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A new study out of Oregon and Portland State Universities has concluded that left turns are among the riskiest pedestrian areas. Researchers have found that permitted (also known as unprotected) left turns are especially risky. These types of left turns are created to ensure a steady flow of traffic, but if the study’s authors are correct, that speedy traffic comes at a price: more car collisions in Hollywood and other cities.

The study, published by the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium, determined that unprotected left turns lead to traffic accidents for a few reasons:

1) Poor motorist habits. According to the researchers, motorists who are turning left at permitted turns are 4-9% less likely to check for pedestrians when completing their turn when compared with motorists making other types of turns.

2) Confusing signals. Each city in the US – and even different cities within the same state – have different signals for unprotected left turns. According to personal injury attorneys in Hollywood and other communities, this lack of consistency can lead to confusion and can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents in Hollywood and other communities. Some experts have recommended one universal permitted left hand traffic sign be adopted to reduce confusion and reduce the risk of collisions.

3) Poor pedestrian habits. In many car and truck accidents in Hollywood and other communities, when pedestrians are involved they may bear some of the liability for the collision. Researchers with the Federal Highway Administration found that pedestrians are more likely to be injured when crossing in marked crosswalks rather than unmarked areas. According to some experts, this may be because pedestrians feel much safer in marked crosswalks and may take fewer precautions.

4) Unprotected left turns encourage cars to turn quickly. According to the study published by the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium, drivers making a permitted left turn often need to move quickly in order to complete their turns, and this speed can mean that they do not take the time to check for pedestrians.

According to a 2010 NHTSA report, 13% of all traffic deaths in 2010 were pedestrian fatalities. That means that year about 4280 pedestrians died in traffic collisions. Experts agree that in many cases these deaths are preventable and could be avoided with better motorist habits.

Some experts believe that permitted left turns should be converted into protected left turns in order to reduce instances of traffic accidents. Others argue that better signals or traffic signs would help prevent pedestrian fatalities. Most experts do agree that some changes need to be made to prevent senseless fatalities and injuries.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Pregnant women often worry about their safety while driving. There are multiple concerns that pregnant women in Hollywood can have:

1) The risks of being in a car accident in Hollywood are greater for pregnant women. Being in a car or truck accident in Hollywood at any time is devastating. However, for pregnant passengers, the risk of injury is greater. Women who are injured in a traffic accident in Hollywood risk miscarrying or suffering complications in their pregnant.

2) Cars are not built for pregnant passengers. Negotiating into a passenger seat while pregnant can be difficult. There may not be enough room to sit comfortably and maneuverability in the seat may be more difficult. In addition, seatbelts and seats may not easily accommodate a passenger or driver who is pregnant. Pregnant women will want to consult their car manual to find out how to adjust their seats and seat belts for maximum comfort and safety.

3) There is a risk with airbags and seatbelts. Pregnant women often worry that airbags or seatbelts could cause injury to a baby in the event of a collision. However, there may be some promising research if you are in a car accident in Hollywood. According to a study published the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, pregnant women who are wearing a seat belt have a greater chance of surviving a crash than women who do not wear a seat belt. Their babies also have a greater chance of survival. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other experts, babies have the best chance of survival if the mother survives, and wearing a seatbelt can greatly increase the chances of both the mother and child surviving an car collision. Doctors and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasize that women should wear their seat belts a little differently. The lap belt should be fitted below the belly, low across the hip bones. In the event of a crash, this reduces the risk that the belt will dig into the stomach and cause injury. The study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology had less firm findings about airbags. In most of the cases researchers studies, when air bags were deployed the expectant mothers were more likely to suffer a condition where the placenta separated from the uterus. This complication increases the risk of fatal injury for both the child and the expectant mother. However, researchers concluded that these accidents were more serious and this – rather than the airbags themselves – contributed to fatal injury. Researchers concluded that airbags are in fact a way to help protect the life of both the mother and the child and should not be disabled in a car.

Drivers who are expecting a child should speak with their doctor about all the changes they will need to make in their lives. These changes can include altering the way they drive or get around.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Unfortunately, at this time of year many people make poor decisions when it comes to driving after drinking. At the same time, office holiday parties and personal holiday parties often serve alcohol, allowing some drivers to make poor decisions after drinking. Drunk driving causes too many Hollywood car accidents each year – and these accidents are completely avoidable if motorists simply take some extra time to plan ahead to get home safely.

Planning ahead

Plan ahead if you will be attending any events in the next few weeks where alcohol may be served. Even if you do not have plans for drinking at a the specific party, make sure that you have at least three ways to get home safe if you do end up drinking. Keep extra money on hand to pay for a hotel room, a taxicab, or another alternative to get home. Make plans with friends and family so that you can call each other in order to get a safe ride home. Designate a driver. Do what you can, but make sure that you do not drink and drive. It is the only way to avoid a DUI Hollywood traffic accident.

Make use of more than one option to get home

Many communities offer free or inexpensive transportation options at this time of year to help people get home safely after festivities. Find out what is offered in your area. Keep a printout of local bus routes, taxi cab company phone numbers, and other information on your mobile device or in your glove compartment so that you know how to get a safe drive home. One good option is to simply leave your car at home if you will be drinking at a party. That way, you will not be tempted to drive home.

In order to stay safe on the road, you must also be well rested and alert when you get behind the wheel. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of sleep and get plenty of rest. Not only will you enjoy the holidays more, but you will have a safer holiday season as well. If holiday stress makes it difficult for you to sleep, visit your doctor in order to get assistance before your drowsiness leads to an accident. Keep in mind that even if you have not been drinking, you may be too fatigued to drive home safely after a party. Having alternative options to get home safely can help you avoid a Hollywood truck accident or car accident.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

In many cases, Hollywood traffic accidents are preventable. In some cases, a driver who has caused a car collision has a medical issue or a series of fender benders and other accidents that friends and family know about. If there is someone in your life that you feel is a problem driver and is at risk of causing a Hollywood truck accident or car accident, there are several things you can do:

1) Talk to the driver in a non-accusatory fashion. In many cases, motorists are defensive about their ability to drive and fearful that their independence will disappear if they can no longer drive. In these cases, it is important to listen to the driver and to show concern.

2) Find out the specific reason for a driver’s problems with driving. If it is a health condition or simply poor driving habits, there may be some way to help. A driver may be able to avoid a Hollywood car accident by speaking with their doctor about treatment or difference medications, for example. If poor habits are to blame, remedial driving lessons can be a big help.

3) Learn about transportation options and share them with the driver. A driver may be more willing to use other transportation options if they are convenient and affordable. Learning about the options can help a driver make a safer decision about their driving.

4) Don’t assume that elderly drivers are automatically unsafe. Driving ability has more to do with skills, choices, and health than with age. While the elderly are more susceptible to certain conditions which can affect driving ability, drivers of any age can make poor choices or develop health concerns that can make them a hazard on the road.

5) Learn about resources that can help. Florida’s Silver Alert system can send out if a driver goes missing. The Safe Mobility for Life program at the Florida Department of Transportation offers tips and information.

6) Speak to a doctor or have the problem driver speak to their doctor about their driving ability. If a health concern is the cause, proper treatment can go a long way towards reducing the risk. A doctor can also help a patient understand how their health can affect driving ability.

7) Get re-testing or one-on-one refresher courses with an experienced driving instructor. Re-testing and one-on-one sessions with driving instructors can help pinpoint and address problems. In some cases, additional training or even accessibility features in a car can help a motorist who is at risk drive safer.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month. Founded by author Jacqueline Whitmore in 2002, National Cell Phone Courtesy Month was designed to make cell phone users more polite about use of the devices. National Cell Phone Courtesy Month is intended to raise awareness about the importance of not yelling into cell phones in public and not using cell phones in inappropriate public areas. However, National Cell Phone Courtesy Month can also be used to raise awareness about the dangers of cell phones use.

Only eleven states currently do not have bans on cell phone use and texting while driving, and Florida is one of these states with no prohibitions about the use of cell phones behind the wheel. While legislators have tried to pass laws banning cell phone use by drivers in recent years, however, these bills have not passed into law. In 2011, Governor Rick Scott vetoed proposed legislation which would have mandated that the Florida Division of Motor Vehicles teach drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Municipalities and communities also cannot pass their own distracted driving laws under current Florida laws. As a result, in Florida distracted driving is not legislated and it is up to individual drivers to make the right choice to drive undistracted.

There are studies which have concluded that driving distracted can lead to accidents in the same way that drinking and driving can lead to Hollywood drunk driving accidents. In fact, the response times for distracted drivers and drunk drivers is similar, according to researchers, which is one reason why distracted drivers are more at risk for a Hollywood car accident.

Despite the wide-spread media attention about the dangers of distracted driving and despite the research, many drivers continue to drive distracted. One possible reason is that many distractions have become so commonplace that many drivers do not see the danger. Many professionals are used to speaking on a cell phone all day, so they simply carry on using their mobile devices while in the car. Many cars currently made also include touch screens, mobile device docks, and other features which can pose a distraction. In addition, many cars include technology to allow hands-free talking and dialing, so that drivers can continue to use their cell phones without having to use their hands. Unfortunately, some studies have suggested that hands-free devices are also distracting and can also lead to Hollywood traffic accidents since they still take the driver’s attention from the road.

Since it is well documented that distracted driving is dangerous and since there are no laws in Florida to prevent it, fashioning distracted driving as an issue of polite driving may make sense. In many cases, distracted driving is dangerous because it can lead to a driver cutting someone off, for example. Preventing distracted driving not only ensures that drivers are more polite on the roads – which in itself could prevent Hollywood car crashes caused by road rage – but also ensures that all drivers and pedestrians stay safer.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Technology has always been instrumental in helping to prevent car accidents and injuries. The seat belt, one of the simplest forms of technology introduced to early cars, is still one of the best ways to help prevent brain injuries and head injuries in a Hollywood car accident. Each year, car manufacturers roll out new safety systems to help prevent accidents and injuries. Could the newest technology be instrumental in helping prevent Hollywood traffic accidents even more? The Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Issue seems to think so.

The Consumer Reports’ Annual Auto Issue has reviewed a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology which allows cars in the same area to use a wireless system to communicate with each other. This can help cars communicate with each other about direction of travel, speed, and location of each vehicle. This in turn helps cars communicate about when an accident is likely to happen and warn drivers ahead of this time. The technology can even brake if the driver does not respond in time. It also warns drivers of cars in their blind spots.

With this system, if one car cuts another car off, for example, the technology signals loudly to the drivers, so that both drivers can respond in time to avoid the accident. The technology also signals loudly if a driver attempts an unsafe lane change or is about to enter an intersection where an accident is very likely. Since the technology can tell where other cars are, it can estimate when it is unsafe to enter an intersection due to another car’s speed and travel direction, for example.

While the technology might not be as effective in preventing Hollywood drunk driving accidents and Hollywood pedestrian accidents, there is a suggestion that it could be very effective in preventing the most common car accident types. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration predicts that this type of technology could help prevent or minimize an impressive 80% of car accidents involving sober drivers.

Some of the new technology allows not only cars to communicate with each other, but also allows cars to communicate with school zones, traffic lights, and work zones. V2V technology along with this new technology is known as V2X technology. Implementing the technology could still be many years away. In addition to the possible cost factors that car manufacturers need to consider, there are also cyber security and privacy concerns that need to be addressed with the new technology. While many auto industry experts say that the technology is the next big safety feature breakthrough, more regulations need to be in place, say experts, to ensure that the private information that cars would gather would not be abused.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

In Hollywood, Florida, Halloween is a big night. There are parties, special events, trick-or-treaters, and lots to see and do. Unfortunately, the additional car traffic and pedestrian traffic can increase the risk of Hollywood pedestrian accidents on Halloween night. Ensure that you and your passengers stay safe on Halloween night if you will be driving on Halloween. You need to start planning now in order to ensure that Halloween is fun, and not frightening:

1) Have a “get home safe” plan for you and your passengers. While you may not plan to drink on Halloween, many parties on Halloween night do involve alcohol. If you do accept a drink, you need to make sure that you can get home safely. Use a designated driver, ensure that you have enough cab fare to get home, or rely on someone else to get you home. However, have at least a few plans for getting home safely – just in case. It could help prevent a Hollywood drunk driving accident.

2) Avoid driving late if you can. The later you are driving, the more tired you will be and the poorer the visibility will be.

3) Remember to stay alert all throughout October 31. Many younger children start trick or treating in the daytime, so you should expect extra pedestrian traffic during the daytime as well as at night. Don’t assume that you have to wait until dark to see trick-or-treaters.

4) Turn off your mobile devices. Driving distracted on Halloween night is a sure way to get into a Hollywood car accident. To avoid personal injury, keep your entire focus on the road. You need to stay extra alert because children do sometimes run out into traffic on this night while trick or treating.

5) If you can, avoid driving trick or treaters to a trick or treat destination. Instead, walk to a nearby neighborhood for trick or treating. If this is not an option and you do need to drive, take along an extra adult in the car. Children who are excited about Halloween can be very distracting, so the extra adult can take care of supervising the children while you can put your full focus on driving.

6) Ensure that your car is in good repair. Having your car in good shape means that it will be in good shape in case you need to brake suddenly.

7) When driving on Halloween night, check your blind spots more carefully. Children may be walking all over your neighborhood, so you need to stay alert. Being very aware of your surroundings is also important because there may be pranksters egging cars and engaging in other risky behaviors. Seeing them first can help ensure that you aren’t startled.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Unfortunately, Florida sees its share of traffic accidents. According to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department, 2,983 people lost their lives in Florida car accidents in 2008. 1,169 of the deaths were due to Florida drunk driving accidents. As a city in Florida, Hollywood also sees its fair share of car accidents. Hollywood car accidents can occur anywhere and at any time. If you live in Hollywood, the Flaxman Law Group legal team hope that you are never in a vehicle collision. However, if you are, knowing what to do can make a dramatic difference in your recovery and future. If you have been in a Hollywood traffic accident, you need to:

1) Offer assistance to anyone who has been injured. If the accident is a Hollywood pedestrian accident, you will need to contact emergency personnel immediately. The same is true in case of a Hollywood bicycle accident or motorcycle accident, where victims are less protected than they would be in a vehicle.

2) Contact authorities. In a case where someone is injured or the accident is severe enough to cause serious damage, call police right away. In minor accidents, move the vehicles involved out of the way of traffic and contact authorities. In cases where police cannot come to the scene, file a police report within 24 hours of the accident by visiting the local police station. Ensure that your version of events is included in the police report.

3) Gather information. Get a copy of the police report and exchange contact information, driver’s registration information, and insurance information with any other drivers involved. Also, be sure to get the contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident. If you are taken to a hospital, get a copy of any medical reports and files. If you decide to pursue legal action, this information will be invaluable. Even if you decide not to pursue legal action, this information can be important for insurance claims.

4) Start documentation right away. Note down the time and exact location of the crash, as well as any other particulars you remember. If possible, take photos of the crash scene, the position of the cars and any other details you can. Even photos taken with a phone camera can contain details which are invaluable for Hollywood car accident reconstruction professionals. If you sustain any injuries, take photos of your injuries and start keeping a journal about the costs of your injuries as well as the symptoms you experience.

5) Seek medical help. If you are injured in a Hollywood traffic collision, seek medical help right away. Even if you feel fine after an accident, however, it is important to seek immediate help if you suspect you may have hit your head. Some brain injuries do not manifest symptoms right away but can be fatal, so it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek help at once.

6) Consult with a Hollywood personal injury attorney specializing in car accident claims. In many cases, you will need the help of an attorney to get the fairest claim possible, especially if you have significant or expensive injuries. A consultation will at least help you understand your options and the likely total costs of your accident, so that you can make an informed decision in your case.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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