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NHTSA Recommends Regulating Use Of Distracting Electronics

by on March 21, 2012 in Accident, accidental death, cell phone ban, distracted driving, NHTSA, texting while driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is defending it’s proposal that automakers block drivers from using their GPS devices or Web searches while in motion.

According to the agency, 3,000 people died in distracted driving crashes last year, even though the data showed the most common distraction was other passengers and reaching for an item. Only three percent of those killed included distraction by an electronic device.

The proposal was posed in February, but some opponents of stricter regulation argue that locking a person out of the car devices would only encourage them to turn to their cellular phones more, in turn causing a higher rate of distraction than is seen currently.

If these guidelines are implemented, a driver would be prevented from sending or receiving text messages, browsing the Internet, tweeting or posting status updates, entering addresses into navigation systems as well as additional activities.

Studies have shown that even handheld devices don’t necessarily reduce the risk of a serious accident.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured by a distracted driver, it is imperative to speak to an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney immediately for a free consultation to review your case. Call us today.

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NHTSA Conducts Further Studies On Chevy Volt Fires

by on January 6, 2012 in NHTSA, product liability

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency announced they opened a safety defect investigation in November into the potential risk of fire in Chevy Volts.

According to the agency, both battery intrusion, along with coolant leakage must be present to enable post-crash fires. Furthermore, the known fires seemed to have all begun in laboratory tests.

The press release stated General Motors came up with a solution to retrofit Chevy Volts with a cage to protect the car batteries from fires and that the cage seems to prevent the damage to the battery that is causing the fires.

NHTSA is expected to completed the research and analysis of the tests in the next few weeks.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured due to a serious personal injury or product defect, you need an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney fighting for your rights. Contact Dwyer & McDevitt today and find out how we can assist you.

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NHTSA Investigates Chevy Volt Fire

by on November 12, 2011 in defective product, NHTSA

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced they are launching an investigation into the safety of lithium-ion batteries used to power electric vehicles after a Chevy Volt caught fire at a federal testing center.

According to news reports, the fire occurred several months ago; weeks following a crash-test with the same vehicle. Officials have concluded the crash damaged the Volt’s battery. They think the damage later caused the battery to ignite and that the risk of fire is not likely any greater than gasoline powered cars on the market.

The Chevrolet Volt is manufactured by General Motors Co.and is a plug-in electric car. About 5,000 of them have been sold.

Officials are seeking to check into the safety of all electric vehicles and their batteries.

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured, the Chicago personal injury attorneys at Dwyer & McDevitt can assist you. Contact us today for your free, initial consultation.

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