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Weather and weather-related fatalities usually only make the news when they concern a serious natural disaster such as a hurricane. But there may be another reason to keep an eye on the skies: according to experts, one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities is traffic accidents. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports that over 7000 people across the country die each year in car and traffic accidents caused by inclement weather. Most of these fatalities tend to be overlooked because they are not counted among the deaths caused by serious storms and most of these fatalities involve one or two-car accidents. Experts are now paying more attention, however, hoping to reduce the number of weather-related traffic fatalities in Miramar and other communities.

According to meteorologists and other experts, there a number of things that drivers can do to help prevent weather-related car crashes in Miramar and other communities:

1) Understand what conditions to look for. Many people understand that snow, ice, and water can mean slippery conditions, but a range of weather conditions – including whiteouts, fog, sunny days, wildfire smoke – can create potentially dangerous conditions. Any situation that interferes with visibility or makes the roads slippery can cause dangerous road conditions.

2) Be prepared for different weather conditions. Even a very sunny day with glare can lead to a car or truck accident in Miramar if you aren’t prepared for it. In your car, keep the tools you need to stay safe. This may mean sunglasses and a hat for sunny weather and extra windshield wiper fluid for days where visibility is a problem and you need your windshield to be as clean as possible for the best visibility.

3) Keep your car in good condition. Good brake systems, tires, and windshields ensure that your car is prepared for various weather. Take your car in for regular tune-ups to ensure that it drives safely. Consider getting all-season tires, even if you never plan on driving outside of Florida and don’t need to worry about ice and snow. Tires with good treads can really help in any wet or slipper road conditions and could potentially help you prevent a pedestrian accident in Miramar or your community.

4) Stay alert about weather conditions. Get into the habit of checking weather conditions before hopping in your car. Don’t head out when the weather is very bad and if you do need to drive in inclement weather, be prepared to give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

In the future, there may be new ways to help prevent weather-related car and truck accidents in Miramar and across the country. The U.S. Department of Transportation is funding new technology, the “Vehicle Data Translator,” which would gather and share up-to-date atmosphere and road conditions with drivers in real time, giving motorists the information they need to stay safer on the roads. The system would collect data from cars and from local weather stations as well as other sources in order to give drivers more information to prevent collisions.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

This year, California introduced a law that allows cars that that can drive without driver input to be tested on the California’s highways. There is a great deal of interest in the cars, which use a range of sensors as well as cameras and computer programs to drive in a variety of conditions with no input from the driver. Advocates of the cars say that the cars will even allow the visually impaired to drive since the cars will do all the “seeing” for the driver.

Advocates also claim that the cars will reduce car accidents since the sensors and programs can respond much more quickly than human drivers and are not prone to human error. Some even believe that the cars will take care of the problem of distracted driving, since owners will be able to text and engage in other activities while the car drives for them. However, will the new cars eventually reduce the risk of Miami traffic accidents – or contribute to the city’s accident rates?

Developers of the cars, which include Google technology, say that the cars have been tested for years now and the only accident in 300,000 miles of road tests was a minor rear-end crash that could be prevented in the future by installing heat-seeking technology in the trunk to detect approaching cars.

Critics weigh in

Critics of the cars are skeptical, noting that technology is imperfect and since computers and computer programs develop glitches or crash unexpectedly, the risks with a car fueled with this type of technology could be significant. After all, computers crash regularly and software is known for developing bugs and other problems that create crashes on personal computers. Drivers in an automated car are actually encouraged not to watch the road and may not notice a problem in time to stop a Miami car accident. Manufacturers of driverless cars have pointed out that the test cars in use have hundreds of thousands of kilometers of error-free driving on record.

Some critics also point out that if the cars become widespread they could put many professions, including car mechanics and traffic police, out of work. The financial impact of this could be significant. Manufacturers of driverless cars point out that driverless cars could actually make police and law enforcement authorities more effective, as time would be freed up to pursue other cases.

Cars raise questions about safety

In addition, the possibility of driverless cars raises the question of driver training and education. Will these cars allow the driving age to be lowered? How will drivers be tested to ensure that they safely drive a car that does not require their interaction? Currently, most states do not have laws about driverless cars and do not permit these cars on the road. However, since manufacturers of driverless cars claim that even blind drivers would be able to drive the vehicles, it raises questions about how drivers would be evaluated for safety. In addition, there are some questions about how roads could safely be shared between driverless cars and traditional cars. Would sharing the road lead to more Miami truck accidents and car accidents?

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Talking and texting using cell phones and mobile devices is very commonplace today, even among drivers. According to a recent Prevention magazine survey, there are over 100 million cell-phone subscribers across the country, and over 85% of them report regularly talking while driving. This is despite the fact that a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2001 found that drivers talking on cell phones are four times more likely to be in a car crash when compared with drivers who drive distraction free. Despite many media campaigns to make drivers aware of the dangers of distracted driving, many drivers continue to talk and drive. There are many dangers connected with talking and driving:

1) It causes slow and erratic driving. Drivers who are focused on talking rather than driving may make driving errors, make drive recklessly or mindlessly, and may drive more slowly as their focus is elsewhere. This can easily lead to Biscayne Park car accidents.

2) It takes the driver’s eyes off the road. Studies have shown that drivers who use hand-held devices take their eyes off the road for seconds at a time – enough time to travel the length of a football field or more. This is more than enough time to cause a serious Biscayne Park pedestrian accident or traffic accident.

3) It takes the driver’s mind off the road. The -billion-a-year cell-phone industry has introduced many types of technology in recent years to allow drivers to talk and drive without using hand-held devices. Built-in phones, voice-activated dialing features, headsets, and car speakerphones all promise to keep driver’s eyes on the roads. However, these devices still distract drivers from thinking about traffic, and some experts feel that they are still a danger in cars.

4) It can prevent a driver from hearing important auditory cues. Cell phones can take a driver’s mind and eyes off the road, but they also focus the driver’s eyes away from the road, which can be just as dangerous. Hearing alarm signals, horns, and other cues is an important part of driving safely and cell phones distract from that. It is one possible reason why hands-free devices have been found by some research studies to be just as distracting as cell phones for drivers.

5) It can lull drivers into a false sense of security when driving. Many people claim that cell phones actually help them drive, by providing them with map apps, the ability to call in emergency situations, and other features. However, drivers who use their cell phones while driving without facing any consequences will likely continue to do so, increasing their risk of a serious Biscayne Park traffic accident.

Of course, cell phones are not the only distraction that drivers face. CD players, food, scenery, and passengers, as well as an infinite list of other distractions are part and parcel of driving for many drivers each day. However, hand-held devices have become one of the most visible and noted distractions that drivers face, in part because of their prevalence and in part because Biscayne Park car accidents caused by this form of distraction seem so preventable.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Many news stories involving elderly drivers involved in car accidents focus on the driver’s age. For example, when a man from Apollo Beach was in a motorcycle accident this month, the news stories often focused on the fact that he was 100 years old. When a woman crashed into a Chinese restaurant this month, mistaking her gas pedal and brake, it was widely noted that she was 80 years old.

Stories like these lead many to assume that older drivers are susceptible to car accidents. After all, the elderly are susceptible to many conditions, such as dementia and vision problems, which can significantly impact driving ability. However, a new study suggests that older drivers have comparatively fewer accidents when compared with younger drivers.

According to new numbers from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the 2010 crash rate for drivers age 80 and over in the state was 90 per 10,000. This compared favorably with a crash rate of 347 per 10,000 for drivers in the 15-24 age range. According to some experts, this may be because older drivers tend to drive a little slower and more cautiously. Some experts also suggest that extensively driving experience helps elderly drivers stay safer on the roads. A few experts have critiqued the numbers by noting that the elderly may drive fewer miles when compared with younger drivers, which may possibly impact the crash rate.

What is certain is that the issue of elderly drivers is an important one for the state. In the past five years, the number of drivers in the state who are 71 years or older has increase to 1.8 million – a jump of almost 100, 000. Since 2007, the number of Florida drivers who are 90 years of age has increased by almost 28%, with almost 65,000 Floridians age 90 or above on the roads today. Some counties, such as Hillsborough County, have an even higher rate of elderly drivers. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, there are over 455 Florida drivers who are aged 100 or older.

The recent studies suggest that Medley car accident caused by elderly drivers are perhaps not as prevalent as public perception suggests, but there are still many initiatives in place to help elderly drivers maintain their independence while having a low risk of Medley traffic accidents.

Current research is also being done at the University of South Florida School of Aging Studies to determine how to prevent Medley personal injury among elderly drivers. Researchers there have determine that cognitive ability rather than age and other factors are what matter when it comes to driving ability and safety. That research supports the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles numbers in suggesting that elderly drivers are safer than many believe.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Many drivers do not realize that pets can be a hazard on the roadways, but pets of all sizes and types cause Miami Gardens car accidents and Florida traffic accidents each year. There are many ways that animals can cause Miami Gardens traffic accidents:

1) Pets that run into the road can cause Miami Gardens truck accidents and car accidents. When dogs are not properly restrained during an outing, they can easily run into the road and cause an accident as drivers swerve to avoid the animal. Dogs that are not on a leash can also lead to Miami Gardens dog bite claims in court. When walking a pet, it is important to always keep it on a leash. This protects the dog and motorists.

2) Pets that are loose in a car can get in the way of driving and can cause an accident. One of the biggest causes of pet-related car accidents has to do with uncaged animals in a car. Unfortunately, when animals are in a moving car they sometimes want to explore. They can leap up on the steering wheel, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle, or can climb onto the dashboard and reduce visibility. Small animals can get caught under the gas pedals. For all these reasons, it is important to transport pets in appropriate kennels or cages at all times. In a car accident, the pet and the owner may be seriously injured or killed, so keeping a pet enclosed in a cage in the car ensures everyone’s safety.

3) Pets can be a distraction in the car. Even when pets are contained in a kennel or cage, they can be a distraction for the driver. In some cases, pets can whine or cause a disturbance because they are upset by being in a moving car. If your pet is a distraction for you in the car, you can speak to your vet about possible solutions. You can also travel with a friend when transporting your pet. Your friend can keep an eye on your pet, allowing you to place all your focus on the road.

Pet-related Miami Gardens car accidents can cause fatalities, serious property damage, and serious injuries, including head injuries and spinal cord injuries. When a pet owner does not take the steps necessary to drive safely with their pet in the car, it puts the lives of everyone at risk. An innocent pedestrian or motorist can be injured or killed due to one pet owner’s negligence.

If you have been injured by a motorist who drove recklessly because they had their pet in the car with them, you may have a legal claim. It is a good idea to discuss your case with a qualified Miami Gardens personal injury attorney. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, can help you determine the costs of your injuries, and can work on your behalf to ensure that you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Aggressive driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), causes many accidents each year. Aggressive drivers can make poor choices on the road due to their anger and they take risks that result in many Miami traffic accidents each year. Many drivers are not even aware that they are aggressive. Aggressive drivers display the following behaviors:

1) They show their frustration against other drivers. This can include gesturing, honking the horn, shouting at other drivers and other signs of aggression.

2) They are distracted drivers. Aggressive drivers pay attention to what is angering them, rather than the road, making them and other drivers at high risk for Miami car accidents.

3) They change lanes often. Aggressive drivers often weave in and out of lanes to speed ahead, and this increases the risk of accidents as well.

4) They tailgate. Following other vehicles too closely is a major cause of Miami rear-end accidents, but aggressive drivers often tailgate as an aggressive gesture in order to pressure other drivers into speeding up.

5) They disobey traffic signals and lights. Aggressive drivers who are experiencing road rage often disobey traffic rules and signs because they are upset or simply don’t want to wait.

6) They speed.
Fortunately, there are many ways that drivers can reduce their risk of accidents and can reduce their aggression when driving. According to the NHTSA, drivers can play relaxing music behind the wheel and can plan ahead so that they know their route as well as alternatives routes. Drivers can also focus on driving by putting away any distractions and can drive the posted speed limit, which helps curb aggression by ensuring that other drivers don’t seem annoyingly slow. Driving the speed limit can also reduce the risk of Miami truck accidents and other traffic accidents. The NHTSA also suggests that drivers focus on driving safely rather than trying to get to their destination on time. It is much safer to be a little late than to drive recklessly to arrive at your destination. Finally, the NHTSA suggests that drivers take public transportation once in a while. Spending a great deal of time on the road can be stressful and can lead to aggression, while taking public transit can provide some relaxation and relief from the usual routine.

Even if you are responsible driver, of course, you may encounter aggressive drivers on Miami streets. According to the NHTSA, your first priority should be to get out of the way of any aggressive drivers. You should ignore the driver’s gestures, shouting (if any) and eye contact where possible, as returning gestures or initiating eye contact can escalate the aggression. If a driver’s aggression is so significant that you think it could cause a Miami car collision, have a passenger call police or pull over when it is safe to do so and call police yourself to report the driver.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Distracted driving has been in the news frequently over the past few years. According to an article in The Times, drivers who use cell phones are four times as likely to cause a car collision as their less distracted counterparts. In fact, researchers have suggested that cell phone use is similar to driving drunk, in the way that it reduces response times and increases the risk of a Florida car accident. Some studies have suggested that hands-free phones do not help, while a Harvard study from 2003 concluded that cell phone use leads to 2, 600 fatalities and 330 000 accidents that lead to at least moderate injuries.

With research like this, it is not surprising that many people associate distracted driving with mobile devices. However, experts and authorities agree that cell phone use is simply the most noticeable form of distracted driving, and it is only the tip of the iceberg. In fact, many behaviors – including common behaviors that are almost impossible to litigate – can lead to distracted driving and Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, distracted driving can include:

1) Eating and drinking while driving.

2) An outside distraction. An animal running across the road, an accident nearby, road work, and other events cause many accidents each year.

3) In-car systems, such as radios, CD players, I-pods, DVD players, GPS devices, and others. Even adjusting a seatbelt or your mirrors can distract you from the road.

4) Other passengers. Helping a child or having an animated discussion with a passenger can distract a driver and cause an accident.

5) Objects moving in the car. Insects, an object rattling in the back seat, a pet loose in the car, or any mobile object in the car is a major distraction and a danger.

6) Smoking. Smoking is bad for your health, but it is also a distraction. The act of smoking, finding a cigarette, lighting a cigarette, or dropping a cigarette can mean taking your eyes off the road.

7) Any object in the car. Fumbling through a purse, trying to open a water bottle while driving, looking through the glove compartment while driving – these are all distractions.

Driver fatigue.

9) Medical issues.

10) Being lost. Looking at road maps or signs can distract you from pedestrians and cars around you.

11) Emotional distraction. Highway hypnosis or simply being inattentive can be just as dangerous as any other type of distraction.

12) Mobile devices, such as cell phones and texting devices.

Of course, it is impossible to avoid all of these distractions all of the time. It is inevitable that sudden events or problems crop up on the road and distract us. However, it is also important for drivers to stay aware of all the possible types of distractions which are possible when driving. When drivers are aware of these distractions, perhaps they will be more willing to pull over rather than keep driving distracted. This sort of paradigm shift can help prevent Florida traffic collisions.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Florida residents love their pets, but when those pets are loose in a car, they can easily contribute to deadly traffic accidents. According to the organization “Paws to Click,” one accident occurs every 18 minutes in this country because there is a pet loose in the vehicle, distracting the driver. About 30 000 accidents in the US each year are caused by dogs alone. According to the same source, one in five drivers admit to driving with a dog on their lap. While Florida does not have any regulations requiring pet owners to restrain their pets in a vehicle, it is the safest and most humane option.

While dogs are lovable creatures, when they are left loose in a car, they can cause a great deal of distraction to the driver. The dog may begin chewing the upholstery or may try to dig under the seats. Some dogs get motion sickness and vomit in the car. Many dogs like to hang out the window, which puts them at risk of falling out of the window or getting debris in their mouth or eyes. Many dogs also enjoy jumping all over the car, getting underfoot, or placing their paws on the steering wheel. All of these distractions can become deadly for the driver – and for the drivers of other vehicles nearby.

Another tragic consequence of allowing pets loose in a car is that they become victims in the event of a car accident. If you are in a car accident in Florida and are holding your dog in your lap, your dog will likely be killed due to the impact of the airbag inflating in front of you. As well, if a pet is unrestrained and you are in a collision, that pet becomes a projectile which can harm you in an accident. If your pet is airborne during an accident, they will likely impact and this will prove fatal. Placing your pet in a carrier or appropriate restrains can help prevent an accident, and can also save your pet’s life.

There are many ways to safely restrain your pet in your car. There are booster seats, car seats, and seat belts made for dogs. These items are inexpensive, widely available, and allow your dog to look out the window while staying safer. It is important to place your dog in restraints in the back seat of the car, where airbags will not harm your pet in the event of an accident. All other animals should be placed in carriers or crates in the back seat of the car. Crates and carriers are also available for dogs.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Come Join some us Wed December 16th 6pm-8pm at Patina Boutique in Costa Mesa for Girls Night Out!! Free appetizers, shopping, raffle, and girl time. Do your Holiday shopping and support a great cause to STOP drunk driving in Orange County! Just a entry fee that will go back to MADD OC.

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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (Orange County)