Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers: Zero Roadway Fatalities
February 8, 2017At a 2016 Strategic Highway Safety Plan Summit, officials announced that more people lost their lives in roadway crashes in 2015 compared to the previous year, a statistic that is unacceptable to those who dedicate their lives to highway safety. Officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), Maryland State Police, and National Safety Council came together to address this issue and develop solutions toward reaching a goal of zero fatalities.
In a collaborative effort involving respected organizations like the National Safety Council, AAA, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and many others, the Maryland Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) will be implementing over 30 different strategies to reduce fatal car accidents by at least 50 percent in the next 20 years. This ambitious plan focuses on the “Four E’s” of traffic safety, which include:
- Engineering
- Enforcement
- Education
- Emergency Medical Services
In an effort to reduce congestion and improve the condition of some of the roads and bridges in the state, Governor Larry Hogan has allocated close to $2 billion in highway funds to be used for improvements. In addition, his administration is investing millions of dollars in educational campaigns geared towards impaired driving, distracted driving, pedestrian safety, and seat belt use. In response to the growing problem of texting while driving, 26 signs have been installed near rest areas that say, “It Can Wait,” reminding drivers to wait until they arrive at the next rest area before reading their text.
Simple Rules That Can Save Lives
The MDOT, and its partners in traffic safety, offer the following simple, yet life-saving tips.
- Never drive while intoxicated: If you have had too much to drink, or are under the influence of drugs, do not get behind the wheel. If you do not have a designated driver, call a cab or a ride sharing service, use public transportation, or arrange to spend the night.
- Put your phone away: Distracted driving is responsible for close to 30,000 injuries, and over 200 fatalities each year in the state of Maryland.
- Always use your seat belt: In the event of a crash, it can save your life.
- Obey the speed limit: Speeding can increase your chances of being in a car accident, and can cause more severe injuries.
- Use crosswalks and designated bike lanes: Just as drivers need to be safe behind the wheel, pedestrians and cyclists also need to be smart when it comes to safety. Crossing the street, or riding your bike in the designated areas can help avoid being hit by a car. Wear bright reflective clothing, especially when it gets dark.
- Watch for motorcycles: When you are changing lanes, or entering an intersection, watch out for motorcycles, as they are more difficult to see than a car or truck.
- Be alert when approaching a work zone: Speeding, distracted driving, or other unsafe driving habits can endanger the lives of road workers.
- Yield for emergency vehicles: If an emergency vehicle has stopped, move into another lane and slow down.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Assist Car Accident Victims
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you are urged to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Baltimore personal injury lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are on your side and will fight hard to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent personal injury victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.