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Car Accident Lawyer Blog

It’s no secret that the holidays mean more stress. As the holidays approach, many of us are working longer hours to keep up with increased demand during the holidays. In addition, there are parties to attend, family functions to plan, gifts to buy, cards to send, and homes to decorate. There are also more people on the roads, creating traffic that just feeds our stress. Extra stress can mean mistakes while driving and that can lead to car accidents and serious personal injuries. Stay safe this holiday season, wherever you have to drive, with these tips:

1) Keep stress levels at bay. Emotions can be a major distraction while driving. If you are worried or angry, you are probably thinking about the situation that is upsetting you and not about your driving. If you feel lots of stress, you may be prone to road rage or driving aggressively. Avoid driving when you are upset. Set aside some time in your schedule to relax. Even fifteen minutes a day relaxing and resting can help you feel calmer and more able to focus.

2) Organize your schedule. If you are disorganized, you may be tempted to rush from one errand to the next, and you may be tempted to speed in order to get your schedule under control. A much better strategy to prevent car accidents and personal injury is to organize your schedule before you step into your car. List all the things you need to do and want to do. Group activities by location and try to do related activities together. For example, you might be able to pick up decorations, cards, gifts, and stamps in one shopping trip to the mall, saving you lots of extra driving. Look for ways to organize your schedule be leveraging. Many businesses, for example, offer delivery services at this time of year and may be able to bring your tree, groceries, and other needs to you. This can save you plenty of time and can result in a far less stressful holiday.

3) Get plenty of rest. Rest and sleep are vital during the holidays, but they are often the first things we cut from our schedules. Get at least eight hours of sleep a day and try to maintain regular sleeping habits. Driver fatigue is a major cause of car accidents, bus accidents, and trucking accidents. All drivers can make the roads safer by staying alert and well-rested.

4) Do not drink and drive. Unfortunately, when we are stressed out, holiday drinks seem far more appealing. Avoid drinking to excess because you are stressed and keep a bit of extra money in your wallet at all times for a taxi in case you do indulge.

5) Do not multitask. When there is so much to do, it is tempting to try to do more than one thing at a time. It is tempting to make a quick phone call to the babysitter as you drive home or send a quick text message while driving around, but any distraction while driving can cause a serious accident. Wait until you are parked or pulled over on the side of the road to use mobile devices. When driving, focus on driving only.

6) Wear your seat belt. Keep in mind that other drivers are experiencing holiday stress as well. Even if you are being careful yourself, other drivers may be taking needless risks. For this reason, it is vital to always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are one of the most effective ways to prevent spinal cord injuries and brain injuries in the event of a car accident. Seat belts can also save your life, so buckle up.

Researchers at the University of California Irvine have been studying bad driving and have found that genetics may play a role in poor driving performance. According to researchers, drivers with one specific gene variant fared 20% worse on driving tests than drivers without the gene variant. Worse, researchers found that about 30% of drivers in the US may have the gene variant that has been linked to poor driving performance.

According to one of the researchers, Dr. Steven Cramer subjects who have the gene variant showed less recall of driving instruction and made more driving mistakes than subjects without the variant. The research team examined 29 drivers, asking each driver to drive 15 laps on a track using a simulator. All subjects were asked to repeat the driving exercise a week later. 22 people tested did not have the gene variant and seven of the subjects did have the variant.

The research found that those with the variant consistently did worse on the driving test, even with practice. According to the scientists, the gene impacts brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that has been linked to memory performance.

Researchers will need to run tests with larger test groups to determine whether the test results hold out with larger test samples. Cramer and his team are also excited about the possibility of studying the variant in terms of car accidents. The researchers would be interested in exploring whether the rate of car accidents and pedestrian accidents is higher among drivers with the gene variant.

Whether you have the gene variant or not, however, experts agree that a genetic factor is not usually the be-all or end-all of driving skills. Like many skills, good driving can be taught. Genetics is no excuse for poor or reckless driving. If you are worried about your driving skills, seek the help of a qualified instructor who can help you brush up on your skill level.

Driving around Halloween time is not just about watching for parents and children going door to door to trick or treat. This time of year has several risks that you need to be aware of if you wish to avoid car crashes and the personal injuries they cause:

1) Leaves. Wet, fallen leaves can cause a slick road surface, which can make it harder to brake quickly. Give yourself extra time to stop. Also, have your car tuned up and checked up to ensure that it is in good mechanical order.

2) It’s not just Halloween. Many drivers use extra caution on October 31, but Halloween parties and festive events happen several days before Halloween as well as on Halloween evening. Any Halloween event can mean more pedestrians, more children – and more risk of a pedestrian accident. Keep aware of any Halloween events in your area and use extra caution in general at this time of year.

3) Children running in between parked cars. A child running into the street suddenly is every parent’s worst nightmare. It is also the nightmare of every driver. To help prevent an accident, scan sidewalks and the areas between cars to stay alert for any children who might dash out into the street.

4) More parked cars. Around Halloween, more parties and events can mean more parked cars on streets as revellers look for parking spots close to their destinations. This can make it hard to notice children in between the cars. Slow down and watch carefully.

5) Poor lighting. Some homeowners drape their outdoor lighting for a “spooky” effect. Unfortunately, this can create a problem for both pedestrians and drivers who need to deal with worse lighting. Ensure that your own house lights are bright. If you are driving in a poorly-lit area, use your high beams to see correctly.

6) Distractions on the road. Gorgeous Halloween decorations can be distracting, but in the time it takes to stare at a beautifully decorated home, you could be in a collision. Consider taking a walk to enjoy all the decorations in your community so that you won’t be distracted when you drive by them.

7) Late road work. Many municipalities launch road projects and construction projects in the autumn, hoping to have these activities completed by winter. Road work can make driving even trickier, so slow down and watch for signs.

If your teen driver has recently become licensed, Halloween may represent the biggest challenge your driver has experienced yet. It may be a good idea to sit down with your teen and discuss some rules of Halloween driving. Here are some tips on how to do that:

1) Encourage your teen to stay alert and slow down. Children can appear out of nowhere on the road during Halloween. Not all children wait for crosswalks or lights, especially if they are trick or treating or are running between Halloween parties. Your teen will only have time to stop in time if he or she stays alert and watches for children. Encourage your teen driver to drive through residential areas more slowly at this time of year and ensure that your teen is not texting, using their cell phone or otherwise distracted while driving.

2) Consider a no-Halloween driving rule. If your teen has just gotten their license, consider limiting driving to only daylight hours or consider banning your teen for driving on Halloween, just until he or she gains more confidence behind the wheel.

3) Make sure that your teen driver knows to be cautious in the days leading up to Halloween can also be dangerous. Many teens know to be extra-cautious on Halloween night, but excited children dashing into the street do not just happen on Halloween night. In fact, on Halloween itself, children are often supervised. However, children may be in costume – and less closely supervised – when heading home from school in costume or when attending Halloween parties. These situations make pedestrian accidents even more likely because drivers are just not as prepared.

4) Ensure your teen has the experience and the training to drive safe. A refresher course or defensive driving classes can be especially useful for your teen at this time of year, as they can help your teen avoid collisions and accidents. If your teen was licensed and trained in the summer, consider additional training to help your teen adjust to bad weather conditions.

5) Consider having an adult drive with your teen. This can be handy on Halloween, when extra distractions (such as decorated houses and extra pedestrians) can be a problem.

6) If your teen is going to Halloween parties, discuss your no-fault drunk driving rules. There should be one drunk driving rule in your home: never do it. However, if your teen is going to Halloween parties, it is a good idea to remind your teen not to drink and drive. Make sure that your teen has cab fare to get home or knows that he or she can call you at any time for a ride without having to face punishment or penalties.

When many drivers are pulled over for speeding, they are surprised to find that they were speeding. While in some cases drivers are simply embarrassed to be caught speeding, in other cases drivers are genuinely caught unaware, since their speed increased gradually while they were not paying attention. Experts agree that speeding – whether intentional or not – can cause serious car accidents that can result in serious personal injuries, such as head trauma, burn injuries, broken bones, and spinal cord injuries. As a result, every driver should take care to avoid speeding for any reason. Here’s how:

1) Stay alert to what is happening with your car. Get into the habit of glancing at your dashboard from time to time. Good drivers do this, because they know it is the only way to ensure that the car is working well and that things are going well. Looking at the numbers on your dashboard ensures that you notice your speed and adjust it accordingly.

2) Avoid highway hypnosis. Highway hypnosis occurs when you drive on a freeway or highway for an extended period of time and essentially stop focusing on your driving due to fatigue and repetitive motions and scenery. If you must drive for extended periods of time, get plenty of rest, take frequent breaks and consciously stay alert and focused on your driving.

3) Use cruise control correctly. Cruise control features are useful as they allow you to set a specific speed and remain at that speed without you having to adjust the gas pedal. On the highway, cruise control keeps your speed constant and ensures that you do not begin to creep over the speed limit. Always use cruise control only with highway driving. Most other types of driving require you to adjust your speed regularly.

4) Avoid distractions in the car. Using your mobile device, changing your music selections, eating, and other distractions do not allow you to notice many things, including how fast you are really going.

5) Avoid speeding on purpose. Avoid speeding when you are relatively sure you will not get caught. It’s a dangerous habit and it gets your body used to a faster speed, so that you lose the instinct for what the regular speed limit feels like. If you speed from time to time, you are more likely to speed in areas where you will be caught, so obey speed limits at all times.

6) Notice road signs. Speed limits change, so make sure that you obey and notice all traffic and road signs. It is your responsibility as a driver.

7) Never drink and drive. Alcohol leads to drunk driving accidents and even a few drinks can lower your inhibitions and can make you less liable to notice when you are speeding.

Few car devices or safety accessories are as vital as the humble seat belt. Although decidedly low-tech, the seat belt has saved countless lives and has prevented many injuries. Seat belts keep you in place after a car collision, and therefore prevent you from being tossed around in the car or being ejected through the windshield. In this way, seat belts can help prevent brain injuries, fatalities, spinal cord injuries, and other serious harm. Everyone should wear a seat belt in the car, each time you step into a car.

Seat belts have been around for a long time. Manufacturer Volvo created and used seat belts as early as 1849, although many historians credit the first true seat belts to be the invention of George Cayley in the late nineteenth century.

Seat belts came to the US in 1885. In February of that year, the first US patent for a car seat belt was awarded to Edward J. Claghorn. Claghorn’s seat belt was United States Patent #312,085 and was described as “a Safety-Belt for tourists.” The patent describes this early US seat belt as a safety device that used hooks and other attachments to secure a “person to a fixed object.”

Early seat belts were not very similar to the design of seat belts today. It was not until Swedish inventor Nils Bohlin came up with the idea and design of the three-point seat belt that seat belts became similar to what we are familiar with today. By 1959, Bohlin – who worked for the manufacturer Volvo – had created the lap-and-shoulder three-point seat belt with which we are familiar. This seat belt became standard in Volvo cars by 1959. Bohlin received U.S. Patent 3,043,625 for his seat belt, which was called a CIR-Griswold restraint by some. However, although Bohlin is often credited with developing the first CIR-Griswold restraint, a form of the first three-point restraint was first patented by American inventors Hugh De Haven and Roger W. Griswold.

Over time, seat belts became standard devices in cars around the world. American company Ford began offering the seat belt as an option as early as 1955. The American car company Nash began offering the device as an option in 1949. Swedish car maker Saab made seatbelts standard in 1958 and when the device was featured at car shows by Saab, many other car companies began offering seat belts as a standard safety device in their models as well.

Although seat belts were found in many cars by the 1960s, laws did not reflect the importance of the device. Australia’s state Victoria became the first place in the world to pass a law making seat belts mandatory. The law required front-seat passengers and drivers to wear a seat belt while in the car. The law was passed in 1970. In the US in 1986, both the Senate and the House voted to make seat belts mandatory for all passengers and drivers at all times.

Autumn is a beautiful time of year. The leaves are often beautiful and abundant and for many families, there is a tradition of the fall drive in order to enjoy the beautiful trees. Unfortunately, driving while looking at trees can result in car accidents and resulting personal injuries. Here are some tips on enjoying the fall leaves while staying safe:

1) Consider parking first and then walking. There are many areas – such as parks and country lanes – where you can park your car and walk. This can be a wonderful way to enjoy the weather as well as the autumn. Taking a stroll lets everyone enjoy the leaves and even gives you the chance to pick some fallen leaves to take home for craft projects.

2) Arrange a car ride with two drivers. If you need to drive to look at leaves (because you live in an urban area, for example), consider designating two drivers. One person can drive while everyone else watches the scenery. After some time, the drivers can switch so that the other driver can enjoy the scenery, too. This ensures that each driver can watch the road and still enjoy the drive.

3) Minimize other distractions. Fall leaves and unfamiliar country roads are distracting enough. Put away cell phones, mobile devices, loud music, and other distractions so that you can focus on the drive.

4) Go to an area without too many pedestrians. Plan your drive in advance and consider traffic when you plan. Look for areas with lots of trees but minimal pedestrian traffic and car traffic. This will help reduce the possibility of pedestrian accidents and car collisions.

5) Slow down. Slowing down not only ensures that everyone can enjoy the scenery, but it also gives you more time to stop in case you need to.

6) Ensure that everyone in the car wears a seat belt. A safety belt is a must, even if you want extra movement to look at leaves. A seat belt prevents you from flying through the windshield and sustaining serious spinal cord injuries or brain injuries. In an accident, a seat belt can save your life.

Autumn is a gorgeous time of year, but it is also a time when car accidents can be especially dangerous. Slippery road conditions and changing weather conditions can make things more risky for drivers. It’s a good idea to have your car checked and maintained at this time of year to ensure safe driving through the New Year. Here are some things you will want to check:

1) Fluids and oil. You will want to ensure that you have antifreeze and fresh oil in your car to ensure that your car is working at its peak. Have a qualified mechanic check all your fluids to ensure that your car functions correctly. Also, make sure that you are topped up on windshield fluid. Rain and other fall weather conditions can wreak havoc with your windshield and visibility, so having good wipers and wiper fluid is important.

2) Mechanical soundness. Make sure that all major systems are working well. If you have any leaks, knocks, or strange sounds, now is the time to have them checked out, before your car causes a car accident and personal injury.

3) Brakes. Fall often means slippery streets, as leaves and other debris mix with the rain during the season. You need to ensure that your brakes work perfectly, so that you can stop to avoid a collision or a pedestrian accident if you need to.

4) Mirrors and windows. During the autumn, days become shorter and evenings are often darker. Small cracks and flaws in your windows can make it harder to see and poor mirror placement can cause an accident. Make sure that you enjoy the most visibility possible.

5) Tires. Make sure that your tires have good treads to deal with the increasingly slippery roads of the fall. If your tires are looking worn-down, replace them. If you will be driving in an area with snow, switch to winter tires that provide you with extra traction. Make sure that your tires are correctly aligned and have good air pressure, as well, as this can affect the overall handling of your vehicle.

Could your car be making you sick? Most drivers only consider personal injuries when they are in a car accident that causes a brain injury, burn injury, or other serious personal injury. However, there are chemicals in your car which can be making you ill even before you turn on the engine.

Cars are made from metals, plastics, glass, and upholstery. Unfortunately, some of the products used in making cars contain toxic chemicals. In fact, the “new car smell” is created by chemicals which include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), known to be toxic. Even if you don’t drive a new car, there are chemicals in your car.

For example, most cars contain at least three types of bromine. Bromine is a naturally occurring element that is combined with other chemicals and added to the plastics in a car. It is used because when combined with other chemicals, bromine is a fire retardant. When the plastics in your car are heated they can release bromine chemicals into your air. Long-term exposure to bromine has been shown to cause behavioural problems, fertility problems, thyroid ailments, and memory loss.

Another common chemical found in many cars is chlorine. Chlorine is used in cars to make a plastic known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride). When your car is cool or very warm, PVC plastic releases substances known as phthalates, which have been linked to fertility problems, liver damage, red blood cell damage and other problems. While chlorine is a common substance and is considered safe in small amounts, its use as part of PVC plastics is troubling. PVCs have received much attention for their detrimental health effects in recent years.

Many cars also contain lead, which most people now know is very hazardous. Lead is added to many plastics in a car and when these plastics become heated, the lead is present in the interior of the car. Lead has been linked to childhood behavioural and development problems as well as brain damage, reproductive problems, and damage to the nerves, kidneys, and blood.

In addition to these chemicals, many cars also contain mercury, arsenic, chromium and other potentially harmful chemicals. Since many of these chemicals are released by having the plastics in the car heated, you can reduce your exposure to these chemicals by leaving windows in your car open for ventilation where possible. Keeping your car cabin cool is also helpful. Asking manufacturers and independent companies about ratings and chemical compositions can help, as well. There are many online listings that rate cars according to their chemical components.