Posted in Car Accident,Distracted Driving,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on March 30, 2015
Mock Car Crash Created for Riverdale High School Students
Hundreds of Riverdale High School Students in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, got an up close and personal view of the aftermath of a staged car accident Thursday on their campus.
According to a story by the Daily News Journal, the high school coordinated the crash scene with Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt as well as the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and the Rutherford County Emergency Medical Service.
The DNJ’s report states that the mock crash involved a driver who was texting while behind the wheel who caused a crash that killed another driver.
Riverdale High School’s principal stated that the circumstances for the crash were important for students to see in order to demonstrate the dangers of texting while driving.
A current student at Riverdale High School who was involved in a serious car accident in Dec. 2014 also shared a message with her fellow students and warned them about the possible consequences of texting and driving.
The Murfreesboro car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law appreciate the efforts of Riverdale High School, Vanderbilt Medical Center, and all of the emergency crews in Rutherford County for organizing this event and doing their part to save young lives.
Tips for Reducing Distracted Driving Temptations
Almost everyone knows that distracted driving is dangerous, but many people do it anyway due to necessity, like answering a phone call, or convenience, like changing a radio station. To help reduce the temptation for you or your teen drivers when it comes to distracted driving, try out these tips:
One of the biggest causes of distracted driving involves drivers changing songs or radio stations while they’re behind the wheel. Instead of taking the time to change the stereo and in turn taking your eyes and attention off the road, create playlists beforehand on your MP3 player or smartphone and have them ready to go before you even start the car. You can also activate voice commands to skip through songs without ever needing to move your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road.
Using a phone to call or text others is extremely dangerous when you’re behind the wheel—even if you use a hands-free device. Carrying on a conversation with someone can be highly distracting and take your mind off its most important task—navigating the roadway ahead. Instead of find ways to work around texting or chatting while driving, tell your friends or family that you will call them when you arrive at your destination. If it can’t wait, pull over and reply when your vehicle is safely stopped.
GPS is a great tool for drivers, especially when they’re driving in areas that are unfamiliar. However, too many drivers take their eyes off the road to view their route on their GPS devices or smartphones, which puts them at high risk of being involved in a car accident. Always turn on your GPS’s turn-by-turn voice guidance system to get the same directions while remaining fully focused on the road ahead.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Murfreesboro car accident lawyers have helped countless victims of car accidents that were caused by distracted driving. Safe and responsible driving requires uninterrupted concentration—and that means the driver’s seat is no place for cellphones or other distractions.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident caused by a distracted or negligent driver, our legal team may be able to help you get compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and more. Get in touch with us today. Just dial (615) 600-4941 or fill out a free online form.
