Toledo Car Accident Lawyer Says NTSB Call to Ban Drivers’ Cell Phones Should Alert Employers

Attorney Drew R. Masse of Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer Co., L.P.A., says employers should seize opportunity to update policies and training about using cell phones in cars.

Toledo, Ohio (PRWEB) December 29, 2011

Toledo car accident lawyer Drew R. Masse says employers should take heed of a federal agency’s call for a ban on cell phone use while driving and educate their employees about the dangers of texting while driving and other forms of distracted driving.

“If an employer has not already banned the use of cell phones and other electronic devices while employees are operating company cars, now is a good time to consider such a policy,” said Masse, an associate with the Toledo personal injury firm of Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer Co., L.P.A.

The firm represents car accident victims and their families throughout Northwestern Ohio and Southeastern Michigan in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

“Employers who cannot see their way to an outright ban on using electronic devices while operating vehicles on company time should review state laws and company policies with their employees,” Masse said. “Distracted driving is a real issue. Those who ignore its dangers will find themselves subject to criminal penalties and civil liability when collisions and injuries result.”

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended in December that all drivers be prohibited from using cell phones and other electronic devices behind the wheel. The recommendation to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration resulted from an investigation into a 2010 multi-vehicle crash in Missouri that was caused by a pickup truck driver who was distracted by a texting conversation. The wreck killed two and injured 38.

The NTSB said 3,092 Americans died in 2010 in motor vehicle crashes attributed to the use of phones and other distractions.

The increase in distracted driving accidents has resulted in state and local laws across the country restricting cell phone use. Both Ohio and Michigan ban text messaging while driving. Detroit prohibits the use of handheld phones while driving. Several Ohio cities, including Toledo and Columbus, have enacted local texting-while-driving ordinances.

“It is crucial for employers to recognize that they could be held liable and subject to a lawsuit if a driver who works for them causes a wreck that is linked to the driver’s use of a cell phone or another electronic device while in the course and scope of their employment,” Masse said.

The Ohio auto accident lawyer said anyone injured in a motor vehicle collision linked to distracted driving, or the loved ones of someone injured or killed, should contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

“Individuals have rights that must be protected in the aftermath of car accidents that cause personal injury or wrongful death,” Masse said.

About Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer Co., L.P.A.

Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer Co., L.P.A. ,is a full service Toledo law firm that represents working men and women, individuals with disabilities and labor unions throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, including the communities of Toledo, Findlay, Bowling Green, Northwood, Oregon, Perrysburg, Sylvania, Lima, Defiance, Fremont, Sandusky and Waterville. In addition to a general practice, the firm assists clients in personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, labor and bankruptcy cases. The firm’s personal injury areas include construction injuries, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, slip-and-falls, farming injuries, defective products, medical malpractice and nursing home injuries. For more information, call Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer Co., L.P.A. at (800) 352-1976 or use its online form.

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Janet Aguilar
Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer Co., L.P.A.
(800) 352-1976
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