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According to a new study led by Alexandra Martiniuk of the George Institute for Global Health, young drivers between the ages of 17 and 24 who slept six hour or less per night had a 21% increased risk of being in a car collision when compared with young drivers who had over six hours of sleep. The study was based on information collected from over 20 000 drivers.
According to the study, 86% of fatigue-related accidents involving young drivers occurred at night, between 8 pm and 6 am. Young drivers who did not catch up on sleep during the weekends fared even worse; they had a 55% of being in a single-car accident.

Experts agree with the findings, noting that fatigue slows response times and makes any driver more likely to crash. In some cases, fatigue can also cause a motorist to fall asleep while driving. Although it has not been studied extensively, some experts believe that teens and younger drivers may be even more at risk when it comes to fatigued driving. Some believe that this is due to the fact that teens and younger drivers have less experience with driving, so fatigued driving puts them more at risk of a car accident in Coral Gables and other communities.

In the US, about 20% of all car accidents are thought to be caused by fatigued driving. This means that about 8000 fatalities, 1 million car accidents, and 50 000 injuries can be attributed to fatigued drivers.
According to many experts, parents play a key role in helping young drivers avoid fatigue-related accidents and injuries. Parents can help by:

•Setting a good example by driving only when fully alert and focused.

•Setting firm rules about drinking and driving, distracted driving, and fatigued driving. Rules with consequences can help prevent a young driver from taking risks that can result in a car or truck accident in Coral Gables.

•Explaining to teens what distracted driving, fatigued driving, and drunk driving are. In some cases, teens may assume that having one drink is ok or may think that driving when tired are okay as long as they are not “too” tired.

•Helping your child with time management. According to many experts, teens and college students face long days of studies, social activities, and extracurricular activities. Juggling too many tasks at once and not managing time well can lead to sleepless nights.

•Getting help in situations where a child is overwhelmed or seems to be having trouble sleeping. Sleep disorders and other health issues can exacerbate the problem.

•Offering drives home late at night or encouraging tired drivers to take an alternate route home. These options can help prevent a traffic accident in Coral Gables or your community.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Much has been written in recent years about distracted driving. Florida is currently considering legislation that would make it illegal to text and drive, even though similar legislation has not managed to pass legislature in past years. Numerous research studies have shown that distracted driving is extremely dangerous. In fact, some studies have shown that distracted drivers have the same slow response times as drivers who drive drunk.

Researchers agree that distracted driving can increase the risk of an accident considerably. Despite this, Florida remains one of the few states that do not ban texting and driving or outright. People who are injured in cell phone related car accidents in Biscayne Park and other communities, however, can pursue a personal injury claim in order to get compensation for their injuries. In addition, police do have the right to arrest someone who causes an accident while texting and driving if their driving is considered reckless.

Distraction and Car Accidents in Biscayne Park

One reason that legislation banning texting and driving has a hard time in Florida legislature is because Florida experts do not entirely agree on the safest legislation to pass. Some claim that simply banning handheld mobile devices would improve safety on Florida’s roads. Manufacturers of hands-free devices often promote this idea, claiming that their devices allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel while driving.

However, some lawmakers and experts disagree. They claim that any form of mobile device or discussion can distracted driver. They note that people using a hands-free device while driving are still focused on the conversation rather than on the road in front of them. This means that they can still cause pedestrian accidents in Biscayne Park and other types of traffic accidents because their full focus is not on driving.

What Legislation Could Prevent Traffic Accidents in Biscayne Park?

Of course, legislating hands-free devices will be much more difficult as it can be more challenging for authorities to catch someone who is talking on a hands-free device while driving. In addition, many drivers feel that being able to have access to a mobile device is essential for their safety and their convenience. Many motorists are simply unwilling to give up the convenience of mobile devices. The question for lawmakers then becomes: how can we pass legislation that keeps Florida residents safe while also helping to prevent car accidents and truck accidents in Biscayne Park?

So far, lawmakers are still undecided. In the meanwhile, if you are injured in a traffic accident in Biscayne Park that was caused by distracted driver, you can pursue compensation to help recover money for property damage, medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries. Contacting a personal injury attorney in Biscayne Park or your community can ensure that drivers who drive distracted are held liable for their actions.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

According to Bankrate Insurance, the risk factors that can contribute to car collisions and traffic-related injuries are:

1) Speed. According to Bankrate Insurance, one third of all fatal car accidents in 2010 involved speeding. In all cities, including Miami, car accidents involving speed are more likely to cause serious injury, including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities, simply due to the increased force of any crash involving high speeds.

2) Age. 16-year old drivers have higher car accident rates than drivers of any other age. Traffic collisions continue to be the leading cause of death for teenagers. In South Florida cities such as Miami, traffic accidents involving teen drivers are a serious problem, and experts agree that parents can help protect their younger drivers by setting rules and by insisting that new drivers get plenty of training and in-car experience.

3) Gender. In 2010, 70 percent of all people killed in car accidents were men.

4) Impairment. One fifth of all traffic deaths in 2010 were related to DUIs. That year, 10,228 Americans died due to drunk driving. Drunk driving accidents in Miami and across South Florida continue to be a serious tragedy and an entirely preventable type of accident.

5) Motorcycle accidents. In 2010, over 13% of all traffic fatalities involved motorcycles. That year, 4,309 Americans died in motorcycle accidents. This is double the number of motorcycle accident fatalities in 1997. In South Florida cities such as Miami, motorcycle accidents cause not only fatalities but also many spinal cord injuries and head injuries each year. Florida does not mandate helmets for motorcyclists, but experts agree that correct use of helmets is essential for preventing serious injury in an accident.

6) Seat belt use. In 2010, more than half of all young passengers killed in car accidents were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision that claimed their lives. With so many car manufacturers releasing advanced new safety systems, it is sometimes easy to forget that one of the most basic safety features of a car – the seatbelt – is also one of the most powerful. If you are in a car accident in Miami or any other community, a seat belt will keep you in place during the collision, reducing your risk of serious injuries such as head injuries.

7) Licensing. Close to 3% of drivers in the US are not licensed. These drivers are 3 times more likely to cause a fatal car accident when compared with licensed drivers. Since these drivers are also uninsured, if you are injured in a car collision with one of these motorists, it can be harder to collect compensation for your injuries. Some experts further believe that a number of hit and run accidents in Miami and South Florida are caused by unlicensed drivers who do not want to be found by police.

Distraction. Distracted driving causes 15 fatalities daily, on average. In 2011, 3,331 Americans were killed due to distracted driving.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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It’s a new year, and one of the most dangerous things you will do this year is to get into your car every day. Car accidents in Miami Beach and across Florida are one of the leading causes of head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities. In order to reduce your risk of being involved in a traffic accident in Miami Beach or anywhere in Florida this year, resolve to:

1) Take additional training. Since you last took drivers education classes, a great deal may have changed. You may have new health issues that affect your driving, for example, or you may be dealing with a car that is significantly different than the car you learn to drive in. Taking additional training or refresher courses can help you correct bad habits you’ve developed, can help you hone your skills even further, and can help reduce your risk of being involved in a traffic accident. In some cases, additional training can also help you save money on your insurance costs. If you don’t like the idea of refresher courses, racing classes can be a very fun and exhilarating way to hone your driving skills.

2) Get your car tuned up. A car that handles correctly and responds the way you expect it to can help save your life in the event of a collision. If you need to perform a maneuver in order to avoid a truck accident in Miami Beach or need to brake suddenly to avoid hitting a pedestrian, a car that works correctly will give you an added advantage.

3) Sign pledges with friends and family to avoid drunk driving and distracted driving. Drunk driving accidents in Miami Beach claim far too many lives each year, and distracted driving has become somewhat of a national epidemic, according to experts. Refusing to drive drunk or distracted can go a long way towards making you a safer driver this year.

4) Get into the habit of doing a quick “readiness” check before you drive somewhere. Before you hop into your car, take a look at whether you are distracted, whether you know where you are going, and whether you are prepared to keep your full focus on the road. If you are angry, upset, not feeling well, or fatigued, consider taking an alternative mode of transportation to your destination or resolve your emotions before driving. Distracted driving does not just mean texting. It can also mean driving tired, angry, upset, or with your mind elsewhere.

5) Consider taking a break from driving when you need it. If you drive a great deal due to your job or family obligations, consider setting up a carpool or another system that allows you to take a break from driving. The longer you drive, the more likely you are to get fatigued or distracted. In addition, driving a great deal requires a great deal of focus and concentration. Giving yourself a break can help you stay safer by making it easier for you to keep your full focus on the road when you are in the car.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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When it comes to Miami Shores car accidents, there is an age-related controversy. While some studies and experts suggest that elderly drivers are actually safer than young drivers when comparing car crash rates, the public perception is that elderly drivers are less safe due to cognitive, vision, and health changes.

Although there are advanced screening solutions available to test elderly drivers for cognitive ability and other driving-related skills, no states currently use the full spectrum of such tests. In most states, including Florida, the requirements for getting a new license or for getting a license renewed are the same, regardless of the driver’s age. However, it does mean that when a Miami Shores traffic accident involves an elderly driver, there is inevitably a question about whether different rules should apply to drivers in different age groups.

Florida does require drivers who are over 79 years of age to get a vision test. As well, elderly drivers in the state need to get their licenses renewed more often. Drivers 80 and older get driver’s license issued for six years, compared to eight years for all other drivers. This ensures that elderly drivers have to come in more often for renewal, which allows specially-trained driver’s-license examiners to evaluate drivers to see whether they may have any impediments that may prevent them from driving safely.

In addition to these rules, doctors play an important role in evaluating driver safety. Doctors who believe that a patient has a condition which impairs their driving ability are mandated to report the patient. Law enforcement authorities can also request that any drivers who have been given a citation be required to complete the driver’s exam again. The public can report anyone they feel may be a dangerous driver through the www.flhsmv.gov website.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, crash rates per mile traveled start increasing at age 80. However, many experts note that the overall crash rate for elderly drivers is lower than the crash rate for younger drivers, in part because the elderly drive fewer miles and in part because elderly drivers are statistically less likely to engage in some risky driving behaviors, such as texting and driving, drinking and driving, and other risky activities.

Seniors who want to avoid Miami Shores truck accidents and traffic accidents also have many options. Organizations such as AARP offer safety classes for elderly drivers and can help drivers find alternative forms of transportation once it becomes too unsafe to continue driving. These organizations also raise awareness about when a driver may need to hang up their keys.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

In Florida, a state with a high percentage of elderly residents, the debate about elderly drivers has been a long-standing discussion. There are some studies that suggest that older drivers are not at greater risk of car accidents than younger drivers. However, there are also studies such as the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study and the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, which found that between 1999 and 2004, the rates in car accidents for seniors ages 75 to 84 is about the same as for younger teen drivers. The studies found that for drivers who are over 85, the death rate is about four times higher than it is for teen drivers.

The US Census Bureau predicts that by 2030, there will be 9.6 million residents in the US who are 85 years of age or older, meaning more elderly drivers on the road. This has raised concerns about the dangers for drivers and pedestrians. According to experts, there are many risks for elderly drivers when it comes to Coral Springs traffic accidents. For example, dementia and a number of other age-related illnesses are often slow to be recognized, yet can cause problems with cognition and driving skills even before diagnosed. As well, elderly drivers may have vision problems which have not yet been diagnosed or treated but which may be serious enough to cause Coral Springs car accidents.

There have been a number of suggestions made about ways to reduce car accident rates among elderly drivers:

1) Improve transportation options to reduce car dependency. One of the reasons many elderly drivers are reluctant to give up their driving privileges is because they worry that doing so will reduce their independence. Offering a number of transportation options, including shuttle services and other low-cost options, can help make it easier for the elderly to get around without having to rely on their cars.

2) Create legislation that would make it mandatory for seniors to renew their licenses in person. According to a 1995 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, this is the only method that has been scientifically tested and found to reduce fatal car accidents among seniors.

3) Mandate more frequent health and eye checks for senior drivers. While this proposal has been suggested, it has raised quite a bit of controversy. Of course, adults at any age can develop eye problems and health conditions which can make it dangerous for them to drive. Some people claim that asking only senior drivers to get eye checks and health checks for driving privileges is discriminatory. Others, however, argue that since the elderly are more susceptible to health related problems that can affect their driving ability, such tests could reduce the number of Coral Springs pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents.

4) Mandate regular road tests for elderly drivers. Some legislators have proposed instituting regular, even yearly, road tests for senior drivers. Again, this is controversial because it suggests that drivers of certain age groups are more dangerous than drivers of other age groups. Nevertheless, some experts have suggested that such regular testing would help reduce the number of Coral Springs traffic accidents.

5) Improve communication between health care providers and the DMV. In many cases, healthcare providers are the first to realize that a person has a serious condition which could potentially affect their driving abilities. Some have suggested that better communication between healthcare providers, occupational therapists, and others would help improve safety for all drivers, including senior drivers.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

There is no doubt that texting while driving is dangerous. Each year, Coral Gables car accidents are caused by distracted driving. In fact, car collisions across Florida are caused regularly by drivers who are thinking about or engaged with someone other than driving. Numerous studies have shown that the use of mobile devices while driving is dangerous – yet Florida remains one of only 15 states not to ban texting while driving.

Last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) called for a national ban on all mobile device use while driving. The NTSB wants to ban not only texting and driving, but the use of any mobile device for any reason other than an emergency. The agency even wants to prohibit hands-free devices. The recommendation comes after a number of high-profile studies have suggested that mobile devices play a role in many traffic collisions. According to the National Safety Council, 28% of all car accidents in the US are caused by drivers who text or talk on cell phones while driving. As well, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that in 2011, 3092 traffic fatalities in the US occurred in crashes that were caused at least in part by a distracted driver.

Some experts have compared distracted driving to drunk driving. At one time, there were few laws and social pressures to prevent people from driving after drinking. However, growing awareness about the dangers as well as increasing numbers of Coral Gables drunk driving accidents and US drunk driving accidents pushed legislators and the general public into action. New laws, coupled with public education have made most Coral Gables drivers aware that drinking and driving leads to Coral Gables traffic accidents.

There has been a similar trend with distracted driving, argue experts. At one time, cell phone use while driving was not seen as a serious problem. However, advocacy groups and even celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey have spoken out about the dangers of distracted driving.

Legislators in a number of states have passed laws banning texting and driving. Federal rules already prohibit commercial drivers from texting and driving. If experts are correct, the wide-spread acceptance of the dangers of distracted driving is next, and distracted driving will be seen as socially unacceptable – and may be as widely illegal – as drunk driving.

Until a ban is in place across the nation, Florida lawmakers continue their efforts to pass legislation regarding distracted driving. Advocacy groups in Coral Gables and across Florida continue to raise awareness about the issue and each day drivers make the right decision to turn off their mobile devices before getting in their cars. The court system also allows victims of distracted drivers to take legal remedies. If you have been injured in a Coral Gables pedestrian accident or traffic accident caused by a distracted driver, you can seek legal redress for your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and other damages.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Many people already have plans for New Year`s. Whether you already know how you will ring in 2012 or whether you are still considering options, you need to ensure that your plans include planning for safety. Unfortunately, New Year`s Eve means a higher than normal risk of Miami traffic accidents. With more people out celebrating the start of a new year and more people drinking at parties, it can be one of the more dangerous nights to be on the road. To stay safe:

1) Have a plan for a sober ride home. Miami drunk driving accidents are an especial concern on New Year`s Eve, especially since many people ring in the New Year with their favorite drinks. Whether you plan on drinking or not, have at least a few options for getting home safely with a sober driver if you do end up drinking. Make it very easy for yourself to make the right choice – have money on hand for a taxi and have a list of people you can call for help if you do get stuck without transportation. Find out about the many options Miami has for getting home safely on New Year`s Eve.

2) Have a plan for an alert drive home. In addition to drunk driving, another risk on New Year`s Eve is fatigued driving. On this night of the year, you may end up staying out much later than you are used to, and this can make it dangerous for you to drive home. This is one reason you will want to have several options for getting home safely – even if you do not plan on drinking, you could end up simply too tired to drive home safely.

3) Have a plan for a distraction-free ride home. It can be easy to drive distracted on New Year`s Eve. There are many things happening outside the car and you may be tempted to check in with friends during the night. However, with extra traffic on the road (including pedestrian traffic) it is important to focus entirely on driving in order to prevent a Miami car accident.

4) Have a plan for traffic. Traffic can be heavily congested after the New Year countdown, and this can easily lead to frayed nerves and even road rage. Have a plan for heavy traffic. You may want to plan ahead to take a less busy route, to wait a little while before heading home, or have another plan for getting home.

5) Have a plan for a car-free night if possible. A great option is to leave your car at home if possible. Using public transport to get to and from a New Year`s Eve event is a good choice because you will not be tempted to drive after drinking – even if you can`t find a taxi. You also will not have to return to get your car and you will save yourself the hassle of parking on one of the busiest nights of the year.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog