Distracted driving has become a growing problem across the country. Nearly half of 1,000 drivers ages 18 to 24 who were interviewed by FindLaw.com admitted that they had texted or sent emails from their cell phones will driving. However, US automakers are now trying to make distracted driving an issue of the past.
You can’t buy them yet, but in a few years driverless cars might be on the streets. General Motors is working with the Segway company to develop a two-wheeled, two-seat electric vehicle that would run autonomously and avoid collisions by communicating with other vehicles. Other major automakers are also exploring the idea of developing self-driving vehicles. In the meantime, most carmakers are beginning to roll out semi-autonomous features like parking assistance, lane departure warning systems, and adaptive cruise control.
Even Google is getting in on the action. The company has already developed an autonomous car and tested it on the Pacific Coast Highway. Google claims that their car has never been involved in an accident while in self-driving mode. The vehicle navigates using video cameras, radar sensors, a laser range-finder, and detailed maps.
Whether to allow self-driving vehicles to share the roads must be decided by lawmakers. Nevada has already passed a law directing a state agency to develop regulations for these vehicles. The regulations would allow any company developing an autonomous vehicle to get authorization from the Nevada DMV to test it on a public road.
Several other states- Hawaii, Oklahoma, Florida, and Arizona- have also introduced bills to follow Nevada’s lead. In Florida, Representative Jeff Brandes has been a big advocate of self-driving vehicles. He says that self-driving vehicles may increase safety on Florida roadways.
In the meantime, vehicles will continue to be operated by drivers, many of whom are distracted by cell phones. If you have been injured by a distracted driver or a person who was texting while driving, you need an experienced South Florida car accident attorney.
Contact an Experienced Florida Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident due to the negligence or carelessness of another driver, seek experienced counsel. Attorney Philip DeBerard has three decades of legal experience representing people injured in car accidents, as well as handling other personal injury claims.
The law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, represents victims of car accidents and automobile crashes in Stuart, Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach and Vero Beach. If integrity, dedication and compassion are what you seek in an accident lawyer, call Philip DeBerard. Choosing the right accident lawyer does make a difference.
Call 1-800-299-8878 to speak with a knowledgeable Florida car accident attorney or fill out our online contact form.
