Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Atlanta personal injury lawyer blog
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ten-Year-Old Boy Struck by Car Still in Critical Condition
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Surprising New Study Results on Mixing Driving and Cell Phones
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Street Racing Behind Stone Mountain Girl's Death
Friday, January 29, 2010
Texting Lilburn Teen Injured While Driving
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Student Killed When Young Driver Loses Control
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Prepare for Icy Weather with a Winter Car Safety Kit
Monday, January 11, 2010
Pack for Safety, even with GPS
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Georgia Snow Driving Safety Tips
Friday, December 18, 2009
Drive Safely This Holiday Season
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Better Feedback, Better Drivers?
Friday, December 4, 2009
Racing Motorcycles Kills One in Marietta
Friday, November 27, 2009
Nine Year Old Recovering After Being Pinned Under Car
Friday, November 6, 2009
Drive Smart Computer Program Seeks to Preserve Driving Skills Among Elderly
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tips for Pedestrians on Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tips for Drivers on Avoiding Pedestrian Accidents
Monday, October 26, 2009
Children and the Elderly Most at Risk among Pedestrian Deaths
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Distracted Driving Summit Reports New Statistics
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
National Summit on Texting While Driving
Monday, August 3, 2009
Do Red Light Cameras Prevent Accidents… or Cause Them?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The 10 Most Common Lethal Driving Mistakes
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:
Atlanta 4th in the Nation for Road Rage
A week after being struck by a car while crossing I-85 near Church Street Elementary School, ten year old Artavius Hall was still in critical condition at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
The accident occurred when Hall attempted to cross the busy stretch of highway without the protection of a crosswalk and was struck by a driver. Hall was wearing dark clothes at the time, and in the early morning without the benefit of street lights, poor visibility may have contributed to the accident. Police say that while the accident took place about a mile away from a Riverdale elementary school, it is not entirely clear if the boy was walking there or not.
Hall was near a bus stop when he was hit, and Willie Heath Jr, the driver of the Chrysler sedan which struck Hall, claims to have pleaded with people waiting at the bus stop to help him perform CPR on the boy. Most of them got on the next bus, however.
"We're in a mean world," Heath said of the incident.
"I was begging for help," he said. "They got on their bus and left." Drivers passing by were equally callous, honking their horns and rushing by. Heath admits that he was afraid of being hit himself. While most of the people at the bus stop left the scene, two bystanders did help Heath and Hall in the end - one of them running to the nearby fire station to bring aid.
Heath, a religious man and himself the father of five, was both deeply sorry and upset by the incident when he spoke with the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
"I don't know if the parents are mad at me," he said. "I want to pray with them."
He also cites the lack of lights and sidewalks as contributing to the accident. While he said that he did not blame the government for not providing them, the conditions made it difficult for him to see Hall, and contributed to the accident.
As always, it is sad to hear about a child who is injured, and especially so critically. While I do not place blame on Hall, it is not always easy for drivers to see pedestrians, and he put himself in a more dangerous situation when he crossed without protection, and in clothing which made him difficult to see in the early morning light. According to reports, Hall was crossing the street with his brother at the time, who was luckily not hurt.
This is a reminder, without a doubt, of the importance of instilling good pedestrian etiquette in our children, so that situations like this are less likely. At the same time, it is a reminder of how easily a person can be critically injured by a car, and the importance of being alert for people walking in or along the roadways who might not be readily visible.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
The accident occurred when Hall attempted to cross the busy stretch of highway without the protection of a crosswalk and was struck by a driver. Hall was wearing dark clothes at the time, and in the early morning without the benefit of street lights, poor visibility may have contributed to the accident. Police say that while the accident took place about a mile away from a Riverdale elementary school, it is not entirely clear if the boy was walking there or not.
Hall was near a bus stop when he was hit, and Willie Heath Jr, the driver of the Chrysler sedan which struck Hall, claims to have pleaded with people waiting at the bus stop to help him perform CPR on the boy. Most of them got on the next bus, however."We're in a mean world," Heath said of the incident.
"I was begging for help," he said. "They got on their bus and left." Drivers passing by were equally callous, honking their horns and rushing by. Heath admits that he was afraid of being hit himself. While most of the people at the bus stop left the scene, two bystanders did help Heath and Hall in the end - one of them running to the nearby fire station to bring aid.
Heath, a religious man and himself the father of five, was both deeply sorry and upset by the incident when he spoke with the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
"I don't know if the parents are mad at me," he said. "I want to pray with them."
He also cites the lack of lights and sidewalks as contributing to the accident. While he said that he did not blame the government for not providing them, the conditions made it difficult for him to see Hall, and contributed to the accident.
As always, it is sad to hear about a child who is injured, and especially so critically. While I do not place blame on Hall, it is not always easy for drivers to see pedestrians, and he put himself in a more dangerous situation when he crossed without protection, and in clothing which made him difficult to see in the early morning light. According to reports, Hall was crossing the street with his brother at the time, who was luckily not hurt.
This is a reminder, without a doubt, of the importance of instilling good pedestrian etiquette in our children, so that situations like this are less likely. At the same time, it is a reminder of how easily a person can be critically injured by a car, and the importance of being alert for people walking in or along the roadways who might not be readily visible.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Atlanta, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: Atlanta accident lawyer, atlanta car accident attorney, Atlanta injury lawyer, avoiding car accidents, driver safety, pedestrian
A recent study produced some surprising information about the effect of using a hands free cell phone headset while driving. Many states, including California and New York, have laws which prohibit the use of cell phones while driving, but make allowances for hands free devices. The logic behind this is that having both hands on the wheel instead of one on the wheel and holding a cell phone, would result in better driving. The instincts of both law makers and insurance agencies - and of the many other people worried by distracted driving all around them on the road who supported these laws - said that hands free headsets would be an improvement, at least.
But now, the numbers are starting to come in, and that just isn't the case.
Adrian Lund, the president of the group which performed the study (the Highway Loss Data Institute), expressed their reaction simply.
"We were very surprised," he said. "You know that there should be fewer [crashes]. We were looking for that, and we aren’t seeing that pattern."
Atlanta’s own Clark Howard was inspired to speak up on this topic. The TV host and consumer advocate voiced his outrage at having money from tickets issued under the hands free cell phone laws essentially just going to the state. He also expressed a view that I personally can respect - that any cell phone use is distracting, no matter if people use cell phones hands free or otherwise. If they are talking on the phone while driving, people are not devoting their attention to the task at hand, and they are putting themselves and those around them at increased risk for an accident.
Adrian Lund supported this idea himself. "Our real problem is to do something about the bigger problem of distracted driving," he said, "whether that's cell phones, whether that's the baby crying in the back seat, whether it's the CD you dropped on the floor, whatever it is."
Clark's advice to drivers was to always keep their eyes on the road, no matter what. This is, it seems, a lesson which he is still working to instill in his son, and a lesson most distracted drivers could stand to learn along with Clark's four year old.
It may be a bit early to leap to conclusions based on this study's results. It did not look into the exact circumstances of different crashes, which took place while driving with a hands free device, which drivers were speaking illegally on hand held phones, and which were not speaking on the phone at all. All it establishes is that enacting laws against using hand held phones while driving does not lower the overall crash rate.
"We can’t even see a blip in the data for crashes," said Lund.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia auto accident lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
But now, the numbers are starting to come in, and that just isn't the case.Adrian Lund, the president of the group which performed the study (the Highway Loss Data Institute), expressed their reaction simply.
"We were very surprised," he said. "You know that there should be fewer [crashes]. We were looking for that, and we aren’t seeing that pattern."
Atlanta’s own Clark Howard was inspired to speak up on this topic. The TV host and consumer advocate voiced his outrage at having money from tickets issued under the hands free cell phone laws essentially just going to the state. He also expressed a view that I personally can respect - that any cell phone use is distracting, no matter if people use cell phones hands free or otherwise. If they are talking on the phone while driving, people are not devoting their attention to the task at hand, and they are putting themselves and those around them at increased risk for an accident.
Adrian Lund supported this idea himself. "Our real problem is to do something about the bigger problem of distracted driving," he said, "whether that's cell phones, whether that's the baby crying in the back seat, whether it's the CD you dropped on the floor, whatever it is."
Clark's advice to drivers was to always keep their eyes on the road, no matter what. This is, it seems, a lesson which he is still working to instill in his son, and a lesson most distracted drivers could stand to learn along with Clark's four year old.
It may be a bit early to leap to conclusions based on this study's results. It did not look into the exact circumstances of different crashes, which took place while driving with a hands free device, which drivers were speaking illegally on hand held phones, and which were not speaking on the phone at all. All it establishes is that enacting laws against using hand held phones while driving does not lower the overall crash rate.
"We can’t even see a blip in the data for crashes," said Lund.
If you have been injured by a distracted driver, it is important to contact an experienced Atlanta, Georgia auto accident lawyer immediately. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: Atlanta personal injury lawyer, cell phone, distracted drivers, driver safety, drivers, driving, driving and cell phones, driving and technology
I previously wrote before about the death of Tanesha Williams, the Stone Mountain High School student who was killed when another teen apparently lost control of his vehicle and jumped the curb. Now, it seems, two seventeen year old boys are being held accountable in this tragic accident.
The two boys, Saheed Saunders and Tomcum Siripanhya, are both being charged with racing, reckless driving and vehicular homicide. In addition to that, Saunders is accused of improper passing. It was this improper passing which caused his car to leave the road near Stone Mountain High School - which it did just shortly after classes had been dismissed. Saunders' car struck three Stone Mountain High School students, killing Tanesha Williams and injuring the other two.
The boys were released from jail late last month, Saunders on bond of $21,000, and Siripanhya on bond of $20,000.
At the time of the boys' release, DeKalb County police were still investigating the case in cooperation with the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office.
It saddened me to learn that the death of a fourteen year old girl was caused by something as reckless and preventable as street racing. Drivers of whatever age carry the responsibility to think not only of their own safety, but the safety of their passengers, of other motorists and of pedestrians. Driving is a privilege which many of us enjoy and even rely on for maintaining both our professional and personal lives.
In the case of seventeen year olds, it is still a new privilege, and one which is easy not to fully appreciate. Street racing is among numerous other dangerous driving habits which are significantly more common among teens and other younger drivers, along with driving while distracted by cell phones or texting, and driving while intoxicated. Of these three behaviors, street racing could be considered among the safest statistically. Fewer accidents are caused every year by racing than by distracted or intoxicated driving.
However, that statement ignores the obvious danger presented by street racing. Over the past few years, a wide variety of different news programs and media outlets have showcased the dangers of street racing through interviews and articles, and it is not hard to find other stories of how irresponsible, illegal street racing leads to the death of either the drivers, or other motorists or passersby whose only mistake was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Street racing is, by its nature, dangerous. Whenever drivers choose to ignore the basic rules of the road in favor of their own "fun" or convenience, they put themselves and others at risk. Hopefully this incident will serve as a lesson for Saunders and Siripanhya, and other teens in the area. It is tragic that a young girl had to die for it.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a reckless or distracted driver, it is important to talk with an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer immediately. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
The two boys, Saheed Saunders and Tomcum Siripanhya, are both being charged with racing, reckless driving and vehicular homicide. In addition to that, Saunders is accused of improper passing. It was this improper passing which caused his car to leave the road near Stone Mountain High School - which it did just shortly after classes had been dismissed. Saunders' car struck three Stone Mountain High School students, killing Tanesha Williams and injuring the other two.
The boys were released from jail late last month, Saunders on bond of $21,000, and Siripanhya on bond of $20,000.At the time of the boys' release, DeKalb County police were still investigating the case in cooperation with the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office.
It saddened me to learn that the death of a fourteen year old girl was caused by something as reckless and preventable as street racing. Drivers of whatever age carry the responsibility to think not only of their own safety, but the safety of their passengers, of other motorists and of pedestrians. Driving is a privilege which many of us enjoy and even rely on for maintaining both our professional and personal lives.
In the case of seventeen year olds, it is still a new privilege, and one which is easy not to fully appreciate. Street racing is among numerous other dangerous driving habits which are significantly more common among teens and other younger drivers, along with driving while distracted by cell phones or texting, and driving while intoxicated. Of these three behaviors, street racing could be considered among the safest statistically. Fewer accidents are caused every year by racing than by distracted or intoxicated driving.
However, that statement ignores the obvious danger presented by street racing. Over the past few years, a wide variety of different news programs and media outlets have showcased the dangers of street racing through interviews and articles, and it is not hard to find other stories of how irresponsible, illegal street racing leads to the death of either the drivers, or other motorists or passersby whose only mistake was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Street racing is, by its nature, dangerous. Whenever drivers choose to ignore the basic rules of the road in favor of their own "fun" or convenience, they put themselves and others at risk. Hopefully this incident will serve as a lesson for Saunders and Siripanhya, and other teens in the area. It is tragic that a young girl had to die for it.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a reckless or distracted driver, it is important to talk with an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer immediately. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: atlanta auto wreck attorney, car wreck, driver safety, georgia car accident attorney, reckless driving, street racing, teen drivers, teen driving dangers
The dangers of texting while driving cannot be overstated; I have written in this blog numerous times about the inherit danger of texting behind the wheel, and the accidents that such behavior can cause.
Adding to that number of people injured or killed because of texting while driving - against the advice of law enforcement officials, cellular providers and good sense - is a nineteen year old from Lilburn who was seriously hurt when he ran his Acura into a telephone poll while sending a text message to a friend. The young man, Soheb Roy, in the single car crash which took place last week on Arcado Road and Wayside Court in Lilburn. Afterward, he was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center where his condition was deemed serious, but stable by medical professionals, according to Bruce Hedley, the Lilburn police spokesman.
The collision between Soheb's Acura and the telephone pole was strong enough to snap the pole in two, and block the road for much of the day. The car itself was totaled. Despite the sound of it, neither alcohol nor drug use has been indicated in this crash. The only factor to contribute to Soheb leaving the road and hitting the telephone pole was his use of a cell phone to text while driving.
Soheb is being charged with improper use of a cell phone while driving and failure to maintain his lane.
Texting while driving has been causing quite an uproar lately just for this reason. A sober person might be distracted by the act of texting and receiving texts, and create a risk as great or even greater than a person who is legally intoxicated. Numerous studies have shown both the incredible dangers of texting while driving, and the alarming rates at which teens in particular engage in this risky behavior. Some studies have estimated that as many as one quarter of teens have texted while driving, and as many as half of teens have witnessed someone texting while driving while they themselves were riding as passengers.
In Soheb's case, there was luckily only one person involved. While that in no way excuses his behavior or makes what he did less dangerous, the only person who was hurt by his choice was himself; but by texting while driving, he and other teens put their passengers - often friends and family members - and everyone who they share the road with at risk.
More and more states are taking action to ban the use of cell phones while driving, both speaking on them and sending text messages, but the responsibility remains on drivers to understand the dangers and respect those state sanctions.
If you or someone who you know has been injured by a distracted or texting driver, then it is important to protect your rights by contacting an experienced Georgia auto wreck attorney. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 for a free consultation.
Adding to that number of people injured or killed because of texting while driving - against the advice of law enforcement officials, cellular providers and good sense - is a nineteen year old from Lilburn who was seriously hurt when he ran his Acura into a telephone poll while sending a text message to a friend. The young man, Soheb Roy, in the single car crash which took place last week on Arcado Road and Wayside Court in Lilburn. Afterward, he was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center where his condition was deemed serious, but stable by medical professionals, according to Bruce Hedley, the Lilburn police spokesman.
The collision between Soheb's Acura and the telephone pole was strong enough to snap the pole in two, and block the road for much of the day. The car itself was totaled. Despite the sound of it, neither alcohol nor drug use has been indicated in this crash. The only factor to contribute to Soheb leaving the road and hitting the telephone pole was his use of a cell phone to text while driving.
Soheb is being charged with improper use of a cell phone while driving and failure to maintain his lane.
Texting while driving has been causing quite an uproar lately just for this reason. A sober person might be distracted by the act of texting and receiving texts, and create a risk as great or even greater than a person who is legally intoxicated. Numerous studies have shown both the incredible dangers of texting while driving, and the alarming rates at which teens in particular engage in this risky behavior. Some studies have estimated that as many as one quarter of teens have texted while driving, and as many as half of teens have witnessed someone texting while driving while they themselves were riding as passengers.
In Soheb's case, there was luckily only one person involved. While that in no way excuses his behavior or makes what he did less dangerous, the only person who was hurt by his choice was himself; but by texting while driving, he and other teens put their passengers - often friends and family members - and everyone who they share the road with at risk.
More and more states are taking action to ban the use of cell phones while driving, both speaking on them and sending text messages, but the responsibility remains on drivers to understand the dangers and respect those state sanctions.
If you or someone who you know has been injured by a distracted or texting driver, then it is important to protect your rights by contacting an experienced Georgia auto wreck attorney. You may be entitled to compensation. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 for a free consultation.
Labels: driver safety, driving and texting, teen drivers, teens and technology
Tanesha Leshay Williams was a quiet, reserved fourteen year old. The freshman at Stone Mountain High School did not have many friends, but those who did know her describe a person who was kind, caring and worth knowing once she opened up. Williams' father, Anwar Bass, speaks of a girl who wanted to help people - a girl who spoke of being a nurse or a message therapist or a teacher when she grew up. According to Bass, the job she looked forward to in the future changed often, but the goal of helping others stayed the same.
“Let me know when you get to 12th grade,” Bass said he told her.
Unfortunately, Bass will not have the opportunity to see just what path his daughter would have chosen for herself in the end. Tanesha Leshay Williams died when a green Crown Victoria left the road and struck her while she was walking between her high school and her mother's home. The car also hit two other students, one male and one female, leaving them with nonfatal injuries. The seventeen year old driver of the Crown Victoria - who may or may not have been one of Williams' fellow students - also suffered some minor injuries as the result of losing control of the car.
Williams was rushed to hospital, but as far as her father is concerned, she died on the scene of the accident.
“It knocked the last wind out of her,” he said.
Alexandra Stamper, also fourteen and one of Williams few friends, talked with AJC after the incident. Stamper explained how she and the other girl had been friends since they met in middle school.
“I was the only person she would talk to,” Stamper said, then continued, “She was a very cool person when you got to know her.”
“I think she didn’t really feel that good about herself. She looked up to me. I would encourage her whenever I saw her to hold her head up because she was always walking like she was sad,” Stamper said explained.
Stamper left a teddy bear at the memorial students had built for Williams. While Williams was not well known, the fact that one of their schoolmates has died did not leave other Stone Mountain students unmoved. The fact has left many of the students shaken and aware of the dangers of losing control of a car.
“I just think people just gotta control their cars and know where they are going,” said Tyrelle Harrison, a seventeen year old junior at Stone Mountain.
Harrison walks to school every day, and on the day after Williams death, found himself walking on the opposite side of the road as he thought of what had happened.
Grief counselors have been made available to Stone Mountain High School students.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a driver, it is important to talk with an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer immediately. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
“Let me know when you get to 12th grade,” Bass said he told her.
Unfortunately, Bass will not have the opportunity to see just what path his daughter would have chosen for herself in the end. Tanesha Leshay Williams died when a green Crown Victoria left the road and struck her while she was walking between her high school and her mother's home. The car also hit two other students, one male and one female, leaving them with nonfatal injuries. The seventeen year old driver of the Crown Victoria - who may or may not have been one of Williams' fellow students - also suffered some minor injuries as the result of losing control of the car.
Williams was rushed to hospital, but as far as her father is concerned, she died on the scene of the accident.
“It knocked the last wind out of her,” he said.
Alexandra Stamper, also fourteen and one of Williams few friends, talked with AJC after the incident. Stamper explained how she and the other girl had been friends since they met in middle school.
“I was the only person she would talk to,” Stamper said, then continued, “She was a very cool person when you got to know her.”
“I think she didn’t really feel that good about herself. She looked up to me. I would encourage her whenever I saw her to hold her head up because she was always walking like she was sad,” Stamper said explained.
Stamper left a teddy bear at the memorial students had built for Williams. While Williams was not well known, the fact that one of their schoolmates has died did not leave other Stone Mountain students unmoved. The fact has left many of the students shaken and aware of the dangers of losing control of a car.
“I just think people just gotta control their cars and know where they are going,” said Tyrelle Harrison, a seventeen year old junior at Stone Mountain.
Harrison walks to school every day, and on the day after Williams death, found himself walking on the opposite side of the road as he thought of what had happened.
Grief counselors have been made available to Stone Mountain High School students.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a driver, it is important to talk with an experienced Georgia car accident lawyer immediately. Call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: auto accident, car accidents, car crashes, car wreck, driver safety
I blogged yesterday about the perils of putting too much trust your car's GPS, and how a Nevada couple would have been in a potentially deadly situation if not for their well supplied emergency kit. All year, and particularly in hazardous winter weather such as the snow and ice we just had here in Atlanta, an emergency safety kit is a must have for all vehicles. In the event of small mishaps, they can save you from ruining your good clothes while trying to change a tire, and in case you are stranded in the snow for three days without aid or cellular signal, they may save your life.
But what should an effective emergency safety kit contain?
• Tire Chains - Make sure you understand how to put these on before leaving. Outside, at night, already stuck in a snow drift is not where you want to learn.
• Shovel - In case you need to dig yourself out of the snow.
• Sand or Cat Litter - Either may provide you with additional traction on slick surfaces.
• Ice Scraper - So you will be able to clear the ice from your windows to maintain visibility.
• Jumper Cables - To restart the engine, if it becomes necessary.
• Warm Clothes, Gloves, Jacket, Boots, Hat - It is very important to stay warm and safe. You may also appreciate the ability to change your clothes if you become stranded for days.
• Blankets - To keep warm inside the vehicle.
• Flashlight and Extra Batteries - So you can increase visibility in the dark, avoiding frustration, and to make yourself better visible to passersby.
• Nonperishable Food and Water - Enough of both for everyone in the car, including pets. If you are traveling with infants, baby formula or baby food will be important to remember. Nuts or energy bars are both good choices that are high in protein. Canned fruits can be another useful addition. When packing canned food, also be sure to include a can opener.
• First Aid Kit - In case of any injuries. Also be sure your first aid kit includes any medications you or your passengers may need.
• Cell Phone and Emergency Numbers - You may not be lucky enough to be stranded somewhere with service, but if you do have a signal, you will be glad you remembered your phone and could contact help immediately instead of waiting for it to find you.
• AM/FM Radio - So you can listen for weather and traffic reports.
• Other Things To Consider Include Chemical hand warmers, a disposable camera to gather evidence in the case of an accident, pen and paper, warning lights or flares, a hand crank cell phone charger, some cash money in small bills and change should you find a pay phone.
As drivers, we cannot predict all of the hazards we might face, but the better prepared you are when an emergency happens, the more likely you will be to be able to solve your problems or wait them out until help arrives.
If you are stranded in the snow, be safe and do not try to go for help. Stay warm and dry in your vehicle as much as you can, and wait for help to come to you.
But what should an effective emergency safety kit contain?• Tire Chains - Make sure you understand how to put these on before leaving. Outside, at night, already stuck in a snow drift is not where you want to learn.
• Shovel - In case you need to dig yourself out of the snow.
• Sand or Cat Litter - Either may provide you with additional traction on slick surfaces.
• Ice Scraper - So you will be able to clear the ice from your windows to maintain visibility.
• Jumper Cables - To restart the engine, if it becomes necessary.
• Warm Clothes, Gloves, Jacket, Boots, Hat - It is very important to stay warm and safe. You may also appreciate the ability to change your clothes if you become stranded for days.
• Blankets - To keep warm inside the vehicle.
• Flashlight and Extra Batteries - So you can increase visibility in the dark, avoiding frustration, and to make yourself better visible to passersby.
• Nonperishable Food and Water - Enough of both for everyone in the car, including pets. If you are traveling with infants, baby formula or baby food will be important to remember. Nuts or energy bars are both good choices that are high in protein. Canned fruits can be another useful addition. When packing canned food, also be sure to include a can opener.
• First Aid Kit - In case of any injuries. Also be sure your first aid kit includes any medications you or your passengers may need.
• Cell Phone and Emergency Numbers - You may not be lucky enough to be stranded somewhere with service, but if you do have a signal, you will be glad you remembered your phone and could contact help immediately instead of waiting for it to find you.
• AM/FM Radio - So you can listen for weather and traffic reports.
• Other Things To Consider Include Chemical hand warmers, a disposable camera to gather evidence in the case of an accident, pen and paper, warning lights or flares, a hand crank cell phone charger, some cash money in small bills and change should you find a pay phone.
As drivers, we cannot predict all of the hazards we might face, but the better prepared you are when an emergency happens, the more likely you will be to be able to solve your problems or wait them out until help arrives.
If you are stranded in the snow, be safe and do not try to go for help. Stay warm and dry in your vehicle as much as you can, and wait for help to come to you.
Labels: car emergency kit, driver safety, winter emergency kit, winter safety
Often when new technology arrives on the scene to improve our lives, there is also a time of adjustment, when the unforeseen dangers and interferences of these new devices become apparent.
Examples of this learning curve take the form of everything from urban legends about people who put their unfortunate pets in the microwave, to the much documented phenomena of cell phones impairing drivers by distracting them - both with conversation, and more recently and increasingly dangerously, with text messaging.
But GPS units, those personal Global Positioning Systems that have become increasingly common on the road, seem like an unlikely contender as a road danger. At least, they may seem that way at first blush. The reality is that, like many other modern conveniences in their adjustment period, they present some very real dangers.
Like anything which demands your attention while driving, GPS units can distract motorists from paying attention to what they are doing: driving. Spending too much time fussing with, querying, and paying attention to the small navigation screen may not be as distracting as texting while driving, but it still divides a driver's attention in yet another direction. Driving, to begin with, is less one act than it is a suite of skills which drivers must employ more or less simultaneously. The single task of making an unprotected left turn is in reality multitasking. Adding another voice to the mix - that of the GPS telling you to make the turn now - can have a detrimental effect on some drivers in some instances.
Stories about this sort of situation have been appearing on and off in the media for a few years now.
There is, however, another danger involved with GPS units, as a Nevada couple learned when they spent Christmas day stranded in the snow in a National Forest as a result of faithfully following the directions of their GPS.
Their GPS had not failed. It gave them accurate directions, but it failed to take into account the details which automated programs are not at this time fully equipped to respond to. The GPS did include dangerous winter driving conditions in its directions. It did not know the capabilities of the car the couple was driving. It could not account for any number of factors that a human might consider when entering dangerous driving conditions such as whether or not they would be able to get a cellular signal if they become stranded, if there might be passersby who could lend help or if it's possible that they will not see another car for days, and perhaps most importantly, just what the conditions of the road are.
This is not meant as advice against using GPS. One of the surest ways to avoid an automobile accident is not to be on the road, and not getting lost is definitely a way to reduce drive time. However, it is a reminder not to trust your GPS too implicitly.
And it is a reminder to, like the couple in this story, be prepared for winter's dangers and pack a well stocked emergency safety kit. The Nevada couple’s misadventure trapped them in the snow for three days before rescue, and their preparedness may have saved their lives.
Examples of this learning curve take the form of everything from urban legends about people who put their unfortunate pets in the microwave, to the much documented phenomena of cell phones impairing drivers by distracting them - both with conversation, and more recently and increasingly dangerously, with text messaging.
But GPS units, those personal Global Positioning Systems that have become increasingly common on the road, seem like an unlikely contender as a road danger. At least, they may seem that way at first blush. The reality is that, like many other modern conveniences in their adjustment period, they present some very real dangers.
Like anything which demands your attention while driving, GPS units can distract motorists from paying attention to what they are doing: driving. Spending too much time fussing with, querying, and paying attention to the small navigation screen may not be as distracting as texting while driving, but it still divides a driver's attention in yet another direction. Driving, to begin with, is less one act than it is a suite of skills which drivers must employ more or less simultaneously. The single task of making an unprotected left turn is in reality multitasking. Adding another voice to the mix - that of the GPS telling you to make the turn now - can have a detrimental effect on some drivers in some instances.Stories about this sort of situation have been appearing on and off in the media for a few years now.
There is, however, another danger involved with GPS units, as a Nevada couple learned when they spent Christmas day stranded in the snow in a National Forest as a result of faithfully following the directions of their GPS.
Their GPS had not failed. It gave them accurate directions, but it failed to take into account the details which automated programs are not at this time fully equipped to respond to. The GPS did include dangerous winter driving conditions in its directions. It did not know the capabilities of the car the couple was driving. It could not account for any number of factors that a human might consider when entering dangerous driving conditions such as whether or not they would be able to get a cellular signal if they become stranded, if there might be passersby who could lend help or if it's possible that they will not see another car for days, and perhaps most importantly, just what the conditions of the road are.
This is not meant as advice against using GPS. One of the surest ways to avoid an automobile accident is not to be on the road, and not getting lost is definitely a way to reduce drive time. However, it is a reminder not to trust your GPS too implicitly.
And it is a reminder to, like the couple in this story, be prepared for winter's dangers and pack a well stocked emergency safety kit. The Nevada couple’s misadventure trapped them in the snow for three days before rescue, and their preparedness may have saved their lives.
Labels: driver safety, GPS dangers, GPS safety, winter safety
The snow is on its way to Atlanta, folks! At least, that’s what the meteorologists keep telling us.
Now, everybody knows that native Georgians don’t see much snow. Georgia drivers are often at a loss when it snows and roads ice over. According to FEMA, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death during winter storms.
Here are some Georgia Snow Driving Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe:
First of all, if you can avoid driving, then don’t drive! Try to stock up on all necessities (bread, milk, batteries, etc.) before the snow falls. The best way to avoid an accident is to stay off the roads.
If you must drive, check your tires before you start the engine. They should all have good treads and be properly inflated. Cold weather often causes a drop in air pressure inside your tires.
Most drivers in Georgia don’t have snow chains, but if you have them, use them.
Make sure you have at least a half tank of gas. You don’t want to run out of gas and get stuck on the side of the road during a winter storm. Make sure that your heater and wiper blades work, too!
Check the road reports on TV or radio before you leave. Some roads may be closed or congested.
Prepare a snow kit for your car. Here’s what you’ll need: ice scraper, broom, small shovel, bag of sand or kitty litter (for traction, in case you get stuck), blankets, flashlight, flares, first aid kit, jumper cables, “help” sign, cell phone and cell phone charger.
If you happen to break down or get stuck in the snow, stay inside your car and try to keep warm. Call for help or put a “help” sign in the window. Be sure to keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have limited gas, run the car for about 15 minutes every hour to keep it from freezing over. Bundle up and try to stay warm. Move around and do simple exercise to increase body heat.
Do not speed! Give yourself plenty of time to make your trip. If you have to drive to work in the snow, your boss will understand if you’re late. (Hopefully!) Driving too fast is the main cause of accidents on icy roads. Take your time, and be extra careful going around turns and curves.
Be wary of “black ice” which often appears in shady areas. Slow down when driving through shaded areas and over bridges.
When behind the wheel, avoid sudden movements. Be gentle with the pedals and the steering wheel.
Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others. You never know when a car may start sliding.
Be alert! Watch out for other vehicles and icy spots. Don't take your eyes off the road. (Put those cell phones down while you're driving!)
Again, the best way to avoid an accident is to stay off the road. If the roads ice over, take the day off work if you can. Plan some snow day activities, and try to relax and enjoy some time at home with the family.
Now, everybody knows that native Georgians don’t see much snow. Georgia drivers are often at a loss when it snows and roads ice over. According to FEMA, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death during winter storms.
Here are some Georgia Snow Driving Safety Tips to keep you and your family safe:
First of all, if you can avoid driving, then don’t drive! Try to stock up on all necessities (bread, milk, batteries, etc.) before the snow falls. The best way to avoid an accident is to stay off the roads.
If you must drive, check your tires before you start the engine. They should all have good treads and be properly inflated. Cold weather often causes a drop in air pressure inside your tires.
Most drivers in Georgia don’t have snow chains, but if you have them, use them.
Make sure you have at least a half tank of gas. You don’t want to run out of gas and get stuck on the side of the road during a winter storm. Make sure that your heater and wiper blades work, too!
Check the road reports on TV or radio before you leave. Some roads may be closed or congested.
Prepare a snow kit for your car. Here’s what you’ll need: ice scraper, broom, small shovel, bag of sand or kitty litter (for traction, in case you get stuck), blankets, flashlight, flares, first aid kit, jumper cables, “help” sign, cell phone and cell phone charger.
If you happen to break down or get stuck in the snow, stay inside your car and try to keep warm. Call for help or put a “help” sign in the window. Be sure to keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have limited gas, run the car for about 15 minutes every hour to keep it from freezing over. Bundle up and try to stay warm. Move around and do simple exercise to increase body heat.
Do not speed! Give yourself plenty of time to make your trip. If you have to drive to work in the snow, your boss will understand if you’re late. (Hopefully!) Driving too fast is the main cause of accidents on icy roads. Take your time, and be extra careful going around turns and curves.
Be wary of “black ice” which often appears in shady areas. Slow down when driving through shaded areas and over bridges.
When behind the wheel, avoid sudden movements. Be gentle with the pedals and the steering wheel.
Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others. You never know when a car may start sliding.
Be alert! Watch out for other vehicles and icy spots. Don't take your eyes off the road. (Put those cell phones down while you're driving!)
Again, the best way to avoid an accident is to stay off the road. If the roads ice over, take the day off work if you can. Plan some snow day activities, and try to relax and enjoy some time at home with the family.
Labels: avoiding car accidents, driver safety, driving
In the coming weeks, many of us will join the rush of holiday travel. It’s the time of year we will enjoy with friends and family, celebrating our unique traditions and relationships. For most of us who join the celebration, it will be an exciting and memorable time of year.
But for some of us, this time of year can lead to increased risks. Every year, people drinking and or driving while distracted lead a few celebrators – and a few of those who they happen to share the road with – to accidents and even death.
The holidays are one of the busiest long distance travel periods of the year, and much of that traveling is done by car.In the spirit of the holiday safety, I would like to remind readers to be especially safe driving this holiday season, and offer a few tips.
- Prepare thoughtfully. Be prepared with a cell phone, water, blankets, snacks and other gear should your car breakdown and help cannot arrive immediately. You do not want to be stranded in winter weather during holiday travel.
- Pack chains if there is any chance of encountering snow.
- Before starting your trip, make sure your vehicle is fit for travel, tuned up, and prepared for winter driving conditions. Check antifreeze, windshield wipers and other cold weather components.
- Make sure you and your passengers both wear their safety belts.
- Leave early and be ready to change your travel plans if it becomes necessary. Winter weather can be dangerous and unpredictable. If snow or ice is expected, change your travel plans to accommodate it as much as possible.
- Don’t try to force yourself to adhere to an unrealistic schedule. Take regular breaks and stay fresh. Driving while tired and distracted increases your likelihood of acting recklessly. Don’t rush or speed.
- Give yourself plenty of time. Again, speeding is dangerous, especially if you hit poor weather. Even if you are running late, obey the speed limits and drive safely. It’s better to be late and safe than risk an accident.
- Pull off the road if you want to use your cell phone to call or text. Driving requires your full attention. I’ve written often enough in the past about the dangers of distracting driving that this should go without saying.
- Only pass when it is safe to do so.
- Alcohol features among many of our holiday parties and traditions, and can add to the festivities of the season, but if drinking is part of your holiday plans, remember to plan responsibly. Have a designated driver.
I hope that everyone’s holiday travel plans are safe and enjoyable. Remembering to drive safely is one way to help ensure that this is the case. Property damage, injury and death should stay well away from your plans over the holidays.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted or otherwise impaired driver, contact an experienced Georgia accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. For legal advice, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
But for some of us, this time of year can lead to increased risks. Every year, people drinking and or driving while distracted lead a few celebrators – and a few of those who they happen to share the road with – to accidents and even death.
The holidays are one of the busiest long distance travel periods of the year, and much of that traveling is done by car.In the spirit of the holiday safety, I would like to remind readers to be especially safe driving this holiday season, and offer a few tips.
- Prepare thoughtfully. Be prepared with a cell phone, water, blankets, snacks and other gear should your car breakdown and help cannot arrive immediately. You do not want to be stranded in winter weather during holiday travel.
- Pack chains if there is any chance of encountering snow.
- Before starting your trip, make sure your vehicle is fit for travel, tuned up, and prepared for winter driving conditions. Check antifreeze, windshield wipers and other cold weather components.
- Make sure you and your passengers both wear their safety belts.
- Leave early and be ready to change your travel plans if it becomes necessary. Winter weather can be dangerous and unpredictable. If snow or ice is expected, change your travel plans to accommodate it as much as possible.
- Don’t try to force yourself to adhere to an unrealistic schedule. Take regular breaks and stay fresh. Driving while tired and distracted increases your likelihood of acting recklessly. Don’t rush or speed.
- Give yourself plenty of time. Again, speeding is dangerous, especially if you hit poor weather. Even if you are running late, obey the speed limits and drive safely. It’s better to be late and safe than risk an accident.
- Pull off the road if you want to use your cell phone to call or text. Driving requires your full attention. I’ve written often enough in the past about the dangers of distracting driving that this should go without saying.
- Only pass when it is safe to do so.
- Alcohol features among many of our holiday parties and traditions, and can add to the festivities of the season, but if drinking is part of your holiday plans, remember to plan responsibly. Have a designated driver.
I hope that everyone’s holiday travel plans are safe and enjoyable. Remembering to drive safely is one way to help ensure that this is the case. Property damage, injury and death should stay well away from your plans over the holidays.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted or otherwise impaired driver, contact an experienced Georgia accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. For legal advice, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Labels: driver safety, driving, driving and texting, drugged driving, drunk driving
A Colorado company called Cartasite has begun experimenting with a device they call ROVER. ROVER is a little gadget that can be installed in a car and includes a three-dimensional accelerometer, GPS and the ability to send data through cellular networks. The concept is simple; with these sensors, ROVER is able to monitor a motorist’s driving. It records hard breaking, swerving, fast acceleration, speed, fuel consumption and various other readings, which are then sent back to the Cartasite computers, where it can be analyzed.
While for many reasons, this device might not be a perfect judge of driving skills, it is still able to provide something sorely lacking in many drivers’ experience – feedback.
Slate magazine’s Tom Vanderbilt agreed to an arrangement with Cartasite and joined some thousands of Colorado drivers in having a ROVER installed in his car. Unfortunately, the feedback was not immediate. It came several weeks after he participated in this experiment. However he reports that even without any input from ROVER, he was very aware of it in the car with him, monitoring his decisions.
“I began, in fact, to anthropomorphize it a bit; it became "David," (i.e., Cartasite's CEO, whom I envisioned as having a window open on his desktop monitoring my progress with day-trader intensity),” wrote Vanderbilt. “When, on I-95 South, a florist's van changed lanes in front of me without warning, necessitating a firm press on the brake pedal, I thought, ‘David's going to see that one, but how will he know it was the van's fault?’”
But it was not until his report came that he actually discovered how he scored by Cartasite’s standards. The Rover had tracked his driving for hard breaking, rapid acceleration, overspeeding, nighttime driving, mpg and time spent idle. Do to poor speed limit data, the system cannot actually compare speed against the posted speed limit, but it still provided interesting insight into Vanderbilt’s driving behavior.
He was in for a pleasant surprise. The outlier in Cartasite’s data, during Vanderbilt’s second week, he was able to score a perfect 100.
Indeed, Vanderbilt was well off the curve of normal drivers in the data Cartasite shared with him. Among the cases he was able to review (names removed for privacy’s sake), he discovered a driver with more than 30 incidents of hard breaking in one hour, and another driver who had driven only 11 miles, but spent seven hours idling.
As a personal injuries attorney with experience dealing with the sometimes tragic aftermath of auto wrecks, I find the potential of this technology incredibly interesting. As Vanderbilt mentions himself in his article, drivers rarely receive any kind of direct feedback on their performance on the road. The rare traffic tickets are an exception to the rule. Many reckless drivers go years without traffic violations or accidents, and the occasional honked horn or shout during rush hour are hardly going to make much of an impression on them. And knowing reckless drivers, the normal reaction to that kind of feedback is anything but than, “How can I improve my driving?”
This kind of advance may be a step toward drivers more self-aware and safer on the road.
While for many reasons, this device might not be a perfect judge of driving skills, it is still able to provide something sorely lacking in many drivers’ experience – feedback.
Slate magazine’s Tom Vanderbilt agreed to an arrangement with Cartasite and joined some thousands of Colorado drivers in having a ROVER installed in his car. Unfortunately, the feedback was not immediate. It came several weeks after he participated in this experiment. However he reports that even without any input from ROVER, he was very aware of it in the car with him, monitoring his decisions.
“I began, in fact, to anthropomorphize it a bit; it became "David," (i.e., Cartasite's CEO, whom I envisioned as having a window open on his desktop monitoring my progress with day-trader intensity),” wrote Vanderbilt. “When, on I-95 South, a florist's van changed lanes in front of me without warning, necessitating a firm press on the brake pedal, I thought, ‘David's going to see that one, but how will he know it was the van's fault?’”
But it was not until his report came that he actually discovered how he scored by Cartasite’s standards. The Rover had tracked his driving for hard breaking, rapid acceleration, overspeeding, nighttime driving, mpg and time spent idle. Do to poor speed limit data, the system cannot actually compare speed against the posted speed limit, but it still provided interesting insight into Vanderbilt’s driving behavior.
He was in for a pleasant surprise. The outlier in Cartasite’s data, during Vanderbilt’s second week, he was able to score a perfect 100.
Indeed, Vanderbilt was well off the curve of normal drivers in the data Cartasite shared with him. Among the cases he was able to review (names removed for privacy’s sake), he discovered a driver with more than 30 incidents of hard breaking in one hour, and another driver who had driven only 11 miles, but spent seven hours idling.
As a personal injuries attorney with experience dealing with the sometimes tragic aftermath of auto wrecks, I find the potential of this technology incredibly interesting. As Vanderbilt mentions himself in his article, drivers rarely receive any kind of direct feedback on their performance on the road. The rare traffic tickets are an exception to the rule. Many reckless drivers go years without traffic violations or accidents, and the occasional honked horn or shout during rush hour are hardly going to make much of an impression on them. And knowing reckless drivers, the normal reaction to that kind of feedback is anything but than, “How can I improve my driving?”
This kind of advance may be a step toward drivers more self-aware and safer on the road.
Labels: avoiding car accidents, driver safety, driving and technology, safe driving
One man lost his life Wednesday, November 18, while riding his 2007 Suzuki GSXR 1000 northbound on Canton Road in Marietta. The deceased was engaging in exceptionally unsafe behavior by racing another motorcyclist on a 2004 Honda VFR800 through traffic.
The two were weaving through traffic when the deceased clipped the rear end of a Mercury Villager, which sent him into southbound lanes. There, he fell off of his motorcycle and was hit by a Toyota Camry among the oncoming cars. The rider of the Suzuki was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Honda rider, David James Tipton, a thirty-four year old from Marietta, was charged with DUI, reckless driving, illegal racing and vehicular homicide.
I am sad to hear of this man’s death, but at the same time, I am appalled by his unsafe behavior, and hope sincerely the other drivers involved in this – those driving the Villager and the Camry – were not hurt. Motorcycles can be mode of transportation and a fun hobby, but those who drive them and who share the road with them must always treat them with the respect they deserve. Unlike a car, motorcycles offer little to no protection in the event of an accident. While a car’s body and roof might protect a passenger in the event of a crash or rollover, a motorcyclist’s body is subjected to any punishment itself.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycles account for 11 percent of the national traffic fatalities, while making up only about 3 percent of the registered vehicles on the road. This difference is in part due to the fact that while only approximately 20 percent of car accidents involve a fatality, while by comparison approximately 80 percent of accidents involving a motor cycle do. It's a macabre truth that doctors and emergency professionals often caustically refer to motorcycles as "donor cycles" due to the high amount of fatalities due to motorcycle accidents.
In this incident, two men behaved irresponsibly, and one of them paid the price.
People interested in motorcycle safety can investigate the resources provided by the NHTSA on their website. Everyone who wishes to be a responsible motorcyclist ought to thoroughly research how to protect themselves and others, and to be aware of the very real, unique risks posed to motorcycles on the road.
On average, 25 percent of the motorcyclists killed in accidents are not licensed, or not properly licensed to handle their vehicle, and have not received standard safety training.
An important first step for a driver who wishes to become a responsible motorcyclist is to make sure that he is properly trained and registered to drive it. This training will include a great deal of useful information, including basic safety tips for motorcyclists, such as being particularly cautious in intersections and taking care not to ride in a car’s blind spot, where a person on a motorcycle might easily be entirely invisible to the driver. They will also address issues of finding the right motorcycle for particular drivers’ needs, and the necessity of protective gear.
Many motorcycle accidents are the result of a lack of basic riding skills and understanding and a failure to realize the unique limitations and characteristics of these popular vehicles.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident or an accident with a motorcycle, time is of the essence. Call 404-531-9700 for a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
The two were weaving through traffic when the deceased clipped the rear end of a Mercury Villager, which sent him into southbound lanes. There, he fell off of his motorcycle and was hit by a Toyota Camry among the oncoming cars. The rider of the Suzuki was pronounced dead on the scene.
The Honda rider, David James Tipton, a thirty-four year old from Marietta, was charged with DUI, reckless driving, illegal racing and vehicular homicide.
I am sad to hear of this man’s death, but at the same time, I am appalled by his unsafe behavior, and hope sincerely the other drivers involved in this – those driving the Villager and the Camry – were not hurt. Motorcycles can be mode of transportation and a fun hobby, but those who drive them and who share the road with them must always treat them with the respect they deserve. Unlike a car, motorcycles offer little to no protection in the event of an accident. While a car’s body and roof might protect a passenger in the event of a crash or rollover, a motorcyclist’s body is subjected to any punishment itself.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycles account for 11 percent of the national traffic fatalities, while making up only about 3 percent of the registered vehicles on the road. This difference is in part due to the fact that while only approximately 20 percent of car accidents involve a fatality, while by comparison approximately 80 percent of accidents involving a motor cycle do. It's a macabre truth that doctors and emergency professionals often caustically refer to motorcycles as "donor cycles" due to the high amount of fatalities due to motorcycle accidents.
In this incident, two men behaved irresponsibly, and one of them paid the price.
People interested in motorcycle safety can investigate the resources provided by the NHTSA on their website. Everyone who wishes to be a responsible motorcyclist ought to thoroughly research how to protect themselves and others, and to be aware of the very real, unique risks posed to motorcycles on the road.
On average, 25 percent of the motorcyclists killed in accidents are not licensed, or not properly licensed to handle their vehicle, and have not received standard safety training.
An important first step for a driver who wishes to become a responsible motorcyclist is to make sure that he is properly trained and registered to drive it. This training will include a great deal of useful information, including basic safety tips for motorcyclists, such as being particularly cautious in intersections and taking care not to ride in a car’s blind spot, where a person on a motorcycle might easily be entirely invisible to the driver. They will also address issues of finding the right motorcycle for particular drivers’ needs, and the necessity of protective gear.
Many motorcycle accidents are the result of a lack of basic riding skills and understanding and a failure to realize the unique limitations and characteristics of these popular vehicles.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident or an accident with a motorcycle, time is of the essence. Call 404-531-9700 for a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Labels: driver safety, motorcycle accident, motorcycle safety
The incident took place Sunday, November 15th outside a Whole Foods on Roswell Road. Sandy Springs police responded to reports of an accident involving a young girl.
Outside the grocery store, they discovered that the girl, whose name has not been released, had been pinned under a car as she and her mother exited the building. The officers found that the driver, a seventy year old man, had briefly lost control of his car. The vehicle backed into a cement planter, then over the girl.
The girl was taken to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where she received treatment for severe abrasions. Luckily, she suffered no broken bones or head injuries. Several hours later, she was released from the hospital to recover in her family’s home.
It seems that the planter is to thank that the girl was not injured worse. Lt. Steve Rose, spokesman for the Sandy Springs Police Department, explained that the cement planter absorbed most of the car’s impact before it reached the child, protecting her from further injury.
No charges have been filed in this incident.
This incident, and those like it, will without a doubt add one more piece of anecdotal evidence to the fierce debate over the safety of elderly drivers. While it is impossible to say whether a younger driver might have had the wherewithal to either regain control of his vehicle more quickly, or even not lose control at the same time, the age of the driver still stands out.
I have mentioned before the challenges of being a society looking ahead to an increasing number of elderly drivers, and the measures some sources are taking to ensure their continued ability.
In the coming decades, one quarter of the American population will be considered elderly. By 2030, a predicted 69 million will be over the age of sixty-five. This change in demographics is driven by both the longer life expectancies of modern Americans, and the inevitable aging of the baby boom generation.
Many of these older drivers will remain safe, responsible motorists, and with the help of a realistic view of aging, we can help all drivers retain the freedom and mobility of having a car, and at the same time protect those with whom they share the roads – and parking lots.
When assessing your own capabilities, it is important to be thoughtful and realistic, and consider not only your driving ability and experience, but also your physical condition. Older drivers can self-evaluate themselves, to some extent, and take actions to protect themselves and others. You should consider your muscle strength, flexibility and range of motion – whether or not you are physically able to see and act in the ways demanding by driving. You should be aware of your coordination and reaction time, and your decision making abilities.
In reality, it is important for all drivers to be honestly aware of their physical abilities, and as we age, this knowledge only becomes more important.
Outside the grocery store, they discovered that the girl, whose name has not been released, had been pinned under a car as she and her mother exited the building. The officers found that the driver, a seventy year old man, had briefly lost control of his car. The vehicle backed into a cement planter, then over the girl.
The girl was taken to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite, where she received treatment for severe abrasions. Luckily, she suffered no broken bones or head injuries. Several hours later, she was released from the hospital to recover in her family’s home.
It seems that the planter is to thank that the girl was not injured worse. Lt. Steve Rose, spokesman for the Sandy Springs Police Department, explained that the cement planter absorbed most of the car’s impact before it reached the child, protecting her from further injury.
No charges have been filed in this incident.
This incident, and those like it, will without a doubt add one more piece of anecdotal evidence to the fierce debate over the safety of elderly drivers. While it is impossible to say whether a younger driver might have had the wherewithal to either regain control of his vehicle more quickly, or even not lose control at the same time, the age of the driver still stands out.
I have mentioned before the challenges of being a society looking ahead to an increasing number of elderly drivers, and the measures some sources are taking to ensure their continued ability.
In the coming decades, one quarter of the American population will be considered elderly. By 2030, a predicted 69 million will be over the age of sixty-five. This change in demographics is driven by both the longer life expectancies of modern Americans, and the inevitable aging of the baby boom generation.
Many of these older drivers will remain safe, responsible motorists, and with the help of a realistic view of aging, we can help all drivers retain the freedom and mobility of having a car, and at the same time protect those with whom they share the roads – and parking lots.
When assessing your own capabilities, it is important to be thoughtful and realistic, and consider not only your driving ability and experience, but also your physical condition. Older drivers can self-evaluate themselves, to some extent, and take actions to protect themselves and others. You should consider your muscle strength, flexibility and range of motion – whether or not you are physically able to see and act in the ways demanding by driving. You should be aware of your coordination and reaction time, and your decision making abilities.
In reality, it is important for all drivers to be honestly aware of their physical abilities, and as we age, this knowledge only becomes more important.
Labels: driver safety, elderly
By 2025, one quarter of Americans will be considered elderly, according to Peter Kissinger, president and chief executive of the AAA Foundation for traffic safety. This number does not represent the views of a few, or the lack of respect young Americans have for their elders. Rather, it is based on the basic reality that the Baby Boom generation is moving into their golden years. Next year predicts 39 million Americans over the age of sixty-five, and that number is expected to soar to 69 million by 2030.
The American population is living longer than ever, and with the number of people now approaching, old age, we as a people will find ourselves forced to deal with a new set of problems.
Fortunately, there are forces at work to mitigate the potential obstacles faced by both the aging population and those who share the road with them.
The dangers of older drivers are often difficult to face, but very real. As we age, we face the possibility of slowed physical and mental facilities. Our concentration, decision making abilities, night and peripheral vision, and reaction time can all suffer as we age.
As Bella Dinh-Zarr, the North American director of London based non-profit, Make Roads Safe, recognizes that “we may be wiser drivers when we’re older,” but the fact is that the changes that come with that wisdom can also put us at greater risk.
But help will is available. The AAA Foundation has recently announced a new computer program designed specifically for the purpose of helping older drivers retain the skills necessary for safe driving. The software, called Drive Sharp, released in partnership with brain fitness program provider Posit Science, is intended to delay the degeneration associated with aging by retraining the brain.
Drive Sharp uses two interactive exercises to improve a number of important skills, including the ability to track multiple objects, focus, and memory. These skills will help older drivers to navigate the complex and often fast paced situations of everyday driving can present – for example a busy intersection or understanding the flow of congested traffic.
“Most people buy into the ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ philosophy with respect to physical abilities,” said Kissinger about the program. “But the bottom line is, it’s the same thing with the brain – the most important muscle in your body.”
The point is very clear, and fits well with the increasing market of games and activities aimed at older individuals to help retain their mental function. While many of us like to believe that once we attain a skill, it becomes “just like riding a bike,” the fact is that it is not the case. Those capabilities and skills that we do not use regularly atrophy and eventually fade. As difficult as it may be for us to accept at times, understanding this may well allow us to take steps to insure that we can delay the eventuality of giving up driving and all of the independence and freedom it represents. Dinh-Zarr and Kissinger are both optimistic as to this program’s potential to do just that.
The American population is living longer than ever, and with the number of people now approaching, old age, we as a people will find ourselves forced to deal with a new set of problems.
Fortunately, there are forces at work to mitigate the potential obstacles faced by both the aging population and those who share the road with them.
The dangers of older drivers are often difficult to face, but very real. As we age, we face the possibility of slowed physical and mental facilities. Our concentration, decision making abilities, night and peripheral vision, and reaction time can all suffer as we age.
As Bella Dinh-Zarr, the North American director of London based non-profit, Make Roads Safe, recognizes that “we may be wiser drivers when we’re older,” but the fact is that the changes that come with that wisdom can also put us at greater risk.
But help will is available. The AAA Foundation has recently announced a new computer program designed specifically for the purpose of helping older drivers retain the skills necessary for safe driving. The software, called Drive Sharp, released in partnership with brain fitness program provider Posit Science, is intended to delay the degeneration associated with aging by retraining the brain.
Drive Sharp uses two interactive exercises to improve a number of important skills, including the ability to track multiple objects, focus, and memory. These skills will help older drivers to navigate the complex and often fast paced situations of everyday driving can present – for example a busy intersection or understanding the flow of congested traffic.
“Most people buy into the ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ philosophy with respect to physical abilities,” said Kissinger about the program. “But the bottom line is, it’s the same thing with the brain – the most important muscle in your body.”
The point is very clear, and fits well with the increasing market of games and activities aimed at older individuals to help retain their mental function. While many of us like to believe that once we attain a skill, it becomes “just like riding a bike,” the fact is that it is not the case. Those capabilities and skills that we do not use regularly atrophy and eventually fade. As difficult as it may be for us to accept at times, understanding this may well allow us to take steps to insure that we can delay the eventuality of giving up driving and all of the independence and freedom it represents. Dinh-Zarr and Kissinger are both optimistic as to this program’s potential to do just that.
Labels: driver safety, drivers, elderly, reckless driving, safe driving, senior citizens
Over the last couple of days, I have been blogging about pedestrian deaths and how, while pedestrian deaths have been down over all during the past 30 years, they are still a major problem. Studies by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) have show that the elderly, young children between 5-9, and African Americans and Latinos are most at risk for pedestrian accidents. All of these groups, according to the study, are more likely to walk, with children being more likely to engage in dangerous behavior or find themselves in the midst of driveway or neighborhood pedestrian accidents.
The best way to stay safe as a pedestrian is to follow all traffic laws, be aware of your surroundings, and always err on the side of caution. Even then, though, one driver who is not paying attention can easily cause a pedestrian accident. Below are a few tips on how pedestrians can remain as safe as possible while walking:
1.) Be predictable – Always cross in the crosswalk, and always cross with the light. Stay off of freeways, closed sidewalks and other restricted zones.
2.) Face traffic – If you are walking in an area where no sidewalks are available, walk facing traffic. Tricks of acoustics can make a car bearing down on you difficult to hear. If you walk facing traffic, you will have visual confirmation and plenty of time to move out of the way.
3.) Look both ways – The rule these days is to look left, look right, and then look left again before crossing the street.
4.) Be visible – Pedestrians can be difficult for drivers to see, especially at night. Avoid wearing all dark colors and instead wear bright, reflective colors. Carry a flashlight for use in the darkest areas.
5.) Be wary – Drivers do not want to get into an accident, but any number of factors can cause them not to see you, or to drive through a crosswalk or turn illegally. Don’t assume you know what a driver is going to do simply because traffic laws are on your side.
6.) Make eye contact – This is the surest way to make sure a driver has seen you before you step into traffic.
7.) Don’t drink and walk – Drugs and alcohol can limit your faculties to walk and obey traffic laws safety just as it can drivers.
8.) Use extra caution when crossing multiple lanes or high speed streets. Remember, just because the law is on your side, doesn’t mean that drivers are aware of that law or aware of you. Don’t count on a crosswalk or pedestrian safety law to protect you in a dangerous situation.
9.) Watch out for trucks and buses – Larger vehicles have limited visibility, especially when backing up. Be especially wary around buses, trucks and tractor trailers.
Pedestrian safety is up to both pedestrians and drivers. Unfortunately, accidents will never go away completely, but if drivers and pedestrians obey the law and use common sense and good judgment their chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident will decrease dramatically.
The best way to stay safe as a pedestrian is to follow all traffic laws, be aware of your surroundings, and always err on the side of caution. Even then, though, one driver who is not paying attention can easily cause a pedestrian accident. Below are a few tips on how pedestrians can remain as safe as possible while walking:
1.) Be predictable – Always cross in the crosswalk, and always cross with the light. Stay off of freeways, closed sidewalks and other restricted zones.
2.) Face traffic – If you are walking in an area where no sidewalks are available, walk facing traffic. Tricks of acoustics can make a car bearing down on you difficult to hear. If you walk facing traffic, you will have visual confirmation and plenty of time to move out of the way.
3.) Look both ways – The rule these days is to look left, look right, and then look left again before crossing the street.
4.) Be visible – Pedestrians can be difficult for drivers to see, especially at night. Avoid wearing all dark colors and instead wear bright, reflective colors. Carry a flashlight for use in the darkest areas.
5.) Be wary – Drivers do not want to get into an accident, but any number of factors can cause them not to see you, or to drive through a crosswalk or turn illegally. Don’t assume you know what a driver is going to do simply because traffic laws are on your side.
6.) Make eye contact – This is the surest way to make sure a driver has seen you before you step into traffic.
7.) Don’t drink and walk – Drugs and alcohol can limit your faculties to walk and obey traffic laws safety just as it can drivers.
8.) Use extra caution when crossing multiple lanes or high speed streets. Remember, just because the law is on your side, doesn’t mean that drivers are aware of that law or aware of you. Don’t count on a crosswalk or pedestrian safety law to protect you in a dangerous situation.
9.) Watch out for trucks and buses – Larger vehicles have limited visibility, especially when backing up. Be especially wary around buses, trucks and tractor trailers.
Pedestrian safety is up to both pedestrians and drivers. Unfortunately, accidents will never go away completely, but if drivers and pedestrians obey the law and use common sense and good judgment their chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident will decrease dramatically.
Labels: driver safety, pedestrian
Yesterday I blogged about how, while the overall incidence of pedestrian fatalities has dropped over the past 30 years, pedestrian deaths are still a serious problem. In urban areas or suburban, in the day time or at night, it is all too easy for drivers to fail to notice pedestrians or exhibit behaviors that put pedestrians at risk.
If there’s one truism about pedestrian deaths, it is that it takes two to tango. While pedestrians may sometimes behave in dangerous ways, such as crossing against the light or outside the cross walk, or walking in the road, drivers are ultimately the greater danger simply because they are driving a 3,000 lb. car.
Below are some tips for drivers on how they need to adapt their driving behavior in order to take pedestrians into account.
1.) Keep in mind that you can encounter pedestrians at any time in any place. Just because there is no marked crosswalk or sidewalk doesn’t meant that a pedestrian isn’t nearby.
2.) Pedestrians can be hard to see. This is especially true at night or in bad conditions. If you can’t see well, slow down. Give yourself plenty of time to stop if you are surprised by a pedestrian. (In rural areas, this is an important tactic to use in case of deer and other wildlife as well.)
3.) Be doubly mindful of crosswalk areas. Even if you have the right of way, be very aware of pedestrians and be prepared to stop.
4.) Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if it is not well marked on the road. And do the pedestrian a favor and stop well back, allowing drivers in other lanes to see the pedestrian as well.
5.) Do not overtake or pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
6.) When you are turning, you may be looking closely for a gap in traffic in which to turn through. Keep in mind that pedestrians may have entered the crosswalk while you are turned away. Just as with crossing the street, look both ways and make sure you are all clear before making a turn.
7.) Be especially attentive around schools and other neighborhoods where children are likely to be playing. Children can get intent in their game and forget traffic safety, or they may have a hazy grasp of traffic safety to begin with. Go slow through school zones and neighborhoods, and be prepared for children exhibiting erratic behavior. Give yourself plenty of room to stop. The alternative – hitting a child with your car – is unthinkable.
8.) Don’t drink and drive. This is, of course, common knowledge, but studies have shown that most pedestrian deaths occur between 12pm and 6am and on Fridays and Saturdays, times when drunk drivers are typically more active than normal on the roads.
This post is not to imply that pedestrians never act irrationally or even illegally, but these tips are important for drivers to keep in mind because, in a pedestrian accident, the driver generally always does damage. Be mindful of pedestrians and the damage that a car can do to a human being.
If there’s one truism about pedestrian deaths, it is that it takes two to tango. While pedestrians may sometimes behave in dangerous ways, such as crossing against the light or outside the cross walk, or walking in the road, drivers are ultimately the greater danger simply because they are driving a 3,000 lb. car.
Below are some tips for drivers on how they need to adapt their driving behavior in order to take pedestrians into account.
1.) Keep in mind that you can encounter pedestrians at any time in any place. Just because there is no marked crosswalk or sidewalk doesn’t meant that a pedestrian isn’t nearby.
2.) Pedestrians can be hard to see. This is especially true at night or in bad conditions. If you can’t see well, slow down. Give yourself plenty of time to stop if you are surprised by a pedestrian. (In rural areas, this is an important tactic to use in case of deer and other wildlife as well.)
3.) Be doubly mindful of crosswalk areas. Even if you have the right of way, be very aware of pedestrians and be prepared to stop.
4.) Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if it is not well marked on the road. And do the pedestrian a favor and stop well back, allowing drivers in other lanes to see the pedestrian as well.
5.) Do not overtake or pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
6.) When you are turning, you may be looking closely for a gap in traffic in which to turn through. Keep in mind that pedestrians may have entered the crosswalk while you are turned away. Just as with crossing the street, look both ways and make sure you are all clear before making a turn.
7.) Be especially attentive around schools and other neighborhoods where children are likely to be playing. Children can get intent in their game and forget traffic safety, or they may have a hazy grasp of traffic safety to begin with. Go slow through school zones and neighborhoods, and be prepared for children exhibiting erratic behavior. Give yourself plenty of room to stop. The alternative – hitting a child with your car – is unthinkable.
8.) Don’t drink and drive. This is, of course, common knowledge, but studies have shown that most pedestrian deaths occur between 12pm and 6am and on Fridays and Saturdays, times when drunk drivers are typically more active than normal on the roads.
This post is not to imply that pedestrians never act irrationally or even illegally, but these tips are important for drivers to keep in mind because, in a pedestrian accident, the driver generally always does damage. Be mindful of pedestrians and the damage that a car can do to a human being.
Labels: driver safety, pedestrian
Every once in awhile, a local news story crops up explaining yet again that Atlanta is one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians in the United States. But what’s worse is that, much more often, we see news stories detailing the death of a pedestrian. Last week, the AJC reported on two incidents, one that ended well and another that ended in tragedy, with a 62 year old man who was simply walking along a busy street added to the approximately 5,700 pedestrian deaths that occur in the United States every year.
Thankfully, the other incident, involving two young children aged 7 and 10 who were crossing Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in northwest Atlanta, ended in a better outcome, with both children treated and found to be awake and alert at the scene.
The fact remains thought pedestrian deaths are the second leading cause of motor vehicle related fatalities, accounting for about 13% of all motor vehicle related deaths. Though the rate of pedestrian deaths has fallen since 1975, it is estimated that a pedestrian in the United States is killed every 101 minutes. And the groups that are most at risk are the ones we just read about – children and the elderly. Children make up about 23% of the United States’ population, but account for 30% of pedestrian deaths. The elderly (usually characterized as people over 70) make up 20% of all pedestrian deaths.
Pedestrians who have been drinking alcohol are also at elevated risk for being struck and injured or killed, and likely contribute to the fact that more pedestrian related motor vehicle accidents occur on Friday and Saturday than any other days of the week.
So what causes pedestrian fatalities and why are some of the most vulnerable members of our society prone to these tragedies? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the causes of pedestrian fatalities are complex. Poor roadway design, lack of lighting, lack of sidewalks or crosswalks, and a lax enforcement of traffic laws can all combine to lead to pedestrian accidents. In fact, statistics have shown that improvements in all of these areas are much of the reason that pedestrian deaths have decreased since their peak in the 1970’s.
Other interesting pedestrian incident related statistics include where they are located. A full sixty nine percent of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas while 79% occur outside intersections. Ninety percent of pedestrian fatalities occur under normal weather conditions, and 64% occur at night.
A much higher number of pedestrian deaths than the NHTSA researchers suspected occur between midnight and 6am, indicating that these 18% of deaths are probably due to drinking.
Advocates of pedestrian safety fault the federal government for focusing their anti-pedestrian accident efforts merely on buckling up and decreasing alcohol use.
Said Jonathan Adkins, a spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents states on highway safety issues in a 2003 article, "Better lighting, better walkways, flashing lights at intersections can make a difference - and education in schools.”
With that in mind, stay tuned to this spot for more what drivers and pedestrians need to know about pedestrian safety.
Thankfully, the other incident, involving two young children aged 7 and 10 who were crossing Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in northwest Atlanta, ended in a better outcome, with both children treated and found to be awake and alert at the scene.
The fact remains thought pedestrian deaths are the second leading cause of motor vehicle related fatalities, accounting for about 13% of all motor vehicle related deaths. Though the rate of pedestrian deaths has fallen since 1975, it is estimated that a pedestrian in the United States is killed every 101 minutes. And the groups that are most at risk are the ones we just read about – children and the elderly. Children make up about 23% of the United States’ population, but account for 30% of pedestrian deaths. The elderly (usually characterized as people over 70) make up 20% of all pedestrian deaths.
Pedestrians who have been drinking alcohol are also at elevated risk for being struck and injured or killed, and likely contribute to the fact that more pedestrian related motor vehicle accidents occur on Friday and Saturday than any other days of the week.
So what causes pedestrian fatalities and why are some of the most vulnerable members of our society prone to these tragedies? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the causes of pedestrian fatalities are complex. Poor roadway design, lack of lighting, lack of sidewalks or crosswalks, and a lax enforcement of traffic laws can all combine to lead to pedestrian accidents. In fact, statistics have shown that improvements in all of these areas are much of the reason that pedestrian deaths have decreased since their peak in the 1970’s.
Other interesting pedestrian incident related statistics include where they are located. A full sixty nine percent of pedestrian fatalities occur in urban areas while 79% occur outside intersections. Ninety percent of pedestrian fatalities occur under normal weather conditions, and 64% occur at night.
A much higher number of pedestrian deaths than the NHTSA researchers suspected occur between midnight and 6am, indicating that these 18% of deaths are probably due to drinking.
Advocates of pedestrian safety fault the federal government for focusing their anti-pedestrian accident efforts merely on buckling up and decreasing alcohol use.
Said Jonathan Adkins, a spokesman for the Governors Highway Safety Association, which represents states on highway safety issues in a 2003 article, "Better lighting, better walkways, flashing lights at intersections can make a difference - and education in schools.”
With that in mind, stay tuned to this spot for more what drivers and pedestrians need to know about pedestrian safety.
Labels: driver safety, pedestrian
Earlier today Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood kicked off a historic summit to tackle the dangers of distracted driving. The two-day summit brings together safety experts, researchers, industry representatives, elected officials, and members of the public to share their expertise, experiences, and ideas for reducing distracted driving behavior and addressing the safety risk posed by the growing problem across all modes of transportation. New research presented at the summit shows a disconcerting increase in the use of handheld devices among all drivers.
“Every single time someone takes their eyes or their focus off the road - even for just a few seconds - they put their lives and the lives of others in danger,” said Secretary LaHood. “Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and in a split second, its consequences can be devastating.”
In 2008, 5,870 people died and approximately 515,000 people were injured in crashes where police reported driver distraction. Since police cannot always identify instances of driver distraction, the true numbers are likely much higher. On any single day in 2008, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by people using handheld cell phones. Drivers are also using ipods, video game systems, and GPS systems.
More recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Driver distraction was reported to have been involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008 according to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group—16 percent of all under-20 drivers in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.
An estimated 22 percent of injury crashes were reported to have involved distracted driving, according to data from the General Estimates System (GES).
Based on data from the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS), a nationally representative survey of the crashes in which the critical reason for the crash was attributed to the driver, approximately 18 percent involved distraction.
During the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, driver involvement in secondary tasks contributed to over 22 percent of all crashes.
“We now know that the worst offenders are the youngest, least experienced drivers,” said Secretary LaHood. “Unfortunately though, the problem doesn't end there. Distracted driving occurs across all age groups and all modes of transportation, from cars to buses and trucks to trains. We must work together to find solutions that will prevent crashes caused by driver distraction.”
At the end of the summit, Secretary LaHood is expected to announce concrete steps that the Transportation Department will take to combat the problem of distracted driving.
If you want to follow the summit, you can watch it live at dot.gov. You can also visit the MLN Personal Injury Law Blog for updates.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, contact an experienced Georgia accident lawyer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence. For legal advice, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
“Every single time someone takes their eyes or their focus off the road - even for just a few seconds - they put their lives and the lives of others in danger,” said Secretary LaHood. “Distracted driving is unsafe, irresponsible and in a split second, its consequences can be devastating.”
In 2008, 5,870 people died and approximately 515,000 people were injured in crashes where police reported driver distraction. Since police cannot always identify instances of driver distraction, the true numbers are likely much higher. On any single day in 2008, more than 800,000 vehicles were driven by people using handheld cell phones. Drivers are also using ipods, video game systems, and GPS systems.
More recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Driver distraction was reported to have been involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008 according to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS).
The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group—16 percent of all under-20 drivers in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving.
An estimated 22 percent of injury crashes were reported to have involved distracted driving, according to data from the General Estimates System (GES).
Based on data from the National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS), a nationally representative survey of the crashes in which the critical reason for the crash was attributed to the driver, approximately 18 percent involved distraction.
During the 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study, driver involvement in secondary tasks contributed to over 22 percent of all crashes.
“We now know that the worst offenders are the youngest, least experienced drivers,” said Secretary LaHood. “Unfortunately though, the problem doesn't end there. Distracted driving occurs across all age groups and all modes of transportation, from cars to buses and trucks to trains. We must work together to find solutions that will prevent crashes caused by driver distraction.”
At the end of the summit, Secretary LaHood is expected to announce concrete steps that the Transportation Department will take to combat the problem of distracted driving.
If you want to follow the summit, you can watch it live at dot.gov. You can also visit the MLN Personal Injury Law Blog for updates.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver, contact an experienced Georgia accident lawyer as soon as possible. Time is of the essence. For legal advice, call MLN Law at 404-531-9700 to schedule a free consultation.
Labels: driver safety, driving and texting
Today the Los Angeles Times reports that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced plans for a national summit to study texting while driving and other behaviors that distract drivers.
“If it were up to me, I would ban drivers from texting,” LaHood said.
LaHood also said that prohibitive laws, including laws against drunk driving, are often insufficient without adequate education and enforcement.
“That’s why I have decided to convene a summit of senior transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement representatives, members of Congress and academics who study these matters,” said LaHood.
The national summit is scheduled for September. After the summit, LaHood plans to announce a list of “concrete steps” to reduce distracted driving. Steps may include education and awareness campaigns as well as legislative efforts.
Last week a bill was introduced to the Senate that would pressure states to pass laws that ban texting while driving. Known as the Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act, or the ALERT Drivers Act, the bill, if passed, will threaten to take away federal highway funding for states that do not enact adequate legislation. Drivers’ behavior is considered a state legislative issue.
If the bill becomes law, the Transportation Department will establish minimum criteria for state laws. States that do not comply will risk losing 25 percent of their highway funding.
Sixteen states already have laws that prohibit texting while driving, but these laws are often difficult to enforce. In Virginia and Washington, for example, law enforcement officers cannot pull over someone who is texting while driving unless the driver commits another violation such as speeding or failing to use proper turn signals. In some states, anti-texting laws currently apply only to young drivers.
When announcing the summit, LaHood referred to a recent Illinois auto accident in which a 17-year-old died after she drove off the road while texting. Additionally, last September, 25 people died and 135 were injured in a commuter train crash in Los Angeles in which the operator was texting.
“The bottom line is distracted driving is dangerous driving,” said LaHood.
I couldn't agree more. A recent study found that texting truckers are 23 times more likely to crash. The study also found that light vehicle drivers are 2.8 times more likely to crash when dialing a cell phone; truckers dialing a phone are 5.9 times more likely to crash; and truckers reaching for a cell phone are 6.7 times more likely to crash.
When you’re driving, please keep your eye on the road. Remain alert and drive defensively so you can watch out for all those other distracted drivers. If you get a text message while you’re on the road, just wait. Reply to the message when you stop driving. This could save your life (and the lives of others).
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver or someone who was driving while texting, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at MLN Law will stand up to insurance companies and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
“If it were up to me, I would ban drivers from texting,” LaHood said.
LaHood also said that prohibitive laws, including laws against drunk driving, are often insufficient without adequate education and enforcement.
“That’s why I have decided to convene a summit of senior transportation officials, safety advocates, law enforcement representatives, members of Congress and academics who study these matters,” said LaHood.
The national summit is scheduled for September. After the summit, LaHood plans to announce a list of “concrete steps” to reduce distracted driving. Steps may include education and awareness campaigns as well as legislative efforts.
Last week a bill was introduced to the Senate that would pressure states to pass laws that ban texting while driving. Known as the Avoiding Life-Endangering and Reckless Texting by Drivers Act, or the ALERT Drivers Act, the bill, if passed, will threaten to take away federal highway funding for states that do not enact adequate legislation. Drivers’ behavior is considered a state legislative issue.
If the bill becomes law, the Transportation Department will establish minimum criteria for state laws. States that do not comply will risk losing 25 percent of their highway funding.
Sixteen states already have laws that prohibit texting while driving, but these laws are often difficult to enforce. In Virginia and Washington, for example, law enforcement officers cannot pull over someone who is texting while driving unless the driver commits another violation such as speeding or failing to use proper turn signals. In some states, anti-texting laws currently apply only to young drivers.
When announcing the summit, LaHood referred to a recent Illinois auto accident in which a 17-year-old died after she drove off the road while texting. Additionally, last September, 25 people died and 135 were injured in a commuter train crash in Los Angeles in which the operator was texting.
“The bottom line is distracted driving is dangerous driving,” said LaHood.
I couldn't agree more. A recent study found that texting truckers are 23 times more likely to crash. The study also found that light vehicle drivers are 2.8 times more likely to crash when dialing a cell phone; truckers dialing a phone are 5.9 times more likely to crash; and truckers reaching for a cell phone are 6.7 times more likely to crash.
When you’re driving, please keep your eye on the road. Remain alert and drive defensively so you can watch out for all those other distracted drivers. If you get a text message while you’re on the road, just wait. Reply to the message when you stop driving. This could save your life (and the lives of others).
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver or someone who was driving while texting, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at MLN Law will stand up to insurance companies and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 404-531-9700 to schedule your free consultation.
Labels: driver safety, driving and texting
Last week the city of Duluth, Georgia announced that they would reactive three red light cameras they had previously deactivated in March due to the high cost of service. According to the city, while the red light cameras kept accidents and traffic violations down, they also kept citations down, meaning that revenue from the cameras was failing to pay for their operation.
After the city of Duluth cancelled their contract in March, LaserCraft – the company hired to man the red light cameras – continued to monitor traffic at the three intersections and found that traffic violations soared when drivers knew the cameras were no longer in service. The city did not hand out any statistics on accident prevention, but as we discussed last week at the MLN Law Blog, running red lights is one of the top 10 most lethal driving mistakes and 75% of accidents occur in cities due to drivers stepping on the gas instead of the break when they see yellow.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee did run some accident comparisons when first installing their red light cameras and found some positive results. According to the city police chief, side impact collisions at red lights dropped by 8% at intersections where the cameras were located.
But all the news wasn’t so rosy. While side impact crashes decreased, rear impact crashes actually increased by 24% at the same intersections. According to Murfreesboro police, the aim of the red light cameras was to decrease side impact crashes because they are ultimately more dangerous to drivers and passengers. They also announced that drivers involved in rear impact crashes at the sites of red light cameras did not indicate that stopping quickly due to the cameras was a factor in their wrecks.
Many private citizens and some groups, such as the National Motorists Association (admittedly a group that advocates such “common sense” traffic laws as raising speed limits), are not impressed by claims that red light cameras improve safety when the actual number of wrecks at an intersection increases. To back up their claims, other studies conducted by the North Carolina A&T State University’s Urban Transit Institute (on behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation), the Virginia Transportation Research Council and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation also showed an increase in rear end collisions at sites with red light cameras. See a U.S. Department of Transportation study with the same findings here.
Anti-red light camera groups maintain that the devices are all about introducing automated revenue generating machines for counties and municipalities, and point out that, even then, an increase in the number of crashes necessitates more response by firefighters, police and paramedics and causes more damage to vehicles overall.
On the other hand, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety points out that red light running is the most common cause of fatalities in urban wrecks. The Institute also reports that in a study conducted in 2000 that most Americans do indeed support red light cameras.
The red light camera debate is an interesting argument with good points from all sides. While red light cameras may increase collisions, they also seem to lower fatalities. What are you opinions on red light cameras? Are they money making machines or worthwhile safety precautions?
After the city of Duluth cancelled their contract in March, LaserCraft – the company hired to man the red light cameras – continued to monitor traffic at the three intersections and found that traffic violations soared when drivers knew the cameras were no longer in service. The city did not hand out any statistics on accident prevention, but as we discussed last week at the MLN Law Blog, running red lights is one of the top 10 most lethal driving mistakes and 75% of accidents occur in cities due to drivers stepping on the gas instead of the break when they see yellow.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee did run some accident comparisons when first installing their red light cameras and found some positive results. According to the city police chief, side impact collisions at red lights dropped by 8% at intersections where the cameras were located.
But all the news wasn’t so rosy. While side impact crashes decreased, rear impact crashes actually increased by 24% at the same intersections. According to Murfreesboro police, the aim of the red light cameras was to decrease side impact crashes because they are ultimately more dangerous to drivers and passengers. They also announced that drivers involved in rear impact crashes at the sites of red light cameras did not indicate that stopping quickly due to the cameras was a factor in their wrecks.
Many private citizens and some groups, such as the National Motorists Association (admittedly a group that advocates such “common sense” traffic laws as raising speed limits), are not impressed by claims that red light cameras improve safety when the actual number of wrecks at an intersection increases. To back up their claims, other studies conducted by the North Carolina A&T State University’s Urban Transit Institute (on behalf of the U.S. Department of Transportation), the Virginia Transportation Research Council and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation also showed an increase in rear end collisions at sites with red light cameras. See a U.S. Department of Transportation study with the same findings here.
Anti-red light camera groups maintain that the devices are all about introducing automated revenue generating machines for counties and municipalities, and point out that, even then, an increase in the number of crashes necessitates more response by firefighters, police and paramedics and causes more damage to vehicles overall.
On the other hand, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety points out that red light running is the most common cause of fatalities in urban wrecks. The Institute also reports that in a study conducted in 2000 that most Americans do indeed support red light cameras.
The red light camera debate is an interesting argument with good points from all sides. While red light cameras may increase collisions, they also seem to lower fatalities. What are you opinions on red light cameras? Are they money making machines or worthwhile safety precautions?
Labels: driver safety
We’re all guilty of driving mistakes. Sometimes we drive while drowsy or let ourselves become distracted by a strange site or a commotion going on in the car. It’s not uncommon to drive down a street and see others in cars talking on cell phones, putting on makeup, shaving, or even reading!
Whether you are a paragon of driving virtue or a terror on the road, you’d better read a recent list released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the most common deadly driving mistakes. Don’t let friends and loved ones risk their lives with these risky behaviors:
1.) Swerving – According to the NHTSA study, failing to stay in their own lane is the #1 reason drivers end up in fatal accidents.
2.) Drowsy Driving – According to the NHTSA, in 2007 fatigued driving caused the deaths of 1,404 people, and more traffic fatalities occurred during the hours when most people are accustomed to being asleep (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) than at any other time of day.
3.) Driving Under the Influence – According to MADD, someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 40 minutes. Young people 21 – 34 are responsible for the highest number of drunk driving fatalities, and perhaps not surprisingly, most drunk driving fatalities occur at night and on weekends.
4.) Over Correcting – Teens and other inexperienced drivers are most prone to this nervous maneuver. Over correcting when facing trouble on the road can lead to rollovers and much worse. More than 4% of auto fatalities every year occur because of this jumpy mistake.
5.) Speeding – Driving too fast is the second highest cause of death in car accidents. 30% of speeding fatalities occur at speeds of 50 mph or above. Driving too fast for conditions is another culprit.
6.) Failure to Observe the Right of Way – This is the top cause of auto accidents for seniors ages 70 and above and the fifth leading cause of crashes overall. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, elders either fail to see other drivers, or see the drivers but miscalculate the time they have to merge.
7.) Reckless Driving – From weaving and tailgating to driving on the wrong side of the road, reckless driving caused 1,850 fatalities in 2007. Driving over 80 mph or driving 20 miles or more over the speed limit is considered reckless driving.
8.) Running Red Lights – According to the nonprofit Insurance Research Council, 75% of auto accidents occur in cities. Why? Because of drivers’ tendency to step on the gas when the light turns red.
9.) Failure to Buckle Up – Though seat belt use is up, the fact remains that 33% of auto accident fatalities occurred because drivers and passengers weren’t using their seat belts. Seat belts help prevent ejection, and ejection results in death in 76% of all motor vehicle accidents.
10.) Distracted Driving – Talking on the phone, texting, reading, all of these are the modus operandi of the distracted driver. Cell phone use may be the biggest culprit, with an estimated 1 million Americans are driving and talking on the phone at any given time.
Pass these deadly driving mistakes on to family and friends and let’s all keep the roads a little safer.
Whether you are a paragon of driving virtue or a terror on the road, you’d better read a recent list released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the most common deadly driving mistakes. Don’t let friends and loved ones risk their lives with these risky behaviors:
1.) Swerving – According to the NHTSA study, failing to stay in their own lane is the #1 reason drivers end up in fatal accidents.
2.) Drowsy Driving – According to the NHTSA, in 2007 fatigued driving caused the deaths of 1,404 people, and more traffic fatalities occurred during the hours when most people are accustomed to being asleep (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) than at any other time of day.
3.) Driving Under the Influence – According to MADD, someone dies in a drunk driving accident every 40 minutes. Young people 21 – 34 are responsible for the highest number of drunk driving fatalities, and perhaps not surprisingly, most drunk driving fatalities occur at night and on weekends.
4.) Over Correcting – Teens and other inexperienced drivers are most prone to this nervous maneuver. Over correcting when facing trouble on the road can lead to rollovers and much worse. More than 4% of auto fatalities every year occur because of this jumpy mistake.
5.) Speeding – Driving too fast is the second highest cause of death in car accidents. 30% of speeding fatalities occur at speeds of 50 mph or above. Driving too fast for conditions is another culprit.
6.) Failure to Observe the Right of Way – This is the top cause of auto accidents for seniors ages 70 and above and the fifth leading cause of crashes overall. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, elders either fail to see other drivers, or see the drivers but miscalculate the time they have to merge.
7.) Reckless Driving – From weaving and tailgating to driving on the wrong side of the road, reckless driving caused 1,850 fatalities in 2007. Driving over 80 mph or driving 20 miles or more over the speed limit is considered reckless driving.
8.) Running Red Lights – According to the nonprofit Insurance Research Council, 75% of auto accidents occur in cities. Why? Because of drivers’ tendency to step on the gas when the light turns red.
9.) Failure to Buckle Up – Though seat belt use is up, the fact remains that 33% of auto accident fatalities occurred because drivers and passengers weren’t using their seat belts. Seat belts help prevent ejection, and ejection results in death in 76% of all motor vehicle accidents.
10.) Distracted Driving – Talking on the phone, texting, reading, all of these are the modus operandi of the distracted driver. Cell phone use may be the biggest culprit, with an estimated 1 million Americans are driving and talking on the phone at any given time.
Pass these deadly driving mistakes on to family and friends and let’s all keep the roads a little safer.
Labels: distracted drivers, driver safety, drunk driving, safe driving, teen 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:
Labels: avoid wrecks, driver safety, drunk driver, drunk driving, DUI, Georgia personal injury law, reckless driving
With the holiday weekend coming up and many families taking driving vacations or simply staying near home on staycations, its worth giving a little extra thought to driver safety. Sadly, if you plan to stay in or near Atlanta this weekend you may have something more than fireworks shows to worry about, and that something is road rage.
Atlanta earned the dubious distinction of being one of the nation’s top five leading road rage cities in a survey conducted by AutoVantage, a national auto club. We found ourselves keeping company with three northern cities and one neighbor to the west on the following list:
1.) New York
2.) Dallas/Ft. Worth
3.) Detroit
4.) Atlanta
5.) Minneapolis/St. Paul
AutoVantage came up with these numbers after surveying drivers in 25 major metropolitan areas during the first three months of this year and compiling the ranked list based on reports of angry and aggressive drivers. For the purposes of the survey, angry drivers included drivers who overreact and lose their tempers while aggressive drivers included drivers who cut into lines, honk, speed and tailgate.
The survey also compiled some data we can all learn from, such as what causes road rage and which types of drivers are most likely to fall victim of a case of road rage.
The study concluded that the behaviors most likely to incite road rage include:
1.) Talking on a cell phone
2.) Texting or emailing
3.) Driving too fast
4.) Tailgating
5.) Eating or drinking while driving
6.) Cutting over without notice
7.) Slamming on the brakes
8.) Running red lights
9.) Multitasking (such as putting on makeup, shaving or reading)
Further, the people most likely to engage in road rage inducing behaviors are young people or people with long commutes. They admitted to the survey takers that they were more likely to talk on cell phones or drive too fast on a regular basis.
The study also identified some major causes of road rage, which included:
1.) Witnessing bad or careless driving from others
2.) Anger or frustration
3.) Running late or being in a hurry
4.) Experiencing traffic problems or road construction
5.) Witnessing drivers who “think they own the road”
Some tips for avoiding the urge to rage include allowing yourself plenty of time for your trip, listening to soothing music, and, of course, giving other drivers the benefit of the doubt and assuming that their mistakes are not directed at you. If you experience road rage from others, it’s key to remain calm and in control. Extreme reactions can just compound the chain of road rage and lead to more incidents or even an accident.
The best way to curb road rage is to begin with your own habits and be a careful, safe and courteous driver. If you are not yet following all the rules of courteous driving, why not start this 4th of July weekend?
Interested in more road rage statistics? Visit this website to see the full AutoVantage report and read more road rage statistics. (Warning, the link leads to a PDF that may open slowly on some machines.)
Atlanta earned the dubious distinction of being one of the nation’s top five leading road rage cities in a survey conducted by AutoVantage, a national auto club. We found ourselves keeping company with three northern cities and one neighbor to the west on the following list:
1.) New York
2.) Dallas/Ft. Worth
3.) Detroit
4.) Atlanta
5.) Minneapolis/St. Paul
AutoVantage came up with these numbers after surveying drivers in 25 major metropolitan areas during the first three months of this year and compiling the ranked list based on reports of angry and aggressive drivers. For the purposes of the survey, angry drivers included drivers who overreact and lose their tempers while aggressive drivers included drivers who cut into lines, honk, speed and tailgate.
The survey also compiled some data we can all learn from, such as what causes road rage and which types of drivers are most likely to fall victim of a case of road rage.
The study concluded that the behaviors most likely to incite road rage include:
1.) Talking on a cell phone
2.) Texting or emailing
3.) Driving too fast
4.) Tailgating
5.) Eating or drinking while driving
6.) Cutting over without notice
7.) Slamming on the brakes
8.) Running red lights
9.) Multitasking (such as putting on makeup, shaving or reading)
Further, the people most likely to engage in road rage inducing behaviors are young people or people with long commutes. They admitted to the survey takers that they were more likely to talk on cell phones or drive too fast on a regular basis.
The study also identified some major causes of road rage, which included:
1.) Witnessing bad or careless driving from others
2.) Anger or frustration
3.) Running late or being in a hurry
4.) Experiencing traffic problems or road construction
5.) Witnessing drivers who “think they own the road”
Some tips for avoiding the urge to rage include allowing yourself plenty of time for your trip, listening to soothing music, and, of course, giving other drivers the benefit of the doubt and assuming that their mistakes are not directed at you. If you experience road rage from others, it’s key to remain calm and in control. Extreme reactions can just compound the chain of road rage and lead to more incidents or even an accident.
The best way to curb road rage is to begin with your own habits and be a careful, safe and courteous driver. If you are not yet following all the rules of courteous driving, why not start this 4th of July weekend?
Interested in more road rage statistics? Visit this website to see the full AutoVantage report and read more road rage statistics. (Warning, the link leads to a PDF that may open slowly on some machines.)
Labels: atlanta, distracted drivers, driver safety, drivers, Georgia, road rage
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