There are not many instances when the auto products liability attorneys at BISNAR | CHASE agree with The Ford Motor Company. We have represented numerous clients over the years alleging that Ford manufactured substandard cars, trucks and SUVs that seriously injured our clients. This time however, we commend a recent Ford initiative that makes them the first auto maker to endorse a federal ban on sending text messages while driving.

Texting Ban Will Save Lives

According to a news report in the New York Times, Ford issued a statement in support of a legislation proposed by Senator Charles E. Schumer, D-New York, that would cut by 25 percent the federal highway financing given to states that did not comply with the texting ban. California's texting ban went into effect this year. Text-messaging bans have already been enacted in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Ford officials said they also support a similar proposal in the House by Carolyn McCarthy, a Democrat from New York.

The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute recently concluded that drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to get in a car accident or narrowly avoid a car accident. The study also stated that any activity that causes drivers to take their eyes off the road such as texting substantially increases the likelihood of a car crash. Ford officials said in a released statement: "Ford believes hands-free, voice-activated technology substantially reduces that risk by allowing drivers to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."

Ford apparently has its proprietary in-car communications and entertainment system called Ford Sync that is being included on many models, allowing most mobile phones to be used hands-free. The system also has a voice-activated feature that reads out text messages aloud to the driver.

Texting While Driving Has Caused Devastation

I think Ford deserves a lot of credit here for being the first auto maker to step up and support this texting ban legislation. As a personal injury lawyer, I wholeheartedly support this ban because I have seen first hand the devastating consequences of distracted driving. There is no place for texting while driving on our highways. The Chatsworth Metrolink crash, which killed 25 people and injured at least 130 in September 2008, occurred when the engineer texted and drove the train right through a red light. The commuter train ended up colliding with a freight train.

Recent studies have also shown that hands-free devices too, aren't safe because they still take the driver's attention off the road. Ideally, we should ban any mode of communication -- be it talking on the cell phone or texting -- while driving, unless it's an emergency. Our lives and the lives of others on the road are too precious to risk. Please drive safely.

The BISNAR|CHASE personal injury law firm is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our source for the facts is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, please contact us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. Most of the best law firms will provide accident victims a free consultation.

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