Posts Tagged ‘Drivers’

Companies Claim Apps Could Help Young Drivers Avoid Car Accidents in Pembroke Pines and Other Communities

Monday, May 13th, 2013

Teen drivers may be more at risk when it comes to car collisions in Pembroke Pines and other communities, according to researchers. The culprit, according to many experts, is that young drivers have less driving experience than older drivers and may not yet have honed the skills necessary to avoid traffic collisions in Pembroke Pines or their communities. This may be one reason why teen drivers have higher accident rates.

There are many ways that experts claim parents can help their teen drivers stay safer while they develop their driving skills:

• Get extra lessons for teens with driving instructors
• Limit teen driver’s driving privileges and only gradually add privileges as the teen develops their driving skills
• Set firm rules about no cell phone use, no passengers, and no additional distractions that can lead to road accidents

The University of North Carolina has an additional idea. The university has developed an app, Time to Drive, for teen users. The iPhone app allows teens and parents to set goals in order to gain specific driving experience and driving skills. Teens and parents can track progress as young drivers gain experience with bad weather, interstate driving, nigh driving, and other skills. The app is not intended to be used when driving; drivers open it after driving to log experience and the app works in the background as someone drives. According to senior research associate Arthur Goodwin, Time to Drive encourages teens to get driving experience in a range of situations.

There are other apps and devices on the market aimed at teen drivers, too. A free distracted-driving app for teen drivers is available from Esurance and Cellcontrol. The app prevents drivers from getting or sending texts while the car is in motion. OrigoSafe is a device that prevents a driver from starting their car until their phones are docked. The system is an ignition interlock system and does not require a monthly cost.

DriveCam is similar to a nanny cam and allows parents to keep an eye – literally – on their teen drivers. The camera sends out alerts if a teen drives beyond a certain area or swerves or speeds. The cam service is offered by Sprint. Sprint also offers a pay-per-month Sprint Drive First service. This service disables a driver’s ability to text when their car is moving more than 10 mph.

Do these devices and apps help to prevent car and pedestrian accidents in Pembroke Pines and other communities? In some cases, it may be useful for drivers to get a reminder to turn their cell phones off when driving. In the end, however, it may be more useful for teens to learn to turn their own cell phones off behind the wheel. For parents, these apps and devices, however, can help provide some peace of mind and can be another tool in helping to prevent distracted driving.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Unregulated Distractions for Drivers Can Mean Car Accidents in Florida

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Florida is currently considering new legislation which would allow authorities to cite drivers who text and drive. There are multiple research studies to suggest that cell phones contribute to car accidents in Miami and other communities. However, one reason why texting bans have not been passed in Florida in the past is because many lawmakers note that any type of distracted driving can lead to car and truck accidents in Miami and other communities. It is impossible to legislate all possible forms of distraction in a car, and there are many types of distracted driving that police officers see regularly in South Florida:

1) Reading. Some drivers attempt to read text messages or even the newspaper while they drive, taking their eyes off the road for seconds at a time, putting themselves at risk of a serious collision.

2) Eating and drinking. Most cars have drink holders and many commuters in Miami and other cities take their morning coffee with them on the road. Drive-throughs also allow drivers to easily pick up food for a snack. According to authorities, however, eating and drinking in the car leads to many traffic accidents in Miami and Florida each year. Beverages can easily spill, which can distract drivers. Drivers who are eating and drinking are also taking their eyes and focus off the road as they open food wrappers and consume food.

3) Checking maps. Checking maps is dangerous, of course, since it removes a driver’s focus and eyes from the road. According to some experts, GPS devices may not be much better, if drivers are programming their destination into the device or taking these eyes off the road to check the devices.

4) Writing. Jotting down notes is dangerous, yet drivers do it every day.

5) Daydreaming. Recent studies suggest that mindless driving –
daydreaming or thinking about something besides driving – removes focus from the road and slows driver response times enough to cause a serious accident.

6) Changing music or adjusting the radio in the truck. This causes pedestrian accidents in Miami and across Florida each day. Devices such as MP3 players and iPods can actually help, since they allow drivers to program hours of music at a time, so that no adjustment is necessary.

7) Emotions. Research has shown that road rage leads to accidents because drivers are distracted and take risks when they drive angry. However, any strong emotion – anger, fear, upset, sadness – can mean that drivers are not fully focused on the road because they are thinking about whatever is behind the emotion.

8) Passengers. Speaking with passengers means that drivers are thinking about the conversation rather than about the road. This is one reason why some experts believe that hands-free mobile devices may not be safe for drivers, either.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Two North Carolina drivers accused of DWI after fatal car and ATV accident

Friday, January 11th, 2013

Two North Carolina men are facing charges for allegedly driving while impaired after an accident between an all terrain vehicle and a Ford sedan left one person dead early Tuesday morning. The North Carolina Highway Patrol says that the accident occurred shortly after 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Authorities believe that a 39-year-old Fairmont, North Carolina man was driving an ATV on a road about two miles northwest of Lumberton, North Carolina. Troopers claim that the taillights on the ATV were not working. Law enforcement says that a 25-year-old Fairmont resident was riding as a passenger on the ATV.

Police believe that the ATV was traveling about 35 miles per hour when a 52-year-old Lumberton resident approached the ATV from behind traveling about 60 miles per hour. The Ford reportedly slammed into the ATV, pushing the recreational vehicle across lanes before the ATV rolled into the ditch. Both the driver and passenger of the recreational vehicle were thrown from the ATV.

The ATV passenger was killed in the Robeson County, North Carolina accident. The driver suffered injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Law enforcement says that the driver of the Ford was also transported to the hospital, although it is unclear whether the driver of the car suffered any injuries.

Law enforcement says that the driver of the car tested 0.07 percent blood alcohol concentration after the wreck. A police report released to the media did not indicate whether authorities have a blood alcohol measurement from the ATV driver, according to the Robesonian.

North Carolina state troopers believe that both drivers were impaired at the time of the fatal crash. Both men are accused of DWI, but authorities say that additional charges remain pending.

Generally, most North Carolina drivers may be aware that the legal limit to drive in the state is set a 0.08 percent BAC. However, North Carolina law allows two different avenues for bringing DWI charges against drivers. The 0.08 percent BAC threshold (or 0.04 percent for people who hold a commercial driver’s license) is the level where the law presumes impairment, often referred to as the per se DWI level. The law allows law enforcement to suspect impairment at readings below the per se level, based upon other observations and evidence of alleged impairment.

Sources:

  • The Robesonian, “Alcohol cited in deadly accident,” Jan. 2, 2013
  • The Fayetteville Observer, “One dead, two drivers charged with DWI in fatal crash in Robeson County,” Nancy McCleary, Jan. 3, 2013
  • Our firm provides criminal defense for drivers accused of alcohol-related offenses or DWI charges in the Pitt County, North Carolina area. For more information on the firm, please visit the Greenville DWI and drug defense lawyer page.

Greenville DUI Attorney Blog | North Carolina Underage Drinking Lawyer | Pitt County First DUI Law Firm

RCMP nab 43 drunk drivers in Checkstop week 3

Friday, December 28th, 2012

RCMP have 43 people on their naughty list for the third week of the annual holiday Checkstop program.
Manitoba stories

The Drunk Drivers DUI Attorney Guide

Thursday, December 6th, 2012
The Drunk Drivers DUI Attorney Guide

If you have been charged with a DUI offense, then you need to read this article before you go to court. If you are thinking of representing yourself, stop and think again. DUI defense is not a “do it yourself” project. Instead, you need to find a lawyer that specializes in DUI defense.
Sure, a DUI attorney costs more, but you are also getting more expertise and competence in this area; and, he will expect to be paid for his efforts. So, take some time and read this short guide to selecting a DUI attorney. You might just save yourself a lot of time and money.
DUI Is A Serious Criminal Offense
DWI is a serious offense even though it is a misdemeanor. Every time an innocent person is killed by a drunk driver the media sensationalizes the event. As a result, juries have become much less tolerant or drunk drivers and are more likely to give the offender a heavier sentence. I do not know whether or not you are guilty of the offense as charged.
Assuming you are, then we both know that you already made one serious mistake in judgment. Do not make another mistake by attempting to represent yourself. Going to court by yourself is a ridiculous move that will only cost you lots of time and money. Worse, it could cost you your job, freedom, family or loved ones. Under the best outcome, the fines, fees and costs assessed by the court can cripple you financially. Do not be the fool that represents himself. Get a DUI attorney you can trust.
DUI Attorneys Are Criminal Specialists
All DUI lawyers practice criminal law, but not all criminal attorneys can try a DUI case. DWI attorneys engage in a specialized practice. You are not in a position to trust your defense to just any criminal attorney. Instead, try to find an attorney that has a DUI specialization or certification, if your state bar has such as designation.
If not, try to determine if your prospective lawyer is familiar with those issues that are peculiar to DUI defense. Some of these issues include the use of an intoxilyzer, diabetes and hypoglycemia, horizontal gaze and nystagmus, and other such tests. You will pay more for a DUI attorney with this sort of specialized knowledge, but are you really in a position to mount a defense “on the cheap?”
Paying Your DUI Attorney
An attorney that specializes in DUI defense is going to charge a higher fee than a general practitioner or criminal attorney. They have specialized knowledge that you need and they know that their services command a higher rate of compensation. Do not hesitate to discuss the matter of attorney’s fees early in the conversation with your attorney. You will probably be quoted one of two types of fee arrangements. Either the attorney will agree to take the case for a flat fee or an hourly rate.
In either case, you will be required to post a retainer (or down payment) for your lawyer’s services. The balance of the fee is due before trial and you will owe it regardless of the outcome.
Drunk Drivers Have No Business Representing Themselves
DWI litigation is complex. You probably understand that when it comes to a DWI, your defense is not “do it yourself” project. Instead, you need to find a competent DUI attorney that is going to make the state prove their case. He will have the knowledge and expertise to challenge the evidence and raise all likely and legitimate defenses.
Yes, he will charge more. But, when you are charged with a serious criminal offense, you cannot afford to be cheap.
Charles Buxton is a counselor and author on the topic of alcoholism and substance abuse. If you have been charged with DUI, you need to contact a DUI attorney. A DWI attorney [http://www.find-an-attorney-now.com/category/dui-attorney] is essential to protecting your rights when you have been charged with a crime.

Visit to - http://duilawdrivinglawyer.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3161343

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NHTSA Rules for Teen Drivers Could Curb Davie Car Accidents

Sunday, December 2nd, 2012

Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than adult drivers to be involved in car accidents. There are a number of reasons for this. The most common reason is that teen drivers have less driving experience than older drivers, and this can put them at risk for an accident simply because they do not know how to avoid a collision. In some cases, teen drivers also take a larger risk than older drivers. For example, they may drive distracted or may engage in other risky behaviors that lead to a Davie car accident. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration believes that parents can play a key role in preventing teen car accidents. According to the agency, there are rules that parents can establish to help their children stay safe on the roads:

1) Always wear a seat belt. Both teen drivers and their passengers should wear a seat belt correctly each time that they are in a car. Wearing a seat belt can help prevent Davie head injuries in the event of a crash as well as many other serious injuries. The simple seatbelt, despite the advent of many safety features, remains one of the most important pieces of safety equipment in any car.

2) No alcohol. In Florida, teenage drivers are not allowed to have any alcohol in their blood system. This means that teen drivers cannot drink at all when they are driving. Many parents assume that their children do not drink and drive because they are underage and cannot secure alcohol easily. Unfortunately, it is all too common for teen drivers to cause Davie drunk driving accidents, and alcohol is easier to procure than many parents believe. Underage drinking is a serious problem across Florida, so it is important for parents to enforce no drinking rules for their teen drivers.

3) No using a cell phone or texting while driving. Teen drivers often feel that they will miss something important if they turn off their cell phones or mobile devices off while driving. In addition, many teens like to stay connected at all times, even when they are driving. While Florida does not have any laws banning cell phone use or texting and driving, multiple research studies have suggested that texting while driving can be as dangerous as drinking and driving. Distracted driving is a leading cause of many Davie truck accidents and car accidents. In order to keep your teen driver safe, it is important for parents to enforce the no distracted driving rule. There are online pledges that teen drivers can sign, promising that they will not drive distracted.

4) Only one passenger in the car at a time. Studies have shown that teens with multiple teenage passengers in the car are more likely to be involved in risk-taking activities and more likely to be involved in a car accident. The more teens are in the car, the higher the risk of an accident or injury. The same studies, however, show that having an adult in the car can actually reduce the risk of a car accident for a teen driver. Based on this type of research, it is a good idea for parents to limit the number of passengers that their teen drivers are allowed in the car.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Raising Safe Drivers Who Know How to Prevent Pompano Beach Car Accidents

Saturday, November 10th, 2012

Every parent wants to raise safe drivers – teens who operate a vehicle courteously and safely. To reduce the risk of your child being injured in a Pompano Beach car accident:

1) Start with smaller responsibilities. Learning traffic rules and good road habits start well before the teen years. When your child is very small, he or she will learn some road rules by learning to cross roads by themselves. Later, you can help your child by teaching them to ride a bicycle safely, avoiding Pompano Beach bicycle accidents.

2) Teach your child car safety through games. Many video games involving cars include racing and stunts, so make sure to balance that with online games that focus on traffic safety. These games are great for small children, as they can teach your child about safety rules and traffic laws.

3) Be a good role model. When you drive carefully, refuse to drive distracted, and obey the laws, your children see that driving is important. Children mirror their parents more than many parents realize, so driving courteously and safely helps set your child up for safe driving habits.

4) Get your teen into driving classes early and offer additional training. Many parents start swimming lessons early to protect their children from Pompano Beach drowning accidents and pool accidents. Driving classes can be the same way; they can teach your teen the basics of car safety so that your teen can stay safer. Providing additional driver training and defensive driver training is also importance, since most basic driver education classes only offer limited in-car lessons and do not focus extensively on defensive driving, an important skill that can help your teen prevent a Pompano Beach traffic accident.

5) Let your new teen driver drive sometimes. Driving in the car with your teen helps you notice any bad habits that your teen driver is forming and lets you get additional driver training for your teen, if needed. Driving together also helps your teen develop driving skills and confidence.

6) Set rules. Having written rules about passengers, cell phone use, and drinking and driving helps ensure that your teen knows the rules and the consequences for breaking them.

7) Keep in mind that even if your teen is not yet driving, they may be picking up habits from peers. If your teen is under the age of 16 but has older friends or siblings, he or she may be noticing different driving habits and may be at risk if peers drink and drive. From an early age, make sure that your child knows the dangers of Pompano Beach drunk driving accidents and the dangers of reckless driving. Make sure that your child knows that they can call you (and possibly other family members) for a drive with no questions asked if they are in a dangerous situation.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Passengers May be the Key to Avoiding Hialeah Car Accidents Caused by New Drivers

Thursday, November 1st, 2012

According to a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 increase risky driver behaviors as the number of young passengers in the car increases. The study also concluded that teen drivers who have at least one teenage passenger are more likely to drink and drive, speed, or drive late at night. Male teen drivers have a higher risk of risky behaviors when driving with passengers when compared with female drivers.

About half of fatal car accidents involving young drivers with at least three teen passengers involved speeding. In fatal car accidents involving teen drivers in the car alone, about 30% of accidents involved speeding. In cases where a teen driver had two passengers, speed played a role in 44% of accidents. Across all age groups, speed played a role in 33% of accidents.
According to the study, teen drivers who had three teen passengers saw late night driving rise 11 percentage points while drunk driving increased five percentage points when compared with teen drivers driving alone.

To reach their conclusions, the AAA examined available fatal car accident data dating from 2005 to 2010. Researchers found that 9500 collisions in that period involved 16 and 17-year-old drivers. In about 4000 of the accidents, the car had at least one teen passenger.

In May of this year, the AAA released research suggesting that teen drivers with a passenger under the age of 21 have a 44% increased risk of being in a fatal collision. The same study found that the risk doubled with two teen passengers and quadrupled if the car had at least three teen passengers. However, when there was an adult passenger in the car, the risk of a collision actually decreased.

Most parents realize that car accidents are a leading cause of death for minors in the US. In order to prevent Hialeah car accidents, parents may wish to speak to their teen drivers about passengers and the risks that passengers pose. To prevent Hialeah traffic accidents, parents may also wish to limit the number of passengers in a new driver’s car – at least until a teen driver gains more driving experience and skill. Since adults in the car can actually improve teen driving habits, parents may want to spend some time in the car as a passenger to help teens build driving confidence and the skills needed to prevent Hialeah truck accidents and car accidents.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

How Drivers Can Prevent Davie Car Accidents involving Bicyclists

Thursday, October 11th, 2012

While all Davie car accidents are frightening and can lead to serious accidents, collisions involving a car and a bicycle are often devastating. Since the cyclist is not enclosed, the size and car of a passenger car often leads to very serious or even fatal injury. In many cases, Davie bicycle accidents are caused by drivers who take risks or fail to pay attention. Fortunately, there are many things that drivers can do to prevent these types of accidents:

1) When passing cyclists, give them plenty of room. At least a few feet reduces the risk of collisions.

2) Pass cyclists quickly. While drivers may think that they are being courteous by passing cyclists slowly, it can actually make cyclists nervous and can cause a collision. Simply give cyclists plenty of room and pass as you would a car.

3) Check for cyclists before opening a car door. If you are opening your car door where cyclists are riding, a bicyclist may not notice the car door in time to stop, and the collision is enough to seriously injure or kill a cyclist.

4) Do not honk at bicyclists unless absolutely necessary. This can startle someone on a bicycle and can lead to a collision. Bicyclists can generally hear a much larger vehicle, such as a car, behind them.

5) Get familiar with the signals bicyclists use when turning. In some instances, drivers are not aware of these signals and cannot prevent an accident because they cannot anticipate where bicyclists are headed.

6) Never drive distracted. Bicyclists are more flexible than motorists in that they can zip up behind a car quite quickly and can be hidden in a car’s blind spots. Driving distracted increases your risk of a Davie pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, and every other type of traffic accident.

7) Check your blind spots. Bicycles are small enough to hide in your blind spot, so check your blind spot.

8) Never drive drunk. Davie drunk driving accidents claim too many lives each year. These accidents are completely preventable, which makes them even more tragic. If you will be drinking, make sure you have a few plans for getting home safely.

9) Drive defensively. Driving defensively ensures that you anticipate the movements of other motorists, so that you can avoid a collision if necessary.

10) Treat bicyclists like cars. Never attempt to share a lane with bicyclists and make sure that you provide them with the same space and courtesy you would provide to any vehicle. Use signal lights and eye contact to ensure that bicyclists can see you when you change lanes, turn, or pass.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Preventing Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents Involving Teen Drivers

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2012

According to research by Consumer Reports, traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among teens, ahead of cancer, violence, or substance abuse. While graduated licensing has reduced the number of teen deaths due to car accidents, Fort Lauderdale car accidents are still a major risk factor for teens. Luckily, traffic accidents are largely preventable. According to Consumer Reports, there are many things that parents can do to help their teens drive safely:

1) Insist on a seatbelt. Consumer Reports found that in 60% of fatal car accidents involving teens, the teens were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. A seat belt is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to prevent Fort Lauderdale head injuries and other injuries in an accident. In the event of a Fort Lauderdale truck accident or car accident, wearing a seatbelt could save your child’s life.

2) Set a good example. Children learn from the adults around them, often without even realizing it. If you drive safely and responsibly, chances are good that your child will, too.

3) Set strict rules about drinking. Consumer Reports found that 27% of teens involved in fatal car accidents had been drinking at the time of the accident. Even if a teen driver is under the legal age for drinking, many teens do experiment with alcohol. When that experimentation is combined with driving, the consequences can be deadly. Worse, many teens fear phoning their parents for a drive home after drinking, worried that they will be in trouble for drinking. Make it clear to your teen drivers that they can always contact you for a drive home if they cannot get home safely – no questions asked.

4) Talk to your teen driver about distracted driving. Distracted driving is a major cause of Fort Lauderdale traffic accidents. Distracted driving can mean anything from texting and driving to having too many passengers in a car. Some companies and car manufacturers are stepping in to help parents prevent distracted driving. Ford’s MyKey, for example, can be programmed so that a teen has to faster a seatbelt before turning on the radio and allows a top speed to be set on the car.

5) Insist on additional driving training, including defensive driver training. According to Consumer Reports and many safety experts, the driver training required to get a driver’s license is not usually enough to truly teach safe driving skills. In most cases, the instruction results in only limited time behind the wheel and the courses usually focus on the basics of driving, rather than on important skills such as defensive driving. Sign up your teen for one-on-one driver training or additional driving instruction. The extra investment could save your teen’s life.

6) Limit car privileges until your teen has taken additional classes or has gained some driving experience. Consumer Reports found that 16-year-old drivers are three times more like to get into a car accident when compared with 18 or 19-year-old drivers. The first year of driving is riskiest, but parents can reduce the risk by setting some ground rules – such as limiting the number of passengers in the teen’s car – or by insisting that the teen hone their driving skills and experience before being allowed more time with the car.

7) Buy your teen the right car. Consumer Reports suggests a newer model that has some safety features, such as side curtain air bags and electronic stability control. Many teens opt for older cars due to the costs, but experts agree that older cars may have fewer safety features and may be in poorer shape, putting young drivers at risk.


Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog