger sued Metro for Washington DC personal injury. The case was settled in mediation under confidential terms.

In July 2003, Proctor, who was not working at the time, was involved in a motor vehicle crash that resulted in her vehicle driving through the front window of a Wendy’s in Oxon Hill. Two of the restaurant patrons sued her for Maryland personal injury. The case was settled out of court.

Proctor received five traffic tickets in January for operating an uninsured vehicle, not maintaining insurance, not having current tags, and not displaying a registration card upon demand. Charges are also pending against her for a traffic stop in Prince George’s County in 2008.

Metro fires bus driver for hitting jogger, Washington Examiner, September 25, 2009

Metrobus Crash Not The First For Driver, The Washington Post, September 16, 2009

Related Web Resource:
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority

Continue reading "Metrobus Driver Who Struck Jogger in Washington DC Pedestrian Accident is Fired" »

There have been reports of a recent rise in pedestrian deaths in the Washington D.C. area. While 17 pedestrians were killed on D.C. roads during all of 2006, four pedestrians were killed within one week alone in early February. By February 12, five pedestrians fatalities in D.C. had already been noted for 2007:

· Metropolitan Police say one pedestrian was killed on February 11 when he was hit by a Maryland man driving a 2004 Mitsubishi Endeavor. The victim appeared to be drunk and crossed the street outside the crosswalk.

· Another pedestrian, J’lin Tyler, a 6-year-old elementary school student, was killed after he ran into the street and was hit by a Jeep Cherokee on February 9.

· On February 7, a man went to the Third Street Tunnel entrance to help a driver whose tractor-trailer was too tall to go through the tunnel without guidance. As the driver put the truck into reverse, the man, who was directing the driver, moved into the way of a cement truck and was fatally struck.

· Another man, Gary Scott Phillips, was crossing New Hampshire Avenue, NW, on February 3 when a man riding a bicycle hit him. Phillips died as a result of the accident.

· On January 16, Carla Gonzales, 24, ran in front of a Metrobus, which struck and killed her on 16th Street NW.

In 2004, 10 pedestrians were killed in the Washington D.C. area. 16 pedestrians died in 2005.

Washington D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty says that his administration is working on a Pedestrian Master Plan, which will identify the improvements that are necessary to the District’s crosswalks, sidewalks, refuge islands, and countdown signals.

While pedestrian error is a common cause of pedestrian injures and fatalities, driver error can also lead to pedestrians getting hurt or being killed on the road.

Examples of Common Driver Errors Leading To Pedestrian Injuries Or Deaths:

· Ignoring a crosswalk, the signal on a traffic light, or a pedestrian crossing sign
· Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
· Disregarding a traffic light or a pedestrian walk sign
· Not paying attention to a pedestrian that is crossing the road, whether or not they are in a designated crossing area
· Not paying attention while driving by a stopped school bus to see whether children might be preparing to cross the street or get off or on the bus

A pedestrian struck by a car, motorcycle, truck, SUV, or other kind of moving vehicle can sustain serious injuries and possibly even be killed in an accident. When a driver’s negligence leads to a pedestrian injury or death, the driver may be held liable for the injuries or wrongful death through a personal injury claim filed on behalf of the victim or their loved ones.

Continue reading "In Washington D.C., A Recent Increase In Pedestrian Deaths " »

Yesterday, A 7-year-old child was hit by a motor vehicle after she ran onto the 2900 block of Stanton Road. According to police, the child is being treated for bruises and scrapes. This is the second child pedestrian-related accident on a D.C. street in the last few days.Just five days ago, 4-year-old girl was killed by a truck.

In 2005, According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA):

· 64, 000 pedestrians were injured.
· 16,000 of those injured were 14-years-of-age or younger.
· 4881 pedestrians were killed.
· Kids who were 14 years of age and younger made up 7 % (339) of these fatalities.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) explains why child pedestrians are at high risk for sustaining injuries on the road:

· In the United States, 4,641 pedestrians died from traffic-related injuries in 2004, and another 68,000sustained nonfatal injuries (NHTSA 2005).
· Nearly one-fifth of the traffic fatalities among children ages 5-9 years were sustained by pedestrians (NHTSA 2005).

Children are at increased risk for pedestrian injuries for several reasons:

· Their smaller size makes them difficult for drivers to see, especially if they are standing between parked cars on the side of the road.
· Young children are often unable to judge distances and vehicle speeds accurately, so they can easily misjudge whether it is safe to cross a street.
· Parents can overestimate their child’s ability to cross the street. Many elementary school-age children don’t understand traffic signals or how to anticipate a driver’s actions.
· Drivers and child pedestrians each assume (incorrectly) that the other will yield the right-of-way.

The personal injury law firm of Lebowitz and Mzhen handles pedestrian accidents and accidents involving minors. If you have a child who has been injured or killed in a pedestrian-related traffic accident, please contact Lebowitz and Mzhen for a free consultation.

Child, 7, Struck By Vehicle in Southeast, wtop.com, Oct 3, 2006

Traffic Safety Facts, 2005, NHTSA (PDF)

Child Pedestrian Safety, CDC.gov

Related Web Resources:

Pedestrian Safety Tips, Safekids.org

Facts About Injuries To Child Pedestrians, (PDF)