Wilmington, NC Car Accident Lawyer Richard Flexner Comments On North Carolina Missing Out On Federal Distracted-Driving Grant
Wilmington, NC (PRWEB) October 19, 2013 -- Responding to an article in USA Today, Wilmington, NC personal injury lawyer Richard Flexner of the Law Offices of Richard Flexner said today he was disappointed that a technicality prevented the State of North Carolina from receiving $200,000 to $300,000 in federal grants aimed at educating people about the dangers of distracted driving.
Officials in many states thought they were eligible for federal grants designed to reward states that have laws banning texting while driving, according to USA Today, “States lose out on federal distracted-driving grants” (Sept. 10, 2013). Specifically, 38 states believed they were eligible for the funding, according to Jonathan Adkins, deputy executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, who was interviewed by USA Today. Instead, only seven states and Guam received these federal grants.
Flexner, who represents victims of negligence and families who lost loved ones in accidents, said he hopes officials will continue to pursue similar grants in the future.
“This money should be in North Carolina and used for educating people about the dangers of texting while driving instead of sitting in some account in Washington, D.C.,” Flexner said. “As personal injury attorneys, we have seen first-hand the devastating impact of distracted driving accidents. We know that educational campaigns do work and ultimately can save people’s lives. Unfortunately, we did not get this grant, but I hope our state will continue to pursue funding to raise awareness about distracted driving.”
North Carolina anticipated receiving federal funding for highway educational campaigns, USA Today reported. North Carolina has banned texting while driving for all drivers since December 2009. Even so, the state was hoping to use the money for a social medical campaign to educate people about the dangers of distracted driving.
However, North Carolina’s application for the federal grant money was rejected because the state allows drivers to text while vehicles are stopped, according to Don Nail, director of the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program, who was interviewed by USA Today. In addition, North Carolina’s texting while driving ban is specific to cellphones and does not list other electronic devices, Nail said.
North Carolina is one of 41 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, that have laws that ban texting while driving for all drivers, according to Governors Highway Safety Association website, which was last updated in September 2013.
Flexner said studies have found that drivers who text may be as dangerous on the roads as drunk drivers.
“It took years before everyone knew just how dangerous drinking and driving was in America,” Flexner said. “I hope one day the public will have the same attitude toward distracted driving. The consequences of distracted driving are devastating to victims and their families.”
Flexner said anyone injured by a distracted driver or anyone who loses a loved one can get help from a personal injury lawyer. He said attorneys can pursue compensation and closure for the victims and their families and send a message that careless driving behavior will not be tolerated in North Carolina.
About the Law Offices of Richard Flexner
For over 35 years, attorney Richard Flexner has fought diligently to protect the rights of personal injury victims in Wilmington and across North Carolina. Handling cases involving car and truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death and other types of personal injuries, Flexner also serves as a tireless legal advocate for those dealing with workers’ compensation claims. Serving New Hanover County, Brunswick County, Pender County and throughout North Carolina, Flexner is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and has been recognized by his peers as a Super Lawyer in North Carolina.
For more information on what to do if you’ve been injured in car accident in North Carolina, call 800-FLEXNER today for a free case consultation or complete the online contact form.
The Law Offices of Richard Flexner
3805 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
http://www.getflexner.com/
Jacob M Del Hagen, Big Voodoo Interactive, http://www.bigvoodoo.com, +1 (413) 650-0593, [email protected]
Share this article