Category Archives: Cell Phone Related

Distracted Driving Increases Risks for Accidents in Las Vegas

Posted on September 24, 2012 by embadmin

Avoiding Auto Accidents by Limiting Driving Distractions

Distracted driving is a serious concern, and while it is becoming more recognized in light of rampant cell phone use, it’s important to recognize that there are many types of distractions that can lead to auto accidents. Avoiding distractions isn’t always possible, but there are many precautions that you can take in order to limit your risk of injury in a crash. Staying safe on the road means driving defensively, and limiting your distractions is one of the best defensive driving measures that you can take.

Cell phone use is one of today’s top safety issues. Distractions range from text messaging to holding a phone in one hand while driving with the other. While Nevada law requires that any cell phone activity be hands free, there are still challenges in enforcing the policies and restrictions. Your responsibility in avoiding accidents is to commit to not using your cell phone while driving. It’s tempting to check that text message or to listen to a voice mail, but even at stop lights this can divert your attention from road conditions.

Maps can be very distracting to drivers. Whether you are checking your GPS or looking at a paper map, you should pull to the side of the road in order to do so. Trying to focus on a map while still moving is dangerous to both you and to other motorists

Food and drinks can be unexpectedly distracting. While many motorists consume both while driving, a slight slip can create havoc. It’s wise to do your eating and drinking while not driving.

If you are a victim of a collision due to someone not paying attention to these warnings, you may qualify for financial compensation. Call Edward M Bernstein and Associates for a free consultation.

New Cellphone Law Goes Into Effect Saturday

Posted on September 28, 2011 by embadmin

I have blogged about it before but starting October 1st Nevada will be the 31st state ban driving while using a handheld cellphone. The new law is aimed at reducing accidents associated with distracted driving. Police can pull over and cite a driver they see using a hand-held phone. Distracted driving has become a hot topic over the last few years as drivers have become increasingly distracted with in dash mp3 players, navigation systems, in-car video players, gaming systems and more.

When drivers become distracted, things can turn ugly quickly as studies have shown that taking one’s eyes off of the road for just two seconds doubles the likelihood of being in a crash. This increased risk of accidents because of driver inattention is associated with drivers of all ages, including younger drivers who may pride themselves on their ability to multitask. Fines are set at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second offense and $250 for third and subsequent offenses. While the law goes into effect on October 1st the police will be citing and not fining offenders through December 31st. Please remember to drive safely and pay attention because the life you save could be your own.

-Edward M Bernstein and Associates

Police giving drivers chance to adjust to new cellphone law
Las Vegas Review Journal
September 25, 2011

The combination of a cellphone and a car are as vital to Kolleen Kelley’s profession as a purseful of well-designed business cards and an extroverted personality. But, in June, Kelley, a Realtor for 25 years, realized that she would have to revise her carefully choreographed ballet of telecommunication and transportation when Gov. Brian Sandoval signed Senate Bill 140, which prohibits motorists from talking on hand-held cellphones or texting while driving.

Read the rest of the article HERE

Nevada legislature to consider cell phone ban

Posted on December 8, 2010 by embadmin

A great article in the Las Vegas Sun says that when the Nevada legislature meets in February it will consider a bill to ban cell phone use while driving, including texting.

Although there are already laws against driving while distracted, supporters of the ban want to target these distractions. In the article, Metro Police spokesman Jacinto Rivera says it would probably be easier to prosecute someone for violating a texting or cell phone ban if the driver caused an accident because authorities could subpoena phone company records to see if the person was really on their phone.

The article says “from 2005 through 2009, 1,158 reported crashes in Clark County involved cell phone use, producing no fatalities but 706 injuries, according to the Nevada Transportation Department…

The dangers of cell phone use have been apparent to traffic safety experts for many years, but there has been stiff political resistance in Nevada to any ban involving drivers.”

When lawmakers consider the bill, they will also hear from a Las Vegas woman who remains on disability 6 years after a girl talking on her cell phone hit her and her husband on U.S. 95. You can read her story and the article by clicking on the link below.

Every day people call my office after being hit by a distracted driver. If you or someone you love is in an accident, call us at 702-240-0000 or go to www.edbernstein.com.

-Edward M Bernstein and Associates

Legislature to consider banning use of cell phones while driving Measures to ban cell phone use while driving careen onto legislative agenda

By Steve Kanigher (contact)
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2010 | 2 a.m.

When the Legislature meets in February to consider bills, including those prohibiting motorists from texting or otherwise using cell phones while driving, lawmakers will hear about a Las Vegas woman who remains on disability six years after she and her husband were seriously injured in an accident on U.S. 95.

Find this article at: Las Vegas Sun