For some time, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has been a significant cause of car accidents. Today, distracted driving, which includes anything that takes your attention away from the road, is on the rise. Talking or texting on the phone, eating, adjusting music controls, and using a navigation system can distract a driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, in 2015, 3,477 car accidents involving distracted driving resulted in fatalities. The largest age group reported as driving distracted at the time of a fatal crash is teenage drivers.
Both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have banned the use of cell phones while driving. Although inexperienced teenage drivers are aware of the law, enforcing them not to text and drive has not been easy. Law enforcement, teachers, and parents are looking for new ways to get the message out and persuade young drivers to stop impaired or distracted driving, especially texting while driving.
Creating the Scene
Recently, a group of volunteers in New Jersey, including first responders, parents, and students, participated in a realistic demonstration of what it was like to be at the scene of a car accident involving teenage victims. Two teens acted as the driver and the passenger, a couple acted as the parents of the injured driver, and first responder firefighters, police officers, and EMTs all participated in the scene.
The scene was made to appear as realistic as possible using a donated car that had been damaged in a previous accident. Shortly after a mock 911 call, police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances arrived. The young driver was attended to by police and EMTs who began treating him for serious injuries. Volunteer adults who acted as the parents of the injured youth rushed to the scene and were restrained by the police so that caregivers could administer aid.
The goal of the simulation accident was to create a lasting impact, especially on the students, so that the next time they are tempted to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or text while driving, they will make a better choice. One officer stated that if they reached one person, the scene was worth it. From the reaction of the attendees, it seems that the message reached many.
Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates Pursue Compensation for Injured Victims
Drunk driving and distracted driving continue to put many innocent people at risk of injury from serious and fatal car accidents. If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident that you believe involved an impaired or distracted driver, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at Geoffrey B. Gompers & Associates may be able to help. We will work to uncover who is responsible for your injuries and pursue all entitled compensation. With offices in Philadelphia and New Jersey, we represent clients in the Greater Philadelphia area, Southeastern Pennsylvania, and South Jersey. Contact us by calling 215-567-6600, or submit an online inquiry today.