Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign is just as simple as it sounds. Florida Highway Patrol is cracking down on impaired drivers in hopes of minimizing drunk driving accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and statewide between August 19 – September 5.

Our Fort Pierce accident lawyers wish everyone a safe upcoming Labor Day weekend but whatever you do, don't drink and drive. Impaired drivers caused more than 30 percent of traffic fatalities nationwide in 2009. A total of 35 percent of fatalities in Florida in 2009 were caused by drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of .01 or higher.

Colonel David Brierton, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Director, emphasizes that the cost is just too high for motorist to take a chance. Impaired drivers trying to beat the odds could get socked with possible jail time, higher insurance rates, lost time from work and suspension of their driver's license if they are caught in the act. There is no greater cost than taking a life.

Anyone who wears a FHP uniform will be patrolling roadways and interstates on Labor Day weekend. Traffic will be more congested with holiday travel so beefing up enforcement and making police officers more visible should help deter drivers from getting behind the wheel drunk.

Wink News Now reports that more than 10,000 law enforcement agencies throughout the country are embracing the nationwide campaign by adding sobriety checkpoints and a multitude of patrol officers, especially during evening hours when the odds of an impaired driver being on the roadway are even greater.

The goal is to reduce drunk driving accidents on roadways, create awareness by educating the public on how dangerous it is to drive impaired and dissuade someone who is drunk from wanting to get behind the wheel. Motorists can help the cause by planning ahead, designating a driver or drinking non-alcoholic beverages at a gathering or barbeque.

As part of back to school preparation this year, Mothers Against Drunk Driving offers these tips to parents with teen drivers:

-Initiate a conversation about the dangers of alcohol and how it can impair judgment and decision making.

-Make it clear to your teen driver that you will not tolerate drinking and driving and what to expect when rules are broken.

-Create a respectful relationship with your teen by give and take. Listen with an open mind and give your opinion fervently.

-Engage in family time and show your teen you care by spending quality time together. Set a goal to have dinner and work on projects 3 times a week.

-Be consistent with rewards and punishments. If a rule is broken always enforce the punishment.

Drunk driving is risky and dangerous and should never be considered when so many options are available.

If you detect an impaired driver on the roadway, dial *FHP for help.

Continue reading " Labor Day Campaign Urges Drivers to Drive Sober or Risk Injuries in a Car Accident in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach " »

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently conducted a study on the effects of fatigued driving and found that roughly five percent of surveyed drivers admitted that they've fallen asleep behind the wheel at least once over the last month.

Many experts believe that this number may even be higher because a 2005 study, conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, revealed that a third of all drivers say that they've dozed off behind the wheel in the last year. More than 10 percent of them say that they do it regularly, at least once a month, according to Automotive Industry Today.

Unfortunately the number of car accidents in Stuart, Palm City, Fort Pierce and elsewhere can never truly be measured because there's no guarantee that a driver will admit to officers that they were in fact fatigued at the time of the accident.

Our car accident attorneys in Vero Beach, Davie and Margate understand the frequency of distracted driving accidents. Unfortunately, many drivers are not able to recognize signs concluding that a driver is in fact drowsy at the wheel. These drivers pose serious threats to innocent drivers on our roadways.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are at least 100,000 car accidents that are believed to be caused by a fatigued driver every year. These accidents are believed to kill about 1,550 people and injure another 71,000. The NHTSA estimated that these accidents result in roughly $12.5 billion in monetary losses each year. Some studies suggest that drowsy driving may be a factor in as many as one in four accidents.

Unfortunately, many drivers think that there are quick fixes to wake up a fatigued driver. Many think that a shot of caffeine, some loud music or opening the windows will do the trick. The only problem with these theories is that they're temporary fixes. Pushing through a feeling of drowsiness behind the wheel might be one of the worst and most dangerous things a driver can do behind the wheel.

To stay awake at the wheel, you should make sure you're well rested before you head out on the road. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that drivers who get six to seven hours of sleep each night are just about twice as likely to get into an accident as a driver who regularly gets eight hours of sleep or more each night.

You should also allow yourself some breaks. You're urged to stop, take a break from driving and rest every three hours of consecutive driving time. If you feel sleepy at the wheel before three hours is up, you're urged to switch with a passenger or to simply pull over and get some rest.

Drowsy driving accidents are preventable if the proper safety measures are taken before and during a trip in the car. Don't let being tired land you or another motorist in the hospital.

Continue reading " Drowsy Drivers a Bigger Cause of Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie than Statistics Show " »

Despite the forever aging adult population in Florida, teen drivers still remain the age group most at risk of a car accident in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie and elsewhere.

Teen drivers are a hot topic on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog because we want parents of teens to have a clear understanding of the dangers teens face. Knowledgeable parents can help young drivers gain the knowledge and experience needed to be safe drivers.

Our Fort Pierce car accident lawyers know that students returning to school increase traffic congestion during morning commutes; teen drivers and other motorists should be alert and use extra caution now that school is back in session.

There were more than 235,000 traffic crashes involving 338,633 drivers in Florida in 2009, according to a statistics report by Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Crashes involving a teen driver in 2009 totaled 29,485. Eighty teens were killed, along with 73 teen passengers. More than 10,000 teen drivers were injured in a crash and almost as many teen passengers needed medical attention following a car accident in 2009. The rate of drivers between the ages of 15-19 involved in fatal crashes per 10,000 licensed drivers was 3.13.

In an effort to support back to school safety, the National Safety Council offers the following advice to parents of teen drivers. The more a young driver can learn by example and gain experience in supervised driving situations, the more confident they will be when they hit the streets solo.

Strict Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws and programs are proven to reduce teen driver crashes and fatalities by as much as 40 percent. Parents can use the following tips to form their own GDL program, especially if your teen needs extra guidance in certain areas.

-23 percent of all crashes nationwide involve cell phone use and teens are the worst perpetrators when it comes to using cell phones behind the wheel. Establish strict rules prohibiting your teen from texting or talking while they drive.

-Almost a third of drivers ages 15 to 20 involved in fatal crashes have alcohol detected in their system. Mirror Florida's zero tolerance for underage drinkers by issuing your own no tolerance rule.

-Passengers can increase the odds of a teen crash by 50 percent so restrict your young driver to no passengers until they have a year of driving experience under their belt.

-Driving at night can be dangerous, especially right before midnight so set an agreeable curfew capping the time when your teen is permitted to drive unsupervised. The NSC recommends no later than 10 p.m.

-Extend the learner's permit stage to at least 6 months to give the teen more experience with adult supervision. Be patient and always set a good example every time you and your teen are in the car together.

Continue reading " West Palm Beach Teen Car Accidents Can be Minimized by Gaining Driver Knowledge and Driving Experience " »

A Florida state court has found Yamaha Motor Corporation USA responsible for a watercraft accident in West Palm Beach at Currie Park. The accident took the life of a 14-year-old girl and seriously injured a 15-year-old boy. The family of the injured children was awarded $35 million. The parents received $19 million and $16 million went to 21-year-old daughter, who was 15 at the time of the accident, according to The Street.

The jet ski company was warned several times about defects in the model jet ski that the family was renting that day. The defect consisted of steering problems. Yamaha failed to warn the users of these problems and failed to correct the issue.

Our jet ski accident attorneys in Delray Beach, Lake Worth and Port St. Lucie understand that rental companies have an obligation to provide safe and operable equipment to renters. Manufacturers are also required to produce quality products that are safe and free from defects that can injure a consumer. In these cases, where companies fail to consider the safety of their customers, companies can be held responsible for compensating the injured for a number costs and loses.

Rental companies also have a responsibility to make sure than renters are educated and knowledgeable about the products they're renting. In this case, the rental company sent two inexperienced children out on the waterways along during a busy holiday weekend.

This court case was heard for more than six weeks, and the system declared that Yamaha Motor Corporation USA was in fact responsible for the damages as they failed to fix a faulty product, allowing users to ride in dangerous situations.

It is estimated that approximately 700 people are killed in watercraft accidents every year. Another 3,000 people are injured in these accidents annually.

Research from the University of South Florida reveals that accidents that involve jet skis are more common than any other boating mishap. Victims of jet ski accidents will most likely experience trauma to the check, abdominal injury and closed-head injuries. During a jet ski accident it is common for rider to be thrown from the watercraft. The study compared jet ski accidents to motorcycle accidents in injuries.

“The same factors that make personal watercraft fun make them dangerous,” said Dr. Elizabeth Beierle a UF pediatric surgeon.

To help prevent an accident while riding on a personal watercraft, please review the following Florida laws:

-Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) are not allowed for personal watercraft use.

-A cutoff switch must be attached to the operator at all times.

-These vessels are not to be operated from a half hour after sunset to a half hour before sunrise.

-You are prohibited from driving a personal watercraft by swerving through congested traffic, jumping the wake of another watercraft that's unreasonably close or when visibility around the vessel is blocked.

-No horse play. You are not allowed to swerve at the last second to avoid collision. This is classified as reckless operation of a vessel, which is considered to be a first-degree misdemeanor.

-No one under the age of 14 is allowed to operate a personal watercraft.

-You have to be at least 18-years-old to rent a personal watercraft.

-If you were born on or after January 1, 1988 must have either have completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or to have passed a course equivalency.

Continue reading " Yamaha Pays Out $19 Million to Victim's Family of Jet Ski Accident in West Palm Beach " »

Motorists get concerned with good cause when they share the roadway with another driver who speeds, drives distracted, or drives aggressively. These behaviors are considered reckless and are among the leading causes of car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Palm Beach and elsewhere in the state.

The Miami Herald recently reported about a fatal accident involving a teen driver who was driving recklessly; dangerous driving behavior allegedly determined the fate of three young passengers riding in the vehicle with him.

Luckily, no innocent bystanders were injured or killed as a result of the reckless act. One passenger was trapped inside the vehicle while two others were ejected in the crash. All three passengers died at the scene after a 19-year-old driving a Honda Civic lost control and sped into a concrete pole. The driver left the scene and later turned himself in but was charged with fleeing and three counts of vehicular homicide. It is believed the crash occurred while street racing with another vehicle.

Our St. Lucie car accident attorneys want to urge victims of a reckless driving accident to contact an experienced attorney. Learning your options from a dedicated law firm can help victims make informed decisions about getting compensation that is rightfully deserved.

In 2009, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported a total of 235,778 traffic crashes which equated to approximately 646 crashes per day on average throughout the state.

There were 2,563 deaths from car crashes in 2009 and more than 197,000 injuries sustained in Florida car accidents. Almost 20 percent of fatal crashes and just fewer than 40 percent of injuries were caused by reckless driving. More than 200 fatalities were caused by a speed-related accident.

The following are examples of reckless driving behavior:
-Changing lanes swiftly with little or no warning.
-Pulling out in front of a vehicle that has the right of way.
-Pretending to be on a speedway race track on city roads or major highways.
-Turning corners at full speed.
-Showing no regard for bicyclists, pedestrians or other motorists using the same roadway by acting like you own the roadway.
-Rolling through stop signs without stopping or blatantly running a red light.

Motorists should report reckless driving behavior in order to protect themselves and other drivers from being involved in a car accident. Even though using a cell phone while you drive is still permitted in our state, it is never recommended. Report a reckless driver by pulling into a safe spot to dial 9-1-1. Give police officials as much information as possible, like model and make of car, license plate number, the direction the vehicle is heading, and the location in which you are calling from. Reporting a reckless act could save a life.

Continue reading " Reporting Reckless Drivers to Authorities Can Help Reduce Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie, Elsewhere " »

We generally think of the big yellow bus as one of the safest ways to transport our kids to school. But fall session has only just begun and already we have a bus accident to report in Pasco County.

Our Fort Lauderdale school bus accident lawyers realize that school bus accidents in Palm Beach or Miami may not be an everyday occurrence like motor vehicle accidents. But when they do occur they can cause some serious injury to children or occupants of other vehicles. We put our faith in school systems to hire safe drivers and get our kids to and from school safely. So when an accident occurs, it takes us by surprise. Contact an experienced school bus accident attorney to help you sort through all the legal details.

WTSP 10 News reports a bus driver failed to stop at a stop sign before colliding at an intersection with another vehicle causing the bus to roll over after impact. The details of the crash are still under investigation but witness say the school bus ran through the sign without stopping and hit a woman driving a Buick who did not have a stop sign in her direction. The speed limit is 30 mph on Monteverde Drive where the accident occurred but no one knows exactly how fast the bus driver was traveling. The victim driving the car was rushed by helicopter to Bayfront Medical Center with serious injuries. The bus driver and two of the passengers aboard the bus sustained minor injuries. The bus driver was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device.

A 2004 report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles indicates that in 2002, there were just shy of 1 million children riding to school on 19,453 buses statewide. From 1998-2002, there were 6 deaths and 56 injuries caused by a school bus-related accident. During this period there were over 4,800 accidents involving school buses and bus drivers were cited for being at fault in 31 percent of the crashes.

Prior to transporting any children in Florida, school boards and charter schools must ensure that the bus driver meets the following requirements:

-A minimum of 5 years licensed driving experience.

-Drivers must pass a written exam testing knowledge of rules and laws, as well as a skills test taken in a bus. Upon passing each test, the driver can obtain a Class A or B commercial driver license with a Passenger endorsement.

-Any driver hired after July 31, 1986 must complete 40 hours of pre-service training which includes 20 hours of classroom instruction following the Florida Basic School Bus Driver Curriculum, 8 hours of instruction behind the wheel and 12 hours at the school district's discretion. All training must be documented on a certification form instituted by the Commissioner of Education.

-8 hours of in-service training annually.

-Submit fingerprints for a background check.

-A pre-employment drug-screen must be completed and passed.

-The school district must provide documentation for a substance abuse background check if the newly hired bus driver has worked or volunteered in the previous two years in a position requiring a CDL.

-Bus drivers can be randomly checked at any time for alcohol or substance abuse. Drivers must test negative or meet the minimum standard of .02 blood alcohol concentration or be considered under the influence which is prohibited by law.

-Pass a physical exam annually prescribed by the U.S. Department of Transportation standards.

-Maintain a clean driving record as reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This will be done a minimum of three times per year via the Automated School Bus Drivers' License Record Check System.

-Know how to check vehicle systems, administer medical attention to children if needed, and assist children with special needs.

Bus drivers should be reliable, dependable and act responsibly in emergency situations in order to keep children safe and avoid a collision or bus-related accident.

Continue reading " Minimum Driver Requirements Needed to Reduce Injuries in School Bus-Related Accidents in Fort Pierce, Fort Lauderdale " »

A recent car accident in Port St. Lucie, involving a minivan and a tractor-trailer, killed a motorists and left about 25 gallons of fuel splattered all over the road. The accident happened on Interstate 95 at mile marker 124 just south of the Midway Road exit, according to NBC 5.

Four people were involved in this accident. One was killed and another was taken to the hospital. St. Lucie Fire Department's special operations team reported to the scene of the accident to help clean up the mess. The northbound lanes were blocked off for approximately 2 hours.

Our St. Lucie car accident attorneys understand how dangerous traffic accidents can be when a large truck is involved. The dangers heighten when the large truck is carrying gasoline or any other form of dangerous chemical. Motorists should exercise extreme caution when traveling along Interstates at high speeds with other large trucks to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Trucks inflict a substantial amount of injuries to motorists and can result in significant property damage during accidents on our roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were about 380,000 large trucks involved in traffic accidents in 2008 in the United States. More than 4,000 of these accidents were fatal, killing nearly 4,500 people. Another 90,000 people were injured in traffic accidents that involved a truck. Large trucks only made up 4 percent of the total number of registered vehicles in 2007. Although they only accounted for about 7 percent of the total number of vehicle miles traveled, they accounted for nearly 10 percent of all of the vehicles that were involved in fatal accidents. They also accounted for roughly 5 percent of all accidents that resulted with injuries and property-damage. It is estimated that about one out of every 9 fatal accidents involves a large truck.

Passenger-vehicle occupants are at the most risk for injury or death during an accident with a large truck. According to the most recent statistics of the fatalities that occurred from accidents that involved a large truck, nearly 75 percent of fatalities were sustained by the occupants of the smaller vehicle, about 10 percent were by nonoccupants and the remaining 15 percent were by the occupants of the large truck. Of the people that were injured in these types of accidents, about 70 percent were sustained by occupants of the other vehicle, less than 5 percent were nonoccupants and more than 25 percent were sustained by the occupants of the large truck.

During 2008, there were nearly 300 large trucks involved in fatal traffic accidents in the state of Florida.

Here are some safe driving tips to help keep you safe when you're sharing an Interstate with a large truck:

-Never follow too closely. Wind gust from trucks have the ability to shift your car on the roadway and cause you to temporarily lose control of your vehicle.

-Do not cut in front of a large truck. Trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles.

-Stay out of a truck's blind spots. Remember that is you can't see the driver then they can't see you.

-Don't drive next to a truck for a prolonged period of time. When passing a truck, do so safely without lingering next to one.

-Before getting in front of a truck, make sure you can see the driver in your rear-view mirror.

-Always use your turn signals so that a driver is aware of your next move.

-Stay alert and keep both hands on the wheel.

-When a truck is passing your vehicle, take your foot off the accelerator and let it pass.

Continue reading " Port. St. Lucie Tractor-Trailer Accident Kills One and Spills Gas Over Interstate " »

Fort Lauderdale was recently ranked the most dangerous city to drive through in the entire United States. CNBC concluded that fatal car accidents in Fort Lauderdale had the highest occurrence per 100,000 population than anywhere else in the country.

There are a few ways that someone could gauge how dangerous driving would be in a specific city. The CNBC list was calculated by examining the cities with the highest number of traffic fatalities as a barometer of the danger level. The study only considered cities that had a total population of 150,000 residents or more. The most recent traffic accident data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System was used to find these totals.

Our Broward car accident attorneys understand the risks. A number of these fatal accidents could have been prevented with safe driving habits.

The most dangerous cities are as follows (from last to greatest):

-Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

-Birmingham, Alabama.

-Tulsa, Oklahoma.

-St. Petersburg, Florida.

-Jacksonville, Florida.

-Lubbock, Texas.

-Memphis, Tennessee.

-Jackson, Mississippi.

-Chattanooga, Tennessee.

-Salt Lake City, Utah.

-San Bernardino, California.

-Little Rock, Arkaksas.

-Augusta-Richmond Co., Georgia.

-Orlando, Florida.

-Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

If you look closely, you'll notice that a third of that list is cities in Florida. Many safe driving advocates blame tourists that are driving in unfamiliar areas, spring breakers and senior citizens.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were roughly 10,111,000 registered vehicles in the United States that were involved in police-reported accidents in 2008. More than 25,000 people lost their lives in these accidents. Another 2.35 million people were injured.

The CNBC reports concluded that Fort Lauderdale has a total population of more than 183,000. During the study period, there were more than 40 people killed on our city's roadways. Of that total, more than 24 of the fatalities were pedestrians. This gives our area a total fatality rate of 22.39 per 100,000 population.

To help keep you safe on our dangerous roadways, Ford Driving Skills For Life offers these safety tips:

-Look ahead. Always look ahead in traffic for approaching hazards. The more time to have to react, the safe you'll be.

-Have a plan. Know where you're going before your leave. Having a plan will help to reduce confusion and unannounced maneuvers, which can help to keep everyone safe.

-Slow down. Speeding decreases the amount of time you have to react to a road hazard. Abide by posted speed limits at all times.

-Put away distractions. Motorists need to keep their eyes and mind on the road and both hands on the wheel. Distractions increase your risks for a serious accident. Distractions can include other passengers, your cell phone and your radio.

Continue reading " Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents Rank Number 1 in the Nation " »

Families are wrapping up their summer vacations just in time to head back to school. West Palm Beach car accident lawyers know there are several things to consider if you want to keep your child safe as they return to the school grounds for another year of education.

The National Safety Council and leading student bus transportation provider First Student, recently released a list of back to school tips to protect students from having encounters with motorists, as well as, tips for teen driving safety, pedestrian safety, backpack safety, playground safety and bus safety.

In order to reduce the risk of child injuries in Miami, Margate and elsewhere in the state, parents should teach their children about transportation and school safety. Children can be carefree and that, coupled with motorists driving distracted or not fully paying attention, can make roadways and school zones quite dangerous in the upcoming weeks and throughout the school year. Remind your children of the following safety tips as they travel to school by foot, pedal or bus.

-Cross the street only at an intersection or where a crossing guard is located.
-Walk in large groups or with an adult. Children under 11 must have an adult with them to cross the street.
-Walking is better than running when you cross the street. It gives motorists time to see and stop for you and helps you to avoid a fall in the middle of a street.
-Practice riding your bike to gain more experience by riding in an empty parking lot or a side or dead-end street that has no traffic.
-Before crossing the street, wait for a driver's signal so you know that they see you.
-Wear protective equipment like helmets or elbow pads to reduce the risk of injury in a crash.
-Walking behind a bus is dangerous so always cross in front.
-Refrain from putting your head, arms or hands out of the window on a school bus. Remain seated until the bus comes to a full stop.
-Cross the street 10 feet in front of the bus, but only when the bus driver signals it is ok.

Motorists can do their part by using extra caution around school zones and bus pick-up areas. It is against the law to pass a school bus that is stopped on a roadway so look for flashing yellow lights and prepare to stop. Red flashing lights and a swinging arm stop sign signal alerts motorists that a child is being picked up or dropped off.

Motorists should use extra caution knowing that children are walking or biking to and from school each day. Always yield the right of way to pedestrians in a school zone, slow down to the posted speed limit, and don't be impatient by revving your engine or honking your horn, which could scare pedestrians or bicyclists and cause an accident.

"The Council is proud to partner with First Student on this back-to-school safety initiative," said NSC President and CEO Janet Froetscher. "Research has shown distracted drivers 'look at' but fail to 'see' up to 50% of the driving environment, which can include student pedestrians and bicyclists. The back-to-school season is a good reminder to be responsible drivers as we all share the roads."

Continue reading " Back to School Safety Tips Can Reduce the Risk of Child Injuries in Fort Lauderdale " »

We frequently post on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog how building safer cars can reduce the risk of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere.

Unfortunately, safer built cars usually come with the latest in-vehicle technology which can cause all kinds of distractions for drivers throughout our state.

Palm Beach car accident attorneys have a growing concern that vehicles in the future will come ala carte, meaning consumers will be able to build their cars with all kinds of enticing and distracting features. This would be acceptable if vehicles could come with an fail-proof automatic auto pilot feature, which, with the push of the button, would allow drivers to just sit and play while the vehicle makes its way.

However, without this feature distracted driving accidents will likely reach levels higher than any we have seen to date, especially in a state that doesn't prohibit distracted driving. Not to mention, technology to build safer vehicles always puts the consumer at risk of vehicle defects which can result in serious injury or even death.

Forbes recently reported that consumers can soon expect to be connected in their next vehicle. One problematic issue that arises from this is that several service and software providers may need to interact because the owner is not always the only driver of the vehicle. For example, some drivers who borrow but don't own a vehicle may have a smartphone app with a navigational device when the car comes equipped with a map service provided by the automaker.

Phone service providers are beginning to compete with the automaker industry, which provides the same exact services with similar monthly fees. In fact, the article suggest that future resolution will require automakers, telecom providers and insurance companies all work together to provide a service in order to avoid stepping on toes.

The article suggests that in the future, drivers will build their own portfolio which can be accessed by a desktop, phone app, or mobile web portal which would then be enabled by the vehicle's system. By creating a profile, the driver could identify their insurance carrier, phone provider and personal information which would allow them to download their phone to the vehicle's system.

You may be thinking: "How will this affect driver safety on Florida roadways?" The system would allow drivers to have smartphone access while the vehicle isn't moving. Once in motion, the driver would need to interact by using vehicle devices such has display screens or voice activation controls.

For example, if you want to listen to music downloaded on your smartphone, you would stream it through the vehicle system. If the app contains video images, they would only be displayed while the vehicle is idle and would automatically shut down the screen once in motion. This technology, along with improvements to driver assistance programs and vehicle sensor technology will enable drivers to be safer on roadways.

The insurance industry could propel new and improved vehicle systems by offering discounts to consumers who use them. Undoubtedly, consumers will take advantage of vehicle systems which allow them to stay connected while they drive if the monthly fee can be counteracted by a discounted insurance premium, especially in a state that has not targeted a distracted driving ban by government officials.

One thing is certain, technology needs time to be perfected so drivers should consider the risks before they leap to the next in-vehicle technology. Driver distractions have proven dangerous consequences but when coupled with defective technological devices, motorists can put themselves at an even greater risk of a Florida car accident.

Continue reading " New Technology Features Could be a Concern for Distracted Driving-Related Accidents in Fort Lauderdale " »

Buying your first car can be overwhelming, especially if it’s a parent trying to purchase a safe and reliable car for the first time for their teen driver. Keeping this age group safe on roadways is not easy so our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers recommend getting some guidance to help determine the safest car for your teen to drive.

Teens are often involved in distracted, speed-related or aggressive driving accidents in Margate and Port St. Lucie because they lack the knowledge and experience needed to avoid a collision with another vehicle. Purchasing a sports car that can go really fast or a brand new fully loaded vehicle with tons of in-vehicle distractions is probably not the best option for your young driver.

A teen driver should never have a better car than what his or her parents are driving. If your teen wants to take on the responsibility of driving, then they should also take on the responsibility of owning a car by chipping into a "my first car" fund set aside to pay for gas, insurance, maintenance or car payments. Money earned from summer jobs, gifts or allowance is a good way for a teen to contribute to the privilege of having their own car to drive at such a young age.

The average household with a teen driver spends roughly $3,100 a year for the teen to drive. Add your teen to your car policy to save a little money or consider the cost of insurance before signing on the dotted line for that new vehicle. Keep in mind that insurance agencies often offer discounts for multiple policies, good grades and defensive driving courses as a way to save money.

One misconception that parents are faced with is that teens need to have a car sitting in the driveway waiting for them the day they come home with a full license in their hand. Daily Finance reports that parents crumble to peer pressure as easily as teens but should by no means give in to buying a car just because other parents are doing so for their teens.

The prices of used cars and insurance premiums have risen recently so determining whether a new or used car fits into the family budget is a key component in deciding what kind of car to purchase. Risking buying a lemon as opposed to hefty car and insurance payments can be tough to weigh.

"If you buy a certified pre-owned car you get the advantages of a new-car like warranty, and perhaps, better financing rates," says Jack Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book.

Driving distance and duration of ownership are also important questions you should consider before purchasing. If your teen will mostly drive locally and only use the car for a year or two then a cheaper used model may be a more viable option. If you intend to keep the car for a longer period of time or the vehicle may be used for your teen to commute back and forth to college then purchasing a new car should be considered.

Organizations like Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, J. D. Power and Associates and Safercar.gov are all valuable resources in determining safety ratings and what safety technology is important to keeping your teen safe in the car. Electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and airbags come equipped in most vehicles but no car should be purchased without these safety features.

"Choose a car with a responsive chassis -- one with good handling, quick steering and great brakes -- that takes advantage of a teen driver's naturally quick reaction skills," advises Bob Gritzinger, executive editor of AutoWeek.com.

New safety features to consider are ones geared toward teen drivers. For example, Hyundai Blue Link alerts the owner of the vehicle when the car is driven outside a determined parameter or after certain parts of the day when the vehicle should be idle.

Setting the tone is the final step before you hand over the keys to your teen driver. Parents may find it helpful to write up a parent-teen agreement for what is expected of your teen and rules that are meant to be followed. Setting up a standard for what happens if your child receives a ticket, gets in an accident or breaks curfew is important before the teen sits behind the wheel for the first time.

Additional information for purchasing a safe car can be found in the Purchasing with Safety in Mind guide.

Continue reading " Parents Choosing Safe Cars Reduces Injury to Young Drivers Involved in Fort Lauderdale Teen Car Accidents " »

Researchers of the Strategic Highway Research Program are looking for participants for the Naturalistic Driving Study. After all, examining driving behavior during the natural events of critical situations should be able to lead us to conclusions that would improve safety and reduce the number of car accidents in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in the country.

Palm Beach car accident attorneys know that understanding certain behaviors can lead to few car accidents but is monitoring equipment which detects how drivers interact in traffic going to give us the answers we are looking for?

Forbes reports that the in depth study will look at what goes on behind the wheel when a vehicle is about to crash or is involved in a crash. Looking at data on how 3,100 drivers react in adverse driving situations can help to develop strategies that will save lives in the future.

How the study will work:
-The study will examine 3,100 drivers over a 2-year period.
-Equipment, in the form of video cameras, will be installed inside the vehicle which will record vehicle speed and driver behavior from different angles which include forward views, rear views, views of the driver's face and hands.
-Other equipment, in the form of GPS, sensors and wireless radar, will record roadway data and environmental factors. For instance, weather conditions, traffic, lane width, lighting and curve radius can all be detected with these devices.
-Every four to six months, encrypted data will be retrieved from a storage box.

In the past, much of the focus has been on protecting an occupant involved in a crash. This study will look at behavior and try to determine how to avoid crashes in the future.

Capturing driver behavior in real time will provide "objective information on driver behavior before a collision occurs," says Ken Campbell, chief program officer for the Strategic Highway Research Program. "You can’t just look at collisions or near collisions to know what risk factors are. It’s that comparison with what the driver is doing when there is not a safety-related event that tells you what the risk factors are."

Who are they looking for? Participants will be selected from Buffalo, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Durham, Bloomington, and State College, PA. Since teens and elder drivers are the two age groups that cause the most accidents, researchers are looking for a pool of subjects under 25 and over 65. Participants must provide proof of insurance and a valid license. They also must operate an approved vehicle which will be inspected once selected.

"This study is long overdue and has the potential for providing the most comprehensive look at why highway crashes occur," said Peter Kissinger, president and chief executive of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. "It is unprecedented in its scope and approach."

Participants will be paid $500 for each year of commitment during the 2-year period.
Tampa drivers who own their own vehicle can check the Eligible Vehicles List to see if they qualify. The site also has contact information and directions to the research center.

Continue reading " "Reaction to a Crash" Study Targets Behavior in Reducing Car Accidents in Miami, Elsewhere " »

A recent sentencing of a man in his late twenties is a good reminder to us all of how your life can change drastically when you make a bad choice to get behind the wheel intoxicated and cause a drunk driving accident in West Palm Beach or elsewhere in the state.

CBS 12 News reports that a drunk driver who drove the wrong way and killed three people back in 2008 was sentenced to 33 years in prison. The defendant had pleaded guilty on three counts of DUI manslaughter asking for 4 to 8 years, which is well below normal sentencing for this type of crime. The drunk driver was intoxicated more than twice the legal amount permitted when he headed south on the northbound lane of I 95 and hit an oncoming vehicle with four occupants. Only one passenger survived the accident.

Prior to sentencing, a private investigator hired by prosecution played a video for the judge which showed the defendant drinking beer in a bar three weeks prior, which was a violation of his bond agreement. The judge from West Palm Beach court handed down a fair sentence for a man who appeared not to have learned his lesson from the tragedy that took the lives of three people over three years ago.

Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys hope that motorists close out the summer driving season on a good note by making good choices that don't lead to tragic events for other families. A family's feelings of turmoil and devastation are the only things that can come from someone getting behind the wheel while under the influence and taking someone's life.

Another tragedy in the news recently was the arrest of a West Palm Beach alleged drunk driver who took the life of a young child last October. The Palm Beach Post reports that the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is charging the driver with DUI manslaughter and causing property damage, as well as, personal injury.

The October accident occurred when the mother driving her 10-year-old daughter was traveling on Northlake Boulevard. She struck a Ford F-250 truck driven by the alleged intoxicated driver, which was stopped in the middle of the road. The young girl was taken to St. Mary's Medical Center where she later died from severe neck injuries.

The Florida Law Enforcement Liaison Program is a funded grant sponsored by Florida Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with one goal in mind; work together to improve roadway safety which can ultimately save lives. Law enforcement departments throughout the state are challenged to improve efforts made towards traffic safety programs which focus on educating motorist about seatbelt safety, drunk driving and speeding to name a few. A few of this year's top spots awarded for their efforts include:

-Lee County Sheriff's Office took first place in DUI Sustained Enforcement and third place for the Florida Law Enforcement Challenge and Click It or Ticket Challenge.
-Temple Terrace Police Department placed second in the Florida Law Enforcement Challenge, second in the Click It or Ticket Challenge and took third place in the DUI Sustained Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies throughout the state are working together to improve highway safety for everyone who shares Florida roadways. No better effort can be made than from motorists who choose not to get behind the wheel after a few too many alcoholic drinks.

Continue reading " DUI Sentencing a Reminder to Reduce West Palm Beach Car Accidents " »

Two people were killed in a motorcycle accident in Fort Lauderdale recently, according to The Associated Press. The accident happened when their motorcycle jumped a ramp on Interstate 95 leading to westbound I-595. They landed on the railroad tracks below.

The CSX tracks in the area were closed for most of the morning, which caused significant delays for the Tri-Rail commuter system. Florida Highway Patrol is looking into the accident.

Our Miami car accident attorneys recognize the increase in traffic accidents during the summer months. For that reason, we ask motorists to be extra careful navigating our roadways as traffic has increased with both residents and tourists. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable in these situations as they oftentimes overlooked by motorists on our roadways. Add in the congestion of summer traffic and we're looking at some potentially deadly outcomes.

Motorcycles in Florida:

-Nearly 90 percent of Florida riders that are injured in a motorcycle accident in Florida are residents of the State of Florida.

-Approximately 94 percent of motorcyclists that were killed in traffic accidents in Florida, from 2006 to 2008, were Florida residents.

-Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Orange, Pinellas, Broward, Volusia, Palm Beach, Duval, Lee and Brevard counties accounted for the highest number of motorcyclist deaths respectively in 2009.

-Population and proximity to motorcycle rallies are both factors that play a role in determining the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities.

-In 2009, licensed motorcyclists accounted for more than 6 percent of Florida’s licensed drivers. During that same year, motorcyclists and their passengers accounted for more than 15 percent of all fatalities on Florida roadways.

To help raise awareness about these vulnerable motorists, thousands of enthusiasts gathered for the Fourth Annual Fort Lauderdale Summer Bike Fest, according to the Sun Sentinel.

The event took place last week near the Round Up in the Pine Island Plaza in Davie. At the event were the creations of more than 20 talented bike builders and 30 vendors, who sold everything from jewelry to helmets.

The annual gathering is put on by Mike Rudicel, owner of South Florida Bike Events.

"There is Daytona Beach twice a year. There is Leesburg and Panama City for Thunder Beach and Key West for Poker Run," said Rudicel. "… There is no reason Fort Lauderdale doesn't have a bike event of this magnitude. You have a lot of people who came out today. The weather is beautiful. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Motorcyclists are more vulnerable during certain times of the day and of the year. More than 30 percent of all deadly motorcycle accidents happen during the months of March, April and May. About 44 percent of all accidents occur on weekends.

Motorcycle injury costs in Florida:

-In 2008, the median hospital cost for motorcyclists that were admitted to a Florida hospital for the treatment of traffic accident injuries was $47,440.

-In 2008, the median hospital charge for motorcyclists that were treated and released from a Florida emergency room after sustaining traffic accident injuries was nearly $2,500.

-The total hospital charges for the initial treatment of motorcyclists injured in traffic accident was nearly $400,000,000 in 2008.

Continue reading " Two Killed in a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident " »

According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, there were more than 33,000 traffic accident deaths involving drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists that occurred in 2009 alone, according to Automotive Industry Today.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than $40 billion is spent each year in medical expenses and work-loss costs connected to car accidents in Miami and elsewhere throughout the United States.

Despite these high death rates, a number of states are passing laws to increase the speed limits on highways. The higher the speed the greater your risk if for being involved in a car accident. A few states are even increasing the limit to 85 mph.
Our Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys understand that it may be up to the driver as an individual to make safe and smart decisions behind the wheel. With the cooperation of motorists statewide, we can all do our part to make Florida roadways a little safer.

Until then, safe driving advocates, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), offer suggestions to state government officials to encourage them to implement effective safety protocols. With these recommendations in place, roadways are more likely to be safer for all motorists.

"Deaths from motor vehicle crashes are preventable," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. "Seat belts, graduated driver's license programs, child safety seats, and helmet use save lives and reduce health care costs."

The NHTSA suggests state government officials consider enacting the following:

-Employ Primary Seat belt Laws. As of now, only 31 states have primary seat belt laws. According to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey, seat belt use continues to be higher in states that have implemented these types of laws. Wearing a seat belt is the easiest way to better protect yourself in the event of an accident.

-Require Age and Size Appropriate Booster or Car Seats for All Children. Every single state has implemented some sort of child restraint or safety belt laws for children, but each state differs on the age, safety requirements and penalties for failing to comply. States are urged to make their current laws more strict and more specific and to increase the punishment for not complying.

-Implement Graduated Driver Licensing Laws. These laws allow drivers to obtain full-driving privileges after completing learner and intermediate driving phases. The CDC reports that graduated driver licensing programs reduced teen deaths by up to 40 percent.

Florida traffic accident in 2009 alone racked up a bill of nearly $3.5 billion. More than $3 billion went to work loss costs and another $40 million went to medical costs.

"These preventable costs are a reflection of the terrible suffering of American families whose loved ones are killed or injured on the roads," said Norman Mineta, chairman of Make Roads Safe North America and the longest serving Secretary of Transportation in U.S. history.

Continue reading " Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Elsewhere Cost $41 Annually " »

Newly released research proves that increased enforcement efforts of distracted driving laws have the ability to reduce the risks of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale as it would strike awareness in the minds of motorists. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently announced dramatic reductions in distracted driving in Syracuse, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut, after two pilot projects were used to measure the effect of increased law enforcement coupled with public awareness and education campaigns.

"These findings show that strong laws, combined with highly-visible police enforcement, can significantly reduce dangerous texting and cell phone use behind the wheel," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Based on these results, it is crystal clear that those who try to minimize this dangerous behavior are making a serious error in judgment, especially when half a million people are injured and thousands more are killed in distracted driving accidents."

Our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys understand that Florida is one of the few states left that has yet to enact some sort of law regulating the use of cell phones and text messaging devices by drivers. It doesn't appear that Florida will be making any changes to the current law any time soon either. In 2010 alone, Governor Charlie Crist rejected seventeen proposed texting/cell phone bills. Even though Miami-Dade passed an ordinance banning hand-held cell phone use while driving, the Florida legislature promptly passed a law banning individual municipalities from regulating cell-phone use.

This recent study showed that it's not just the law that makes a difference in the behavior of drivers, but the enforcement of the actual law itself. The pilot programs in Hartford and Syracuse were supported by $200,000 in federal funds and $100,000 from the state. The focus of this study was to examine if increased police enforcement and paid advertising could in fact reduce distracted driving habits.

The study concluded the following:

-Syracuse, New York experienced a decline by one-third in both handheld cell phone use and texting behind the wheel because of more visible enforcement efforts.

-Hartford, Connecticut witnessed a drop of nearly 60 percent in handheld use. There was also a 75 percent reduction in texting drivers.

"The success of these pilot programs clearly show that combining strong laws with strong enforcement can bring about a sea change in public attitudes and behavior," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "We applaud the work of the men and women of the Syracuse and Hartford police forces, and call on state legislatures, law enforcement and safety advocates across the nation to follow their lead."

In 2009 alone, nearly 5,500 deaths were caused by traffic accidents that reported the involvement of a distracted driver. Another 500,000 people were injured in these accidents. Distraction-related traffic accidents accounted for nearly 20 percent of all traffic deaths in the same year.

Continue reading " Laws and Enforcement Needed to Reduce Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Miami " »