Distracted Drivers Are A Problem In Arizona
Posted on November 7, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
Police in Chandler, Arizona are concerned about distracted driving because it leads to dangerous accidents. The results of these accidents can be deadly.
Chandler police, saying most accidents at city intersections are caused by distracted drivers, are trying new ways to get them to pay attention to the road in hopes of reducing crashes.
English: Chandler Fashion Center in Chandler, Arizona. Chandler (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
The majority of accidents are fender-benders because drivers are following too closely and not paying attention.
Distracted driving is a big problem but one that comes from more than just texting on cellphones. It can include daydreaming, drinking coffee, changing the radio station or CD, smoking, shaving or putting on makeup.
According to the Chandler Police Department, there have been 527 accidents this year through August 31 at the 25 intersections with the most crashes. At the top of the list with most crashes dating to 2011 is Chandler Boulevard and Price Road, where Chandler crosses Loop 101. There were 54 accidents in 2011 and 46 from January 1 to August 31 this year.
Few of those collisions were serious-injury or fatal accidents. Most were rear-end collisions because the driver was not paying attention. Either they didn’t see the vehicle in front of them was stopping, they let their foot off the brake while already stopped and rolled into the vehicle in front of them, or they were looking to the side to make sure it was clear to turn right and didn’t realize the driver in front of them had stopped.
He said there are several other factors, including speed, but the majority comes down to drivers being distracted.
Chandler doesn’t have a law banning texting while driving, but officers will cite people caught doing it under the section that says speed must be reasonable and prudent.
Chandler has 17 speed and red-light cameras at 12 intersections.
Five of the 25 intersections with the most accidents have cameras, including Warner Road and Arizona Avenue; Ray and Alma School roads, which currently is inactive because of construction; and Ray and Arizona.
The cameras and digital speed-display signs approaching intersections function as reminders to drivers to slow down and pay attention as they go through, in hopes of reducing collisions and the speed at which collisions may occur. But the cameras can’t reduce the number of distracted drivers.
Police use monthly statistics on where the most accidents occur in the city to target enforcement efforts of the 11 motorcycle officers and two sergeants in the traffic unit.
If you or a loved one were the victim of a car accident that was caused by negligence or some other form of reckless behavior, it is important that you contact a committed and dedicated personal injury lawyer to help you decide if you should file a lawsuit. A competent and reputable injury lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
