Tag Archives: TADD

What Would You Do to Keep Your Teen Safe?

Teens are some of the most at-risk drivers on the road. Their lack of experience and questionable judgment makes them easy targets for traffic accidents. Statistically, a 2007 study showed that the leading cause of death for 13-19 year old males and females in the United States were auto accidents. Therefore it is understandable that vehicle safety would be on the minds of many parents. In reaction to this, an app was created that would allow parents to keep an eye on their child’s driving. Problems start to arise, though, when you find out just how the app works. The teen gets a personalized bumper sticker on their car so that other drivers can report unsafe driving maneuvers to their parents. The issue with this is obvious—in order to report the errant teen, the other driver would have to text and drive (or at the very least, jot down the info for later as they drive.) This would compound an already dangerous situation further. Texting and driving is incredibly risky, as is anything else that takes your eyes off the road. The best way to prevent an accident from happening to your child is to have a frank conversation with them about the danger that driving poses and that putting down their phone while behind the wheel might just save their life, or the life of someone else.

Here is a video of an alternate application that could help prevent texting and driving:


 

Distracted Driving: Who is Responsible?

Distracted driving is fast becoming an epidemic. With every driver having a cell phone (that probably does a lot more than text or make calls) and every car coming equipped with on-board GPS and entertainment systems, the ways a driver can be distracted is on the rise. So now the question arises: who should be responsible for the fight against distracted driving? Should cell phone companies install apps that prevent texting or is it the responsibility of auto companies to make sure the in-car technology is keeping everyone on the road safe? The consensus was that everyone needs to chip in at a distracted driving hearing hosted by the National Transportation Safety Board. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 5400 people died in distracted driving crashes in 2009, so it’s obvious that some action needs to be taken.

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National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Releases New Distracted Driving Report

Thirty-five states in the US have banned texting while driving—but that doesn’t mean people are putting down their phones. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration asked 6,000 drivers last year about their driving habits, and the vast majority (90%) of respondents said that they would support a rule that banned texting while driving. In spite of this, two in ten drivers admitted to texting or sending emails behind the wheel. Even more concerning is that among younger drivers (aged 20-24), 50% admitted to texting while driving.

It seems most drivers seemed to think that even when they were engaging in distracting behavior, they were still able to drive safely; whether they were texting, putting on make-up or even reading the paper. But over 3,000 people died last year from accidents caused by distracted drivers, and most of those distractions were cell phone related. Ray LaHood, Transportation Secretary, is attempting to pass federal legislation that bans texting while driving and stops senseless deaths. While we can hope that if this legislation passes more people will avoid distractions, safe driving really starts with you.

That is exactly why I started Teens Against Distracted Driving (TADD.) It is up to each of us not only to drive safely, but also to spread awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. There are lots of ways that you can help: you can take our pledge (and get a free bracelet!), you can spread awareness at your school, you can take our survey or you can check out some of these great sites and resources. Texting and driving is an epidemic, but it can be stopped one driver at a time!

 

TADD Founder Speaks to Youth Conference & Gets Over 100 Students to Pledge Against Distracted Driving

Jason Epstein, Seattle Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Lawyer and Founder of Straight Talk Law, recently spoke at the City of Bellevue’s Youth Leadership Conference where over 150 teens pledged to not text and drive. Watch the video of Jason's presentation.
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National Safety Council and Midas Help Parents Teach Teen Drivers | Teens Against Distracted Driving

Driving crashes account for up to 44 percent of all teen deaths and are the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States, according to recent studies by the National Safety Council. Learning to drive well takes time, practice, and proper guidance. To help parents help their teens, the National Safety Council has partnered with Midas on the Alive at 25 Parent Program, an online course for parents with new teen drivers.

This interactive program typically costs $25, but is being provided by Midas free of charge (while supplies last), to get parents involved in training their teens to become safe, responsible and defensive drivers. Upon successful completion of this course parents will receive an official National Safety Council Certificate of Completion and a free Midas Touch Maintenance Package.

The National Safety Council’s Alive at 25 online program:
• Outlines the risks young drivers face
• Helps parents take responsibility for reducing such risks
• Includes realistic situations to help teens think through options and outcomes before they encounter them in real life
• Helps parents reinforce basic driving and good-decision making skills
• Teaches skills and lessons through interactive media, workbook exercises, role playing and more

Visit the Midas Website to Learn More about the Campaign

This information was provided by Midas.

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law

New York College Student Dies in Texting While Driving Accident | Teens Against Distracted Driving

Sadly, last week we lost another young life to a texting while driving car accident. Police say that Mary E. Kavanaugh was texting at the time that she lost control of her vehicle.

Continue reading more about the tragic New York texting while driving car accident at Straight Talk Law.

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law

Texting While Riding a Bike Could Become Illegal in California | Teens Against Distracted Driving

Since bicyclists share the road with cars and other vehicles whose drivers are discouraged from texting while driving, should texting on bikes be illegal as well? California thinks so.

Learn more about the possible California bicycle texting ban at Straight Talk Law.

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law

Cell Phone Ban in Washington Could Lead to New Dangers | Teens Against Distracted Driving

On March 26th, Washington passed a ban on the use of cell phones while behind the wheel and will go into effect this June. However, lawmakers are now worried that this new law will cause drivers to endanger themselves in a new way.

Read more about the texting while driving danger at Straight Talk Law.

Teens Against Distracted Driving was founded by Seattle Car Accident Lawyer Jason Epstein who is also the founder of the Seattle law firm Straight Talk Law