Even though awareness of the dangers of texting and driving has increased over the past decade, the need for an auto accident lawyer Little Rock AR residents can trust has also increased. Almost all states now have some form of prohibition of operating a mobile phone while driving a vehicle. However, it cannot go unnoticed that many of today’s technologies and the improvements of in-car entertainment can be a severe distraction for motorists traveling at high speeds on our roadways.
In my childhood in the 70s and 80s, we had analog radios with knobs, and maybe an 8-track or cassette player. The front seat passenger may unfold a map for directions. Now, however, our vehicles provide state of the art GPS systems and cameras to avoid colliding with children at play when backing out of the driveway. These are all crucial improvements for safety’s sake. However, they can also be dangerously distracting.
There is no doubt that touchscreen-operated devices mounted or factory-installed in a vehicle take a driver’s attention away from the road. We’ve all seen the commercials about how far a vehicle travels when taking eyes off the roadway for as little as one second when traveling 70 miles per hour. In the event of such an accident, should the driver be the sole responsible party for his or her injuries? Or should he or she be able to hold responsible the device manufacturer who created the distraction in the first place?
It’s only fair to note that there are several other things drivers do in their cars that cause them to be distracted: eating, grooming, talking, or using various devices of technology can cause drivers to take their attention away from the road. But all of these also cause serious crashes every day.
Can vehicle manufacturers be responsible for distractions presented by touchscreen in-car computers and GPS devices?
Because there is no law governing the content and use of in-car instruments, are automakers shielded from liability if their tools ultimately contribute to a crash? While there are many conditions affecting results, the short answer is, not necessarily. Litigation involving in-car distractions are constantly developing, and these precedents will affect all future litigation. As lawsuits continue to emerge the precedent pool will grow and outcomes can be better anticipated. It’s important to note that the NHTSA has taken note and has written guidelines for automakers to consider when creating these systems.
If your distraction due to an in-car entertainment or navigation device has led to a crash resulting in injury, don’t assume that liability is yours alone.