Drivers need to realize that using their cellphones puts everyone at risk. When you take your eyes off the road, even for just a few seconds, to look at your phone, you essentially are driving hundreds of feet with your eyes closed.
Seattle, WA (PRWEB) January 12, 2014
Fatal pedestrian accidents and cycling accidents have increased dramatically nationwide since 2005, an alarming statistic that does not come as a surprise to Seattle personal injury lawyer Richard McKinney of the Law Offices of Richard McKinney.
McKinney commented on a report in Science Daily, “Distracted Driving Killing More Pedestrians, Bicyclists” (Nov. 20, 2013). He said the findings are not surprising to him, as he seen many cases involving distracted drivers and injured pedestrians and bicyclists.
“Seattle pedestrians and cyclists already know how dangerous our streets can be for people walking or riding bicycles,” McKinney said. “We hope this report will serve as a reminder to drivers about the importance of focusing on driving and sharing the road with others. Because people walking or riding on Seattle’s streets have little protection, injuries caused by such accidents are often much more severe.”
The study analyzing fatal pedestrian and cycling accidents nationwide was conducted by Fernando Wilson, an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, according to Science Daily. Wilson based his report on data from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Wilson’s report compared distracted driving fatality statistics from 2005 to 2010.
In 2005, a total of 344 pedestrians and 56 bicyclists nationwide were killed by distracted drivers, Science Daily reported. In 2010, the number of pedestrians killed by distracted drivers climbed 45 percent to 500 fatalities, while the number of cyclists killed by distracted drivers rose 30 percent to 73 fatalities during the same time period, according to Science Daily.
Seattle distracted driving accident attorney McKinney said the findings came as no surprise to him, given the number of people who continue to text and drive or engage in other distractions.
“Drivers need to realize that using their cellphones puts everyone at risk,” McKinney said. “When you take your eyes off the road, even for just a few seconds, to look at your phone, you essentially are driving hundreds of feet with your eyes closed. Of course, no one would ever dream of driving like that, but many people won’t think twice about texting behind the wheel, even though it’s against the law in the state of Washington. People’s attitudes need to change. And they need to change quickly for the sake of other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.”
McKinney said attorneys can help injured individuals and families who lost loved ones in accidents pursue compensation and closure.
For more information about what to do after a distracted driving accident in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington and the legal options available to pedestrians and cyclists, call (800) 325-0920 for a free case evaluation or complete the online contact form.
About the Law Offices of Richard McKinney
An experienced Seattle personal injury attorney, Richard McKinney has practiced law for more than 40 years and handles a wide range of cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, construction accidents, maritime accidents, slip and fall accidents and other personal injury cases. Attorney McKinney personally oversees every case and strives to give every client personalized attention.
Richard McKinney graduated at the top of his class at Stanford Law School, where he served on Stanford Law Review. Previously in college, he was Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude at the University of Washington. He also received academic honors at the University of Virginia where he completed part of his college curriculum.
The Law Offices of Richard McKinney
1833 N. 105th Street, Suite 101
Seattle, WA 98133
http://www.rmckinneylaw.com/