Truck Accident Lawyer Considers Whether Unmarked Patrol Cars in Boise, Idaho Will Reduce Accidents
Idaho State Police are asking Idaho Legislature for the permission to patrol the roadways in unmarked patrol cars. According to KREM news, some officers argue that when drivers see marked patrol cars, they display their best behavior. Idaho police claim that unmarked patrol cars will give officers the ability to better enforce aggressive and distracted driving infractions, including enforcing new texting and driving laws.
State police have good reason to want to curb distracted driving and aggressive driving. Distracted driving accounted for 19 percent of fatalities in 2014 and aggressive driving was responsible for 48% of deaths. Truck accidents also make up a sizeable portion of the number of accidents that occur on Idaho roads each year. In 2012, commercial vehicles were involved in 1,521 crashes. Among these, 14 were fatal, and 447 resulted in injuries. Truck accidents have the potential to cause more serious injuries and fatalities due to the size of the vehicles involved.
The hope is that by allowing police to drive in unmarked cars, more drivers will be likely to follow the rules at all times and not just at times when they happen to see a patrol car on the road.
The new law faces some serious criticism from those who worry about personal liberty and others who are concerned about whether the law will make it easier for people to impersonate police officers. Supporters of the law remind drivers that officers will still be required to wear a proper uniform and show a badge, even when driving in an unmarked car.
Will allowing unmarked police cars to patrol Idaho roads make highways safer and prevent accidents? We’ll only know if the law is passed.
Yet, as it stands, truck drivers have a responsibility to follow federal regulations for taking breaks and are required to refrain from texting and driving in Idaho.
A a semi truck accident lawyer in Boise or Nampa, Idaho may be able to assist you in getting compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses. Truck drivers are required to abide by more stringent driving rules and regulations under federal law. A qualified truck accident attorney versed in these laws may assist you in holding drivers and operators accountable for their actions.
How should you go about choosing a lawyer? According to USAttorneys.com, families and victims should seek out a lawyer with experience and reputation. Additionally, you should look for a lawyer who specializes in helping truck accident victims. Litigation often involves the enforcement of federal regulation, corporate policy, and may involve seeking compensation from a range of stakeholders. You need a lawyer who understands what kind of research and investigations need to be performed to ensure that you get the best possible outcome for your case.
Unmarked police cars are currently used to perform investigations. Will these same cars be able to protect the general public from the damages and losses of truck and auto accidents?
We’ll see what happens when the law is passed. Until then, drivers should always drive defensively and follow the law. When they fail to do so, lives can be shattered.
The Law Office of Johnson & Lundgreen in Boise assists truck accident victims in the area. If you or a loved one has suffered in an accident, contact us today to learn more about your rights.
