Studies May Have Overestimated Cell Phone Crash Risk.

Studies May Have Overestimated Cell Phone Crash Risk

A new analysis of previous studies regarding crash risk due to cell phone use may have overestimated the risk a new report shows.

“In the new report, Richard A. Young of Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit finds that two influential studies on the subject might have overestimated the risk.  The problem has to do with the studies’ methods.  Both studies — a 1997 study from Canada, and one done in Australia in 2005 — were “case-crossover” studies.  The researchers recruited people who had been in a crash, and then used their billing records to compare their cellphone use around the time of the crash with their cell use during the same time period the week before (called a “control window”).

But the issue with that is that people may not have been driving during that entire control window.  Such “part-time” driving would necessarily cut the odds of having a crash (and possibly reduce people’s cell use) during the control window — and make it seem like cellphone use is a bigger crash risk than it is.

If that information were applied to the two earlier studies, Young estimates, the crash risk tied to cellphone use would have been statistically insignificant.  That’s far lower than the studies’ original conclusions: that cellphone use while driving raises the risk of crashing four-fold.

But that doesn’t mean you should feel free to chat and text away at the wheel, according to Fernando Wilson, an assistant professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth.  A number of other studies, using designs other than case-crossover, have suggested that cellphone use — and particularly texting — is hazardous on the road, Wilson told Reuters Health.

“In wider policy, I don’t think this study is going to change the conversation about distracted driving,” Wilson said. “Most of the conventional thinking is that we need to do something to reduce it.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 450,000 Americans were injured in crashes linked to distracted driving in 2009. Another 5,500 were killed.”

You can read the entire article here.

Veil of Secrecy Surrounds Toyota Black Boxes

More Trouble for Toyota

The AP reported on Toyota’s efforts to block access to black box information that could explain crashes blamed on sudden unintended acceleration.  The AP investigation found that Toyota was inconsistent and even contradictory in revealing what the black boxes record.  According to the report; “Toyota’s “black box” information is emerging as a critical legal issue amid the recall of 8 million vehicles by the world’s largest automaker. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said this week that 52 people have died in crashes linked to accelerator problems, triggering an avalanche of lawsuits.”

You can read the entire article recapping the AP’s investigation here.

I previously posted on Toyota’s problems back in mid-February.  At that time, I posted that more information was likely to come to light before Toyota’s problems faded from public view.  Looks like I was correct.  Toyota’s public image has certainly taken a hit.  Not only should we question Toyota’s reputation as an automaker who makes better more dependable cars, but perhaps more importantly, its reputation as an automaker that makes safer ones as well.

I’ll make another prediction.  Before this issue is over, embarrassing evidence will come to light showing that Toyota has known about the problem of sudden acceleration for years, but that it has tried to hide the problem from regulator’s and customers for some time.  Stop back by for results on my prediction in the weeks to come.

Make Sure Your Kentucky Accident Attorney Is An Experienced Trial Attorney

Hire An Experienced Trial Attorney

Not everyone involved in a Kentucky car, truck, or motorcycle accident will need a Kentucky Accident Attorney.  However, if you have suffered lost wages, incurred serious medical expenses over $1,000.00, or have been left permanently impaired or unable to work, you will.  If you are in need of a qualified accident attorney, you might wonder; “What type of attorney should I hire?”, or “What separates the many attorneys I see advertising?”

There are many factors to consider in retaining a qualified accident attorney; however, probably the most important factor that separates most accident attorneys is trial experience.  Trial attorneys, also called litigators, are attorneys who have experience in handling accident or injury claims that have resulted in a lawsuit at the courthouse.  While all experienced attorneys will try to settle your Kentucky accident claim, every claim has the potential to result in a lawsuit.  Only if you and the insurance company agree will your claim be settled.

Many accident attorneys will gladly sign up your case and attempt to settle it; however, you will quickly find that once settlement negotiations break down, they quickly refer your case to an entirely new attorney to handle the lawsuit.  So, if you are seeking a Kentucky accident attorney, make sure that your Kentucky accident attorney is an experienced trial attorney, who is willing to file a lawsuit to fight for your rights to compensation when the insurance company refuses to be fair.