Americans overwhelmingly support policy changes to reduce traffic fatalities, including tougher restrictions on DUI drivers, as well as increasing the use of red-light cameras, tougher enforcement of seatbelt laws and more sobriety checkpoints. If you or a member of your family has suffered serious or fatal injuries in a car accident in Southern California, contact an experienced auto accident lawyer at 619.677.1641.
Americans overwhelmingly support policy changes to reduce traffic fatalities, including tougher restrictions on DUI drivers, as well as increasing the use of red-light cameras, tougher enforcement of seatbelt laws and more sobriety checkpoints.
Most people surveyed by The Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the University of Minnesota expressed support for increasing the use of radar and automated cameras at intersections to stop drivers from speeding and running red lights. Respondents also support the installation of ignition interlock devices in the vehicles of drivers convicted of drunken driving.
Interlock Ignition Devices
The use of ignition interlock devices is spreading, now including California. Sacramento, Los Angeles, Alameda and Tulare counties are conducting five-year pilot programs of the devices. In these counties, first-time DUI offenders will have the devices installed at their expense in their vehicles. The devices typically cost about $100 to install and have a monthly maintenance fee as well.
A driver must blow into the device which then tests the driver’s breath for alcohol content. If alcohol is detected, the device prevents the vehicle from starting. If the driver is allowed to start the vehicle, random tests will be administered while the vehicle is being driven.
If a driver has an unallowable amount of alcohol in their breath, the device alerts authorities who will then contact the driver for possible sanctions that could include fines, loss of driving privileges and time in jail.
Across the nation, states are reporting that recidivism among DUI drivers with ignition interlock systems in their vehicles is much lower than for drivers without the devices.
Red-light Cameras
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says 22 percent of all traffic crashes in the U.S. are caused by drivers who run red lights. The collisions kill an estimated 800 people per year and cause more than $7 billion in damage. This is why so many cities are turning to red light cameras for enforcement of traffic laws in intersections.
The camera systems are simple: cameras are connected to triggers and controlled by a computer. When a driver sets off a trigger by running a red light, a camera is activated, capturing an image of the offending vehicle and its license plate. The owner of the vehicle then receives a traffic ticket in the mail.
While there is some controversy over whether red-light cameras reduce accidents, there’s no doubt that they generate income for the cities purchasing them in increasing numbers.
Seatbelt Law Enforcement
Seatbelts were one of the first safety devices in cars, and are still one of the most effective. The old saying is true: seatbelts save lives.
According to research by James Madison University, about half of all traffic fatalities could be saved if they wore seatbelts, sparing about 17,000 lives needlessly lost each year.
A number of states have followed California’s lead and are now making seatbelt violations a primary offense, meaning that police officers can now pull over motorists who aren’t wearing the safety belts or who have passengers not wearing them.
Safety First
We urge all our readers to obey the rules of the road, drive defensively and always make sure you and everyone in your vehicle buckles up.
If you or a loved one suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence behind the wheel, contact a personal injury attorney. An experienced personal injury lawyer will assess your case and help you understand your legal options.
Toyota Not The First Automaker on Treacherous Terrain
Toyota’s recall of floor mats, instead of addressing what was most likely electrical issues, raised concerns that Toyota was valuing income over customer safety. However, Toyota was not the first car manufacturer who placed importance on the dollar. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an automotive defect, call a California product liability attorney from the McClellan Law Firm at 619.677.1641.
Threat of Litigation Helps Ensure Defective Vehicles Are Fixed
Automotive defects can be very dangerous and increase accident rates significantly. These defects, such a Ford’s unsafe gas tank location and poor SUV design leading to car fires and rollovers, were not given much thought by the auto company until the threat of litigation faced them. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an automotive defect, call a California product liability attorney from the McClellan Law Firm at 619.677.1641.
Teen Drivers at High Risk for Car Accidents
Across the nation, lawmakers are imposing a variety of restrictions on teen drivers in the hopes of stemming high crash rates. Teens are at a higher risk for car accidents, which is due to not only inexperience, but also distractions like passengers and cell phones. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a car accident, call a California car accident attorney from the McClellan Law Firm at 619.677.1641.
