Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog

A recent car accident in Pompano Beach killed a woman from Miami and critically injured two others.

According to CBS Miami, the accident happened just before 1:00 a.m. on W Atlantic Boulevard. One driver has been charged with two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury, DUI manslaughter, driving with a suspended license and DUI causing property damage. The man is currently in custody at the BSO Main Jail in Ft. Lauderdale

Broward Sheriff's Office investigators say that a 37-year-old man was driving east on W Atlantic Boulevard in an SUV when he slammed into the side of a passenger car. The victim's vehicle was driven by a 22-year-old from Miami. Reports indicate that the young driver was getting off of the northbound ramp from Interstate 95 heading onto Atlantic Boulevard when she was t-boned. There were two other passengers in the passenger car. They were transported to North Broward Medical Center and were listed in critical condition. The young driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Driving along the Interstate can be scary. Getting on and off of it can be just as frightening. Add intoxicated drivers into those scenarios and it just got a whole lot worse. Our Pompano Beach car accident attorneys travel the same local roadways as you and your family and we too witness the dangerous drivers. It's important to keep safety as a top priority behind the wheel and to exercise your best defensive driving habits to help avoid potentially fatal accidents.

Intoxicated drivers can be some of the most threatening, taking the lives of thousands of innocent people every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about a quarter of all drivers who were involved in fatal passenger car accidents were legally drunk at the time of the accident, meaning they had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.

In 2009, there were more than 1,500 passenger vehicles involved in fatal car accidents in the state of Florida. Of the cars involved in these accidents, nearly 890 were passenger cars, 270 were pickup trucks, nearly 290 were SUVs and more than 90 were vans.

Many of these accidents occurred on our state's busy roadways, like our South Florida interstates and highways. According to The National Safety Commission, Florida's Interstate 95 is the most dangerous road in the county. Statistics reveal that accidents along this roadway are likely to involve tourists and people who aren't familiar in the area. Remember that tourists make Florida their vacation destination year round, meaning risks for these accidents are always high.

Interstate 95 is the longest north-south Interstate Highway in the country. It passes through 15 states. It connects Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Some area of the road carries at least 250,000 vehicles each day. Not knowing where and when to merge on these roadways can be dangerous for all motorists. Not knowing your exit and what to do upon exiting is another problem on these roadways. Remember there are speeding limits on the interstate, as well as on the roadways leading to and exiting I-95. Be cautious and be one step ahead of your car. Know where you're going before heading out to avoid any confusion at the wheel.

Continue reading "Intoxicated Driver Kills 1, Injures 2 in Pompano Beach Car Accident near I-95 Off Ramp" »

You wouldn't drive down the road looking at your floor mats. So why do drivers make their way down the road looking at their cell phones? Often, they're texting at the wheel. It's illegal for drivers to text in 35 states. Florida, however, is not one of those. Because of this, distraction-related car accidents in Lake Worth continue to plague our roadways.

The law could soon be changing. The sponsor of an anti-texting House bill, Republican Rep. Ray Pilon of Sarasota, says the bill is currently being mulled over by those in the transportation and highway safety subcommittee. The chair, Rep. Brad Drake, says the law is unnecessary. A number of similar bills have been shot down in the state of Florida, as some lawmakers see it as government intrusion, according to The News-Press.

Our Lake Worth car accident attorneys have seen it, too. Drivers throughout the state are taking their hands off of the wheel, their eyes off of the road and endangering innocent people. The state of Florida currently has a reckless driving law in effect, which lawmakers believe adequately covers the issue of texting and driving. As Jim Harper, the director of information policy studies for the Libertarian Cato Institute says, it would be like lawmakers going after every single activity that could potentially threaten road safety. While that would be nice, it's just not ideal. He compares the anti-texting laws to cup holders. He says after cup holders were introduced into vehicles, there was a surge of motor vehicle accidents. Still, lawmakers didn't run out and prohibit cup holders.

It's Senate Bill 416 and House Bill 299 that are looking to stop drivers from texting behind the wheel. While the Senate bill has already made its way swiftly through three committees with just two nay votes, the House Bill has been stalled.

Under both bills, texting while driving would be considered a secondary offense. This means that an officer can only cite you for it after you've been pulled over for another offense, such as running a red light or speeding.

If you're busted, you'd have to pay a $30 fine for your first offense. A second offense would run you $60. If you caused an accident while you were texting, you'd get six points on your license.

“It’s difficult to legislate every kind of human behavior and then try and enforce it,” Drake said. “People just need to be responsible for themselves.”

According to federal officials, drivers are nearly 25 times more likely to get into an accident while texting. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) even has an internal rule prohibiting troopers from texting on the job.

The Highway Loss Data Institute says that anti-texting laws don't help. The Institute ran studies in 2010 and concluded that the number of accidents didn't decrease after states passed such laws.

Continue reading "Florida Bills Aim to Decrease Risk of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Lake Worth" »

Over the last 11 years, there have been roughly 600 car accidents in St. Lucie County at the intersection of Prima Visa Boulevard and U.S. 1. This intersection has seen more accidents than any other intersection in the county, according to TC Palm. A number of small business owners in the area were doubtful at first of the statistic, saying they've seen little to no evidence of a large number of accidents there. A St. Lucie County Sheriff's sergeant was surprised for a whole different reason, thinking that the number of accidents there would have been higher. According to Ed Blaine, a geographic information systems coordinator for St. Lucie County, the accident information is collected from law enforcement officials from the Florida Highway Patrol, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and from police departments in in both Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie.

"If, for instance, there are a number of accidents at a certain intersection it signals a time for the transportation engineers to go out there and take a look and see if there's something that needs to be done with the intersection," Blaine said.

Our St. Lucie car accident lawyers understand that transportation officials have the responsibility to make sure roadways are as safe as they can be with the budget available. Unfortunately, far too many accidents are experienced at problematic intersections before a change is ever made. From January of 2000 all the way to December of 2010, there were nearly 580 traffic accidents that happened within 200 feet of the St. Lucie County the intersection of U.S. 1 and 528 and at Prima Visa Boulevard and U.S. 1 at 528 and Midway Road intersection.

Some of the businesses in the area include a Walgreens, McDonald's and Publix. There are also a number of plazas at the Prima Vista and U.S. 1 intersection. Residential neighborhoods are located just to the northwest and the southwest of this area. It's no wonder it's so busy.

St. Lucie County Sheriff's Sgt. Kurt Mittwede says that while this intersection may have some of the most accidents recorded in the area, few result in life-threatening injuries. He says many of the collisions are small rear-end accidents. He adds that fatal accidents are far from the norm.

Mittwede says that the lanes were extended at that intersection a few years ago, which has helped tremendously. There's still backed up traffic waiting to make the turn, but he says that's because drivers simply aren't paying attention. He also says that the rear-end accidents often produce a domino effect that at times can include up to five cars.

Mittwede also says he thought the number would have been higher than reported.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in St. Lucie County Draws Attention to Dangerous Intersection" »

A recent car accident in Miami-Date backed up morning traffic, forcing motorists to find alternate routes.

According to the Miami-Dade Herald, there were also accidents on:

-Southwest 87th Avenue

-State Road 826

-Flagler Street

-U.S. 1 at Hallandale Beach Boulevard

-93rd Avenue and 152nd Street

-Northwest Street and State Road 826 (a six-car pile-up)

There was also a disabled vehicle on U.S. 1 at State Road 112 that blocked traffic for miles.

Car accidents happen all the time. Additionally, your could break down virtually at any time, regardless of how new it is and how well you maintain it. Our Miami-Dade car accident attorneys have all been there at one point in our lives, stuck on the side of the road because of an unexpected accident or problem with our car. Luckily, whether you've been involved in an accident or your vehicle breaks down, there are ways you can keep yourself and your passengers safe while waiting for assistance on the side of the road.

If your car is stopped at the side of a busy roadway:

-You should always carry a cell phone or another form of mobile communication so you can call for help in emergency situations.

-If you don't have a phone and a stranger offers help, ask them to call authorities.

-Make sure you pull completely off the road. If you're unable to do so, pull as far off to the right as you can.

-Once you've stopped, activate your emergency lights to help other vehicles to see you.

-Your best bet is to call 9-1-1, a family member, a friend or a motor club for help. Be patient for their arrival. Remember they may have to get through traffic that your disabled vehicle has caused to get to you.

-Be ready with emergency supplies. You should keep flashlights, extra batteries, common tools, non-perishable foods and water in your vehicle for these types of emergencies.

-Set out warning triangles, cones or flares if you have them.

-Although it's warm here in South Florida, keep jackets and blanket in your car just in case. The nights can get pretty chilly.

-Never accept a ride with someone who you don't know.

-Ask emergency responders for identification before accepting help.

-Try not to leave your car parked in the roadway. This is how secondary accidents and pileups happen.

Drivers are asked to be careful. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. It's important to leave an ample amount of space between you and other vehicles traveling on the road to help increase your ability to react.

Continue reading "Crashes and Disabled Vehicles Increasing Risks for Domino-Effect Like Car Accidents in Miami-Dade" »

They'll tell you they've been driving longer than you've been alive, and they don't need anyone's help getting around.

But senior drivers over the age of 65 are at an increased risk for car accidents in Lake Worth and throughout Florida.

Even if your parent or grandparent has always been a cautious driver, the effects of age can have an impact on his or her sight, hearing and other senses that are crucial to avoiding an accident.

Our Lake Worth car accident attorneys know that almost any driver could benefit from a refresher road safety course. That's the idea behind a new trend that is picking up speed across the country: driver's education courses geared toward senior citizens.

A recent news report detailed a course in Miami sponsored by the AARP at the Kendall Regional Medical Center. For less than $15, drivers take the course in hopes of lowering their insurance rates. Topics cover everything from exercises to relax neck muscles and strengthen ankles to recommendations for specialized rear view mirrors that allow drivers to see more of what's happening around them.

It's a fact that over the next several years, we're going to see an increase of older drivers on the road. Not only are people living longer, they are holding on to their licenses well into their 80s and some even in their 90s.

National transportation statistics conclude that for people between the ages of 65 to 69, nearly 95 percent still have a driver's license. For people over the age of 70, almost 80 percent still have a license to drive. Compare that to almost three decades ago, when only about 55 to 75 percent retained the right to drive.

At the same time, the number of drivers younger than 40 decreased by 10 percent.

Across Florida, nearly 20 percent of residents are over age 65. They represent nearly 18 percent of all drivers on the road. By 2030, baby boomers older than 65 are going to comprise nearly 30 percent of the state's population and a quarter of all drivers.

Some auto industry experts said manufacturers are exploring ways to make car models more senior-friendly. Others in the transportation industry say politicians need to make public transportation more available to the elderly.

While it's true that as a whole, senior drivers are safer than teen drivers (they tend not to drive at night or during rush hour or speed), they still pose certain risks the older they get.

But those who teach the elderly driver's education courses say many seniors want to hold on to their driver's licenses for as long as they can - it's a statement of independence.

Still, that independence shouldn't come at the risk to others on the road.

These refresher driver safety courses geared toward seniors are an excellent resource. Sometimes, though, it's time to turn in the keys.

If you believe your older relatives may be putting themselves or others at risk behind the wheel, you may need to have a difficult but necessary conversation. Try easing into the conversation at first. If that is not effective, be more direct, with phrases like:

"Even if you weren't responsible for a crash, you could be seriously hurt or killed."

"I know how awful you would feel if someone was injured when you were driving."

"I can't let the grandchildren ride in the car with you."

"Let's have a conversation with the doctor about it."

Continue reading "Driver's Ed for Elderly Lowers Risk of Lake Worth Car Accidents" »

To some teens, car keys are seen as a ticket to freedom -- a chance for a fast-paced adventure, with their friends along for the ride.

But that kind of attitude, fueled by a lack of parental involvement, can lead to serious and potentially fatal car accidents in Delray Beach and beyond.

New studies have been released indicating parents must convey to their newly-licensed teens the risk they are taking every time they get behind that wheel. If they don't, as our Delray Beach car accident attorneys have seen firsthand, the consequences can be devastating.

Every parent dreads that late night phone call, telling them their child has been seriously injured or killed in a crash.

If your teen is riding with one or more friends, they are at increased risk, according to researchers at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

The first study involved a survey of nearly 200 teens aged 15 to 17 in two separate states that had graduated driver's license laws (or GDL's). These are laws that set guidelines for young drivers, such as how late they can be on the road and how many people they can have in the car with them. The idea is they will gradually build up technical skills and the ability to overcome distraction. What researchers discovered was that when parents had talked to their teens about how risky driving can be, teens were less likely to become careless with their driving habits. They were more likely to recognize the hazards and less likely to use the car as a means to seek a thrill.

Teens were also more apt to drive cautiously when their parents knew where they were and who they were with. It was also not as common for those same teens to have a host of other teens riding with them - something that has been proven to increase their chances of a deadly crash in Delray Beach and elsewhere.

The second study from the research center addressed this very issue. The social scientists looked at a sample of nearly 680 teen drivers who had been in a serious wreck. Investigators on the crash scenes found that both male and female teens were more likely to have been distracted when a friend was in the car with them.

It played out a little differently though, depending on the driver's gender. For males, it meant a greater likelihood that they would drive aggressively or pull an illegal stunt - in other words, general recklessness. For females, it meant they were turning to look at friends, texting, putting on make-up, changing the radio or eating.

Researchers say the outcome of these studies prove that GDL's are the way to go.
Florida has graduated driver's license laws that specify the following:

-A teen has to be at least 15 to apply for a learner's license. They also need to have a traffic law and substance abuse class under their belt, as well as pass written, visual and hearing tests and have one of their parents sign a consent form.

-For the first three months with a learner's license, a teen can only drive during the day until 10 p.m. If they're out later than that, they MUST have a front seat passenger over the age of 21 who has a valid license.

-Teenagers who are at least 16 are eligible for an intermediate license. For this, they have to have had their learner's license for a whole year without any convictions for traffic offenses. During this time, they are allowed on the road on their own between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Outside those hours, they have to be either coming to or from work or with a licensed driver over the age of 21.

-Seventeen-year-olds are allowed on the roads between the hours of 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. Any time outside of that, they have to be either coming to or from work or with a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the front passenger seat.

-At age 18, teens are allowed full driving privileges.

Continue reading "Parental Involvement Can Prevent Teen Car Accidents In Delray Beach, Beyond" »

Florida may not be playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday, but that doesn't mean residents aren't going to celebrate the unofficial holiday -- Super Bowl Sunday. With the big football weekend approaching, the City of North Miami Beach, Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition and the National Football League (NFL) would like to remind drivers to stay safe and to stay sober. Super Bowl weekend is ranked as one of the most deadly times on our roadways. Many are expected to die in car accidents in Miami and elsewhere throughout the state. Most of these traffic accidents are expected to be alcohol-related.

Our Miami drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that more than 175,000 Americans have pledged to be a sober driver this season. We're asking you to take the pledge and join the fight for safer roadways nationwide. If you'll be drinking in celebration of Super Bowl Sunday, we're asking everyone to make sure that they have a sober way to get home, whether it's designating a driver, taking a cab, using public transportation or even staying at a friend's house.

In 2010, there were nearly 10,100 people who were killed in traffic accidents that involved a drunk driver. To help to reduce the risks of a drunk driving accident during Super Bowl Sunday, everyone needs to huddle up and designate a driver. Your designated driver needs to promise to not drink any alcoholic beverages during the game. That person should also be over the age of 21 and have a valid driver's license.

The City of North Miami Beach is reminding people of the immense costs of drunk driving accidents. You not only run the risk of injuring or killing an innocent person, but you also run the risk of losing your driver's license, having higher insurance rates, shelling out money for vehicle repair costs, forking over thousands of dollars in medical bills, paying fees and fines for court costs and spending long hours in a drunk driving course. This could all be avoided by practicing a little bit of responsibility.

A majority of Florida residents will be out and about celebrating the big game. Before you head out, we are asking you to run through a checklist to make sure you're prepared for the game and that you've got a safe way home.

If you're heading out to watch the Super Bowl:

-Before you leave your house, make sure you've got a designated driver who has agreed to stay sober.

-Leave your car keys at home to avoid temptation.

-It's never a good idea to consume too much alcohol in too short amount of time. This is a recipe for disaster.

-Make sure you eat plenty of food to help make sure you don't over-drink.

-Find ways to compensate your designated driver for their commitment by offering to pay for gas, parking, making sure they're comfortable and that they have a good seat to watch the game. After all, they are helping to save lives.

-Before you head out for the big game, make sure that you write down some number of taxi companies around the area just in case.

-Whenever you get into the vehicle, buckle up.

Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk! We wish you a Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

Party Responsibly!

Continue reading "Consequences Not Worth the Crime -- Drunk Driving Accidents in Miami on Super Bowl Sunday" »

Eighteen people were injured in a recent truck and bus accident in Miami. The traffic accident happened shortly after noon at 17th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue in Miami. The bus accident involved a FedEx truck and a Route M Metrobus, according to Miami-Dade Transit.

The Miami Herald reports that the driver of the FedEx truck was not injured in the accident. The accident allegedly happened when the FedEx truck ran through a red light and slammed into the Metrobus. The FedEx truck driver has been cited for the accident.

"I was sitting in the back, and I just heard the screech and the slam; people were flying everywhere," said a bus passenger.

Our Miami bus accident lawyers understand the serious and fatal injuries that can result from a mass-transit accident. The Miami public transit system includes the Paratransit, the Metromover, the Metrorail and the Metrobus. The Miami-Dade Transit is one of the biggest departments of the Miami-Dade County government. The Transit estimates that there are more than 350,000 daily boardings. With the large size of the department, accidents are unfortunately common. The transportation department is responsible for providing safe travel to thousands of residents daily.

The Metrobus offers rides across the county, from West Miami-Date to Miami Beach and from Broward Boulevard to the Middle Keys. These public buses connect more than 90 routes that travel nearly 30 million miles a year through about 800 buses. Many of the routes run 24 hours a day.

Unfortunately, most bus accidents happen in metropolitan areas, like Miami. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) estimates that there are about 1,000 people injured each year in inter-city and cross-country busing accidents. These types of accidents kill about 50 people every year.

Top Causes for Bus Accidents:

-Other vehicles stopping in a bus lane.

-Quick lane changes.

-Veering off the roadway.

-Pedestrian encounters in bus lanes.

-Speed

-Weather conditions.

The size of transit buses, coupled with the lack of seat belts and other safety devices, can be a recipe for disaster. Officials are required to ensure that buses are adequate for safe transportation and that drivers are properly trained to operate these vehicles.

Since many busing companies are public entities, claiming compensation for damages and for injuries as the result of an accident can be complicated because the government is involved. Investigations ultimately result in the government investigating the government. Because the government is involved in these accidents, there are strict time limitations for filing claims and for taking legal action. If you have been involved in a busing accident it is critical for you to contact an experienced attorney to help you walk the legal line towards receiving the compensation you deserve.

Continue reading "Miami Bus Accident Injures Eighteen" »

A recent car accident in Suburban West Pam Beach just off Interstate 95 sent three people to St. Mary's Medical Center after the vehicle exited onto 45th street and hit a panhandler. According to The Palm Beach News Post, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and West Palm Beach Fire Rescue were called out to the scene shortly after 2:00 p.m. The exit ramp was closed for investigation after the accident.

The driver who was involved in the wreck was reportedly in his 30s and was operating a Ford SUV. He was exiting I-95 and drove into the median of 45th Street. His vehicle struck a panhandler in his 20s. The panhandler was seriously injured, according to Sgt. Kevin Strickland.

Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers understand that the SUV landed on its side in front of the Days Inn after striking the panhandler. Another panhandler that was standing near the victim was able to avoid the accident. He was not hit. After the accident, the SUV driver tried to flee the scene, but the unharmed panhandler "tackled" him before he could get away.

Both panhandlers and the SUV driver were transported to St. Mary's. The driver has submitted a blood sample for testing. Results determining if he was impaired at the time of the accident have not been yet released.

According to Lt. Tim Frith, spokesman with the FHP, it is likely that the driver will be charged with hit-and-run leaving the scene of an accident. If the blood results conclude he was impaired at the time of the accident, he will also be charged with driving under the influence.

Accidents in the area aren't an uncommon sight. I-95 in Palm Beach County has been ranked as one of the deadliest roadways in the county by AllStays Travel. Over the last 5 years, nearly 150 people have died along this roadway.

Here are some Q&As to help you to help make I-95 safer for everyone.

What's the safest way to exit the interstate? As you exit on an exit ramp, you want to make sure that you slow down to a safe exit speed. Generally, suggested exit speed signs are posted along the exit roadway. Make sure you meet this reduced speed limit because many exit ramps make sharp turn and quick stops. Slowing down will help you to maintain control of your vehicle. Losing control of your vehicle can easily cause a rollover on these roadways.

What should I do if I miss my exit? Never back up if you miss an exit. Never stop in a lane and try to figure out your next move. Just go to the next exit. I may take a few minutes more, but it's your safest bet. Turning around can cost you a ticket, a huge fine and potentially a fatal accident.

Continue reading "Car Accident in West Palm Beach Injures Three as Driver Exits I-95 " »

A recent car accident near Fort Lauderdale left a pregnant woman trapped in her vehicle. After three vehicles collided at West Sunrise Boulevard and Northwest 24th Avenue, the pregnant passenger had to be extricated from one of the vehicles, according to 7NEWS. Two others were injured in the accidents. The driver allegedly responsible was cited by officers.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers understand that parents are urged to properly buckle in young children during every car ride, but do parents know how to properly secure unborn children? There are critical steps that an expectant mother must take during every car ride to help ensure the safety of herself and her child.

Currently, states are not required to report fetal fatalities when submitting traffic accident data. But officials believe that anywhere from 300 to 1,000 unborn children are killed in car accidents every year. The fatal car accident rate for unborn children is nearly five times higher than the fatality rate for children under the age of four.

Why are pregnant passengers at a special risk during an automobile accident?:

The biggest risk for death in the event of an accident for an unborn child is placenta uterine attachment. This is a delicate attachment that doesn't take a lot of force to detach inside the womb. When it does detach, an unborn child loses much-needed oxygen. These incidents account for about 80 percent of all fetuses lost in car crashes. In most of these cases, it happens when the abdomen hits the steering wheel.

Are there special instructions for pregnant women and seat belts?:

The normal seat belt is best for everyone, pregnant of not. Pregnant woman oftentimes misuse these devices, however. A lot of pregnant woman feel discomfort when wearing a seat belt and will allow both the shoulder portion and the lap portion to ride to the midsection of the stomach. Seat belts are designed to lie across bony sections of our body. You always want to keep the seat belt on your pelvis. If you're sitting correctly, the combination of the seat belt and the air bag will work best in the event of a collision.

Are pregnant passengers or pregnant drivers at higher risks?:

In most accident scenarios, pregnant drivers are at higher risks for injury and death in the event of an accident. Pregnant women are better off in the passenger seat because a steering wheel isn't close to the torso and the stomach.

Car accidents are the number one cause of death for pregnant women, according to The New York Times. More expectant mothers die in traffic accidents than in birthing complications. In fact, car accidents are the leading cause of death among individuals age 4- to 35-years-old.

Continue reading "Pregnant Women Face Serious Risks in Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Elsewhere" »

The family of a 39-year-old Florida man is grief-stricken, following a fatal crash that happened in Tampa this month.

According to the Tampa Tribune, the victim was traveling southbound on U.S. 41 when his sport utility vehicle collided with a semi-truck and, horrifyingly, became wedged underneath.

For hours, traffic snarled to a halt on the highly-traveled Florida highway.

While the state highway patrol continues to investigate the fatal Florida crash, our Hollywood car accident lawyers have been keeping a close eye on statistics regarding deadly crashes throughout the state.

Encouragingly, a new report by the Florida Highway Patrol indicates fatal crashes in Florida were the lowest reported since 1978 - and that's even considering the state's population has doubled in the same time frame.

According to the report, 2,373 people died in car accidents throughout the state last year. That figures is preliminary, as investigation into some of those crashes is ongoing. Final results are expected later this year.

Julie Jones, executive director of The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, reported the decrease is part of a downward trend that has been ongoing for six years. Still, she added her agency remains highly invested in continuing to see those numbers fall.

And as the Tampa crash tragically illustrates, one death is still too many.

According to the Tribune, the man was driving his Ford Explorer just after 6 a.m. when a semitrailer, driven by a 41-year-old man, reportedly crossed into his path.
The victim tried to brake and swerve, but his SUV became pinned underneath the larger truck.

Deputies said he was not wearing a seat belt. He died at the scene.

The investigation is continuing.

As the highway patrol's new report shows, more than 5,000 people have been killed in Florida crashes over the last two years, underscoring the critical importance of vigilance every time you get behind the wheel.

One must also factor in that motor vehicle crashes are the top cause of death for people ages 4 to 34, the agency reports.

Causes behind many of these accidents include distracted driving, speeding and failure to wear a seat belt or proper safety restraints.

Addressing some of these issues is the National Safety Council, which offers the following tips to motorists:

--Put your cell phone away. The NSC estimates 24 percent of all accidents involve a cell phone, and someone using a phone behind the wheel is four times more likely to crash. It's simply not worth it.

--Teach your teen responsible and safe driving habits, including limiting night driving as well as the number of passengers in the car. Several states already have laws prohibiting teens from using a phone behind the wheel. Make sure your teens know the law and instruct them to pull over if they need to make a call or send a text.

--Make sure you use or seat belt and that your child is properly strapped in. The council estimates that 63 percent of fatal car accident victims between the ages of 13 and 15 weren't wearing a seat belt.

--Don't drive drunk or impaired.

--Learn to keep your cool behind the wheel. Aggressive driving - whether by speeding, running through yellow lights or tailgating - has been found to be a factor in about 60 percent of all fatal crashes, the council reported.

Continue reading "Fatal Florida Crash Illustrates Need to Practice Safe Driving Habits" »

A recent car accident in Royal Palm Beach sent two motorists to the hospital. The accident happened on Belvedere Road. One of the motorists had to be extricated from the vehicle and was taken by Trauma Hawk helicopter to St. Mary's Medical Center, according to News Channel 5. The passenger was taken to the same hospital by an ambulance. No information has been released involving the motorists of the other vehicle.

Our Royal Palm Beach car accident lawyers understand that overall, traffic accidents decreased from 2010 to 2011. We recently discussed this announcement from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. But it's important to point out that the number of accidents only dropped by about 70 deaths and that there were still roughly 2,400 people killed on our roadways during the year.

In light of the recent announcement and of the New Year, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is asking all drivers to make the switch to safe driving habits. According to a recent study conducted by AAA, U.S. drivers desire a greater level of safety on our roadways. Most drivers say they support government action to achieve this. Still, with all this support, many drivers are not willing to change their own habits first.

“Even one death on our roads is unacceptable,” says AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “Something is terribly amiss in our traffic safety culture when...on average there is still one needless death every 16 minutes.”

According to the AAA 2011 Traffic Safety Culture Index:

-Drivers frown upon drinking and driving. About 97 percent of those who were surveyed said that drinking and then driving was completely unacceptable. Still, about one out of every five drivers admits to getting behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol at least once in the last 30 days.

-Drivers find distracted driving to be a serious threat on our roadways. About 95 percent of those who were surveyed said that, yet still nearly 40 percent of all drivers admitted to doing so themselves.

-Drivers don't like speeders. Nearly 95 percent of those who were surveyed said that they find it unacceptable to go more than 15 mph over the speed limit. But again, more than half of drivers admitted to doing it themselves.

-Driver's don't like red-light runners either. Almost 95 percent of surveyed drivers feel it's irresponsible and dangerous for a driver to run a red light, but nearly 40 percent said that they are guilty of doing it.

-Drowsy driving is a no-no. Nearly 100 percent of drivers said there's no excuse for drowsy driving. Roughly 30 percent of driver said they've done it in the last month though.

-Only about one out of every four drivers said that they have driven without a seat belt in the last month.

Motor vehicle accidents can be prevented with cautious and responsible driving habits. Drivers are urged to start practicing what they preach. It's like the saying, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Practice safe driving habits. Maybe it will catch on.

Continue reading "Survey : Drivers Fail to Practice Safe Habits to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Royal Palm Beach and Elsewhere" »

As we recently reported on our South Florida injury Lawyers Blog, the Florida Highway Patrol and many other law enforcement departments across the state joined together over the Christmas and New Year's holiday to crack down on drunk drivers through the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign.

We also previously warned drivers about the dangers to be expected on our roadways through the holidays. In 2010, about 40 percent of all car accidents during this season were alcohol-related. Well, the results are in. They conclude that, once again, drunk drivers were still out in full force during the 2011 holiday period.

Our Indiana River County drunk driving accident attorneys understand that enforcement efforts were increased throughout the 18-day holiday period. According to the preliminary results, officers throughout the state issued nearly 40,000 traffic citations and made nearly 510 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during this time. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle (FHSMV) another 2,000 motorists were issued traffic citations for failing to buckle up. To help to make our roadways safe for everyone in 2012, we're asking all drivers to stay sober behind the wheel, to wear a seat belt to reduce the risks for injury and to abide by all traffic devices - especially speed limit signs. We can have safer roads if drivers across the state make one of their New Year's resolutions for 2012 to be a better driver. It's a simply resolution that everyone can benefit from.

If these holiday-period citations and arrests aren't enough, preliminary results conclude that more than 110 people were killed in traffic crashes during this short time.

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign was exercised by law enforcement officers around the state as a part of the nationwide campaign that is put on by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Drivers are asked to be even safer in 2012. With the New Year, we're asking residents to make safe driving as a New Year's resolution. Again, safer roadways start with you. Talk with your friends and family members about the dangers and consequences associated with impaired driving and with other irresponsible driving habits.

According to the FHSMV, there were nearly 20,000 alcohol-related accidents Florida in 2010. Of these accidents, nearly 1,000 people were killed. This is the most recently available detailed statistics regarding traffic crash statistics in the state. In these accidents, there were more than 12,000 people who were injured.

Residents are reminded to drive carefully in 2012. We understand that there is a lot to celebrate with every passing year and many toasts will be made with friends and family members throughout that time. We ask that all drivers be safe and avoid driving after consuming alcohol. Alcohol significantly increases your risks for a fatal accident on our roadways. Let's all work together to make 2012 safer than any other year!

Continue reading "Officials Release Results of Results of 2011 Holiday Drunk Driving Enforcement in Indiana River County and Elsewhere" »

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were nearly 2,400 people who died in car accidents in Jupiter and elsewhere throughout the state in 2011. The FLHSMV is already patting themselves on the back for the slight reduction in the number of traffic fatalities from 2010 to 2011. The truth of the matter is that while fatalities have decreased by about 70, we're still losing far too many lives on our roadways. Car accident fatalities may have gone down, but a number of other traffic accident fatalities increased significantly. Still, the 2,400 fatalities we saw in 2011 was the lowest number of traffic accident fatalities on record since 1978.

“While the six-year downward trend is encouraging, we continue our strategic efforts to drive down the number of crashes in Florida and the number of injuries and fatalities that come as a result,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Julie L. Jones.

Our Jupiter car accident lawyers understand that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among residents between the ages of 4 and 34 in the United States. And despite the decrease in fatal car accidents reported by some areas in 2011, the truth of the matter is there are still too many people killed in these needless accidents. Also, while the number of car accidents may have decreased, Florida continues to be the most dangerous state in the country for fatal pedestrian accidents. We're asking for help from residents to help to make these numbers even lower. Your safe driving habits can help to increase roadway safety.

According to the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, Col. David Brierton, he and his law enforcement team is working at a strategic approach to make our roadways safe for everyone. Through these enforcement efforts, the Department is helping to educate drivers and advance the use of safe-driving technology. Still, the most effective way to help to prevent accidents on our roadways is to practice safe, alert and defensive driving habits.

According to FLHSMV, there were nearly 340,000 car accidents in the state of Florida in 2010. These are the most recent, detailed accident statistics available in the state. Complete statistics for 2011 are not yet available. This means our state witnessed more than 640 car accidents every day during 2010. Of these accidents, more than 2,440 people died during the year. In addition to those fatalities, another 124,850 were injured. Yes, there were fewer accidents in 2011 than in 2010, but that doesn't mean we can afford to lose vigilance.

For example, pedestrian fatalities increased by 4 percent just in the last year. And pedestrians weren't the only ones to see an increase during this time. The number of bicycle accidents and injured bicyclists increased. Also the number of property damage accidents increased. Teen driving fatalities, meanwhile, remained stagnant.

Continue reading "Fatal Car Accidents in Jupiter and Elsewhere Decrease, Other Statistic Increase Significantly" »

Recently, a Miami police officer, Fausto Lopez, was issued a traffic citation by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, Donna Jane Watts. The ticket was issued because Lopez was allegedly traveling along a Florida Highway at roughly 120 miles per hour, according to the Huff Post. Law enforcement is now taking sides in the case, as Lopez says that he was just late for work while the highway patrol says Lopez lead the trooper on a brief high-speed chase.

Many officers, including Watts, say that no one is above the law. Others are standing behind Lopez. Some are saying that Watts used excessive force in the incident after allegedly pulling a gun to get the speeding officer to pull over. Officers continue to worry about the influence of speed in many car accidents around Hollywood and elsewhere throughout Florida and feel that no one should be able to endanger innocent drivers like that.

This is the third entry of a six-part blog in which we are asking Florida residents to take the New Year to pledge to be a safer driver. New Year's resolutions oftentimes consist of losing weight or trying to quit smoking, but we're asking you to make a resolution to help keep everyone safe. We would like you to make a New Year's resolution to abide by Florida's speed limit. These limits are posted to help keep motorists safe on our roadways.

Our Hollywood car accident lawyers understand that speeding is a significant contributor to the outcome of traffic crashes. The faster a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact, the higher the risks are for injury. The amount of speeding tickets in the state has dropped recently after we were ranked as one of the top states for speedy drivers in the U.S.

In 2007, nearly 25,000 drivers in Florida got their driver's license suspended because they accumulated too many points. Many of these points were from speeding.

Traffic Violation Points Assessed:

-Non-Moving violations: 0.

-Moving violations (this means non-speeding and non-accident): 3.

-Speeding (less than 15 mph over the speed limit): 3.

-Speeding (traveling faster than 15 mph over the speed limit): 4.

-Passing a stopped school bus: 4.

-Moving violation (not speeding) in which an accident occurs: 4.

-Unlawful speed that results in an accident: 6.

-Reckless driving (considered a criminal offense): 4.

-Leaving scene of an accident with property damage: 6.

-Littering: 3.

-Violation of child restraint laws: 3.

If you get 12 points on your license in 12 months, you may be ordered to serve 30 days in jail. If you get 18 points in 18 months then you can get three months in jail. If you get 24 points on your driver's license in 36 months then you can get one year in jail. Drivers who are ages 15- to 17-years-old who get six points on their driver's license can be restricted to a business purposes only driver's license for a year or until they turn 18.

Drivers are asked to be cautious of posted speed limits and of road laws in the state. Breaking the law and driving irresponsibly can land you with traffic tickets, fees, fines, jail time or worse -- a fatal car accident. Make this year's New Year's resolution to be a safe driver!

Continue reading "Miami Police Officer Busted for Speeding in Hollywood, Florida" »

As we recently reported on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, Florida is still one of the few states left in the U.S. that hasn't enacted any laws to keep drivers from using cell phones or text messaging devices at the wheel. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Florida has zero laws on the books, so Florida drivers can legally call and text while driving as much as they'd like -- although such behavior is ill-advised. As Florida lawmakers continue to propose measures to help to halt these types of distractions that cause thousands of accidents every year, they continue to be shot down.

This is the first of a six-part blog we will be writing to give you information you need to help make Florida roadways safer for everyone. Each blog entry will be discussing another way you can fulfill your New Year's resolution to make our roads safer. Throughout this entry, we will be discussing the dangers of distracted driving.

As we start the New Year, our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys are asking drivers to honor road safety by willingly curbing distractions at the wheel. In 2010, there were about 3,100 people who died because of distraction-related car accidents in the country.

"We're all on the roads, we all see what's going on. It's crazy out there," said Marc Cannon of AutoNation, a Ford Lauderdale-based auto retailer, which also supports driver distraction bans. "We need to do something."

Recently, the University of Miami joined up with the Florida Department of Transportation's anti-distraction campaign, "Put It Down," to help to get drivers to hang up the phone behind the wheel. FDOT's District Six teamed up with the University of Miami to help to educate drivers in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties about the risks and consequences associated with distracted driving. While all drivers are urged to put down the phone behind the wheel, this campaign specifically targets drivers ages 16- to 24-years-old. These drivers are already have higher accident rates than older drivers. Throw in the dangers of cell phones and their risks skyrocket. Through the campaign, Miami-Dade College, Florida International University, the University of Miami and Miami-Dade County Public Schools were included in the anti-distraction activities. Joining UM and FDOT was South Florida Commuter Services, Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise and the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority.

“When you’re behind the wheel, your focus should be on the road and getting where you need to be safely," said says District Six Secretary Gus Pego.

Whenever you're on the road, look around and you're sure to find numerous drivers talking on cell phones, text messaging, surfing the web and engaging in other dangerous distractions. According to recent studies, nearly 700,000 drivers are talking on a cell phone on our roadways at any given moment. Please head into 2012 with a positive attitude and a devotion to make safer roadways and to curb distractions to avoid potentially fatal car accidents. Happy New Year!

Continue reading "Make the New Year's Resolution to Curb Distractions to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale" »

There are only 15 states that have yet to make it illegal for drivers to send and receive text messages while operating a motor vehicle. According to The St. Augustine Record, there's a small chance that lawmakers in the state could enact such a ban during the 60-day legislative session that will start in the beginning 2012. Experts are still split on whether these types of bans will actually help make our roadways safer. Distraction-related car accidents in Miramar and elsewhere took the lives of almost 3,100 people in 2010.

Last week, a couple of Florida state senators brought the argument back to life after they approved a proposal to make texting and driving illegal in Florida. This happened at the measure's first committee hearing. This proposal was sponsored by Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, She's proposing this offense to be a secondary offense, meaning that an officer would have to pull over a driver for another infraction before being able to slam a driver with a citation for texting at the wheel.

Our Miramar car accident attorneys understand that a number of proposed bans have failed in our state throughout the years even though the public largely supports these types of laws. They're usually pushed out by Republican lawmakers who believe that these types of laws serve as an affront to personal liberty. The bottom line is that distractions, whether they're cell phones or text messaging devices, pose potentially deadly consequences.

Detert is proposing this anti-texting law for the third time. It's what she calls a "no-brainer." Although she is still a supporter of small government, she feels that the bill, SB416, is more important than privacy concerns. Safety should always override privacy, says Detert.

“I am a big fan of personal freedom...as long as you’re not taking me out with you,” she Detert.

The bill was moved up by a 10-0 vote. Some lawmakers admitted that they were going to vote against it, but after heading Detert's side they chose to back it. Under this bill, drivers would still be allowed to use these devices at red lights. Drivers would also still be allowed to dial a phone number, talk on the phone or use a GPS while driving. They just wouldn't be allowed to text message.

If the bill took effect and texting was illegal at the wheel, drivers would get a $30 fine for the first offense and both a $60 fine and three points on their driver's license for a second offense. Six points would be put on a driver's license if the use of one of these devices resulted in an accident.

There are 35 states that ban drivers from text messaging at the wheel. Other states have enacted laws to govern the use of these devices among specific age groups. Still, Florida has zero laws on the books.

Continue reading "Florida Still Pushing for Laws to Curb Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Miramar and Elsewhere" »

According to ABC Action News, the Senate Transportation Committee recently approved a bill that prohibits drivers from texting while driving. However, the House companion bill hasn't made it through the committee process yet. These types of anti-texting bills aim to reduce the risks of car accidents in Lake Worth and elsewhere. Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, is pushing this ban for the third time. Florida is one of a few states that doesn't have a law prohibiting this dangerous behavior behind the wheel.

"It's time that we caught up to the rest of the nation," said Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa.

Our Lake Worth car accident attorneys understand that drivers who text behind the wheel are in more danger of getting into an accident than a drunk driver. Teenagers are most likely to text behind the wheel and therefore have a higher accident rate than drivers in any other age group. To help raise awareness in these young drivers about the consequences of distracted driving, the U.S. Department of Transportation is launching its "OMG" public service announcement campaign.

The PSA will be airing on the Distraction.gov website, at Regal Cinema theaters and on gas station pump-top screens around the country throughout the month of December.

"Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving, which is why we are making an extra effort to ensure they understand the dangers," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

As the holiday season gets underway, teenagers will be granted with some time away from school for winter break. During this time, these young drivers will flock to our roadways in route to visit with friends and family members for the holidays. Parents are asked to talk with these young drivers about the risks, dangers and consequences that they'll be faced with during the busy holiday travel season.

Included in the PSA is common texting lingo that teenagers are using these days on their wireless devices, including "LOL" and "L8R." DOT officials feel this is an effective way to reach these drivers. This lingo and the safety message will be displayed at roughly 12,000 gas pumps, at more than 525 theaters on roughly 6,600 movie screens and on the Distraction.gov website.

Currently, there are 35 states, Guam and the District of Columbia that prohibit all drivers from text messaging behind the wheel. Another nine states have made it illegal for all drivers to use a hand-held cell phone at the wheel. Florida lawmakers are working diligently to get a law into office to help regulate this dangerous behavior. Until then, drivers are asked to honor roadway safety and voluntarily curb the distractions. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Continue reading "Lawmakers Push for Stricter Texting Laws to Reduce Risks for Car Accidents in Lake Worth and Elsewhere" »

As the holidays draw near, more and more residents are flocking to the malls and other shopping centers to get those last-minute gifts for friends and family. Be careful when parking at these places though because parking lots are commonly the backdrop for serious accidents. There are high risks for car and pedestrian accidents in Wellington parking lots through the holiday season.

"With the holiday season coming up and more shoppers expected to park in lots later at night, it's important to be aware of the surroundings and choose a safe place to park," said Anndee Soderberg, ADT marketing manager.

Our Wellington car accident attorneys ask motorists and pedestrians to be safe while traveling through parking lots and parking garages outside of busy stores. Pedestrians are not only warned to be safe around vehicular traffic in these lots, they're also warned to be cautious of cracked sidewalks and other hazardous debris. By following a few safety tips, we can all help to make sure that we make it in and out of the stores safely this year.

Parking Lot Safety Tips:

-Be aware of your surroundings. Refrain from distracting activities, such as cell phones, bags and packages, car keys, pedestrians and other cars. Keep your eyes on the parking lot.

-Always hold the hands of small children.

-Be careful when crossing the path of vehicular traffic. Look both ways when crossing a parking lot lane just as you would crossing the street.

-Park in open spaces. Never try to squeeze your vehicle into a tiny spot.

-Be extra careful when backing up. Keep looking around your vehicle for nearby pedestrians. Backup slowly just in case someone darts out behind your vehicle unexpectedly.

-Lookout for defective sidewalks and parking lot debris.

-Walk when and where pedestrian traffic is signaled to.

-Drivers should always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.

-Drivers should never block or park in crosswalks.

Property owners are required to keep parking lots clean and safe for everyone. as well By following a few safety measures, property owners can help to prevent any accidents or legal matters regarding their parking lots.

Tips for parking lot owners:

-Make sure that all areas of the lot are well lit.

-Deal with flooding areas immediately after the rain to avoid any fall hazards.

-Clearly mark areas where pedestrian and vehicular traffic are expected.

-Clearly mark steps and changes in level on sidewalks.

-Clear the lot of all trash and other debris.

-All signs should be visit and legible.

As the stores fill up with holiday shoppers, the parking lots are expected to fill as well. Shoppers are urged to be cautious when parking as these areas can produce a number of accidents if you're not cautious and careful. Property owners are required, by law, to ensure that these areas are safe for all visitors. Let's all do our part to be smart, polite, careful and courteous in parking lots to avoid an accident. Happy Holidays and safe shopping!

Continue reading "Parking Lot Accidents in Wellington Common through Holiday Season" »

Three bills are making their way through state legislature and could potentially stop drivers in the state of Florida from texting behind the wheel, according to NBC2. Florida is one of the few states left that have no restriction of drivers using cell phones or text messaging devices behind the wheel. Since January, there have been more than 3,000 distraction-related car accidents in Plantation and elsewhere that were blamed on drivers who were using text messaging devices.

According to a recent Mason-Dixon Poll, nearly 95 percent of the 300 who were surveyed expressed support for this type of ban. Only about 3 percent were against it and the remaining 3 percent were indifferent.

Our Plantation car accident attorneys understand that nearly half a million accidents are the result of distracted driving every year across the U.S. Statistics conclude that one in every five accidents involves the use of a cell phone. These accidents have recently become so frequent that the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) started tracking the accident data for electronic distraction factors at the beginning of this year. While more than 3,000 accidents reported the fault of distractions on various electronic devices, nearly 150 were specifically blamed on text messaging at the wheel.

Those statistics mean that these distraction-related traffic accidents account for about 2 percent of the total number of accidents we've seen so far in 2011 so far, but officials say that is way too high for such a preventable instance.

"Texting has no place in a vehicle. It's a huge distraction, it takes your focus, it takes your vision off the roadway," said FHP Lieutenant Greg Bueno.

Some travel experts believe that these statistics are only that low because most drivers who were distracted at the time of an accident are hesitant to admit that they were in fact distracted. Bueno says that that's a top reason why this type of ban would be difficult to enforce. If you look just for a couple of second, a series of events can happen in that short time, including a fatal accident, he adds.

The three bills aiming to prohibit texting behind the wheel are still caught up in subcommittee. There have been no further details regarding when the bills will be discussed next.

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that distraction-related accidents accounted for nearly 20 percent of all of the fatal accidents in the U.S., meaning that this careless behavior took the lives of nearly 6,000 people and injured another estimated 520,000.

Although there may be no laws in the books that currently prohibit drivers in the state from texting at the wheel, drivers are still asked to practice good moral standards and to curb distractions on your own free will.

Continue reading "Three Proposed Bills Aim to Curb Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Plantation and Elsewhere" »

A woman recently filed a lawsuit against the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) after the death of her husband in the iRox Interstate-75 expansion construction area. The woman is claiming that the negligence of FDOT and contractors in the construction area caused the wrongful death of her husband.

Construction zones are dangerous for both workers and for passing motorists. As millions travel through the state during the holiday season, drivers are asked to be cautious of one another and for those whom we are sharing the road with, including construction workers. Car accidents in Margate and elsewhere can happen in a matter of seconds if a driver is not paying full attention to the roadway. Be alert and cautious during the upcoming holiday travel season to avoid a serious collision.

Our Margate car accident attorneys understand Florida's highways rank as some of the most dangerous in the country. Your risks of a traffic accident are even higher when traveling through a construction zone. With traffic expected to be more chaotic through the remainder of the year, drivers are asked to pay even more attention to our roadways. Construction zones, other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles, etc., all serve as dangerous hazards on our roadways and can only remain safe with the practice of safe driving habits.

The woman decided to sue FDOT and the construction contractors after the fatal October accident that took the life of her husband. Road work was being done along Interstate 75 between Naples and Fort Myers. Her husband was reportedly driving by mile marker 105 when his vehicle was thrown out of the lane. He over-corrected, drove over numerous lanes of traffic and slammed into some steel cables that were in the median. The collision between his SUV and the cables caused the vehicle to flip several times. Reports indicate that the roadway, that was uneven because of the ongoing construction work, caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle in the first place. The driver was not wearing a seat belt and the time of the accident, was ejected from the vehicle and died.

In the wrongful-death suit that the wife is filing, she claims that both the contractors and the FDOT were negligent in their work. She says that their negligence caused the fatal accident. The suit goes on to say that both parties had a responsibility to make sure that the work was done so in a way that passing vehicular traffic could get through safely and that those workers failed to fulfill that responsibility.

In addition to those claims, the lawsuit points out that the signage, including road markers, barricades, warning signs, etc., were confusing, misplaced and faulty. Also, she claims that the contractors failed to reduce the speed limit to accommodate that work zone.

When a fatal accident occurs, family members of the victim may collect the compensation for the damages. These damages can include pain, loss of companionship, suffering, medical expenses, loss of future earnings, funeral expenses, etc.

Continue reading "Wife Sues FDOT after Construction Zone Car Accident in Florida" »

Teen drivers face severe risks for car accidents in Martin County and elsewhere throughout the remainder of the year and through the holiday season. For parents who wish to keep their eyes on their teen driver's habits behind the wheel , there may soon be an app for that.

Government officials in the state are currently discussing Senate Bill 854 and House Bill 571, which could offer parents text-message or email alerts regarding their teen's driving for just a $5 one-time fee.

Our Martin County car accident attorneys understand that teen drivers face some of the highest risks for car accidents. These young drivers are more likely to get into an accident than older, more experienced drivers. Now, parents can be alerted whenever their teenager is written a traffic citation, when their license has been suspended, when they've been convicted of a traffic violation and most importantly when they've been in a car accident, according to Hernando Today. Parents can use this service for teen drivers under the age of 19.

The $5 fee would be used to cover the expenses of the program. If it brings in any additional cash, then the funds would be used to promote safe teen driving.

State Rep. Richard Steinberg, D-Miami, and Sen. Greg Evers, R- Baker, wrote the bills and say that they got the idea from lawmakers in New York who have already launched a program just like it.

"I think that the fact that mom or dad would find out will make them drive safer and therefore make roads safer," said Steinberg.

Parents of teen drivers are urged to discuss the importance of safe driving habits with their young drivers, especially as we kick off the holiday season. As more and more motorists flock to the Sunshine State to celebrate the rest of 2011, the risks of accidents increase. Talk to your teen about ways to avoid an accident during the chaotic holiday season.

Safe teen driving tips, from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:

-Make sure everyone in the vehicle wears a seat belt during every car ride.

-Keep the number of passengers minimal. Passengers increase distractions and the risks for an accident.

-Make sure your tires are in good condition and that they're properly inflated.

-Keep your windshield clean to maximize visibility behind the wheel.

-Never drink and drive and never ride with a driver who has been drinking.

-Turn your headlights on, even in the daytime, to make your vehicle more visible to oncoming drivers.

-Get the necessary directions before departing. Knowing how to get to your destination in advance will help you to avoid dangerous distractions, including road maps and GPS devices.

-Obey all speed limits, traffic lights and all other traffic devices.

-Don't blast your music. Loud music serves as a dangerous distraction.

-Be aware of weather and traffic conditions before setting out.

-Avoid driving during the evening and on weekends when traffic get crowded.

Continue reading "New App Alerting Parents of Their Teen's Driving Habits Including Car Accidents in Martin County and Elsewhere" »

Our Palm City car accident attorneys have been discussing the dangers that motorists typically face on our roadways throughout the holiday season.

With Thanksgiving here and Christmas approaching, traffic is expected to increase significantly. To help keep our roadways safe, the Florida Highway Patrol will be in full force in search of dangerous drivers on our roadways.

Hunting down irresponsible should no tough task for officials in Florida however. According to CarInsuranceComparison.com, Florida ranked in at 4th place for having the most dangerous drivers in the U.S. The Sunshine State handed out more traffic citations that any other state in the country.

Our Palm City car accident attorneys understand that the end of the year is a busy time for Florida roadways. Drivers are asked to be courteous and patient with one another while driving.

All officers from the Florida Highway Patrol will be out over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in an attempt to calm traffic and to reduce the risks for traffic accidents. Both auxiliary and reserve troopers will be helping to augment the Patrol during this time. This enforcement campaign will be taking place from November 23rd through the 27th. Enforcement efforts will be targeting speeders, tailgating, impaired drivers, aggressive drivers and those who aren't properly buckled in.

Florida drivers also ranked in at 49th place for careless driving habits and in 40th place for failing to obey traffic signals. All of these dangerous habits contribute to the high number of traffic fatalities in the state. With a little bit of patience, we can all help to reduce the number of these fatalities.

“The Thanksgiving holiday typically generates heavy traffic as people travel to spend time with their families, so we urge everyone driving on our highways, especially during the holiday season, to drive carefully,” said Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol.

To help make your holiday travel a little safer, the Florida Highway Patrol offers these safety tips to travelers:

-Be sure to obey all traffic signs and posted speed limits.

-Check out your vehicle before heading out. Make sure your battery is charged, your fluids are full and your tires are in good condition and are properly inflated.

-Never drink and drive.

-Always wear a seat belt. Make sure that everyone in the vehicle is buckled at all times.

-Leave for your trip with plenty of time to spare to avoid rushing.

-Keep your focus on the road at all times. Curb distractions, including text messaging, cell phones, eating, talking with passengers, playing with the radio, etc.

-Drive defensively and expect the unexpected.

Remember that the Florida Highway Patrol will be looking over our roadways over the weekend. Be safe, cautious and alert to not only avoid a ticket, but to avoid a potential accident as well.

Continue reading "FHP Targets Holiday Traffic and Dangerous Drivers to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Palm City and Elsewhere" »

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, there was a recent three-car accident in Fort Pierce that killed one woman and injured another man. The accident happened just before midnight on Kings Highway, according to News Channel 5. Reports indicate that the male driver was under the influence of alcohol and the time of the accident. He reportedly rear-ended a truck and sent it flying into oncoming traffic. That vehicle then ran head on into another vehicle.

Upon the head-on collision, the truck flipped and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. The female, whose vehicle was rear-ended in the accident, died at the scene of the accident. The other driver was transported to the hospital at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center & Heart Institute. Reports indicate the female driver was not wearing her seat belt at the time of the accident.

Our Fort Pierce car accident attorneys understand that there will typically be more serious accidents like this as we come to the end of the year. Each year, the holiday season brings an abundance of drivers to our state. We've got seasonal residents and tourists on our roadways in addition to residents. These visitors greatly congest our roadways and greatly increase our risks for accidents. Drivers are urged to be cautious, focused and patient to help avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Another serious accident happened just before 11 a.m. as a pickup truck flipped in the middle of the intersection at Sunrise Boulevard and Virginia Avenue. The pickup truck flipped after colliding with another vehicle at that intersection. Fort Pierce police report that responders had to pull the female driver from the truck, but she was OK.

Floridians share the roadways with more than 75 million tourists each year. Through the entire state students, retirees and families travel to explore and to enjoy some beautiful weather. Florida is the number one destination spot for Americans and it's the second most popular vacation spot for foreigners.

Many of these travelers fail to plan for this trip’s travel accordingly and drive erratically throughout our roadways. These unfamiliar drivers serve as serious hazards to everyone on our roadways.

Florida reportedly experiences more than a quarter of a million car accidents every year, which ranks our state at above-average for injury and deadly car accidents every year. The number of accidents typically correlates with tourism season.

According to the Florida's Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were nearly 2,500 car accident fatalities in the state in 2010. Road accidents can be avoided with preparation. Drivers are urged to travel with a plan. Be cautious and alert while traveling and curb distractions. Be patient with the out of town drivers and expect the unexpected. Floridians need to alter their driving habits to accommodate these unfamiliar drivers and to ensure safety on our roadways.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in Fort Pierce a Warning for Upcoming Season" »

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of our most dangerous times of our roadways. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 430 people are expected to die in car accidents in Cooper City and elsewhere over a more than four-day period surrounding Thanksgiving Day.

The NSC is also predicting that nearly 44,000 injuries requiring professional medical attention will occur because of traffic crashes during this time. Although these predictions are nearly 20 percent lower than the actual results of previous Thanksgivings, we ask all motorists to be cautious, alert and prepared on our roadways when traveling over the weekend.

Our Cooper City car accident attorneys understand that roughly 43 million American are expected to travel at least 50 miles from their home over the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. This is about 5 percent more travelers than the 2010 holiday. Many of these vacationers include snowbirds and tourists who will flock to our Florida sunshine. Drivers beware; your risks for a traffic accident will be significantly increased during the holiday weekend.

The Thanksgiving holiday is the time period from 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23rd to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 27th. About 2 million more travelers are expected to be on our roadways this year, according to CNN.

Travel experts believe that this increase in travel is because of the gas prices. We've typically seen higher gas prices this year compared to recent years, which have caused residents to stick around town for other holidays. Well, residents are sick of it.

This year's average gallon of gas costs $3.39. Last year's average was about $2.88. Earlier in the year, Memorial Day travel remained relatively similar to last year's travel numbers, whereas Independence Day and Labor Day's travel actually decreased. Experts believe that residents are tossing out their concerns for finances over the upcoming holiday weekend and are hitting the road for a much needed vacation over Turkey Day.

"Driving AAA's projected increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers is pent-up demand from Americans who may have foregone holiday travel the last three years," said Bill Sutherland, vice president of AAA Travel Services.

Most vacationers will be hitting the roadway over the holiday weekend. Airlines aren't sure how their companies will do over Thanksgiving. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is expecting a 2 percent increase whereas the Air Transport Association of America is predicting a 2 percent decrease in travel from 2010 to 2011.

Drivers are urged to travel safely and cautiously during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Florida typically experiences more traffic during this time of year with the seasonal residents and with vacationing tourists, but traffic during Thanksgiving increases even more.

From our Cooper City car accident attorneys to your family, have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Continue reading "Thanksgiving Holiday Could Increase Rise in Fatal Car Accidents in Cooper City, Nation" »

Car accidents in Weston and elsewhere are the number one killer of teens in the United States. With the holiday season approaching, teens are at an even higher risk for a fatal accident, but with parents' help, we can try to reduce these risks. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, teen drivers are at the greatest risk of an accident during their first year behind the wheel. During this time, one out of every five will be involved in a car accident. More than 300 teens died in Florida in car accidents in 2007.

The “Drive with Care – Courtesy, Attention, Responsibility and Experience” campaign is reaching out to young drivers and their parents to discuss the dangers of driving and to help keep our roadways safer. As seasonal residents venture south and vacationers flock to the beach, teens are facing congested roadways and serious risks for accidents. Parents are urged to discuss these dangers and safe-driving tips to keep them safe.

Our Weston car accident lawyers understand that Florida law requires that parents provide their teen drivers with at least 50 hours of supervised driving before they can apply for an operator's license. Ten of these hours must be completed at night. During this time, parents are asked to serve as a positive role model and coach. Teens are likely to mimic their parents' habits on the roadways. Parents are urged to get involved in their young driver's habits, especially during the holiday season when roadways traffic is expected to increase significantly.

Teen drivers are less likely than adult drivers to be able to understand the risks and dangers of driving. This is because they've been behind the wheel for such a short amount of time and they've been exposed to much less driving hazards. Teens' brains are still developing well into their 20s. This development affects their judgment while driving.

Drivers age 16 and 17 are nearly 50 percent more likely to be involved in an accident if there's another passenger in the vehicle. These drivers also face increased risks for accidents between 9 p.m. and midnight. Although our teen drivers make up only about 6 percent of Florida's driving population, they account for nearly 15 percent of all fatal accidents.

Safety tips for teens from the Florida Driver Handbook:

-Always wear a seat belt. It may be your best defense in the event of an accident.

-Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted before starting your car.

-Always drive with your lights on for added safety.

-Be sure to come to a complete stop at all red lights and stop signs. Slow down before stopping to avoid having to slam on the brakes.

-Never tailgate. Keep a distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

-Be sure to look all around before moving forward from a stop.

-Don't rely on mirrors when backing up or making a turn.

-Stay at least 15 feet away from all trucks. Remember that if you can't see the truck's side-view mirror, the driver probably can't see you.

-Never drive faster than the posted speed limit. Your risks of serious injury or death doubles for every 10 mph you travel over 50 mph.

Parents are urged to discuss these pointers with teen drivers to help to prevent a car accident in Weston and elsewhere in South Florida.

Continue reading "Holiday Traffic Increases Teens' Risks for Car Accidents in Weston" »

With Thanksgiving coming up this week, the holiday season is in full swing and 2012 is approaching quickly. During the holiday season, we typically see a drastic increase in the number of car accidents in Cooper City and elsewhere. With the Thanksgiving holiday, nearly 40 million people are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home. About 90 percent of these travelers will be on our roadways. During the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period, nearly 400 motorists died because of car accidents. Thousands more were injured.

Our Cooper City car accident attorneys understand that driver distractions are a top cause for vehicle accidents. Some motorists all too often engage in dangerous activities, such as placing calls, taking calls and text messaging while driving. These behaviors drastically increase the risks for accidents.

To help cut down on the number of accidents, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is pushing the "Faces of Distracted Driving" campaign, which offers stories from those who have been tragically affected by these types of accidents. Many residents lose family members because of careless drivers.

A recent story featured the family of a 19-year-old girl and her unborn child, both of whom were killed in a pedestrian-car accident in Naples with a distracted driver. The accident happened in 2010 when a cell phone-using driver rolled through a stop sign and hit the girl who was crossing the street not far from her home.

These public service announcements have been viewed by people across the country more than 100,000 times since the campaign launched in November 2010. The campaign aims to shine a light on just how dangerous this behavior is, and to let viewers know that these accidents are happening every day around the country.

“I thank all of the families of distracted-driving victims who have bravely chosen to share their stories of loss with the world,” LaHood said.

About 5,500 people lost their lives in distracted driving-related car accidents in 2009. These types of accidents accounted for about 20 percent of all accidents reported during the year. Nearly 1,000 of these fatalities were the result of an accident in which a cell phone was reported as the distraction. Nearly half a million drivers were injured in these accidents.

Many people don't think that talking on a cell phone or sending a text message while driving isn't all that difficult or distracting, but they couldn't be more wrong. Drivers who use a cell phone behind the wheel are four times more likely to get into an accident. This dangerous act gives drivers the same reaction capabilities as a driver who is legally drunk.

As we head into the holiday season and traffic picks up, we urge all drivers to curb the distractions and focus on driving.

Continue reading "'Faces of Distracted Driving' Campaign Targets Holiday Car Accidents in Cooper City" »

One average, four people die in car accidents in Hollywood and elsewhere every hour of every day. The financial impact of a car accident can be just as devastating. According to a CBS News report, car accidents cost the country about $300 billion every year. That cost is now higher than the cost of traffic congestion.

Our Hollywood car accident attorneys understand that car accidents can be costly. The average fatal car accident costs around $6 million. This cost includes all of the medical expenses, legal costs, emergency services, lost earnings, etc. The cost for an average car accident causing injury is about $125,000, and some 33,000 people die on our nation's roadways every year.

"Traffic crashes really need to be moved to the forefront of the American discussion as the public safety (and) health threat that they are," said AAA spokesman Troy Green.

Unfortunately, car accidents are so common that these incidents don't even make it in the news anymore. Consider it this way: a small plane would have to fall out of the sky every day for 360 days in a row to equal the costs we pay out for car accidents. That would be unacceptable for aviation and it should be just as unacceptable for car accidents.

The fact that the cost of car accidents has surpassed the cost of traffic congestion is astonishing. Traffic congestion losses include the loss of motorists' time and gas wasted while idling in traffic.

A recent study concluded that the cost of accidents is roughly three times greater than traffic congestion, about $300 billion to nearly $100 billion. This is largely due to the increase in the costs of accidents in recent years. The most significant increase was experienced between just 2005 and 2011.

Officials recommend the following to help reduce the risks of accidents:

-Consider new safety technology like electronic stability control (ESC). This technology helps to keep a vehicle stable during skids by automatically braking when necessary. Some estimates conclude that this technology could save nearly 10,000 lives a year.

-Continue the development of short-range radar sensors. These sensors have the ability to warn a driver when he or she may be about to get into an accident. This system can also activate seat restraints and the vehicle's airbags.

-Continue to enforce distracted driving, drunk driving and speeding laws. Right now, only 35 states have laws banning text messaging behind the wheel. Florida is not one of these states.

According to Green, every state needs stricter laws, tougher enforcement and harsher penalties.

Right now, AAA is pushing a multi-year, long-term, nationwide transportation bill that focuses on roadways safety. According to AAA, this bill could save both lives and money. AAA is aiming to get the focus off of congestion issues and to get Congress to focus more on the serious and fatal accidents on our roadways.

Continue reading "Costs of Car Accidents in Hollywood and Elsewhere Exceed Costs of Traffic Congestion" »

Safety advocates around the country are still trying to get drivers off their cell phones in an effort to reduce the risks of distracted driving-related car accidents in Sunrise and elsewhere. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council are pushing for safer roadways, too. The two organizations recently teamed up with state attorneys general to create and share a number of public service announcements (PSA) as a part of its “Stop the Texts. Stop the Wrecks.” campaign.

These PSAs are aimed at teen drivers, who typically have a higher accident rate than any other age group of drivers. The PSAs are being used to educate young drivers and to share with them the very real consequences of using a mobile phone behind the wheel, whether making calls or sending text messages.

Our Sunrise car accident attorneys understand how dangerous it is to text message while driving. Florida is still one of the few states that has absolutely no law in place banning drivers from text messaging. According to distraction.gov, distracted drivers caused accidents that killed nearly 5,500 people and injured an additional 448,000 in 2009. People who use a cell phone while driving are four times as likely to be involved in a serious accident.

The first PSA video shows a girl reaching for her phone as she heads through an intersection. Because of the distraction, she fails to see the stop sign and gets into an accident.

The other two PSAs show pedestrians who are walking and texting. While the scene is humorous for viewers, it illustrates a very real danger. Pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings just as much as drivers do. The end of the video shows teens texting behind the wheel and the dangers they face when distracted.

Both of the PSAs ask viewers, “How will you stop texting and driving?” At the end of the video, you'll be sent to Stoptextsstopwrecks.org for even more information about the dangerous habit.

Teens are about four times as likely to be involved in a car accident as drivers of any other age group. When you add in the texting distraction, their risks skyrocket to nearly 25 times more likely to be involved in an accident.

Parents are urged to talk with the teen drivers in their lives. It's important for teens to understand the risks that come with using a cell phone behind the wheel. Keep safe driving habits as a frequent topic of conversation in the household. Although the state of Florida doesn't prohibit teen drivers from texting behind the wheel, it doesn't mean that parents can't enforce their very own distracted driving rules with the drivers in their family.

Continue reading "NHTSA and Ad Council Release New PSA Targeting Teens' Distracted Driving Accidents in Sunrise and Elsewhere" »

According to Dr. Val Jones on Better Health, driving in the dark is a lot more difficult for some drivers than others. As she interviews optometrist Dr. Cristina Schnider, she discovers that the size of your pupil and your ability to focus directly correlates with available light. When it's dark outside, you have less to focus on and your eyes work overtime. Many drivers have a slight sight disability as they have a tougher time focusing on things. This can be extremely detrimental and can greatly increase their risks of a nighttime car accident in Oakland Park.

Our Oakland Park pedestrian accident lawyers recently discussed the dangers that nighttime driving brings about. These dangers are increased now that we've set our clocks back for Daylight Saving Time. Evenings fall upon us sooner as the sun sets earlier. Oftentimes it takes a while for travelers to adjust to the new settings. We are reminding everyone to be cautious on our roadways during the early morning hours and the evening hours as this is when we see a majority of our traffic accidents.

Drivers are urged to remember a few things to help keep their vision on point when driving a motor vehicle. Remember to blink. People will oftentimes hesitate to blink when they're focusing on something. It's also important to keep the wind at bay. Open windows and blasting air conditioning can dry out a person's eyes and can make it more difficult for them to see, according to Schnider. Drivers are urged to compensate for the lack or light or the difficulty focusing by slowing down. It typically takes drivers longer to react to things at night.

John Ulczycki from the National Safety Council says that nighttime driving negatively affects a driver's eyes. Peripheral vision and the ability to determine contrast are hindered. These factors vary depending on a driver's visual ability and age. No matter what your age though, drivers fail to see potential risks more so in the evening than they do in daylight.

Ulczycki reports that nearly 30 percent of travel occurs during hours of darkness and nearly 50 percent of fatal accidents occur during the nighttime hours. Not only does vision affect these statistics, but so does our perception of risk. Since it's harder to see other people and other vehicles, people fail to see risks.

Glare on windshields is also a common complaint from nighttime drivers. There is a way to reduce the effects of this glare, says Ulczycki. He says it's important to not look directly into that glare from the headlight of an oncoming car, but to look above it. He also says you should be scanning the roadways anyways instead of looking only in one spot. You need to be aware of what is around you at all times.

Remember that nighttime hours bring out more alcohol-impaired drivers, too. Be cautious of the driving skills of motorists around you. Always drive defensively.

As for younger drivers, the per-mile crash rate for teen drivers is three times higher after 9 p.m. than the rate of any other age group. Talk with your teens and other loved ones about the dangers and risks of driving while dark and perhaps we can all help reduce the number of traffic accidents in South Florida.

Continue reading "Dr. Val Jones Discusses Nighttime Car Accidents in Oakland Park and Elsewhere" »

Our Coral Springs car accident attorneys recently told you about Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which took place from November 6th through the 12th. Awareness of drowsy driving should never end though. As we recently set our clocks back for Daylight Saving Time, the risks for car accidents increased. A majority of car accidents occur during the evening hours. Nighttime accidents happen because people fail to adjust their driving skills, fail to recognize driving hazards and they're more likely to be sleepy during this time.

As we recently blogged, more than 95 percent of drivers find drowsy driving to be an unacceptable driving habit, but nearly a third of drivers admit to doing it themselves, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Driving at night provides enough strain on our eyes, but when drivers are sleepy, the risks for a car accident in Coral Springs increases.

Drowsy driving car accidents account for nearly 20 percent of all fatal accidents on our roadways. They also account for more than 10 percent of all injury accidents.

“Drowsy driving kills, just as sure as drunk, drugged and distracted driving does,” said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “Drivers have a tendency to underestimate the impact being tired has on their driving ability.”

Just as the number of drunk-driving accidents increases during evening hours, so does the number of drowsy driving car accidents. Sometimes sleep pulls in drivers and there's virtually nothing you can do about it. For this reason, it is important to stay off of the roadway during times when you'd normally be sleeping. If you'll be venturing out on a long road trip, be sure to get plenty of sleep before you head out. The worst thing a driver can do is push though the sleepiness while they're behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

Drivers are urged to pull over and rest if they are having trouble keeping their eyes open, yawning excessively, daydreaming a lot, having a hard time keeping their eyes open, swerving in and out of lanes, or having a hard time remembering the last few miles traveled.

2010 drowsy driving statistics:

-Drivers who are accompanied by a passenger are half as likely to be involved in a drowsy driving-related accident.

-Nearly 70 percent of drowsy driving accidents involved male drivers.

-Most drowsy driving accidents occur at night.

-Drivers age 16- to 24-years-old are most likely to be involved in a drowsy driving accident.

-More than half of drivers who have admitted to having fallen asleep while driving say they did it on a high-speed divided highway.

-Men are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel than women.

Continue reading "Daylight Saving Increases Risks for Drowsy Driving Car Accidents in Coral Springs" »

While Daylight Saving Time's "fall back" earlier this month gave us an extra hour, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says we are now in a time period of increased risks for pedestrian accidents in Pembroke Pines and elsewhere.

The NHTSA reports that there were more than 4,000 pedestrian fatalities and nearly 60,000 pedestrian injuries in 2009. About a quarter of these fatal pedestrian accidents happened between 4 and 8 p.m, and nearly 15 percent happened between 4 and 8 a.m.

Our Pembroke Pines car accident attorneys remind drivers to keep a heads-up for pedestrians on our roadways. Since night falls upon us much earlier in the evening now, pedestrians are harder to see this time of year. Adjusting to the new low-light environment can take a little while. We also ask motorists and pedestrians to curb the distractions. Everyone traveling along our roadways needs to put their full attention on the traffic around them.

Since it gets darker much earlier now, pedestrians are urged to carry a flashlight with them to help motorists to see them more easily. If you don't want to carry a flashlight, you're urged to wear reflective gear. Being visible to motorists may be one of the best ways to prevent an accident from dusk to dawn.

Here are some additional safety tips for motorists and pedestrians:

Motorists

-Be sure to travel slowly in residential areas during the evening hours. It takes more alertness to see a pedestrian when it's dark.

-Remember that pedestrians could be wearing headphones (although this is not a safe practice). These devices block out traffic noise and may prevent a pedestrian from hearing your vehicle approach.

-It's a good idea to keep your mirrors, windows and windshield clean. This helps to increase visibility when it's dark out. You should frequently check to make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is full, your wipers are in good-working condition and that your defrosters are working properly.

Pedestrians

-You should always carry a flashlight or attach reflective materials to your clothing. Try fluorescent tape. You can adhere this tape to your clothes, purse, briefcase, bike, shoes or backpack.

-Traffic signals won't always protect you. Unfortunately, drivers run red lights and turn when they're supposed to yield. This could be because they're distracted or because they haven't fully adjusted to the darker setting. Always travel defensively.

-Never jaywalk, especially from between two parked cars. It's best for pedestrians to cross at crosswalks or at street corners.

-Always use the sidewalk when one is available. If you have to walk along the street, do so facing oncoming traffic.

As the darkness falls upon us much sooner since we've set our clocks back, be sure to exercise caution on our roadways. Nighttime serves as a popular backdrop for serious accidents. Help to prevent one by driving cautiously, alertly and defensively.

Continue reading "Daylight Saving Time Brings Increased Risks for Pedestrian Accidents in Pembroke Pines" »

According to CNN Money, Rolls-Royce Motors Inc. is now recalling nearly 600 Ghost sedans in the U.S. They're being recalled because of a potential fire hazard. The circuit board could overheat and cause the car to go up in flames. This recall has been issued to prevent any injury in West Palm Beach and elsewhere caused by a manufacturer's defect.

This recall is just like the one that affected more than 30,000 BMW vehicles that came with both 8- and 12-cylinder turbocharged engines. The recalled Rolls-Royce vehicle is built just like the 7-series BMW sedan and is powered by a V-12, 563 horsepower 6.6-liter twin-turbo BMW-built motor.

Our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys understand that the price of the vehicle has nothing to do with recalls and potential defects. Even the most expensive vehicles can be manufactured with defects. The Rolls-Royce Ghost is the company's cheapest model, running about $250,000.

Still, with such expensive cars, nearly 2,000 are being recalled. Nearly 600 of these recalls are in the U.S. Motorists are urged to look into safety ratings and other car information before considering purchasing a vehicle. A safe car may be one of you best defenses against injury in the event of a car accident.

What can happen is the circuit board that controls the vehicle's water pump can overheat. This pump is used to cool off the turbocharger. Overheating can lead to smoldering of the water pump and, ultimately, to a fire.

"This may also lead to an engine compartment or vehicle fire," said Rolls-Royce in a recent release.

When the car begins to overheat, the driver should be alerted by a warning light located in the vehicle's gauge cluster.

Since late October, there have been more than 100 incidents where water pumps have failed in BMW vehicles. Two of these reports resulted in fires. If you own one of these defective vehicles, you're asked to take your car into a BMW or a Rolls-Royce dealer to have the water pump replaced for free.

Typically during the fall season, new-model vehicles are released. This is when residents perk up to look into getting a new car. This year, the sales of General Motors Co. in the U.S. have increased by about 2 percent. The sales were headed by the Equinox crossover and the Chevrolet Cruze.

GM sold about 200,000 vehicles in October alone. The sales of cars have spiked by nearly 5 percent among passenger cars and about 2 percent among trucks during the month. Its sales of crossover sport utility vehicles dropped by about 1 percent though.

"There are still are some underlying consumer confidence issues," said Jonathan Browning, chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America.

Despite the increase in sales, some car companies have spent fewer hours perfecting their vehicles and making sure they go through rigorous enough testing. They have mandates to hit, but should go the extra mile to ensure their customers are safe.

Before purchasing a vehicle, you're urged to check our safety ratings on http://www.safercar.gov/. Consumers should always keep safety in mind when looking at a new car.

Continue reading "Vehicle Recalls Concern Motorists Hoping to Avoid a West Palm Beach Car Accident " »

City Council members are looking into enacting a new ban in Port St. Lucie. The new ordinance could potentially stop people, including charitable organizations and newspaper vendors, from using the medians on popular roadways to collect contributions and to sell newspapers from passing motorists, according to TC Palm.

The Council says that these roadside activities are impeding the flow of traffic, endangering the public and increasing the risks of Port St. Lucie car accidents.

Mayor JoAnn Faiella says that the Police Department will be monitoring these popular intersections for six months. He'll direct the officers to return to the area if the soliciting continues to be a problem.

Our Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys understand that the ban was first brought to discussion after a number of resident complaints. Drivers voiced their concern about these solicitors and the distractions they're providing. These distractions can drastically increase the risk of injury to drivers or the people themselves, who are unguarded from traffic. These solicitors or the companies they work for may be liable for these types of accidents.

The Port St. Lucie Police Department and many departments in the surrounding areas have agreed that a ban is needed to help ensure the safety of both motorists and these solicitors.

According to the Port St Lucie Police Chief Brian Reuther, there's no data supporting the claim that roadside solicitations contribute to accidents. These roadside businessmen are a relatively new trend. He still agrees though that no one should be standing on the side of the road, especially at some of our busiest intersections.

The St. Lucie County Commission is also considering a ban like this one, only it would solely affect its unincorporated areas. The ban would be enforced on every day but Sunday. This would allow vendors to distribute newspapers and organizations to collect charitable donations.

"It's an accident waiting to happen. If there's a death, it'll be penned on us," said Councilman Jack Kelly.

A similar discussion is taking place in Cape Coral, where city officials are looking into banning sign shakers in their city. If you drive down any main roadway in the Cape, you're sure to see tons of sign shakers. These workers are holding these signs in an attempt to grab your attention. Unfortunately, when these signs have your attention, the road doesn't.

To help prevent distracted driving and to reduce the risks of accidents on those Southwest Florida roadways, Cape Coral City Council is looking into completely banning these sign shakers.

"You hate to take a job from anybody but you don't want to put them in harm's way," said John Jacobsen, Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director.

For many local companies, this is about the only form of advertisement they can afford right now to lure in the customers. One Cash for Gold location in the Cape currently employs 25 sign shakers and reports the investment is paying off.

There's one problem with the ban though, carrying a sign along our roadways is a First Amendment right, so there's only so much the Council is able to do.

Continue reading "Street-Side Vendors and Sign Shakers At Risk For Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie" »

Earlier this month, Gov. Rick Scott declared a week in October as "Register Your Emergency Contact Information Week," according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. In submitting a contact name and number, law enforcement officials will know who to contact if a motorist is involved in a serious or fatal car accident in Hollywood, Sunrise, Tamarac or elsewhere in the state.

Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers know that providing a contact number in case of an emergency could be crucial to saving a life in the critical stages following a severe car crash. Sometimes life-saving decisions need to be made in a split second, so notifying a loved one can play an important role in making the right decisions about medical conditions, especially if the accident victim is unconscious.

The Emergency Contact Information Program originated a few years ago when a mother was unable to say her last goodbyes to her failing daughter who was involved in a fatal motorcycle crash. It took several hours for the victim's mother to be contacted after the accident -- time in which she could have spent with her daughter before she died. As a result, the mother pushed state officials to allow emergency information to be placed on a driver's license or identification card. Instead, authorities conceded by creating a program that emergency contact information could be documented and saved in the Driver and Vehicle Information Database (D.A.V.I.D.)

Florida residents are encouraged to register emergency contacts with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, if you aren't one of the 5 million licensed drivers who have already done so. The Emergency Contact Information Program permits identification card holders and licensed drivers to submit two names and contact information to be notified in case of an emergency. The information will be accessed only by law enforcement officers in the event of a tragedy or an emergency.

We posted previously on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog about another program that could be beneficial in saving lives in the crucial moments following a car crash. Though Florida still has not adopted the program, the Yellow Dot Program helps first responders know of any medical conditions or other pertinent information that they should know before treating a victim who may be severely injured or unconscious following a car accident or other tragedy on our roadways. Obtaining medical information along with emergency contact information is an important step, and may play a key role in saving a victim in the first few minutes or hours after a crash.

Registering emergency contacts is free and easy. You can register online or visit any driver license office throughout the state and ask about the Emergency Contact Information Program. To register online, visit FLHSMV and fill in a few boxes with simple information.

Continue reading "Emergency Contact Alert Program Can Help Save Lives in a Port St. Lucie Car Accident" »

National Teen Driver Safety Week will be held in the state of Florida during the third week of October, according to MSNBC. Officials, law enforcement agencies and safe driving advocates will be using this time to help educate our teens and parents about safe teen driving habits. Car accidents in Weston and elsewhere continue to be the number one cause of death for teens in the United States. The risks of these accidents can be greatly reduced with more teen driver education and supervision.

The campaign urges moms, dads, and even older siblings to ride along with teens to help them to make smart and safe decisions behind the wheel. According to recent studies, including the most recent one released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teens who live in households that have clear driving rules and supportive parents are less likely to get into a car accident.

Our Davie car accident attorneys understand how important it is to make sure that parents provide supervised driving practice to their teens in a number of driving conditions. Exposing them to various driving conditions will help to prepare them for the unexpected when they're driving alone. Parents should also continue on the discussion of safe driving habits long after their teen receives an unrestricted license. Keeping these habits fresh in their mind will help them to make safe driving decisions and will help to reduce their risks of a car accident.

"The first six months after getting your license are the most important," said Vincent Payne of the Florida car insurance provider AGIC Insurance, Inc.

AAA's recent teen driving study examined the habits of teen drivers in North Carolina to determine which dangers were the most likely scenarios for a teen to be involved in a car accident. These drivers had in-vehicle cameras installed into their cars to record their every move. The study concluded that speeding, passenger distractions and failing to yield were the three most common causes of accidents for these teens in which they were determined to be at least partially at fault.

“We know that young drivers’ crash rates decrease quickly as they gain experience,” said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.

Teens are most likely to be involved in an accident during their first 30 days of obtaining an unrestricted license, according to the study. With more experience comes decreased risks. Teens are 50 percent less likely to get into an accident with a year of unrestricted driving and two times less likely with two years of unrestricted driving.

AAA recommends that parents consider the following for their teen driver who no longer requires their supervision:

-Never enough practice. Try to ride with your teen driver whenever possible to monitor their driving habits.

-Limit passengers. The more passengers in the vehicle the higher the risks are for an accident.

-Set a curfew. Limit the amount of nighttime driving that your child does. Their risks for an accident greatly increase during this time.

-Consider creating a parent-teen driving contract to help to solidify these rules and to lay out the consequences for breaking them.

Continue reading "AAA Studies Teens to Determine Most Common Cause of Car Accidents in West Palm Beach, Nation" »

According to Insurance Information Institute, the average annual cost of automobile insurance in our state is $1,055, which ranks Florida fourth highest among all states.

Automobile insurance can be costly but motorists who drive on a regular basis need to bite the bullet because you won't discover how important a policy's coverage is until you have been involved in a severe or near fatal car accident in Lake Worth, Margate, Fort Pierce or elsewhere in the state.

Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys want to reiterate the importance of understanding what is included in your automobile policy because trying to cut costs on monthly premiums could have severe consequences later.

Medical costs for injuries sustained in a car accident can be astronomical so it is important to know your coverage and not to fear going after an insurer to get the compensation needed to recover from serious injuries. If you are involved in a serious car accident, you do have options and should contact an experienced attorney to explore what avenues can be taken to receive the compensation you deserve.

Victims in accidents may not be able to solely depend on compensation from the at-fault driver. You may need to consider collecting from your own policy or filing against policies held by other drivers in the household.

A victim in a 2006 motorcycle accident was recently awarded almost a million dollars in restitution but may never see a penny of it. Marco News reports a drunk driver, who was driving three times over the legal limit, has spent three years in prison and has now been ordered by a Collier County court judge to pay the victim. The at-fault driver claims she has no income or assets following the tragedy that severely injured the motorcyclist.

In a recent restitution hearing the victim testified to the accumulation of medical bills in excess of $1 million and over $200,000 in lost wages over the last five years since the accident. The victim before the accident enjoyed athletic activities and was known to bench 350 pounds and squat 500 pounds in the weight room. Following the accident, the victim suffered a shattered pelvis, collapsed lung and kidney failure and lives in constant pain managed by painkillers. The last surgery performed on his leg caused permanent damage and the victim is forced to now walk with a cane.

The victim's insurance coverage was for $1 million, of which he blew through in two months' time following the accident; he was forced to leave the hospital. By being kicked out of the hospital prematurely, his pelvis was not able to heal properly. To make matters worse, his insurance company cut him off with almost $35,000 remaining in medical bills. The victim can't work and by the time he reaches the age to collect social security he will lose in excess of $500,000 in annual income that he would have earned in salary before the accident happened.

The charged drunk driver is now serving probation and must pay $52 a month. The victim has the option of hiring an attorney in a civil action case that would garnish the at-fault driver's wages among other things to finally get the compensation he deserves.

This is a prime example and a lesson to be learned that it only takes a split second for your life to change forever. If you are the victim of a car accident that changes your life forever, don't be short-changed. Contact an experienced attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.

If you have questions about auto insurance or need clarification about Florida coverage, visit Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles online.

Continue reading "Restitution for Medical Costs and Damages Requires an Experienced Port St. Lucie Law Firm" »

A recent article in St. Petersburg Times reports that fewer drivers are using the roadways because of the economic turmoil facing many families.

Weston car accident attorneys know that times are rough, but we are approaching the busiest travel time of the year with extra caution. Tourist season and holiday travel always makes Florida roadways more congested and therefore more dangerous for everyone who travels.

Roadways are less populated in Hillsborough County, according to the article and more importantly, citations for bad driving fell dramatically in 2010. Noncriminal moving violations, which include speeding, running red lights and careless driving decreased by 43 percent in Hillsborough County in 2010 when compared to 2007. Drivers arrested for driving under the influence dropped by 18 percent.

According to the 2010 crash statistics report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the mileage death rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased by more than 4 percent statewide but the daily average of car accidents in Sunrise, Tamarac, Riviera Beach and throughout Florida essentially remained unchanged, reporting 1 fewer a day when compared to the 2009 daily average.

The Florida Department of Transportation surveyed different locations between 2007 and 2010 to determine if traffic congestion was more or less compared to previous years. The survey indicated that congestion in the bay area decreased by 5 percent in 19 of the 21 locations surveyed.

Florida Highway Patrol reportedly logged the same amount of DUI and traffic patrols in 2010 as they did in 2009. The decline in citations is supported by the suggestion that fines have increased, policy strategies have changed, and driver education programs are improving with stricter graduated driver licensing laws for young drivers. According to the 2010 crash statistics, there were fewer teen crashes in 2010 but the same number of teen drivers killed compared to 2009. No law has been passed as of yet in Florida to eliminate texting, the most dangerous behavior exhibited behind the wheel so how much have policies changed to really make an impact on crashes occurring throughout the state.

Authorities may be optimistic about the future given the fact that crashes were reportedly less for 2010 but Florida remains one of the nation's deadliest states.

We all hope that the economy improves so that jobs will once again be plentiful and families can get back on their feet. One thing we probably can't rely on is the price of gas ever plummeting to $2 a gallon again. Is the high price of fuel a saving grace to reducing roadway fatalities? The Congressional Budget Office conducted a study on the impact that gasoline prices have on driving behavior. Researchers found that higher gas prices resulted in freeway motorists driving at lower rates of speed and making less frequent trips, especially in areas where rail or commuter transportation was available for travel.

Motorists driving at lower speeds in order to save money on fuel should have a positive impact on the number of deaths and injuries occurring on roadways.

Florida motorists may reduce the number of trips to the supermarket each week or outings with friends to help cut fuel costs and traffic congestion but nothing keeps motorists more safe than being responsible and attentive behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Fewer Drivers, Fewer Car Accidents in Weston, elsewhere" »

It's "Heads Up Driving Week!" and every day this week the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is campaigning to raise awareness about the risks of distracted driving. This is the third year for the event as it continues to push to find ways to eliminate this dangerous habit for drivers. Residents are asked to make the pledge to put away all diversions for the week to reduce the risks of distracted driving-related car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that we've all got a lot of responsibilities and obligations, but using driving time to complete these tasks is a dangerous decision. This campaign week aims to remind drivers about the number one task at hand in the vehicle -- driving!

We see about 8,000 distracted driving-related accidents every day in the United States. These are accidents that are completely preventable with a little bit of responsibility and prioritizing.

Distracted driving accident statistics:

-Car accidents have taken the lives of more than a million people in the U.S. throughout the last 25 years. In 2010 alone, more than 33,500 people died on our roadways. Researchers believe the increase is attributable directly to advancements in technology.

-Passengers are the most frequent report of accident-causing distractions.

-Distractions refer to a plethora of activities, including using a cell phone, text messaging, interacting with other passengers, eating, smoking, applying makeup, reaching for radio controls or playing with web-surfing device.

-Recent statistics reveal that drivers spend about half of their time in a vehicle trying to drive while distracted.

-Drivers are four times more likely to be involved in a serious traffic accident when using a cell phone behind the wheel.

In a recent survey, the AAA Foundation’s 2011 Traffic Safety Culture Index, more than 90 percent of drivers stated that using a cell phone, texting or surfing the web while driving was completely unacceptable. Nearly 90 percent of these individuals said that they support laws banning the activities. Ironically, more than a third of these drivers reported that they had engaged in the dangerous driving behavior at least once within the last 30 days.

This proves a common theory that has recently been examined by these researchers. It's a “do as I say, not as I do” attitude. This means that drivers are quick to lecture about the dangers of this behavior, but won't make changes themselves to correct the situation.

We ask that you take the opportunity during "Heads Up Driving Week" to review your driving habits, and talk about the risks associated with distracted-driving with friends and family members. Curb all distractions, just for a few days, to see how much your driving skills improve. The Foundation offers you 10 quick and easy ways to minimize distractions while driving. Good luck and happy safe driving!

Continue reading ""Heads Up Driving Week" to Help Reduce Risks of Distracted Driving-Related Car Accidents in Broward County, Nation" »

AT&T and the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) are joining together to fund the 2011 Distracted Driving Summit. On October 17th, the event is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., to raise awareness about distraction-related incidents such as teen car accidents in Delray Beach and elsewhere. This has been a popular topic of discussion among many safety experts as the number of distraction-related accidents continues to climb.

Our Tamarac car accident attorneys understand how beneficial this event can be. Teens are more likely than any other drivers to be involved in a distracted-driving car accident. With the new school year in full swing, this is a good time to bring up the importance of safe driving skills among newly-licensed drivers. It is important to keep safe driving skills as a frequent topic of conversation in your household because let's face it, driving skills aren't on the top of our teen's priority list.

According to distraction.gov, there were more than 5,000 individuals killed on U.S. roadways because of distraction-related car accidents in 2009. Approximately 448,000 additional injuries were sustained because of distracted drivers on our roadways. About 20 percent of all accidents nowadays involve a distracted driver. Cell phones were the most commonly reported source of distraction in fatal accidents. Cell phone-using drivers contributed to nearly 1,000 roadway fatalities in 2009. Teens under the age of 21-years-old are most likely to be involved in a fatal accident with reports of distracted driving.

Recent studies have concluded that drivers who use a cell phone behind the wheel have the same reaction time as a driver who is legally drunk with a blood alcohol concentration of .08. Drivers who use a hand-held device while driving are four times more likely to get into an accident resulting in a serious injury.

The 2011 Distracted Driving Summit will include the following:

-The commencement of the new NOYS Teen Distracted Driving Prevention Team (TDDPT). This team will consist of 10 advisers and 40 youth members.

-Numerous sponsorship opportunities.

-Presentations from national organizations including the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

-TDDPT training sessions and workshops will be conducted by some of the top safety companies and organizations.

-Opportunities for companies and organizations to showcase products, programs and resources related to distracted driving.

Through this seminar, teens will also be taught important tips to keep their vehicle running smoothly. These tips include:

-Keep your coolant, transmission, brake, engine and power steering fluids fresh and filled. All of this information can be found in the vehicle's owner's manual.

-How to properly check and maintain the vehicle's battery.

-How to properly change a tire.

-How to check the tire's air pressure.

Continue reading "Teen Car Accidents in Boynton Beach and Elsewhere Discussed at 2011 Distracted Driving Summit" »

More than 200 employees died in 2010 because of work accidents in Margate and elsewhere throughout the state of Florida. While this is a decrease in the number of fatal work accidents by about 30 deaths from the previous year, transportation accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for workers in Florida, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly 100 workers in Florida died in 2010 of transportation-related work accidents. These types of accidents took the lives of more workers than falls, explosions, fires, violent acts, assaults, equipment-related accidents and harmful exposure accidents.

To help to reduce the risks of work-related car accidents in Miami, we invite you to participate in Drive Safely Work Week. This awareness campaign is taking place this week through Oct. 7. The event is used to encourage employers to push for safer driving habits among workers, which includes addressing the dangers of distracted driving. This year's campaign has been titled “Focus 360°: Getting there safely is everyone’s business.” It is being presented by Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The 2011 campaign affects everyone on our roadways. Officials are reaching passengers, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to discuss the little things we all can do to help prevent distraction-related car accidents. Employers have the ability to share the message with nearly half of U.S. residents. Employer support in this campaign is critical to spread the word and to help prevent these accidents.

NETS suggests your company follows one of the following paths this year:

-If you don't have a policy in place already, create and enforce a cell phone policy in your workplace. Drivers should refrain from using their cell phones while driving on the job.

-If you already have a policy, share safety tips and conduct activities that can help reinforce your plan.

-If you don't wish to enact some sort of cell phone policy, you are still urged to talk with your employees about the dangers, consequences and risks associated with distracted driving.

The 2010 Drive Safely Work Week recruited the participation of approximately 5,000 organizations. Since then, nearly 90 percent of them have enacted some sort of cell phone policy kit at their workplace.

In 2009, there were approximately 5,500 people killed on U.S. roadways because of traffic accidents that involved a distracted driver. Another 448,000 people were injured in these incidents. These types of accidents account for roughly 20 percent of all reported fatal accidents in the country. Drivers who use a cell phone while driving have the same reaction time as a driver who is legally drunk. These accidents are completely preventable with a little knowledge and responsibility.

As technology continues to advance, unfortunately so do in-car distractions. Drivers are urged to get involved in this year's campaign and help the push for safer roadways. Drivers should be focused on one thing and one thing only -- driving!

Continue reading "Traffic Accidents Continue to be Leading Killer in Work-Related Accidents in Port St. Lucie and the Rest of the State" »

We tend to post frequently about teen drivers on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog because we want parents and teens to stay informed. We are also hopeful we can be of help to you in making smart decisions and reducing the risks of teen car accidents in Weston, Sunrise and elsewhere.

Now that school is back in session, Boynton Beach car accident lawyers worry about young drivers because they can get distracted easily with school, friends, extracurricular activities and events. Losing focus for even a second while driving can change a life forever.

According to the traffic crash statistics recently released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there was no change in the number of teen drivers killed in crashes in 2010 compared to 2009. Nearly seven teen drivers died every month in 2010 on average. There were nine fewer teen passengers killed in crashes in 2010 compared to the previous year. Teen drivers injured in a crash in 2010 remained about the same as the previous year: 10,563. In the same year, teenage passengers injured in a crash decreased by almost 8 percent from the previous year. There were 2,637 fewer teen car crashes in 2010 than the 29,485 reported in 2009. Teen drivers between the ages of 15-19 had the highest rate of involvement in crashes per 10,000 licensed drivers than any other age group.

In examining the statistics a little more closely between the ages of 15 to 29, data indicate that 18 year olds are the most at risk of being involved in an accident. Eighteen year olds had the highest rate of involvement in fatal crashes (3.56) and the highest rate of involvement in all traffic crashes (465.64) throughout Florida.

Young drivers have a tendency to take a carefree attitude that can lead to bad choices. Many of them think nothing will ever happen to them or that there will be no consequences for their actions. The FLHSMV motto for teen drivers is Drive With CARE -- Courtesy, Attention, Responsibility and Experience.

Another valid concern for most parents is how to keep their teenager from driving under the influence.But the FLHSMV reported 23 fatal teen crashes involving alcohol in the 15-19 year old age group and 100 alcohol-related fatal crashes in the 20- to 24-year-old age group. Among 15 to 19 year olds, 18 year olds accounted for almost half of the fatal crashes with alcohol involved, reporting a total of 11.

Most teens probably don't realize how easy it is or under what circumstances they can lose their driver's license. FLHSMV points out the following reasons a teen's license can be restricted or taken away:

-Possession of tobacco under the age of 18. Conviction of the offense can lead to minimum of a six-month license suspension and could be as much as a year.

-Failing to go to school can lead to a suspended license. A teen's license remains revoked until he or she can prove attendance at school for 30 consecutive days.

-Drivers under age 21 caught driving under the influence get a six-month suspension of their license when blood-alcohol concentration is .02 or more. The penalties get stiffer for refusing to take a test or for repeat violations.

-Teen drivers who receive six points on their driving record for violations during a 12-month period are restricted to driving for business purposes only for 12 months or until they reach age 18.

-A teen driver with a learner's license cannot apply for an intermediate license within one year of conviction if he or she has been cited with a written violation during the beginning phase of obtaining a license.

If you or your teen has been injured in a car accident in Plantation, Delray Beach, Fort Pierce, Coral Springs or the surrounding areas, contact Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for free initial consultation. Call 1-800-561-7777 to speak with an attorney today.

More Blog Entries:

Driving Behaviors Examined to help Reduce Driver Distraction in St. Lucie Car Accidents, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, September 20, 2011.

Our Broward County car accident lawyers are compiling a county comparison of crash statistics in our area to determine which cities appear to be safer for motorists. We have been examining 2010 crash statistics recently released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The report covers crash information related to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, teen drivers and drivers under the influence. We understand that driving behaviors have a lot to do with the number of fatal crashes that occur on Florida roadways, but want to compare which counties appear to be safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

Overall, the number of car accidents in Palm Beach County and Broward County increased from 2009 statistics, compared to a slight decrease in traffic crashes reported in St. Lucie County from 2009 to 2010. Broward County reported the second highest number of crashes of any county at 26,233, behind only Miami-Dade County. Similarly, Broward County reported the second most number of injuries related to car crashes in 2010, at 20,540, more than any other county in the state except Miami-Dade. St. Lucie County's reported 2,210 crashes in 2010 is the fewest it has had in any of the last five years.

Broward County, Palm Beach County, and St. Lucie County all reported fewer alcohol-related crashes compared to 2009, with a total of 1,424, 1,123 and 183, respectively. Of the three counties, Broward reported the most drunk-driver crashes in 2010 compared to Palm Beach, which reported the most alcohol-related crashes of the three counties in 2009 at 1,715. Thus, Palm Beach County showed the biggest decrease in alcohol-related crashes from 2009 to 2010 in the three-county comparison.

Over the past five years, Broward County and Palm Beach County have reported a steady decline in fatalities from traffic accidents, with each reporting a five-year low in 2010 at 179 deaths and 123 deaths, respectively. St. Lucie County has also shown a gradual decline in traffic fatalities over the past five years, with the exception of 2009 when it increased by five deaths from the previous year.

St. Lucie County reported three fatalities from alcohol-related crashes in 2010, compared to 13 in 2009. Broward County reported 41 alcohol-related deaths in 2010 compared to 58 in 2009. Palm Beach County reported the biggest decrease of the three counties, reporting half as many alcohol-related fatalities in 2010 (62) as were reported in 2009 (31).

Palm Beach County reported more motorcyclist fatalities in 2010 than Broward County and St. Lucie County. There were 23 motorcyclists killed in Palm Beach County, an increase of five deaths from 2009; 21 in Broward County; and two in St. Lucie County, both of which showed slight improvements from the previous year. More motorcyclists were injured in crashes in Broward County than Palm Beach County and St. Lucie, but each county reported fewer injuries than the previous year. The number of injuries from motorcycle accidents was 525, 315 and 69, respectively, in 2010.

Broward County reported the most bicyclist fatalities in the three-county comparison with five reported in 2010. However, Palm Beach County showed the biggest decrease in bicyclist fatalities, from 11 in 2009 down to four in 2010. Bicyclist injuries in traffic crashes increased in all three counties from 2009 to 2010.

A total of 53 pedestrians died and another 968 were injured in Broward County in 2010, which were seven more deaths and 18 more injuries than the previous year. Palm Beach County reported 21 pedestrian fatalities and 550 injured pedestrians in 2010, both improvements from the 2009 report. In 2010, there were three pedestrian deaths and another 74 injured pedestrians in St. Lucie County.

No matter where you live or how you get to and from your destinations, Florida residents are encouraged to use caution and go to great lengths in preventing a car, pedestrian, bicycling or motorcycling accident.

The car accident attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC are experienced in helping victims involved in a pedestrian or bicycling accident in Broward County, Palm Beach County, St. Lucie County or anywhere in South Florida. Call 1-800-561-7777 for a free and confidential appointment.

More Blog Entries:

Sporting Events a High Risk for Drunk Driving Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, April 18, 2011.

West Palm Beach Bike Accidents a Danger for Commuters, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, May 20, 2011.

Two Killed in a Fort Lauderdale Motorcycle Accident, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, August 5, 2011.

You may remember earlier this year when we reported on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog that Toyota Motor Corporation lost millions of dollars for failing to report vehicles that were mass-produced with faulty floor mats and accelerator pedals. Defective vehicles can cause serious injury in a St. Lucie car accident so recalled vehicles should always be taken to the dealer for proper inspections and repair.

Greenacres car accident attorneys know that Toyota has been in the news recently but in a positive manner this time. CNN reports that Toyota will fund comprehensive research studies that will look at drivers' attention and behavior rather than examining the vehicle itself. Under much scrutiny for producing malfunctioning vehicles, NASA scientists actually discovered that driver error was more to blame than defective parts in Toyota models involved in accidents.

This study may be especially insightful for younger drivers, who seem to have an illusive superiority when it comes to their attitudes about driving, according to recent surveys. They reportedly overvalue positive abilities and devalue the negatives when it comes to many aspects of their lives, including roadway behaviors.

Toyota Motor Corporation will place distracted driving at the top of the research priority list and will target the behavior of the two most critical problem populations: older drivers and newly licensed drivers. Toyota will fund $50 million dollars over the next five years for 10 new research projects that will take place at six top-notch universities or research institutions. The six new safety technology partners are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Transportation Active Safety Institute, Virginia Polytech Institute and State University, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Washtenaw Area Transportation Study and Wayne State University School of Medicine.

We all know that driver distraction is a hot topic right now. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) has been trying to get an inkling on how driver distraction affects driving behavior in a naturalistic study. Researchers have been examining footage from drivers who have a camera installed in their vehicle. Findings have suggested that teens are quite oblivious to their surroundings until they are shaken back to reality by a collision. Toyota's answer is to offer a free defensive driving program to 90 teens and their parents, and then monitor the teens for six months to judge the program's effectivness.

VTTI will also use funds provided by Toyota to launch a three-year project that looks at brain fitness training for older adults and whether there is any benefit to improve their field of vision. Researchers have found that a person's field of vision and the amount of information they can take in at a glance reduces with age by as much as 30 percent. The new study will examine elder drivers' field of vision when performing lane changes, at intersections, as well as speed-related behaviors.

Other funded projects will include a two-year study at MIT Age Lab that will look at in-vehicle command systems and what effect they have on driver distraction. A separate study at Wayne State University will develop crash dummies with different body types to determine how body makeup effects injuries sustained in crashes. The goal is to determine how injuries can be reduced for all occupants no matter how old or what body type they are.

Continue reading "Driving Behaviors Examined to help Reduce Driver Distraction in St. Lucie Car Accidents" »

Driver's education courses may prepare young drivers for the rules of the road but a recent survey indicates teens are pretty clueless when it comes to car maintenance and safety checks on their vehicles. Failing to take care of a vehicle properly can increase the chances of being involved in a car accident in Miami, Fort Pierce, Weston or elsewhere in the state. Losing control of a vehicle from a tire blowout, brake failure or faulty system can lead to serious injury.

AutoMD released the results of a recent survey that indicated more than 65 percent of parents say their children have basic or average knowledge of general car maintenance. This concerns our car accident attorneys in Sunrise and Oakland Park because there's probably some 35 percent of teenage drivers who don't know much about basic vehicle maintenance, and they should. This segment of drivers typically turns to parents, who probably don't have much more than basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance and inspection techniques.

The National Organizations for Youth Safety has tried to simplify car maintenance for teens by establishing a back-to-school car care checklist. The onus is on parents to ensure their teen driver is riding in a safe, reliable model car, but the teen should be responsible for routine maintenance. The following are some pointers emphasized in the checklist:

-Review the owner's manual to learn what indicators and warning lights mean. If a light remains illuminated on the dashboard, a mechanic should take a look at the vehicle as soon as possible.

-Learn how to check fluid levels and check the battery in your vehicle. If the date code stamp located on top of the battery indicates it is more than 3 years old, have the battery tested by a repair shop to see if it needs to be replaced.

-While you have your hood open, turn on the vehicle with the fans running and listen for strange noises. If you hear screeching or odd sounds, have the car checked. A belt or a fan may need to be replaced.

-Check the tire treads and pressure monthly. Make sure the spare tire has sufficient air, and that a lug wrench and jack are available in the trunk in case you get a flat tire.

-Remove any garbage inside the vehicle to avoid an empty can or bag from impeding brake or acceleration action.

In response to teens needing to gain more knowledge about car maintenance and repair based on the results of the survey, AutoMD created a Teen Driver Car Maintenance and Repair Guide . Teen drivers can download it to help learn more about how to keep their vehicle running smoothly and be safer on roadways. The guide provides drivers with a vehicle diagram that can be used in conjunction with the owner's manual. It also provides do-it-yourself repair instructions and maintenance checklist. The guide will also teach teens some nifty tricks and tips on repairing the vehicle, as well as car repair safety sto help avoid being injured. The guide also discusses roadside safety tips in case of a break down on the road.

Teens who become book smart about car maintenance and repair are encouraged to take the car maintenance quiz to earn a certificate of commitment. Knowing what to do and what to look for can give teen drivers and their family some peace of mind.

Continue reading "Reduce the Risks of Breakdowns and Roadside Accidents in Miami, Fort Pierce and Elsewhere" »

Car accident attorneys in Hollywood, Port St. Lucie and Pompano Beach want to remind parents that next week is a good time to ask questions about the proper use of your child's safety seat. That's because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is holding its annual Child Passenger Safety Week from Sept. 18 through the 24th. Parents can make arrangements during this awareness campaign to ensure their children's restraint seats meet all applicable standards.

The Palm Beach Post wrote a story featuring a parent who is thankful she took the initiative to change her children's safety seats because a month later she was involved in a car accident in Boynton Beach. Knowing her child restraint seats were outdated, she placed a call to Safe Kids Palm Beach County in hopes of replacing them. In exchange for a donation, she received two new car seats that she believes saved her children's lives in the tragic accident that left her a quadriplegic. A spokeswoman from Safe Kids presented the mother with the 'Saved by the Belt Award' for knowing that a change needed to be made, which ultimately saved her children lives.

Her two children were 2 years old and 7 months at the time of the accident, and thankfully avoided injuries despite the Ford Explorer they were riding was hit several times. A 15-year-old unlicensed driver allegedly side-swiped the Ford Explorer a little over a year ago causing several other vehicles and objects to make impact during the accident.

On National Seat Check Day, Saturday, Sept. 24, parents throughout the country can visit a child-seat inspection station free of charge to determine if their child's car seat meets standards, and that it is properly fastened into the vehicle. Parents can also ask safety technicians for advice about child safety while riding in a car. To locate a child car-seat inspection station near you, click here for a map.

In other child car seat safety news, the National Safety Commission reports that there is a growing problem with children unbuckling themselves in their child-restraint seat while the car is in motion. Children as young as 12 months are unbuckling themselves, putting them at risk of being injured at a rate three times greater than a child who is properly restrained in a car seat. The study revealed that boys were more likely to unbuckle than girls, and that 75 percent of children who unfastened their safety restraint were age 3 and under. Researchers also found that 29 percent of children who unbuckle are restrained in a five-point seat and typically unbuckle from the chest restraint.

If your child has learned to unbuckle his or her child restraint or booster seat, don't try to fix the problem while you are driving. Instead, pull over to a safe place to re-fasten the belt, and if the child is old enough to understand, talk to him or her about the importance of staying buckled up.

To find a child safety coalition in your area, visit Safe Kids Florida. This website can also help you find a car seat check-up event or inspection station near you.

Continue reading "Child Seats Can Reduce Risk of Injury in Pompano Beach Car Accidents" »

Officers are looking into a Miami pedestrian accident that killed a man who was patiently waiting for the city bus to arrive at his stop. The accident happened on Northwest Avenue on 107th Avenue shortly before 10:00 p.m., according to Local 10. The 67-year-old male pedestrian was sitting on a bench waiting for the bus to arrive at his stop when he was hit by a vehicle that was being driven the wrong way by a 42-year-old female. The man's wife was sitting on that bench waiting for the bus with her husband. She was able to avoid being hit.

"Once the male was struck on the bench, both him and the bench were dragged until its final resting place," said Detective Roy Rutland.

Our car accident attorneys in Coconut Creek, Coral Springs and Weston understand that public transportation is relied upon by many in our area. Motorists are asked to practice extreme caution when traveling near bus stops and popular bus routes. Bus stops can be flooded with pedestrians boarding, exiting or waiting for a bus. While bus riders should be on the lookout for passing motorists, drivers should also be cautious of other travelers. Car-pedestrian accidents oftentimes end up fatal and can be prevented with a little consideration for one another.

Here are some safety tips for those who ride buses in our area:

-Never run to the bus. This is when a lot of accidents happen. Running puts you at a greater risk for trips, slips and falls. These injuries are some of the most common injuries sustained by bus riders.

-Have your child's stroller folded before you get on the bus. Keep it folded for the entire trip. Open it back up once you've got off the bus and have moved off of the roadway and away from traffic.

-Remain aware of your surroundings when you're waiting for your bus to arrive.

-If you're listening to your headphones while you're waiting, keep the volume down so that you can hear what's going on around you.

-Never walk too close to the roadway or the curb.

-Be aware of traffic movement in both directions while waiting at your stop.

-Never cross the street in front of a bus. Wait for the bus to drive away before crossing the street so that you have a clear view of the traffic in both directions.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that were we approximately 12,000 people injured in bus accidents in 2007. Nearly 40 people died from accidents during that same year. That means that 1,000 people were injured each month, more than 230 were injured each week and nearly 35 were injured each day on public buses in the United States. Many of these statistics don't even take the injuries sustained while waiting at bus stops into account.

Residents are urged to ride with caution and be careful while waiting for buses to arrive. Our roadways are a very busy place and awareness can be your best defense against a serious accident.

Continue reading "67-Year-Old Pedestrian Run Over by Car While Waiting for the Bus" »

Distracted driving car accidents in Vero Beach, Lake Worth and elsewhere took the lives of more than 5,400 people in 2009. Officials believe this number to be even higher because not all accident causes were properly reported to officers.

To help raise awareness about the dangers of these types of accidents, the National Safety Council (NSC) recently released a few short videos to address the risks and the consequences of such incidents. The “Understanding Distracted Driving” campaign features David Teater, the Director of Transportation Initiatives for the NSC, as he knows all too well the results of a distracted driving accident. Teater lost his 12-year-old son in an accident with a distracted driver back in 2004.

According to Ocala.com, more drivers are seeing prosecutors using text-messaging and cell phone records in court to help prove charges against drivers accused of causing a distracted driving car accident. Our car accident attorneys in Tamarac, Sunrise and Margate know that these types of accident cases are so common in the state of Florida because we are one of the last states to enact some sort of law to regulate distracting behavior by drivers. Without state laws, the safety of our roadways relies on the discipline of drivers. Hanging up you cell phone while driving can help to save lives.

The “Understanding Distracted Driving” videos consist of two short videos that discuss the answers to a few frequently asked questions regarding how distractions work against drivers, including how dangerous the behavior is and how employers can enforce a cell phone policy in the workplace to help keep everyone safe.

Teater continues to push for laws to regulate the distractions behind the wheel. He has previously spoken with several state legislatures and the U.S. Congress in an attempt to sway them into creating some sort of federal regulations on cell phone use by drivers.

With Florida being one of the last states to regulate this behavior, distracted driving car accidents are a big problem in the Sunshine State. In the event of a car accident, many local and state law enforcement officials look at phone records of the drivers involved in an attempt to see if cell phone distraction contributed to the collision. When a death is the result of an accident, charges against the blamed driver can be more severe. Motorists are urged to hang up the phone while driving to decrease the risks of experiencing a serious accident or to avoid a criminal conviction.

Sometimes a driver's use of a cell phone can be considered reckless driving and can turn into a felony charge in court.

“We can and will continue to look at phone records to deter this behavior,” said Florida Highway Patrol Capt. Mark Welch.

Continue reading "Officials Seeing Too Many Distracted Driving-Related Car Accidents in South Florida" »

According to the Sun Sentinel, Representative Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, has been a long-time advocate for safe driving habits. The wave of advocacy came after his teenage daughter was killed in a 1996 car accident. His daughter was reportedly not wearing a seat belt during the time of the accident.

There are a few simply steps that all motorists can take to help keep vehicle occupants safe in the event of a car accident in West Palm Beachor elsewhere in South Florida. Using a seat belt and properly restraining children in a car seat may be two of the most beneficial ways of prevent injury during a traffic collision. A recently released report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) highlights just how effective these preventative measures can be.

Our car accident attorneys in Delray Beach, Lantana and Fort Pierce understand that while seat belt usage is at an all-time high in the state of Florida, nearly 20 percent of motorists are still cruising along our roadways without wearing a seat belt. The IIHS reports there were nearly 33,000 people killed as a result of traffic accidents in 2009 in the U.S. The Institute also reports that nearly 13,000 adult motorists and another 3,500 child motorists under the age of 6 could have survived car accidents in 2009 if they were properly belted in.

Right now, there are more than 30 states that follow primary seat belt laws. This means that a vehicle can be pulled over by a police officer if all the occupant is doing wrong is not wearing a seat belt. States that enact primary seat belt laws typically have a higher average seat belt usage rate.

Law enforcement officers across the nation credit the 2011 "Click It or Ticket" campaign for the record-high average of seat belt usage. Without laws and high-visibility enforcement efforts, motorists would be less likely to buckle up.

According to the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles:

-All passengers that are riding in the front seat of a vehicle must wear a seat belt.

-All vehicle occupants under the age of 18 are required to wear a seat belt.

-All seat belt laws apply to vans, pickups and car that are driven on Florida roadways.

-Children under the age of 4 are required to be buckled in a federally approved child seat.

-Children that are 4- and 5-years-old are required to be buckled in a federally approved child restraint seat or seat belt.

Not wearing a seat belt and failing to properly restrain a child in your vehicle not only increases your risks of injury during a traffic accident, but it can result in a ticket. In Florida, you'll get a $30 ticket for your first violation for not wearing your seat belt. If you're busted with a child that is not properly restrained in your vehicle you could wind up with a $60 violation. You could even face child endangering charges.

As cars become more and more advanced with safety technology, it still remains true that seat belts are among the most effective ways to stay safe in the event of an accident. Let's all do our part to bring down the number of fatal traffic accidents in the state and buckle up when we venture out in our vehicles.

Continue reading "Seat Belts Still One of the Most Effective Ways to Prevent Injury in Riviera Beach Car Accidents" »

A fast-traveling pickup truck recently hit and killed a high school-aged bicyclist, according to The Daytona Beach News-Journal. After the accident, the teen was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center and was listed in critical condition, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). He later died from injuries sustained during the accident.

The accident happened on a road that posted a 55 mph speed limit for motorists. The road also had no shoulder or sidewalk available for bicyclists or pedestrians. It's merely a four-lane highway that's divided by a tree-lined grassy median.

Bicycle accidents in West Palm. Parkland and Wellington have once again landed Florida at the top of the list for most dangerous states for bicycles, according to Transportation For America.

Our bicycle accident lawyers in Royal Palm Beach and Pahokee understand that four metropolitan areas in the state of Florida were ranked as the most dangerous areas for bicyclists. We understand that our bicycle riders face so many dangers in our area because so much of the state has been constructed to accommodate the automobile and fast-moving traffic with little regard to on foot and two-wheeled travelers.

The teen bicycle accident is still being investigated. A FHP spokesman says that he was unable to confirm whether or not the teen's bicycle was equipped with a light. In the state of Florida, law requires riders to use lights on their bicycle when riding after dark. He was also reported to not be wearing a helmet, which is a law in Florida for all riders under the age of 16.

"It's sad that these deaths and accidents are happening right now. It's just
all about being aware of your surroundings, letting drivers know what you're doing. A lot
of motorists feel like we as cyclists are intruding on their territory, but state law says that
we're entitled to the road as well," said Christine Prokosch, president of the Sarasota Manatee Bicycle Club.

According to 2008 statistics, more than 17 percent of bicyclists who were killed in traffic-related accidents were killed on Florida roadways. Florida only carries about 6 percent of the country's population, according to USA Today.

Florida has been ranked in the top three for most dangerous states in the country for bicycle and pedestrian fatalities every year since 2001.

Factors contributing to fatal bicycle accidents in Florida:

-Population growth: Florida has nearly seven times as many people now than it did in 1950. The population has increased from less than 3 million to nearly 19 million.

-Tourists: In 2010, more than 80 million people make Florida their vacation spot.

-Weather: Since Florida has beautiful weather year round, more bicyclists and pedestrians can be found traveling outside taking advantage of our climate.

-Driver behavior: Drivers oftentimes disregard the presence of these travelers. Driver awareness may be one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of these accidents.

Continue reading "High School Student Hit and Killed in Florida Bicycling-Car Accident" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

A Fort Lauderdale car accident sent three people, including a Fort Lauderdale police officer, to the hospital recently.
The accident happened on a Tuesday morning just after 9:00 a.m. near the 100 block of North Andrews Avenue, according to The Palm Beach Post.

The police officer's patrol car received front-end damage from the collision with a Lincoln Navigator SUV. The SUV flipped on its side. The last vehicle involved in the accident was a Nissan Murano. An innocent bystander was injured in the accident as well. Police have charged the man in the Navigator for failing to yield to a police vehicle. The officer was reportedly responding to a domestic violence call at the time of the accident.

Our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys ask that everyone be extra cautious on our roadways during the summer months. Motorists should be on the lookout for law enforcement vehicles, emergency responders and construction crews. All of these vehicles travel to their own tune on our roadways and must be accommodated effectively to avoid an accident.

The driver of the Navigator was taken to Broward General Medical Center. The Fort Lauderdale police officer and the driver of the Murano were taken to Broward General.

The man driving the Navigator reportedly was also ticketed for driving with an expired tag and for having no proof of insurance, according to 7 News. The driver that Navigator had to be pulled from his SUV with the jaws of life.

"Once the front-end of the officer's vehicle struck the passenger side of the other vehicle, it caused it to roll over, which subsequently struck the front of another vehicle," said Fort Lauderdale Police Detective Travis Mandell.

Police have yet to determine whether the officer's lights were on. They're say they are still investigating.

According to the Sun Sentinel, more officers have been killed in car accidents in the past 14 years than from gunfire. It is estimated that approximately 20 South Florida officers have been killed in motor-vehicle accidents. In contrast, nine were shot to death.

"Cops are the world's worst to suffer from the 'invincibility syndrome,' " said Ron Kelley, a retired Osceola County sheriff's deputy who now contracts with police departments to provide training. "They get uniformed and a car with all the horsepower and because they have sworn to protect and serve, they go beyond their capacity."

An exact number for law enforcement accidents doesn't exist because agencies use varying criteria for defining law enforcement accidents.

"It's not the cop's emergency," said Kelley, "It's somebody else's emergency. You've got to get there safely."

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles offers you these tips to keep you safe near emergency response vehicles:

-When traveling on a two-lane roadway, you are required by law to slow down to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to 5 miles per hour.

-If you encounter one of these vehicles parked on an interstate or a roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, you must leave the lane closest to the stopped vehicle as soon as safely possible.

-If you're unable to switch to the appropriate lane, you MUST slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

-Failing to abide by these rules can result in a fine and points on your license.

Continue reading "Fort Lauderdale Car Accident with Police Cruiser Sends Three to Hospital" »

Florida is one of the few states left that has yet to enact a law to prohibit drivers from using a cell phone or text messaging behind the wheel, according to the Governor's Highway Safety Administration. Florida is lacking laws, lacking enforcement and lacking highway safety and it shows in the high rate of distracted driving related car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in the state.

A number of studies have proven that strict enforcement efforts of these types of laws drastically reduce the number of distracted driving accidents. According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Syracuse, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut, have both witnessed a drastic reduction in the number of these kinds of accidents after completing two pilot projects aimed at measuring the effect of increased law enforcement and high-profile public education campaigns.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that drivers in our state pretty much have free reign when it comes to involving themselves in distractions while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 5,500 deaths on our roadways because of traffic accidents that involved a distracted driver last year. Another 500,000 people were injured in these incidents. As technology advances, so will the number of these accidents. Distracted driving car accidents accounted for nearly 20 percent of all of the reported traffic accidents in 2009.

"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."

Both of these states were able to conduct these pilot programs through federal funds of $200,000 and $100,000. The states increased both their police enforcement efforts and their news and media coverage to spread the word. These states used the "Phone in One Hand, Ticket in the Other" campaign, which is a media campaign structured just like the national "Click It or Ticket" campaign.

"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."

Florida took a shot at a media campaign to curb cell phone use by drivers back in 2009 by joining the efforts of the National Safety Council's "Death By Cellphone" campaign. Through this campaign, billboards were placed in 67 markets across 37 states. These billboards displayed safe driving message and people who had been killed in cellphone-related accidents, according to HCP Live.

Florida has not engaged in a similar campaign since. If Florida doesn't enact a ban against cell phone use by drivers, our only hope may be to wait and hope for the Safe Driving Act of 2011 to pass, which is a proposed law that aims to make the banning of cell phone use a federal offense and no longer a responsibility of state government.

Continue reading "State Neglects to Campaign against Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Florida" »

Summer is a time to relax, a time to slow down and a time for vacation. But during the summer months, drivers in our state are at an increased risk for a car accident in West Palm Beach or elsewhere in Florida.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys ask that all drivers on our roadways pay extra attention to their surroundings on our roadways this summer. Enhanced driving habits can help to keep you and your loved ones safe during the busy summer traveling months.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were nearly 236,000 traffic accidents reported in our state in 2009. Nearly 2,600 people were killed in these accidents. Another 197,000 were injured. Nearly 500 pedestrians and 100 bicyclists were killed on our roadways as well. A hefty number of these fatalities occurred during the hot Florida summer months.

Reader's Digest offers these five important safety tips to remember when you're out driving this summer:

-Be on the lookout for wild animals: During the summer months you're at a greater risk of hitting an armadillo, an alligator, a panther or another wild animal. Make sure you're aware of your surroundings at all times.

“Drivers need to understand the type of area they are driving in and be aware of any signs or markings indicating the possibility of animal crossings,” says says Dan Bleier, a spokesperson for the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

You are urged to turn on your high beams and be extra cautious from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to midnight to reduce your chances of striking one of these animals.

-Be extra careful in the wet summer weather: Cars are likely to hydroplane on wet pavement. A number of accidents are caused simply because a driver neglects to adjust their driving behavior to accommodate the current weather condition.

A little extra caution is bound to slow your trip down, “but being involved in a crash could end your trip entirely – or worse,” says Bleier.

Always use your headlights when visibility is poor, make sure you keep the interior of your windows and windshield clean and make sure that all of your lights and turn signals are working properly before venturing out.

-Make sure you're well rested before jumping behind the wheel. According to the AAA Foundation, two out of every five drivers report that they have fallen asleep while driving at least once before. One out of 10 drivers admits that they've fallen asleep at the wheel within the past year.

“About one in six fatal crashes involves a drowsy driver,” says Belier.

If you're feeling sleepy, switch with a passenger. If you're driving alone, pull over in a safe place and take a nap. You should never drive on less than 6 hours of sleep. Make sure that you take a break every 100 miles or every 2 hours.

-Keep an eye out for two-wheeled travelers: motorcyclists and bicyclists. Because they're smaller than a passenger vehicle, they're often times overlooked and ignored in traffic. They can be harder to spot in your mirror.

“Drivers should leave extra stopping space between themselves and riders because they (riders) have far less protection than those inside of other vehicles,” Bleier says.

-Abide by the speed limit. Speeding may get your to your destination sooner, but it endangers you and other motorists on the roadway. As a matter of fact, speeding is one of the leading contributors to traffic accidents, regardless what time of year it is.

“Drivers are focused on getting to their destination quickly, rather than getting to their destination safely,” says Bleier.

Summer is a time for everyone to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather. It's no time to be dealing with a car accident or resulting injuries. Please travel safely during the next few months and do your part to help keep residents and tourists safe in the state of Florida.

Continue reading "Summer Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale Expected to See Steep Increase" »

A recent bus accident in Margate has passengers mindful to select an accredited charter company before your travel in order to reduce the risk of injury or else you will need to get an experienced Fort Lauderdale bus accident attorney to help you sort through the negligent behavior provided by the driver and tour bus company.

The Sun Sentinel reported the accident that involved an empty fuel tanker that smashed into the back of a Broward transit bus. Both vehicles were traveling on the northbound lanes of State Road 7 near Margate Boulevard when the crash occurred. There were a total of 25 passengers injured. One passenger sustaining severe injuries was sent to North Broward Medical Center, three passengers were treated and released at the scene and the other 21 were transported to various area hospitals. The crash is still under investigation as no apparent cause has been determined yet.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued several gag orders recently to bus companies that have been caught red-handed for unacceptable safety violations. The Mr. Ho Charter Service of Pennsylvania was shut down by FMCSA for several drug and alcohol testing violations and for not complying with the federal hours-of-service standards required of the drivers. The order was issued following a fatal accident on Pennsylvania Turnpike which killed one and injured 25 others aboard the charter bus.

A Georgia bus company, H&W Tour, Inc. was ordered to get off the road within hours of FMCSA discovering violations so flagrant and with complete disregard for its passengers' safety. Numerous violations were accrued after a complete investigation was completed by FMCSA investigators.

"Illegal and unscrupulous bus companies are a serious threat to innocent travelers," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The full force of the federal government will be brought to bear on those who willfully place bus passengers and others who share the road in needless peril."

United Tours, Inc. and Sky Express Inc., charter companies based in North Carolina, were both ordered out-of-service by FMCSA for Imminent Hazard to the Public and Unsatisfactory Safety Rating for multiple violations, respectively.

FMCSA is asking for consumers feedback on the 2011-2016 Strategic Plan: Raising the Safety Bar. The devised plan proposes to:

-Raise the level at which motor carrier companies are accepted in to the industry.
-Expect high safety standards to be maintained by all members of the industry.
-Eliminate the risk of injury to passengers by placing high risk carriers, drivers and service providers out-of-service when violations are made.

"At the Department of Transportation, safety is our number one priority," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This strategic plan represents a fresh and bold new view on issues critical to bus and truck safety, and I encourage Americans across the country to provide feedback and help shape the final plan."

To submit a comment about the strategic plan on FMCSA's website, click IdeaScale Community to post.

Continue reading "Margate Bus Accident a Reminder to Tour with Reliable Companies to Reduce the Risk of Injuries" »

Individuals and organizations are encouraged to submit a nomination to the National Safety Council for this year's Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award.

Our Margate personal injury lawyers agree that recognizing exemplary role models that promote teen safety is a show of good faith in reducing teen car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere throughout the country.

The NSC Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award is sponsored by General Motors and was established to recognize individuals or organizations who have stepped up and made contributions towards reducing the number of teen crashes, injuries and deaths. Nominees should be submitted for the following efforts:

-Showing of support to reduce crashes involving teen drivers.
-Have promoted or coordinated safety methods that are geared towards adopting safer driving practices.
-Taken proven safety methods to legislation to help enact.
-Advocate to the public to gain understanding of the dangers of inexperienced drivers and ways to prevent young driver crashes.
-Have a longstanding commitment to improving teen driving safety.

"General Motors has a longstanding affiliation with NSC and the Teen Driving Program," said Mike Robinson, vice president, GM Environment, Energy and Safety Policy. "Driver behavior plays a critical role in safety, particularly for new, inexperienced drivers. We are pleased to support this recognition program and the awareness it gives to developing and maintaining safe driver habits."

The 2010 Teen Driving Safety Leadership Award Winners include:

-American Family Insurance which created and provides a video feedback program to families insured by the company. The video allows parents to watch their teens driving behavior through a DriveCam system. Scientists at the University of Iowa validated that a 70 percent reduction in bad driving behaviors has occurred from the program.

-Harry D. Jacobs High School initiated several community and school projects that brought about awareness to junior high and high school students about the dangers of teen driving, including seat belt use. Since implementing, seat belt use in the community has gone from 70 to 97 percent over a three year period.

-National Organizations for Youth Safety is commended for reaching out to more than 6,000 schools and over 220,000 students through a web-based educational tool that can be used by both teens and their parents. The organization also advocates for Graduated Driver Licensing GDL) Laws and supports teen safety groups on discussions with their peers about underage drinking and distracted driving.

-Teens in the Driver Seat is a program developed by the Texas Transportation Institute. The TDS program reaches out to students throughout Texas and encourages teens to talk to teens about driving safety, changing behaviors and taking fewer risks while behind the wheel. TDS also played a role in improving the GDL laws enacted in 2009.

Nominations will be accepted for the 2011 Award until August 5, 2011. Once chosen, three winners will receive national recognition for their efforts. For more information, or if you want to nominate an individual or group, visit nsc.org/teenaward and click on the 'Safety Leadership Award, Submit a Nomination Today' icon located on the right side of the web page.

Each day, crashes involving teen drivers take the lives of roughly 15 people. Getting involved and nominating someone for their efforts can go a long way in helping to reduce teen driving accidents.

Continue reading "Leadership Awards Recognize Efforts Made to Reduce Teen Car Accidents in Margate" »

Recently the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) announced that the 2011 Saab 9-5, the 2011 Saab 9-4x and the 2011-12 Volkswagen CC all earned the top safety pick award.

Our Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers know that driving a safe vehicle will reduce the risk of serious injuries from car accidents in Miami and elsewhere in South Florida.

The 9-4X received high marks from IIHS for side, front and rollover evaluations. Seats/head restraints performed well in a separate rear impact test giving the 9-4x a good rating for safety in rear-end crashes. The Saab 9-5 and the Volkswagen CC scored excellent marks in roof strength when tested for rollover protection. As with the Saab 9-4x they also did well in their evaluations for rear, front and crash protection.

In order for a vehicle to earn the 'Top Safety Pick' award they must rate a 'Good' in four categories: frontal offset test, side impact test, roof strength test and rear crash protection/head restraint test

"To achieve two Top Safety Picks in three weeks is, of course, extremely gratifying," says Per Lenhoff, Head of Safety Development at Saab Automobile. "Our main priority is always the protection of real people in real accidents, but the IIHS tests are a valuable guide for consumers and it is important for us to achieve good results."

According to an article in the Chicago Sun-Times, if you are thinking about getting your teen a car, a mid-size sedan is the best choice, says Anne McCartt, senior vice president for research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other features should include a four-cylinder engine, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and front-wheel-drive. The vehicle's interior should have simple controls in easy reach of the driver and a hands-free calling system.

David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ auto test division recommends these vehicles for teens, all of which are 2011 top safety pick by the IIHS and under $20,000:

-VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
The 2011 Jetta has a crash response system that unlocks the doors, cuts the gas flow and switches on the hazard lights when it senses an accident. Even though it is an IIHS top safety pick due to lower scores in frontal impact and rollover tests it did not earn the highest five-star rating from the government.

-KIA OPTIMA
The 2011 Optima has two sets of side air bags: to cover the windows one comes down from the ceiling and to protect the lower body one comes out of the front seats. Bluetooth technology enables drivers to make hands-free phone calls.

-HYUNDAI SONATA
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has traction control for assistance on slick roadway surfaces and a brake assist system that applies the brakes if it senses an emergency braking situation.

Continue reading "Safe Cars Help Reduce the Risk of Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents" »

A young Fort Lauderdale man sustained skull fractures, frontal lobe brain damage and facial fractures as a result of a Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accident and was recently awarded $15 million by a jury of his peers.

The man was a sober passenger in his friend's vehicle. It was the impact from drunk driver's vehicle that rear-ended their stopped vehicle that caused the injuries. The 22-year-old man was the back-seat passenger of a car that was rear-ended by a speeding car as it was stopped for a raised drawbridge.

The careless driver was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time accident. Investigators revealed that the driver had a .21 blood alcohol content level, according to DigitalJournal.com. The legal limit in Florida is .08

Our West Palm Beach drunk driving accident attorneys understand that many innocent motorists are injured every year because of the irresponsible and dangerous driving habits of intoxicated drivers. The innocent Fort Lauderdale passenger had corrective surgery to repair the fractures. He spent weeks in intensive care. Once he was released from the hospital, he developed a seizure disorder that cannot be controlled by medication. These seizures have altered his life in nearly every way.

Brain experts concluded that this degree of brain damage, and the location of the damage in the frontal lobe, negatively affects his decision-making processes and affects his short-term memory.

During trial, the jury found that the accident victim would no longer be able to work and awarded him with $2.7 million for past and future lost wages. He was also awarded $6.7 million for past and future medical care and another $6 million for past and future pain and suffering.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is now targeting these careless drivers in an attempt to stop them from hurting any more innocent motorists. For this reason, alcohol-impaired drivers have been placed on their "most wanted" list. This is a list that increase awareness of, and support for, action to for government to adopt safety steps that can help prevent these types of deadly accidents.

The Administration estimates that someone is killed in a drunk driving accident every 48 minutes. Nearly 11,000 people were killed in these accidents in 2009 alone. Accidents that involve an intoxicated driver have not decreased in the last 10 years.

The NTSB suggests that states follow these tips to help put a stop to drunk drivers:

-Conduct frequent sobriety checkpoints.

-Enforce administrative license revocation for those who fail or refuse to take a sobriety test.

-Limit plea bargaining and diversion programs. Keep sentences strong and strict.

-Expand jail alternatives to include dedicated jail/treatment facilities, home detention with electronic monitoring and intensive supervision probation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 1,000 people were killed in Florida in 2009 because of car accidents that involved an intoxicated driver. A number of these deaths could have been prevented with more stringent enforcement efforts and more severe punishments.

Continue reading "Victim Awarded More than $15 Million after Fort Lauderdale Drunk Driving Accident" »

A 73-year-old woman was run over by a 19-year-old driver in a Fort Lauderdale teen car accident. The woman was walking through her neighborhood around 6:30 a.m. when the young motorist struck her, according to New Times BPB.

Officers report that the teen had been drinking. After the accident, he left the woman's body lying in the street and parked his car at his house down the road. His mother called the Sheriff's Office after discovering her son's bloody car with a shattered windshield and dented hood. The boy was later taken into custody and charged with the woman's death. He's facing charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving death and DUI manslaughter, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

After hearing stories like this, about teen drivers endangering Florida residents, it's no surprise that these young, inexperienced drivers have been placed on the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) "most wanted" list. Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers encourage parents to get involved with their teen's driving. It is important to teach them safe and cautious driving habits while monitoring their driving abilities. With education and enforcement from parents, driving organizations and government, we can help to properly trains our newly licensed drivers and make our roadways a little bit safer.

The NTSB recommends that state government enforce some sort of graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. This is a driving program that allows young, novice drivers to learn and practice skills a little bit at a time before earning full driving privileges.

Back in 1996, the state of Florida established the Graduated Licensing System. The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles requires that young drivers demonstrate responsible driving habits and behaviors in each stage of licensing before they're able to advance to the next.

In Florida, teens have to drive under the following restrictions as they venture towards obtaining a full driver's license:

-15-years-old: A teen is allowed to get their learner's permit. Under this license, a teen must always have a licensed driver 21years of age or older in the passenger seat. During the first three months of this stage, driving is limited to daylight hours only. After three months, the driving hours are extended 10:00 p.m.

-16-years-old: Drivers can drive without a licensed driver over the age of 21 in the passenger seat. They are only allowed to drive alone between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. If they are to drive outside of these allotted hours, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver at least 21-years-old in the passenger seat, or be traveling to or from work.

-17-years-old: Teens can now drive between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. Again, they must be accompanied by a licensed driver that is at least 21-years-old if they wish to drive outside of these hours, or be traveling to or from work.

-18-years-old: A teen is now eligible to be fully licensed. They are allowed to drive during any hour of the day without a licensed passenger requirement.

According to a study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, states with a strong teen driver safety program typically sees 40 percent lower rates of injury accident involvement among 16-year-old drivers. Still, Florida saw nearly 400 teen driver deaths in 2009 alone. Parents are urged to get involved and be active in their teen's driving experience to help reduce these fatality numbers.

Continue reading "73-Year-Old Woman Killed in Fort Lauderdale Teen Car Accident" »

The National Transportation Safety Board is hoping that operators of trains, boats and automobiles will become more vigilant about not texting, talking, or surfing on their cell phones, according to a recent article in The Boston Globe.

Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys know that cell phones are deadly distractions and lead to a high rate of distracted driving accidents in Miami, no matter what method of transportation is being utilized.

"Many people continue to think it's just going to take a moment (to call or text)," NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman said. "How do we change that mindset? Not just the NTSB, but all of us?"

The NTSB recently met in the nation's capital to discuss last year's fatal crash in a busy Philadelphia shipping channel. A tour boat carrying several passengers was having some engine problems and was hit by a tug boat pushing a 250-foot barge.

The collision sent 37 people into the water, which resulted in two student fatalities and several other injuries. A family emergency had distracted the tug boat operator, who had moved to the lower wheelhouse for privacy, for the final 9 minutes right before the crash. Investigators found that the tug boat pilot had made several phone calls and had surfed the internet which are both against company policy.

"Distraction is becoming the new DUI," NTSB member Robert Sumwalt said. "This is going to reach epidemic proportions. It takes a generation or two to change it, but change is needed," Sumwalt said.

The NTSB is in the midst of another full blown investigation involving a semi-tractor trailer that recently collided with an Amtrak train that was headed from Chicago to Emeryville, CA. According to CNN, the truck driver was allegedly on his cell phone and investigators hope to determine whether that was the cause of the collision in Nevada that killed 6 people and injured several passengers aboard the Amtrak train. The records for both the trucking company and the driver are somewhat soiled with 19 recorded safety violations and several traffic violations respectively.

As a result, the Governors Highway Safety Association reported recently that Nevada has enacted a ban on texting and driving in their state and violators will be fined starting January 1, 2012.

It has been a slow process to get state legislatures on board with a texting ban. Washington State was the first to ban texting while driving back in May 2007, and the recent tragedy has proclaimed Nevada the 34th state to take action prohibiting the behavior. Florida remains one of a handful of states that doesn't ban cell phone use or texting while driving.

Continue reading "Cell Phone Distractions Lead to High Risk of Boat, Car and Train Accidents in Miami" »

Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers frequently report about the importance of defensive driving, and how it can save lives on Florida roadways.

These days, with the number of motorists operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or while otherwise distracted, being a defensive driver is the only way to minimize the risks of being involved in a Fort Lauderdale car accident.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the chances of someone being impaired driving next to you are pretty good. Two institutions teamed up with researchers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a first ever study on driver sobriety collecting data from the 2007 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers.

The Study:

Drivers were stopped at 300 locations in 48 states during four different occasions on Friday and Saturday nights. There were 60 locations that drivers were stopped by authorities during the day. Samples were taken from the drivers -- 3,276 were blood samples and 7,719 were saliva samples. Researchers were able to take the samples and test them to determine if the presence of any number of 75 different drugs were present in the system at the time the driver was stopped.

The Results:
-11 percent of daytime drivers tested positive for drug use based on saliva tests.
-6 percent of drivers tested during the daytime had positive signs of illegal substances.
-Nighttime drivers were found positive for drug use 14.4 percent of the time.
-10 percent of nighttime drivers had illegal drugs found in their system.
-Alcohol was the top drug of choice with marijuana coming in as the second most popular drug used by abusers.
-States that allow medical marijuana had even higher rates of the drug tested in their system while operating a vehicle.

You may think these numbers seem minimal, but when you consider the millions of licensed drivers in the Unites States and such a small sample of drivers, the numbers don't appear to be all that miniscule.

It is no secret that drugs and alcohol can impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle. Not only can they alter your reaction time, but consumption of drugs and alcohol can lead to aggressive behaviors, road rage, and even drowsiness.

The Center for Addiction and Mental Health reports that alcohol and other depressant drugs like sedatives and painkillers affect normal function of the brain which can alter vision, motor skills, alertness and coordination which are all skills needed to drive safely and make good driving decisions. Stimulant drugs, like cocaine, caffeine or amphetamines can have a converse affect and make you drowsy.

Many times, the stimulant effect can wear off suddenly causing the body to crash which is also unsafe when a driver is behind the wheel. There is no quick fix to sober up after a night of partying. The best way to get home safely and not risk injuring or killing another motorist is to abstain from using or to appoint a designated driver.

Continue reading "Stimulants and Depressants Can Lead to Increased Number of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale" »

Many will travel this upcoming holiday weekend and West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyers wish you and your family safe travels wherever you may be going.

Steering clear of car accidents in Palm Beach County will help you enjoy the Independence Day holiday weekend. We have seen how accidents on our roads and highways can be devastating, so keep your family safe this holiday weekend.

AAA estimates that nearly 39 million drivers will travel more than 50 miles from their homes during the weekend, which is down slightly from 2010, when about 40 million drivers took to the roads. The group estimates that about 84 percent of those people will be driving to a vacation spot. About a $1 increase in gas prices from last year this time is to blame for the estimated decrease in drivers. AAA believes about 3 million people will be flying this holiday weekend, a rise from a year ago.

But despite the estimated drop in travelers driving, 39 million people is a huge number. That means the risk for accidents is still very high. With clogged South Florida roads, drivers must avoid the pitfalls that can lead to fender-benders and more serious wrecks that cause injuries and even death.

But if you do end up in an accident, insist police file a report on the incident. Try to document the accident or the injury itself. Your memory of what happened will be stronger closer in time to the incident. Take photos and get contact information for witnesses and speak with no one about the accident without first talking with West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyers.

Common Fourth of July vehicle accident causes:

Drunk driving accidents: With so many additional people driving, the possibility of drunk driving accidents will be at a high level. The Florida Highway Patrol made 100 DUI arrests during the Fourth of July holiday weekend in 2010. And that doesn't include local law enforcement. Despite increased criminal penalties, people still choose to drink and drive, so keep your family safe.

Distracted driving accidents: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes more than 450,000 injuries each year on distracted driving. Talking on a cell phone, messing with the radio dial, applying makeup and talking with others in the vehicle all can be dangerous.

South Florida teen car accidents: School is out, the weather is warm and teens want to get in the car, pick up their friends and head to the beach or the mall. While this is a rite of passage we all have made, it still terrifies us to let our kids go out on the road. Nationwide in 2009, more than 33,000 teens died in car accidents. Make sure your teen is well prepared to take on the challenges of South Florida driving.

Continue reading "Be Safe This Fourth of July Holiday Weekend on Palm Beach County Roads" »

We posted recently on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog that teen drivers have the spotlight during Teen Safe Driving Week as part of National Safety Month because they have the greatest risk of any age group to be involved in a car accident in Miami, Margate or West Palm Beach.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers recommend that parents with teens preparing to drive check out the new state specific AAA Guide to Teen Driver Safety. This online tool offers plenty of helpful information to both Florida teens and their parents in the learning-to-drive process from what to do before they start driving to the time they start driving on their own.

A quick overview of the site:

-Your teen should understand the risks involved with driving before they get behind the wheel. Teens represent 7 percent of the licensed population but are involved in 20 percent of all fatal crashes. The risks of a teen crash increases with other teens riding in the car, especially at night. Teens should also learn about the licensing process. For instance, what is needed, what is required and at what age they can acquire a learner's license, intermediate license, and full license. Insurance is another important part of teens beginning to drive because there is such a high risk for an accident. Getting the right coverage at a price that is affordable is a challenge, but there are cost-saving strategies that can be utilized. Remember, all Florida drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage coverage for auto insurance.

-An important part of the learning process is driving with supervision. Supervise your teen while they practice in low-risk conditions, and as they gain confidence, present more difficult situations for them to handle. Parents also need to determine whether a teen needs their own vehicle at this stage. Vehicle type, safety features, affordability, reliability and familiarity are all things to be considered when shopping for a vehicle for your teen driver. Learning to drive takes a commitment from both the parent and teen driver, so be prepared and be patient throughout the process.

-Driving alone is the final step of the learning process. Make sure your teen is aware of the dangers of speeding, driving under the influence, driving with peers in the car, distracted driving and driving in poor weather conditions before they branch out on their own. Parents should reiterate to their teens that driving is a privilege, and with the freedom comes responsibility. Before your teen begins driving solo, you should establish a Start Smart Parent Teen Driving Agreement.

To access Florida licensing and state laws, click here to view.

For a free driving lesson, visit the Keys 2 Drive website.

Continue reading "Parental Involvement is Key in Reducing Teen Car Accidents in Miami" »

Driver inattention is a common cause of Fort Lauderdale distracted driving accidents, and yet Florida lawmakers still haven't passed a law banning texting while driving in our state, according to a recent article on Ocala.com.

Florida is one of 17 remaining states that still do not address the issue of texting while driving. Palm Beach car accident lawyers know that banning this behavior could save thousands of lives each year, but motorists continue to be victims of bad decisions made by other drivers.

The National Safety Council has deemed such behavior important enough to dedicate an entire week of National Safety Month to 'On the Road, Off the Phone' to raise awareness of the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.

Almost 30 percent of all traffic crashes -- over 1.5 million a year -- are caused by motorists who are either texting or talking on their cell phone while driving. Everyone thought hands-free devices were the answer to reducing the risk of accidents, but it turns out that isn't the case.

Stay Alive Just Drive reports that brain activity associated with driving can be reduced by almost 40 percent when drivers are talking on a cell phone. The odds for an accident are high if only 60 percent of your brain is focused on the skills needed to drive, such as reaction, vision, alertness and motor skills. It is reported that distractions in a car typically last three seconds. A car traveling at 45 mph can go the distance of half a football field in three seconds.

The NSC offers the following daily tips for 'One the Road, Off the Phone' week:

-June 27: Pull over to the side of the road or pull into a parking lot if you need to answer or make a call while driving.

-June 28: Tell your friends and family about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.

-June 29: Change your voicemail to relay that you are currently driving but will return the missed call when you arrive safely at your destination.

-June 30: Refrain from using any wireless communication device while behind the wheel. Hands-free devices are proving to be no safer than holding a phone while talking.

The liability of distracted driving accidents falls at the hands of the driver who made a poor choice. Injured drivers should plan to take legal action by contacting an experienced car accident attorney to help get you the compensation you deserve.

Continue reading "Driver Inattention Can Cause Serious Injuries in Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents" »

Teens met at the nation's capital recently to discuss safe driving habits during the summer and the dangers of driving among large trucks, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Those teens now understand that when they hit the road this summer, so do a number of large trucks, increasing the risks of a deadly car accident in Palm Beach and elsewhere.

During the meeting in Washington D.C., teens pledged to make this summer a little safer for all motorists. Large trucks pose a number of threats to teen drivers as they have extremely large blind spots and provide more fatal risks when involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. The teen drivers pledged to put down their cell phone while driving and to practice extra caution around these big rigs.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that our teen drivers face a higher risk for a motor-vehicle accident than those in any other age group. Lack of driving experience is one of the main contributors, followed by distracted driving and drunk driving. Parents are urged to join the awareness campaign and to discuss the dangers of irresponsible driving habits with their young driver.

"Prom, graduation, and summer are fantastic times for youth to celebrate and enjoy. However, with these fun times come unfortunate tragedies,” said Sandy Spavone, president of the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS). “Through education, enforcement, and legislation lives can be saved and injuries prevented."

Officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Organizations for Youth Safety and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance attended this gathering and spoke to students in the area about the importance of driving safely around large trucks. They warned these drivers that a fully loaded tractor trailer needs about twice the distance to stop that a passenger vehicle needs. They also talked to students about large blind spots and urged drivers to keep out of these "No Zones."

“We want everyone to be safe, but as newer drivers, teens must adhere to a few simple rules,” said Anne Ferro, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. “They are: buckle up, don’t drink and drive; don’t speed, don’t text or use your phone, and steer clear of a truck’s blind spots.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the deadliest days of the year for teens are from May to August. During these four summer months, it is estimated that nearly twice as many teens die on our roadways every day as compared with the rest of the year. This equals an average of roughly 16 deaths per day. The rest of the year averages about nine deaths each day.

Motorists ages 16 to 24 have the highest traffic accident death rate in the United States. From 2005 to 2009, about 4,000 individuals of this age group were killed in motor-vehicle accidents involving large trucks.

“Do not expect that having a driver's license is a right that comes without responsibility or risk,” said Steve Keppler, executive director of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. “Be accountable for your actions, spread the word to your friends and parents, and help create a culture of safety. Most importantly, take the driving task seriously. You never know the impact you can have that ultimately could save your life or someone else's."

In 2009, Florida had nearly 400 deaths as a result of motor-vehicle accidents involving a teen driver. With awareness, education and experience, we can help keep our teens safe on our roadways this summer and throughout the year.

Continue reading "Advocates Warn Teens of Large Truck Accidents in West Palm and Elsewhere" »

As part of National Safety Month, the National Safety Council (NSC) designates an entire week to raise awareness about teen car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere.

We are now celebrating this Safe Teen Driving Week.

Every day, there are nearly 20 accidents involving drivers between the ages of 15 and 20. It is estimated that two out of every three people killed in an accident involving a teen driver is someone other than the teen driver. This includes the passengers in the teen's vehicle, occupants of other vehicles, motorcyclist and pedestrians. Still, car accidents are the leading cause of death for this age group.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that teen drivers face more risks on our roadways than older, more experienced drivers. Our teens face an even greater danger during the summer months. With school out and summer vacation plans in effect, teens will be hitting our roadways in full force. Typically, we see more deaths of teens in motor-vehicle accidents during during these upcoming months.

In 2008, there were more than 208 million licensed drivers in the United States. Drivers ages 16 to 19 made up nearly 6.5 percent -- 13.3 million -- of the total. The number of teen drivers increased more than 5 percent from 1999.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 2,500 teen drivers were killed in motor-vehicle accidents in the United States. Another 196,000 of these drivers were injured in accidents.

In 2009, more than 30 percent of young drivers killed in motor-vehicle accidents reportedly had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.

Throughout 2009, almost 400 people in Florida died as a result of motor-vehicle accidents involving a teen driver.

In an effort to help better prepare our teens for the roadway, the NSC is promoting Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems. This system breaks down the learning process for a teen driver into three steps. First is a learner's permit. This allows a teen to drive only when they're supervised by a fully licensed driver. The second level is an intermediate, or provisional, license. This license would allow unsupervised driving under specific restrictions, including nighttime, and a limit on the number of passengers. The third and final step is a full license.

Parents are also encouraged to get their teen enrolled in a driver education program. These courses play a vital role in preparing a teen for the dangers of the roadway. However, it should not be seen as the end of the learning process. In an attempt to develop safe driving skills in our young drivers, we should provide them with opportunities to improve through gradual exposure to increasingly challenging driving tasks. We hope that our teens will become safer drivers as they gain more and more driving experience.

Some states require that teens complete a driver education before they receive full driving privileges. Many safety advocates disagree with this approach. Research concludes that a significant number of hours of driving experience is the best way to reduce crash risks. Advocated believe that parent involvement and GDL play critical roles in developing skills.

Parents play a large role in the safety of their teen on our roadways. Be sure to speak with your young driver about the dangers of irresponsible driving and the possible consequences that could result. Everyone is urged to join Teen Safe Driving Week to help keep our teens safe on the road.

An instructional guide, Teen Driver: A Family Guide to Teen Driver Safety, helps parents manage their teen’s journey from beginner to fully licensed driver. The guide also provides a written parent/teen driving agreement to help define driving restrictions, rules and consequences.

Continue reading "Teen Safe Driving Week Aims to Reduce Fatal Teen Car Crashes in Fort Lauderdale and Elsewhere" »

School drop-off areas are becoming increasingly dangerous because of distracted parents on cell phones, reports the Sun-Sentinel . Florida lawmakers have been dragging their feet to enact legislation on distracted driving.

Our Palm Beach injury lawyers and Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys find it appalling that Florida lawmakers don't put a ban on cell phone use in school zones and elsewhere.

For the past three years, a state senator from Miami has introduced legislation banning drivers from using cell phones in school zones. The bills have never passed. This year, it died in the transportation committee. With a growing number of accidents caused by distracted drivers, school districts have taken matters into their own hands. Broward County has placed warning signs in the district to not talk on cell phones and just recently added no texting while driving in school zones. Palm Beach County has no policy on cell phone use in car loops, but signs are posted at some schools warning drivers not to use cell phones in the drop-off/pick-up area.

It is a growing concern that has gotten the attention of the Palm Beach County Safe Routes to Schools Coalition. This is a group that focuses on student safety when it comes to them walking and biking to school. In Boca Raton, Addison Mizner Elementary School has had signs up for many years. The school's principal reports that most parents obey the signs. Hagen Road Elementary just west of Boynton Beach puts reminders in the school's news letter not to use cell phones.

According to Distraction.gov, 32 states ban texting while driving (12 states enacted their laws last year) and eight states prohibit the use of handheld cell phones by all drivers.

Florida lawmakers don't seem to care that nearly 5,500 people were killed and almost 450,000 were injured due to distracted driving in 2009. Or maybe they don't know that using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk. Or that drivers on a cell phone are four times more likely to crash. The best they have come up with is a bill sitting on the governor's desk requiring driver's education teachers to warn students on the dangers of texting and driving.

Avoid the following activities to prevent a distracted driving crash:

-Talking or texting on a cell phone.

-Eating, drinking or grooming.

-Talking to other passengers.

-Reading maps or using a PDA.

-Watching a video or changing the radio station.

Continue reading "Cell Phones a Common Cause of Car Accidents at School Drop-Off Areas in Palm Beach, Elsewhere " »

A recent fatal teen car accident in Collier County is a tragic reminder of what a dangerous time it is for our young drivers on Florida roadways.

As teens get ready for graduation, our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys want to remind young drivers to use caution on roadways as you celebrate the ending of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

Wink News Now reported that a teen from Immokalee attempted to pass another vehicle on Westclox Street when he nipped the left rear-bumper of the other vehicle. The impact caused the teen's car to spin out of control before crashing into a mobile home. The other vehicle also overturned and ejected the two passengers from the car.

The Miami Herald reports that the two teens killed in the collision were less than a week from graduating from high school. The teen driver of the first vehicle and a teen passenger in the second vehicle were both killed. The driver of the second vehicle was taken to the hospital with severe injuries.

We posted last month on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog that May was National Youth Traffic Safety Month - a reminder that teens should strive to be safe drivers every time they get behind the wheel. The months of May, June, July and August are proven the deadliest for teens ages 15 to 19. Proms, graduation, and summer activities bring more teens out onto the roads, leading to a higher rate of teen deaths and severe injuries caused by motor vehicle crashes.

Emotions can run high for young drivers dealing with personal issues, which can lead to acts of road rage. Naples Daily News reports the two teens killed in the crash had been dating and recently broke up at a party.

Young drivers are reminded of the following summer safety tips presented by the National Safety Council as part of National Safety Month in June:

-When attending graduation or summer parties, a zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol should be in place. Never get behind the wheel under the influence or get in the car with a driver who has been drinking.

-Eliminate cell-phone distractions by turning your phone off when you get behind the wheel.

-Drivers under the age of 18 should not ride with other teens in their vehicle.

-Wear your sea tbelt to avoid a ticket or fatal injury in a motor vehicle accident.

-Refrain from driving after 10 p.m. by either staying over or having a parent pick you up.

Continue reading "Fatal South Florida Teen Car Accident a Tragic Reminder of Summer Danger" »

Everyone looks forward to Memorial Day because it is the first of the three-day holiday weekends for the summer. Many Floridians like to kick off the event with a barbecue or friendly gathering. West Palm Beach car accident attorneys agree that long weekends are enjoyable as long as everyone drives responsibly in the midst of congested traffic and parties serving alcohol.

The National Safety Council is urging motorists nationwide to buckle up for safety this Memorial Day weekend in order to avoid a tragic car accident in Fort Lauderdale, Miami or elsewhere in the state.

Due to the high volume of traffic on roadways, Memorial Day is one of the most dangerous holiday weekends of the year. In 2009, there were 462 fatalities nationwide during Memorial Day Holiday Period which begins Friday at 6 p.m. through Monday at 11:59 p.m. This Memorial Day weekend, the NSC is estimating 39,400 medically treated injuries and 406 traffic fatalities from car accidents during the Memorial Day Holiday Period. Previous years have shown an average of 12.2% more traffic fatalities during Memorial Day weekend in comparison to a similar non-holiday weekend.

In 2009, Florida ranked near the top among states for car crashes throughout the year, reporting 20 fatal crashes on Memorial Day alone. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 56 people lost their lives in Florida on Memorial Day 2009. Memorial Day accounted for almost 12 percent of the total fatalities for the month of May in Florida.

The NHTSA will run its annual Click It or Ticket campaign from May 23 to June 5, 2011. During this time, state law enforcement officers in Florida and nationwide will have a zero tolerance for seat belt laws which means anyone without a belt strapped over them will be pulled over and ticketed on the spot.

Keep yourself safe this Memorial Day weekend by using the following safety tips from NSC:

-Don't put the car in drive until you check that everyone has their seat belts fastened. Children should always be placed in an age-appropriate child restraint seat.

-Moderate alcohol consumption reduces your reaction time and affects your ability to drive, so designate a driver if you intend to drink alcohol at a picnic or barbecue.

-Tired drivers make for dangerous driving situations, so if you feel drowsy, call someone to pick you up.

-Traffic will be heavy throughout the weekend, so plan to leave early to avoid being late.

-Exercise caution and defensive driving skills during stormy weather. Postpone your plans to avoid driving in heavy rain.

Continue reading "Holiday Weekends a Dangerous Time for Motorists Involved in West Palm Beach Car Accidents" »

The cost of work loss and medical expenses is $41 billion for crash-related deaths nationally, according to a recently released study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cost amounts were calculated on 2005 data, which is the most recent and accurate available on crash-related death costs.

Our Palm Beach injury attorneys know that the United Nations has proclaimed 2011 to 2020 the Decade of Action for Road Safety. Protecting lives on the world's roadways is the goal in this 10-year quest.

The CDC released the study to go along with the Decade of Action for Road Safety campaign. The study found that half of the cost ($20.4 billion) was incurred in these 10 states: California ($4.16 billion), Texas ($3.50 billion), Florida ($3.16 billion), Georgia ($1.55 billion), Pennsylvania ($1.52 billion), North Carolina ($1.50 billion), New York ($1.33 billion), Illinois ($1.32 billion), Ohio ($1.23 billion) and Tennessee ($1.15 billion).

"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."

Regarding children, the study revealed the cost related to crash deaths from birth to 19 years old was roughly $856 million. Nevada (17 percent, $66 million) had the lowest percentage of crash-related death cost and Vermont (34 percent, $25 million) had the highest.

"It's tragic to hear that anyone dies on our nation's roads. But it's especially so when the person who loses his or her life is a child or teenager," said Linda Degutis, Dr. P.H., M.S.N., director, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. "Child passenger safety laws and comprehensive graduated driver licensing laws are proven to protect young lives. We encourage states to strengthen and enforce these laws to help keep more of our young people safe."

The CDC's Injury Center offers the following approaches to cutting medical cost and work loss by preventing crash-related deaths:

-Wearing seat belts in the front seat decreases the chance of a fatal injury by half, which makes not wearing a seat belt a primary reason to be stopped by law enforcement in most states.

-All children should be required to ride in age and size appropriate safety seats.

-Require a comprehensive graduated driver licensing (GDL) system for teen drivers. Studies show the staging process of GDL systems can reduce crashes for 16-year-old drivers by as much as 40 percent.

-All motorcycle riders should be required to wear an approved motorcycle helmet. Statistics indicate that wearing a helmet can reduce deaths in crashes by more than 33 percent and brain injuries by 69 percent.

"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. "Today, on the launch of the first-ever Decade of Action for Road Safety, occurring in 30 cities across our nation and 50 countries worldwide, it is time for all of us to take action to save lives at home and around the globe."

Continue reading "Palm Beach car accidents costly in terms of medical expenses and lost time at work" »

Young people across America can't wait for the school year to end and are looking forward to summer time fun. Teens need to keep safety in mind as they prepare for vacations, proms, graduations and road trips.

Our Palm Beach injury lawyers and Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys applaud teens helping teens stay safe.

Sadly, we all know that traffic accidents are the main cause of death for teens in America. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) shows the summer months of May through August are the deadliest months of the year for teens aged 15 to 19. As a matter of fact, nearly twice as many teens died on the roads each day during these four months when compared to the rest of the year.

These are tragic statistics that should remind our young people that safe driving needs to be done year round especially in the summer.

That's why National Youth Traffic Safety Month is so vital and is the reason each May the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) hold contests, events and promotions to heighten awareness about the dangers teens face on the road.

Nationwide, over 220 high school teams are taking part in the NOYS Act Out Loud contest, which asks teens to promote safe driving projects in their communities. This year the focus is on distracted driving, and teams have been: creating music videos and PSA's, holding school assemblies and gathering X the TXT pledges preaching the dangers of cell phone use (talking or texting) while driving. A prize of $10,000 will go to the winning team's local youth safety organization.

"There's no doubt that young people have the power to educate both their peers and adults about safe driving and safer roads," said NOYS Executive Director Sandy Spavone.

The National Road Safety Foundation (NRSF) and NOYS also recently announced the winning Drive 2 Life Public Service Announcement that will air nationally this month as part of National Youth Traffic Safety Month.

Continue reading "May is National Youth Traffic Safety Month reminding Florida teen drivers to be safe" »

Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers want to reiterate the importance of traffic safety in conjunction with the United Nations launch of "Decade of Action for Road Safety" and National Youth Safety Awareness this month. No amount of funding or programming can replace the importance of being a safe driver. We can only hope that awareness will make it become a habit every time we get behind the wheel.

A recent survey indicates that American motorists want state and federal governments to be more hands-on in improving highway safety and reducing the risks of car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale and throughout the country. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports most drivers agree (70 percent) that stricter driving safety laws should be established and enforced.

"Despite shrinking federal and state transportation budgets and a public debate over the most
appropriate role of government, it’s clear that a majority of Americans want government officials
to do more – not less – about highway safety," said AAA President and CEO Bob Darbelnet. "From passing and enforcing laws about teen drivers and distracted driving to programs that improve the safety of our roadways and add safety equipment to vehicles, there are many steps the government can take to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths in the U.S."

Other notable responses from the survey include:

-Designing and building safer cars is the responsibility of both automobile manufacturers (60 percent agree) and the federal government (41 percent agree).

-Almost 60 percent of respondents indicated the state governments need to make a better effort to make their roadways safer.

-More laws need to be established in the United States to prevent drivers from portraying dangerous driving behaviors according to 62 percent of the respondents surveyed.

The United Nations is kicking off the worldwide campaign in Washington, D.C on May 11th. "Decade of Action for Road Safety" will take a global approach to improving roadway designs, building safer cars, establishing more safety laws, campaigning for safer driving behaviors and improving the rescue mission following a crash over the next ten years. There are 1.3 million fatalities each year on world roadways, and another 3.5 million people injured.

Wear. Believe. Act. will be the motto recognized internationally with a yellow tag symbol. Over 50 countries along with 30 U.S. cities will be displaying the yellow tag on billboards, marquis signs, state buildings, and monumental locations throughout the country in recognition of global attempt to reduce traffic fatalities worldwide.

Florida drivers may not be able to build safer cars or design safer roadways but you can be in control of your own driving behaviors. Safer driving skills will keep Florida fatalities down on the highways and streets that we travel on.

Continue reading "Global action to improve traffic safety good for reducing car accidents in West Palm Beach, Miami" »

The New York Times reports that there was a 2 percent drop in motorcycle deaths during the first nine months of last year.

Our Palm Beach injury lawyers and Fort Lauderdale motorcycle accident attorneys realize that injuries and death from motorcycle crashes are a year round danger in South Florida.

Though there were 80 fewer riders killed from January through September of 2010 than in the same time frame the previous year, this may not be a lasting trend. The statistics may be misleading. From January to March, fatalities were down 25 percent. Deaths for the next three months they decreased by 1 percent but in the following three months there was a 3 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities.

Motorcycle deaths reached an all time high in 2008 at 5,312; they have more than doubled since the late 1990s. There is an ongoing debate why motorcycle fatalities plummeted 16 percent in 2009. One version states fatalities decreased because fewer people could afford to buy a motorcycle during the recession. So with less recreational riders on the road fatalities dropped. This side feels now that the economy is recovering there will be an increase in recreational riders thus increasing the number of deaths. The other view, from motorcycle enthusiasts, says the increase in gas prices has more people riding motorcycles than driving vehicles. People are using motorcycles as a traditional mode of transportation.

For the first nine months of 2010 the number of riders wearing impact-absorbing, federally-approved helmets dropped 13 percent. And those wearing "novelty" helmets, which offer very little protection but are lighter in weight and more comfortable to wear, increased by 9 percent. Wearing an approved helmet decreases the rider's chance of dying in a crash by about 40 percent.

The law in Florida requires all riders younger than 21 years wear helmet. Riding without a helmet is allowed for those 21 years and older if they can prove that they are covered by a medical insurance policy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported in Florida there were 556 motorcycles fatalities in 2008. They say that 171 lives were saved by using a helmet and if everyone had to wear a helmet an approximate 100 more lives would have been saved.

Continue reading "Reduction in Florida Motorcycle Accidents May not Last" »

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is urging parents to talk to their teens about drinking and driving before Prom night arrives.

The U.S. Senate recently declared April 21st as Power Talk 21 day, a day dedicated nationally to parents discussing with teens about the dangers of alcohol, making smart choices and leading healthy lifestyles. MADD, in conjunction with the national event, has created the 'Power of Parents, It's Your Influence' program to help parents who have a difficult time talking to their kids about the dangers of alcohol and the high risk of causing a drunk driving accident in Miami when driving under the influence.

St. Lucie car accident attorneys know that April, May, and June are the three deadliest months for teen drivers when it comes to alcohol-related crashes. In fact, a third of drunk driving fatalities involving teens nationwide each year occur during these three months.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the following statistics related to teens and alcohol:

-Nationally, almost 3 million people are dependent or abuse alcohol between the ages of 12-20.

-It is estimated that 3 out of 4 high school students have admitted to alcohol consumption.

-6 out of 10 juniors and seniors admit to consuming their first alcoholic drink by the age of 16.

-60 percent of teen deaths in car crashes are alcohol-related.

-Teenage boys with a blood alcohol level of .05 are 18 times more likely to get in a single vehicle crash than a boy who hasn't had any alcohol; girls are 54 times more likely under the same circumstances.

-An average of 8 teens die every day in drunk driving accidents.

-Admittedly, 6 out of 10 high school juniors and seniors have ridden in a car with an intoxicated teen driver behind the wheel.

Florida school systems try to do their part as they bring awareness to students about the dangers of drinking and driving on prom night. CBS Miami recently reported that Miami Beach Convention Center played host to the 12th annual Cheat the Reaper Teen Anti-DUI program. An estimated 1,000 high school students from Miami Beach and Miami Northwestern watched a simulated DUI crash presentation put together by school administrators, students, teachers and partners within the community. The mock DUI crash allowed students to witness first-hand the dangers and consequences of driving under the influence. It also reminds them of their signed oath made not to drink on prom night at the time they purchase their prom ticket.

The simulated prom night tragedy includes a staged accident, police response followed by an investigation, a sobriety test and an arrest of the teen driver. Fire and emergency rescuers were there to remove victims from the car and take them to the local hospital once they are stabilized. If this doesn't send enough of a message, the point is driven home when funeral home directors transport victims in a hearse to a mock funeral.

South Florida police offers the following advice to parents for prom night:

-Set a curfew for your teen and know their exact plans for prom night.

-Arrange for a limo service but know the companies alcohol policy prior to the night of service.

-Assure your teen to call you if they find themselves in an unsafe predicament.

-For peace of mind, wait up for your teen until they return safely home.

Continue reading "Prom night a danger for teens involved in drunk driving accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Port St. Lucie" »

Score one for the insurance companies for those of you who are keeping track of the recent proposals making their way through the Florida legislature.

Innocent victims involved in car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and elsewhere in the state have been made out to be the bad guys, according to an article in Bloomberg Businessweek. The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee passed the two bills to create new restrictions for policyholders.

Car accident lawyers in St. Lucie know what a hardship accident victims go through in order to recuperate any medical costs and property damage incurred when they aren't at fault. Reforming the law to benefit insurers will just make it even more difficult for those who are desperate to get damages covered because they can't otherwise afford it.

The Sun Sentinel reports that the bills propose the following:

SB 1930 proposes to extend the allotted time insurers have to pay claims to 90 days And insurers would be allowed to offer a discount to policyholders if they use the insurance companies' preferred doctors instead of their own.

SB 1964 proposes to cap attorney fees that represent injured motorists filing a claim. Motorists are the ones who ultimately pay the price. The reformed bills certainly won't lower insurance premiums so it will be a classic case of the good guy finishes last.

Do yourself a favor. Get involved by contacting your state representative so you have a voice in this. Urging state officials to fight for you rather than the big businesses is the first step in covering your personal well-being because you never know when you will be a victim of a South Florida car accident.

Continue reading "Insurance Proposal a Gift at the Expense of Those involved in Fort Pierce Car Accidents" »

True or False: Red light cameras help to reduce the risk of intersection accidents in Fort Lauderdale? As we reported recently on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, accident at intersections outfitted with red light cameras continue to stir debate over their use in South Florida.

West Palm Beach car accident attorneys suspect that cameras are working at intersections, but not in the manner in which everyone thought. It is probable that motorists who tend to run a red light are getting nabbed so T-bone collisions are being reduced. But rear-end collisions have become more prevalent as a result of drivers slamming on their brakes to avoid getting a ticket in the mail.

If instant gratification is what city officials and communities are looking for then the answer to the question is false. However, the cameras have only been in use for a short time and have already proven to help at three of the six intersections. A 50 percent success rate is worth acknowledgment.

The Sun Sentinel reports that accidents, when compared to the same time frame last year, have increased in the last four months at two intersections, decreased at three intersections, and remained unchanged at one intersection where the cameras have been placed.

Nationally, it has been estimated that over 800 lives could be saved each year if all big cities were to install the cameras at their most dangerous intersections, as we reported previously on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog.

Florida drivers who ran red lights caused 56 fatal accidents and another 5,190 injury accidents in 2009.

The question really becomes are they cost effective? The Fort Lauderdale Police Department can't keep up with all the offenders committing red light violations. Tens of thousands of dollars have been spent prosecuting violators. Two public safety aides are doing the work of 5 people in reviewing approximately 1,000 violations per week but are falling behind by about 600 cases per week. A larger staff with less time associated with proving guilt would make the system work much more productively.

One location that has produced the most accidents in the past is West Commercial Boulevard and Powerline Road. In the four months after the camera was installed, the reported accidents went from 17 down to 11 when compared to the same four months of last year. If safety matters in this debate, then officials should consider the success rate.

Boynton Beach and Hollywood have both jumped on the red light camera bandwagon, installing the cameras at four and six of the most dangerous intersections in each city respectively.

Each city is willing to use a wait and see approach to determine the success of the program. We think the wait-and-see approach will ultimately show a reduction in serious and fatal car accidents. Whether that ever translates into a financial windfall for the municipalities is another matter altogether.

Continue reading "Red Light Cameras Getting Another Look When It Comes to Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents" »

The Miami Herald recently reported on the tragic death of three children on the Florida Turnpike.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers know there is nothing more heartbreaking than the loss of child in a senseless South Florida car accident.

A blown tire caused the SUV the children were riding in to hit a retaining wall, collide into another vehicle and flip over. Three children were thrown from the SUV and died at the scene of the horrible crash. Two children and the driver survived the accident and were taken to the hospital for treatment. One child is home recovering, the other child and driver remain in the hospital.

The ages of the children killed in the crash were 1, 11 and 12; the two surviving children were 8 and 14.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2009 that 1,314 children ages 14 and younger were killed and an additional 179,000 sustained injuries in car crashes. The leading cause of death for children 3 to 14 years old is motor vehicle accidents. During 2009, Florida had 70 children age 14 or younger die in traffic-related accidents.

In 2009, there were 5,366 children age 14 and younger involved in fatal passenger vehicle accidents in the U.S. Of those who sustained fatal injuries, 46% were unrestrained. Statistics show that using child safety seats reduce the risk of fatalities to infants by 71% and 54% for toddlers.

The NHTSA guidelines for buckling up kids in the car include:

Up to 1 year
-Use a rear-facing car seat, its protective harness moves with the child, reducing the stress to the child’s fragile body.

1 – 3 years
-Use a forward-facing car seat, its harness prevents forward movement in a crash.

4 – 7 years
-Use a booster seat, which helps the child fit into an adult seat belt.

8 – 12 years
-Use a properly fitting seat belt.
The NHTSA estimates that over the last 3 decades 9,310 children have been saved by the use of child safety seats or adult seat belts while riding in passenger vehicles.

Continue reading "Three Children Dead on Turnpike in South Florida Car Accident" »

A West Palm Beach car accident results in one dead, two injured and one in handcuffs. The Monday morning accident happened at the intersection of Elmhurst Road and Military Trail, according to NBC 5.

The arrested driver is accused of driving without a license and is facing charges in the deadly crash. Additional charges are pending, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers urge you to contact an attorney immediately if you've been involved in an auto accident. It is important for you to remember to have an appropriate police report filed for any and all accidents, to talk to no one about your accident as statements may be held against you in the court of law and we urge you to seek proper medical attention after an accident.

The West Palm Beach accident is thought to have been a result of the driver's failure to obey traffic signals. The man, who was taken to jail, is accused of running the red light at that intersection.

As 32 cities on the west coast of Florida, including Palm Springs and West Palm Beach, have already adopted red light cameras, residents sit and wait as Florida lawmakers rethink their decision to make these cameras legal, according to Our Observer.

"Fundamentally, I just find red light cameras, I don't want to say unconstitutional, but un-American," said Ritch Workman, State Representative (R) District 30.

As participating local government shelled out more that $8 million to the Department of Revenue after having these cameras active for a mere 7 months, some officials see these devices as far too dangerous regardless of monetary profit. Drivers are more apt to slam on their brakes, increasing the risk of a rear-end collision, at these intersections to avoid a mail ticket.

"Statistics have shown that these cameras have reduced traffic crashes. So, what we like to do is use these 30 days as a time to educate the public," said Stephanie Slater, spokesperson for the Boynton Beach Police Department.

Some believe the only true reason for the government to give these traffic infraction detectors the green light is to generate more money for local governments as the fine for running through one of these red lights is $158. Official sit on opposing sides of the debate, as do residents.

"Statistics have shown that these cameras have reduced traffic crashes. So, what we like to do is use these 30 days as a time to educate the public," said Stephanie Slater, spokesperson for the Boynton Beach Police Department.

Red light accidents caused nearly 800 deaths and roughly 165,000 injuries in 2008, according to Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Nearly half of the people killed in these red-light running accidents are not the violators, but other drivers and pedestrians, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Continue reading "Another West Palm Beach Red Light Accident Urges Lawmakers to Rethink Intersection Cameras " »

Speeding is a common cause of rollover accidents in West Palm Beach. WPTV reports about the recent fatal rollover accident that occurred on I-95 in West Palm Beach when a young man collided with a tractor-trailer. The driver causing the accident was traveling at a high rate of speed and lost control of his vehicle, which caused the vehicle to rollover following impact of hitting the large truck. The Boynton Beach man was thrown from his vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the tractor-trailer sustained minor injuries.

Our car accident attorneys in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and West Palm Beach want to remind motorists that rollover accidents are among the deadliest types of accidents on the nation's roads. If not death, then life-changing injuries like paralysis, severe head trauma, or internal injuries can result from a rollover accident.

Early this year we posted on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog about several common causes of rollover accidents Obstacles in the road like trees, ditches or curbs can 'trip" the vehicle and cause it to rollover. Driving aggressively by speeding or changing lanes too fast can cause a rollover accident.

Another cause is failure to control your vehicle. Top heavy vehicles with a high center of gravity are also more likely to rollover in an accident than a lower center of gravity vehicle.

By next year, new regulations set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will require all new passenger vehicles to come equipped with electronic stability control (ECS). If loss of steering is sensed by the technology installed in the vehicle, brakes will automatically be applied. Maintaining better control should reduce the number of rollover accidents in the future.

Starting in 2013, automakers will need to start phasing in a new protection system or device in light trucks that prevents an unbelted passenger from moving more than 4 inches past the side window opening when a crash occurs. The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the rule for the new ejection mitigation system earlier this year and expects it will be fully implemented in all new model light trucks by 2018.

Even the best laid government plans and technologies won't totally prevent rollover accidents from happening. However, if motorists slow down and remember to wear their seat belts at all times, it could prevent a serious or fatal injury in a rollover accident in South Florida.

Continue reading " A Lead Foot Proves to Increase Risks of West Palm Beach Rollover Car Accidents" »

Motorists need to be reminded that if your vehicle becomes disabled or you are involved in a Fort Lauderdale car accident, use extra caution if you need to cross the roadway to get help. Drivers in passing vehicles don't always see someone crossing the highway because they are distracted by the accident scene, something in their vehicle or aren't expecting pedestrians.

Personal injury attorneys in Fort Pierce have a growing concern about victims being struck after an accident, considering the number of families who have been dealing with the aftermath of similar tragedies in the last few months. The Sun Sentinel reports there have been 4 separate incidents in recent months involving a victim who was struck by passing traffic after exiting their vehicle on a busy South Florida Highway.

The most recent accident was a truck driver who was struck and killed when he tried to cross the highway during pre-dawn hours after being involved in a rear-end crash with another tractor-trailer. Earlier this month a 15-year old boy from Miami was hit by a passing car while helping to push a disabled car off of I-95. The incident was a tragedy as he was fatally injured in the accident. In early March, four victims who survived an early morning crash exited their vehicle to go check on other victims involved in the crash. All four survivors were killed while crossing I-95 after being struck by oncoming traffic. The fourth tragic accident, similar in nature, occurred in January when a young woman was struck by a police officer in a moving vehicle as she left her disabled vehicle and tried to cross the highway.

Many times motorists who are involved in an accident want to get out of their vehicle to seek help or check on the other vehicles involved. The impact of the crash leaves victims emotional and stressed about what to do. If you are involved in a highway accident or your car becomes disabled, the Florida Highway Patrol offers a few suggestions to help keep you safe after the accident or once your vehicle is stopped.

First, pull your vehicle over to the shoulder of the road if it is safe to do so. Removing your vehicle from the middle of flowing traffic reduces the chances of a pile-up occurring involving other vehicles. If your vehicle is disabled and can't be driven, put on your flashers and stay in your vehicle until help arrives.

Another suggestion if you must get out of your car is to find protection like a guardrail or solid wall to stand behind. Never stand directly behind your vehicle while facing oncoming traffic. If your vehicle is disabled or involved in an accident, it is best to remain in your vehicle, call the police, and wait for officers to appear at the scene. Exchanging information with another driver does not need to be done prior to the police arriving.

Last, never try to cross a major highway with speeding traffic to get to the other side. Vehicles that are traveling at 60, 70 or 80 mph have very little reaction time to stop in order to avoid hitting you or be hit by another vehicle behind them. Driving conditions like sun glare, inclement weather, or darkness can impair their vision and will likely not allow them to see someone who is trying to cross the highway where it isn't typical to find pedestrians.

Florida motorists should have the common sense to slow down if they witness a disabled vehicle or vehicles involved in a crash along the road. Slowing your vehicle down could save a life or prevent a senseless tragedy.

Continue reading " Disabled Vehicles in Roadways Increase Risks of Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents" »

Florida experienced nearly 3,000 motor vehicle fatalities in 2009, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles-- a 3 percent decrease from the previous year. With tourism season ending and the South Florida summer beginning -- and with a fourth-quarter uptick in fatal crashes -- this summer may not be as quiet as the last few summers. A recovering economy may very well lead to an increased number of West Palm Beach car accidents.

West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers urge you to stay alert on our roadways as the most recent evidence suggests the risk of fatal car accidents will continue to increase. The increase during the fourth-quarter of last year was credited to the recovery economy.

“As encouraging as it is to see fatalities decreasing on our nation’s roads, the 2010 rate of decrease is less than a third of the previous year’s decrease,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council (NSC). “We must remain vigilant in addressing roadway safety issues where the greatest impact can be made, such as distracted and teen driving. As miles traveled start to rise again from recession lows, we want to ensure the continuance of this downward trend.”

The number of fatal accidents isn't the only fluctuating statistic. The total cost of motor vehicle deaths, including property damage and injures, was estimated at roughly $236.6 billion in 2010, also a 3 percent decrease from 2009. These costs include medical expenses, wage and productivity losses, administrative expenses and employers costs.

NSC would also like to recognize other influences contributing to the decrease in fatal accident victims. Greater visibility and enforcement of traffic safety laws and newly improved safety features in vehicles are believed to have made an impact on the decreased numbers as well.

Continue reading "Recovering Economy Could Increase Risk of West Palm Beach Car Accidents" »

This week, Florida is celebrating National Work Zone Safety Week. This year's theme, provided by The National Work Zone Safety Awareness Information Clearinghouse, is "Safer driving. Safer work zones."

The Florida Department of Transportation and other agencies are urging Floridians to practice safe driving habits not only through our construction zones, but around emergency responders as well in attempt to reduce the risks for a West Palm Beach car accidents.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys urge drivers to be on alert in these areas as nearly 700 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents in highway work zones in 2009, according to the National Work Zone Safety Awareness Information Clearinghouse. In the same year, more than 30,000 people were injured. The ones mostly affected by these work zone accidents are motorists, accounting for 85 percent of those killed. Florida experienced nearly 100 fatalities from these work zone car accidents.

Florida's Move Over Law, was put into effect back in 2009 to help protect our emergency responders and road workers in construction areas.

How do you protect yourself and others in work zones? The National Work Zone Safety Awareness Information Clearinghouse offers you these safe driving tips:

-Think ahead. If you know you'll pass through a work zone during your journey, leave earlier to allow more time or find a different route.

-Watch out for workers and other vehicles in these work zones. Be sure to keep a safe distance between you and all obstructing objects.

-Merge as quickly and as safely as possible. Don't wait until the last minute. Getting in the proper lane well in advance will only decrease your risk of experiencing a compromising situation.

-Put away all potential distractions. It is especially important for you to avoid driving while distracted in these zones as any small, unexpected movement can cause injury to you, other motorists or workers.

The Florida Department of Transportation offers this public service announcement to share with friends and family in attempt to raise awareness of work zone safety in our local motorists.

Continue reading "Florida Officials Raise Awareness During National Work Zone Safety Week to Decrease Risks of West Palm Beach Accidents" »

Strong advocates for raising awareness of distracted driving, Bob and Eilene Okerblom, are currently cycling cross-country to get their message across about the dangers of traffic accidents caused by motorists who aren't paying attention.

They would know. They've chosen to alert young drivers of the dangers of operating a vehicle while distracted after they lost their son, a 20-year-old University of California at Berkeley student, who was killed by a texting truck driver traveling at 60 MPH.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers understand the dangers of distracted driving, too. Too many motorists, teens especially, are involved in unnecessary accidents caused by distracted driving. These crashes are avoidable by practicing safe and focused driving habits.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 people were killed and an additional 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle accidents that involved distracted driving in the United States in 2009. Statistics consistently show that the under-20 age group reports the greatest number of distracted driving incidents.

The Okerblom's continue to spread the word about the consequences of distracted driving. The “Faces of Distracted Driving” video is now helping them to do so. The video, released by the NHTSA, is part of a series aimed at exploring the effects of distracted driving. It features people from across the U.S. that have experienced the consequences firsthand.

“Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America’s roads, and teens are especially vulnerable because of their inexperience behind the wheel and, often, peer pressure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Behind the statistics are real families who have been devastated by these tragedies. We’re pleased to be working with Consumer Reports to raise awareness and help communities fight this problem.”

A national representative survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center found out just how widespread distracted driving is, especially among our younger drivers:

-94 percent have observed drivers using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

-64 percent have witnessed other drivers texting or using another hand-held devices while behind the wheel in the last 30 days.

-40 percent admit to texting while driving.

-63 percent fess up to using a hand-held phone while driving in the last 30 days.

-58 percent had witnessed a distracted driving related incident in the past month.

-Only 36 percent were concerned with the problems of distracted driving.

“My message is as personal as it can get: my son is dead because a driver was not focused on the road,” said Eilene Okerblom. “All I can do now is stand up for the protection of other lives.”

Continue reading "New Teen Video Released to Decrease Risks of Fort Lauderdale Distracted Driving Car Accidents" »

Weather may have been a factor in the death of a 21-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident, according to the Sun Sentinel. The Florida woman reportedly lost control of her vehicle and crashed head-on into an oncoming delivery truck.

The Broward Sheriff's Office says the driver attempted to avoid the oncoming truck but was unable to escape the Fort Lauderdale car accident.

West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers urge you to be extra cautious while driving in the unpredictable Florida weather. Heavy rain, wind and even fog can greatly decrease your ability to control your car on our Florida roads.

The Fort Lauderdale car accident occurred as the young driver was returning home from work at approximately 7 p.m. Heavy thunderstorms rested over the east coast of Florida at that time. A section of Powerline road was closed shortly after the crash as authorities investigated.

SafeMotorist.com offers you these tips to help you drive safely in the unpredictable Florida weather:

-Avoid using your brakes when possible. It is recommended that you ease off the gas pedal, when possible, to slow down or stop.

-Don't follow large trucks too closely. The spray from their tries can make it virtually impossible for you to see out of your windshield.

-Try to drive in the tracks of the car in front of you. This will help to avoid hydroplaning.

-Keep up on your equipment. Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition.

-Drive slowly. It takes longer for vehicle to stop on wet, slippery roads.

-Stay towards the middle lanes. Water tends to gather on the outside portion of the road where the pavement dips.

-Most importantly, try your best to avoid driving all together if you know a thunderstorm is approaching.

Continue reading "Spring Rains a Cause of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach" »

Slow drivers who drive in the left lane are a common cause of road rage on Florida roadways for other temperamental drivers who are in a hurry and don't have any patience. Aggressive driving behaviors often lead to car accidents in Margate or West Palm Beach.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers have been reporting about the dangers of road rage this time of year in Florida on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog.

Senator Mike Bennett is taking another crack at proposing the "left-lane" bill to penalize slow left-lane drivers according to The News-Press.

A similar bill passed the Legislature back in 2005 but was vetoed by Governor Jeb Bush at the time because he felt the bill supported driving at high rates of speed at the expense of cautious drivers. AAA Auto Club shares a similar view that the bill will attract more speeders by penalizing drivers who adhere to the speed limit and choose to drive in the left lane while doing so.

Senator Bennett's school of thought is that incidents of road rage will minimize if slower drivers are forced to stay out of the left lane. Refusing to pass cars in the right lane or clogging up roadways with a slower pace often leads to incidents of tailgating, cutting motorists off, and distractions like honking or hand gestures made to get drivers to move out of the way. Tempers flare which often escalate to fits of road rage. Penalizing drivers in the left lane is one way to avoid this chain reaction.

The bill proposes that drivers who are passing, slowing to make a left-hand turn, or blocked from getting in the right lane due to heavy traffic will not be penalized for driving in the left lane. The bill is not proposing that aggressive drivers who tailgate or change lanes swiftly to maneuver around left lane motorists be free and clear from penalty as they too will be fined for aggressive or careless driving.

If passed, the bill proposes a $100 fine for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders would be issued a $500 penalty for violation of the left-lane law.

Public opinion is mixed about the proposed left-lane bill. Supporters feel the bill would reduce road rage incidents and force drivers to use common sense on roadways. Those who are opposed feel safe drivers are being punished in order to excuse impatient drivers who speed and are likely to cause accidents on Florida roadways. One thing is certain, if all drivers used common sense, road rage would rarely play a role in motor vehicle crashes.

Continue reading "Left-lane drivers face penalties as officials seek to reduce risk of car accident in West Palm Beach, elsewhere" »

Spring Break, proms and graduations are all exciting events that teens are about to embark on during this time of year. A previous post on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog reported the about the dangers teens face because it is high traffic season in Florida and they frequent the roadways more often attending these kinds of events.

Our car accident attorneys in West Palm Beach, Miami and elsewhere in South Florida want to remind teens not to succumb to peer pressure by drinking and driving, driving distracted, or driving aggressively.

Teen car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in the country are typically caused by irresponsible driving behavior. Tampa Bay Online reports that events like proms and graduations are an invitation for irresponsible driving behaviors so law enforcement and school officials are reaching out to remind teens of the dangers faced this time of year.

Hosting events like mock crashes and funerals, and "scared straight" lectures is a way to speak to teens in hopes of having them sign a pledge to not drive distracted or drive under the influence.

In 2009, statistics show that on average of eight teen's ages 16 to 19 died every day from injuries in motor vehicle crashes. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are several factors that can contribute to teen fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.

-Teens are the least likely age group to wear a seat belt.

-They have the least amount of driving experience.

-Teens are easily distracted by cell phones and texting while they are driving.

-Passengers that are riding with them, especially other teens, distract their attention from driving.

-Drugs and alcohol often play are role in teen crashes.

Mock crashes are performed at high schools throughout the state this time of year as painstakingly real events that should hit home with teens. The events rely on police, firefighters, paramedics, funeral homes, and others in the community to make them real. For example, firefighters cut bloodied teen actors out of smashed-up cars, who are then carried away by emergency crews. Another approach is to dress teen students in black "ghost" t-shirts which symbolized teens that had been killed in a car crash. The teens entered the auditorium with candles before paramedics and firefighters showed gruesome photos from accident scenes involving teens.

The message being conveyed is pretty clear. Communities are trying to keep teens safe by demonstrating the dangers young drivers can face while driving. It only takes a second for a crash to occur so drive responsibly and save the celebrating with friends for when you aren't behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Spring a dangerous time for teen car accidents in Fort Lauderdale" »

Most teens look forward to being old enough to drive, taking the drivers' test and enjoying the freedom that driving represents. Equally as exciting is the thought of getting their first car to drive. Parents often are faced with the dilemma of what kind of car their teen should drive to keep them safe from injury when involved in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale or elsewhere in South Florida.

Our West Palm Beach injury lawyers understand the devastation a parent can go through when a child is severely injured or killed in a car accident. Finding the right car becomes a priority once your teen has a license. The line becomes divided when your teen wants a sports car to tool around in with their friends while you want a safe, reliable and affordable car for them to drive.

An article in the Dover Post suggests finding a happy medium when it comes to the right car for your teen to drive. The first step is sitting down with them to discuss what you each want in the car. The discussion should entail what cars you each like and what specific things you like about them. Finding a good compromise will make car shopping a much more enjoyable experience.

Parents and teens should both agree that safety is a top priority in car choice, considering drivers ages 16-19 are four times more likely to crash than an older driver with more experience. Doing research on crash ratings and other safety features is a good place to start for each model (new or used) that you may be interested in. Manufacturers didn't start putting airbags in cars until the late 1980's. Air bags can decrease the risk of injury in a crash, especially side impact airbags -- so finding a newer model is a safer option. Another quality to consider is finding a car with stability control. The sensors can detect when a car is headed off the intended path. Any wayward detection causes the engine's power to slow or a braking system to activate.

A final thought when buying a used car is to make sure the tires are relatively new. Treads on tires help the car grip the road and maintain control in different kinds of weather conditions. Teens lack driving experience and tend to panic in adverse conditions, so anything that helps maintain control can be an asset when facing a stressful driving situation.

Large pickups, SUV's and sports cars should not be a primary choice for young and inexperienced drivers. Large vehicles have a higher center of gravity, causing them to roll over in crashes. Sports cars tend to make young drivers want to drive too fast and don't typically fare well in accident ratings.

Visit Consumer Reports for a full list of recommended vehicles proven to be more appropriate for teen drivers.

Continue reading "Choosing the right car for teens may help prevent injuries in Fort Lauderdale car accidents" »

Spring Break week in Florida is known for parties and good times for teens and college students all over the country. Florida motorists may have noticed the roadways have become more crowded this week as Spring Break season is in full swing. The next few weeks will bring a higher risk for drunk driving accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and elsewhere, as well as other alcohol-related accidents throughout the state.

Our personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach know that March and April typically rank near the top in fatalities reported during the calendar year in Florida. In a previous drunk driving blog posted on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog we reported that 21% of Florida drunk driving crashes in 2009 involved a drunk driver with a blood alcohol content of .15 or higher. The month of March reported the second highest number of alcohol-related crashes.

Drunk driving and alcohol-related accidents is one topic we are focusing on in our Spring Break 2011 series. Other related topics touched on in the series are teen driving accidents, distracted driving and injuries related to premise liability.

Many young adults have a habit of binge drinking during Spring Break. Alcohol-related incidents are already being reported for Spring Break 2011. The Palm Beach Post reported recently about the death of a Georgia Southern student vacationing in Florida for Spring Break with 15 other students. His friends had reported they were partying the night before when they found him the next morning. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. A separate incident reported by My Fox Tampa Bay involved a teen from Tampa who was home for Spring Break from the University of Florida when she was found dead following a night of drinking.

As the incidents are mounting, the Florida Highway Patrol wants to remind young students to drink responsibly. First Coast News reports that Florida Law Enforcement officials will be on high alert as they take to the streets and beaches the next few weeks. Underage drinking will not be tolerated and violators under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher will have their license suspended for 6 months automatically.

Drivers refusing to take a test for blood alcohol will have their license revoked for 12 months on a first time offense, and 18 months for a second offense.

Teenagers are prohibited from consuming alcohol. Students who are of age to drink need to remember to be responsible since drinking on public beaches and driving under the influence is against the law. The consequences for breaking the law may be life-changing.

Continue reading "Spring Break accident in Fort Lauderdale commonly caused by drunk driving" »

Children are more than five-times safer riding in rear-facing car safety seats than in any other seat until they reach the age of 2, according to new research conducted by The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that consumers often rely on manufacturers to produce products to keep our families safe. Consumers also often rely on the suggestions and recommendations from these manufacturers and safety councils to provide specific instructions on how to use their products effectively.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has decided to change car seat policies after research revealed that 75 percent of children under the age of 2 riding in forward-facing car seats are likely to be killed or fatally injured in a car accident. Children are now recommended to occupy a rear-facing car seat until the age of 2, or until they outgrow their seat. Children are then recommended to ride in a booster seat until the age of 9.

"The 'best' car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and one you will use every time your child is in the car," says Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Proper selection and use of child car seats play a vital role in keeping your child safe in a Palm Beach car accident.

According to 5 years of U.S. crash data, a child is five-times more likely to be injured in a car accident if they're riding in a forward-facing car seat than if they're properly seated in a rear-facing car seat. Children are more likely to be injured in these forward-facing car seats because of the faulty design. In a front-facing car seat, the force caused by an accident can jerk the child's head and neck causing severe spinal cord injuries, if not death. The new design and requirements allow for the force of the collision to be distributed throughout the entire body.

"Selecting the right seat for your child can be a challenge for many parents. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's new revised guidelines will help consumers pick the appropriate seat for their child," says David Strickland, Administrator of the NHTSA.

You can download a car safety brochure here for tips on how to keep your child safe the car.

Continue reading "New Car Seat Regulations Set To Help Prevent Injury in Car Accidents" »

Young drivers are easily distracted when they get behind the wheel. But Spring Break brings out the worst in driving behaviors. Being alert could help motorists avoid a Fort Lauderdale car accident involving a drunk or distracted driver. As part of a series, Spring Break 2011, we are focusing on several topics which include distracted and drunk driving, teen driving accidents and premise liability accidents.

Our West Palm Beach accident attorneys are familiar with the high volume of traffic during the next few weeks as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are considered Spring Break hot spots. The inexperience of young drivers during Spring Break week, not to mention their ability to get easily distracted, is a concern for motorists who are going about their daily routine. Young drivers showing some responsible driving behavior on Florida's roadways would go a long way toward making all of us safer.

In a recent post on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog we reported that distracted driving is a killer during high traffic season, more specifically Spring Break weeks. In 2009, March and April were two of the three most dangerous months for fatal crashes in Florida. There were 224 fatal crashes in March of 2009. Florida also reported a total of 1,500 injuries in crashes where the driver was distracted while driving.

Spring Break week is known as a week of wild binge-behaviors. Yahoo News recently reported that it hasn't always been this way:

-It is believed that Spring Break originated in ancient Greece and Rome when young people celebrated the "rite of spring" and would play outside in the warm water, relax, and enjoy their free time.

-Colgate University, located in New York, was the first to observe "spring break week" when the swim coach took his athletes down to Fort Lauderdale in 1936 for a week of practice in the warm weather.

-In 1938, other colleges began to participate in Spring Break week when 300 swimmers competed in the first College Coaches' Swim Forum in Fort Lauderdale.

-Finally in 1959, national media coverage got involved when Time reported about the 20,000 college students who controlled the city with drinking and partying. Total population in Fort Lauderdale was 63,000 at that time -- and most of those were senior citizens.

-It was estimated that in 1985, over 350,000 people visited Fort Lauderdale in the spring.

-In 1986, MTV produced their first spring break special.

-Today, certain Spring Break hot spots can entertain over 400,000 people in the short six-week span from March to mid-April that is considered Spring Break for high schools and colleges throughout the country.

Whether taking a road trip with a group of friends or renting a car for the week, young drivers are reminded to drive responsibly. It is easy to get distracted while driving with friends in the car, parties on your mind, or setting your GPS to the correct address. Young drivers can minimize the risk of a serious car accident by focusing on the road and not the distractions in the car.

Continue reading "Spring Break brings distracted drivers to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach" »

We recently completed a series of blogs about driver safety during high traffic season on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog. We reported that 18 year-olds had the highest crash rate involvement in Florida in 2009.

We also reported that 17 year olds had the highest rate of fatal crashes in Florida for 2009. In a new series, Spring Break 2011, teen safety will be a focal point as so many students are traveling to Florida this time of year. Other topics included in the series are distracted driving, drunk driving and premise liability injuries that can occur while on Spring Break.

Our West Palm Beach injury attorneys often report about the risks teens face when it comes to car accidents in Palm Beach and Broward counties. Statistically, this age group (ages 15 to 20) is most at risk for fatal motor vehicle crashes in the state and throughout the country.

Spring break brings increased risk of teen car accidents throughout South Florida.

Classmates at Sarasota Military Academy can speak from the heart on this issue as they are mourning the death of their friends in a recent fatal crash. Tampa Bay Online reports about the recent tragedy of four teens who were killed early on a Sunday morning after crashing into a wall in a residential neighborhood. Though alcohol does not seem to be a factor in the crash, it was speed-related according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The single-vehicle crash occurred when the teen driver lost control of his Chevy Trailblazer on Wilkinson Road near Marriott Circle. The driver and one other teen, who held a soccer scholarship at a nearby university, were both home for Spring Break when the accident occurred. The two female teens attended the charter school for Army Junior ROTC.

Car accidents aren't our only concern. College students tend to lose their heads during Spring Break week. Call it a short mental breakdown where common sense tends to go out the window. For instance, the Sun Sentinel reports about a college student who chugged a can of beer through a funnel while standing on the beach right next to an "Alcoholic Beverages Prohibited" sign. Lucky for him he didn't get caught.

According to the article, Fort Lauderdale is once again a hot spot for Spring Break itineraries. The city is ranked 5th on the Top 10 list of Spring Break destinations. Once known as "Fort Liquordale", local merchants and city officials are trying to find a happy medium to keep the attention and money of college students, while addressing concerns of local residents about the havoc that spring break creates. Many students are choosing Fort Lauderdale as a safe option as violence has picked up in other Spring Break locations like Mexico. Though law enforcement out in force this time of year, students reported they feel like they have free reign to do just about anything.

In this case, 'anything' can lead to breaking the law, causing serious harm to another person, or even fatal accidents caused by drinking, falls, or drowning if teens aren't careful. Teens are reminded to be careful on roadways and beaches during Spring Break week. Accidents can easily happen with the high volume of people and traffic, especially when alcohol is involved. Don't drink and drive.

Continue reading "Teens at increased risk of Fort Lauderdale car accidents during Spring Break" »

Florida leads the nation in fatal bicycle accidents, according to the most recent statistics by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers frequently report about the dangers that cyclists face when traveling on roadways in South Florida. A solution needs to be found in order to keep bicycle accidents in West Palm Beach and elsewhere from occurring so frequently.

One possible solution, according to Bloomberg Businessweek, is to create separate bike-only lanes. A recent study showed that cyclists utilizing separate bike-only paths, away from the flow of traffic, have fewer accidents than bikers riding right next to motor vehicles on roadways.

In fact, the injury rate was 28% lower when comparing the two scenarios. It is not suggested that there is no risk of injury since one key element is making sure the bike tracks have well-designed intersections with green and red signals that determine which traffic has the right to proceed.

In 2009, the NHTSA reported a total of 630 cyclist fatalities in the United States. This equated to about 2% of all traffic fatalities for the year. There were another 51,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes for that year. In 2009, 70% of bicyclist fatalities happened in urban areas, 67% occurred at non-intersections, and 72% of fatal bicycle accidents occurred from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. It was reported that 87% of cyclist fatalities were male in 2009.

Florida averaged approximately 2 cyclist deaths per week in 2009, reporting a total of 107 fatalities for the year. This equated to approximately 4.2% of all traffic fatalities in the state. The fatality rate per million population in Florida was 5.77 which was second in the nation only to Delaware whose population is 2.5 times less than Florida.

Based on the statistics, American cyclists have reason to fear riding alongside traffic on roadways. Cyclist fatalities are often adult males because women, children, and senior citizens are too afraid. Other countries have established separate bike lanes removed from traffic lanes, unlike the U.S. where a painted stripe on pavement indicates where a biker is supposed to ride next to motor vehicles.

For instance, the Netherlands has about 18,000 miles of separate bike tracks established compared to the U.S. which only has about 20 miles of similar bike-only paths in the entire nation.

Many cyclists use their bike as a mode of transportation to get to and from work. In a time when gas prices are skyrocketing, I think more Americans would choose to bicycle rather than drive their motor vehicle if they felt it was safe to do so. The recent study indicated, when given the choice, bikers were 2.5 times more likely to use a separate bike only path than to ride alongside motor vehicles in traffic.

We are still a long way away from implementing separate bike-only paths for cyclists to use. Motorists must respect a rider's rights to the road.

Continue reading "Separate bike lanes would reduce risk of Fort Lauderdale bicycle accidents" »

Florida is one of eight states being used in a pilot program to map the safest roadways according to a recent article in USA Today.

If all goes as planned, Florida motorists will be able to log onto a website to determine the safest roads to travel in order to avoid car accidents in West Palm Beach and elsewhere in the state.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys know that a program like this could make road trip planning a much safer and more enjoyable way to travel across Florida and the U.S.

Internet savvy road trip planners can add one more thing to their checklist: figuring out which route will be the safest to travel based on roads that have the highest reported traffic deaths and injuries. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is in the development stages of designing such a program for in-vehicle navigation systems. The idea is to be able to shop for "Five-Star Safety" routes as you would when purchasing an automobile.

The idea came from a public interest survey taken in 2009. The foundation survey found that 2,141 drivers, or 73% of motorists surveyed, would use a feature that would determine the safest roadways if offered, especially when traveling on unfamiliar roadways.

SafeRoadMaps.org, founded in 2008 has received several hits from viewers trying to plot the safest roadways. The interactive site from University of Minnesota's Center for Excellence in Rural Safety allows drivers to mark fatal crashes on a map online for roadways all over the country.

Other states involved in the pilot program are New Jersey, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and Utah -- the foundation hopes to add more states throughout 2011. The hope is that the data on fatalities and safety features for this site will be used by local and state officials as well, when promoting the safety of their roadways.

Florida motorists currently have the luxury of finding the shortest route on map websites but if given the opportunity to find the safest route would that change their planning on a road trip? Most drivers would agree that it's better to get to your planned destination safely than to plan to get their quicker and not make it at all.

Continue reading "Plotting safer travel routes could reduce risk of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm" »

The odds of getting in a West Palm Beach car accident with a driver who has a suspended license are pretty good these days, or at least better than they used to be before they changed the law for habitual offenders.

In July 2008, Florida legislature changed the law so that repeat offenders driving without a valid license could no longer be charged and sent to prison. Habitual traffic offenders are defined as drivers with at least four major traffic sentences.

Our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys are concerned about the trend, particularly given that most of those driving without a license also have no insurance. With unemployment rates still on the mend, drivers are faced with difficult financial decisions. Failing to pay the car insurance premium may seem like a good idea when faced with the challenge. Other examples that cause a driver's license to be suspended are failing to pay child support, charged with driving under the influence, or failure to pay traffic fines.

According to a recent article in Florida Today, drivers operating a vehicle without a valid license is becoming a legitimate concern in Florida. The article points out that offenders aren't afraid because they know they won't face prison time. It was reported that in early 2010, a man driving with a suspended license was pulled over and arrested on the charge he was a repeat traffic offender. In mid-May, the charge was dropped due to the fact that there was no probable cause to pull him over and was considered inadmissible in court.

Less than a week later, the same habitual offender hit a motorcycle while turning left on a green light at Wickham Road and U.S. 192. The motorcyclist sustained severe injuries leaving him in a coma for 2 months. His wife riding on the back of the bike was killed instantly.

This crash is one of many fatal crashes that found the at-fault driver in violation of driving with a suspended license last year in Florida. The victim in this case continues to rehabilitate after numerous surgeries while the driver continues forward uncharged. Prior to the May violation the driver had 5 suspensions on his record.

The likelihood of a hit-and-run accident occurs when the driver at fault panics. If you are a victim of a hit-and-run accident seek the advice of legal counsel so that you are informed of your rights.

Continue reading "Hit-and-run accidents frequently involve uninsured motorists in Fort Lauderdale " »

By this time, snow birds have migrated so Florida motorists are reminded that it is high time for heavy traffic and the most dangerous time of year on South Florida roads. Our person injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale are taking the time to remind drivers of the dangers faced this time of year in a series of blogs about dangerous driving behaviors.

Previously reported blogs have touched on speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and teens.

Our final topic about the older-driver population concludes the series.

High traffic congestion can leave senior drivers (over 65 years old) stressed and agitated. AAA Seniors notes the most common factors in older driver car accidents in West Palm Beach and elsewhere are:

-Failure to pay attention.

-Confusion in the midst of heavy traffic.

-Making left turns when not permitted.

-Driving too slow or too fast in comparison with the speed limit.

-Slowed response to new traffic signals and signs, or markings on the roadway.

-Failure to yield the right of way to other drivers.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 13% of the total U.S. population was over the age of 64. It was reported that 16% of all traffic fatalities and 19% of all pedestrian fatalities were people ages 65 and older.

It should also be noted that in 2-vehicle crashes between an older driver and a younger driver for that year, elderly drivers were 1.7 times more likely to be the victim rather than the at-fault motorist. Alcohol is very rarely detected in older-driver vehicle crashes but more often the driver is male.

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported over 400 older adult (65 and over) fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in 2009. And the age of victims seems to be climbing for older adult drivers; it was reported that 12 drivers fatally injured in 2009 Florida crashes were ages 90 or over.

As we age, our bodies change. Elderly drivers, despite changes in health, cling to their keys to refrain from giving up their independence. Many don't know or want to admit when it is time to stop driving. The following are some tips to follow as our health declines and driving becomes more difficult:

-Change in medications can affect driving ability – consult with a doctor to make sure side effects don't affect driving.

-Annual hearing and vision tests should be performed. Glasses and hearing aids should be worn while driving if prescribed by a doctor.

-Tiredness affects driving ability so never drive if you feel groggy.

-Modify positions in your vehicle if mirrors or seats make it difficult to operate your vehicle.

-Only drive on familiar roads during daylight hours.

Continue reading "Spring a dangerous time for Fort Lauderdale car accidents involving older adults" »

Our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys have been reporting about high traffic season in Florida and the dangers involving certain behaviors like drunk driving, aggressive driving, distracted driving, and speeding.

We continue our series with the next topic, teen drivers' safety during high traffic season. With spring break, proms and graduations just around the corner, young drivers will be out on the roadways more frequently and during later hours.

Car accidents in Fort Lauderdale typically increase this time of year due to the high volume of motor vehicles on the roadways. Factors leading to these crashes frequently involve poor driving decisions. Teen drivers are typically most at risk because of their inexperience.

In 2009, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that 18 year-old drivers had the highest crash rate involvement in all crashes at 490.46 deaths.

The age reporting the highest rate of fatal crashes was 17 year-olds which reported a rate of 4.08 per 10,000 licensed drivers.

Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer for young driver's ages 15-20 years old. In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported almost 2,800 deaths and another 228,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes for this age group. There are more deaths in this age group from this cause than if you were to combine the total death tolls of cancer, homicide and suicide.

Florida, in 2008, reported 195 young driver fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. There were another 259 people (passengers or occupants of other vehicles) killed in crashes involving young drivers.

According to the 2009 Florida Traffic Crashes Statistics reported by FHSMV, there were 80 teen drivers and 73 teen passengers killed in a total of 29,485 crashes in the state for that year. The frequency of crashes is definitely proven higher this time of year with March recording the most crashes in 2009 at 21,599.

Saturday night at 9 p.m. through Sunday morning at 2 a.m. was the most critical time period for fatal crashes in Florida for 2009.

The excitement of prom and graduation can be hard to contain but teen drivers are reminded to drive responsibly. Most importantly, don't drink and drive. Causing a car accident in West Palm Beach while drinking and driving under-age could change your life and the life of another forever.

Continue reading "Prom, spring break, graduation, a dangerous time for West Palm Beach car accidents involving teenagers" »

February, March and April marks high traffic season in Florida' northerners will continue to migrate south to get out of the cold and snow that has hit the country so hard this winter season.

Florida roadways will continue to be packed with out-of-towners that become distracted because they are lost, or are late meeting someone, or have a car full of kids on vacation. These are examples of why Florida motorists need to be on high alert for the increase risk of Fort Lauderdale car accidents during the next few months.

Our West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers frequently report about the dangers of distracted driving but recently have been focusing on other topics regarding safety this time of year. Our series of topics include speeding, aggressive driving, drunk driving, teen and elderly drivers.

When traffic is congested these types of behaviors and drivers pose a threat to Florida roadways and increase the risk of motor vehicle crashes.

Distracted driving is considered to be among the most common, and most dangerous, driving behaviors -- with talking or texting on your cell phone leading the list. State lawmakers are considering several bills that would ban texting while driving in Florida. According to Governors Highway Safety Association, Florida is one of few remaining states that haven't passed some sort of texting or cell phone use ban on drivers.

Though not much attention is given, there are other forms of distraction. Essentially, drivers are considered distracted by anything that takes their eye off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind away from driving. Things like eating, conversing with other passengers, reading a map, or changing a radio station are also considered distractions while driving.

According to Distraction.gov almost 5,500 people were killed and another 448,000 were injured in 2009 in distracted driving crashes in the United States. It was reported that 20% of injury crashes in 2009 were due to some sort of distraction by the driver. It is believed that reaction time diminishes substantially; equivalent to the reaction time of someone who is driving under the influence with a blood alcohol concentration of .08.

In 2009, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle reported that March and April were two of the three deadliest months in Florida with regard to fatal crashes. March reported a total of 224 fatal crashes and April reported 214 which was only one crash behind the second most dangerous month of December. The report also indicated that over 1,500 injuries occurred in Florida in 2009 due to driver distraction behind the wheel.

Though distracted driving is becoming more of a concern in Florida and nationwide, it's often cell phone use and texting that dominate the news about distracted drivers. Campaigns against distracted driving are often headliners these days as was the case in a recent article in Orlando Sentinel, which gave kudos to a student organization at UCF for winning the prestigious Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Award.

At the recent United Safety Council's banquet in the late January, the UCF Student Government Association was awarded for their "Put Down Ur Cell Fone" campaign conducted late last year. Ironically, the student organization beat out some of Florida's largest companies like Disney, Progress Energy, and Boeing Corporation to win the award.

Distracted driving among other things is a concern for Florida motorists, especially this time of year when the risk of a West Palm Beach car accident is greater due to highly populated roadways. Motorists are reminded to slow down and focus on the road in order to keep yourself and other drivers safer during high traffic season.

Continue reading "Distracted driving is a killer during height of tourism season in Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale" »

Have you been thinking about your next planned activity on your next free day? Many residents as well as visitors enjoy activities in Florida like jet skiing or parasailing. Perhaps a rickshaw ride would be a more appropriate way to see the sights while experiencing something different for a change.

But before planning your next adventurous activity, our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers want to point out the risk and potential injuries these activities can cause. We're not trying to be kill-joys. But it's important to know and understand that not all operators of tourist activities are created equal. Some are as concerned about guest safety as they are about profits. Others ... not so much.

The Sun Sentinel recently reported on the boom in the rickshaw business in Fort Lauderdale.

The city has received applications to increase the current fleet of 20 pedicabs to more than 60. Law enforcement officials are worried about traffic safety. In addition, city officials need to improve safety regulations. It is surprising that the safety regulations had not been changed considering the serious New Year's Day accident in 2008 that left 2 women injured.

That accident involved a hit and run driver that rear ended the uninsured rickshaw.

Currently the city doesn't require safety features such as turn signals, rearview mirrors, lights and seat belts to be placed in rickshaws. The minimum requirements for operators include: need a valid driver's license, they can't interfere with traffic, and they must carry liability insurance of $100,000 per accident.

Fort Lauderdale officials are considering requiring as much as $1 million in insurance coverage, safety features including seat belts, inspections of the pedicabs done annually, and having ownership and rate information posted in the vehicle. The city is also considering increasing the rickshaw fleet by only 12 instead of the requested 50.

Fort Lauderdale's Police Department wants rickshaws barred from congested streets where space is at a premium.

In the past several years Orlando and New York City have implemented stronger regulations regarding pedicabs after accidents or the increased number of pedicabs increased the dangers faced by riders and motorists alike.

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported there were 716 pedalcyclists killed and another 52,000 were injured in traffic crashes.

Some facts about fatal pedalcyclist crashes:

-69% occur in urban areas.

-64% occur at non-intersection locations.

-28% occur between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

-12% happen in September and 9% happen in June.

Interestingly, the first motor vehicle crash in the U.S. occurred in 1896, when a motor vehicle crashed into a pedalcycle rider.

Continue reading "Rickshaws another example or injury risks faced by tourists in Fort Lauderdale" »

Motorcycle accidents involving large trucks are often fatal or cause catastrophic injuries to the motorcyclist. Whether a car or a truck, the most serious injuries to a rider often come from contact with the ground. Our Palm Beach personal injury attorneys want to remind you to be on the look-out for riders in order to avoid a West Palm Beach motorcycle accident.

TCPalm recently reported on a motorcycle accident involving a semi-truck. An early morning crash between a motorcyclist and a semi-truck left the rider in grave condition.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considers a truck large if it weighs in excess of 10,000 pounds. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, or more with special permits. It is pretty clear who has the weight advantage when a motorcycle and rider maybe weigh just a few hundred pounds.

In 2008, the NHTSA reported 4,955 fatal motorcycle accidents nationally; 523 occurred on Florida roadways. Of all fatal motorcycle crashes, 47% involve colliding with another vehicle, 25% of fatal crashes involve hitting a fixed object.

Sport Rider offers this advice for urban motorcycle riding:

-Pay attention to vehicle types that are around you. It may be obscure to profile drivers by vehicle type but the information is valuable and will make you a better rider. If you see a dented, neglected vehicle it means that driver has made a lot of careless mistakes. You don't want to be their next mistake. Volvo's are known for their high safety ratings in a crash. Minivans are often carrying kids, which could lead to a distracted driver. High-performance cars can accelerate and change lanes really fast, give them plenty of room if they seem in a hurry.

-'Ride in the mirrors' of the vehicles around you, which will keep you out of their blind spots. You need to be able to see the driver's face in their mirror so they can see you. When riding in urban settings avoiding blind spots should be your top priority.

-Ride defensively by positioning yourself so if something bad happens, you have plenty of room to get out of the way. Driver's make a lot of mistakes, not using a turn signal, abrupt lane changes and sudden stops. You can't control what they do but you can plan on it happening, so always have an escape route.

Continue reading "Motorcycle accidents a constant danger in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach" »

Vehicle defects can lead to serious West Palm Beach car accidents. Toyota consumers may be thrilled with the recent information released by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stating that conclusive testing results have indicated that no electronic flaws were found in Toyota vehicles that would explain unintended acceleration by the vehicle.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers want drivers of Toyotas to be somewhat skeptical of the news based on the number of test models used in the investigation. The fact still remains that Toyota sells over 8 million vehicles in a calendar year. We think it more likely a defect exists than it is that hundreds of drivers inexplicably forgot which was the gas and which was the brake.

The announced results by the NHTSA comes on the heels of Toyota Motor Corporation being cited last year for over $32 million in civil penalties for two vehicle defects: accelerator pedals sticking and faulty floor mat design leading to entrapment of the accelerator pedal.

The government called on NASA engineers to conduct the 10-month study for electronic flaws leading to unintended acceleration in vehicles. The engineers were experts in software reliability, electromagnetic interference, and computer controlled electronic systems. During the study, engineers assessed the electronic circuitry and examined over 280,000 lines of software code for potential problems that could lead to inadvertent acceleration. In addition, mechanical components were tested that could result in unsolicited throttle openings.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "We enlisted the best and brightest engineers to study Toyota’s electronics systems, and the verdict is in. There is no electronic-based cause for unintended high-speed acceleration in Toyotas."

Even though no electrical cause was found, as a result of the findings the NHTSA will consider the following improvements:

-Initiate break override systems and event data recorders to be installed in all vehicles.

-By the end of 2011, the operation of keyless ignition systems should be standardized in all passenger vehicles.

-Initiate research on the dependability and safety of electronic control systems.

-Examine whether location and design of brake and accelerator pedals can be improved to reduce pedal malfunctions or confusion.

"While today marks the end of our study with NASA, our work to protect millions of American drivers continues,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. “The record number of voluntary recalls initiated by automakers last year is also very good news, and shows that we can work cooperatively with industry to protect consumers."

Faulty accelerator pedals should be a concern that the government continues to research. Motor vehicle crashes due to an accelerator malfunction can be fatal. As a consumer, its best to check recalls for your vehicle model periodically in order to avoid risk of serious injury.

Continue reading "Defective Toyotas: Fort Lauderdale car accidents can be caused by defective vehicles" »

Our Palm Beach personal injury lawyers know that being involved in a South Florida car accident can be a frightening, painful experience. That every encounter can be a stressor, from dealing with insurance companies to repair shops to addressing medical issues and treatment options.

Talking with your boss about lost work time, or doctor-ordered restricted duties – especially in this job market – can seem like a nightmare.

Whether you were involved in a parking lot fender-bender or a fatal South Florida crash, getting back to normal takes time, costs money and comes with plenty of stress. So our Fort Luaderdale car accident attorneys were disturbed to read in the Palm Beach Post recently that Florida currently leads the nation for staged car accidents. To boot, both Miami and West Palm Beach are among the nation’s top five cities for such fraud.

While the article reads like the punch-line for a bad joke, we know that living (and driving) in communities tagged as hotbeds for questionable crash-related insurance claim filings only hurts legitimately injured victims. Victims, who at the time they need support the most, instead face scrutiny.

According to the Palm Beach Post, just in Palm Beach County, the number of suspected staged car accidents nearly doubled from 50 in 2008 to 96 in 2009. Miami led the state in 2008 with 232 cases and fell to second in 2009 with 258. Tampa saw the biggest increase, reporting 125 cases in 2008 and a whopping 487 in 2009.

Across the state, cases climbed 77 percent in 2010.

Law Enforcement officials say it’s an easy crime to commit and Florida is an attractive state to do it thanks to generous “no-fault” personal injury protection laws. Florida is one of just 12 states with a no-fault PIP. Meaning: if you are involved in a Florida car accident, up to $10,000 in medical claims related to the accident are covered regardless of who is at fault in the crash.

So pervasive is the scam that auto insurance companies are now passing along a “fraud tax” to Florida drivers. One estimate suggests Florida drivers will pay close to an additional $950 million to insurance companies in 2011 alone.

It also means consulting an experienced injury attorney can be all the more critical to protecting your rights in the wake of a serious or fatal crash.

Continue reading "Fraud impacts legitimate car accident victims in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach" »

To red light camera, or to not red light camera: in South Florida, that is the question.

TIME Magazine reports that a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that use of red light cameras in 14 large U.S. cities reduced the rate of fatal car accidents by roughly 25 percent based on crash data analyzed between 1996 and 2004.

And that’s not all. The report further revealed a drop in ALL fatal intersection-linked car accidents at sites where red light cameras were installed, not just among those tied to drivers running a red light. Overall the IIHS report estimates that 815 lives could have been saved if all large U.S. cities (those with populations of 200,000 or more) had the devices installed at their most densely-trafficked intersections.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys know that red light running is a problem all Florida drivers face. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2009 there were 56 fatal South Florida car accidents and 5,190 injury accidents caused by drivers who ran a traffic signal.

Another 22 fatal car accidents and more than 2,200 injury accidents were linked to drivers who disregarded a stop sign.

Florida is one of 22 states to have enacted some legislation permitting use of red light cameras. With that in mind, the IIHS report notes that use of said cameras is hotly debated and regularly challenged legally by a vocal minority who characterize such traffic enforcement tactics as an invasion of privacy. Because of this, a number of states have prohibited use of red light cameras.

The Sun Sentinel reports that a local review of traffic crash data collected from six Ft. Lauderdale intersections show there were 11 fewer fatal Fort Lauderdale car accidents in the four months after the devices were installed.

A set of dueling opinions published in the Palm Beach Post reveals both sides of this debate. Palm Beach Post editorial page editor Randy Shultz spotlights perceived “inherent flaws” in the red-light camera system, from administrative issues to legal challenges to lack of public support.

To this argument, the CEO of American Traffic Solutions James Tuton responded, pointing to the IIHS report and trumpeting the public safety angle. In his response Tuton notes that fines paid by red-light runners topped $4 million in funds channeled into the state’s trauma centers and Brain and Spinal Cord Injury trust. Since former Gov. Charlie Crist signed the Mark Wandall Traffic Safety Act into law in May, 2010, close to 40 Intersection Safety Camera Programs have gone online.

Continue reading "Impact of red-light cameras on car accidents remains hot topic for debate in Fort Lauderdale & West Palm Beach" »

New technology, the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), is in the development stage at a Massachusetts lab, which could prevent drivers that are impaired by alcohol from ever operating a vehicle.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys find this news encouraging as states continue to fight the carnage caused by drunk drivers on our roads.

On hand at QinetiQ lab for the product demonstration were U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator (NHTSA) David Strickland, Shane Karr vice president for Federal Government Affairs at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, and Laura Dean Mooney, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Two systems of DADSS are currently being tested. One which determines a driver's blood alcohol concentration by their breath and the other by a touch based approach. Both systems would prevent the driver from operating their vehicle if the BAC measured is .08 or higher.

The NHTSA reported in 2009 there were 10,839 fatalities nationally due to drivers with a BAC of .08 or more. In Florida there were 770 people killed from intoxicated drivers who had a BAC .08 or greater. A total of 527 deaths were from drivers with a BAC of .15 or more.

"Drunk driving continues to be a national tragedy that needlessly claims the lives of thousands of people on our highways each year," said Secretary LaHood. "We need to put an end to it."

MADD President Laura Dean-Mooney, widowed when her husband was killed by a drunk driver said, "Auto makers have stepped up to help turn cars into the cure. This project has made substantial progress and this technology could one day be an important step in our efforts to eliminate drunk driving."

The 5-year, $10 million plan is a joint effort between the NHTSA and the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety (ACTS), which is an industry group on behalf of the world’s auto makers.

"What we're doing is developing technology that won't interfere with sober drivers, will require virtually no maintenance or upkeep and will have such precision that it only stops a driver when their blood alcohol content is .08 BAC or higher, which is the illegal limit for drunk driving in every state," said Shane Karr. "Now that we have actual prototypes, a tremendous feat in of itself, we'll be working to identify the gaps in performance between these prototypes and the precise standards we've identified as true technology requirements. This will point the way forward for the next phase of research."

Strickland called the technology the "new frontier" but said it should not replace the common sense of a driver who decides not to get behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Continue reading "Technology aimed at preventing drunk driving car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm" »

Florida remains one of the few states that has not banned cell phone use or text messaging while driving, even though distracted driving is responsible for a growing number of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas.

The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) has grown to almost 40 national youth and youth-serving organizations since its initial meeting in 1994. Their members meet several times a year to discuss current programs and projects promoting youth safety, specifically highway traffic safety. They also collaborate with other groups to develop new programs.

Last month the Teen Distracted Driving Prevention Leadership Team headed to Washington to shadow traffic safety specialists. They attended U.S. Department of Transportation meetings with Ray LaHood to learn the best method to reach as many youths as possible about the dangers of cell phone use while driving.

The team consisted of members from 17 states. Members met with their Representatives and Senators to urge them to support traffic safety laws that would help to decrease teen driving crashes.

NOYS developed a toolkit to support AT&T's documentary "The Last Text". This documentary is part of AT&T's "It Can Wait" campaign, urging consumers to use their products in a safe manner.

Not even a week ago the Crestview News Bulletin reported another tragic case of texting while driving. A promising Crestview High School student remains in critical condition with massive head injuries following a car crash. It appears the student was distracted, ran off the road, than over-compensated which caused her vehicle to flip several times.

Approximately 1.6 million car crashes were due to cell phone use in 2008 according to the National Safety Council. The likelihood of crashing is four times greater if you are using a cell phone while driving.

Talking or texting on a cell phone is not the only distracting activity that goes on behind the wheel. Smoking, grooming, having pets on your lap, eating & drinking and changing the radio station are all distractions that should be avoided while driving.

Even though Florida allows cell phone use by its motorist, late last year, the Florida Highway Patrol put their own policy in place banning hand held cell phone use by its troopers while on duty. Other Florida agencies are considering doing the same.

Continue reading "Distracted driving increases risk of Fort Lauderdale car accidents involving teens" »

Motorcycle enthusiasts love Florida's weather and scenic highways but motorists need to be observant when sharing the road to prevent a Palm Beach motorcycle accident.

Until the economic downturn, the number of motorcycle accidents nationwide had increased each year for more than a decade. Florida, Texas, and California lead the nation in fatal crashes involving motorcycles.

News Channel 5 reported on the death of another rider just last week. A crash at the intersection of Military Trail and Orlando Avenue between a Lexus and Harley Davidson left the rider critically injured. It was unclear who was at fault. Sadly, the rider died after arriving at the hospital.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) in 2009, Florida ranked second in fatal motorcycle crashes with 380, second only to Texas, which had 408. Third was California with 376. The total number of persons killed in those 380 crashes was 454.

The safest day to ride was Monday, which 37 fatal crashes. Saturdays and Sundays are the most dangerous riding days, recording over 75 fatal crashes each day. Motorcyclists are twice as likely to crash in April than in June. Most of the fatalities occurred between the hours of 6 p.m. and 1 a.m.

If you are over the age of 21 Florida does not require riders to wear a helmet. However, motorcyclists not wearing a helmet then must carry $10,000 of medical payment insurance.


NHTSA's statistics on helmet use in 2010 showed that DOT approved helmet use was down 13% from 2009. Helmets are 41% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle passengers and 37% effective for motorcycle riders. In 2009, the NHTSA estimated that 1,483 motorcyclist lives were saved because they were wearing a helmet.

The Governors Highway Safety Association offer these tips for sharing the road with motorcycles:

-Do not share the lane with a motorcycle; give the motorcycle the entire lane.

-Always signal when merging into traffic or changing lanes.

-Motorcycles are small and fit into your blind spots. Turn your head and look all around at intersections and when changing lanes.

-Don't trust a turn signal on a motorcycle (they aren't self canceling). Make sure the motorcycle is turning before you go.

-Give motorcycles plenty of room in order to maneuver around road hazards like uneven pavement, gravel or potholes.

-Never tailgate a motorcycle; they can stop a lot faster than a passenger vehicle.

Continue reading "Palm Beach winters unfortunately no stranger to motorcycle accidents" »

Due to the economic downturn there was a two year drop in overall traffic congestion. It is thought as the economy rebounds so will our traffic problems. As traffic congestion grows so does the chance of being involved in a Fort Lauderdale car accident .

A published report from the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University illustrates the changing congestion picture. Congestion contributes to a significant number of accident cases handled by personal injury lawyers in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.

"This Urban Mobility Report begins an exciting new era for comprehensive national congestion measurement," noted researcher Tim Lomax. "By combining the traffic speed data from INRIX with the traffic volume data from the states, we are now able to provide a much better and more detailed picture of the problems facing urban travelers."

Highlights of the report include:

-Congestion costs continue to increase, from $24 billion in 1982 to $115 billion in 2009 as measured in 2009 dollars.

-Fuel wasted in 2009 was over 3.9 billion gallons. This amount equates to as much as the flow of Alaska Pipeline in 130 days.

-Commuter costs continue to rise from $351 wasted dollars per motorist in 1982 to $808 in 2009.

-The yearly traffic delay in 1982 was 14 hours; in 2009 it was 34 hours.

The study showed that for 2009 the congestion toll for Miami motorist was 31 extra gallons of fuel used and 39 hours of traffic delays. Compare these figures to when the study first came out in 1982; 7 extra gallons of fuel used and 10 hours of traffic delays.

"We have a great deal more confidence in the numbers we now have for the chaotic years of 2007, 2008 & 2009," researcher Shawn Turner said. "Thanks to technology, we are using data that simply could not have been gathered a few years ago."

Data gathering techniques have improved dramatically since the first published report in 1984. Access to hour by hour speed data has been the most important improvement to date.

"This year's report is a remarkable game changer," researcher David Schrank explained. "The new data address the biggest shortcoming of previous reports. The data show conditions for every day of the year and include the effect of weather problems, traffic crashes, special events, holidays, work zones and other factors directly impacting traffic flow."

The 2010 report saw 11 new urban regions added and 3 new measures of congestion which include: Commute Stress Index (CSI), delays per commuter and delays per non peak motorist.

It also discussed how roadway operations and public transportation helped lessen the congestion problem. Both public transportation and roadway operations contributed to a $27 billion congestion cost savings.

"There is no rigid prescription – no 'best way' – to address congestion problems," Lomax noted. "The most effective strategy is one where agency actions are complemented by efforts of businesses, manufacturers, commuters and travelers. Each region must identify the projects, programs and policies that achieve goals, solve problems and capitalize on opportunities."

Continue reading "Congestion common cause of car accidents in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale " »

In a recent South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog about distracted driving, we reported on the government's request that automakers get involved in the fight against cell phone use and texting while driving.

Florida is one of a few states that do not currently have any law in place about distracted driving. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys frequently report on the risks associated with driving distracted. Whether cell-phone use, text messaging or talking to a passenger, distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents from Fort Pierce to Fort Lauderdale.

For many states, texting is illegal and considered a primary offense according to Governors Highway Safety Association. Florida does not forbid texting or the use of hand-held devices by talking on a cell phone while driving for any drivers.

There is an increasing debate about whether the government should put so much emphasis into a campaign designed to encourage drivers not to drive distracted. According to a recent article in USA Today, distracted driving has always been a problem. Perhaps cell phones have exacerbated the problem, however many other driving safety issues could benefit from one-tenth the attention the government has given to distracted driving.

Distraction.gov refers to distractions as visual, cognitive, and manual. Some examples of visual distractions are reading a map, fixing your make-up, or watching a video. These distractions require that you take your eyes of the road to focus on another object. Cognitive distraction is when your mind is taken away from driving and wanders to something else. Talking on the cell phone or to another passenger in the vehicle can be considered cognitive distractions. Changing the radio station, eating, and drinking are examples of manual distractions that require you to take one or both hands off the wheel.

Florida Highway Patrol will not pull you over if you are using a cell phone so they offer the following safety tips instead:

- Don't use your cell phone if road conditions are not safe or you are facing severe weather.

-Your first priority when you are behind the wheel should be to be a safe driver. If your cell phone distracts you then don't answer it or talk while you are driving.

-If you feel you need to multi-task while you are driving, be prepared. Don't jot down notes or look up a number while you are driving. It is important that your eyes stay on the road.

-Refrain from using your cell phone unless it’s a case of an emergency. Keep conversations short and if you feel like you are becoming distracted by your conversation, pull over into a safe spot until you finish the call.

-Never engage in stressful or emotional conversations while you are driving.

Continue reading "Car accidents in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie often caused by distraction; other driving-safety issues could use focus, too" »

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys know that public awareness regarding the depth and scope of traumatic brain injury in the U.S. has spiked due to studies linking TBI to athletics, injured Iraq War veterans, and most recently, the point-blank shooting of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords in a Tucson grocery parking lot on Jan. 8.

What we have learned, the Palm Beach Post reports, is that recovery from a TBI is as unique as the person suffering the injury. And, that if the injured person receives immediate basic care (airway unobstructed, blood pressure stabilized) they are much more likely to survive a head-trauma accident.

Nearly 2 million people sustain a brain injury in the U.S. each year, the Centers for Disease Control reports. Of them, 275,000 require hospitalization. Another 52,000 die from a wound most commonly caused by either a fall (35.2 percent) or a motor-vehicle accident (17.3 percent).

Falling is responsible for more than 60 percent of all TBI involving victims aged 65 and older. And among children 14 and younger, falls are responsible for half of traumatic brain injury accidents. The CDC reports that while car accidents are linked to less than 20 percent of all reported TBI, nearly 32 percent of all TBI-related deaths are linked to car accident injuries.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, a TBI can be a “closed head injury” caused by blunt-force trauma or a “penetrating head injury” caused by a cranial puncture and contact with brain tissue. In either case, damage is a two-stage process. The first stage is the accident or incident of head trauma itself. The second stage addresses the effects – or “shock waves” – caused by the trauma. To diminish the impact of those injuries doctors may elect to remove blot clots and damaged brain tissue, or even part of the cranial bone itself if swelling becomes an issue.

Symptoms of a TBI can be difficult to detect or overt, depending on the damage. They can appear immediately or may take weeks to manifest. The injured party may or may not lose consciousness at the time of the accident.

In milder cases, TBI victims may complain of:
~ Persistent headache that gets worse
~ Ringing in the ears
~ Dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion
~ Blurred vision
~ Memory loss
~ Fatigue

In more moderate to severe cases of TBI, victims will demonstrate:
~ Vomiting/nausea
~ Persistent headache that gets worse
~ Slurred speech
~ Dilation in one or both pupils
~ Numbness in the extremities
~ Loss of coordination
~ Confusion

Of course any time you or a loved one suffers a blow to the head it is important to seek immediate medical attention to determine if there is an injury and what course of treatment will best offset the effects.

Continue reading "Car accidents in Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, linked to traumatic brain injury" »

The female driver of a black Thunderbird narrowly escaped serious injury or death when a large Ficus tree crashed down on her car as she was driving midday along East Camino Real, the Palm Beach Post reports.

A Fire Rescue spokesperson told the paper that the driver was “almost encased in a bubble” of tree limbs that shattered her windshield and crushed her car. It took chainsaws to free the driver, who stepped free of the vehicle after branches were cleared. She was in stable condition when transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Our West Palm Beach accident attorneys know that whether private or public, proper tree maintenance and pruning is a shared responsibility that includes property owners and local government, particularly when the tree in question spans both private and public land.

Aside from a state law (Florida Statute 163.3209) that establishes tree care right-of-way guidelines between land owners and electric or other distribution pathways, local ordinances in both Broward County and Palm Beach County address, among other things, historic tree and canopied street care. Palm Beach County requires either a replacement and removal permit; Broward County directed that all tree trimmers must be licensed.

Most Florida Ficus trees are of the variety more colloquially known as the Banyan tree. The first Banyan tree planted in the U.S., according to Wikipedia, was planted by Thomas Edison in Fort Myers. Originally 4-ft. tall, it has grown to 400-feet. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the Florida Ficus (aside from their potential girth, height and span) is their dreadlock-like, above-ground, exposed rooting system.

According to the University of Florida, improper landscaping design and plant selection have increased the need for more aggressive maintenance and pruning schedules for plant viability and the safety of those who live around them. The college recommends that pruning “should be a routine part of home-ground maintenance and not delayed until the landscape is overgrown.”

Pruning, in short, protects plants, the public and property owners.

Continue reading "Falling Ficus illustrates unique hazards for South Florida drivers and property owners" »

Just shy of 7 a.m. on Jan. 18, a Florida East Coast Railway train engineer reported spotting a body alongside the track just south of Canal Street in New Smyrna Beach, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reports. Cops believe the victim – a white male – was side-swiped by a southbound train late Monday night. Details determining the exact time and cause of death are still being investigated.

As our West Palm Beach injury lawyers noted in an earlier post to our South Florida Injury Lawyers blog, a full investigation into the cause of death or injury in a pedestrian-related Florida train accident is a critical step in protecting the rights of the injured.

In 2009, Operation Lifesaver reports, there were 1,916 reports of highway-railroad crossing collisions nationwide. More than 60 percent of them happened in just 15 states. Of those, Florida ranked 13th with 50 reported railway-related collisions.

Another 246 highway-railroad crossings were fatal. Again, nearly three-quarters of those deadly accidents happened in just 15 states. Florida ranked 7th with 10 deaths linked to railroad accidents. Florida also ranked 7th for pedestrian-railway crossing fatalities with 19 pedestrians killed by trains in 2009. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that overall in 2009, Florida railroad crossings were the site of 199 traffic crashes; 29 fatal and nearly 2,000 with injuries.

Pedestrian-railway crossing accidents remain the leading cause of railway-related fatalities at an estimated 500 pedestrian deaths each year. A three-year investigation by the Federal Railroad Administration revealed that the average victim of a pedestrian-railroad crossing death is most often a white male in his late 30s.

Operation Lifesaver offers some tips to help pedestrians avoid becoming a railroad fatality statistic:

~ First and foremost, even if you can’t see or hear one, ALWAYS expect a train is heading your way. Trains are fast and can approach from any direction at any time.

~ The safest place for a pedestrian is well off the track and well outside the overhang zone that extends at least three feet beyond the tracks on both sides. Tracks may appear inactive, but most times they are not.

~ Never try and beat the train. Even if you don’t slip and fall, it is an optical illusion that a train seems further away and to be moving slower than it actually is. A 100-car train traveling 55 m.p.h. requires 18 football fields in length to come to a complete stop.

~ Only cross at designated locations when you know the rail is clear to cross. Never walk over rail bridges or through tunnels or climb on or between moving or non-moving rail cars. Of course, never try to hop onto a moving train or jump from train to train if astride along a railway.

Continue reading "South Florida train accidents a risk for pedestrians and motorists" »

Residents of a Sebring mobile home park are turning to the media to address what they see as a traffic safety issue going overlooked in their community by county officials and local law enforcement, Tampa Bay Online reports.

During the last six years, residents say, four Florida drivers have crashed their cars into one of the mobile homes along Whisper Lake Blvd.; destroying property, killing pets and terrifying residents. Many park residents believe that at 45 m.p.h. the speed limit is too high to be safe along the curvy residential road. Others say inadequate enforcement of the speed limit is the problem.

Whatever the case, both excessive speed and poor road design have been linked to each prior Florida car accident.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys know there are many causes of serious and fatal car accidents. Defective roads can be one of them. Missing street signs, inoperative signals, overgrown vegetation, missing or defective guardrails and inappropriate speed limits may also contribute to an accident. In such cases, a local government or Home Owners Association my be partially liable.

The latest incident of car-meets-house happened in the early morning hours of Jan. 17 when the couple living at 1100 Whisper Lake Blvd. awoke to find a dark blue Acura on its side in their Florida room. The driver was gone.

The park manager told Tampa Bay Online that after the last car accident the attorney for a group of residents contacted the county asking that guardrails be installed along the road. Commissioners declined the request. Not enough occurrences, the park manager said.

During that crash – in March 2010 – the struck mobile home erupted in flames. When the homeowner tried to put the fire out, he realized the crash had taken out his water hook-up. He said that the driver’s auto insurance paid some, but not enough to restore the home.

And about that. There is a significant difference between a car striking a brick-and-mortar home and a mobile home, like those at the park. A car plowing through a mobile home will do a lot more structural damage and damage to water and electric hook-ups. And mobile home occupants are far more vulnerable to injury or death in the event a car does come barreling off the roadway and into their living room.

County officials say its frequency not number of accidents that determines whether or not the County will put up guardrails. As for speeding, that’s a law enforcement issue. Cops say that with current budget cuts, the Florida Highway Patrol no longer has a traffic enforcement unit. But, they will ramp up patrols if residents call and request the service.

We are betting if cars kept driving off the road into a golf course community, commissioners may have been more prone to taking action. An experienced accident lawyer should be called to collect damages. Next commissioners will no doubt be hollering about the high cost of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

One online commenter to the TBO article suggested that if the county doesn’t want to spend the money on guardrails, well placed rumble strips would probably do the trick. “There is no doubt about it, highway design flaws cause deaths.”

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2009 careless driving contributed to 386 fatal Florida car accidents and 49,568 accidents involving injury. Florida drivers tagged for exceeding safe or stated speed limits were linked to another 232 fatal crashes and 3,651 injury accidents.

Continue reading "Poor road design linked to Florida car accidents " »

Fifteen hundred fewer lives were lost on the nation's roads during the first 11 months of last year, according to the National Safety Council.

As our Palm Beach personal injury lawyers recently reported on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog the 2,430 traffic fatalities recorded last year in Florida were the fewest reported since 1978.

Nationwide through November, there were 31,740 traffic fatalities, down four percent from the 33,180 reported during the first 11 months of 2009. That follows a 9 percent decrease over 2008 and a 10 percent decrease over 2007.

Still, more than 3.1 million motorists were seriously injured. Cost of accidents through November, including serious injury and death, was $216.5 billion. As a point of reference, ABC News is reporting concerns that the cost of treating cancer could soar to $158 billion a year by 2020.

While state after state has been quick to credit proactive law enforcement for the downturn in traffic fatalities, many experts point to the struggling economy as the primary factor. And, in fact, the NSC data shows traffic fatalities began increasing again last year in about a dozen states, mostly in the Midwest, as the country climbs out of the Great Recession.

The NSC reports that Florida had 2,128 traffic fatalities through the first 11 months of last year, a 10 percent reduction over the 2,363 recorded in 2009 and a 22 percent reduction over the 2,728 reported in 2008.

States with the highest two-year reduction included Louisiana (-30%), Mississippi (-23 %), Florida (-22%) and Oregon (-22%).

South Dakota (+17%) recorded the highest two-year gain.

Continue reading "Florida enjoys one of nation's biggest drops in number of traffic fatalities" »

Florida reported fewer traffic fatalities last year than at anytime since Jimmy Carter was President, according to new information released by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

However, as our Palm Beach personal injury lawyers reported on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, Florida remains one of the most dangerous states in which to drive. And the winter tourism season can be especially hazardous as winter residents and visitors swell the traffic on South Florida roads.

In 2010, a total of 2,430 Florida traffic fatalities were reported -- the fewest recorded since 1978, when Florida had half as many residents. In 2009, a total of 2,563 traffic fatalities were recorded in the Sunshine State.

“It is encouraging to see the number of traffic fatalities continue to drop, and the Department will continue our efforts to educate motorists and aggressively enforce the traffic laws to create the safest possible driving environment,” said DHSMV Executive Director Julie L. Jones. “Unfortunately, we know all too well the devastating impact that even a single fatality resulting from a careless, inattentive or impaired driver can have on a family and community.”

The full report is due out later this year. The 2009 report noted it was the fourth year in a row for a decrease in traffic fatalities. Still, more than 1,000 motorists were killed in drunk driving accidents. Fatal motorcycle accidents claimed 402 lives and 100 people died in bicycle accidents. Florida pedestrian accidents also continued to be a primary concern, with 482 pedestrians losing their lives in accidents.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to patrolling Florida’s highways around the clock, every day of the year, to safeguard motorists and stop dangerous drivers,” said FHP Director, Colonel John Czernis. “Our law enforcement partners and public safety stakeholders also deserve credit for their efforts to keep our streets safe. Motorists can do their part when they buckle up every ride, every time.”

Continue reading "Good news: fewest Florida traffic accidents since 1978; Bad news: Florida remains among nation's most dangerous states" »

The Florida Highway Patrol began its winter enforcement efforts over the holidays, issuing 40,667 citations, including 474 arrests for drunk driving.

Still, 56 people lost their lives in Florida car accidents during the 19-day enforcement period, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

“Our troopers worked hard to help our residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable holiday period,” said Col. John Czernis. “Motorists who operate their vehicles in an unsafe fashion are a danger that puts innocent lives at risk. The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol did their part to identify the unsafe drivers and take the steps necessary to decrease that risk.”

However, the risk of car accidents in Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale increases as the winter tourist season begins in earnest. As our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys frequently report, Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties report more traffic fatalities each year than any other area of the state. And the first four months of the year are among the most dangerous as winter residents and tourists swell the amount of traffic on area roads.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that Florida joins California and Texas as the states with the highest number of most types of accidents, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents.

Continue reading "No snow but winter increases risk of car accidents from Fort Pierce to Fort Lauderdale" »

In light of the utter lack of action by state politicians, Floridians are increasingly banning together to reduce the risk of distracted driving car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce and elsewhere in South Florida, the Sun-Sentinel reports.

Our Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys are frequently called to fight for the rights of clients who are seriously injured or killed in car accidents in which distracted driving played a role. Text messaging and cell phone use are among the most common causes but eating, drinking, playing with the radio, talking to passengers and gawking at external distractions are also common causes of such preventable tragedies.

Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates about 5,000 people are killed and more than 500,000 are injured each year in accidents caused by distracted driving. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports Florida is one of only a handful of states that have done nothing to outlaw text messaging, even by teen drivers who are already at high risk.

Thirty states have outlawed text messaging so far and eight others prevent all hand-held cell phone use. Not only have Florida lawmakers failed on this front, they are one of the few state legislatures in the nation that have passed a law preventing local cities from enacting their own ordinances to protect the public.

Meanwhile, Florida joins Texas and California as the three states with the most fatal accidents each year, including car accidents, trucking accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.

Those taking matters into their own hands include a South Florida congresswoman-elect, high school students, parents and a Boca Raton software company that makes PhoneGuard, an anti-texting app for smart phones. Even Disney has weighed in, announcing last month a ban on texting for all employees.

A study by the University of North Texas contends there were an estimated 16,000 deaths as a result of texting between 2002 and 2007. And the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that drivers who use cell phones are four times more likely to be involved in an injury accidents.

Teenagers are most at risk, with 9 in 10 engaging in some form of distracted driving. A separate study found that texting and driving can add 30 feet to the necessary stopping distance, compared to 15 feet for drinking and driving.

Don't wait on the lawmakers, resolve to put your cell phone down and become a safer driver in 2011.

Continue reading "Reduce risk of car accidents from Fort Pierce to Fort Lauderdale: Put your cell phone down and drive in 2011" »

Rollover accidents aren't the most common type of passenger vehicle crash but they are considered one of the most dangerous. South Florida drivers should use common sense under certain circumstances in order to avoid a West Palm Beach rollover accident from happening.

In 2009, there were 166 fatal passenger vehicle rollover crashes and 355 light truck fatal vehicle rollover crashes in the United States according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatal Analysis Reporting System.

Going back a year previous in 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 35% of passenger vehicle occupant fatalities were from rollover crashes. The vehicle type found most in rollover accidents where occupants were fatally inured were SUV's (58%) and pick-up trucks (48%). Only 25% of passenger cars occupants in rollover crashes were fatally injured. Statistics supported that more rollover accidents occur on rural roadways than in urban areas. Increased use of seat belts decreases the number of rollover fatalities.

Just recently in South Florida, Bradenton Herald reported a tragic rollover accident that ejected three occupants from their vehicle which resulted in one fatality. It appears the vehicle was coming to a curve when it left the roadway. The driver in an attempt to get back on the road over-compensated losing total control of the vehicle. The inability to get the vehicle back on the road caused it to roll over three times into a ditch.

The following are some common causes of rollover accidents:

-A vehicle hitting a 'trip' which is any obstacle that would cause a vehicle to rollover. Examples of trips are things like trees, ditches or curbs.

-Top heavy vehicles – any vehicle whose center of gravity is further from the ground will increase the chance of the vehicle rolling over.

-Driving aggressively – excessive speed and abrupt lane changes can cause a rollover accident
.
-Steering overcompensation can occur when a vehicle leaves the roadway and the driver over steers to get back on.

Beginning in 2012 all new passenger vehicles will be required to have electronic stability control (ESC) technology. This technology will automatically apply breaks when loss of steering is sensed in order to help the vehicle to steer in the right direction. The goal of ESC technology is to decrease rollovers as well as other accidents substantially by maintaining better control of your vehicle.

Continue reading "Rollover accidents in Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach pose threat of serious injury" »

Drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents across the United States so the crackdown on driving under the influence is warranted, especially this time of the year.

Before you take your first drink at your New Year's Eve party this weekend, have a plan in place on how you are getting home. Our Fort Pierce car accident attorneys would all agree, it’s a bad move to drink and drive this weekend with enhanced patrolling and increased check points.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration using the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) reported that in 2009, there were a total of 156 fatalities from crashes involving a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Florida, ranked third among all states in fatalities, reported a total of 17 on these two holidays alone when blood alcohol was tested and recorded over the legal limit.

Earlier this month, US Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, offered a new strategy to help minimize drunk driving this holiday season. The NHTSA proposes a No Refusal strategy that numerous states are using to cut down drinking and driving. The premise is that judges will remain on call to issue warrants immediately when police officials call and need a blood test due to the fact that the DUI suspect refused a breathalyzer test. Florida drivers refuse breathalyzer tests 40% of the time which is third behind New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Florida is one of a handful of states utilizing the "No Refusal" plan in hopes of getting more drunk drivers off the streets quicker to keep the roadways safer for everyone else.

If you are hosting a New Year's Eve party – don't play a role in irresponsible behavior. The following are things you can do to make sure your guests get home safely:

-Have a key box at the door that keys get dropped into when guest arrives.

-Have plenty of soda and water available all evening located throughout the house so it's available to everyone at all times.

-Refrain from playing games that involve excessive alcohol consumption.

-Prepare for guests to stay over by having plenty of bedding available to make up beds or sleeping areas in each room if needed.

-If someone is showing signs of intoxication, do not allow them to leave unless they are being driven home.

Continue reading "No-refusal strategy aims to reduce drunk driving car accidents from Fort Pierce to Fort Lauderdale" »

Parents find their teens acquiring a license to drive a bitter sweet occasion. Though they no longer have the added pressure of pick-ups and drop-offs their worry now changes to the safety of their teens on roadways. The inexperience new drivers possess can often lead to Fort Lauderdale car accidents.

The Sun Sentinel reported last month that fewer 16 year olds are getting their drivers licenses. This could be due to a couple of reasons. Texting and the use of Facebook keeps teens in much more frequent contact so seeing each other face to face is no longer as important. Another reason for not wanting to drive is that owning a car can be quite expensive with the price of gas and high insurance costs, particularly in this economy.

According to the Florida Highway Safety and Division of Motor Vehicles Florida has almost 773,000 teen drivers. They acknowledge that the teen age group has the highest accident rate. There were almost 30,000 crashes involving teen drivers resulting in 284 deaths last year. There were 21% fewer teen crash fatalities from 2008 to 2009 and 8% fewer teen crashes.

Sadly, this teen car crash reported by The Gainesville Sun took the life of a 16 year old boy because he was reaching for a dropped cell phone while he was driving.

If teens can eliminate some of the following driving distractions, more lives might be saved:

-Put the cell phone out of arms reach so if it rings there is no temptation to answer or respond.

-Wait for a traffic light or stop sign to adjust any controls. You can also get the controls right before heading out on the road.

-Don’t eat when you are driving. Ask yourself if a dropped French fry is really worth dying for?

-The car is no place to be grooming. Finish before you leave or when you arrive at your destination.

-If you aren’t sure where you are going pull over instead of concentrating on the GPS.

-Concentrating on driving is easier done when you are alone. Don’t drive with friends in the car.

Continue reading "Car accidents a danger for teenagers from Fort Pierce to Fort Lauderdale this holiday season" »

Making a choice to drive under the influence is something that happens on a daily basis across the United States. Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers are well aware that the costs outweigh the rewards when it comes to making these decisions to drive under the influence.

Please be responsible over the holidays and reduce the risk for you and your family, as well as other motorists on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 11,773 fatalities in 2008 involving a driver having a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher. This equated to 32% of the total fatalities for the year in the U.S. Though down substantially, last year the NHTSA reported 9,211 fatalities with the same .08 or higher BAC. In 2009, Florida reported 743 fatalities caused by a driver involved in the accident having a BAC of .08 or higher.

In 2008, there were 1,347 children (ages 14 and younger) who lost their lives in traffic crashes nationwide. Sadly, 99 children were killed because the driver of the vehicle they were in was driving drunk (BAC .08 or higher). Another 34 children were killed because a drunk driver hit them while walking or riding their bike.

The NHTSA found that a fatal alcohol impaired crash is four times more likely to happen at night then during the day. A driver who is alcohol impaired is two times more likely to be in a fatal crash on the weekend than during the week. The worst age group for drivers having fatal alcohol crashes is 21 to 24. A BAC of .16 was most the common level for drunk drivers in fatal crashes but 57% had a BAC of .15 or higher.

In Florida for 2008 there were 2,978 traffic fatalities.

-29% had a driver with a BAC of .08 or higher.

-20% had a driver with a BAC of .15 or higher.

Mother’s Against Drunk Driving ranks Florida as the 18th safest state. Let’s try to improve on that by following these simple tips:

-If you are going to drink appoint a sober driver.

-If you drink too much and one can come and get you, stay the night or call a cab.

-If you see someone else is drunk, take their keys.

Continue reading "Holidays increase risk of drunk driving accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach" »

We often preach to our teens about everything from how to keep their rooms clean to keeping up with their school work so they can get into a good college. During the holidays, it might be a good time to preach to them about the dangers of driving during this time of year. Educating your teens on driving dangers could help reduce the risk of Fort Lauderdale car accidents.

The National Safety Council is proud to announce that they are teaming up with The Allstate Foundation to support teen driving safety in an effort to reduce traffic fatalities for the younger age group.

“While our roads have never been safer, car crashes remain the No. 1 killer of all people from 1 to 34 years old, with teens crashing four times more often than any other age group. We must act now to create new social norms behind the wheel starting first with our youngest drivers,” said Joan H. Walker, senior vice president, Allstate Insurance Co. “With its long legacy of building safety coalitions, NSC is the ideal organization to lead new state efforts to change the teen driving culture.”

Approximately 3,500 teens were killed in car crashes in 2009, four times as many as any other age group. The Allstate Foundation will be helping fund a new program that will be focused on teens being safer drivers as well as changing their attitudes and behavior about driving. Florida is one of 10 states who will receive funding to form alliances whose first effort will be to study teen crash data followed by going out and educating families through a number of sources. The NSC will use the funding to develop a strategy and find solutions for safer teen driving.

“Funding from The Allstate Foundation allows NSC to develop a coordinated strategy for building effective state coalitions,” said Janet Froetscher, NSC president and CEO. “The coalitions will mobilize state leaders to find unique solutions to the teen driving issue and save young lives for generations to come.”

The Florida Sheriffs Association is also doing their part. They are promoting the teen driver challenge in an effort to save the younger generation of drivers. The twelve hour program educates and offers a practical approach to reduce the chances of an accident and is free of charge to students.

If your teen is driving, especially in their first year, you may want to talk to them about the following safety tips:

-Always adjust your seat and mirror and fasten your seat belt before starting the vehicle.

-Stop completely at stop signs and red lights by slowly coming to a stop.

-When putting the vehicle in reverse or changing lanes, turn your head to look rather than rely on a mirror to indicate it's safe.

-Leave all tangible distractions like cell phones, IPods, or food out of reach. It would even better to leave them all home.

The best way to educate your teen is by example. Use precautionary measures and good driving behavior so that the teen knows the proper way of handling the vehicle and how to react in different situations.

Continue reading "Teen drivers at high risk of Fort Lauderdale car accidents this holiday" »

Red-light runners come by the dozen because everyone is in such a rush these days. The problem with red-light runners is they are endangering the safety of themselves and others and they are a leading cause of car accidents in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area.

Our St. Lucie accident attorneys wish each of you a safe and enjoyable holiday season. And we urge you to avoid running red lights or engaging in other risky driving behavior that can ruin the holidays for you, your family, or someone else.

The Sun Sentinel reported over the summer red light cameras were installed at nine busy Fort Lauderdale intersections. Motorists prior to September were getting courtesy warnings. Beginning September 1st fines in the amount of $158 were going to start being issued.

City police were concerned about the number of fatal intersection crashes. Fort Lauderdale had 26 deaths at intersections between 2004 and 2009. Now there are signs that let motorists know that the cameras are in operation 24/7.

Not all communities are in favor of red light cameras according to an article in the Palm Beach Post. The Village of Royal Palm Beach has had two cameras operating since last November. Up to this point only warnings had been issued and last month at a meeting the council members voted against charging a $158 fine for red light runners. Members were not convinced that the cameras made the intersections safer. The cameras are still installed and working but no one is looking at the information. At some point the cameras will be taken down.

Whether cameras make intersections safer has been widely debated. An article for AOL Auto summarizes the answer – yes, no, depends and maybe. Some studies show that T-bone accidents decrease, but rear end accidents increase. Though severe injuries that result from T-bone crashes go down, the actual number of injuries goes up from the rear end accidents as people slam on their brakes at the last second to avoid getting a ticket.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports statewide, the number of fatalities at intersections is at a five year low at 758. The high during that span was in 2006 when there were 1,060 fatalities.

Still, those statistics mean about one-third of all Florida traffic fatalities occur at an intersection, most often because someone failed to obey the signal.

Traffic signals are designed to give us plenty of distance to stop safely when it is changing from green to red. If drivers are traveling at the posted speed limit they should have plenty of time to stop. Speeding fatalities have not changed much in the last five years averaging over 600 per year. But maybe the installation of red-light cameras will begin to show some positive results in the future.

Continue reading "Red-light runners a leading cause of accidents in West Palm Beach, surrounding area" »

The best way to learn about driver's view of their safety behind the wheel is to ask them. The annual results offer a revealing look into the opinions drivers hold about the leading traffic safety issues of the day. Taken together, these issues are responsible for the vast majority of crashes handled by car accident lawyers from St. Lucie to Fort Lauderdale.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has issued its 2010 Traffic Safety Culture Index report for the third consecutive year. The information for this report was gathered from May 11th through June 7th via cell phone and landline phone interviews (offering Spanish or English dictation) with 2,000 people ages 16 and older.

Some points of interest found in the report were the following:

-Half the respondents said they have been in a severe crash or knows a friend or family member that has been in a bad crash or killed in a crash.

-Over 50% of the drivers said they don't feel as safe as they did 5 years ago. This is a 17% increase from last year. The main reason that over 50% said that was due to others distracted driving habits.

-All respondents feel that drinking and driving is very dangerous, and 2 out of 3 support first time DWI offenders getting alcohol ignition interlock devices on their vehicles.

-Over 72% polled said not wearing a seat belt is totally unacceptable. In addition, 66% said that not wearing one should be a primary reason for police to pull vehicles over and issue a ticket. Sadly 10% of respondents offered that they are guilty quite often of not wearing a seat belt.

-Drivers overwhelmingly thought that drowsy driving was totally unacceptable but over 25% of the respondents said they had driven drowsy in the last 30 days.

-Respondents said that texting (96%) or talking on their cell phones (88%) was a serious threat to their personal safety. However 69% of drivers talk on their cell phones while driving and 24% admitted to texting while driving. Of those polled 46% would support a ban on all cell phone use while driving.

-Driving 15 mph over the speed limit on a highway was acceptable to 33% of drivers. However, speeding in a residential area was overwhelmingly unacceptable. 69% of drivers thought having more police monitoring our speed was acceptable.

-Red light running is unacceptable to 93% of drivers polled. But 34% admitted to doing in the past 30 days.

No matter what your concerns for safety are as a driver, you can only control your behavior. Doing your part in driving safely is the first step to safer roadways. You could do worse than making a New Year's resolution to avoid these poor driving habits in 2011.

Continue reading "View of safe driving habits offers peak into risk of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm" »

In support of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, West Palm Beach car accident attorneys want to take time to remind you to be patient to other vehicles on the roadways, especially if they are occupied by elderly drivers.

Florida has mandatory laws for elderly drivers. Caring.com points out that once you turn 80 you must start getting a vision test every year in order to maintain a driver's license. It's standard for all drivers to renew their license every 4-6 years in which a vision, written, or road test may be required if they show signs of mental or physical anguish.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008 elderly drivers made up for 15% of traffic fatalities, and 18% of pedestrian fatalities. Elderly is classified as people who are 65 and over which made up 13% of the total population in 2008. Florida reported 474 (or 11.2%) fatal crashes in 2008 involving drivers age 65 and over which was the most in any state.

The report showed that older drivers are less likely to drive intoxicated, or not wear their seat belts than younger drivers, or the fatality rate would likely be much higher.

The National Safety Council is promoting this week as Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. In an effort to promote safety they give the following tips when it comes to assessing an elderly driver:

-Check the vehicle they drive for dents and scratches to see if you find any indications of an accident or bumping into other obstacles likes trees or garage doors.

-Suggest going for a drive with them and see if they hesitate to get in the car and drive.

-Create several opportunities to ride with them so you can observe their reaction time and awareness to things around them.

-Don't be afraid to ask other friends or family members if they have noticed erratic or dangerous driving behaviors when riding with the elderly person.

-Talk to the elderly driver about how they feel when they are driving in the car – stressed, impatient, hesitant, angry, etc.

Continue reading "Older Driver Safety week highlights risks of car accidents involving seniors from Fort Lauderdale to Fort Pierce" »

Florida has the unfortunate distinction of reporting more fatal bicycle accidents each year than anywhere else in America. With Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade consistently reporting more accidents than anywhere else in the state, the winter tourist season is a dangerous time for bicycle accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas.

The Palm Beach Post recently reported that Segway rentals are also becoming more popular with tourists and can lead to Segway accidents. Whether Segways or bicycles, riders are at increased risk during the busy winter tourism season.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 716 riders were killed in bicycle accidents in 2008 and more than 53,000 were injured. About 1 in 6 of those accidents occurred in Florida, where bicycle accidents claimed 125 lives. California was the only other state that reported more than 100 deaths, with 109 fatal bicycle accidents.

Last year, 8,000 children were among the more than 50,000 injured.

Safe Florida bicycling tips include:

-Wear a helmet

-Make sure your bicycle fits you properly and is well-maintained

-Learn and follow the rules of the road

-Be predictable -- act like the driver of a vehicle

-Be visible

-Drive with care and share the road.

-Stay focused and stay alert

Download a safe cycling brochure here.

Continue reading "Tourist season dangerous time for bicycle accidents in Fort Pierce, West Palm Beach" »

Given the nature of our work, the West Palm Beach car accident attorneys at Freeman & Mallard frequently post reports about motor vehicle and highway safety tips and trends on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney blog. With this in mind, we share changes to the National Transportation Safety Board’s “most wanted” list of vehicle and driver safety improvements. Our goal is to educate and empower drivers wanting to avoid a South Florida car accident.

Concerns addressed on the NTSB’s “most wanted” list range from motorcycle safety (improved namely through universal, mandatory, helmet laws) to improved child occupant protection. The NTSB would also like to see more drivers and passengers buckling-up before hitting the road and younger drivers more actively participating in graduated licensing programs. While driver distractions – such as using a cell phone, eating, applying makeup, or disciplining the unrestrained family pet – are behaviors all drivers should avoid, younger drivers are much more likely to pay with their lives than older, more experienced, motorists.

With that said, Florida is one of just 19 states that has imposed no restrictions on cell phone use for drivers, young or mature, and is one of only three states without a booster seat law. Both issues – driver distraction and seat belt use – are considered significant factors in serious and fatal South Florida car accidents.

According to the NTSB, on average more than 330 children aged 4 to 8 are killed each year in car accidents nationwide. Of those, about 45 percent were unrestrained. Of those who were buckled-up, most were injured or killed because they were using a lap belt or shoulder harness meant for an adult passenger.

In 2009, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported that 50 percent of children aged 17 younger killed in a fatal Florida car accident were not wearing a safety belt or using a car or booster seat. Tangentially, there were 4 fatalities and 1,532 injuries linked to driver distraction.

Continue reading "Distracted driving and child restraint key contributors to South Florida car accidents" »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that tougher seat belt laws and higher fines could reduce the risk associated with serious and fatal accidents nationwide.

Our Port St. Lucie car accidents lawyers have reported on the challenges facing Florida lawmakers. Little has been done in Tallahassee to address distracted driving, drunk driving and seat-belt safety for passengers and small children. As a result, the Sunshine State finds itself falling further and further behind and motorists are at increased risk of serious or fatal injury from car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and elsewhere in South Florida.

"We want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday travel season," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "For the sake of your loved ones and everyone else on the road, please remember to buckle up and put away your cell phone every time you get behind the wheel."

Florida is one of a dwindling number of states that has passed no laws regulating text messaging by drivers -- even for teenagers. The National Transportation Safety Board reports it is one of just three states that does not require booster seats for young passengers ages 4 to 8.

Nor is Florida among the 17 states that has passed primary seat-belt enforcement for back-seat passengers. It has no restriction on the number of passengers a teen driver is permitted to have in the vehicle; lacks elements of tougher drunk driving laws and is among about half the nation's state that need to improve motorcycle safety.

The federal government reports upgrading from secondary to primary seat belt enforcement -- in which an officer can stop a vehicle for occupants not wearing seat belts rather than only enforcing the law during traffic stops for other driving infractions -- increases seat belt use by 12 percent. Increasing fines form $25 to $60 increases use by 4 percent, while increasing fines to $100 results in a 7 percent increase in seat belt use.

"Seat belts are the single most protective safety device ever invented for use in vehicles, saving thousands of lives each year. Now our research proves that when states step up sanctions, they’re rewarded with huge improvements in belt use," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

Continue reading "Government pushing seat belt use, enforcement, to reduce serious injuries in Fort Lauderdale car accidents" »

The Fort Lauderdale injury attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Freeman & Mallard wish each of you a Merry Christmas, a happy holidays and a safe and enjoyable New Year.

It’s this time of year that Florida becomes alive with the spirit of Christmas -- whether holiday travel, boat parades, or time around the backyard pool with friends and family. We spend almost every weekend enjoying all South Florida has to offer.

In fact, Fort Lauderdale plays host to one of the largest one day event extravaganza’s in the country with Winterfest Boat Parade each year. The event draws thousands to the city, even if it’s for one day, and our Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys know such large gatherings usually pose a risk of accidents for those who participate or attend.

Holiday boat parades are popular all over the state of Florida during the holiday season so safety is a concern whether you are on the boat or just a spectator driving or walking to the event. Due to the growing popularity from recent years there can be up to a million people who attend these events to take in the lights, music, decorations, and entertainment which often extend over a 14 mile stretch.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System used but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, December is one of the worst calendar months for traffic fatalities over the last few years in Florida. In fact, last year March was the only other month that accounted for more traffic fatalities than the 548 recorded in December. There may be no direct correlation to holiday parties and parades in December but the number of people attending them certainly enhances the risk of serious injury or fatality to occur.

If you find yourself headed out to attend a holiday parade or gathering this year, the following safety tips could be helpful as a spectator or participant:

-Enjoy the fantastic views but don’t overindulge with too much drinking as driving a vehicle or boat is never safe after alcohol consumption.

-If you step on a parade boat as a spectator or participant you should always make sure you wear a certified life jacket.

-Allow extra time for travel on the highly populated roadways. It’s better to be late than sorry.

-Be courteous to the spectators or participants around you who are enjoying the same décor, no one likes a holiday scrooge.

Continue reading "Heavy traffic, boat parades, increase risk for accidents in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding area" »

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is announcing a statewide enforcement effort aimed at drunk and drugged drivers through the New Year.

Our St. Lucie car accident lawyers frequently report on the dangers drunk drivers pose to motorists on the road. Last year, more than 1,000 people were killed in accidents involving alcohol, accounting for more than 40 percent of the traffic deaths in Florida.

Car accidents in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami account for more serious and fatal traffic accidents than anywhere else in Florida.

The Christmas and New Year's holiday bring an increased threat of impaired driving crashes. Accordingly, the state has proclaimed December as "National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month."

“The holiday season is a time to celebrate, and no one should have to suffer the loss of a loved one at the hands of a drunk or drugged driver,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottkamp. “I am pleased to see our law enforcement agencies and safety advocates taking proactive measures to make the roadways safer for residents and for those visiting the Sunshine State during the holidays.”

For those for whom being involved in a serious or fatal accident is too abstract a concept -- or, worse yet, that it won't happen to them -- the state has a pragmatic reminder that the cost of a DUI conviction frequently exceeds $10,000, including the cost of fines, court fees, attorney fees, increased insurance premiums and time spent in jail or on probation.

Authorities are also warning motorists about the consequences of driving while under the influence of drugs, whether illegal narcotics or prescribed medication.

“As traffic crashes and fatalities steadily drop each year, it is disconcerting to see drug-related injuries and crashes rise, which is exactly what happened between 2008 and 2009,” said Florida Highway Patrol Director, Colonel John Czernis. “The Florida Highway Patrol will participate in the nationwide, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. national crackdown this month to enforce Florida’s tough DUI law. In addition, the Department will propose legislative changes this Spring that further strengthen the law as it pertains to drugged driving.”

The Patrol offers the following safe driving tips to prevent drunk or drugged driving in Florida:

-Plan ahead and designate a sober driver.

-Don't let friends drive drunk.

-Be a responsible host.

-Beware of medications and their impact on driving ability.

-Dial *FHP (*347) to report impaired drivers.

Continue reading "December crackdown on impaired driving seeks to reduce risk of car accidents in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie" »

In a glimpse of what motorists can expect for Christmas and New Year's traffic enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol announced it assisted nearly 4,000 motorists and issued almost 13,000 citations during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

As our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers have reported, the holidays bring an increased risk of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Margate, West Palm Beach and the surrounding area.

Authorities will be paying particular attention to drunk driving, speeding, aggressive driving and drivers who are not wearing seat belts or who are disobeying other safety laws. Preliminary results for the Thanksgiving holiday are encouraging: Fatal accidents declined 36 percent to 23 deaths, compared to the 36 motorists who died on Florida roads last year.

“We can attribute part of the significant reduction in fatalities to our efforts to educate the public about Florida traffic laws and to enforce those laws,” said Patrol Col. John Czernis. “The Florida Highway Patrol works hard to ensure residents and visitors make it safely to their destinations. We are very proud of the dedicated service and commitment to highway safety exhibited by our troopers.”

FHP Enforcement Results:

-Motorist Assists: 3,990

-DUI Arrests: 121

-Speeding: 4,921

-Safety Belt Citations: 1,407

-Total Citations: 12,770

Continue reading "Holiday enforcement efforts aim to reduce car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Margate, throughout South Florida" »

Drowsy driving may be responsible for the death of a 30-year-old music teacher in a Davie car accident, the Sun-Sentinel reported.

Our Fort Lauderdale Accident attorneys recently wrote about the dangers of driver fatigue and South Florida car accidents. Authorities continue to urge motorists to stop driving as soon as they feel tired. A tired driver can easily fall asleep at the wheel. Safety advocates believe more than 5,500 fatal accidents a year are caused by sleep drivers and that the true number may be much higher.

Christopher O'Farrill had been playing the trumpet since he was 5 and was a career middle school and high school music teacher. He died when his car left the road and crashed into a tree near his home on Southwest 148th Avenue north of Sheridan Street.

Since 2003, he has worked at Everglades Highs School.

As we head into the holiday season, it is important to remember that many of us are more tired, or more stressed, than at any other time of the year. Practicing safe driving habits, which includes avoiding tired or aggressive driving, can help ensure that a serious or fatal car accident does not mar your holiday season.

Tired driving Facts and Statistics for South Florida Drivers:

-Men are more likely than women to be in accidents caused by tired driving.

-Young drivers are at highest risk.

-More than half of such accidents involve a vehicle that leaves the road.

-Daytime driving offers no protection -- one-fourth of such accidents occur in the afternoon.

Continue reading "Music teachers death in Davie car accident blamed on drowsy driving" »

The West Palm Beach car accident attorneys and staff at Freeman & Mallard would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. With that said, we would also like to remind Florida travelers that while Thanksgiving weekend is expected to be another stunning sunny holiday in paradise, a significant increase in air and road traffic is also anticipated.

And with more people on the roads comes an increase in the risk of South Florida car accidents.

For the 12th year in a row, the AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser are hoping to help curb the incidence of drunk driving on Florida roadways over the holiday by providing a free and confidential ride home through their “Tow and Go” program.

And, TCPalm reports that Road Rangers, another free service program – this one provided by the Florida Department of Transportation and supported by a state gas tax – will be out on patrol to assist distressed or disabled motorists stuck along Florida roadways.

Along the Florida Turnpike, roadway administrators are again offering free coffee safety breaks for travelers on the road between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Nov. 24-25 and Nov. 28-29. Motorists can make a quick stop at any Turnpike service plaza for their free pick-me-up cup o’joe.

To help keep your travel plans as safe and enjoyable as your holiday, the Examiner offers a handful of tips for motorists:

~ Focus on the road and traffic conditions. Let passengers man the cell phone, discipline the kids, read the map, and change stations on the radio.

~ Make sure your cell phone and your car battery are well charged. Fill the tank. Check the oil and tire pressure. Make sure you have a travel plan and an emergency kit in the car that includes a change of clothes, blankets, water and non-perishable food items (like granola bars).

~ If you are traveling with children, assign age-appropriate tasks for down time or during pit stops. Have a host of games and entertainment materials available to keep them occupied while you are on the road.

Continue reading "Fort Lauderdale car accidents a Thanksgiving Danger" »

Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers know that Florida teenagers (ages 15 to 19) have the highest rate of car crashes than any other age group. Of teen drivers, 17-olds are most likely to be involved in fatal South Florida car accident, and 18-year-olds are most likely to be involved in a car accident, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports.

In fact, of 235,778 Florida car accidents reported in 2009, 153 teenage passengers and drivers were killed and 19,292 teenagers were injured. The Miami Herald recently reported that October was a particularly deadly month for teenage drivers with five teens dying from fatal South Florida car accidents. So far in 2010, 116 teenagers have died in Florida car accidents.

According to the FLHSMV, teen drivers make up just six percent of the driving population in Florida, but are involved in 14 percent of all fatal car accidents. To address what many consider an “epidemic” of teen deaths due to car accidents, each year the Florida Sheriffs Association in partnership with State Farm Insurance and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration join forces to promote and observe National Teen Driver Safety Week. This annual initiative involves a host of press conferences held at area high schools during late October that aimed to educate teen drivers and their families on how to stay safe on the road. Those efforts will continue through the holidays.

The NHTSA promotes many strategies to help teens make better – potentially life-saving – decisions while behind the wheel, and offer a handful of simple talking points for families:

~ Push a no drinking-and-driving message. Nearly 25 percent of drivers aged 15 to 20 killed in fatal car accidents had a BAC level of .08 or higher.

~ BUCKLE-UP, period. Of 4,842 teenage vehicle occupants aged 16 to 20 who were killed in fatal car accidents in 2006, nearly 60 percent – or 2,813 – were not wearing a seat belt at the time of impact.

~ Encourage younger and inexperienced drivers to participate in the Graduated Driver Licensing program. Following the GDL guidelines that gradually relax restrictions for younger drivers as they garner more and more diverse experience behind the wheel comes with a 20 to 50 percent drop in the likelihood that a teen driver will be involved in a serious car accident.

Continue reading "South Florida teen drivers most likely to be involved in car accidents " »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that speeding plays a role in about one-third of all fatal car accidents, and that speed-related car accidents cost taxpayers more than $23 billion annually, or about $44,190 per minute.

It is estimated that on average, speed-related crash claim the lives of 1,000 American each month. Almost one-third of drivers involved in speed-related fatal car accidents are between the ages of 15 and 24. Not surprisingly, drivers who speed are more likely to have a history of other traffic violations.

In 2009, there were 1,964 fatalities associated with Florida car accidents. Of those, 232 deaths – or just shy of 12 percent – were linked to drivers exceeding safe or stated speed limits. Authorities say the number is much higher, the difference is explained by reporting issues, including accidents caused by multiple factors. Also in 2009, more than 126,000 serious speeding-related Florida car accidents were reported, causing 3,651 injuries, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports.

Our Port St. Lucie car accident lawyers and Fort Pierce injury attorneys frequently report that the stretch of coast between St. Lucie and Miami is the most dangerous area in the state for serious and fatal car accidents.

While some motorists would debate the risk associated with speeding, most researchers would not. A recent study conducted by the University of Illinois has identified a nationwide increase in the number of fatal car accidents linked to speeding since the U.S. dropped its 55 m.p.h. national speed limit in 1995, the Auto Insurance reports. Florida is the number one state in the nation where drivers are most likely to be ticketed for speeding.

To determine whether you are an aggressive driver, the NHTSA has compiled a few traits common to most speeders and offers a list of tips to help drivers avoid driving with a lead-foot.

~ Signs of aggressive driving include: tailgating, expressing frustration with fellow drivers, driving while distracted, darting in-and-out of traffic, blazing through yellow lights or frequently running red lights, or, of course, speeding.

~ To avoid aggressive driving behaviors: focus on driving – put the cell phone away, don’t eat, groom, read or fiddle with the radio save tuning in to a station that plays tunes that help you relax. Obey the speed limit. If you are worried about being on time – leave early and map out an alternative route that gives you choices for reaching your destination.

Continue reading "Speeding linked to one-in-three car accidents in Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, St. Lucie/Ft. Pierce" »

A 62-year-old former Delray Beach man was awarded $33.1 million late last week after a Broward County jury heard testimony about a 2008 New Year’s Eve Fort Lauderdale car accident that left him a quadriplegic and unable to care for himself, the Sun Sentinel reports.

He currently resides at the Florida Institute for Neurologic Rehabilitation in Wachula where he requires extensive lifetime care.

The rear-end collision occurred in the early morning hours on I-95 and the defendant paid a $145 fine for failing to exercise due care. The plaintiff was unrestrained at the time of the accident and the jury found him 5 percent at fault for his injuries. To adjust for this, the award will be reduced to $31.4 million. Whether – or how – the defendant, a Ponte Vedra Beach travel agent, will be able to pay the award, is yet to be determined.

According to the Paralysis Resource Center, 56.4 percent of people living with spinal cord injuries are considered quadriplegic, or, have lost movement and sensation in both arms and legs.

The first-year costs of treating high (C1-C4) or low (C5-C8) quadriplegia ranges from $500,000 to more than $775,500; and between $56,000 and $138,900 for each subsequent year of treatment and care. Depending on the type of injury, the time span from initial hospitalization to transition to lifetime care is about 50 days. Almost 9 out of 10 people discharged from hospitals with a spinal cord injury are then moved to a private home.

For a 50-year-old patient, the estimated lifetime costs of care ranges between $1.1 and $1.9 million per year. It is believed that one in 50 people – about six million – are living with paralysis. In about 25 percent of cases, the cause of the spinal cord injury is due to a car accident. Stroke is the most common cause of paralysis, followed by spinal cord injury and Multiple Sclerosis.

Continue reading "$33.1 million verdict awarded to paralyzed victim of 2008 New Year’s Eve South Florida car accident" »

It is probably a common assumption that car accidents occur most in urban areas as opposed to rural areas due to high traffic in large cities. But our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys have found that this isn’t a fair assumption at all.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in 2008 twenty three percent of the US population lives in rural areas but account for more than half of the traffic fatalities that occurred. Although the number of motor vehicle traffic fatalities has decreased in the last decade, the number of rural fatalities resulted in almost 5,000 more lives lost compared to those killed in urban area traffic accidents.

This is mostly due to the fact that in rural areas it is easier to speed than in urban areas. It makes sense that the higher the speed of a passenger vehicle the more likely serious injury could occur in a crash. In fact, 33 percent of speed-related crashes occurred in rural areas. Speed-related fatalities are more likely during the evening hours or weekends. In 2008, the NHTSA reported that more than 50 percent of rural/urban speeding related fatalities from motor vehicle crashes were on weekends and evenings (6:00pm to 5:59am).

In 2008, Florida had a total of 2,978 fatal crashes. Urban areas were found to be more dangerous resulting in 59 percent of those fatalities while only 37 percent occurred in rural areas.

So if you are heading to work or out to the country to enjoy a family picnic make sure you maintain a speed that is safe for everyone.

Drunk driving, distracted driving and drowsy driving also contribute to the high-risk or rural accidents. Rural roads are also narrower and typically less well lit. By keeping your guard up, even after you leave the city, you will be giving yourself the best chance of avoiding a car accident in Broward County or the surrounding areas.

Continue reading "Rural accidents a common danger in Broward, Palm Beach, St. Lucie counties" »

The majority of fatal car accidents in West Palm Beach and elsewhere continue to involve passenger cars, although rollovers more frequently involve trucks and SUVs, according to new information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys also note that the type of vehicle and type of accident can influence your risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Together those vehicles were involved in more than 9.5 million of the nation's 10 million traffic accidents in 2008.

-Passenger cars: 14,587 fatalities and 1.3 million injuries.

-Light trucks: 10,764 fatalities and 768,000 injuries.

-SUVs: 4,186 fatalities and 361,000 injuries.

-Pickup trucks: 5,073 fatalities and 250,000 injuries.

-Vans: 1,491 fatalities and 145,000 injuries.

The number of motorists injured or killed in SUV accidents increased. Additionally, SUVs were most likely to be involved in a fatal rollover accident. In all, 42 percent of fatal crashes involving SUVs were rollover accidents, compared to 34 percent for trucks and 23 percent for vans and passenger cars.

Occupants of passenger cars involved in head-on collisions with light trucks were four times more likely to be killed than truck occupants. Additionally, the report found that a vehicle struck in the side was most likely to result in fatalities during a so-called "t-bone collision."

Continue reading "Type of accident, type of vehicle can impact chances of serious or fatal injury in Fort Lauderdale car accident" »

For one South Florida doctor, talk of driving while drowsy strikes close to home. In a recent interview with CBS-4, the dermatologist admitted that during his residency he had, on occasion, driven despite being exhausted. He spoke of that “freak out” moment all too familiar to some drivers, when suddenly you snap out of a dead sleep and realize you are still behind the wheel.

Our St. Lucie car accident lawyers know that in today’s fast-paced world catching a regular eight hours of sleep is more a dream than a reality for most drivers. Yet few things are as important to good health as regular sleep. Persistent sleep deprivation has been linked to a host of chronic conditions from diabetes to obesity to heart disease. Now, a recent AAA Foundation survey reveals that a lack of sleep is also a significant contributor to car accidents.

Roughly 16 percent of fatal car accidents have been linked to driver fatigue, and drowsy driving is believed to be responsible for one in eight injury crashes. Such statistics are not surprising given that the survey also found that 25 percent of drivers admit to driving during the last month despite being barely able to keep their eyes open.

"Many of us tend to underestimate the negative effects associated with fatigue and sleep deprivation and, conversely, overestimate our abilities to overcome them while driving," said Kathleen Marvaso, vice president, AAA Public Affairs. “Unfortunately, too many drivers have adopted the 'I'm tired, but I can make it’ mentality, often to their own peril or to the peril of others."

To avoid driving while drowsy and reduce the risk of being involved in a South Florida car accident, the AAA Foundation provides the following information for driver consideration:

~ Men are far more likely to be involved in drowsy driving car accidents than women.

~ Drivers traveling with passengers are 50 percent less likely to succumb to the effects of drowsy driving.

~ Daytime driving offers zero protection from incidence of drowsy driving. In fact, 26 percent of drivers surveyed said they fell asleep behind the wheel between noon and 5 p.m.

~ Younger drivers (aged 16-24) are more likely to fall asleep than older drivers.

~ Nearly 60 percent of drowsy driving car accidents are caused by a vehicle traveling off road or due to lane drifting.

~ Playing the radio louder, opening windows, and slapping yourself in the face are utterly ineffective remedies for combating driver fatigue.

Continue reading "One in six Port St. Lucie car accidents linked to driver fatigue" »

Car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere continue to be the leading cause of death for children ages 3 to 14, according to the latest information released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Our West Palm Beach injury lawyers know there are many reasons for these tragic accidents, including lack of proper seat belts, safety seats and booster seats, speeding, distracted driving and even, tragically, accidents involving drunk drivers.

Buckle up your kids…it makes a difference. In an effort to save lives, child safety seats or seat belts should be used at all times when traveling in passenger vehicles with children accompanying you. The Florida Highway Patrol requires any child under age 18 to be secured while traveling in a passenger vehicle.

The NHTSA reports infants who are secured in safety seats can reduce the risk of fatality or serious injury by 71 percent. In addition, toddlers who are secured can reduce risk by 54 percent.

In 2009, approximately 309 children avoided fatal injuries due to the fact they were restrained by child safety seats or seat belts. Reports also show in 2009, children under the age of 14 accounted for 4 percent of the fatal accidents in the United States.

Other findings of the new report:

-Florida car accidents claimed the lives of 110 passengers under the age of 4 from 2005-2009

-42 fatalities occurred in Florida for unrestrained children riding in a passenger vehicle

-Estimated 90 lives were saved because of child restraints and safety seat belts in the state of Florida.

-244 kids under the age of 14 were killed in pedestrian accidents last year.

-74 children were killed in bicycle accidents in 2009.

Continue reading "Fatal Fort Lauderdale car accidents involving children a continuing cause for concern" »

Our Hollywood, Florida injury lawyers frequently write about the dangers faced by teen drivers on the road. Now a new report by USA Today suggests that parents are turning to one of the oldest tools in the arsenal to help ensure the safety of young drivers: The Teen Driving Contract.

Teens are responsible for a disproportionately high number of cars accidents in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida. Nationwide, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 20, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Now is an excellent time to initiate discussion and execute a safe driving contract with your young driver, as we prepare for high school homecomings, the upcoming holidays and the start of heavy traffic that comes with tourist season.

Teens are at risk for every poor driving decision, behavior and habit imaginable, including drunk driving, not wearing a seat belt, driving with too many passengers in the vehicle, distracted driving and speeding. A driving contract typically sets out the expected behavior and the penalties for any violation. The contract also can restrict freedom initially, while rewarding experience with more freedom behind the wheel.

"It's a way for parents and teens to engage with each other and agree on what the consequences are," says Arlene Greenspan, of the injury center at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Writing it down clarifies for everybody what the rules are."

Many insurers also offer discounts to parents and teenagers who have executed a written driving agreement. The government reports a total of 6,428 motorists were killed in accidents with teen drivers in 2008. Florida car accidents involving teenagers claimed 516 lives.

AAA offers a Florida teen safe driving agreement here.

Continue reading "Teen driving contract may reduce risk of car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm, elsewhere in South Florida" »

Hit-and-run car accidents in Palm Beach County are in the news this week after a substantial jury verdict and yet another deadly crash.

Our Palm Beach accident attorneys are frequently asked whether it is worthwhile for someone to pursue a claim in a hit-and-run accident or in an uninsured motorist accident in Palm Beach. We believe seeking the immediate representation of a qualified personal injury attorney is critical in such cases. If and when a driver is located, a claim can be made against his or her assets as well as other insurance policies in place on vehicles in the household. In the event a driver is never located, a claim may be made against your own insurance policy.

A jury has awarded a 62-year-old Belle Glade store owner $720,000 for injuries he suffered in a hit-and-run truck accident in the Glades, the Palm Beach Post reported. The jury rejected arguments from the truck driver and trucking company that the accident never happened. The victim has undergone surgery on his neck and back.

NBC5 reports authorities are looking for a dark green Ford pickup truck with a missing headlight and damage to the front and passenger side.

The truck is believed to be involved in a deadly hit-and-run accident that occurred on Sandpiper Drive in Royal Palm Beach on Saturday Oct. 16. Anyone with information about the truck or the accident is asked to call Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.

Accidents can be devastating. But when a motorist fails to stop, the physical, emotional and financial consequences can be particularly difficult to overcome. Having an attorney present in the early days of a case can go a long way toward protecting your rights and the future financial well-being of you and your family. Waiting for a driver to be arrested is not the best option. Drivers frequently flee an accident scene because they are driving without a license and/or without insurance. Many times, finding a driver leaves an injured motorist no better off.

Continue reading "Palm Beach hit-and-run accidents should always be handled by an experienced injury lawyer" »

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is announcing a drunk driving crackdown that runs through the Halloween weekend.

As our West Palm Beach accident attorneys reported recently on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, pedestrian accidents, fall accidents and dog-bite injuries are also a common Halloween danger. But the primary focus of the Florida Highway Patrol will be taking drunks off the road.

The "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign runs Oct. 25-31.

“There is not a Halloween costume clever enough to hide an impaired driver who has made the poor decision to get behind the wheel,” said FHP Director, Colonel John Czernis. “Whether you’ve had one too many or way too many it is just not worth the risk. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Our troopers will be vigilant in their efforts to remove impaired drivers from our roadways.”

The state reports that 1,004 of the 2,563 fatal crashes last year were alcohol related, giving Florida one of the highest rates of drunk driving crashes in the nation.

The Patrol offers the following safety tips for a safe Halloween on the roads:

-Plan a way home in advance.

-Designate a sober driver.

-If impaired, use a taxi, call someone for a ride, or use public transportation.

-Call 8FHP (*347) to report a drunk driver on the road.

Continue reading "Authorities crack down on impaired drivers to reduce South Florida car accidents this Halloween" »

A reporter and cameraman were injured this week in a Fort Lauderdale car accident when their television remote truck flipped over after reportedly colliding with a Jeep. The crash happened near the Kathleen C. Wright Administration building, which headquarters the Broward County School District, according to the Palm Beach Post.

Car accidents are the most common cause of work-related accidents. In all cases, an employee would be entitled to workers' compensation benefits for car accidents that occur while on the job. Such benefits are designed to pay the cost of your medical bills and a portion of lost wages.

In other cases involving work accidents while on the job -- or those in an accident with a work vehicle -- a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit may be filed against the business. Employers carry large umbrella liability policies, typically in the amount of $2 million, to help protect against serious or fatal accidents involving a company vehicle.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that more than one-third of all fatal work accidents involved a traffic accident in 2009, accounting for 1,682 of the 4,340 work-related deaths.

In this case, the crash happened about 9 a.m. near the intersection of Southeast Third Avenue and Southeast Sixth Street. Two WPLG Ch. 10 employees and the female driver of the Jeep were transferred to Broward General Medical Center.

The TV News employees were identified as reporter Neki Mohan and cameraman David Silver.

The white television truck was heading downtown, where firefighters were taking part in a training program that involved the controlled burn of a vacant building. The woman in the Jeep was an employee of the school district and was heading for the district's nearby parking garage.

Continue reading "Fort Lauderdale car accidents at work, or involving a commercial vehicle, entitle victims to compensation" »

For more than 30 years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been providing consumers with crash-test performance data that helps vehicle buyers make well-informed safety choices when it comes purchasing a car or truck.

In an ongoing effort to improve the evaluation criteria, the NHTSA has updated its five-star safety rating system to include today’s technological safety enhancements. Newer technologies and newer standards ultimately mean better protection for occupants in the event of a Fort Lauderdale car accident, but they also change the ratings for many previously rated vehicles.

Newer evaluations include a front end and side-pole crash test series that measures how the vehicle protects the head, neck, chest and legs of occupants involved in a either a head-on crash or one where the car or truck strikes a tree or utility pole from the side. The NHTSA has also upgraded their crash-test dummies to include a smaller-sized adult female and a medium-sized adult male.

Also included is a review of rollover- and crash-resistance technologies, such as, electronic stability control (ESC), and forward collision and lane departure warnings. Each are “smart” technologies that evaluate driving, road and traffic conditions in real-time and either alert the driver through dashboard and sound signaling or execute mechanical actions to correct for driver error.

With ESC, for example, if a driver heads into a turn at a dangerous speed or hits a slippery patch of road and begins to spin out of control, sensors will signal a braking mechanism to compensate for under- or over-steering.

The NHTSA has already published findings on more than 30 vehicles and expects to rate and evaluate 55 more in 2011. To date, only the BMW 5-series and Hyundai Sonata have earned five-stars. Formerly a five-star holder, the Toyota Camry dropped to a three-star ranking, and the Nissan Versa holds the sole distinction of a two-star rating.

You can visit the website for new and used car safety ratings.

Continue reading "NHTSA introduces new 5-star safety rating system aimed at reducing injury in Fort Lauderdale car accidents" »

Our South Florida Car Accident lawyers reported in an earlier post to our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney blog, that Florida remains one of just seven states with no laws restricting use of hand-held or other electronic devices despite an explosion in the number of distracted driving car accidents nationwide.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration linked cell-phone use to 18 percent of distracted driving fatalities and 5 percent of distracted driving injuries nationwide. But, of course, texting or chatting aren’t the only ways drivers can be distracted.

USA Today reports that a host of distractions were found to contribute to more than 16 percent of all motor vehicles accidents that claimed 5,474 lives and injured more than 448,000 in 2009.

Eating while driving is a popular distraction common to drivers, so is applying makeup, searching for a favorite CD or new radio station, engaging with passengers, disciplining children, lighting a smoke and reading. And then there those folks who travel with furry companions who, more often than not, roam the vehicle unrestrained.

Some experts even claim that our quality highway system has created a “complacency among many drivers” that builds a false sense of security and lures drivers to take their eyes off the road. But even a two-second distraction can have deadly consequences. A car moving at 60 and 70 m.p.h. can travel up to a couple hundred feet in a matter of two seconds, more than enough time and distance to cause an accident.

In a recent interview, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood referred to distracted driving as an “epidemic” in America. One that is claiming more lives as overall traffic fatalities have fallen to their lowest number since 1950. To top it off, our most vulnerable drivers – those aged 20 and younger – represent the largest group killed in distracted driving fatal car accidents.

Continue reading "Cell phone use just one of the many distractions linked to South Florida car accidents" »

OurSouth Florida car accident lawyers are monitoring a debate waging in Royal Palm Beach, West Boca and Boca Raton over the use of red-light cameras. Supporters say the red-light cameras act as a deterrent by decreasing the number of drivers running red lights – and the number of car accidents – while making the community a little money. Opponents complain the cameras amount to little more than an invasion of privacy, open municipalities up to lawsuits, and put moneymaking ahead of improving public safety.

In Royal Palm Beach, the tide is against keeping the cameras, the Palm Beach Post reports. City council members and even the mayor say that dealing with the flack from villagers – and the possibility of fending off lawsuits filed after issuing camera-based citations – essentially isn’t worth the hassle of keeping cameras in place at intersections where Okeechobee and Crestwood cross Royal Palm Boulevard. They are even questioning whether cameras improve safety and will vote this week whether to keep them in place or take them down.

Meanwhile, in other parts of Palm Beach County – namely West Boca, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Palm Springs – moves are being made to install red-light cameras or to transition from issuing warnings to issuing citations in locations where cameras exist. Some areas in Palm Beach County have already moved to issuing citations to violators captured by cameras.

According to the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running, red-light cameras are installed in more than 400 communities in 25 states. Cities from New Orleans to Washington D.C. to Orange County, Calif. have all reported significant drops in both red-light running incidences and car accidents caused by a driver running a red light. In New Orleans, installing red-light cameras led to an 85 percent drop in drivers running lights and in Council Bluffs, there has been a 90 percent drop in car accidents caused by drivers running the light.

Continue reading "Residents and city officials in Palm Beach County divided over use of red-light cameras" »

According to Meteorology professor Jan Null, so far in 2010, 49 children have died due to heat stroke caused from being left in hot vehicles. In Florida alone, six children have died from hyperthermia this year – including, most recently the Miami Herald reports, a one-year-old from Miramar. On average, 37 children die heat-related deaths each year from being left in a car on a day otherwise considered mild – around 70 degrees.

Our West Palm Beach child injury attorneys know that more than half of these deaths occur because a caregiver or parent has done the unthinkable – accidentally forgetting a child in a car. Another 18 percent die after intentionally being left in a vehicle by an adult.

Even in cooler weather, it take little time for the interior of a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures, particularly in the South and particularly when the tolerance of a young child is taken into account. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, even with windows cracked and ambient outdoor temperature in the low-80s, in less than 10 minutes the interior of a vehicle can become hot enough to cause hyperthermia. Because their bodies are ill-equipped to mitigate extreme temperatures, children under age 4 are especially susceptible to heat stroke and can succumb quickly to overheating.

As mentioned, and as difficult as it may be to believe, forgetting a kid in a car is the most common contributor causing the death of a child due to hyperthermia. An exhausted parent, a distracted caregiver – all it takes is a break in a routine and tragedy can result.

The NHTSA offers a handful of prevention tips to help those who care for our youngest, most vulnerable, passengers:

~ put something you need next to the car seat – a cell phone, a wallet, a handbag.

~ simple as it sounds post a sticky-note reminder on your steering wheel or some place on the dash.

~ limit distractions when getting out of the car – don’t worry about the mail or start chatting on your cell phone.

~ have a call/check system in place with your caregiver.

~ make a habit of looking in the back seat.

~ NEVER leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Period.

Continue reading "Miramar hot-car death illustrates safety issues for South Florida’s youngest passengers" »

When 22-year-old Tiffiany Olson died from injuries sustained in a South Florida fatal motorcycle accident on a Palmetto road on Dec. 7, 2005, the only identification she had on her was a driver’s license with an old address. It would take law enforcement six-and-a-half hours to track down her next of kin.

Her frantic mother and brother heard she had been in an accident, but that was it. They checked the local hospitals – nothing. Two hours into their search, a police officer tracked down Tiffiany’s mom at Manatee Memorial Hospital. He handed her an evidence bag containing a few personal effects and advised her that her daughter’s body was at the morgue, which was closed. It was 1:30 in the morning.

After burying her daughter, Olson was determined that no mother should have to face such a wait to hear the fate of their child. From this experience two things emerged, the website To Inform Families First was created and the initiative for Florida’s “Register Your Emergency Contact Information Week” was born.

The goal of this effort is to see every single Florida resident register their emergency contact information in a statewide, secure and confidential, database (linked here) accessible only by law enforcement for the purpose of notification during a critical emergency. As of August 2010, more than 3.5 million Floridians have already registered. The registration process takes only a few minutes and could prevent someone you love from having to bear the agonizing wait Tiffiany's mom experienced. In some cases, it could even save a life.

Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at Freeman & Mallard know that confusion often reins after an accident and it can be difficult to know where to turn. In your time of need, an experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through medical, insurance and lost wages claims, car repairs and the host of other legal entanglements that accompany a serious or fatal car accident. We have successfully and aggressively represented injury victims and their families in West Palm Beach, Hollywood and Margate for years. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation appointment to discuss your case at 1-800-529-2368.

There are many unknowns and much uncertainty swirling around an early morning South Florida car accident on Palmetto Expressway that left one pedestrian dead and found a stunned driver flagging down a state trooper in the pre-dawn hours of Sept. 28, the Miami Herald reports.

What detail are known are sketchy at best. It is believed the Spanish-speaking foreigner flew into Miami International Airport from Laredo, Tex. and that around 3 a.m. he hailed a cab. He asked the driver to take him to a Hialeah Gardens address that authorities have determined doesn’t exist.

The cab driver, who said the victim asked to sit up front, said his passenger quickly became agitated – flailing his arms and speaking to himself in Spanish. The Florida Highway Patrol reports the victim was talking on a cell phone before he began screaming and unbuckled his seat belt and tried to open the passenger door.

The cab driver pulled off to the shoulder and scrambled to call for help. The victim then fled the vehicle and dashed blindly into traffic and then lay face down in the road. Several cars dodged the victim as the cab driver and couple other drivers attempted to divert traffic. The driver of a 2008 Nissan pickup was unable to avoid striking the man. He has not been charged.

While this case is a bizarre example, most cases handled by Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident attorneys involve the death of a pedestrian that could have been prevented by the at-fault motorist. In fact, Florida has one of the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities in the nation. Most pedestrian-involved traffic fatalities happen in urban areas, at night, under normal weather conditions and at non-intersection locations along roadways. That in 70 percent of cases, the victim is a man.

The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department recently reported that more pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties than anywhere else in the state, claiming 150 lives in 2009. Throughout the state, 8,248 pedestrians were involved in Florida car accidents that left 7,676 pedestrians injured.

Continue reading "South Florida pedestrian accident on Palmetto Expressway yields more questions than clues" »

The stories of distracted driving fatalities are as heartbreaking as they are endless. One young couple was Disney-bound, where they were scheduled to meet with the bride-to-be’s parents and their wedding planner. It was early 2008. Their car was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer, allegedly driven by a texting driver. He never touched his brakes. She died at the scene.

Our Fort Lauderdale Florida car accident lawyers know that distracted driving kills. As we’ve reported in an earlier post to our South Florida Injury Lawyer blog, just among teenage drivers alone, one in four admit to texting behind the wheel. In 2009, more than 16 percent of all fatal car accidents involved distracted drivers. More than 500,000 were injured and another 5,500 were killed in distracted-driving crashes nationwide.

Once again, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has hosted a distracted driving summit in Washington D.C. to address growing concerns regarding what has become an epidemic of handheld electronic devices being used by drivers behind the wheel. At the summit, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood spoke of a multi-layered approach to changing driver habits, involving tougher laws, stepped up enforcement, promoting public awareness and personal responsibility.

Thanks to efforts at the summit, both last year and this year, there is now a nationwide texting ban in place for commercial bus and truck drivers. Also, train operators are restricted from using cell phones or other electronic devices while conducting. And, the NHTSA is currently pushing for a complete ban involving use of any electronic device while operating a commercial truck transporting hazardous materials.

In tandem with the NHTSA efforts, both the entertainment industry and state lawmakers have joined forces to raise awareness and restrict usage of handheld electronics while behind the wheel. The National Football League, the Jonas Brothers, Allstate Insurance, Oprah Winfrey and even Webster’ Dictionary, which named “distracted driving” their Word of the Year – each organization aggressively promoted an anti-technology message.

More than 270 distracted driving bills were discussed in 43 state legislatures. Currently, 30 states have banned texting while driving and 8 have banned the use of handheld electronic devices. Even Pres. Obama and the United Nations have joined the act – Obama banned 4 million federal employees from texting while driving and the U.N. enforced the same ban for their 40,000 member employees.

Florida is one of a dwindling number of states with no such law.

Continue reading "Summit aims to reduce risk of distracted driving car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere" »

On the heels of a distracted driving summit aimed at mapping legislative, law enforcement and awareness campaigns that will drive down the exploding number of distracted-driving related car accidents nationwide, Sect. Ray LaHood released two glowing NHTSA reports tracking ongoing seat-belt usage and minimum age drinking law efforts.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers frequently report on a host of behind-the-wheel issues – from impaired driving to distracted driving to maintenance and child passenger safety – facing Florida drivers on our South Florida Injury Lawyers blog. Regarding seat belt and child restraint use, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration revealed that 12,713 lives were saved by simply buckling up in 2009 and 309 toddlers were spared thanks to proper child restraint use. Since 2005, the NHTSA estimates that the increase in seat-belt use has saved more than 72,000 lives. The recent report also estimates that more than 600 lives were spared in 2009 through the enactment and enforcement of minimum drinking age laws.

As for distracted driving, 2009 NHTSA statistics alone are staggering. Car accident crash rates have steadily declined since 2005, when the NHTSA reported 39,252 crashes that claimed 43,510 lives to 2009, when the NHTSA logged 30,797 reported crashes that led to 33,808 fatalities. Meanwhile, the number of distraction-related car accidents and fatalities has risen from 10 to 16 percent of those overall numbers. In 2005, 4,026 distraction-related car accidents were reported, causing 4,472 fatalities. By 2009, those numbers had jumped to 4,898 and 5,474, respectively.

While NHTSA Administrator David Strickland admitted the trends reflecting more ubiquitous seat-belt use and fewer cases of underage drinking and driving are impressive, his goal remains at 100 percent compliance. As for the issue of distracted driving, he said the mission of his office is to take action “on a number of fronts to address the epidemic of distracted driving in America. With the help of experts, policymakers, and safety advocates… we are going to do everything we can to put an end to distracted driving and save lives.”

Sometimes seat belts save lives. Sometimes, they don't. But what is clear is that speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving remain the three leading causes of serious and fatal traffic accidents. Hiring an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer or wrongful death attorney can help determine the cause of your accident and can assist in recovering the compensation you deserve.

Continue reading "Seat belts, minimum drinking ages reduce risk of serious or fatal injuries in Fort Lauderdale car accidents" »

According to the National Traffic Safety Board, our youngest travelers face the greatest risk of injury or death if involved in a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach or elsewhere in South Florida.

Florida earned the NTSB's “most lenient” ranking because State law only requires child safety seats for children aged 3 or younger. NTSB standards recommend state child restraint laws for children up to age 8.

To back up this requirement, the NTSB reports that for children ages 4 to 8, using a booster seat and seat belt combination reduces their risk of car accident injury by 59 percent. South Florida car accident attorneys know that properly installed car seats and booster seats used in conjunction with safety belts save countless lives. Because of this simple truth, we support the NHTSA’s annual Child Passenger Safety Week efforts and provide a link to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s best booster ranking system.

Safe Kids USA, is a network of more than 600 organizations and coalitions across the U.S. that work together to raise awareness of child safety issues and prevent unintentional injury among children under age 14. Regarding car seats, booster seats and child safety restraints, Safe Kids USA has found:

~ Just shy of 1000 children under age 14 are killed each year in car accidents.

~ If parents and caregivers buckle up, so do child passengers.

~ Children using properly installed and appropriate child restraints are 80 percent less likely to sustain a fatal injury in a car crash than children who are not.

~ In 2005 alone, almost 700 children killed in car accidents were not using proper child restraints.

~ Children prematurely using safety belts alone are four times more likely to sustain serious head injury than those using seat belts in tandem with child safety seats or child booster seats.

Continue reading "Government says Florida has nation's most lenient child passenger safety laws; children at increased risk of injury in Fort Lauderdale car accidents" »

As we mentioned in an earlier post to our South Florida Injury Lawyers blog, 2009 was a banner year for safe driving across the country. The number of people killed in fatal car accidents dropped to its lowest since 1950, reaching almost a 10 percent decline in car accidents fatalities compared to 2008. Motorists injured in car accidents are down as well.

In fact, across the board, riding in or driving a vehicle – four wheeled or two wheeled, motorized or not – even walking on or near roadways in the U.S. is the safest it has ever been, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports. In Florida alone, the number of fatal Florida car accidents has dropped more than anywhere else in the country, reporting 422 fewer fatalities in 2009 than in 2008. Texas, California, Pennsylvania and Georgia also saw more than 200 fewer fatalities. Overall, just 9 states saw the number of fatal car accidents go up.

However, Florida remains one of the nation's three deadliest states, along with Texas and California. And motorists are more at risk of a serious or fatal car accidents in Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Miami than anywhere else in the state.

Throw alcohol into the mix, and again, numbers are down in 33 states and Puerto Rico. Fatal car accidents in which alcohol played a factor declined by 7.4 percent, claiming 10,839 lives in 2009 – 872 fewer than in 2008.

Among the findings:
Total Traffic Fatalities: 33,808 -- down 9.7 percent from 37,423
Passenger Vehicles: 23,382 -- down 8.2 percent from 25,462
Large Trucks: 503 -- down 26 percent from 682
Motorcycles: 4,462 -- down 16 percent from 5,312
Pedestrians: 4,092 -- down 7.3 percent from 4,414
Bicyclists: 150 -- down 12 percent from 188

Injuries were also down across the board:
Total Injuries: 2.217 million -- down 5.5 percent from 2.346 million
Passenger Vehicles: 1.976 million -- down 4.6 percent from 2.072 million
Large Trucks: 17,000 -- down 26 percent from 23,000
Motorcycles: 90,000 -- down 6.3 percent from 96,000
Pedestrians: 59,000 -- down 14 percent from 69,000
Bicyclists: 51,000 -- down 1.9 percent from 52,000

Continue reading "Florida motorists less likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents" »

Despite an increase in road travel, in 2009 the number of fatal car accidents nationwide dropped to their lowest number since 1950 and car accident injuries also fell to lowest rates ever recorded the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports.

There were 442 fewer fatal Florida car accidents and Texas saw 405 fewer fatal car crashes. Overall, 41 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico each experienced a drop in fatalities. In tandem with the drop in fatal car accidents and fewer injuries, the number of alcohol-related car accident deaths dropped more than 7 percent.

The NHTSA Administrator David Strickland attributes much of the decline to seat belt use and aggressive anti-drunk driving enforcement campaigns. “But we are still losing more than 30,000 lives a year on our highways, and about a third of these involve drunk driving. We will continue to work with our state partners to strictly enforce both seat belt use and anti-drunk driving laws across this nation, every day and every night.”

According to the NHTSA, motorcyclist fatalities broke a decade-long increase in fatal crashes with a 24 percent decline and now account for 13 percent of total vehicle-related fatalities. Passenger car, light truck and large-truck vehicles also each saw significant drops.

Still, despite the overall downward trend, car accidents remain the leading cause of death for Americans aged 3-34, and more drivers and passengers need to buckle up. More than half of those killed in fatal car accidents were not wearing a seat belt.

Continue reading "Fatalities and injury crashes drop nationwide, but biggest dip is in fatal car accidents in Florida" »

Car accidents in Port St. Lucie are less likely to occur than any other major city in Florida, while car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Miami are among the state's most frequent, according to a report released by Allstate Insurance.

The list, which compares accident rates in nearly 200 cities with a population of more than 100,000, found the chance of an accident varies widely depending on where in Florida you reside. However, when it comes to Florida, one thing is certain: No place is safe. A total of 2.563 people were killed on Florida roads last year, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, making it the deadliest state in the nation after California and Texas.

The report ranked Fort Collins, Colorado as the safest city in the nation with an average of 14.5 years between crashes for any given motorist. Washington, D.C. was the nation's most dangerous city, with motorists reporting crashes every 5.1 years.

Florida ranged from a best of 10.9 years for motorists in Port St. Lucie and Cape Coral, to a worse of 7.2 years in Hialeah and 7.5 years in Miami.

"Human error is the biggest cause of accidents. It is vital for us to educate drivers across the country on the importance of being tolerant and attentive behind the wheel," said Mike Roche of Allstate.

30) Port St. Lucie - 10.9 years
33) Cape Coral - 10.9 years
69) Jacksonville - 9.9 years
80) St. Petersburg - 9.7 years
84) Tallahassee - 9.7 years
(123) Fort Lauderdale - 8.8 years
(145) Orlando - 8.2 years
(147) Hollywood - 8.1 years
(154) Tampa - 7.9 years
(171) Miami 7.5 years
(180) Hialeah 7.2 years

Continue reading "From Port St. Lucie to Fort Lauderdale, your risk of a car accident depends on where you live " »