Although it’s half-way around the world and full of weird stuff like kangaroos, “football” played according to strange rules refereed by guys dressed like Inspector Gadget, barbies full of shrimp, and millions of people who insist on driving down the wrong side of the road, Americans have a lot in common with Australians. We speak the same language—sort of—and way too many of us text and drive. In fact, so many Australians are causing accidents because their heads are glued to their handheld devices as they drive down the wrong side of the road that readers of the Melbourne, Australia Herald Sun newspaper voted distracted driving the country’s number one highway safety issue above driving while intoxicated and speeding. Here’s something else we share: it took a tragedy to spark the growing national campaign to battle the wrecks, injuries, and deaths caused by people who are texting while behind the wheel. In Australia the movement gained momentum when five-year-old Xzavier Davis-Bilbo was left paralyzed from the waist down after a woman who was texting ran him over as he crossed the street. It’s the type of story we’re all too familiar with here in the states thanks in part to the National Highway Transportation Administration’s “Faces of Distracted Driving” video series and public awareness campaigns like “Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks.” Aside from reporting extensively on the carnage caused by distracted driving, the Herald Sun’s also calling out offenders by regularly publishing pictures of people its photographers catch texting or talking while they’re behind the wheel. You can check out their gallery of dangerous drivers by following these links: heraldsun.au/news/gallery-e6frf7jo-1226668041997 heraldsun.au/news/gallery-fnii5s3y-1226671358018 Although no American media outlets have taken this aggressive tack, plenty of scary video and pics have found their way on to the internet and YouTube. Last week we posted a photo of a Tempe, Arizona police officer who was texting while riding his department motorcycle down the highway at 80 MPH. (Yes we scolded the driver who took the picture using his cell phone.) We’ve also posted this video of a San Antonio bus driver who caused a multi-car accident because he was texting while transporting two disabled passengers: youtube/watch?v=K2D3hB278Gc One thing is clear: whether it’s being done in Melbourne, Australian or Malvern, Ohio, distracted driving is extremely dangerous and far too often deadly. We’re proud of the active role we’ve been playing in the campaign to end distracted driving and we’re pleased to report that it’s now turned into an international effort to enhance highway safety. We’re also proud of the work we’ve done over the past four decades to help people injured by distracted, impaired, or negligent drivers secure justice and the financial settlements they deserve. If you or a member of your family is injured in a vehicle accident, call the experienced attorneys at Anzellotti, Sperling, Pazol & Small to arrange a free consultation BEFORE you talk to an insurance adjuster or sign any documents sent to you by an insurance company. We’ll take the time needed to evaluate your case, provide sound advice, and help protect your rights.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 13:40:13 +0000
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