A Look at the Annual Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws Report
A car accident can throw life off course when injuries are permanent or require extensive rehabilitation. A car accident lawyer can help accident victims obtain the maximum settlement for their injuries.
A recent report by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety found Pennsylvania is significantly lacking in auto safety laws, putting Pennsylvania drivers at increased risk of catastrophic accidents. Foley Law Firm would like to take a look at the Annual Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws Report recommendations for improved safety in Pennsylvania and how these improvements can help motorists in Scranton, PA, Stroudsburg, PA, Wilkes-Barre, PA, and surrounding areas.
Improving Safety for Pennsylvania Motorists
According to the Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws Report compiled by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, there were 1,059 fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents in Pennsylvania in 2019 alone with 12,097 fatalities over a 10-year period. Further, the report gives Pennsylvania a yellow rating for gaps within auto safety laws.
Many of these deaths could have been avoided with increased safety laws. The following are some of the recommendations from the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety to improve safety for Pennsylvania motorists and their passengers.
Primary Enforcement of Seat Belts
Under Pennsylvania law, seat belts are required to be worn by drivers and passengers who are over 18 and sitting in the front seat. However, the law is under secondary enforcement.
Secondary enforcement means that drivers can’t be pulled over for not wearing a seat belt. Instead, the driver must be pulled over for another violation at which time the driver and passengers over the age of 18 in the front seat not wearing seat belts may be ticketed.
Making seat belt primary enforcement for adults would allow police officers to stop drivers if they or their adult passengers are not wearing seat belts.
Require Motorcyclists to Wear Helmets
Motorcyclists in Pennsylvania are not required by law to wear a helmet if they are 21 years old or older and have completed a state-approved motorcycle safety course or have two years of experience riding motorcycles.
Making helmets mandatory for motorcyclists could reduce traumatic brain injuries and deaths from head injuries caused by motorcycle crashes.
Prohibit the Use of Cellular Devices
The use of cellular devices while driving, such as texting, talking on the phone, or looking at maps or GPS apps, is a leading cause of distracted driving accidents. Prohibiting the use of cellular devices while driving could help prevent accidents.
Install Ignition Interlock Devices for Convicted Drunk Drivers
An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer that’s installed into a vehicle. The driver must blow into the mouthpiece of the breathalyzer in order to operate the vehicle. If alcohol is detected, the car will not start.
Installing ignition interlock devices in the vehicles of convicted drunk drivers instead of suspending their license can help prevent them from driving under the influence while also allowing them to continue to drive themselves to work and complete other errands that require driving.
Contact Foley Law Firm
If you have been injured in a car accident, the attorneys of Foley Law Firm can help you with your accident claim. To schedule a consultation, contact us online or call (570) 342-8194.
