Michigan Personal Injury Blog - Cell Phone

Put the Brakes on Driving While Texting

David Mittleman — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:10:57 GMT

You're driving on the highway. You are going past, or being passed, by another vehicle. It's your natural reaction to glance over to look at the driver. That's when you see it: a teenager’s fingers flying over a miniature keyboard as they text their friends with their eyes facing down rather than on the road. That’s right, I’m referring to “driving while texting”. As a parent, it’s very difficult to read the statistics: each year 21% of all fatal car crashes involve teenagers between the ages of 16 and 19 who were using their cell phone at the time of impact, either while talking to a friend or more frequently while sending text messages. Even more alarming, researchers estimate this number to grow by as much as 4% each year.

Safe Driving Systems announced a technology back in May that will remedy this dangerous problem: Key2SafeDriving. This product is the first of its kind and will essentially eliminate distracted driving by rerouting calls and text messages when the user is driving. Specifically, the device’s features include:

The Key2SafeDriving is a Bluetooth device that is fitted onto the ignition key and wirelessly jams the driver’s cell phone.
So long as the key is in the ignition the cell phone cannot be used. The device also sends a text message to parents alerting them when their teen attempts to use the cell phone while it is in driving mode.
Safe Driving Mode: when the user is driving, the cell phone immediately goes into safe driving mode by sending calls directly to voicemail and sending an automated text message to incoming texts to indicate that the user is driving.
Emergency use enabled: when the phone is in Safe Driving Mode, it is still able to call 911 and other numbers by the administrator managed personal profile.

The version I of the device will retail for $49.99 plus a $10 monthly service charge. This device can ease parents’ minds as they send their teens out on the roads, and most importantly, save young lives and the lives of other motorists. These are returns that are well worth the out-of-pocket cost.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Saginaw Man's Brush with Death Offers Lessons in Boating Safety

David Mittleman — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:00:00 GMT

A 61-year-old Saginaw man had planned a fun summer getaway: he was going to kayak from Michigan State University to Grand Rapids. He was barely on his way when his plans soon took a turn for the worse when his kayak flipped over in the Red Cedar River. Luckily, prior to starting his journey, he was wise enough to place his cell phone in a plastic bag. This move saved his life, as he was able to call 911 from his cell phone, which allowed authorities to locate him—he was lodged in some branches in a section of river near Aurelius and Mt. Hope roads.

However, not all boaters are so lucky, says the Michigan Association of Insurance Agents. In fact, boating deaths reached a six-year high in 2008 with 36 deaths—up from 35 in the previous year. Since boating is a popular summer activity, it is important to keep the following safety tips to keep in mind:

· Wear a life jacket.
· Avoid alcoholic beverages.
· Complete a boating safety course, no matter what your age.
· Be especially careful on personal watercraft.
· Don’t overload your boat.
· Have a passenger serve as a lookout in addition to the boat operator.
· Operate at a safe speed.
· Look out for low water levels or submerged objects.

The Michigan State Police also warn that you should not jump in after someone to save them from drowning—that should always remain a last resort. In fact, both people may end up drowning because we aren’t aware of our limitations and the exhaustion that quickly sets in when trying to hold someone up. However, the MSU Police do recommend putting your cell phone in a plastic bag—it could save your life, the same way it saved this man’s life.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

How To Save Your Wet Cell Phone

David Mittleman — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:55:00 GMT

Cell phones have become our right hand man over the past several decades. 82% of Americans own one. We bring them with us everywhere and have hundreds of contacts, pictures, emails and other priceless data stored on them. So when your cell phone slips out of your pocket or hand and lands in the toilet, the sink, a pool, a lake or a pond, you may understandably panic. Instead of panicking, remember these helpful tips to save your phone.

Take the battery out of your phone immediately. This will stop the power running through the switchboard.
Do not shake your phone or push any buttons. While you may think that this is helpful to get the water out, really you are just helping the water get into areas it hasn’t hit yet.
Next, put your cell phone in a container of uncooked rice for 24 hours. This will pull the moisture out of your phone, and with a little luck your phone will be saved or will at least turn on long enough for you to retrieve your data.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Popular Gift Might Cause Permanent Injury

David Mittleman — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 08:42:00 GMT

Scientists in Europe are warning that popular MP3 players and cell phones could cause permanent hearing damage to some users. The digital audio devices, similar to the personal CD players of yesteryear, are popular among teenagers and are common holiday gifts.

The study, sponsored by the European Commission, found that permanent hearing loss could result after only five years of listening to music too loud for five hours per week. While teenagers are at the greatest risk of injury, all users could be affected. In 2006, a Louisiana man filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company should have taken steps to warn users of the risk of high-decibel audio output and taken steps to reduce the risk associated with its popular iPod media devices. Apple was also forced to pull early iPods from retailers’ shelves in France because the audio output exceeding governmental regulations.

Hearing loss is just the latest danger to be associated with MP3 players and cell phones. Electronic devices can be a major distraction to drivers who attempt to use them on the road. The dangers of cell phone use and texting while driving are well-documented, but the use of MP3 players has received relatively little attention. This is a bit of a surprise, considering the vast array of vehicle adapters and other car-related accessories for these common devices.

Used prudently, MP3 players are a great toy for people of all ages. If you intend to give one as a gift this year, make sure you remind your loved one to keep the volume down so they can enjoy their music for years to come.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Driving While Texting May Be More Dangerous Than Driving While Drunk Or High

Devon Glass — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:37:00 GMT

An alarming study in Britain, conducted by the Royal Automobile Club, found that driving while sending and receiving text messages is more dangerous than driving while under the influence of alcohol and marijuana.

The RAC observed drivers ages 17-24 and determined that reaction times of texting drivers decreased by 35%. Alternatively, reaction times for drivers under the influence of alcohol indicated a 12% delayed reaction time and drivers under the influence of marijuana demonstrated a delayed reaction time of 21%. The study found that drivers’ steering control diminished by 91%, causing them to drift outside of their lane while texting. For those under the influence of marijuana, steering control was reduced by 35%.

In the high-tech age of Blackberry's, cell phones, PDA’s and smartphones, this doesn’t seem to be all that surprising. We are all guilty of it. How many of you can honestly say you haven’t looked down to check your phone while driving? According to a Harvard University study, over 200 deaths and half a million injuries have stemmed from cell phone usage, including texting while driving. Just something to think about next time text and drive.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Devon Glass

What To Do If You Are Involved In A Car Accident; Helpful Tips Part II

David Mittleman — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:00:00 GMT

The decisions made following a car accident can determine the success of a future liability claim. It is important to gather as much information as possible and to ensure the safety of yourself and others at the scene. Following a few suggestions may help.

First and foremost, it is important to ensure everyone’s safety. Call 911 if someone is injured. It is recommended to keep your car packed with blankets and a medical kit, as doing so will allow you to assist the injured person. If someone is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. Because of spinal injury risks, you should make every effort to keep injured people still. If possible, all vehicles should be moved to the side of the road.

If there are no injuries, the law in Michigan requires that all parties involved exchange necessary information. Names, addresses, make, model and license plate numbers and insurance information should be exchanged. In the meantime, it is important to call the police to obtain a police report. Once all information is obtained, call your insurance company. It is recommended that you keep a disposable camera in your car at all times. If you have access to a disposable camera, take pictures of the accident scene and of any damage done to the vehicles. Additionally, document all specifics about the accident including: time of day, road conditions, weather conditions, the speeds of all cars involved, and the names, phone numbers and addresses of any witnesses.

As long as your No-Fault insurance policy is in effect all of your medical expenses will be covered. Additionally, work loss will be compensated for up to 3 years and replacement household services will be covered up to $20.00 per day.

Following a car accident do not discuss the details of the accident with anyone at the scene, other than police officer or medical personnel providing care. Statements that you make following a collision may be used against you later. Following these suggestions can help make your claim with your insurance carrier. Remember insurance people are professionals. You should have a professional advocate on your side. We would be honored to advise you if you need help.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by David Mittleman

Distracted Drivers More Likely to Get in Accidents

Daniel Buckfire — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:33:00 GMT

Recent studies confirm what many people already know: distracted drivers are more likely to get in an accident and injure themselves or others. It is suspected that text messaging was involved in the recent Los Angeles Metrolink commuter train accident, but thousands of drivers use their cell phones to talk, text, instant message, or email every day.

Five States have banned text messaging while driving. These States include Alaska, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Washington State. The District of Columbia has also enacted a ban. Several other States are considering a ban, including California, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Nevada, Delaware, and Michigan. These bills range from limiting text messaging to older drivers to a complete ban for all drivers, but their goal is all the same: to eliminate a major distraction and can—and does—cause injuries.

The use of text messaging while driving is most prevalent among younger drivers. According to the Nationwide Insurance survey of 1500 drivers, approximately 40% of drivers under the age of 30 have admitted to texting while driving. Despite the greater likelihood of texting among younger drivers, the problem of driver distraction is experienced across generational gaps. According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, some form of driver inattention within the last 3 seconds plays a role in 80% of all car accidents and in 65% of near-misses.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Daniel Buckfire