Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Atlanta personal injury lawyer blog
Monday, January 25, 2010
Toyota Expands Recall for Sudden Acceleration Problem
Monday, October 5, 2009
Georgia G-TACT Program Targets Aggressive Cars and Trucks
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Safety Advice for Parents of Teenage Drivers
Monday, June 29, 2009
Operation Zero Tolerance Targets Georgia Drunk Drivers
In terms of highway safety, the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year. Georgia State Troopers and other law enforcement officers have already begun their crackdown for the upcoming holiday.
Operation Zero Tolerance will run through Sunday, July 5. Officers will be out in full force and on the lookout for impaired drivers and reckless speeders, as well as people who are not wearing safety belts.
“Operation Zero Tolerance sends state troopers and other law enforcement out in concentrated patrols, particularly targeting drunk drivers. We’re going to be conducting several road safety checks and working closely with Sheriff’s offices and police departments in a joint effort,” said Cpl. Kyle Duke of the Georgia State Patrol.
In Georgia, alcohol is involved in one out of five crashes. Last year during the Fourth of July travel period, nearly half of the 14 traffic fatalities in Georgia involved a drunk driver.
Bob Dallas, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, advises people to pre-plan their celebrations and arrange for a designated sober driver or a taxi cab. It’s a good idea to store taxi cab numbers on your cell phone just in case you need one.
“Driving while impaired just isn’t worth this incredible risk,” said Dallas. “Regardless of age or level of driving experience, drivers who consume too many spirits while getting into the holiday spirit must find a safe and sober ride home. If not, Operation Zero Tolerance has significantly increased their chances of arrest in Georgia, while their excessive alcohol consumption has significantly decreased their chances of survival anywhere they drive.”
If you’re serving as a designated driver this Fourth of July, make sure that all of your passengers are wearing their seat belts, and don’t allow any open containers of alcohol in your vehicle.
If you spot an impaired driver, call 911 immediately. You can also call *GSP on your cell phone to reach the nearest Georgia State Patrol post.
To be safe, drive as little as possible this holiday weekend. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest days of the year, and many drivers will be impaired. Drive defensively, wear your seat belts, and stay within the speed limit. Try to arrive at your destination early and stay put, especially if you plan to drink. This will make the roads safer for us all.
If you’re injured in an accident with a drunk driver, call 911 and, if possible, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene. See a doctor immediately to have your injuries evaluated, and call an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will need to act quickly to investigate the accident and collect evidence.
MLN Law aggressively pursues claims against drunk drivers. We work hard for victims of drunk driving accidents to get them the compensation they deserve. Call MLN Law at (404) 531-9700 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced attorney.
Here’s a Fourth of July video press release from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Jury awards $14.5 million to Albuquerque man's family
Monday, May 5, 2008
Associate of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Safe Driving Suggestions - Reduced visibility
Safe Driving Suggestions - Tornados
Safe Driving Suggestions - Thunder & Lightning
Safe Driving Suggestions - High Winds
Back in November, I questioned the effectiveness of Toyota's limited recall in the post Will Toyota Recall Solve the Acceleration Problem?
Toyota had blamed the heavily publicized sudden acceleration problem on floor mats that caused the gas pedal to stick. However, several consumers said that the acceleration in their Toyota had not been caused by the floor mat. For example, Elizabeth James, whose Toyota Prius suddenly accelerated to 90 MPH, said that her foot was not even on the gas pedal: "I'm absolutely certain that in my situation, it was not the floor mats."
Last week Toyota finally admitted that the sudden acceleration problems could not be caused by floor mats alone and announced a recall of 2.3 million vehicles.
“In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats,” said Toyota Motor Sales Vice President Irv Miller. “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”
Apparently, wear and tear may cause the pedal sensor assembly to malfunction and possibly get stuck while engaged. Obviously, a stuck accelerator pedal that causes sudden acceleration will increase the risk of crash and injury.
Recalled vehicles include the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Avalon, 2007 to 2010 Toyota Camry, 2009 to 2010 Toyota Corolla, 2009 to 2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix, 2010 Toyota Highlander, 2009 to 2010 Toyota RAV4, 2008 to 2010 Toyota Sequoia, and 2007 to 2010 Toyota Tundra.
This recall of 2.3 million vehicles is separate from the previous recall of 4.2 Toyota and Lexus vehicles with defective floor mats. At the time of the previous recall, Toyota representatives denied that a mechanical problem might be behind the incidences of sudden acceleration. After the recall, ABC News aired a story which reported on 60 new cases of runaway Toyotas after the recall.
Toyota representatives have not said how the company plans to repair defective accelerator pedals. Simply replacing the part with another defective part would not remedy the situation. If you have one of the affected Toytoa vehicles listed above, call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 for more information. You can also find more information at www.safecar.gov.
If you have one of the recalled vehicles, you should stop driving it until it is repaired. The sudden acceleration problem has caused several deaths. If you find yourself behind the wheel of a runaway Toyota, shift the car into neutral and firmly apply the brakes, including the emergency brake.
If you have been injured in an auto accident due to a defective part, contact an experienced Atlanta auto accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Toyota had blamed the heavily publicized sudden acceleration problem on floor mats that caused the gas pedal to stick. However, several consumers said that the acceleration in their Toyota had not been caused by the floor mat. For example, Elizabeth James, whose Toyota Prius suddenly accelerated to 90 MPH, said that her foot was not even on the gas pedal: "I'm absolutely certain that in my situation, it was not the floor mats."
Last week Toyota finally admitted that the sudden acceleration problems could not be caused by floor mats alone and announced a recall of 2.3 million vehicles.
“In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats,” said Toyota Motor Sales Vice President Irv Miller. “Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.”
Apparently, wear and tear may cause the pedal sensor assembly to malfunction and possibly get stuck while engaged. Obviously, a stuck accelerator pedal that causes sudden acceleration will increase the risk of crash and injury.
Recalled vehicles include the 2009 Pontiac Vibe, 2005 to 2010 Toyota Avalon, 2007 to 2010 Toyota Camry, 2009 to 2010 Toyota Corolla, 2009 to 2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix, 2010 Toyota Highlander, 2009 to 2010 Toyota RAV4, 2008 to 2010 Toyota Sequoia, and 2007 to 2010 Toyota Tundra.
This recall of 2.3 million vehicles is separate from the previous recall of 4.2 Toyota and Lexus vehicles with defective floor mats. At the time of the previous recall, Toyota representatives denied that a mechanical problem might be behind the incidences of sudden acceleration. After the recall, ABC News aired a story which reported on 60 new cases of runaway Toyotas after the recall.
Toyota representatives have not said how the company plans to repair defective accelerator pedals. Simply replacing the part with another defective part would not remedy the situation. If you have one of the affected Toytoa vehicles listed above, call Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 for more information. You can also find more information at www.safecar.gov.
If you have one of the recalled vehicles, you should stop driving it until it is repaired. The sudden acceleration problem has caused several deaths. If you find yourself behind the wheel of a runaway Toyota, shift the car into neutral and firmly apply the brakes, including the emergency brake.
If you have been injured in an auto accident due to a defective part, contact an experienced Atlanta auto accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Labels: auto accident, auto safety, avoid wrecks, product liability, product recall
Tractor trailer accidents are all too common on Georgia roads. Last year, large trucks were involved in 8.6 percent of the state’s 2,070 fatal crashes.
Earlier this year the Georgia Department of Public Safety kicked off a new initiative to reduce the number a wrecks between big rigs and cars: Georgia Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks, or G-TACT.
The goal of G-TACT is to combine the resources of the Motor Carrier Compliance division, state troopers, and sheriff’s deputies to educate drivers about the dangers of driving alongside big tractor trailer trucks. Through a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the project has been instigated across the state on busy highways and interstates.
Georgia State Patrol Villa Ricca Post Commander Joey Boatright told the Times Georgian, “Stopping abruptly in a tractor-trailer takes about three times the distance than a car that is traveling at the same speed. If there is an emergency ahead and the driver of a car can stop in time, the tractor trailer might not be able to if there is not enough space between the two.
“Drivers should know that tractor-trailers have a blind spot directly behind the vehicle and just behind the driver’s side door and cab. It is the responsibility of the truck drivers to have mirrors set up, but passenger cars should be aware of these potential areas that might have limited visibility.
“Anytime it’s a tractor trailer versus a car in a collision, there is the potential to be a serious or deadly accident. Speeding and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also be just as deadly. This program was started because of the number of accidents we have, not just in Carroll and Douglas counties but across the entire state.”
State Patrol Lt. Paul Cosper said that, as part of G-TACT, motor carrier compliance officers inspect heavy trucks for mechanical problems like blown headlights, brake problems, or worn tires. Officers can issue citations or order tractor trailers out of service for violations. Big rigs may also be ordered out of service if drivers have exceeded the limit on hours in the driver log.
“This is for the safety of everyone,” said Cosper. “If you are driving an 80,000 pound vehicle, then you need to be safe. At the same time, cars do not need to cut off large trucks on the road.”
To stay safe and avoid getting a ticket, don’t cut off tractor trailers. Leave plenty of room between the truck and your vehicle before you change lanes. Don’t tailgate tractor trailer trucks. Large trucks have large blind spots, and if the truck brakes suddenly, you may not have time to react. Always leave more room for big rigs when you’re merging with traffic.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a tractor trailer wreck? If so, you need an experienced Georgia accident attorney who is familiar with the laws and regulations regarding tractor trailer trucks. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation. Do not delay; the sooner you hire an attorney, the better your case will be.
Earlier this year the Georgia Department of Public Safety kicked off a new initiative to reduce the number a wrecks between big rigs and cars: Georgia Targeting Aggressive Cars and Trucks, or G-TACT.
The goal of G-TACT is to combine the resources of the Motor Carrier Compliance division, state troopers, and sheriff’s deputies to educate drivers about the dangers of driving alongside big tractor trailer trucks. Through a grant from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the project has been instigated across the state on busy highways and interstates.
Georgia State Patrol Villa Ricca Post Commander Joey Boatright told the Times Georgian, “Stopping abruptly in a tractor-trailer takes about three times the distance than a car that is traveling at the same speed. If there is an emergency ahead and the driver of a car can stop in time, the tractor trailer might not be able to if there is not enough space between the two.
“Drivers should know that tractor-trailers have a blind spot directly behind the vehicle and just behind the driver’s side door and cab. It is the responsibility of the truck drivers to have mirrors set up, but passenger cars should be aware of these potential areas that might have limited visibility.
“Anytime it’s a tractor trailer versus a car in a collision, there is the potential to be a serious or deadly accident. Speeding and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also be just as deadly. This program was started because of the number of accidents we have, not just in Carroll and Douglas counties but across the entire state.”
State Patrol Lt. Paul Cosper said that, as part of G-TACT, motor carrier compliance officers inspect heavy trucks for mechanical problems like blown headlights, brake problems, or worn tires. Officers can issue citations or order tractor trailers out of service for violations. Big rigs may also be ordered out of service if drivers have exceeded the limit on hours in the driver log.
“This is for the safety of everyone,” said Cosper. “If you are driving an 80,000 pound vehicle, then you need to be safe. At the same time, cars do not need to cut off large trucks on the road.”
To stay safe and avoid getting a ticket, don’t cut off tractor trailers. Leave plenty of room between the truck and your vehicle before you change lanes. Don’t tailgate tractor trailer trucks. Large trucks have large blind spots, and if the truck brakes suddenly, you may not have time to react. Always leave more room for big rigs when you’re merging with traffic.
Have you or a loved one been injured in a tractor trailer wreck? If so, you need an experienced Georgia accident attorney who is familiar with the laws and regulations regarding tractor trailer trucks. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation. Do not delay; the sooner you hire an attorney, the better your case will be.
Labels: avoid wrecks, avoiding car accidents, truck accident, truck wreck, trucking
Auto accidents are the leading cause of teenage death in the United States. Car wrecks kill more than 5,000 teenagers each year. In 2007, more than 7,000 people were killed in wrecks involving teenage drivers. In the same year, more than 250,000 teenage drivers were injured.
Teenage drivers are typically inexperienced, easily distracted, and more careless than adult drivers. What can parents do to reduce the risk that their teenage driver will have an accident? The October issue of the journal Pediatrics includes two articles that suggest advice for parents of teen drivers.
In the article “Primary Access to Vehicles Increases Risky Teen Driving Behaviors and Crashes: National Perspective,” the authors found that 25 percent of teens who had primary access to vehicles had been involved in crashes. Only 10 percent of teenagers with shared vehicle access had been involved in accidents. The researchers also found that, when compared to drivers with shared access, drivers with primary access are more likely to use cell phones while driving and drive over the speed limit.
Why is that? Perhaps teens with primary access to a vehicle tend to think, “This is my car, so I can do what I want” (even if their parents bought the car for them). On the other hand, when teenagers have to ask for the car keys, they’re more likely to be careful behind the wheel, and parents are in a better position to monitor driving habits and behaviors.
A friend of mine waited until a year after her daughter got her driver’s license before she helped her daughter buy a used car. The daughter has never had a wreck or gotten a ticket. If you have a teenager, consider waiting a year or two before buying them a car of their own. They probably won’t be happy with the decision, but it just might save their life (or the life of someone else).
In the other Pediatrics article titled “Associations Between Parenting Styles and Teen Driving, Safety-Related Behaviors and Attitudes,” researchers examined how different parenting styles affect teenage driving. In the study, 50 percent of the parents were authoritative, 23 percent were permissive, 8 percent were authoritarian, and 19 percent were uninvolved. Authoritative parents were defined by high support and high control; permissive parents had high support and low control; authoritarian parents had low support and high control; and uninvolved parents exhibited low support and low control.
Can you guess which parents had the safest teenage drivers? Authoritative parents who offered both support and control had the safest teen drivers. Compared to teens with uninvolved parents, those with authoritative parents had half the crash risk, and they were 71 percent less likely to drive while intoxicated. They were also less likely to use a cell phone while driving. Teens with authoritative or authoritarian parents used seat belts twice as often and reported speeding half as often as teen drivers with uninvolved parents. In this study, there was no significant difference between permissive and uninvolved parents.
The study suggests that parents of teenage drivers should lay down the rules while offering emotional support. Make sure that your teenager is well aware of the risks of driving. Treat your teen like an adult. Work with your teenage driver to develop a written list of driving rules. When your teen breaks a rule, enforce the rules by temporarily restricting driving privileges.
If you need the legal advice of an experienced Georgia auto accident attorney, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Teenage drivers are typically inexperienced, easily distracted, and more careless than adult drivers. What can parents do to reduce the risk that their teenage driver will have an accident? The October issue of the journal Pediatrics includes two articles that suggest advice for parents of teen drivers.
In the article “Primary Access to Vehicles Increases Risky Teen Driving Behaviors and Crashes: National Perspective,” the authors found that 25 percent of teens who had primary access to vehicles had been involved in crashes. Only 10 percent of teenagers with shared vehicle access had been involved in accidents. The researchers also found that, when compared to drivers with shared access, drivers with primary access are more likely to use cell phones while driving and drive over the speed limit.
Why is that? Perhaps teens with primary access to a vehicle tend to think, “This is my car, so I can do what I want” (even if their parents bought the car for them). On the other hand, when teenagers have to ask for the car keys, they’re more likely to be careful behind the wheel, and parents are in a better position to monitor driving habits and behaviors.
A friend of mine waited until a year after her daughter got her driver’s license before she helped her daughter buy a used car. The daughter has never had a wreck or gotten a ticket. If you have a teenager, consider waiting a year or two before buying them a car of their own. They probably won’t be happy with the decision, but it just might save their life (or the life of someone else).
In the other Pediatrics article titled “Associations Between Parenting Styles and Teen Driving, Safety-Related Behaviors and Attitudes,” researchers examined how different parenting styles affect teenage driving. In the study, 50 percent of the parents were authoritative, 23 percent were permissive, 8 percent were authoritarian, and 19 percent were uninvolved. Authoritative parents were defined by high support and high control; permissive parents had high support and low control; authoritarian parents had low support and high control; and uninvolved parents exhibited low support and low control.
Can you guess which parents had the safest teenage drivers? Authoritative parents who offered both support and control had the safest teen drivers. Compared to teens with uninvolved parents, those with authoritative parents had half the crash risk, and they were 71 percent less likely to drive while intoxicated. They were also less likely to use a cell phone while driving. Teens with authoritative or authoritarian parents used seat belts twice as often and reported speeding half as often as teen drivers with uninvolved parents. In this study, there was no significant difference between permissive and uninvolved parents.
The study suggests that parents of teenage drivers should lay down the rules while offering emotional support. Make sure that your teenager is well aware of the risks of driving. Treat your teen like an adult. Work with your teenage driver to develop a written list of driving rules. When your teen breaks a rule, enforce the rules by temporarily restricting driving privileges.
If you need the legal advice of an experienced Georgia auto accident attorney, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: auto accident, avoid wrecks, car crashes, teen drivers, teenagers
In terms of highway safety, the Fourth of July is the deadliest day of the year. Georgia State Troopers and other law enforcement officers have already begun their crackdown for the upcoming holiday.Operation Zero Tolerance will run through Sunday, July 5. Officers will be out in full force and on the lookout for impaired drivers and reckless speeders, as well as people who are not wearing safety belts.
“Operation Zero Tolerance sends state troopers and other law enforcement out in concentrated patrols, particularly targeting drunk drivers. We’re going to be conducting several road safety checks and working closely with Sheriff’s offices and police departments in a joint effort,” said Cpl. Kyle Duke of the Georgia State Patrol.
In Georgia, alcohol is involved in one out of five crashes. Last year during the Fourth of July travel period, nearly half of the 14 traffic fatalities in Georgia involved a drunk driver.
Bob Dallas, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, advises people to pre-plan their celebrations and arrange for a designated sober driver or a taxi cab. It’s a good idea to store taxi cab numbers on your cell phone just in case you need one.
“Driving while impaired just isn’t worth this incredible risk,” said Dallas. “Regardless of age or level of driving experience, drivers who consume too many spirits while getting into the holiday spirit must find a safe and sober ride home. If not, Operation Zero Tolerance has significantly increased their chances of arrest in Georgia, while their excessive alcohol consumption has significantly decreased their chances of survival anywhere they drive.”
If you’re serving as a designated driver this Fourth of July, make sure that all of your passengers are wearing their seat belts, and don’t allow any open containers of alcohol in your vehicle.
If you spot an impaired driver, call 911 immediately. You can also call *GSP on your cell phone to reach the nearest Georgia State Patrol post.
To be safe, drive as little as possible this holiday weekend. Keep in mind that this is one of the busiest days of the year, and many drivers will be impaired. Drive defensively, wear your seat belts, and stay within the speed limit. Try to arrive at your destination early and stay put, especially if you plan to drink. This will make the roads safer for us all.
If you’re injured in an accident with a drunk driver, call 911 and, if possible, collect evidence at the scene of the accident. Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene. See a doctor immediately to have your injuries evaluated, and call an attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will need to act quickly to investigate the accident and collect evidence.
MLN Law aggressively pursues claims against drunk drivers. We work hard for victims of drunk driving accidents to get them the compensation they deserve. Call MLN Law at (404) 531-9700 to schedule your free consultation with an experienced attorney.
Here’s a Fourth of July video press release from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety:
Labels: avoid wrecks, driver safety, drunk driver, drunk driving, DUI, Georgia personal injury law, reckless driving
The Associated Press reported last week that a Santa Fe jury returned a verdict of more than $14.5 million to the family of an Albuquerque man killed by a drunken driver in 2003. Daniel Gutierrez was in a coma for about five weeks before he died.
His mother, Janet Jaramillo, sued the driver, Daniel Durand, and the Albuquerque convenience store he worked for before the crash. She alleged that Alameda Meteor, which owned the convenience store, and its parent companies were negligent when employees sold alcohol to Durand when he was obviously intoxicated.
Her attorney, Jacob Vigil, said store employees sold Durand beer throughout the day knowing he was a chronic alcoholic.
Blood-alcohol tests on Durand three hours after the crash found his blood-alcohol content was 0.09, above the legal limit.
Durand was sentenced in September 2003 to 10 years in prison and five years on probation for the drunken driving crimes he committed after he leaving work at the store drunk and colliding with five vehicles, including Gutierrez's motorcycle.
The lawsuit named El Baracho Inc., which leased the liquor license to the store operators, along with Meteor Monument, Alameda Meteor and Meteor Stores Inc., which held the franchise for the convenience store.
———
Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
His mother, Janet Jaramillo, sued the driver, Daniel Durand, and the Albuquerque convenience store he worked for before the crash. She alleged that Alameda Meteor, which owned the convenience store, and its parent companies were negligent when employees sold alcohol to Durand when he was obviously intoxicated.
Her attorney, Jacob Vigil, said store employees sold Durand beer throughout the day knowing he was a chronic alcoholic.
Blood-alcohol tests on Durand three hours after the crash found his blood-alcohol content was 0.09, above the legal limit.
Durand was sentenced in September 2003 to 10 years in prison and five years on probation for the drunken driving crimes he committed after he leaving work at the store drunk and colliding with five vehicles, including Gutierrez's motorcycle.
The lawsuit named El Baracho Inc., which leased the liquor license to the store operators, along with Meteor Monument, Alameda Meteor and Meteor Stores Inc., which held the franchise for the convenience store.
———
Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
Labels: attorney, avoid wrecks, car accidents, drunk driving, jury, lawsuit, personal injury, sue, verdict, wrongful death
Michael Neff is a member of the Association of Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America. AITL is a national association of committed lawyers who have joined together to help eliminate unsafe and illegal interstate trucking practices. Through our combined efforts in learning, litigation and legislation, we are working today to make America's highways a safer place tomorrow for our families, our clients, and all Americans.
For more information on the organization see www.AITLAmerica.com
For more information on the organization see www.AITLAmerica.com
Labels: avoid wrecks, truck accident
Few things are as scary as driving when you can't see much. Reduced visibility conditions include twilight, darkness, rain, snow, fog, smoke, and bright sunshine.
Obviously, if driving in poor visibility can be avoided, it should be. If suddenly faced with bad visibility, consider these suggestions:
* Use moderation in judging safe speed. Slow down enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
* Do no slow down so much that you become a risk to drivers behind you.
* Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them. If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
* Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to deal with bright sunlight.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Obviously, if driving in poor visibility can be avoided, it should be. If suddenly faced with bad visibility, consider these suggestions:
* Use moderation in judging safe speed. Slow down enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
* Do no slow down so much that you become a risk to drivers behind you.
* Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them. If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
* Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to deal with bright sunlight.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Labels: avoid wrecks, safe driving, safety
Tornado
Also consider suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Do not drive during tornado conditions.
* Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
* Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
* If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Also consider suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Do not drive during tornado conditions.
* Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
* Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
* If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
* Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
* Avoid flooded roadways.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.
* How to deal with a hail storm.
* Visit our flood safety tips for how to deal with flooding.
Source: FEMA.gov
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
* Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
* Avoid flooded roadways.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.
* How to deal with a hail storm.
* Visit our flood safety tips for how to deal with flooding.
Source: FEMA.gov
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
High Winds
* Be aware of vehicles around you. High winds are more problematic for drivers of trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers who are towing trailers.
* Reduce your speed and correct your steering, especially when moving from a protected area to an unprotected area, or when meeting large vehicles.
* Wind is often accompanied by heavy rain or winter precipitation. Stay alert for slippery areas.
Sources: sos.state.il.us
* Be aware of vehicles around you. High winds are more problematic for drivers of trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers who are towing trailers.
* Reduce your speed and correct your steering, especially when moving from a protected area to an unprotected area, or when meeting large vehicles.
* Wind is often accompanied by heavy rain or winter precipitation. Stay alert for slippery areas.
Sources: sos.state.il.us
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
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