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Memorial Day Safe Driving Tips

Wilmington car accident lawyers want you to drive safely this holiday weekend.Are you celebrating the unofficial start of summer by traveling to your favorite vacation spot, or to a family barbeque in another state? If so, you are not alone. Memorial Day weekend has become one of the most heavily travelled weekends of the year. The American Automobile Association (AAA) expects 36.6 million drivers on the road over the holiday weekend.  That is an increase of 4.7 percent over the 2017 numbers.

The following are some simple driving tips to ensure a safe holiday weekend:

Properly Maintain Your Vehicle

Preventing a serious motor vehicle accident often can be as simple as properly maintaining your car or truck. By making sure your tires are properly inflated, your windshield wipers are functioning, windshield fluid is adequate, and the brake fluid is filled, you significantly reduce the risk of a car accident. Working headlights and taillights also are important for any extended road trip. Avoid letting a gas tank get too low.

Part of proper maintenance should also be checking to make sure that you understand how to use all of your vehicle’s safety features, such as the adaptive cruise control, the blind spot warning system, and backup cameras.

Do Not Mix Alcohol and Driving

Driving a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs is never a good idea. With an average of 30 deaths attributed to drunk driving accidents each day, the risks of getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after drinking are well documented. Since many Memorial Day celebrations include alcohol, plan ahead to stay the night or designate a sober driver to ensure that no one drives after drinking even one alcoholic beverage.

Avoid Drowsy Driving

Drivers must be aware of their level of tiredness before operating their vehicles. Drowsy driving can result in serious accidents when a driver even temporarily closes their eyes or loses focus. Watch for cars drifting into the shoulder or into other traffic lanes, as these are usually signs of drowsy driving.

To avoid becoming a drowsy driver yourself, get plenty of rest before traveling, drink lots of water, and take frequent breaks while driving long distances.

Apply Good Driving Practices

In situations where road traffic is heavier than usual, relying on good driving practices becomes essential. Safe drivers ensure themselves and their passengers are wearing seatbelts. Over 150 lives would be saved alone with proper seatbelt use.

Leave plenty of room when following another vehicle; follow posted speed limits; and avoid distractions, including cell phones, while operating your vehicle. Even a hands-free device can pose serious safety risks, due to distracted driving.

The use of child restraint safety seats is another good driving practice that can prevent serious injuries. Proper child restraint systems must be appropriate for the child’s height, weight and age.

According to the National Safety Council, injuries and fatalities that occur during holiday weekends continue to rise every year on the average of 6-14 percent. While such trends continue, drivers should apply all of these safe driving tips this Memorial Day weekend.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Want You to Drive Safely This Holiday Weekend

Even the safest drivers may find themselves involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, an experienced Wilmington car accident lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. will help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries. With offices conveniently located in Wilmington and Georgetown, Delaware, our attorneys are proud to represent car accident victims throughout Delaware. To schedule your free confidential consultation call us at 302-656-5445 or submit an online inquiry form.

Memorial Day Weekend Slip and Fall Hazards

Wilmington slip and fall lawyers fight for those injured in preventable accidents over the holiday weekend.As the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend brings millions of Americans back to the beach, the campground, and the pool. Every summer, families make memories to last a lifetime. With all this activity comes an increased risk of slip and fall accidents. While the ice and snow are long gone, summer fun brings its own hazards.

According to research, falls are the most common reason for emergency room visits in this country. More than one in ten serious falls is a slip and fall accident. Slip and fall accidents cause bruises, broken bones, lacerations, as well as back, neck, and head injuries.

Many of these injuries can be prevented with a bit of caution and preparation. Here are some of the most common slip and fall hazards Americans may encounter this Memorial Day weekend and throughout the summer months.

Slip and Fall Accidents at Hotels and Resorts

As millions of Americans spend Memorial Day weekend, or some part of their summer vacations at hotels and motels out of town, travelers should be mindful of slip and fall hazards at these resorts. Freshly mopped or waxed floors prevent walkers from gaining traction, making slip and fall accidents more likely. Guests at indoor and outdoor swimming pools inadvertently track water through hotel foyers and hallways, posing a risk to others. Concrete pavement, carpeting, or other flooring that is buckled or in disrepair can cause guests to trip and lose their footing.

Slip and Fall Accidents at the Pool and Lake

For many families, Memorial Day weekend is their first chance to cool off in the pool or lake. Pavement, decking, or concrete adjacent to swimming areas is a very common site for slip and fall accidents. Poorly-lit walkways and broken or uneven stairs or flooring near pools not only pose a slip and fall hazard, but also a drowning risk when these hazards are close to deep water.

Slip and Fall Accidents at the Campsite

For families who look forward to spending the holiday weekend at the campground, slip and fall accidents can be just as dangerous. Falls from high elevations like cliffs and mountains are more likely to cause devastating injuries. When campers are gathered around a bonfire, a slip and fall can lead to serious burns. Sticks, tent poles and other camping equipment can cause puncture wounds for slip and fall victims.

To prevent these common hazards this Memorial Day, property owners are responsible for keeping their facilities well-maintained and safe for public use. When slip and fall accidents are caused by a failure to properly maintain a property or to fix a dangerous condition on the premises, injured victims may have a valid premises liability lawsuit against the responsible parties.

Wilmington Slip and Fall Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Fight for Those Injured in Preventable Falls

The Wilmington slip and fall lawyers at the law firm of Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to help if you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a preventable slip and fall accident. To discuss your situation and determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit, call 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation at our Wilmington or Georgetown offices, where we represent clients throughout Delaware.

Crash Test Focuses on Passenger Safety

Wilmington personal injury lawyers report on crash tests focusing on passenger safety and fight for those injured during an accident.The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has many rigorous tests that determine its safety ratings for the more than 200 models of cars and trucks available to consumers. Vehicles must prove their crashworthiness in tests of how well the front and sides protect their occupants. Other factors such as roof strength and head restraint performance are tested as well. In another measure of safety, a small overlap frontal crash test simulates what happens when the driver’s side of the vehicle hits a pole or tree.

This offset test proved difficult for a number of vehicles when it was first introduced five years ago. The results spurred automakers to make improvements such as extending bumpers, providing larger side-curtain airbags, and strengthening the passenger compartments.

New IIHS Crash Test

The success of these safety improvements to the driver’s side brought to light the fact that now passengers in the front need similar protections. To that end the IIHS has a small overlap test for the passenger side of vehicles. Overlap tests are more rigorous than direct frontal crash tests and show the effectiveness of the airbag, seatbelt, and outer edges of the car not included in the crush zone.

Top Ten Midsize Cars

The passenger side small overlap test was first used on 13 models of midsize cars. Of these, 10 vehicles earned a rating of good. Two, the Volkswagen Passat and Chevrolet Malibu, achieved only marginal results, and the Volkswagen Jetta was deemed acceptable. The 10 cars receiving good marks were as follows:

  • 2018 models: Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Toyota Camry
  • 2017 models: Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Lincoln MKZ, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima

Critics of the test say that the IIHS is supported by the insurance industry, which has an interest in reducing claim costs. They note that while offset collisions can produce serious lower body injuries, they are not a major cause of fatalities. However, senior engineers at IIHS see passenger head protection as an urgent safety issue. Passenger test dummies in the Passat and Malibu, the cars that received marginal grades, slid off the front airbag and hit their heads on the dashboard during the offset collision test. Optimizing the seatbelt and airbag performance could prevent this. In comparison, the Subaru models were particularly effective in protecting passengers, showing low-risk of injury in a real-life crash.

More cars will undergo the new test in the coming months and the results will be available on the IIHS website. Crash tests are useful not only for determining which cars and trucks are safest, but also to root out defects so that they can be addressed and improved, thus avoiding recalls and product liability lawsuits for carmakers.

Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Those Injured by Defective Products

If you have been injured in a car accident caused by a product defect, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the experienced Wilmington personal injury lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. to review your legal options. Call 302-656-5445 today or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. From our Wilmington and Georgetown offices, we proudly represent clients throughout the state, including those in Dover, New Castle, and Newark, Delaware.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Wilmington bicycle accident lawyers represent accident victims and list common causes of bike accidents.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that bicyclists accounted for two percent of all traffic deaths, and two percent of all crash-related injuries in 2014. When the accident involves a vehicle, the biker is most likely to be injured. As the weather turns nicer and more people are riding their bicycles, it is important for cyclists to be aware of the common causes of bike accidents, so they can reduce their risk of being involved in one.

NHTSA Bicycle Accident and Fatality Statistics

  • 20 percent of bicyclist deaths occurred between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
  • 71 percent of bicyclist deaths occurred in urban areas
  • 88 percent of bicyclists who were killed were male
  • Most males injured were between the ages of 20 and 24 years old
  • Approximately one in five bicyclists killed in crashes had blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of .08 percent or higher

Common Causes of Bike Accidents

Although bicycle accidents occur less frequently than car accidents, they are more likely to result in serious injury or death. Most accidents involving a bicycle and a motor vehicle occur due to negligent motorists.

In addition to speeding and distracted driving, some common causes of bike accidents include:

  • Failure to Yield Right of Way: Cyclists are entitled to the same rights as motor vehicle drivers, and they must both share the road, according to traffic laws. Drivers who do not yield right of way are in violation and may be held accountable for resulting damage and injuries.
  • Failure to Stop: Sometimes, drivers do not come to a complete stop before proceeding across an intersection and then collide with a cyclist passing with the right of way. Also, cyclists may fail to come to a complete stop before riding across the intersection and passing in front of a car that has the right of way.
  • The Right Cross: This happens when a car pulls out of a parking lot, driveway, or side street, and hits the cyclist on the right side. This usually occurs because the motorist does not see the cyclist until they have passed in front of their vehicle and it is too late.
  • The Left Cross: This occurs when a vehicle makes a left turn in front of a cyclist, often striking the cyclist on the left side. The motorist may not see the cyclist or may misjudge his speed, causing them to collide as the motorist turns left at the intersection.
  • The Right Hook: This usually occurs when a motor vehicle driver speeds up and cuts off a cyclist when making a right turn. The driver is often unaware that they have not passed with sufficient space, causing the cyclist to slam into the car when the driver makes the right turn.

When both motorists and cyclists remain aware of one another, and follow the rules of the road, the potential for accidents can be reduced.

Wilmington Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Bike Accident Victims in Personal Injury Claims

If you were injured in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, contact the knowledgeable Wilmington bicycle accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. We are experienced in handling all types of bicycle accident claims including those involving negligent motorists, defective roadways and unsafe bicycle equipment. Our attorneys handle claims throughout Delaware from our offices in Georgetown and Wilmington, including those in Dover, Sussex County, and New Castle County. Call us at 302-656-5445 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.

Bicycle Friendly Delaware Act

Wilmington personal injury lawyers recover compensation for injured bicyclists and impart some of the new rules of the bicycle friendly act.The bipartisan Bicycle Friendly Delaware Act signed into law last October establishes more rights for bicyclists in Delaware and includes some new rules for everyone. For instance, honking at cyclists is now banned, except for in cases of imminent danger, and cars must change lanes when passing bicyclists.

Most bike crashes occur at intersections. Two aspects of the Act address this issue directly. Bicycle traffic signals will now be adopted throughout the state by DelDOT. Another groundbreaking change is allowing bicyclists to yield at stop signs when the intersection is clear, instead of requiring a full stop at every stop sign, without exceptions. Idaho is currently the only other state that allows bikes to safely yield at an intersection, which enables them to maintain their momentum. Eight other states have attempted to pass similar legislation and failed.

Where to Ride

The Act also better defines where bicyclists should be on the road, further improving their safety in traffic. Previously, Delaware law stated that bikes must ride “as close as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway.” This ambiguous language did not allow for any safety variables, such as condition of the road. The new Act is more specific and says riders should be “far enough to the right as judged safe by the operator to facilitate the movement of such overtaking vehicles unless the bicycle operator determines that other conditions make it unsafe to do so.” Other clarifications allow bicyclists to ride two abreast within the lane in narrow lanes.

Collaboration with Law Enforcement

Delaware was able to pass the new legislation because it had the full support and involvement of the Delaware State Police, whose Traffic Unit contributed suggestions. The statewide advocacy group Bike Delaware was also a key collaborator in developing the language that eventually became law. Together the two groups tried to create laws that actually reflect how people act on the road. The police wanted rules that they could help enforce, and knew from experience what does not work. The executive director of Bike Delaware said that without police support it would have been impossible to move a safety bill forward.

The legislation’s co-sponsors were also co-sponsors of both Walkable Bikeable Delaware and the Healthy and Transit-Friendly Development Act.

Bicycle Safety Awareness

Now that Delaware has declared itself “bike friendly” with the new Act passed, it will be crucial to raise public awareness of the new rules. Delaware State Police have received training on the new laws, and Bike Delaware launched a statewide campaign to promote the Act. The Bicycle Friendly Delaware Act can only succeed if drivers, cyclists, and police all understand the new laws designed to keep bicyclists out of harm’s way.

Wilmington Personal Injury Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Recover Compensation for Injured Bicyclists

We all must share the road with bikes, but not every driver follows the rules of the road. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call a Wilmington personal injury lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. We will evaluate your case for free and advocate on your behalf to achieve the best outcome possible for you. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown we proudly serve clients in Dover and across Delaware.

Bill to Prevent Side Underride Accidents

Delaware truck accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar represent those injured in side underride accidentsWhen a car and truck collide in a crash, the greater height of the truck makes it possible for the car to slide underneath causing severe injuries to those who are not killed in this type of terrible accident. Every year hundreds of motorist, cyclists, and pedestrians die in underride accidents. Over the last 19, years there have been more than 4,000 underride fatalities. Now legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate that will make both side and re-engineered rear guards mandatory for all new semi-trailers.

Named the Roya, AnnaLeah & Mary Comprehensive Underride Protection Act of 2017 after three girls who died in underride accidents, the bill was submitted by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand along with Senators Marco Rubio, Steve Cohen, and Mark DeSaulnier. Senator Gillibrand stated that just as the use of seatbelts and other safety standards are required, so should the use of side and rear guards for trucks.

Side and rear guards for trucks cover the exposed spaces below the undercarriage of the tractor trailer. In the event of a truck accident, guards prevent smaller vehicles from sliding under the truck – something which can have catastrophic results for the occupants.

A Recognized Life Saving Device

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an independent non-profit organization, has performed research that shows how strong underride guards not only prevent a car from sliding under a truck in an accident, they also further protect vehicle occupants by triggering airbags and belt restraint devices. IIHS data show that risk of injury in a truck wreck can be reduced by up to 75 percent when a semi-trailer has been equipped with side underride guards. This data was used in formulating the legislation now before the U.S. Senate.

Although the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recommended the use of underride guards since the 1970s, there has never been any legislation that requires it. Around the world, underride guards have been mandatory for some time including in Japan and many European countries.

In the U.S., the cities of Boston, New York, and Seattle require certain large trucks to use side underride guards to protect the significant number of pedestrians and cyclists in their cities. Side guards on trucks prevent people from falling under the wheels and are a last line of defense for pedestrians and cyclists who can be easily swept under a truck’s rear wheels. In many cyclist and pedestrian accidents involving a truck, the first impact is with the side of the truck. The United Kingdom enacted laws requiring trucks to be equipped with side guards in 1986 and since then there has been a reduction of 61 percent in cyclist fatalities and 20 percent in pedestrian deaths from side- impact truck crashes.

Delaware Truck Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Injured Victims and Their Families

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. The skilled Delaware truck accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you determine your legal options and will fight to make sure you receive the maximum compensation allowable in your case. Contact us online or call 302-656-5445 today to schedule a consultation with an experienced Delaware truck accident lawyer. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown we proudly represent satisfied clients throughout New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County, Delaware.

Daylight Saving Time Accidents

Wilmington car accident lawyers represent injured victims of drowsy driving accidents as a result of daylight saving time.Daylight saving time was begun with the idea that if clocks were turned an hour forward in the spring, we would have an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Turning them back in fall gives us an extra hour in the morning. Around the world, there are countries like Argentina and Russia, that used to use daylight saving time, but no longer do. Other countries, like China, have never used it at all.

In the United States, we still change our clocks every spring and fall; but now researchers are making the case that daylight saving time could be hazardous to our health. Accident rates are higher in the weeks that follow the time change, as are incidents of heart attacks. One study found a 6.3 percent in fatal car accidents over the six days after the clocks are changed.

Losing Sleep and Drowsy Driving

An hour of lost sleep may not sound like much. However, considering that some people only sleep five or six hours a night anyway, losing an hour puts them well under the recommended minimum of seven hours. Studies show that adjusting the body’s sleep cycle may take at least a week during which time people are at risk for drowsy driving. A sleep deprived driver has the same reduced function and slower reaction time as a drunk driver. These still-sleepy commuters also have to adjust to making their morning drive in the dark. The rate of pedestrian accidents is higher after clocks are changed for daylight saving time.

In the fall, even though we gain an extra hour of sleep, things are no better. In fact, some people think they have an extra hour to stay out drinking that weekend, thus raising their risk of being in a drunk driving accident and injuring other innocent drivers. New York City even launched a safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of car and pedestrian accidents following the daylight saving time change reminding city dwellers to be vigilant once daylight has faded. Truck accidents can also be a problem because their drivers have irregular schedules making it even harder to adjust to the change in time.

Stay Safe When the Clocks Change

Some would prefer to eliminate the clock change because the original argument about saving energy used to light homes by having more daylight hours really does not hold up anymore. However, at present in the U.S. everyone except for those living in Arizona and Hawaii must deal with the safety issues that arise twice a year due to daylight saving time. To minimize your risk of being in a car accident, get plenty of sleep the night before the time change. Be extra aware when driving, especially during the hours that are newly darkened. If you become drowsy, pull over and rest rather than drive while fatigued.

Wilmington Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Represent Injured Victims of Drowsy Driving Accidents

Find out about your legal options from an experienced Wilmington car accident lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. if you have been injured in a car accident. We will seek maximum compensation on your behalf so that you can recover from your injuries. Call 302-565-5445 today or contact us online. With offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, we represent clients throughout Delaware.

Wrongful Death Suits in Delaware

Delaware wrongful death lawyers help families recover compensation in wrongful death actions.A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil case that may be filed when the wrongful actions of another party cause the death of someone else. A wrongful act is any that would have allowed the deceased person to bring a personal injury claim had they survived. In Delaware, if an injured person is pursuing compensation in a personal injury case and then dies, the estate may take over the case and file for wrongful death. If the person being sued dies, the case may continue against representatives of the person’s estate.

Filing a Wrongful Death Suit

Every state has different laws about who may file a wrongful death lawsuit. Generally, some relation between the deceased person and the claimant must exist. In Delaware, the following people can file a wrongful death action:

  • The children of the deceased, including those born out of wedlock
  • The siblings of the deceased, including any related only through one parent
  • The parents of the deceased even if they were not married at the time the child was born

A wrongful death suit can still be brought even when there is no surviving child, sibling, or parent. In such cases, compensation can be awarded to any person who was related to the deceased person by blood or marriage.

The Delaware statute of limitations gives claimants two years from the day a person dies to file a wrongful death lawsuit in the state civil court system. Wrongful death claims may be brought and run concurrently with criminal cases being tried based on the same evidence of the person’s death. Any claims filed past the two-year statute of limitations will most likely be barred from court.

Awarding Damages in Delaware

If the defendant in a wrongful death case is found liable for the death of the person on whose behalf the claim was filed, then damages will be awarded. The jury or judge decides the amount of damages that are granted. In Delaware, damages may be recovered for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses that are not more than $7000
  • Loss of contributions for support
  • Loss of contributions for marital, parental, and household services, including the reasonable cost of providing for the care of minor children

The surviving spouse or next of kin may also receive damages for mental anguish. Others who may receive mental anguish damages are the surviving spouse, child, or parent who stand in loco parentis (in the place of a parent) to the person who died. It is not necessary to have achieved this status before the injury to be awarded damages. However, the reverse is not true. Any person to whom the decedent stood in loco parentis must have already had that status as of the date of injury or they cannot recover damages for mental anguish.

Delaware Wrongful Death Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Families Recover Compensation in Wrongful Death Actions

If you have questions about filing a wrongful death action, consult with an experienced Delaware wrongful death lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Call 302-656-5445 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online. We have convenient locations in Wilmington and Georgetown to serve clients throughout Sussex County, New Castle County and Kent County.

Dover Car Crash Leaves Young Girl with Critical Injuries

Dover Car Crash Leaves Young Girl with Critical InjuriesA car crash in Dover, Delaware left a young girl critically injured on Thursday night. Around 7:30 pm, the car accident occurred when a 39-year-old man from Ellendale, Delaware, who was driving under the influence of alcohol, slammed into a sedan that was stopped at a red light. The impact of the collision caused the sedan to hit a pickup truck. The woman driving the sedan sustained a head injury and received treatment at the Bayhealth Kent General Hospital while her 10-year-old daughter incurred serious injuries, needed to be transported to the Nemours Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, and remains in critical condition. The driver of the pickup truck escaped the car crash without injuries.

When motorists engage in drunk driving or speeding, they may cause a serious car accident, which puts other drivers and their passengers at-risk for a range of personal injuries as well as potential fatalities. Negligent driving practices are a major contributing factor to many motor vehicle crashes. Survivors of this type of accident may face debilitating injuries, emotional and mental trauma, and mounting medical bills.

If you or your loved ones have been seriously injured in a car accident, the Delaware car accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. are here to assist you. To arrange a free consultation, contact us online or call 302-656-5445. From our offices in Wilmington and Georgetown, we represent individuals and families throughout the state, including those in Dover, Delaware.

Distracted Driving Study Results

Georgetown car accident lawyers successfully represent personal injury victims due to distracted driving in Delaware.Smart phone usage behind the wheel has spun out of control in recent years. Distracted driving has been a major contributor in the overall rise of U.S. traffic deaths. In 2016, at least 40,200 people lost their lives on U.S. roads in preventable collisions, according to the National Safety Council. Studies reveal that a shocking 88 percent of drivers have used their phone while operating a vehicle. The study monitored three-million drivers over the course of three months, from December 2016 through February 2017.

The study, conducted by an app called Zendrive, took into consideration all forms of phone usage including navigation, social media, texting, and talking. Zendrive can detect the duration and frequency of phone usage since it operates off a smartphone. The data, said to be the largest distracted driving study to date, was then collected and analyzed. The outcome showed that drivers spent an average of three and a half minutes on their phones for every hour driven.

Some may agree that more driver awareness is needed. Drivers need to be informed that even seconds spent on a phone can have dire consequences. A 2-second distraction increases the likelihood for crashing by over 20-times. Texting behind the wheel makes it eight times more likely that an accident will occur. It is pertinent that addresses get plugged into GPS and music set prior to operating a vehicle to prevent potential deadly wrecks.

Even hands-free phone operation while driving increases the risk for accidents according to AAA. Phone usage causes people to take their mind, and not just their eyes off the road. A driver who is not paying attention is likely to miss pedestrians and other potential hazards surrounding them. This is a danger not only to the driver, but also to anyone in the vicinity.

Passenger phone usage is also a major distraction. Videos on someone else’s phone or having a conversation could cause a driver to divert his or her attention away from the road, leading to a deadly outcome. It is essential that drivers eliminate as many distractions as possible prior to their departure. Ask passengers to eliminate noise on their phones, and maintain focus on the road while talking to each other.

Georgetown Car Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Successfully Represent Personal Injury Victims in Delaware

At Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A., we understand the pain and debilitating stress that comes from being hurt in a car accident. Financial distress should be the least of your concerns. Speak with an experienced Georgetown car accident lawyer today by calling 302-656-5445 or contact us online. We have convenient office locations in Wilmington and Georgetown to represent personal injury victims in upstate and downstate Delaware.