Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Atlanta personal injury lawyer blog
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Better Feedback, Better Drivers?
Friday, November 6, 2009
Drive Smart Computer Program Seeks to Preserve Driving Skills Among Elderly
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Drunk Driving Fatalities among Female Drivers on the Rise - Labor Day Driving Tips
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The 10 Most Common Lethal Driving Mistakes
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Five Good Reasons Not to Speed
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Safe Driving Suggestions - Reduced visibility
Safe Driving Suggestions - Breaks fail
Safe Driving Suggestions - Car breakdown
Safe Driving Suggestions - Blownout Tire
Safe Driving Suggestions - A stuck gas pedal
Suggestions on coping with aggressive drivers
Safe Driving Suggestions - Earthquakes
Safe Driving Suggestions - Floods
Safe Driving Suggestions - Hail Storms
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
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
Last week Natasha Searcy, a 22-year-old young woman from Douglas County, was charged with vehicular homicide in the first and second degrees, failure to maintain her lane, lack of insurance, and driving under the influence. Searcy was driving drunk in her 1998 Pontiac when she crossed the center line and collided with a car driven by 25-year-old Ashley Ingalsbe. Luke Ingalsbe, age 4, died in the crash, Ashley Ingalsbe died last Monday afternoon. Her 2-year-old son and boyfriend were also seriously injured in the wreck.
Unfortunately, this local incident follows an alarming national trend: more women are driving under the influence and causing fatalities. Last month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a study which detailed the increasing trend.
FBI data shows that DUI arrests for women have increased 29 percent in the decade between 1998 and 2007. In the same time period, DUI arrests for men decreased by 7.5 percent.
Why are DUI arrests for women increasing while DUI arrests for males are decreasing? Does anybody have any possible explanations?
“Impaired driving is an issue that cuts across all segments of society and, sadly, the number of arrests of women driving under the influence is on the rise. This is clearly a very disturbing trend,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
In 2008, impaired drivers caused nearly 12,000 fatalities. Approximately 2,000 of those fatalities were caused by female drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Some good news: According to the NHTSA report, DUI fatalities in Georgia decreased for both men and women. From 2007 to 2008, Georgia male DUI drivers in fatal crashes decreased 9 percent, from 337 to 307. In the same period, Georgia female DUI drivers in fatal crashes decreased 6 percent, from 68 to 64.
A nationwide anti-drunk driving campaign is currently underway. It’s known as Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. The initiative involves over 11,000 police departments and other law enforcement agencies, and it will run through Labor Day weekend. During this time, police will redouble their efforts to nab drunk drivers during this high-risk travel period.
Last year, 40 percent of traffic fatalities during the Labor Day travel period involved a drunk driver. Based on these statistics, one might assume that nearly half of all drivers on the road this weekend will be intoxicated to some degree. Be sure to drive defensively and wear your safety belt.
If you’re going out of town this Labor Day weekend, follow these tips to stay safe and save money:
Slow down! Gas mileage decreases when you go faster that 60 miles per hour. For every five miles per hour over 60 MPH, you’re paying an additional 20 cents or more for each gallon of gas. Likewise, rapid acceleration can lower your gas mileage by 30 percent. Be patient. You’ll get there.
Use cruise control. Cruise control cuts fuel consumption by maintaining a steady speed on the highway. However, cruise control doesn’t give you the freedom to send a text message or program your GPS. When using cruise control, keep your eyes on the road and keep your foot ready to brake.
Turn down the AC. If you leave your vehicle’s AC on high all the time, this can reduce your mileage by up to 20 percent.
Finally, don’t drink and drive! Even if you’ve had “only a few drinks,” stay where you are, get someone else to drive, ride with a friend, or call a cab.
Unfortunately, this local incident follows an alarming national trend: more women are driving under the influence and causing fatalities. Last month the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a study which detailed the increasing trend.
FBI data shows that DUI arrests for women have increased 29 percent in the decade between 1998 and 2007. In the same time period, DUI arrests for men decreased by 7.5 percent.
Why are DUI arrests for women increasing while DUI arrests for males are decreasing? Does anybody have any possible explanations?
“Impaired driving is an issue that cuts across all segments of society and, sadly, the number of arrests of women driving under the influence is on the rise. This is clearly a very disturbing trend,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
In 2008, impaired drivers caused nearly 12,000 fatalities. Approximately 2,000 of those fatalities were caused by female drivers who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Some good news: According to the NHTSA report, DUI fatalities in Georgia decreased for both men and women. From 2007 to 2008, Georgia male DUI drivers in fatal crashes decreased 9 percent, from 337 to 307. In the same period, Georgia female DUI drivers in fatal crashes decreased 6 percent, from 68 to 64.
A nationwide anti-drunk driving campaign is currently underway. It’s known as Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. The initiative involves over 11,000 police departments and other law enforcement agencies, and it will run through Labor Day weekend. During this time, police will redouble their efforts to nab drunk drivers during this high-risk travel period.
Last year, 40 percent of traffic fatalities during the Labor Day travel period involved a drunk driver. Based on these statistics, one might assume that nearly half of all drivers on the road this weekend will be intoxicated to some degree. Be sure to drive defensively and wear your safety belt.
If you’re going out of town this Labor Day weekend, follow these tips to stay safe and save money:
Slow down! Gas mileage decreases when you go faster that 60 miles per hour. For every five miles per hour over 60 MPH, you’re paying an additional 20 cents or more for each gallon of gas. Likewise, rapid acceleration can lower your gas mileage by 30 percent. Be patient. You’ll get there.
Use cruise control. Cruise control cuts fuel consumption by maintaining a steady speed on the highway. However, cruise control doesn’t give you the freedom to send a text message or program your GPS. When using cruise control, keep your eyes on the road and keep your foot ready to brake.
Turn down the AC. If you leave your vehicle’s AC on high all the time, this can reduce your mileage by up to 20 percent.
Finally, don’t drink and drive! Even if you’ve had “only a few drinks,” stay where you are, get someone else to drive, ride with a friend, or call a cab.
Labels: drunk driving, DUI, safe driving
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
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, slowing down while driving has 5 important benefits:
* Save lives - Slowing down increases the likelihood of surviving a crash. Researcher Rune Elvik found that a 1% decrease in travel speed reduces injury crashes by about 2%, serious injury crashes by about 3% and fatal crashes by about 4%. 13,500 people died in speed-related crashes in 2006. Don’t become a statistic.
* Save money - Speeding reduces fuel efficiency, causing you to buy gas more often. The Department of Energy estimates that, as a rule of thumb, drivers can assume that each 5 mph they drive above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.
* Save the environment - According to Ford Motor Company, driving a vehicle at 65 mph consumes about 15% more fuel than driving the same vehicle at 55 mph. More fuel consumed means more CO2 released into the atmosphere.
* Save yourself a ticket - Highway safety agencies and law enforcement are cracking down on speeders. Obey the sign or pay the fine!
* Save your license - A speeding ticket could lead to points on your driving record. Too many points and you could lose your license and your insurance premiums could go up.
* Save lives - Slowing down increases the likelihood of surviving a crash. Researcher Rune Elvik found that a 1% decrease in travel speed reduces injury crashes by about 2%, serious injury crashes by about 3% and fatal crashes by about 4%. 13,500 people died in speed-related crashes in 2006. Don’t become a statistic.
* Save money - Speeding reduces fuel efficiency, causing you to buy gas more often. The Department of Energy estimates that, as a rule of thumb, drivers can assume that each 5 mph they drive above 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon for gas.
* Save the environment - According to Ford Motor Company, driving a vehicle at 65 mph consumes about 15% more fuel than driving the same vehicle at 55 mph. More fuel consumed means more CO2 released into the atmosphere.
* Save yourself a ticket - Highway safety agencies and law enforcement are cracking down on speeders. Obey the sign or pay the fine!
* Save your license - A speeding ticket could lead to points on your driving record. Too many points and you could lose your license and your insurance premiums could go up.
Labels: rules of the road, safe driving, speeding
Few things are as scary as driving when you can't see much. Reduced visibility conditions include twilight, darkness, rain, snow, fog, smoke, and bright sunshine.
Obviously, if driving in poor visibility can be avoided, it should be. If suddenly faced with bad visibility, consider these suggestions:
* Use moderation in judging safe speed. Slow down enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
* Do no slow down so much that you become a risk to drivers behind you.
* Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them. If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
* Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to deal with bright sunlight.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Obviously, if driving in poor visibility can be avoided, it should be. If suddenly faced with bad visibility, consider these suggestions:
* Use moderation in judging safe speed. Slow down enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
* Do no slow down so much that you become a risk to drivers behind you.
* Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them. If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
* Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to deal with bright sunlight.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Labels: avoid wrecks, safe driving, safety
In action movies, sometimes the hero is faced with a situation where the brakes in his car fails. Here's ideas on what to do if your brakes fail:
* Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and apply the emergency brake.
* If your automobile has an automatic transmission, apply the emergency brake and move the gear lever into the low range position.
* Be Advised: This action can potentially cause damage to the emergency brake and to the transmission, but under the circumstances of brake failure, there is no better choice.
If your brakes become wet, you can dry them by:
* Drive the vehicle a short distance
* Apply light pressure to the brake pedal.
* The heat generated by the friction of the brakes against the brake drum will evaporate the water from the brake linings.
* To prevent excessive wear on brakes when moving down a long hill or steep grade, use a lower gear instead of the brake pedal to control speed. Shift to the lower gear at the top of the hill, before you descend.
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation
* Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and apply the emergency brake.
* If your automobile has an automatic transmission, apply the emergency brake and move the gear lever into the low range position.
* Be Advised: This action can potentially cause damage to the emergency brake and to the transmission, but under the circumstances of brake failure, there is no better choice.
If your brakes become wet, you can dry them by:
* Drive the vehicle a short distance
* Apply light pressure to the brake pedal.
* The heat generated by the friction of the brakes against the brake drum will evaporate the water from the brake linings.
* To prevent excessive wear on brakes when moving down a long hill or steep grade, use a lower gear instead of the brake pedal to control speed. Shift to the lower gear at the top of the hill, before you descend.
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation
Labels: avoiding car accidents, avoiding personal injury, safe driving
A broken down car can be a dangerous situation. Keep these suggestions in mind to keep folks safe.
* Move the vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Stopping on the left side of a divided highway is extremely dangerous but sometimes unavoidable. Do not leave the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane.
* Move the vehicle as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as you can. At the very least you should be far enough away that you can open the door without stepping out into traffic. You also want to be visible enough so that people can see you.
* Show clear signs that there is a problem and you need assistance by raising the vehicle hood. This is an internationally recognized sign of distress.
* In addition, turn on your emergency flashers and display any signs you have that indicate you need help (such as shade screens with distress messages).
* If you remain with the vehicle, another motorist will likely report your disabled vehicle to the police, and it will be easier for the police or others to provide assistance.
* Always exit the vehicle by the passenger side, unless you are on the left side of a divided highway.
* Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
* Stay off of the road and away from the vehicle and do not stand in front of or to the rear of the vehicle.
* Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to other traffic.
Be prepared for problem situations:
* Keep items in the vehicle such as flares, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit. Mobile phones in the vehicle also become valuable safety tools during breakdown situations. In addition, have water available in hot climates, especially for children.
* Know where items such as your spare tire, jack, and other tools are in the vehicle and how to use them. Check periodically to make sure they are in working order.
Be familiar with the operation of your vehicle:
* Read your owner’s manual. A motorist who understands how his/her vehicle operates is better able to detect and address problems with the vehicle.
* Conduct periodic and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
* If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation
* Move the vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Stopping on the left side of a divided highway is extremely dangerous but sometimes unavoidable. Do not leave the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane.
* Move the vehicle as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as you can. At the very least you should be far enough away that you can open the door without stepping out into traffic. You also want to be visible enough so that people can see you.
* Show clear signs that there is a problem and you need assistance by raising the vehicle hood. This is an internationally recognized sign of distress.
* In addition, turn on your emergency flashers and display any signs you have that indicate you need help (such as shade screens with distress messages).
* If you remain with the vehicle, another motorist will likely report your disabled vehicle to the police, and it will be easier for the police or others to provide assistance.
* Always exit the vehicle by the passenger side, unless you are on the left side of a divided highway.
* Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
* Stay off of the road and away from the vehicle and do not stand in front of or to the rear of the vehicle.
* Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to other traffic.
Be prepared for problem situations:
* Keep items in the vehicle such as flares, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit. Mobile phones in the vehicle also become valuable safety tools during breakdown situations. In addition, have water available in hot climates, especially for children.
* Know where items such as your spare tire, jack, and other tools are in the vehicle and how to use them. Check periodically to make sure they are in working order.
Be familiar with the operation of your vehicle:
* Read your owner’s manual. A motorist who understands how his/her vehicle operates is better able to detect and address problems with the vehicle.
* Conduct periodic and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
* If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation
Labels: avoiding personal injury, safe driving, safety
A blown tire can be a scary proposition. Keeping your cool can mean the difference in a safe exit and serious injury.
* The goal in any rapid loss of tire pressure or “blowout” is to keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. Do not panic. Any over-reaction by the driver – including slamming on the brakes or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator – can result in a loss of vehicle control.
* In any blowout situation, it’s most important to first remember the 2 things you should NOT do:
* Do not step on the brake. As instinctive as it may be, it’s the worst mistake you can make in any tire blowout situation. Applying the brakes will cause an even greater imbalance on the vehicle’s stability.
* Do not abruptly release your foot from the accelerator. This is the second worst mistake you can make. Rapidly releasing the accelerator causes the vehicle to transfer more of its weight from the rear tires to the front tires. With a flat tire, this can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
* Instead, in any blowout situation, you should follow these 3 steps:
* Gradually release the accelerator .
* Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
* Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it’s safe to do so.
* Remember, no matter which tire blows out — front or back — the do’s and don’ts for safely maintaining control of your vehicle are exactly the same. The only difference between a front and rear tire blowout is that you will feel the force of a front blowout more in the vehicle’s steering, while you’ll feel a rear blowout more in the seat or body of the vehicle.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
* The goal in any rapid loss of tire pressure or “blowout” is to keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. Do not panic. Any over-reaction by the driver – including slamming on the brakes or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator – can result in a loss of vehicle control.
* In any blowout situation, it’s most important to first remember the 2 things you should NOT do:
* Do not step on the brake. As instinctive as it may be, it’s the worst mistake you can make in any tire blowout situation. Applying the brakes will cause an even greater imbalance on the vehicle’s stability.
* Do not abruptly release your foot from the accelerator. This is the second worst mistake you can make. Rapidly releasing the accelerator causes the vehicle to transfer more of its weight from the rear tires to the front tires. With a flat tire, this can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
* Instead, in any blowout situation, you should follow these 3 steps:
* Gradually release the accelerator .
* Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
* Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it’s safe to do so.
* Remember, no matter which tire blows out — front or back — the do’s and don’ts for safely maintaining control of your vehicle are exactly the same. The only difference between a front and rear tire blowout is that you will feel the force of a front blowout more in the vehicle’s steering, while you’ll feel a rear blowout more in the seat or body of the vehicle.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Fortunately, this doesn't happen too often. But keeping these suggestions in mind may avoid a car wreck:
What to do if your gas pedal sticks
* Tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage.
* Hook your toe under the pedal to try and free it.
* Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels.
* Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
* If your automobile has power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition or you will lose either your power steering, or the ability to steer.
* Have your vehicle checked with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Transportation, sos.state.il.us
What to do if your gas pedal sticks
* Tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage.
* Hook your toe under the pedal to try and free it.
* Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels.
* Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
* If your automobile has power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition or you will lose either your power steering, or the ability to steer.
* Have your vehicle checked with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Transportation, sos.state.il.us
Labels: car wreck, safe driving, safety
It is an unfortunately fact of life that some feel they own the road and will drive aggressively - putting others at risk for injury or even death. Here are some suggestions.
How to deal with aggressive drivers
Common aggressive driving behaviors
* Running stop signs and red lights
* Speeding, tailgating, and weaving between lanes
* Passing on the right of a vehicle
* Making inappropriate hand and facial gestures
* Screaming, honking the horn, and flashing headlights
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, or witness aggressive driving behavior, follow these guidelines:
* Make every attempt to safely move out of the aggressive driver’s way.
* Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to “hold your own” in the travel lane.
* Always wear your seat belt — not only will it hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, but it will also protect you in a crash.
* Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver.
* Ignore gestures, and refuse to return them.
* Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel.
* If you have a cellular phone, and can use it while driving safely, call the police. Many have special numbers such as 9-1-1 or #-7-7.
* If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop at a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
How to deal with aggressive drivers
Common aggressive driving behaviors
* Running stop signs and red lights
* Speeding, tailgating, and weaving between lanes
* Passing on the right of a vehicle
* Making inappropriate hand and facial gestures
* Screaming, honking the horn, and flashing headlights
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, or witness aggressive driving behavior, follow these guidelines:
* Make every attempt to safely move out of the aggressive driver’s way.
* Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to “hold your own” in the travel lane.
* Always wear your seat belt — not only will it hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, but it will also protect you in a crash.
* Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver.
* Ignore gestures, and refuse to return them.
* Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel.
* If you have a cellular phone, and can use it while driving safely, call the police. Many have special numbers such as 9-1-1 or #-7-7.
* If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop at a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Hopefully we won't have to consider this one when driving in Georgia.
How to Drive During Earthquakes
Experiencing an earthquake while in a moving vehicle has been compared to driving on four flat tires. If an earthquake occurs while you are driving:
* Gradually decrease speed.
* Pull to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
* Do not stop on or under overpasses or bridges.
* Do not drive until local authorities have deemed it safe to do so.
* Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.
* Stop the car and keep your seat belt fastened.
* Remain in your car until the shaking stops.
* Keep in mind that aftershocks follow the initial earthquake.
* Turn on your car radio and listen for advisories (most radio stations are prepared to broadcast emergency information).
* If driving on the freeway, and if it's safe to do so, exit at the first opportunity.
* Be especially careful for mudslides and rockslides as earthquakes can jar loose these materials.
Be prepared by stocking the following items in your vehicle:
* Fully equipped first aid kit
* Bottled water
* Blanket or sleeping bag
* Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
* Fire extinguisher
* Pocket radio with extra batteries
* Local maps
* Matches
* Prescription medicine
Sources: FEMA.gov, US Geological Survey, Association of Bay Area Governments
How to Drive During Earthquakes
Experiencing an earthquake while in a moving vehicle has been compared to driving on four flat tires. If an earthquake occurs while you are driving:
* Gradually decrease speed.
* Pull to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
* Do not stop on or under overpasses or bridges.
* Do not drive until local authorities have deemed it safe to do so.
* Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.
* Stop the car and keep your seat belt fastened.
* Remain in your car until the shaking stops.
* Keep in mind that aftershocks follow the initial earthquake.
* Turn on your car radio and listen for advisories (most radio stations are prepared to broadcast emergency information).
* If driving on the freeway, and if it's safe to do so, exit at the first opportunity.
* Be especially careful for mudslides and rockslides as earthquakes can jar loose these materials.
Be prepared by stocking the following items in your vehicle:
* Fully equipped first aid kit
* Bottled water
* Blanket or sleeping bag
* Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
* Fire extinguisher
* Pocket radio with extra batteries
* Local maps
* Matches
* Prescription medicine
Sources: FEMA.gov, US Geological Survey, Association of Bay Area Governments
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Flood Safety
Keep in mind suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Flooding can occur as streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, with run-off from deep snow cover, or any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.
* Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.
* You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
* If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
* Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.
* If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
* Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
* One foot of water will float many vehicles.
* Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's and pick-ups.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Keep in mind suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Flooding can occur as streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, with run-off from deep snow cover, or any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.
* Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.
* You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
* If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
* Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.
* If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
* Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
* One foot of water will float many vehicles.
* Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's and pick-ups.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Hail Storms
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs
* After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
* If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.
Treat Hail storms in much the same way you would handle a thunderstorm.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs
* After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
* If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.
Treat Hail storms in much the same way you would handle a thunderstorm.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
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