Accidents Caused By Cell Phones
Sending text messages while driving has become a serious problem with drivers these days, as we are all in a hurry to travel and communicate. An ambulance driver in Albany, New York who had previously been seen texting behind the wheel of an ambulance was involved in an accident where she ran into a snowbank. Senior partner Jeffery Lichtman had this to say about the incident:
This is becoming a serious problem that our state needs to address with strict rules and penalties. In this incident, the driver of the ambulance that ran into a snowbank had been previously cautioned by an Albany firefighter about text messaging while driving. The driver of this ambulance is supposed to be out saving lives and instead is dangerously putting the public in harm’s way.
Tom Nardacci, spokesman for Mohawk Ambulance, said the driver, Joanna McKinley, is no longer employed by the company. He further pointed out that, State law exempts emergency vehicles from cell phone laws but that Mohawk ambulance has a stringent written policy against the use of cell phones which would include texting except in the use of an emergency or when they have to call a physician at the hospital.
Albany must address the state’s cell phone laws. We must hold our public safety officials accountable.
Trolman, Glaser & Lichtman: Don’t settle for less!
