Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Atlanta personal injury lawyer blog
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Surprising New Study Results on Mixing Driving and Cell Phones
Friday, November 6, 2009
Drive Smart Computer Program Seeks to Preserve Driving Skills Among Elderly
Monday, June 29, 2009
Atlanta 4th in the Nation for Road Rage
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Studies show older drivers can be safety risk
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Fatigue a problem for all drivers
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
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
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
According to the Governors Highway Safety Assocation, the percentage of Americans 65 and older has tripled in the past 100 years. People are living longer. As a result, it is more and more likely that many Georgians will outlive their ability to drive safely.
According to the American Medical Association, older drivers (also referred to as mature drivers) have a higher risk of traffic fatalities for two reasons. First, drivers aged 75 and older are involved in significantly more car wrecks per mile driven than middle-aged drivers. Second, mature drivers are considerably more fragile than their younger counterparts, and are therefore more likely to suffer a fatal injury in the event of a crash.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that auto accidents actually account for fewer than 1 percent of fatalities among people 70 and older (heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death). However, increasingly older drivers are keeping their drivers licenses longer and driving more miles than ever before.
An AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study in 2004 found that drivers over the age of 65 are almost twice as likely to die in car crashes as drivers aged 55 to 64. The report also revealed that drivers over 75 were over two-and-a-half times as likely to die in an auto accident and drivers over 85 were almost four times as likely to die when compared to drivers aged 55 to 64.
The excess crash rate of mature drivers results from impairments in three functions that are important for driving: vision, cognition and motor function.
Vision - Vision is the primary sense utilized in driving. Adequate visual acuity and field of vision are important for safe driving, but tend to decline with age as a result of physiologic changes and an increase in diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and stroke. Glare, impaired contrast sensitivity, and an increase in time to adjust to changes in lightness and darkness are other problems commonly experienced by mature drivers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a person's eyesight deteriorates to such an extent that ten times the amount of light is necessary to see objects at age 60 as that needed at age 16.
Cognition - Driving is a complex activity that requires a variety of high-level cognitive skills, including memory, visual processing, attention and executive skills. Certain medical conditions (such as dementia) and medications that are common in the older population have a large impact on cognition.
Motor function - Motor abilities such as muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and proprioception (the subconscious awareness of weight, posture, movement, position in space in relationship to the body, based on sensory input from the joints and muscles) are necessary for operating vehicle controls and turning to view traffic. Even prior to driving, motor abilities are needed to enter the car safely and fasten the seat belt. Changes related to age and musculoskeletal diseases (such as arthritis) can decrease an individual's ability to drive safely and comfortably.
Changes in vision, physical strength and cognition can contribute to a loss of self-confidence and ability to operate a motor vehicle. The prospect of losing one's drivers license is equated by some older adults as a loss of independence and personal freedom. Faced with this choice, some older adults risk personal injury rather than give up their driver's license.
Georgia addresses these risks by requiring that drivers over 60 renew their licenses every 5 years. Also, license renewals cannot be done by mail. Georgia drivers 65 and older also need a vision test.
According to the American Medical Association, older drivers (also referred to as mature drivers) have a higher risk of traffic fatalities for two reasons. First, drivers aged 75 and older are involved in significantly more car wrecks per mile driven than middle-aged drivers. Second, mature drivers are considerably more fragile than their younger counterparts, and are therefore more likely to suffer a fatal injury in the event of a crash.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that auto accidents actually account for fewer than 1 percent of fatalities among people 70 and older (heart disease and cancer are the leading causes of death). However, increasingly older drivers are keeping their drivers licenses longer and driving more miles than ever before.
An AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study in 2004 found that drivers over the age of 65 are almost twice as likely to die in car crashes as drivers aged 55 to 64. The report also revealed that drivers over 75 were over two-and-a-half times as likely to die in an auto accident and drivers over 85 were almost four times as likely to die when compared to drivers aged 55 to 64.
The excess crash rate of mature drivers results from impairments in three functions that are important for driving: vision, cognition and motor function.
Vision - Vision is the primary sense utilized in driving. Adequate visual acuity and field of vision are important for safe driving, but tend to decline with age as a result of physiologic changes and an increase in diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and stroke. Glare, impaired contrast sensitivity, and an increase in time to adjust to changes in lightness and darkness are other problems commonly experienced by mature drivers. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a person's eyesight deteriorates to such an extent that ten times the amount of light is necessary to see objects at age 60 as that needed at age 16.
Cognition - Driving is a complex activity that requires a variety of high-level cognitive skills, including memory, visual processing, attention and executive skills. Certain medical conditions (such as dementia) and medications that are common in the older population have a large impact on cognition.
Motor function - Motor abilities such as muscle strength, endurance, flexibility and proprioception (the subconscious awareness of weight, posture, movement, position in space in relationship to the body, based on sensory input from the joints and muscles) are necessary for operating vehicle controls and turning to view traffic. Even prior to driving, motor abilities are needed to enter the car safely and fasten the seat belt. Changes related to age and musculoskeletal diseases (such as arthritis) can decrease an individual's ability to drive safely and comfortably.
Changes in vision, physical strength and cognition can contribute to a loss of self-confidence and ability to operate a motor vehicle. The prospect of losing one's drivers license is equated by some older adults as a loss of independence and personal freedom. Faced with this choice, some older adults risk personal injury rather than give up their driver's license.
Georgia addresses these risks by requiring that drivers over 60 renew their licenses every 5 years. Also, license renewals cannot be done by mail. Georgia drivers 65 and older also need a vision test.
Labels: auto accident, auto insurance, car wreck, drivers, Georgia personal injury
February 16th's Atlanta Journal Consitution had an article again noting the importance of sleep. Sleep is frequently a big problem for all drivers - particularly truck drivers who have to drive long hours or at night. As a result, there are limits on drivers hours. However, those rules are sometimes broken with disaterous results that can cause death or serious injuries.
Read the article below for some important tips
DRIVER'S ED: Tired? Well, big sleep is forever
zzzZZZ...
zzzZZZ...
Uh? Wha? Sorry. Must a dozed off for a bit. Which can be embarrassing behind a keyboard but is flat-out deadly dangerous behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 100,000 crashes a year are caused by DWD —- driving while drowsy.
When you're driving at 65 mph, in just 3 seconds you'll travel more than 100 yards. And that is a long ways to go with your eyes closed and no control of your car. Just being drowsy ups the odds you'll make a mistake like misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic when you're making a left turn.
And don't be too sure you know when you're too sleepy to be driving. In one study of drivers who crashed after falling asleep at the wheel, half said they felt only "somewhat sleepy" or "not at all sleepy" just before the loud bang. Here are some tips:
1 Hot java. A cup of coffee is tasty, but it ain't a magic potion. The caffeine will help you be a bit more alert, but it takes 30 minutes to get into your bloodstream and the effects last just a couple of hours. And you can still nod off for a couple of seconds.
2 Start rested. Working hard all day Friday and heading to Orlando to be at Braves spring training first thing Saturday morning is a bad idea. Less than six hours of shut-eye increases risk of falling asleep.
3 Stop and stretch. Stop every two hours or so and get out of the car to move around. Even if it's just to walk into the convenience store to get a Coke.
4 Warning signs. Pull over soon as you safely can if you find yourself having a hard time keeping your eyes open or focusing on the road ahead. If you're drifting from lane to lane or tailgating or hitting the rumble strips on the shoulder, it's time to stop. It's better to take a little longer to get where you're going than not get there at all.
Ed got his tips from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Ed is a shade-tree mechanic who talks like a dipstick but knows his way around one.
Read the article below for some important tips
DRIVER'S ED: Tired? Well, big sleep is forever
zzzZZZ...
zzzZZZ...
Uh? Wha? Sorry. Must a dozed off for a bit. Which can be embarrassing behind a keyboard but is flat-out deadly dangerous behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 100,000 crashes a year are caused by DWD —- driving while drowsy.
When you're driving at 65 mph, in just 3 seconds you'll travel more than 100 yards. And that is a long ways to go with your eyes closed and no control of your car. Just being drowsy ups the odds you'll make a mistake like misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic when you're making a left turn.
And don't be too sure you know when you're too sleepy to be driving. In one study of drivers who crashed after falling asleep at the wheel, half said they felt only "somewhat sleepy" or "not at all sleepy" just before the loud bang. Here are some tips:
1 Hot java. A cup of coffee is tasty, but it ain't a magic potion. The caffeine will help you be a bit more alert, but it takes 30 minutes to get into your bloodstream and the effects last just a couple of hours. And you can still nod off for a couple of seconds.
2 Start rested. Working hard all day Friday and heading to Orlando to be at Braves spring training first thing Saturday morning is a bad idea. Less than six hours of shut-eye increases risk of falling asleep.
3 Stop and stretch. Stop every two hours or so and get out of the car to move around. Even if it's just to walk into the convenience store to get a Coke.
4 Warning signs. Pull over soon as you safely can if you find yourself having a hard time keeping your eyes open or focusing on the road ahead. If you're drifting from lane to lane or tailgating or hitting the rumble strips on the shoulder, it's time to stop. It's better to take a little longer to get where you're going than not get there at all.
Ed got his tips from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Ed is a shade-tree mechanic who talks like a dipstick but knows his way around one.
Labels: accident, car wreck, drivers, fatigue, sleepy
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