Florida
Car Accident Lawyer Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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While the number of drunk driving car accidents has slowly been declining in recent years across the country, the number of car accidents in the community involving drugged driving has been increasing. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), a third of all drivers killed in US car accidents in 2009 tested positive for drugs.

Like many communities, Miami Gardens has many plans in place to fight Miami Gardens drunk driving accidents. There are breathalyzer tests, roadside checks, and special programs to make drivers aware of the dangers of drunk driving. However, some experts say that not enough is done to make people aware of Miami Gardens car accidents and truck accidents involving drugs.

Part of the problem is that many people are not even aware of the types of drugs that can cause a serious Miami Gardens car collision. Experts list many potentially driver impairing (PDI) drugs which can cause car accidents. Among them are illegal drugs such as methamphetamines and marijuana. However, PDI drugs also include prescription medications and even innocuous over-the-counter drugs, including many popular flu and cold remedies. If drivers are not aware of the dangers of these drugs and do not take care to read labels, they can easily cause an accident.

Another problem is that some of the drugs which can cause Miami Gardens truck accidents and car accidents are illegal. Drugs such as methamphetamines and heroin, for example, can make drivers very unsafe and can also impair judgement to the point where a driver does not realize that they are too impaired to drive. Some experts have suggested that those who flout the law by taking illegal drugs may also ignore safe driving laws and anti-drunk-driving laws as well.

A third problem is that it can be very hard to discern and legislate drugged driving accidents. Breathalyzers and other tools that law enforcement officers use to catch drunk drivers may not work on drivers who are under the influence of drugs. Many drugs also do not leave any odor, the way that alcohol can. In many cases, law enforcement can only determine whether someone has been driving after doing drugs is to get the driver to take a drug test. In many cases, these types of tests are only administered after a fatal accident – after it is too late to stop an impaired driver.

If you have been in a Miami Gardens traffic accident that you think was caused by a driver who was under the influence of drugs, it is important to speak to an experienced Miami Gardens personal injury attorney. If the accident was caused by drugs, an attorney can investigate a driver’s medical records and background to determine whether drugs were a factor. If someone’s negligent use of drugs has caused an accident that has caused you injuries, that driver may be held liable for your injuries.

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A recent pileup on the Interstate 75 in Florida has highlighted the dangers of car accidents in the area. The deadly accident claimed ten lives and backed up traffic for miles. A police investigation is ongoing, but it is believed that poor visibility due to nearby fires could have contributed to the massive collision. At least At least twelve trucks and passenger vehicles were involved in the multiple-vehicle collision, which took place at 4 in the morning. The January 29, 2012 multiple vehicle crash may eventually become a criminal investigation, according to some media sources. According to experts, there are several things that drivers can do to keep themselves safer from multi-vehicle Miami truck accidents:

1) Proceed carefully when a road is re-opened after an accident. According to some media reports, the January 29, 2012 multiple vehicle accident on the Interstate 75 happened after the road had been closed earlier and re-opened. When a road is reopened, drivers still need to stay alert for any problems that may have caused an earlier accident or road closure.

2) Adjust for weather and other conditions. According to some media reports, visibility was so poor along the Interstate 75 in Florida at the time of the accident that people making 911 calls from the accident scene were reporting hearing accidents that poor visibility prevented them from seeing clearly. In poor conditions, it is important to slow down and even to choose an alternative route. A Miami traffic collision is always more likely in any conditions that decrease visibility.

3) Give the driver in front of you plenty of room. Many Miami car accidents involving multiple cars occur when one car is traveling too closely behind another car, making it impossible to stop in time in the event of an accident. If driving behind a passenger car, leave at least one car length in front of you. Leave more space in bad weather and if driving near trucks, since trucks take longer to slow down and stop.

4) Drive alert. Driving while impaired, tired, or distracted, can make it hard for you to anticipate problems and react to them in time. When driving, make sure that you are physically and emotionally in good shape for driving and keep your entire focus on the road.

5) Drive defensively. Looking ahead and anticipating challenges ensures that you can react to problems before they become a collision.

In a multiple-vehicle Miami car accident, issues of liability and damage claims can be far more complicated, since multiple cars and multiple insurance carriers are involved. Multiple-vehicle crashes are also more likely to result in serious injuries and even fatalities. For all these reasons, it is important to consult a Miami personal injury attorney if you have been in a multi-vehicle accident. A good attorney can investigate the cause of the accident, can protect your interests, and can help you understand your best options.

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Currently, Florida is one of only three states with no booster seat laws. Most other states have legislation in place making it mandatory for parents to place children over the age of four in booster seats. California has one of the toughest laws, requiring children over the age of four to use booster seats until they are 4 feet 9 inches high or until they are eight years old (whichever comes first). The car club AAA and legislators have been pressuring Florida to pass a booster seat law, arguing that such legislation would help prevent injuries to children involved in car accidents.

The idea behind age-appropriate safety restraints is based on the premise that car safety systems – including car seat belts and air bags – are designed for adults. In fact, these same safety systems, which can help prevent an Aventura brain injury for an adult victim of a car accident, can be life-threatening to children. Since children are smaller, air bags that deflate in an accident can easily suffocate them or cause head injuries. In an Aventura car accident, seat belts can cut into a child’s neck and cause serious injuries. That is why age-appropriate safety restraints are needed.

However, the laws surrounding child safety restraints can be confusing. Small babies are placed in rear-facing infant car seat. Eventually, a child is graduated to a harnessed rear-facing seat and then to a forward-facing seat. However, when children should move from one restraint system to another is not entirely clear. Car seats are based on height, weight, and the age of a child. Since children grow at very varied rates, a child may exceed the weight measurements for a safety seat but still meet the age and height requirements for a different seat. This can be quite confusing to parents trying to make the safest choice for their children.

Most experts agree that children at some point should be placed in a booster seat. This is a cushion that elevates the child so that airbags and seatbelts cannot harm the child in the event of an accident. Some booster seats also come with backrests and armrests. All models are strapped into the car with the car’s seat belt. However, there is a wide range of disagreement about how long a child should be placed in a booster seat. Georgia has a law requiring all children between the ages of four and eight to be placed in a booster seat while in a car. Some experts, however, argue that children do not fit correctly and safely into an adult seat belt until they are ten or even twelve years old.

An adult seat belt that fits correctly goes across the thighs. If a seatbelt cuts across the stomach, as it does on many children, and the car is involved in an Aventura car accident, the belt can cause internal injuries. The upper part of the seat belt should be positioned across cross the center of the wearer’s chest. For smaller adults and children, the seat belt cuts across the neck, potentially causing life-threatening injuries if the car is in an Aventura traffic accident. A booster seat raises a child so that the seat belt is positioned safely. Models with head rests and back rests also cushion the head and protect it in an accident. According to SafetyBeltSafe USA, correct booster seat use for a child who does not fit correctly into a seat with a seatbelt can help reduce childhood Aventura personal injuries by as much as 45 percent in the event of an accident.

Continue reading "Would Florida Booster Laws Help Prevent Injuries in Aventura Car Accidents? " »

Dania Beach truck accidents involving tire defects usually make the news. Not only are tire defects a common known cause of truck accidents, but truck accidents tend to be more serious – and are more likely to be fatal -- than many smaller vehicle crashes. However, many Florida and Dania Beach car accidents are also caused by defective tires. Single-vehicle accidents and even more serious multi-car accidents can be caused by several tire problems:

1) Tire wear-and-tear and tire bald spots. With high mileage, tires can eventually wear down and break down. For this reason, it is important for drivers to check their tires often. It is especially important to check tires frequently for loss of treads. Treads are what help the tire grip the road, and when treads are worn, Dania Beach traffic accidents are more common, especially in wet conditions. Wear and tear can also eventually cause the tire to burst or fail, so it is important to consider the age and the wear on the tires.

2) Older tires. The rubber that tires are made of ages and deteriorates, even when it is not used. This can especially be the case in Florida and in Dania Beach, where high temperatures can allow the rubber to deteriorate even more quickly. All tires have a code on them, which can allow you to evaluate how old the tire is. You can contact the manufacturer to determine how old your tires are and whether they are still safe.

3) Wrong size tires. Incorrectly sized tires – even one tire that is the wrong size – can throw your vehicle off balance, increasing your risk of a Dania Beach rollover accident or car accident. One thing that many drivers do not think of, for instance, is the spare tire in their trunk. If you get a flat tire and put on your spare, in many cases the spare tire is a smaller size. The aim of the spare tire is to get you to a mechanic or auto shop to get a new tire. You should never drive around on this spare tire, as it is not the correct size and intention for that tire.

4) Under inflation or over inflation. A tire that is overinflated or underinflated is more likely to blow out or fail on the road. A simple pressure gauge is very inexpensive and allows you to check your own tire pressure yourself as needed. Checking your tire pressure lets you top up air in your tires when you need it, which also allows you to enjoy better mileage for your fuel.

5) Poor alignment. Incorrectly maintained and aligned tires can fail, so it is important to have them aligned periodically, especially when you switch tires or get a new set of tires for your car.

6) Defective tires. In some cases, manufacturers create tires which are defective. Checking for recalls periodically is important. However, even if a tire has not been recalled yet, that does not necessarily mean that there aren’t defects with a tire that have caused known problems. In many cases, Dania Beach tire defect cases only come to light after a certain number of people have been injured. If you suspect that you were involved in a car collision because of a tire defect, speak to a Dania Beach personal injury attorney. A good attorney can determine whether the tire manufacturer is a liable party in your case.

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According to a 2009 Transportation for America study, among the top cities for pedestrian fatalities are Orlando, Tamp, Miami and Jacksonville. In 2008, 490 pedestrians were fatally injured in car accidents in the state, making Florida the worst region for pedestrian deaths. Over the years, Florida routinely has been listed as one of the worst spots for fatal hit and run accidents. According to experts, there are many reasons why hit and run Miami car accidents happen:

1) Modern development in suburban and urban spaces has created lots of high-speed areas for traffic and fewer areas for bicyclists and walkers. It is no surprise that Miami bicycle accidents are also high when compared to other US cities. Larger urban centers such as Miami have fewer spaces that are just for safe walking and biking. The amount of money spent on safe pedestrian areas is just a fraction of the amount spent on roadways and car areas.

2) Drivers who are afraid of being caught. In many cases, hit and run Miami traffic accidents occur when a driver hits someone but keeps driving because he or she is already doing something illegal. If a driver is driving with no insurance, no license, or is driving drunk, he or she may be more likely to leave the scene of an accident, because he or she is afraid of the legal consequences. Since Florida leads the country in car accident insurance, it is plausible that there is also a high instance of people driving illegally.

3) A car-reliant culture. In Miami, having a car is not just about transportation; many people see it as a sign of independence or even a right. This creates all kinds of problems. Many people use cars when there are other alternatives, which in turn increases congestion and the risk of Miami car accidents. In addition, when people see cars as a right, they are more likely to want to drive when it is not safe to do so. For example, someone with an illness that makes it dangerous to drive may still get behind the wheel of a car because they do not want to lose their independence. Alternatively, someone who has a suspended license or no insurance may still drive because he or she “needs” to get to work.

4) Shared spaces. Miami does have many pedestrians and many congested spaces where pedestrians and vehicles share space. Parking lots, crosswalks, and other areas where pedestrians and vehicles share space are especially dangerous sites for Miami pedestrian accidents.

In Florida, hit and run accidents are taken seriously. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing property damage can be charged with a second degree misdemeanor and may face up to 60 days in jail as well as fines of up to $500. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing an injury can be charged with a third degree felony and may face up to 5 years in prison as well as fines of up to $5,000. Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident after causing a fatality can be charged with a first degree felony and may face up to 30 years in state prison as well as fines of up to $10,000. In addition, those who leave the scene of an accident can face Miami personal injury lawsuits, where they can be sued for damages caused.

Continue reading "Hit and Run Miami Car Accidents: What Needs to Be Done" »

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.

Continue reading "Will Your New Year Plans Prevent or Risk a Miami Car Accident?" »

No one wants to start 2012 in the hospital or in jail, but New Year’s Eve is in fact one of the most dangerous nights of the year for Miami car accidents. Many New Year’s Eve celebrations do involve alcohol, and this can lead to Miami drunk driving accidents. In fact, each year some motorists are pulled off the roads for DUI or are involved in DUI accidents in Miami. To avoid becoming a statistic, make sure that you:

1) Have several get-home plans available. With lots of revelers out on New Year’s Eve, you will want to have several options. Do not just rely on public transport or a designated driver – what if your designated driver does drink or what if you stay out too late for the bus? Write down a list of friends and taxi services you can call, places you can sleep for the night, and other options for getting home safely.

2) Do not assume that you will not drink. Even if you attend an alcohol-free event, you may eventually end up drinking. The tradition of drinking on New Year’s Eve is well ingrained. Have several plans to get home safely – just in case. This way, you can even help friends who need to get home safely.

3) Do not count on getting a cab home. New Year`s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year for taxi cab companies. You may simply not be able to get a cab home right away. Be willing to share a cab and stay flexible in your get-home-safe plans.

4) Plan for an after-New Year event. Keep a list of 24-hour and late-night eateries in your wallet. Getting a snack after the count down gives taxi cabs a chance to return from their first fares, increasing the odds that you can get a taxi home.

5) Consider attending an alcohol-free event. You will be less tempted to drink. However, still plan out a get-home-safe strategy, just in case.

6) Consider hosting an event at your home. If you are at home, you will not need to drive anywhere, so you can ring in the New Year and not worry about driving. This can also be safer, since it keeps you away from other motorists who may choose to drink and drive. If you host your own New Year`s party, however, keep in mind that you need to keep your guests safe. If your guests drink, consider letting them sleep over or make sure that they can get home safely.

7) Consider leaving your car at home on New Year`s Eve. This guarantees that you will not be tempted to drive back home after drinking. You will also not need to worry about traffic, parking, or picking up your car the next day. Miami has several transportation options for revelers for New Year`s Eve – choose the one that is best for you and you just might end up preventing a Miami traffic accident.

Continue reading "Do You Have a New Year’s Plan in Place to Prevent Miami Drunk Driving Accidents?" »

Most communities institute checkpoints in order to ensure that there are fewer drunk drivers on the roads during the holidays. Miami police authorities, for example, routinely put up checkpoints at strategic locations in order to ensure that drivers aren’t taking risks that can lead to Miami drunk driving accidents. Sober drivers have nothing to fear from checkpoints – these checkpoints do not delay sober drivers and help keep streets safer.

Unfortunately, there is a trend in recent years to report checkpoints and their locations. Many police authorities frown on this practice, as it allows drivers who have been drinking to simply avoid the checkpoints. In effect, this can help increase the risk of Miami car accidents in a number of ways:

1) It sends the wrong message about DUI checkpoints. Checkpoints are not meant to be punishment. They remind people that drunk driving causes Miami traffic accidents and ensure that drunk drivers are removed from the roads before they can cause a serious collision. By reporting on the location of a checkpoint, drivers are sending the message that checkpoints are not that important and can be avoided. This is just not the case; checkpoints can save lives and police authorities in some cases give up time with their families to man checkpoints. The courteous thing to do is to stop at the checkpoints and to not report their location.

2) It allows those who drink and drive to avoid the checkpoints and keep driving. Reporting a checkpoint makes it easy for drivers who have been drinking to continue drinking and driving. In some cases, a driver who has been drinking may need to go out of their way to avoid a checkpoint, increasing the length of road traveled under the influence and increasing the risk of a deadly Miami pedestrian accident or traffic accident. By not reporting checkpoints, you increase the chances that drunk drivers will be removed from the roads before they can harm someone.

3) It does not allow authorities to gather accurate information about drinking and driving. In addition to stopping drunk drivers, Miami police gather information during checkpoints. This allows them to see how prevalent a problem DUI is in some areas. In cases where DUI is a problem, Miami police can institute new policies and programs to reduce instances of drunk driving. If checkpoints are reported, drunk drivers avoid the checkpoints and police cannot gather the information they need to create life-saving educational and preventative programs.

The right thing to do at a checkpoint is to stop, cooperate with police, and carry on without reporting the location of the checkpoint. Encourage others you know not to report checkpoints. Not allowing drunk drivers to avoid these police programs ensures that drunk drivers are removed from the road before they cause an accident. Keeping the location of sobriety checkpoints quiet is one way you can help stop Miami drunk driving accidents.

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Miami takes extra steps to prevent Miami car accidents caused by drinking and driving during the holiday season. Unfortunately, holiday parties and events can increase the number of DUI accidents on the city’s roads. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent these types of Miami traffic accidents and there are many things you can do to help prevent DUI accidents this holiday season:

1) Carry extra cash in your wallet. Place this money apart from the rest of your money, perhaps in a separate pocket or behind some of your ID, so that you will not spend it. Having extra cash ensures that you always have money towards a taxi, so that there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel of your car after you have been drinking.

2) Have more than one safe way to get home at all times. In many instances, public transportation or even a taxi may not be an option – especially if you are well outside the city. In your glove compartment, keep a range of taxi phone numbers, cash for taxis, information about bus routes, motel room information, and a list of friends you can call for a safe drive home. The more safe options you have, the more likely you are to choose a safe alternative to get home.

3) Prepare to drink – even if you don’t plan on drinking. It’s easy to assume that you will not drink at a holiday party and will therefore be able to get yourself home. However, once at that party you may be tempted to drink or you may end up unwittingly drinking a holiday punch that is full of brandy. Don’t assume that you will be able to drive yourself home; always have options and cash on hand.

4) Consider taking a no-drinking-and-driving pledge with friends. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) as well as other organizations make such pledges available. Signing a pledge and promising not to drink and drive can help you consider the risks of Miami drunk driving accidents and can help you make the right choice.

5) Talk to your children about drinking and driving. Don’t assume that just because your children are under the legal age of drinking that they are safe from Miami drunk driving accidents. Underage drinking is a very real problem, and even if your teens do not drink, they may get in a car with a driver who has been drinking. Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving with your children and have your children promise to call you rather than driving home with someone who has been drinking. Make sure that you praise, rather than punish, your children for making the right decision if they do call you for a safe drive home.

6) Be responsible when serving alcohol at your holiday parties. If someone is in a drunk driving accident after leaving a party where you served alcohol, you could be held partly liable, and a Miami premises liability claim will make your holidays very unpleasant. Consider holding alcohol-free parties. If that is not an option, stop serving alcohol early and make sure that everyone has a safe way to get home.

Continue reading "How You Can Prevent Miami Drunk Driving Accidents This Holiday Season" »

Are there still people on your holiday shopping list? If you are looking for some great presents that can also help your loved ones avoid Miami traffic accidents, consider:

1) A hand-held breathalyzer. These are available at many department stores, and can help prevent Miami drunk driving accidents. There are even key chains with small breathalyzers on them. Although not as accurate as the systems used by authorities, these small items can help a loved one re-consider driving after they have been drinking.

2) A GPS system. GPS systems are more affordable than ever before – and more accurate. They can help a loved one find their way to various destinations without the distraction of maps. They can guide a driver to a destination without requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road, and this can help prevent Miami car accidents.

3) A rear-view camera system. Miami rollover accidents are tragic, but there are small cameras which can be mounted on the back of a car to allow drovers to see exactly what is behind them before they start backing up. In some cases, these systems are combined with GPS systems in one device.

4) A winter safety kit or emergency kit. Emergency kits and winter driving kits are very affordable but contain the various items that someone might need after a Miami traffic accident or after a car breaking down.

5) A gift certificate for a tune-up. Many mechanics offer gift cards and gift certificates. This can be a great gift for anyone, as it can ensure that a driver’s car is in great shape and ready to avoid a Miami truck accident or traffic accident.

6) Driving lessons. If you have a new driver in your life, consider giving the gift of additional private driving lessons. These can help a new driver hone their driving skills and their confidence behind the wheel, putting them less at risk for a Miami car accident. Refresher courses are a great gift for drivers of any age, as are racing lessons. Racing lessons are fun and help teach driving skills and confidence that can help any driver drive more safely.

7) Reflective clothing for the joggers and pedestrians on your list. Miami pedestrian accidents are a major cause of concern, and Miami bicycle accidents are all too common. If you have friends and family who enjoy biking or walking, get them reflective clothing, hats, or accessories, so that they can stay safer while exercising.

Continue reading "Give the Gift of Safety: Holiday Gifts That Can Prevent Miami Car Accidents " »

At this time of year, many Miami residents are making plans to travel to see family for the holidays. While some individuals choose to take planes, cars are a popular method of getting home for the holidays – they can make for a less expensive trip and can offer more flexibility in terms of travel time. If you are planning a road trip to see family, however, make sure that you avoid Miami car accidents (as well as accidents outside the state) by following these safety tips:

1) Give yourself plenty of time. Estimate how long it will take you to drive from your home to your destination (Google Maps is a good tool for estimating this) and then add several hours. You want to offer yourself plenty of time since you may run into traffic and you will want to leave time for meals, breaks, and rest stops. Knowing that you have plenty of time to get to your destination ensures that you are not rushing, and rushing and speeding, all of which can increase your risk of Miami traffic accidents.

2) Get a weather update. Knowing what the weather will be on the day you travel and knowing what weather to expect at your destination can help you plan your trip. If the weather will be bad, do everything you can to give yourself more time and try to travel during the daylight as much as possible to get the best visibility possible.

3) Drive with a friend if you can. You can share the costs of gas and share driving time as well, so that you are not driving fatigued.

4) Plan your route carefully. Have at least two alternate routes planned so that you can get to your destination safely even if roads are closed. When planning your route, also consider possible problems, such as night driving or driving through wintery conditions, so that you are prepared for any challenges.

5) Prepare a drive safe kit. This should include a cell phone, a first aid kit, flares, a blanket, and a flashlight. If your car breaks down, you will be happy to have these items on hand. If you are traveling somewhere with winter conditions, pack a bag of salt or non-clumping kitty litter (in case you get stuck in ice and need some traction), a scraper for your windshield, and a shovel to dig yourself out of snow.

6) Make sure your car is ready for the trip. Get a tune up if it has been a while, since a poorly-maintained car is more likely to have trouble responding quickly in order to avoid a Miami truck accident or car accident. If you will be traveling somewhere with winter conditions, consider investing in a good set of winter tires – they can save your life in slippery conditions.

7) Plan to be undistracted. Well-intentioned family could phone you while you are driving to get an update on your location, so it is safest to turn off your cell phone and put it away in the glove compartment. Make sure that any entertainment you plan for your trip – such as music – will not distract you from driving.

8 ) Plan to rest before your trip. Avoid going to a party the night before your trip. If you drink late and stay out late, you will be exhausted and driving fatigued. You may also still have an alcohol blood level above the legal level, putting you at risk of a Miami drunk driving accident. Get to bed early the night before you travel, so that you are well rested and ready to drive.

Continue reading "Stay Safe if You are Driving Home to See Your Family: Prevent a Miami Car Accident" »

While Miami car accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities for children and teens in the city, parents need to worry about much more than just Miami traffic accidents. Miami children and minors are subject to many car-related injuries, although the good news is that many of these injuries are preventable:

1) Hyperthermia / Heatstroke. While children in Miami rarely need to worry about hyperthermia, heatstroke is a serious concern for children left in the unforgiving Miami heat in a car. Even leaving a child alone in a car for a few minutes can be dangerous, as on a hot day the temperature in a vehicle can quickly reach dangerous levels. The obvious solution is to never leave a child unattended in a car. However, with parents more busy than ever before, it is also important to routinely check the back seat of a car before walking away. Unfortunately, there have been a number of tragic cases where a parent has simply forgotten a child in the back seat of a car.

2) Backovers. Small children sometimes play in driveways or near cars, and smaller children may not be visible to drivers who are backing up. Each year, tragedy strikes when children in this situation are hit and killed or seriously injured. In many cases, it is a parent or family member who injures the child, further adding to the pain and suffering of the family. Today, there are devices which can be installed in most cars which show the driver exactly what is behind the vehicle so that these types of Miami pedestrian accidents do not take place. In many cases, these devices are less than two hundred dollars and can help save a life.

3) Power Windows. Children who play with power windows can easily get their hands or other body parts stuck in the window, causing broken bones and other injuries. Newer models of cars have child-safety locks and windows to keep children in the back seat safe.

4) Seat Belt Entanglement. In the event of a Miami truck accident or car accident, a seat belt can save your life – if you are an adult. Unfortunately, for children, seat belts can be very dangerous. They can wrap around a child’s body and cause injuries. They can also cut into a child’s neck and head, causing injuries. For these reasons, it is important to put children in age-appropriate child restraints.

5) Vehicle Rollaway. Rollaway usually occur when a child accidentally disengages a parking break, causing the car to roll. This is another important reason to never leave children unattended in a car. Keeping children in the backseat of the car can also ensure that they cannot touch anything on the dashboard that can affect the car itself.

6) Trunk Entrapment. Trunk entrapment occurs when children climb into a trunk – often while playing – and become stuck. If children are not found in time, they can suffocate or suffer hypothermia or heat stroke. Most newer cars have trunk release levers in the trunk. These can usually be installed on older models. To prevent truck entrapment, it is also important to lock the trunk of your vehicle when the vehicle is not in use.

Continue reading "It’s Not Just About Miami Car Accidents: Preventing Common Childhood Car-Related Injuries" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "How Aggressive Driving Can Cause Miami Car Accidents" »

Like all Florida cities, Homestead sees its fair share of car accidents. However, Homestead rollovers are among the deadliest types of car accidents. According to the NHTSA, rollovers account for only 3% of all accidents but account for almost 33% of all passenger car accident fatalities. Rollovers are particularly dangerous because they increase the risk that passengers will be ejected from the vehicle or will be violently thrown against the inside of the vehicle. These types of accidents are also more likely to result in massive vehicle damage and in Homestead brain injuries when compared with Homestead rear-end crashes and side swipe accidents.

Homestead car accidents involving rollovers are likely to only increase as more people invest in top heavy cars such as vans and SUVs. However, according to the NHTSA and other experts, there are many things that can be done to help prevent Florida rollovers:

1) Wear your seatbelt. According to the NHSTA, 72% of all passengers killed in rollover accidents were not wearing seatbelts. Safety belts keep you in place in a rollover, ensuring you are not ejected and reducing the risk that your head will impact with the roof of the car when the vehicle rolls over. Safety belts dramatically improve your chances of surviving any Homestead car accident – including a rollover – so be sure to buckle up.

2) Don’t get complacent about your car. Vans, SUVs, and trucks are more likely to rollover because they have a higher center of gravity. However, even if you drive a passenger vehicle, such as a sedan, that does not mean that you are not at risk of a Homestead rollover. In the right conditions, virtually any car can rollover.

3) Avoid off-roading. Any uneven surface increases your risk for a rollover, so avoid heading off the road.

4) Drive away from the shoulder – and be wary of narrow roads. According to the NHTSA, 95% of rollover accidents involving a single vehicle are what are known as tripped rollovers. This type of rollover occurs when a vehicle leaves the road and tires come into contact with curbs, soft soil, or a guardrail. This can cause a rollover, especially if the vehicle is traveling fast and if the driver tries to overcorrect or over-steer in order to get back on the road. Tripping rollovers can also occur on very steep grades of road.

5) Avoid sudden maneuvers when driving quickly. In less than 5% of cases, rollovers are un-tripped rollovers. These crashes occur when a car does not strike something or roll down a steep hill. Most un-tripped rollovers involve top heavy cars, such as vans or SUVs, and most of these accidents occur when drivers traveling at high speeds make sudden maneuvers in order to avoid a collision.

6) Avoid high speeds. Your risk of a serious or fatal Homestead car accident or rollover is much more likely when you speed. Speed reduces the response time you have to avoid an accident and increases the damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident.

Continue reading "Why Rollovers are the Deadliest of Homestead Car Accidents – And How You Can Improve Your Chances of Survival" »

Many Homestead visitors and residents choose to buy passenger vans. Indeed, in recent years vans have become extremely popular. They offer more loading space for grocery trips, and they are very popular with families, as they provide added room for children and passengers. Unfortunately, passenger vans can also lead to increased risk of Homestead car accidents. Vans handle differently and have a higher center of gravity than most passenger vehicles, potentially making them riskier for rollovers and other problems. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are several things that drivers can do to make their vans safer:

1) Gradually get accustomed to your passenger van. These vehicles are wider, higher, and longer than most passenger vehicles and handle very differently. You will rely on your mirrors more and have more blind spots than a driver with a sedan. It will take you longer to brake and more space to park or change lanes. This will take some time to get used to. According to the NHTSA, inexperienced drivers are more likely to be in a van accident. When you first get your van, give yourself plenty of time to get accustomed to the new vehicle before you go ahead and pack it with passengers or cargo. Take your van on frequent rides along less busy streets in order to familiarize yourself with the car. This will reduce your chance of being in a Homestead pedestrian accident or traffic accident.

2) Reduce your risk of rollovers. Vans have a higher center of gravity, making them more of a risk for Homestead rollover accidents. You can reduce your risk of rollovers by getting proper training for your passenger van, by driving without speeding, by avoiding distracted driving, and by loading your car carefully.

3) Maintain your passenger van correctly. Poorly maintained vans are more likely to be in a rollover. Take your can in for required tune-ups, especially if you notice any problems with the way your van handles.

4) Make sure you know who is driving your family in passenger vans. Passenger vans are often used by organizations. If your children are going on a camping trip or to a school event, for example, they may be riding in a passenger van. Ask questions and make sure that the driver in charge of the van has adequate experience with that type of vehicle.

5) Check your tires often. If you own a passenger van, make sure that the tires are properly aligned, not worn down, and properly inflated. Since vans tend to carry larger loads and more passengers than most passenger vehicles, they can place more stress on tires, putting you at risk of a Homestead tire blowout. Poorly maintained tires can also put you at a higher risk for skids, slides, and rollovers, so check your tires before every trip.

6) Don’t carry more items or passengers than your passenger van allows. Check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating for your van and be sure to follow the guidelines. Overburdening your van makes it far more likely that you will be in an accident or that your tires will blowout. In addition to carrying less, make sure that every item in your car is properly secured. In the event of a Homestead car accident, any heavy items in your passenger van will become projectiles, increasing your risk of head injury, broken bones, and even fatal injuries.

7) Wear your seat belt. If you are in a Homestead truck accident or car accident, wearing your seatbelt can dramatically improve the chances that you will survive the crash. In all too many accidents, fatalities and permanent injuries occur when a passenger is ejected from the vehicle. Staying inside and secured with a safety belt is your best chance of survival. Even on short trips, buckle up before you start the vehicle.

8) Check safety issues with your van. Some vans have better safety records than others. If you're in a Homestead car accident caused by a manufacturer defect, you may have a Homestead products liability case. However, it is better to know about such defects and problems before you make any purchasing decisions. Compare different bands and safety features to select the safest van you can. Once you have purchased your vehicle, keep up to date with recalls and safety notices so that you can get any issues resolved before they result in an accident.

Continue reading "Homestead Car Accidents with Passenger Vans " »

Many people associate rollover accidents with Miami truck accidents, but rollovers can occur with virtually any type of vehicle. In fact, many passenger cars are involved in Miami rollover accidents every day, especially as customers have become more interested in vans, SUVs, and other larger vehicles that have a high center of gravity. In the right conditions, virtually any type of passenger vehicle can roll over.

Unfortunately, rollovers can be among the most deadly and dangerous accidents on Miami roads. During a rollover, passengers and any unsecured cargo in the vehicle are generally tossed around violently. Any unsecured cargo can easily come flying at passengers at high speeds, causing Miami brain injuries, broken bones, and even fatal injuries. As well, many passengers in these types of accidents may be ejected from the vehicle, causing even more injury. Rollover accidents also increase the likelihood of multiple vehicle accidents and car fires, making these crashes even more deadly.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that drivers take several precautions to reduce the risks of these types of accidents:

1) Wear a seatbelt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belt use is one of the most important factors in determining injury and survival rates in an accident. According to the organization, passengers who wear seat belts are 75% more likely to survive a rollover accident, because in most traffic accidents of this kind, fatal injuries occur when passengers are ejected from the car.

2) Load your car carefully. Consult your vehicle’s manual to determine how much your car can carry and stick to that limit. If you use a roof rack, be especially careful about how much weight you place on top of your car, as excess weight on a roof rack can change the center of gravity of your car and actually increase your risk of an accident. As well, make sure that you secure everything in your car, including laptops, tools, and any heavy items. In the event of an accident, this prevents the items from becoming dangerous projectiles.

3) Be especially wary on highways and rural roads, where the risk of rollovers are higher. Any narrow road, curvy road, or high-speed road leaves you less of a margin for error.

4) If one of your tires goes off the road, avoid overcorrecting. Panicking and overcorrecting or over-steering increase the likelihood that you will be in a rollover. If one of your car tires goes off the road, it is best to gradually reduce your speed and gently ease your tires back onto the pavement.

5) Keep yourself focused on driving. According to the NHTSA, the most common reasons for rollover accidents are fatigued driving, drunk driving, and speeding. Drive only when you are in good condition to do so. Do not add to the statistics about Miami drunk driving accidents and fatigued driving accidents.

6) Keep your tires in good condition. Incorrectly inflated or worn tires can cause you to go into a slide, which can increase the chances of a rollover. Check your tires regularly and replace them as needed. Poor tire maintenance can lead to Miami tire blowouts and other problems that can cause a rollover.

Continue reading "Surviving a Miami Rollover Accident " »

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.

Continue reading "Plan Now to Avoid Hollywood Halloween Car Accidents" »

If you have a new teenage driver in your household this year, bear in mind that Halloween can pose a higher than usual risk of Miami car accidents. If your teen is out and about on Halloween, he or she will have to contend not only with night driving, but also with lots of children in costume running around. Unfortunately, some children do get overly excited on Halloween and may run out into traffic. Drivers who are out on this night need to be extra cautious. New drivers may not yet have the skills to deal with the added stress and dangers of Halloween driving. To ensure that your new teen driver is safe on the roads, consider:

1) Discussing the dangers of Halloween driving. If your teen will be out and about driving on Halloween night, make sure that he or she understands that Halloween is a riskier night than usual, simply because of the larger number of children out on the streets. The higher level of pedestrian traffic increases the risk of Miami pedestrian accidentshttp://www.flaxmanandlopez.com/lawyer-attorney-1118456.html. Talk to your teen about the dangers, and work together to find a solution that will help keep your teen safe on the roads. Get your teen to come up with their own ideas for staying safe – teens are more likely to follow safety rules if they propose them.

2) Ensure that your teen will be turning off all mobile devices while driving on Halloween. Halloween is no time to be texting and driving or talking on a cell phone and driving. On this night, drivers, especially, need to place their entire focus on the road. Ensure that your teen understands the dangers, and is willing to turn off their mobile device before getting in the car.

3) Make sure your teen has get home safe plan in case they attend a party where there is drinking. Many Halloween parties for older teens do involve drinking, and like all holidays, Halloween night can mean a higher risk of Miami drunk driving accidents. To avoid a serious injury, ensure that your teen knows that they can call you or a friend to get a safe and sober ride home – no questions asked. Make sure that your teen also has enough cab fare to get home safely as well.

4) Be wary of Halloween pranks and where your teen is going on Halloween. Unfortunately, many older teens do engage in risk-taking activities on Halloween night. Smashing pumpkins, playing pranks, and even toilet papering houses can lead to aggressive confrontations and even personal injury. Make sure that your teens understand the dangers of risk taking. If you're not sure about your teen’s safety on Halloween night, consider arranging an event or party at home.

Continue reading "If you Have a New Teen Driver, Help them Avoid Halloween Miami Car Accidents" »

Miami car accidents are a special risk during Halloween, since children are out and about trick-or-treating at the same time as cars are driving around. Miami sees a lot of car traffic, making it especially risky for childhood car accidents, especially during Halloween. Children who are trick-or-treating can get overly excited about the candy they are getting, and this can make them less cautious about running in front of cars or about crossing the street. To ensure that your children are not affected by Miami pedestrian accidents this Halloween, make sure that you:

1) Choose costumes carefully. Costumes should be highly visible, and should include flashlights or reflective strips. Any props, such as guns or swords, should be clearly made of foam and should not look too close to the real thing. Ensure that your child's costume does not prevent them from walking safely. This means ensuring that there is nothing dragging on the ground when your child walks in his or her costume.

2) Make sure that your child can see correctly. Avoid costumes that cover the face, and costumes with masks that inhibit visibility. Where possible, use face paint rather than masks for your child’s Halloween costume. Also be wary of costumes that require capes or hoods, as these can affect peripheral vision and can make it harder for your child to see oncoming traffic.

3) Set out a route for your child's to follow. Make sure that your child is accompanied at all times by an adult. The route that your child uses for Halloween should be well lit, and should have relatively little traffic.

4) Go over pedestrian safety rules with your child in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Make sure that your child is repeatedly told look both ways before crossing the street and to always cross at corners. When your child is out trick-or-treating, he or she should visit houses along one side of the street, cross at the corner, and then continue to visit houses along the other side of the street. Make sure that your child does not crisscross the street to get to different houses, crossing from in between parked cars.

5) If you live in a high traffic area of Miami, consider taking your child to a Halloween party rather than having them trick-or-treat. This ensures that your child is safe indoors rather than risking injury outdoors. This can also help protect your child from Miami drunk driving accidents, which unfortunately can be a concern on a night when many Halloween parties are serving alcohol.

6) If a younger child does want to trick or treat, consider sending them out early. This way, the child will be back home before dark. Have extra Halloween candy at home so that he or she is not disappointed with fewer treats.

Continue reading "Helping your Children Avoid Miami Car Accidents this Halloween" »

Florida car accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities for young children. While children do not drive, they spend comparable time in cars when compared with adults, simply because children are always being driven to school, to appointments, for visits to friends and family, and to other events. Long hours on the road mean an increased risk of accidents.

Children are more vulnerable to car accident injuries because they bodies are small and developing. A Florida brain injury sustained by an adult, for example, can heal more quickly than one sustained by a child, where the brain is smaller and still growing. Small bones can break more easily and since children have not developed a stronger immune system, they may be more prone to complications after an injury.

Children are also more vulnerable in a car accident because many of the safety devices in cars are designed for adults. Seat belts and airbags are designed for adult passengers and can in fact be dangerous for a child. Air bags, when they deflate, tend to hit an adult passenger in the chest, reducing the possible impact against a dashboard. With a child, however, the airbag is likely to push violently against the face, which can cause severe head injuries and can prevent the child from breathing normally. Seat belts, too, can cut into a child's neck during an accident, since the seat belt is designed for an adult.

Childhood injuries in a car accident are more likely to happen if children do not use child-appropriate safety restraints. The safest place for a child is in the rear seat, in an age-appropriate child restraint. That means a child seat for infants and a booster seat for older children. Of course, it is imperative that these devices be used every time the child is in a car. Placing a child in an age-appropriate child restraint can also help prevent an accident, as it ensures that the child is restrained and is unable to cause a distraction in the car by getting into trouble while the car is moving.

Of course, it is important for all parents to drive carefully to prevent a Florida car accident. There is no point in putting a "baby on board" or "child on board" sign on a car if the driver does not take care to drive carefully as well. Putting away distractions, leaving ample room in front of you, and obeying traffic laws is imperative in keep you – and your child – safe.

Another way to protect your children is to be careful about who drives your children around. Most parents feel comfortable driving their child around, since they know that they will take the necessary precautions. However, it is also important to consider child safety when allowing your child in the car with a relative, friend, baby sitter, or day car provider. Ensure that everyone who drives your child has age-appropriate child restraints and uses them correctly. Ensure that driving safety records are good before allowing someone to drive your child to school or an appointment.

Continue reading "Child Injuries and Florida Car Accidents" »

Getting your car properly taken care of every season can help you prevent the risk of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents, as it ensures that your vehicle is in good shape to prevent an accident. If you need to stop suddenly or maneuver quickly in order to avoid a collision, having a car that responds well is important. To get your car maintained this autumn, make sure that you:

1) Get your car checked out. Taking your car periodically to a trusted mechanic periodically can help ensure that your car is in good shape to drive and has no obvious problems. It is especially important to take your car in to a trusted mechanic if you notice any problems, unusual noises, or if you notice that the car is responding oddly. Regular tune-ups and maintenance are vital, especially in the autumn, when many drivers are on the road more frequently due to the school run.

2) Have a plan for keeping your windshield clear. Mud, rain, and autumn weather can wreak havoc with your ability to see clearly through your windshield. Top up your windshield fluid regularly, make sure that your windshield wipers are in good repair, and consider upgrading your wipers to ones that do a better job of clearing dirt and debris from your windshield. It's a smart investment that can help ensure that you see what is in front of your car.

3) Assemble a kit for safe and comfortable driving. Your kit should include a first aid kit, a cell phone for calling for help in an emergency, a blanket, flares or flashlight, a spare tire, instruction manuals for changing tires, and a good spare tire. Your glove compartment box should contain sunglasses which can help you see clearly, and gloves for days when your wheel is too hot to hold firmly.

4) Create a space for your mobile devices. Distracted driving is a serious problem across the US. You can help conquer the problem by always turning off your mobile device and putting it away before you get behind the wheel. In fact, it is best to turn off your mobile device and put it away, such as in your glove compartment, to ensure that you will not be tempted to check your messages while you drive.

5) Get your tires checked. Summer can be hard on tires, and at this time of year the wear and tear of driving on hard surfaces can really show up. Make sure that your tires are correctly aligned and are still in good condition. If the treads on your tires are worn, it is important to have them replaced before the wet autumn season begins. If you will be driving outside of Florida this winter, you may also need to invest in a good set of winter tires for any winter driving you will need to do.

Continue reading "Fall Maintenance Tips to Prevent Florida Car Accidents" »

The last weekend of summer, also known as Labor Day weekend, can be a chance for a final barbecue. However, this is also the weekend when many Florida car accidents, boating accidents, and Florida drunk driving accidents take place. To stay safe this weekend, authorities suggest:

1) Staying alert for road checks. Police authorities in most cities step up roadside checks and are extra vigilant on the final weekend before school commences. If you do see authorities stopped by the side of the road conducting road checks, get ready to stop and comply with authorities. They are there to help you. Also, be aware of a heavier police presence during the weekend.

2) Drivers avoid drive distracted. Driving distracted is always a danger. Whether you are taxing on your mobile device, having a very animated conversation with passengers, paying attention to your radio, eating a sandwich, or making a cell phone call, any form of distraction can put you more at risk for Florida pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and other types of traffic accidents. Anything that removes your focus or eyes from the road can be potentially deadly. Leave your mobile device at home or turn it off before getting in your car, and prepared to put your entire focus on driving.

3) Getting adequate rest before driving. Driving while tired can be just as dangerous as distracted driving or even drunk driving. Not getting enough rest can slow your response times and can even cause you to nod off at the wheel, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. If you're too tired to drive, take a taxi or have a passenger drive you home. At this time of year, most of us are extra busy, but taking care not to drive fatigue can help prevent a Florida car accident.

4) Buckling up. Before starting the car, make sure that you and all your passengers are restrained with age-appropriate safety restraints. Whether that means a booster seat for children or seatbelts for the adults, ensuring that everyone is safe is a top priority. Age-appropriate safety restraints and seatbelts help keep you in place in case you are in a car accident. Proper use of seat belts and safety restraints can help reduce the instances of Florida brain injuries caused by car accidents.

5) Drivers avoid tailgating. It is important to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. If the car in front of you brakes suddenly, you will have enough room to maneuver to avoid an accident.

6) Developing a "get home safe" plan. Unfortunately, many Florida drunk driving accidents still do occur on Labor Day weekend. Don't become part of the statistic. Develop a drive safe home plan -- whether that involves taking a taxi or designating a driver -- and stick to it.

Continue reading "Avoid A Florida Car Accident on Labor Day Weekend" »

If your teen is a new driver this fall and is looking forward to driving to school, work, or after-school activities, you will of course want to ensure that your teen is driving safely. There are many ways you can help your teen avoid a Florida car accident or truck accident:

1) Help your teen find a safe car. Whether your teen is saving up for their first car or whether you will be gifting a car to your child, make sure that the car is safe. Have it inspected by a trusted mechanic and consider adding some safety features – such as a security system that lets your teen get in touch with a live operator in the event of a problem. Alternatively, make sure your teen has a cell phone so that they can call for help if needed.

2) Establish rules about drinking and driving and distracted driving. Your teen has already heard the message in driver education, but this is one message that needs to be stressed again and again. Make sure that your teen has several options for getting home safely without drinking and driving. This may mean that you need to agree that your teen can always call you for a ride with no questions asked and no lectures or punishment for underage drinking. An agreement like that can help prevent one more Florida drunk driving accident, however. As well, review the types of activities that constitute distracted driving and ensure that your teen agrees never to engage in those activities.

3) Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in the car – at first. Even if your teen promises never to drive distracted, passengers are one of the most distracting things for a new driver – and, inevitably, once your teen has a license many unlicensed friends will want a ride. At first, limiting the number of passengers your teen is allowed to take can ensure that distractions are kept to a minimum. As your teen gains confidence and experience behind the wheel, you can consider relaxing the restrictions.

4) Consider additional training. Private lessons, defensive driving courses, and even racing school, can help address any bad driving habits before they set. Additional training with a qualified instructor can also give your teen additional guided experience on the road – an important factor in preventing car collisions.

5) Take frequent drives with your teen. Being a passenger when your teen drives can reassure you about your teen's driving. It can also help you to see whether additional training and restrictions are needed.

Continue reading "Helping Your Young Driver Avoid Accidents This Fall " »

Most insurance companies charge young drivers higher insurance premiums because statistics show that young drivers do have higher rates of accidents. Over the past two decades, a number of initiatives have been launched to help prevent Florida car accidents involving young drivers. For example, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have created education campaigns to alert young drivers about the dangers of Florida drunk driving accidents. As well, legislators have passed laws requiring more training and placing additional restrictions on new drivers. Graduated licensing ensures that teens cannot

However, most experts agree that the way to prevent car accidents among young drivers is to include more training. There are many suggestions about adding more training for young drivers:

1) Defensive driver training. Defensive driving courses go one step further than basic driver education, by helping new drivers learn how to anticipate and avoid car collisions. Many parents already send their teens to defensive driving courses or even to racing school – which also teaches additional defensive driving skills. Insurance companies often encourage parents to pay for this type of additional training by offering insurance discounts to teen drivers with additional defensive driver training.

2) Decision training. Some experts believe that teens may be more likely to make poor decisions – such as the decision to drive while talking on a cell phone or the decision to overload a car with passengers – which older and more experienced drivers can resist. Teaching teens to make good decisions behind the wheel can help prevent Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents, according to some experts.

3) Night driving training. Most driver education classes and all driver tests for licensing take place during the day, which means that most teens learn night driving through practice. Taking private night driving lessons with a trained driving instructor can help close the gap, but currently this additional training is not required.

4) Additional restrictions for new drivers. Young drivers are not allowed to have any alcohol in their system and may face additional restrictions. Some legislators have suggested additional restrictions for young drivers – such as banning young drivers only from using mobile devices while driving.

5) Increasing the age for new drivers. Some Florida residents in years past have suggested that 16 years old is too young to be behind a wheel. In fact, across the country there have been campaigns to increase the driving age to 18. However, this is considered a very controversial suggestion.

6) Winter driving training. Most Florida residents do not need to worry about whiteout conditions, black ice, and other dangers of winter driving. However, some argue that winter driving skills should also be taught in Florida, since eventually Florida drivers may move or travel to other states where winter driving is a very different experience.

7) Longer in-car training hours. Most basic driver education courses require only a limited amount of in-car training. Some argue that these hours are not adequate to really teach teens to drive safely. Some Florida parents pay for additional private lessons for their children, to ensure one-on-one attention from a driving instructor and more supervised driving.

Continue reading "How Much Training is Enough to Prevent Young Drivers From Getting into Florida Car Accidents?" »

If your teen has gotten a driver's license over the summer, he or she may be excited about driving to school for the first time. However, it is natural to have some qualms about this as a parent. After all, the news reports daily on deadly Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Before letting your teen drive to and from school, you may want to ask the following questions:

1) Does your teen have a reliable car? A car that is not in good repair is a considerable danger, because it may not respond adequately if your teen needs to make a sudden move to avoid an accident. You may want to ask your teen to make sure that their car is in good shape before being allowed to drive to and from school. A summer car may not be adequate for the daily wear and tear of a daily commute.

2) Can your teen find a safe parking space nearby? Some high schools provide parking to students, but in other cases students need to find a spot on nearby streets. Are these streets safe to park on? Is parking adequate? Can your teen parallel park well enough to squeeze into a parking spot? Make sure that your teen can park safely and close enough not to have to be late for class.

3) Is your teen willing to sign pledges not to drink and drive or text and drive? Using a cell phone while driving or drinking and driving should carry serious penalties – such as the loss of driving privileges. Get it down on paper.

4) Can you agree on a route to school? Go over the routes to school, with an eye for safety and traffic.

5) Will your teen want to take friends to school? Extra passengers in the car add considerably to distraction for the driver and increase the risk of a Florida pedestrian accident or traffic accident. It is also difficult to enforce how many passengers your teen has in their car. Nevertheless, you will want to impose a passenger limit and have penalties in place if your teen driver disobeys this rule.

6) How will you know where your teen will be after school? One of the dangers of driving to and from school is that your teen may drive off after classes and may forget to tell you where he or she is going. You may need to have rules in place to ensure that you know where your teen is.

7) Has your teen received adequate driver training? Basic driving training is great, but giving your teen additional private lessons means added experience behind the wheel. Additional defensive driving courses are also a smart investment because they give your new driver additional skills to prevent a Florida car accident.

8) Will your teen be driving home in the dark? If your teen has after-school commitments, in the winter he or she may be driving home in the dark. However, most driver training and driver's tests do not test night driving.

9) Does your teen have adequate experience with you in the passenger's seat? Driving along in the passenger's seat when your new driver heads out for a drive can help reassure you that your teen has the driving skills needed to take a car out daily. If you find that your teen has bad habits or dangerous habits, you have a chance to notice this and address it with further training before extending further driving privileges.

Continue reading "Is Your Teen Driving to School for the First Time? Plan Ahead" »

Florida truck accidents caused by tire blowouts are often in the news, because these types of accidents tend to be very destructive. However, passenger car drivers also need to worry about car blowouts. While blowouts on large trucks are more destructive because of the pressure and force of the large vehicle, passenger car tires also fail regularly and this can cause Florida car accidents.

In fact, passenger drivers may be more at risk when their own tires blowout. Most passenger car drivers do not receive the same extensive training that truck drivers do and may have less driving experience, so they are less prepared for a tire blowout than commercial truck driver. As well, tire blowouts often frighten drivers and force drivers to respond very quickly. In most cases, drivers will slam on their brakes or move their wheels suddenly when they feel or hear a tire blowout. This can make it even harder to control the car. Experts advise that there are many things that passenger car drivers can do to make tire blowouts less likely to lead to an accident:

1) Take excellent care of your tires. Check pressure and traction regularly and have your tires aligned and maintained regularly by a trusted mechanic. When buying new tires, check to make sure that the brand and model you are buying have not been recalled (this is especially important if you are buying tires second-hand). As well, check the date the tires were manufactured. Some tires sold as "new" have been in storage for some time and may not be as safe as newer tires, since rubber can disintegrate, especially when kept in a hot warehouse.

2) If your tire does suddenly deflate, do not slam on the brakes. Your car will lose traction, so it is important to maintain your speed rather than making a drastic change. Keep both hands on the wheel to maintain better control of your vehicle.

3) Gently counter-steer. The damaged tire will drag, making you drift into an oncoming lane. To avoid a head-on Florida car crash, compensate for this with your steering, but avoid making any sudden or jerky movements with the wheel, as your car is losing traction.

4) If you feel you have the car under control, drop your speed gradually so that you can pull over. Put on your flashers and contact a tow truck for help.

5) In many cases, blown tires are caused by drivers driving over something sharp. Maintaining a good distance from the car in front of you and driving alert can help you spot objects on the road and steer to avoid them.

Continue reading "It's Not Just Trucks: Florida Car Accidents are Also Caused by Tire Blowouts" »

Many businesses, including bars and restaurants, rely on alcohol for business. However, these businesses also face legal problems is their patrons cause an accident while driving home drunk. As a result, many businesses in Florida have been working to help prevent Florida drunk driving accidents in a number of ways:

1) Taxi services. Many businesses set up free taxi phones or offer to call taxis for patrons who have been drinking. In many cases, businesses may even be able to get referral dollars for patrons recommended to a taxi company.

2) Be My Designated Driver services. In the Tampa Bay area, a number of restaurant and bars are trying out this new service. Be My Designated Driver is a company that works with teams of drivers. When a patron has had too much to drink, one driver from Be My Designated Driver takes the patron home and the other driver takes the patron's car home. That way, instead of driving drunk, the patron is taken home safely and does not need to drive back to get their car. The service has a flat fee as well as a mileage fee, but is generally less expensive than taking two taxis.

3) Designated driver benefits. Some bars around the country offer free non-alcoholic beverages or other small incentives to any designated driver, thereby providing extra reason for one member of a group to stay sober to get everyone safely home.

4) All-night parking. After drinking at a bar, many patrons are willing to take a taxi home but are worried about their cars. Some bars make it easy to leave a car overnight, ensuring that drivers can make a responsible decision without having to worry about a parking ticket or towing costs.

5) In-business breathalyzers. Some bars and dance clubs offer breathalyzer machines, where patrons can test their state before making a decision to drink and drive. Often, the machines are very colorful and make responsible choices fun.

6) Business partnerships. Some bars and clubs team up with taxi companies or other businesses to ensure that patrons have ready access to a safe ride home. When patrons can step outside and find a cab waiting, it can be a little easier to make a safe decision. In wine country, vineyards and restaurants have their own fleets of cars or drivers to ensure that everyone gets home safely.

7) Ads and social pressure. Many bars and clubs have ads prompting responsible drinking. In fact, many breweries create coasters and other items with "responsible drinking" messages, to encourage everyone to make safer choices. In addition, many bars and clubs take their responsibilities seriously. Where alcohol is served, staff are expected to ask for ID of anyone who looks underage and must stop serving alcohol to anyone who is inebriated. Many bars and clubs keep a close eye on patrons to ensure that they have all the tools they need to make safe choices about getting home safely.

8) Support for organizations that promote safe driving. Many businesses support organizations such as MADD, which work to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that this year 10,839 Americans will die in drunk driving accidents. This adds up to one fatality every 50 minutes. Many businesses are working to change these numbers.

Continue reading "Can Businesses Help Prevent Florida Drunk Driving Accidents?" »

Between 2000 and 2010, the number of fatal Florida car collisions has dropped. In 2002, 3,143 individuals were killed in Florida car accidents. By 2010, that number had declined to 2,563. This is despite the fact that the population of the state has climbed 18 percent and despite the fact that during this period drivers have been more distracted than ever before, with DVD players, GPS devices, texting, mobile devices, and other technology.

In 1995, only about 13 percent of Americans owned cell phones. Today, 80 percent of Americans own them, and this has led to quite a debate about cell phone safety behind the wheel. Many studies have been done proving that cell phone use while driving is risky and increases the risk of a car accident. However, there is no doubt that overall traffic fatalities have been dropping.

What is going on?

Part of the answer may lie in the fact that highway safety systems and laws have improved in the same time period. Seat belt laws, for example, have become stricter in the past two years. Now, police can give out tickets if a driver is not wearing a seatbelt. In fact, drivers can now be pulled over even if that is their only violation.

However, does that mean that drivers are safer – even with cell phones and mobile devices – or do the numbers hide the dangers of distracted driving? Even cell phone companies are advertising that drivers should not use their products while driving. A number of bills have been introduced in Florida, which would make texting and driving or cell phone use while driving illegal. However, none of these bills have passed so far. They have certainly created a lot of debate about the topic of distracted driving. Currently, Florida is one of only two states to have no rules at all about mobile device use. The state does not even require the reporting of cell phone use in Florida car accidents.

According to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, drivers who text have a 23 times greater risk of being in a car crash than non-distracted drivers. As well, drivers spend an average of 5 seconds looking at mobile devices when using these devices on the road. On a highway, this means that drivers take their eyes off the road for about the length of a football field – plenty of time to cause a Florida pedestrian accident or car crash.

If mobile devices were banned or restricted, would it make Florida roads safer? Those who believe so point to studies like the one completed by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Those who disagree with proposed bills point to the dropping rate of Florida car accidents and to other studies, which suggest that car accidents stayed static in states that have passed cell phone bans.

Continue reading "Would Restricting Mobile Device Use and Texting While Driving Help Cut the Number of Florida Car Accidents?" »

Each year, some Florida car accidents and traffic collisions occur when authorities pursue suspects in cars. While high-speed chases may routinely be added to movies to make them more exciting, in real life such chases can be dangerous. While police and other authorities are specially trained to drive quickly in order to get to emergency situations, accidents and crashes can easily take place. The suspect escaping from police may drive dangerously and even veer into others on purpose in a high-speed chase. The suspect or pursuers can easily lose control of their vehicle. In many cases, accidents occur because other motorists do not get out of the way in time.

There are a number of things that can be done to stay safe if you see a high-speed chase:

1) Immediately get out of the way. Give authorities plenty of time to do their job and stay out of the way of the suspect, who may be desperate and reckless. Pull over if you can. Even if you see someone stopped for a routine traffic violation, it is a smart idea to give the authorities an extra lane of room and to slow down. Many officers are injured by motorists who do not provide enough room.

2) Focus on your own driving. While it is natural to be curious about a chase, many secondary accidents take place when motorists focus on the chase or stop to take photos. Focus on getting safely out of the way and keep your eyes on the road. You can always learn the details later on the news.

3) Watch for pedestrians and bystanders. It's not just motorists who are curious about chases. Sometimes, pedestrians crowd onto sidewalks and even the road when there is something happening. You may find pedestrians in unusual areas – such as your lane. Slow down and stay alert to help avert a Florida pedestrian accident.

4) Watch for help and signals from police officers. If police or other authorities do need to pursue someone by car, they will sometimes direct traffic to divert cars away from danger. In some cases, roads may be closed so that officers can do their job. Stay alert to any signals or instructions from police and follow these instructions carefully.

5) Stay away from mobile devices. This is not the time to quickly call a friend to report what you have seen. It is also not the time to text or snap a few photos. Distracted driving can be deadly in this situation, simply because there are so many unexpected conditions, more pedestrians, and hazards nearby. Stay distraction-free to stay safe.

6) Write to your elected representatives with your concerns about road safety. If you have suggestions for keeping the roads safer, be sure to share them.

Continue reading "Can Florida Car Accidents Caused by Emergency Vehicle Pursuits be Prevented? " »

Florida drunk driving accidents are a tragic and very preventable type of collision – a type of collision that claims far too many lives each year. However, studies suggest that an increasing number of drivers are not only driving under the influence of alcohol, but also under the influence of drugs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of fatal car accidents involving drugs rather than alcohol increased 55% between 1999 and 2009. Each year in California, about 1000 car accidents are attributed to drivers driving under the influence of drugs.

The most common drugs used before driving included marijuana, although car accidents caused by DUI can be caused by an array of both legal and illegal drugs. According to government statistics, 16% of drivers stopped in random checks across the US were found to be impaired by illegal or legal drugs. About 50% of these drivers were driving under the influence of marijuana. According to experts, drivers in 33% of fatal car accidents are under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision. In comparison, alcohol was a factor in 32% of fatal car accidents in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one major problem with drugged drivers is that there are no clear rules and standards about drugs and impairment. While blood alcohol level can be measured accurately and while there are standards for what constitutes impaired driving with alcohol, no such standards exist with drugs. Agencies do not have standards for what amounts of drugs impair a driver.

Police officers can administer a test that examines coordination, pupil dilation, blood pressure, pulse, and other factors. This can help determine impairment. But it does not help drivers determine what drugs and in what quantities constitute impairment. Worse, some drugs – even legal or over-the-counter drugs – may react with one another, leading to impairment. Some drugs, notably marijuana, may linger in the system for days or even weeks, making it even harder to set firm standards for impairment. Thirteen states currently have zero-tolerance laws for driving drugged. However, this also causes legal headaches, as marijuana and its effects on the body are less well understood than alcohol.

Another problem is that while there has been a great deal of education about the dangers of drunk driving, there has been relatively little information about drug use and driving. Agencies such as MADD have done admirable work in educating drivers about the dangers of drinking. However, many drivers do not consider medications, over the counter medications, and other drugs when making the decision to drive.

Currently, a number of studies are underway to help authorities better understand drugs and the effects of different drugs on driving impairment. As well, a number of agencies, including the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are creating educational resources to raise awareness about the issue. The hope is that researchers will eventually be able to develop a simple test – similar to the breathalyzer – to help authorities accurately analyze impairment from drugs. However, such a test may still be many years away.

Continue reading "Florida Drunk Driving Accidents are Not the Only DUI Concern" »

The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching and most people this week will be solidifying their plans for a successful Independence Day weekend. The perfect Fourth of July weekend usually includes a barbecue, a party, and some fireworks. However, it is also a time when many Florida drunk driving accidents happen. Even if you do not plan on drinking, it is important to develop a contingency plan now. That way, if you are offered beer or find yourself choosing to drink this holiday weekend, you will have a plan in place to get some safely. Here's how to create your plan:

1) Write down your plans for the weekend so that you can plan ahead. Will you be far from home this holiday weekend? Will you need to travel from one party to the next? Who will accompany you to the party? Is there anyone who can be a designated driver? Working things out on paper allows you to notice any problems areas and any parts of your plan that need some work.

2) Once you know where you will be for the weekend, create a list of taxi cab companies, bus routes, 24-hour events and restaurants, and hotels in the area. You can also bring a mobile device so that you have this information at your fingertips. Even if you plan on not drinking and have a designated driver, you need to have a plan B and a plan C in case you do find yourself drinking and unable to get home safely.

3) Make a list of all the ways you could avoid drinking and driving on the Fourth of July, and be sure to bring a list of everyone you could phone to get a safe ride home. Be sure to bring enough money for taxis or buses and tuck this information into your wallet.

4) Check online to find out what public transportation will be available on the Fourth of July and print out any information you need. Many communities make alternative forms of transportation available over the holiday weekend.

5) If you have teen drivers in your home, have them sign a pledge not to drink and drive and make sure that they have a plan for getting home safely during the holiday weekend.

Continue reading "Do You Have Your Fourth of July Contingency Plan Ready to Help Prevent Florida Car Accidents?" »

According to the National Golf Cart Association, golf carts are becoming a very popular mode of transportation – and not just on the course. Many people are in fact using the golf carts on public roads, in order to run errands or just to get around. Thanks to increasing gas prices and an increasing number of retirees, there is a huge growth in golf cart use, especially in residential areas. In fact, in some Florida residential communities, golf carts are a more popular form of transportation than cars.

Unfortunately, there is also growing concern about the number of car accidents involving golf carts. According to a research study completed at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, between 2002 and 2005, there were 48,000 golf cart-related injuries reported across the US. Men between the ages of 10 and 19, as well as people over the age of 80, were most likely to be in these types of accidents. According to police authorities, the National Golf Cart Association, and other experts have several suggestions for preventing these types of injuries:

1) Create new rules and safety instructions. According to the University of Alabama at Birmingham study, safety instructions are not adequately provided by golf cart retailers and manufacturers. Researchers felt that such instructions as well as safety standards for golf cart users would help to prevent accidents.

2) Create educational awareness programs for drivers and golf cart users alike. According to authorities, many golf cart users treat golf carts just like cars, and this can be dangerous. According to experts, golf carts should not be used of higher-traffic or higher-speed roads and even a turn at 11 mph can cause a golf cart user to be ejected from the cart. Drivers must also be taught to share the road with golf cart users and to be aware that such vehicles may be sharing some roads.

3) Enforce traffic rules and keep statistics. Many municipalities do not keep records of golf cart accidents, the way they do for Florida truck accidents and car accidents. More careful record keeping and stricter enforcement of rules for both golf cart users and drivers can help prevent many accidents.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents Involving Golf Carts" »

Florida Sheriff's Departments have been enforcing a "Click It or Ticket" campaign to raise awareness about the importance of seat belts. In 2009 alone, 23,382 car passengers were killed in car accidents, and statistics show that 53 percent of these victims were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the collision. Many experts consider seat belts to be one of the best ways to increase the chances of survival in a car accident. Seat belts are also considered a good way to prevent many injuries in an accident.

Seat belts work very simply. They restrain a passenger in the event of a car accident. This helps prevent the passenger from being ejected from the vehicle. This is very important, since Oklahoma State University reports that passengers who are ejected from the car are 25 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury. As well, a seat belt prevents the passenger from being thrown about inside of the car. This is also important, since many Florida brain injury patients sustain their injuries in car accidents due to being thrown around the inside of a vehicle during a collision. Air bags can increase the efficiency of seat belts by up to 40%, according to Oklahoma State University, but they do nor replace the seat belt and will not prevent a car's passenger from flying out of the car.

Unfortunately, the message about seat belts does not seem to be getting to all drivers. Teen drivers and passengers, especially, do not seem to be getting the message. In studies and polls, teens admit to not wearing their seat belts regularly, and many teens do not wear seat belts because they do not believe that they will be injured. Unfortunately, teen drivers have higher accident rates, so seat belt use is very important.

To wear seat belts effectively, it is important to wear them at all times. It is also important to wear a set belt effectively. This means wearing a seat belt that includes a lap belt and a shoulder belt and adjusting the belt so that it fits snugly. It is also important for children to use booster seats and age-appropriate restrains. Seat belts are not intended to be used on small children and can in fact endanger them in an accident. A small child needs to be placed in an age-appropriate restraint in the back seat. Older children may need a booster seat to ensure that the seat belt does not dig into the neck and pose a danger of cuts in the event of an accident.

While seat belts are one of the most important safety features of a car, each year some passengers are injured due to defective seat belts. If you have been in a Florida car accident and have sustained an injury due to your seat belt, it is important to consult with a qualified attorney about your case. The seat belt or car manufacturer may be liable for some of your injuries.

Continue reading "Seat Belts Can Help Prevent Injuries in Florida Car Accidents" »

Florida ranks highest for fatal pedestrian accidents, according to a study by Transportation for America. There are many factors that affect the rates of such accidents:

1) Traffic. High volumes of traffic increase the odds of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Quite simply, the more pedestrians are out and about and the more cars are on the roads, the more interaction there tends to be between drivers and pedestrians, which increases the risk of an accident. Florida has very busy roads and many pedestrians as well, increasing the chances of collisions.

2) Road design. According to Transportation for America, many roads with high fatality rates were designed mostly for motorist use. Many of these roads are designed with little consideration for pedestrian safety. Once the roads are constructed, adding safety features can be a challenge. For example, it can be hard to add a wider sidewalk for pedestrians in an already-congested Florida urban area.

3) Laws. Some advocates for pedestrian and bicycle safety note that motorists who cause serious Florida bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents often receive very light penalties (or none at all), even when they seriously injure or kill a pedestrian or cyclist. Some experts recommend new laws which would make laws stricter, especially for motorists who cause multiple accidents.

4) Distractions. Numerous studies have been published, showing the dangers of distracted driving. Currently, Florida has no laws preventing texting and driving. However, studies have shown that drivers who text and drive effectively take their eyes off the road for the length of entire football fields – more than enough time and space to cause a serious pedestrian accident. Less research has been done about the dangers of walking and texting. However, distracted pedestrians are also less likely to notice and anticipate dangers.

According to the Transportation for America study, four out of the top ten most deadly urban areas for pedestrians are in Florida. Between 2000 and 2009, the Orlando-Kissimmee saw the highest rate of fatal Florida pedestrian accidents, with 557 pedestrians killed. Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater was in second place as a dangerous area for pedestrians and Jacksonville as well as the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach were also listed as among the most dangerous in the country.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians" »

Florida car accidents involving teens have a high cost – both in terms of lives lost and in terms of dollars. According to the AAA, car accidents involving teen drivers who are between the ages of 15 and 17 cost the US over $34 billion in 2006 alone in damages and medical costs. Teen drivers cost the US $9.8 billion in fatal crashes that year and teen driver car accidents caused 2,541 fatalities and 406,427 injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that car accidents account for about 36% of deaths for teens, making it a leading cause of death for this age group. The risk of car accidents for teen drivers between 16 and 19 years old is higher than the risk for any other age group. Teens who are 16 and 17 are especially at risk, with one out of three drivers reporting an accident in their first year on the road.

Many Florida car accidents involve young drivers, and there are many ways to reduce the risk for young drivers, according to experts:

1) Increase mandatory training. Teen athletes log in thousands of hours of practice, but most states require just a few dozen hours of training time with a skilled instructor. Asking your political representatives to increase mandatory training is an important first step. In the meantime, parents and family members can pay for extra training time for their teen drivers – and check to make sure that teens take advantage of the offer. The more experienced drivers are, the less likely they are to be in an accident.

2) Focus on defensive driving. Once teens learn the basics of parking, turning, and sharing the road, they should also be taught emergency driving situations and defensive driving or collision-avoidance techniques. Ideally, these would be required by law. Until they are, parents can ensure that their teens get the extra training needed to stay safe. Many national programs cost less than $100.

3) Graduated licensing. Studies of graduated licensing programs have shown that easing new drivers into driving by increasing driving privileges gradually works. Signing pledges and creating new driver agreements to ensure that teens do not drive under the influence or while distracted can also be helpful.

4) Limiting the number of passengers in a car. Additional passengers mean additional distractions and each additional passenger increases the risk of a serious Florida car accident, according to many research studies. Unfortunately, teens tend to ferry many passengers, since younger friends are often without a license and car of their own. Parents can insist that teen drivers drive no more than one or two friends at a time to reduce the risk of accidents.

Continue reading "The High Cost of Teen Car Accidents in Florida " »

Florida parking lots are a high-risk area for car accidents and Florida pedestrian accidents. Parking lots involve a lot of cars zipping around, many pedestrians headed to their cars, and many drivers who are distracted with getting that ideal parking spot. Although accidents in parking lots are usually low-speed collisions and therefore do not cause much damage, pedestrian accidents in parking lots can still lead to serious Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries.

As well, some motorists drive very quickly in parking lots, which can make car accidents much more serious. Since most stores rely on trucks for delivery of inventory, parking lots can also mean that cars and pedestrians share the space with large commercial trucks. A Florida pedestrian involving a truck – even a truck moving at a slow speed – is still likely to be fatal. Therefore, it is important not to get complacent about parking lot accidents.

If you have been in a Florida car accident in a parking lot, even if it's just a fender bender, pull the cars to a safe location to prevent a secondary accident. Exchange phone numbers with anyone involved and with any witnesses. Call the police and your insurance company to file a report. Even if the accident was relatively minor, you may still need to make a claim to have your car repainted – small damage can still be expensive to fix. If you decide to file a claim later on or realize that the damage was more severe than you thought, having some documentation is important and filing insurance and police reports is important to ensure good documentation. Take photos of the accident and note down the conditions, location, date, time, and weather at the time of the accident.

If the car accident is more serious and you cannot move your car, get out of your car and put on your emergency flashers to ensure that no one rear ends you. If anyone is injured, get medical help immediately. Take photos of any conditions that may have contributed to the accident – such as an incorrectly parked car or poor paving. If anyone is injured or if the accident involved a drunk driver or commercial car or truck, you will want to possibly contact a personal injury attorney. You will also want to contact a personal injury attorney if the damages are considerable.

Although car accidents in parking lots are usually low-risk, you want to avoid them, and you can often do so simply by parking further away from other cars and especially from larger trucks. You can also help prevent accidents in parking lots by driving slowly and by using signal lights to indicate turns. Use extra caution when entering or exiting parking spots or the parking lot itself – these are the highest risk times for a car accident in a parking lot.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents in Parking Lots " »

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that Florida led the US in bicycle accidents. Although the numbers of bicycle accident fatalities in the state has been dropping slowly since 1991, the state still sees many such accidents and according to at least one Florida newspaper, twenty percent of traffic fatalities in five Florida countries (Broward County, Indian River County, Martin County, Palm Beach County, and St. Lucie County) in 2009 were attributed to pedestrian and bicycle accidents.

There are many things that cause Florida car accidents involving bicyclists. One problem is that there are many motorists and many bicycle enthusiasts in Florida, which means two very different types of vehicles sharing the road. Some counties have been trying to build more bicycle-only paths and lanes to keep bicyclists and cars apart. In May 2011, for example, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties proposed a new trail for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-car traffic.

The summer is an especially dangerous time for Florida bicycle accidents. More cyclists take the opportunity to head outside and more tourists can mean more car traffic in Florida, as well. Vacations and time away from work also mean more chances for people to hop into their cars or on their bikes, meaning more traffic. Luckily, we can all work together to prevent Florida car accidents and bike accidents this summer.

Bicyclists can help by riding safe. That means riding on bicycle trails or bike lanes where possible. When no such options are available, it is safest for bicyclists to ride with the flow of traffic on the far right, closest to the right hand side of the street. Bicyclists can also wear reflective clothing, maintain good eye contact with drivers around them, and use hand signals to ensure that drivers are aware of their intended direction.

Motorists can help by staying alert for bicyclists. In many car accidents involving passenger cars, motorists claim that they simply did not see a bicyclist in time. Stay alert when passing popular areas for bicyclists and never drive in the bicycle lane. Give bicyclists plenty of room and become familiar with the hand signals that bicyclists to indicate turns.

Both bicyclists and motorists can avoid traffic accidents by driving sober and alert. While motorists tend to be the focus of awareness campaigns, both bicyclists and motorists are dangerous on the road when driving under the influence or when driving tired. Both on a bike and in a car, you need good response times and a good focus. If you are tired or intoxicated, take a cab or get a friend to drive you safely home.

Continue reading "This Summer, Let's Work Together to Lower the Florida Car Accident Rate Involving Bicycles" »

Florida has the unfortunate distinction of being first in the country for pedestrian accidents. Florida pedestrian accidents are especially prevalent in four areas of the state: the Orlando-Kissimmee are, the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area, the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach communities, and Jacksonville. Summer is an especially dangerous time for Florida car accidents involving pedestrians, as there are often more drivers and more pedestrians on the roads, taking part in summer activities.

This year, we can all work together to prevent Florida pedestrian accidents:

1) If you are a pedestrian, cross at designated crosswalks and obey all traffic signals. If there is not crosswalks where you will be crossing, cross at a corner and pay special attention to traffic. Avoid restricted areas where drivers do not expect to see pedestrians – such as freeways.

2) If you are a driver, pay attention to pedestrians as well as other traffic. If you are driving in an area with no sidewalks, be aware that pedestrians will be sharing the road with you. If you are driving in an area with many parks or walking trails, stay alert for pedestrians.

3) Stay visible. This applies especially to pedestrians, who should wear light or reflective clothing, especially when outside at dark. Cars should always use headlights after dark or on overcast days. If one of your lights is not working correctly, fix it immediately. Being seen by other drivers and by pedestrians is an important way to prevent accidents.

4) Stay alert. Distracted driving and distracted pedestrians are both a danger on the road. Distracted drivers are unlikely to see a pedestrian in time to avoid a collision. Pedestrians who are listening to music, talking on a cell phone, or texting may also not be aware enough of traffic to obey the laws and walk safely.

5) Never allow your young children to play near roadways. Pedestrian accidents involving children are very common – and especially tragic. Children are more likely to sustain fatal brain injuries in a pedestrian accident, due to their smaller size. Keep your children supervised at all times.

6) Never drive or walk drunk or under the influence of drugs. Every driver is aware of the risk of Florida drunk driving accidents, but pedestrians who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are more likely to be in a pedestrian accident as well. If you are under the influence, do not walk or drive home. Have a friend help you home or take a taxi.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Pedestrian Accidents This Summer" »

Tired drivers are a danger on the road and cause many Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents each year. Tired drivers are more likely to cause a Florida truck accident or car accident because their thinking is muddy and their reaction times are slow. Some studies have found that driving tired can reduce response times as much as driving drunk. According to medical experts, getting a good night's sleep – the kind of sleep that can make you safer as a driver -- involves practicing good sleep hygiene. This means:

1) Creating a good atmosphere for sleep. Do your best to create a quiet, dark, and comfortable sleep environment. Experts recommend a room temperature of 65 F for optimal sleep. Dark, heavy curtains can help block out light and ear plugs or a solid window can help create a quiet atmosphere. Scientists have found that sudden loud noises can interrupt quality sleep and leave sleepers more tired in the morning, even if the sleeper did not fully wake up at the noise.

2) Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Doing so helps you fall asleep more easily and allows you to create a solid sleep-wake cycle, which can help you feel more rested and can help ensure a quality sleep.

3) Create a soothing ritual for going to sleep. To create a good sleeping and waking schedule, start relaxing a good thirty minutes to one hour before your bedtime. Avoid any stimulants during this time – including TV, nicotine, or caffeine. Try to avoid exercise four to six hours before your ideal bedtime, as it will keep you awake longer. Sipping a soothing warm drink, relaxing, reading quietly, or listening to soothing music can help get your body and mind ready for sleep and can help you fall asleep more easily.

4) Choose a bed that supports good sleep. Be fussy about your bed and carefully search out the right pillows, mattress, and bed position that you need for the best sleep. Choose comfortable sheets and make sure that you change them often. An inviting and comfortable bed can mean a better sleep and fewer aches in the morning.

Continue reading "Good Sleep Hygiene Can Help Prevent Florida Car Accidents" »

Fatigued driving is a major cause of Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Fatigue can be an especial problem in the summer because:

1) The summer sun can be bad for proper rest and sleep. Since the days are longer in the summer, you may naturally be getting less sleep. If your bedroom is filled with sunlight in the morning, you may be waking up much earlier than you need to – especially if you are a night owl. Consider investing in dark, heavy curtains to keep out the sun in the mornings in order to get a restful sleep.

2) Late nights. The summer is often filled with social events, parties, and holidays, which can mean lots of late nights. When planning your social calendar, plan to get home safely from each event if you have been drinking. Planning well ahead is one of the best ways to avoid Florida drunk driving accidents. As well, try to get rest during the day when you know you will be up late. If you feel too tired to drive, take your body's cues seriously and take a nap or call a cab rather than getting behind the wheel.

3) It can be difficult to sleep in the heat. Summer nights can make restful sleep difficult. Hot, dry nights can be uncomfortable and in many places insects can also be an issue. To combat the issue, use a humidifier and a fan or air conditioner to create a pleasant sleeping environment. Add a good-quality screen to your window and a mosquito net to your bed to ensure that insects do not disturb your rest.

4) Heat and light during the day can make it hard to drive. Even if you are rested, hot and sunny days can give you a headache and make you feel exhausted. Heat exhaustion and sun stroke can make it impossible to drive and even simple dehydration can make it difficult to stay alert and focused. Make sure to keep hydrated and wear a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Continue reading "Why Summer Can Mean More Fatigued Drivers on the Road" »

Summer can mean more distractions and therefore more Florida car accidents. There are many causes for distraction in the summer months:

1) A busier schedule. While the dog days of summer are meant to be a more relaxing time, for many people they are anything but. There are children's camp activities and summer plans, a busier social life, wedding season, and many more distractions. A hectic schedule in the summer months can mean being emotionally distracted and unable to focus. It can also mean sleepless nights, late nights, and cell phones ringing while you are trying to drive. To avoid an accident, consider slowing down your schedule where possible and make a good effort to get a good night's sleep.

2) More bustle on the streets. The streets are busier during the summer months, as visitors and local families take advantage of Florida's green spaces, attractions, and beautiful weather. As well, many municipalities introduce special street events, live street entertainments, and billboards to attract visitors. These can all distract drivers and can cause other drivers on the road to rubberneck, as well.

3) More drivers. There tend to be more drivers on the roads during the summer, thanks to no school and thanks to the visitors who visit the state. Extra drivers and cars on the road can mean traffic, aggressive driving, and a higher risk of Florida car accidents due to the congestion on the roads.

4) Road work. Another contributor to congestion, road work is distracting because it can be hard to resist a peek at a new construction or a new project. However, it is important to stay focused on driving and to slow down in these construction areas.

5) Passengers. Whether you are ferrying the kids to summer activities or going on a family road trip, you are likely to have more passengers in your car more often during the summer months. Passengers can easily distract you with chatting and by pointing out sights on the road. Try to keep passengers quiet by having them check a map or do something else for you while you drive.

Continue reading "Why Distracted Driving Can Mean More Florida Car Accidents in the Summer" »

Now that the summer is headed our way, there are some new dangers on the roads. Look out for these hazards to help prevent Florida car accidents:

1) Recreational vehicles. At this time of year, many people take out ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, and other types of similar vehicles for fun. When these vehicles share the road with you, you need to be extra cautious to avoid a collision. Also, while people are not supposed to use motorized scooters, golf carts, or ride-on mowers on roads, some do, so be alert for these hazards as well.

2) More pedestrians. Visitors and Florida residents alike enjoy the summer days by heading out for walks. Many people take advantage of lazy summer days to take strolls or try jogging. Keep alert, especially at intersections and in areas near walking trails. Give pedestrians plenty of room and be prepared for the unexpected. Together, we can help lower the rate of Florida pedestrian accidents.

3) Weather conditions. While most of us consider winter weather to be a hazard, summer has its own hazards. Hot, dry days can make it hard to concentrate on driving, for example, while sunny days can make visibility very difficult. As well, high heat can cause older cars to overheat and function poorly. Keep bottled water, sunscreen, and sunglasses in your car so that you can stay comfortable and focused on the road.

4) Road work. At this time of year, many municipalities start building projects and road repair. In these areas, slow down and follow signs or indicators. Stay alert for workers or work vehicles, which pose an additional obstacle for driver. Where possible, learn about road work on your route ahead of time and take an alternate route to avoid traffic and the risks of construction areas.

Continue reading "Summer Road Dangers to Avoid" »

Florida drunk driving accidents are a highly preventable cause of injuries and fatalities year round, but there are certain hazards that make drunk driving even more of a menace during the summer:

1) Summer holidays. College kids are home from school and the summer is filled with long weekends and holidays, leading to parties where alcohol is served. Many police departments set up road checks and sobriety checks during holidays, knowing that more people choose to drink and drive during holiday weekends.

2) Summer barbecues and cookouts. Summer is a time for having a beer by the lake or a few cold ones with a barbecue. Unfortunately, Florida car accidents sometimes happen when someone decides to drive after drinking. In many cases, the driver is not even aware that they are over the legal limit because they have only had a small amount of alcohol. It's best to avoid driving even if you have had only one or two drinks.

3) More cars on the road. During the summer, there are more cars on Florida's roads. Tourists arrive for the season, more parents are shuttling children to summer events, and students home from college are driving on the roads as well. More crowded roads and drinking and driving are a terrible mix, making a car accident more likely.

4) Heat and sunlight. Bright light and heat enhance the soporific effects of alcohol, making it even more likely that someone who has been drinking will fall asleep or have trouble concentrating behind the wheel. For this reason, it is very important to avoid driving, even if you have had only a small number of drinks.

5) Cabins and vacation homes. At this time of year, many people open their cottages, cabins, and vacation homes for entertainment. When alcohol is served at these parties, it can be a problem, as vacation homes are often far from public transit or taxi stands, making it hard to get home safely after drinking. For this reason, it is important to have a plan in place ahead of time to get home safely.

Continue reading "Why Summer Barbecues Can Mean More Florida Drunk Driving Accidents" »

It's no secret that Florida is a major tourist destination and now that the school season is winding down, many people from all across the country and from around the world are making plans to visit the state for their vacations. Tourists bring important cash into the economy, but they can also mean a greater risk of Florida car accidents because:

1) Not all tourists are familiar with Florida roads. Tourists may drive more slowly, back up, and need to turn around as they look for their hotels or destinations. The roads and road signs – as well as the hazards – which are familiar to local Floridians are not familiar to those who have never driven on Florida roads before. Anticipating other cars and driving defensively is therefore important for all drivers.

2) More tourists mean more traffic. More people pouring into Florida and heading on the roads towards major attractions means more traffic – and traffic can mean more frayed tempers as well as a greater risk of car accidents. When driving during the tourist season, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and give yourself plenty of space on the road.

3) More tourists mean more bicyclists and pedestrians. Many visitors enjoy exploring Florida's natural beauty on foot. This can mean more bicyclists and more pedestrians sharing the roadways with cars, which in turn can lead to more Florida bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. It is important to be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists – especially those who may not be familiar with local roads.

To drive safely as we share the state with visitors, be sure to put away and distractions before you get in your car and drive defensively. Courteous driving will keep you and your family safer and will also encourage visitors to come back to the state for their next vacation.

Continue reading "How to Avoid Florida Car Accidents During Tourist Season" »

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip. Whether you are headed across the country or just across the state, however, use these tips to avoid a Florida car accident during your vacation:

1) Make sure your car is ready for the road. Some cars are simply not fit for long road trips. Before you go, take your car to a trusted mechanic for a basic tune-up and a check of major systems. Get your fluids changed and your tires and brakes checked to ensure that your car is ready for the journey.

2) Plan your trip carefully. Map out your trip carefully, making sure to note rest stops, hotels, and alternative routes in case main routes prove impassable. Online communities are a great way to plan a trip. Make sure that you note any hazards on your route – such as mountainous areas or areas known for fog – so that you are prepared.

3) Pack the essentials. In a small duffel bag, you should pack the items that you need to drive safe. These items should include snacks and bottled water, a blanket, a map, sunscreen, a hat, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a cell phone (which should be turned off while you drive). Having everything you may need in one place makes it easier to pull over to the side of the road and find the essentials when you need one of these items.

4) Give all passengers a job to do. Passengers can be a great distraction on the road, so give your passengers a game to play or have them trace the route on a map. This is especially important for small children, who can squabble and be very distracting when bored. If you are traveling with children, pack an iPod of music, games, and other distractions.

5) Take your time. Giving yourself plenty of time ensures that you are not trying to drive for hours at a time. When planning your trip, schedule a short break every hour, as well as time for meals plus a good night of sleep at a hotel or motel. Good breaks can make you less likely to be fatigued and therefore dangerous on the road.

Continue reading "Planning a Summer Road Trip? Tips to Stay Safe" »

For many teens, a road trip is an adventure and something of a rite of passage. Therefore, many teen drivers look forward to the day they can gather together a few friends and hit the road. If your teen driver is going on a first road trip, keep these safety tips in mind:

1) Make sure your teen has GPS and a cell phone – but won't use them while driving. A cell phone with a GPS feature can help your teen call for help and get oriented, but since distracted driving is a leading cause of Florida car accidents, you want to ensure that your teen won't use these devices while driving. Make sure that your teen agrees to pull over onto the side of the road before using these devices. Also, arrange a call-in time for your teen to call you to let you know that everything is fine.

2) Help your teen plan the trip. Work together to identify driving times, rest stops and breaks, potential hazards, and good driving routes. Make sure that your teen understands all the information needed to drive safely.

3) Create a written agreement. Create a contract with your teen and sign it. The contract should outline the rules for the road trip – such as when your teen will call in, a no drunk driving clause, a no distracted driving clause, and anything else you need to keep your driver safe. Be sure to outline fines and penalties for breaking the rules.

4) Encourage your teen to choose passengers carefully. Passengers are a major cause of distraction for teen drivers, so encourage your driver to consider who is coming along on the trip. Consider packing snacks or other activities for passengers so that your teen can focus on the road.

5) Make sure that your teen has a safe car to drive. Many teens driver older used cars because they are affordable, but not all of these cars are adequate for the rigors of a road trip. Take the car to your own mechanic to make sure the vehicle is sound and safe.

6) Consider the gift of additional training. The best gift you have give your teen before the road trip is a few hours of extra training with a qualified driving instructor. One on one training with a good instructor can help your teen correct some bad habits and brush up on skills needed for a longer trip.

Continue reading "Your Teen Driver's First Road Trip" »

Car safety can mean road safety. When your car is well-maintained and in good shape, it responds as you need it to in order to help you avoid a car accident. A car in poor repair may not brake or stop correctly, potentially increasing your risk of being in a Florida car accident. To keep your car safer on the roads, make sure that you:

1) Take your car in for regular maintenance. If you notice something off with your car, take it in promptly to a trusted mechanic – before that small problem becomes a key hazard. Regular maintenance can also ensure that your mechanic can notice and deal with any potentially dangerous problems – such as brake issues.

2) Tighten your tires. If you have changed your tires changed recently, return to the mechanic within a few days to have your tires – and the lug nuts on them – retightened. Failure to do so can mean that your tires are too loose, which can be very dangerous as it can cause the tire to fly off while you are driving.

3) Check the age of your tires. When you notice that the treads on your tires are worn down, it is important to have your tires changed. Good treads are important for giving you good grip in all road conditions. Even if your treads are fine, however, take a closer look at the serial number on your tire to check when your tires were made. Rubber ages poorly, so even new tires that have been stored for a number of years can be a hazard on the roads.

4) Test the less important systems in your car. Windshield wiper fluid may not seem important – until your windshield gets sprayed with mud and you need to clean your windshield fast to see properly. Check the things your mechanic may not check – such as seatbelts, head rests, and sun visors – to make sure these things are there when you need them.

Continue reading "Are Your Tires and Car Safe Enough to Prevent a Car Accident?" »

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, but this is also a great month to talk to your teens about the other dangers of driving. It’s a great time to discuss:

1) Drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32 people in the US die every day due to drunk driving. Don't let your teen become one of the statistics of Florida drunk driving accidents. Have an agreement with your teen that

2) Drugs and driving. Many people think of impaired driving as drunk driving, but many drugs (including illegal drugs as well as medications and even over-the-counter products) can cause car accidents because they can cause sleepiness or impairment. Talk to your child about natural supplements, over the counter medications, and illegal drugs. Make sure your teen knows about dangers.

3) Distracted driving. Thanks to awareness campaigns, your teen likely knows about the dangers of texting or talking while driving – but does that mean they put away their mobile device when they drive? This is the month to talk about that and to ensure your teens pull over to the side of the road before making a call.

4) Passengers. Mobile devices are not the only distractions on the road. Loud passengers, loud music, and other distractions in the car can have lethal consequences. Create a list of potential distractions with your teen and then help him or her come up with solutions that address each distraction.

5) Stunts and risks. Teens sometimes think that the risks and stunts they see on TV look cool, and may not appreciate the effects of those risks. Show them photos of accidents caused by stunts and discuss the effects of such decisions.

6) Speeding. Speeding reduces your teen's control of the car, which, combined with the relatively less experience your teen has behind the wheel, can result in a crash. Worse, higher-speed accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities.

7) Car safety. While Florida car accidents are a major risk for your teen driver, they are not the only risk. Make sure that you discuss issues such as parking and getting to the car safely at night, car maintenance, car break downs, and more.

Continue reading "The Top Driving-Related Talks You Need to Have With Your Teen Today" »

When people think about impaired driving, they generally think of the Florida drunk driving accidents that claim so many lives unnecessarily each year. While it is true that alcohol is a major cause of Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents, drugs are another key problem. Even the simple medications you have in your medicine closet can cause you to have a car accident. Here's what you need to know:

1) Over the counter does not mean safe. Many over the counter medications – even simple medications intended for back pain or a cold – can leave you feeling groggy and sleepy enough to cause a car accident. Always read the label of any over-the-counter medications you buy. If it says you cannot drive on the medication or if it indicates that the medication will make you sleepy, do not drive while taking it. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations.

2) You have to ask the questions when you get a prescription. When your doctor gives you a new prescription, it is up to you to ask whether it is safe to drive and engage in other regular activities while on the medication. This is also a good time to ask about allergic reactions and possible interactions that you need to be aware of.

3) Your pharmacist can keep you safe on the road. Talk to your pharmacist and consider using one pharmacy exclusively. Many pharmacies today will keep a list of the medications you are using and will automatically help you determine whether any of them could have side effects that could be dangerous behind the wheel.

4) All-natural does not mean safe. Natural supplements and "remedies" are not always FDA approved and many have unlisted or unknown side effects. Just like synthetic products, these supplements can make you feel drowsy or unwell – and can lead you to cause a traffic accident.

5) Even if one medication is safe, watch out for reactions and interactions. Even if none of your medications made you drowsy or unfit for the road, you need to be aware of the fact that medications combined with over the counter products or other prescription medications can create dangerous interactions. Talk to your pharmacist about everything you are taking – including seemingly innocuous vitamins – to ensure you are not setting yourself up for trouble.

6) Expired medications. Check your medicine cabinet regularly and toss out any medications that are past their expiry date. Once expired, some medications may have unusual or unpredictable side effects – ones you don’t want to experience when you're driving.

Continue reading "What's in Your Medicine Cabinet Can Contribute to Florida Car Accidents" »

According to reports and studies by the Traffic Safety Center Hurt Study, up to three-quarters of all motorcycle and car collisions occur because drivers do not see motorcycles in time to prevent a collision. For this reason, the majority of Florida car accidents involving motorcycles are considered highly preventable.

The Florida Motorcycle Safety Campaign and other campaigns like it across the country have been created to help prevent motorcycle accidents. However, they have not been able to prevent the majority of these accidents. Unfortunately, Florida motorcycle accidents disproportionately affect motorcycle drivers. While most passenger car drivers in such accidents are unhurt, motorcycle riders in collisions with cars often become Florida brain injury patients or sustain serious burn injuries, fractures, amputations, or spinal cord injuries.

The financial cost to car drivers is high as well. The Traffic Safety Center Hurt Study reports that less than 10% of motorcycle riders have adequate insurance that would pay for property damage and medical costs in an accident. As well, many Florida motorcycle accidents are deemed to be the fault of the car driver. As a result of both issues, passenger car drivers tend to pay financially for these collisions.

Preventing Florida motorcycle accidents should involve everyone. Motorcycle riders can help by wearing a helmet and obeying traffic laws. Helmets can help prevent serious brain injuries in the event of a collision and increase the chances of surviving an accident. As well, obeying laws is very important. Since motorcycles are more flexible and much smaller, riders need to be extra patient and follow rules rather than trying to weave around stalled traffic and rather than trying to take other risks which can result in an accident. Wearing reflective and highly visible clothing can also help other drivers on the road.

Car drivers, too, have a part to play in preventing Florida motorcycle accidents. Staying extra alert on the road is crucial. Motorcycles, after all, are not quiet or that small. Drivers need to stay alert and aware of all the vehicles they share the road with – including motorcycles, bicycles, emergency vehicles, and other specialized vehicles. Other vehicles may require extra cautious driving or additional distance. For example, drivers may wish to give motorcycles some additional space, in case a rider makes an unexpected move. A little extra room in such a situation can help prevent a serious accident.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Car Accidents Involving Motorcycles" »

Florida car accidents related to snow and winter weather are rare. However, if you are driving to snowier states soon, here are some winter-driving issues to consider

1) Ice flying off of trucks and other cars. Snow and ice flying off of cars and trucks can easily cover your windshield, or even impact your vehicle, causing you to become momentarily blinded or even to lose control of the car. When driving in winter or wet conditions, stay well back from trucks, since they will churn up a lot of snow and rain which can hurt your visibility and can easily lead to a Florida truck accident. As well, make sure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and can handle snow. If you park outside and your car is covered in snow and ice, scrape that off (especially off the roof) before driving – snow from your roof can easily slide on your windshield as you drive, blocking your view.

2) Obstructions of snow and ice. Snow and ice piled high on roadways can scrape the bottom of your car and even damage it. You can also lose control of your vehicle driving over this obstruction and cause an accident. If you see a large pile of snow in the street, drive around it carefully.

3) Huge snow banks. Snow banks block visibility, making it hard for traffic to see you when you come out of a side street or driveway. If your view is blocked by a snow bank, flash your headlights so that other drivers can see you coming and edge out slowly until you can see oncoming traffic before pulling out into traffic.

4) Reduced street parking spots. In most cities, drivers are required to park within a foot of the curb. When curbs become covered in snow and snow spills into the street, it can be hard to determine where a parking spot actually is. This can be an especial problem with street parking, where drivers need to leave enough space for emergency vehicles and other cars to get through. If you park in a spot where you are blocking plows or emergency vehicles, you will be ticketed, so that it is often safer to park further away or to pay for a parking spot indoors when streets get really snowy and you can’t get a parking spot that does not block traffic. When parking, make sure there is at least a 12-foot pass for emergency vehicles to get through.

5) Insurance woes. Keep in mind that your insurance company may expect you to pay a surcharge if you cause an accident, even if the cause of an accident was poor visibility due to a snow bank or poor parking due to a snowy parking spot. In most states, there are no exceptions for accidents caused by winter weather and surcharges are automatic, meaning that weather-related accidents can end up costing you extra, even if Jack Frost is really to blame. However, you can appeal the surcharge if the accident was caused by bad weather.

Continue reading "What Florida Drivers Need to Consider When Driving in Snow" »

While car accident rates and car accident fatalities have dropped nationwide in the last few years, car accidents still claim about 40 000 American lives each year. As well, some groups of drivers have more to worry about than others. According to AARP, drivers who are between ages 30 and 64 have fewer crashes per mile than elderly drivers over 65. As well, elderly drivers are less likely than younger drivers to survive a collision. Since Florida has a large population of seniors, preventing Florida car accidents means addressing these elderly drivers.

AARP has instituted the AARP Driver Safety Program nationwide. This program allows seniors to take refresher driving courses from experienced, volunteer driving instructions. The idea behind these programs is to refresh driving skills, address changes in legislation, and address changes to cars that may have taken place since an elderly driver first received their license. Drivers who complete the course receive an AARP driving-school certificate, which may qualify them to get a discount on their car insurance. Among the things that these classes teach are:

1) The importance of yielding right of way. According to AARP driving instructors, failure to yield right of way leads to a large proportion of car accidents. It is important for all drivers to remember that they are given right of way. While in some cases a driver must yield right of way, it is important to never assume that another driver will stop.

2) Age-appropriate driving. AARP driving instructors teach students that sight, hearing, stamina, and other physical features may suffer with age. It is important for all older drivers to get annual checkups as well as yearly eye exams to keep fit for the road. Any medications should be cleared with a doctor and pharmacist first to ensure that they will not affect driving ability.

3) Check blind spots. AARP recommends that drivers exercise their necks with neck rolls to ensure that they can turn around to check blind spots. Mirrors alone are not enough.

4) Keep mentally alert. All drivers need to avoid anything – audio books, texting, phone calls, food, drinks, newspapers – that can pose any distraction on the road. It is important to keep 100% of your focus on the road. It is also important to get any mental symptoms – such as memory loss or trouble concentrating – checked out by a doctor. These can affect your driving skills.

5) Be realistic about when it's time to hang up the keys. No one can drive forever. As physical health deteriorates, there may be a time when a driver must stop driving for their own safety and for the safety of everyone around them. Any driver who has any symptoms which could indicate a problem is ethically obligated to seek help. If you can no longer safely drive, it is important to get your condition treated. If this is impossible, it is important to stop driving before your condition leads to an accident.

Continue reading "Could Extra Education For Elderly Drivers Help to Prevent Florida Car Accidents?" »

According to a new study, use of red light cameras has been linked to a lower risk of fatal car accidents. The study, conducted by The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, concluded that fatal car accidents decreased by 24% across 14 cities that implemented the cameras. The cities have only implemented red light cameras since 1996 and in some cases only since 2004, so some experts warn that it is too early to draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the technology.

Red light cameras are a type of technology which allow cities and communities to place the cameras at specific intersections – often at higher-risk intersections – where the cameras are operational year-round on a 24-hour basis. The cameras automatically detect and photograph any motorists running red lights. Some of the newer cameras can also capture other violations, such as illegal turns or speeding. When the cameras detect a violation, they photograph the car and the license plate associated with the car. The driver of that vehicle is then sent a ticket in the mail.

Red light cameras have recently been used to help prevent Florida car accidents, too. Since September 2010, Fort Lauderdale has had six red light cameras in use. Since then, the city has reported that accidents at those intersections have dropped from 50 to 39. In addition to Fort Lauderdale, other Florida communities have introduced red light cameras, and many have reported a reduction in the number of Florida car accidents in their communities. Currently, Hollywood, West Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Pembroke Pines, Opa-locka, Hallandale Beach, Aventura, Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Homestead, Miami Shores, Miami Gardens, Golden Beach, North Miami, North Bay Village, and West Miami all have red light camera programs in place.

Proponents of red light camera programs claim that the cameras can help prevent Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents by making drivers more cautious. When drivers know that their traffic violations will be captured on camera, experts claim, they drive more carefully, which makes the roads safer for everyone. Red light cameras also free up law enforcement officials for other tasks.

Opponents of red light cameras claim that the camera programs are expensive and may violate individual driver rights. In many cases, drivers oppose red light cameras – especially if they receive tickets from the system. In some cases, drivers have claimed that red light cameras have incorrectly read their speeds or have incorrectly sent them tickets. In other states, drivers have been able to successfully defend themselves from red light camera tickets in court.

Continue reading "Could Red Light Cameras Help Reduce Florida Car Accidents?" »

In the past, some cities in Florida have suggested charging a “crash tax” to the insurance companies of drivers who cause accidents. Currently, a number of cities across the nation charge such a fee, which ranges from about $500 to $2,000, on average. Lately, Tampa has been contemplating such a move.

Tampa Councilman Curtis Stokes is one of the individuals who supports such a fee. In the media, he has noted that currently clean-up costs after an accident are absorbed by a city and its taxpayers, while such a fee scheduled would ensure that the expense of clean-up would go towards the insurance costs of the at-fault driver. The money from the insurance providers, he believes, could be placed in a trust fund to help pay for related Florida car accident expenses, such as public safety expenses.

A law signed in 2009 by Gov. Charlie Crist may pose a legal challenge to such a fee. That law effectively bans fees levied for investigation or response costs. In the past few years, a number of states -- Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Missouri, Georgia, Indiana, and Tennessee among them – have passed similar laws to protect drivers and insurance companies from such costs.

A number of South Florida cities, on the other hand, are working with contractors to recover costs associated with fire-rescue services provided at Florida car accident scenes. Collection agencies, consultants, and private billing have also suggested to governments that they could build revenues by charging accident fees as well. Now that many governments are facing revenue issues and tightening belts, an added source of revenue is very appealing.

Those who support the fees note that crash taxes ensure that those who are responsible for Florida car accidents contribute to the costs of the accidents. Supporters also note that such fees increase city revenues while reducing the burden on the tax payer. Further, there have been claims made that such fees would add to the financial burden of at-fault drivers, making drivers more cautious on the roads. Opponents of the fees note that insurance companies would pass the costs of the fees to insurance holders, potentially raising insurance costs for all drivers – not just those who cause accidents. They also note that such a move might not help reduce Florida pedestrian accident and car accident rates.

Since 2004, those seeking learners permit in Florida had the option of testing for their learners permit online. However, this option has been removed after officials discovered that over half of those who passed their learners permit test online could not pass the same test in person. The online learners permit test program officially ended with the close of 2010 after officials determined that the online testing option did not adequately test knowledge.

The change is meant to improve the safety standards for young drivers and new drivers. In 2009, a test of the online learners permit test was conducted when the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) re-tested 601 people in person. All of the examined persons had initialed passed their learners permit test online but 59% of these people were not able to answer enough basic rules-of-the-road questions in person to pass a learners permit test.

The online test was an additional source of revenue for Florida, with the state making up to three million dollars annually from the test. The online test was fee based, with applicants paying $20-$33 each for the option to take the test online. The in-person learners permit test has always been a no-cost option.

Police officers support the measure to enforce in-person testing for new drivers. Some have stated that the online option may encourage some applicants to cheat. As well, some police officers have expressed concern that those who cannot pass an in-person learners permit test may not have adequate knowledge of the rules of the road and may have a higher risk of causing Florida pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and other traffic accidents.

Now, applicants in Florida will need to pass their learners permit in persona at a tax collector’s office or at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It is unknown whether those who have already passed the test online will need to go through the process again. Currently, there are no reported studies to test the effects of online learners permit testing on Florida car accident rates.

Continue reading "Can Online Learning Increase The Risk of Florida Car Accidents?" »

Even though graduated licensing and awareness campaigns exist to alert teens of the dangers of drunk driving and other dangerous behaviors behind the wheel, statistics show that many Florida car accidents involving teens are still highly preventable. In many cases, these accidents are caused by teens who speed, drive distracted, or drive drunk. Even though teens may know that such behaviors are wrong, they sometimes still engage in these behaviors.

Experts believe that lack of driving experience, emotional immaturity, and a belief that dangerous behaviors won’t result in serious consequences ensure that teens still engage in risky and dangerous driving. According to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and other advocacy groups, it is important for parents to sit down with their teen drivers to discuss dangerous driving. These discussions should include:

1) Set rules. It is important for parents to set rules with their teens. Rules for teen drivers can include things such as “no drinking and driving,” “no cell phone use of any kind while driving,” and “no more than two passengers at a time” can be good places to start.

2) An explanation of how dangerous reckless driving can be. Even though teens may have heard about the dangers of using a cell phone, drinking and driving, and speeding, they need to hear about these things from their parents, too. Keep in mind that many teens feel “it can’t happen to me,” which is why they go ahead and engage in risky behaviors. As a result, it is important to show how Florida car accidents can happen to them. Show them graphically what can happen in an accident – have them chat with Florida burn injury victims or others who have been injured in an accident. Contact your local MADD chapter and law enforcement – they usually have community liaisons and educational materials you can share with your teens. Strive to make the dangers of car accidents real.

3) Repetition. It’s a message that is worth repeating. The more often your teen drivers hear about the dangers of speeding, distracted driving, and drinking and driving, the more likely they are to take the message seriously. Have more than one talk with your teens and arrange for MADD or local law enforcement to visit your teen’s school.

4) Consequences. Make sure that you discuss the consequences for your teen driver speeding, driving drunk, or driving distracted. Make it clear what you will need to do in the event that your teen does decide to drive unsafely. Your teen should know that there are consequences to dangerous driving – even when it does not cause an accident.

5) Options. Give your teen options to driving unsafely. For example, make sure your teen knows that they can always call you (and preferably a few other family members) to get a safe drive home when they need it – no questions asked. Repeat the message often. If your teens know that there is a safe alternative and there will be no punishment, they are more likely to make the safer choice.

Continue reading "Prevent Teen Car Accidents in Florida by Having a Chat with Your Teens " »

Just like quitting smoking or committing to a healthy lifestyle, making a resolution to stop texting and driving can make your life better in 2011. If you are still looking for a New Year’s resolution to commit to, commit to end distracted driving. While many in Florida are divided on the issue of texting bans or cell phone bans, the statistics don’t lie.

According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System distracted driving caused by texting and driving has caused over 15,000 fatal auto accidents within six years. The Florida Senate has tried and failed to pass a ban on texting and driving. It is expected that the Senate will again attempt to pass the legislation in 2011.

However, there is a growing movement among drivers to stop distracted driving – with or without an official law. For example, Russ and Kim Hurd have become advocates for texting bans after their daughter Heather was killed by a distracted driver. This year, a part of U.S. 27 will be named the Heather Hurd Memorial Highway. The family is also fighting to pass Heather's Law, a which would ban text messaging and cell phone use while driving.

Some companies are also stepping up to stop distracted driving. For example, the government has banned texting and driving for employees. In November, Disney sent its employees a letter prohibiting them from texting and driving. Disney has noted that it could fire or fine employees caught texting and driving. Truck carriers have also largely banned texting and driving.

While many experts applaud the desire to stop texting and driving, however, they point out that many distracted driving accidents in Florida and across the country are caused by many types of distractions. Changing music, talking on the phone, having an emotional discussion with a passenger, eating, drinking, or putting on makeup can all cause a Florida car accident. If you want to make 2011 a better year, therefore, you might want to resolve to avoid all distracted driving. Keeping your eyes and your mind on the road may be the most important resolution you make.

Continue reading "A New Year, a New Chance to Stop Distracted Driving and Florida Car Accidents " »

New Year parties pose one of the largest risks for Florida drunk driving accidents. While many people know the dangers of driving drunk, during New Year’s, many people still choose to drive after drinking. Part of the problem is that many people drink during New Year’s. Another problem is that taxis and buses tend to be at a premium in the small hours of the new year, meaning that many revelers give up and decide to drive themselves home. Here’s what you can do to help prevent Florida car accidents on New Year’s eve:

1) Consider having a no-alcohol party. There are many family-friendly events planned in most cities and many people choose to throw alcohol-free parties on New Year’s. Not drinking makes it simple to avoid driving drunk.

2) Have multiple ways to get home. Keep extra cash for cabs as well as an extensive list of people and companies you can call for a ride. Keep in mind that many other revelers will be looking for transportation, too, so having lots of options is useful. Consider learning about public bus systems and shuttle services available in your community during New Year’s eve – your local MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) chapter and your local police will know more about such programs.

3) Consider throwing your own party. You can invite everyone you know and either designate a driver or else make room for everyone to sleep over so that no one has to drive home drunk. This solution eliminates the problem of being far away with no way to get home. Another option is to consider attending parties in urban and downtown areas, where there is easier access to taxis, buses, and alternate forms of transportation.

4) Have an option to wait it out. Even if you have plenty of numbers to taxi services and other means of transportation, it can be hard to find transport home after all the festivities. Many other revelers will be competing with you. Therefore, keep a list of local late-night and 24-hour cafes and restaurants in your wallet. If you need to, you can grab a cup of coffee or a snack and wait a few hours until it is easier to hail a cab.

Continue reading "Plan for New Year’s to Prevent Florida Car Accidents " »

Florida drunk driving accidents are always a concern at this time of year. Police authorities across Florida report an increase in drinking and driving. Many parties serve alcohol at this time of year, increasing the chances that some drivers will make the bad mistake of driving drunk and potentially causing a serious Florida car accident. No matter who you are, there are things you can do to help avert this type of tragedy:

1) Be a responsible party-goer. If you are headed to holiday events, have at least three alternative means of getting home. If you only plan to call a taxi but the taxis are all busy, you may feel stuck. If you have three plans to get home (such as a designated driver, a friend you can call, or public transit) you are more likely to make the smart choice.

2) No matter who you are, have a plan. You may not think you need a plan because you don’t plan to drink this holiday season or don’t plan to serve alcohol. However, it is impossible to predict when and where you may decide to have a cup of good cheer. Even if you don’t think you will be drinking, have at least three ways to get home. If you have children, talk to them about their alternate routes home, even if they are underage. If your underage children drink, you don’t want them getting in the car with an intoxicated driver. Make sure that they know they can call you and other family members for help.

3) Be a responsible host. If you are hosting a party, make sure that you have alternative means of transport for any guests who may drink. Even if you do not plan to serve alcohol, have a plan ready to help out anyone who brings their own drinks. Refuse to let guests drink and drive.

4) Arm yourself with what you need. To get home safely, you need a plan and you need information. If you plan to take public transportation, for example, you will need a route of the bus as well as a ticket or fare. If you plan to take a taxi, you will need to have a way to pay for the taxi. Having everything you need will greatly increase the chances that you will make the right choice.

5) Take part in the efforts of local law enforcement. Law enforcement authorities often launch drunk driving awareness campaigns at this time of year. Learn how you can take part in and support your local campaign. It could help local authorities prevent more Florida drunk driving accidents.

6) Take steps to avert accidents. If you see someone who wants to drive even though they are obviously drunk, intervene if it is someone you know. If you see someone who is weaving on the road or driving in a way that may mean they are drunk, contact local authorities at once. You could save a life.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Drunk Driving Accidents This Holiday Season " »

For many of us, the holidays are a very hectic time of year. In addition to the usual round of work and social activities, many of us are contributing to charitable causes, working longer hours, attending holiday functions, decorating for the holidays, hosting holiday gatherings, and more. All of this can lead to sleep-deprivation and fatigue, all of which can contribute to Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents. Numerous studies have shown that fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Like drunk driving, driving when fatigues means slower response times. Drivers who are tired may fall asleep at the wheel or may simply be too exhausted to notice obstacles on the road. There are many things you can do to help reduce Florida car accidents caused by fatigue this season:

1) Get good rest and take care of yourself. While it may be difficult to fit in extra rest, it is important. You will find that you may be more productive and therefore need less time to accomplish more with some rest. Short naps and good nightly sleeps are important. Exercise and good food can also ensure that you feel energetic and awake.

2) Never combine alcohol with poor sleep. Florida drunk driving accidents are all too common. When drivers drink, they always run the risk of causing a serious and even fatal car accident. However, combining alcohol and fatigue can be an even more deadly combination. Alcohol causes sleepiness, so if you are already tired, alcohol can actually cause you to fall asleep at the wheel.

3) Use a buddy system. Shopping and running holiday errands with a friend or two is not only more fun – it can be safer. Running errands with a friend allows you to delegate or share some tasks, so that you have more time to rest. As well, it gives you an alternative way to get home. If you are too tired to drive home, your friend can take over driving duties.

4) Treat fatigue like drinking. In many ways, to help prevent Florida car accidents caused by fatigue, we all need to make a conscious shift in our way of thinking. Drinking and driving has become socially unacceptable, but many people still feel that they will be “fine” if they drive tired, even though research has proven otherwise. It is safest to treat fatigue the way you treat drinking: if you wouldn’t drink and drive, don’t get behind the wheel when you feel tired.

Continue reading "Holiday Fatigue and Florida Car Accidents " »

There are many medical conditions which require medical clearance before someone with these conditions is permitted to drive. A new study suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might be added to that list if communities want to prevent traffic accidents. The study, completed at the University of Toronto by Dr. Donald Redelmeier and a team of researchers found that a significant number of car accidents involving teen boys may be caused in part by behavior issues and behavior disorders caused by conditions such as ADHD.

According to the study, some accidents might be prevented if teen drivers with ADHD and other behavior disorders were compelled to get doctors’ approval before getting their license. According to Dr. Redelmeier, conditions such as ADHD can be compared to conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, and narcolepsy. According to findings by Dr. Redelmeier and his researchers, drivers should have to show that they are controlling their conditions and are fit to drive.

Dr. Redelmeier and his team found that teens between the ages of 16 and 19 who had behavior disorders may have a higher risk of car crashes. Surprisingly, the study also found that teens with ADHD were more likely to be injured in pedestrian accidents involving cars. The study tested 3,421 teens who needed hospital treatment after a car accident. The study followed the teens over a period of seven years and found that 402 of the teens were diagnosed at some point with ADHD while 767 were diagnosed with some behavior disorder.

The study focused on teen boys between the ages of 16 and 19 because this group is the most likely to be involved in vehicle accidents. While this age group accounts for only 3% of drivers, they account for 6% of all traffic accidents. This is despite the fact that teen boys drive less than other age groups and enjoy better health than older age groups.

While the study may suggest a way of preventing Florida car accidents and even Florida pedestrian accidents, there are some limits to the study. Behavior disorders are notably difficult to diagnose, so it was difficult for researchers to ensure that none of the teen boys in the study were in fact not misdiagnosed. As well, the study did not consider whether the boys in the study were the cause of the accident.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents and ADHD" »

Many Florida pedestrian accidents, car accidents, and truck accidents are very preventable. Many are caused by risk factors which could be avoided with a little work. Becoming aware of the risky behaviors which lead to Florida car accidents is the first step. Avoiding the risk factors – such as distracted driving, speeding, and fatigue, to name just a few – is the second important step in preventing Florida truck accidents and car accidents. Finally, you may wish to raise awareness about risk factors to convince other drivers to drive safe. Here’s how we can all spread the message:

1) Social media and the Internet. The Internet and social media sites are a great way to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving, the importance of seat belts, and other life-affirming lessons.

2) Safety campaigns organized by law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies routinely establish safety campaigns to remind drivers about safe driving. Most agencies are happy to have volunteers who spread the message. Call your local law enforcement agency to learn about their current campaigns as well as opportunities for public involvement.

3) Public talks and discussion. When Oprah ran a show about distracted driving earlier this year, many people and media outlets suddenly began talking about the issue. While few people have that type of clout, spreading the message on a smaller scale and taking part in discussions about safe driving can save lives.

4) Petitions to legislators. Signing petitions for new laws that would make the streets safer sends an important message to legislators and in some cases changes laws for the better. In many cases, laws have been changed due to a few determined people who wanted to make the roads safer.

5) Pledges among students and drivers. Pledges are another way to make Florida roadways safer. When you take a pledge to stop distracted driving, drunk driving, and other dangerous driving habits, you make the roads a little safer by making your own driving safer.

Continue reading "Raising Awareness About Florida Car Accident Risks" »

When one reads about Florida pedestrian accidents and fatal car accidents, it’s easy to think that there’s nothing that can be done. However, every driver and pedestrian on the roads has several options to ensure everyone’s safety:

1) Become a good driver. Everyone thinks they are a good driver, but most of us have trouble spots and bad habits that can easily lead to a Florida car accident. The only way to find out whether you have any deadly habits is to get the input of a professional driving instructor. An instructor can evaluate your driving skills and can suggest ways to improve your driving. Racing school and defensive driving courses are two other ways to ensure that you are safe on the roads.

2) Get aware. Read up about the latest news and studies regarding Florida car accidents. Find out which intersections and risky behaviors have the highest rates of crashes. Keep up to date about car recalls to see whether your vehicle is affected.

3) Get involved. If you do spot any problems that can lead to a car accident – such as a dangerous interaction or poor lighting along a stretch of road – write to your elected representatives and your local newspaper. Sign petitions to suggest new laws which can make the streets safer for everyone. Join the public discussion and the effort to make driving safe.

5) Become responsible. It all starts with you. When you avoid drinking and driving and swear off distracted driving, you make the roads a little bit safer. When you decide to take a taxi rather than drive distracted, you may be taking a very small step that can help prevent a Florida car accident. Don’t make excuses. Instead, make the right decision to do the right thing. It’s easy to blame the other “bad” drivers out there, but if more people were responsible for their own driving, we’d see fewer Florida car accidents.

Continue reading "How to Make a Difference to Florida Car Accident Rates" »

According to the CDC (the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), teen drivers in rural areas have a higher fatality rate when it comes to car accidents than city teen drivers. According to the CDC, the highest fatality rate for young drivers is in Wyoming. In that state, about 60 car accident fatalities occur for every 100 000 people between the ages of 16 and 17. In New York and New Jersey, there are strict laws governing young drivers and these states have low fatality rates for teens – about 10 in 100 000.

In Florida, however, teen drivers seem to have a disproportionately high rate of car accident fatalities. In Alachua County, for example, there are only 22 345 residents who are between 15 and 10 years old. However, the county has seen 27 teen Florida car accident fatalities in five years. In Marion County, there are 15 419 teen drivers, but in the last five years, there have been 40 traffic fatalities involving teens.

Florida has launched a number of initiatives to help prevent Florida car accidents involving young drivers. For example, the Florida Highway Patrol's Teen Driver Safety Week is a state-wide effort to reduce car accidents, distracted driving, and Florida drunk driving accidents involving teens. According to research released by the CDC, there may be good reason to target young drivers. The CDC reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for US teens and Florida teens. One third of deaths among teens occur during car accidents.

Although fatal Florida car accidents involving teens declined 21% between 2008 and 2009, experts say there is still plenty of room for improvement. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, teen drivers have the highest car accident rates of any age group. They are least experienced also most likely to take risks. In car accidents involving teen drivers, careless driving is the most common cause of accidents, followed closely by drunk driving.

Experts say that Florida’s efforts to rein in young drivers have been preventing car accidents involving young drivers. Graduated licensing, seat belt laws, strict drunk driving laws, and laws restricting teens from driving late at night all work together to ensure that teens are less often in dangerous situations which can lead to a Florida car accident. Despite this, however, Florida teens continue to die needlessly in car accidents and continue to suffer serious injuries as a result of car accidents. Many teens with serious Florida spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, and other life-long injuries sustain these injuries in car accidents.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents Involving Teen Drivers" »

If you’re planning on driving in order to get to a family holiday event, you may well have to leave Florida and enter states where winter driving has a whole new meaning. Although in many cases Florida drivers do not need to worry about the dangers of winter driving – dangers which can include driving snow, snow drifts, and icy roads -- once Florida drivers leave the state to visit family for the holidays, they may be in more danger than usual. Since Florida drivers are often unused to winter driving conditions, they may be at a higher risk of accidents when driving in unfamiliar, winter conditions. There are some ways to prevent this, however, if you will be traveling out of state for the holidays:

1) Make sure your car is ready for your destination. You may not need snow tires at home to prevent a Florida pedestrian accident or car accident. However, if you are driving to a state where winter conditions are probable or likely, get winter snow tires. If you are likely to be driving in heavy snow or is rural areas, look for studded tires, which have small spikes which grip icy roads and give you more control of your car.

2) Consider alternate forms of travel. If you have no experience driving in the snow, it may be easier and less expensive to fly, take a train, or take some other form of transportation to your holiday destination. Even letting someone experienced in winter driving can help.

3) Take a course in winter driving. A course in winter driving is likely readily available through a local driver’s education school. The tips you learn can help you prevent a Florida car accident and will prepare you for winter roads in other states as well.

4) Make sure you understand what conditions you will face. Use weather stations and Internet weather information from the government to determine what conditions you are likely to face. Knowing whether you are likely to face icy roads, snows, or hail can help you plan ahead.

5) Stay alert of weather condition changes and keep your plans flexible. If you are driving to a holiday destination in a wintry state, check weather forecasts before your departure. If there is any snow, you will need to slow down, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive safely. If the weather is severe, stay flexible in your plans and find another way of arriving safe. In a snowstorm, it will be much safer to leave your car at home and use a train or plane to get to your destination, especially if you have limited winter driving experience.

Continue reading "Even Florida Drivers Need to Worry About Winter Driving During the Holidays" »

If you are planning on having holiday parties or get-togethers at your home, now is the time to start planning to ensure that none of your guests are in a Florida car accident after your party. Remember: if you serve alcohol and one of your guests causes a Florida drunk driving accident, you could be held partly liable for the accident. You don’t want to cause a fatality or serious injury and you certainly don’t want to become involved in a legal action. The only solution is to start planning.

Consider ways to ensure that your guests do not drive drunk. You could avoid serving alcohol entirely, or stop serving alcohol early. If you live in a remote location, consider having enough bedding and space for every guest to spend the night. This way, anyone who is intoxicated would not have to drive. Contact taxi and shuttle services before your party to find out how much transportation would cost. Some driving services provide special flat rates at the holidays. They will drive your guests to and from your party for a flat fee.

Another option is to designate drivers or to create your own shuttle service. Have two or three people abstain from drinking entirely and have these volunteers shuttle your guests back home as needed. Hotels and local motels may also offer group rates to ensure that your guests do not drink and drive. Consider having taxi cash, taxi numbers, and a few alternatives on hand.

Even if you plan to have a few options available to ensure that guests do not drive drunk, however, you will also need to plan to ensure that guests are monitored. You need to have a plan in place to keep guests from driving drunk. At a busy party, it can be difficult to spot every guest heading for their cars, so plan ahead. Consider having all guests deposit their car keys when they arrive at your house, for example. Consider having someone walk each guest to their cars after the party, to ensure that they show no signs of intoxication.

Another great option is to offer breathalyzer key chains as party favors or small gifts. It is an easy and simple way to evaluate intoxication. Another option is to simply observe guests and to note who is drinking how much. At small parties, it’s relatively easy to monitor overall consumption. This is one reason why you may want to keep get-together small. Working with guests to help them make good choices can help you save the lives of your friends and family so that they can visit your holiday events next year, too.

Continue reading "Planning Holiday Parties? Plan Now to Prevent Florida Drunk Driving Accidents" »

This is the time of year when many families are planning long trips – including loan road trips – for the holidays. If you want to help prevent Florida car accidents and arrive safely, you need to plan ahead. Here’s how:

1) Use online mapping tools to chart your holiday driving plans, especially if the route is not familiar with you. Tools such as Google maps and Google Streetview allow you to envision your route before you go, select different routes, and even estimate how long your drive will take you.

2) Plan to drive well-rested. When deciding on your trip, develop a strategy to ensure that you will not drive fatigued. Fatigued driving causes many Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents each year. Make sure that the day before you leave is not too hectic and you have enough time to get a proper rest. Note hotels and motels along your route, in case you are tired and need a rest. Consider driving with a friend, who can do some of the driving when you get tired.

3) Plan to drive undistracted. Distracted driving causes many Florida truck accidents and car accidents each year. Make sure that you avoid all distractions – such as mobile devices and loud music – while you drive. Turn your phone off before you get in the car, to prevent family members from calling to check where you are on your route.

4) Consider weather past state lines if you are driving outside of Florida for the holidays. If you will be driving well outside the state, you may encounter snowy conditions and ice on the roads. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape and has good snow tires for the journey. Listen to weather reports before you leave and change your plans as needed.

Continue reading "Traveling to See Family This Holiday Season? Plan to Arrive Safe" »

When most of us think of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents, we picture busy roads. However, many accidents at this time of year occur on private properties. As people visit with each other and host special holiday events, extra pedestrian and car traffic is often brought to residential areas, increasing the risk of Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents in these areas. Here’s how to prevent this type of tragedy in your home:

1) If you have a party or holiday event, plan for parking. Determine how many guests you will have and plan where they can park. Is there public parking nearby? Is there adequate street parking on your street? If you’re having a large party and parking will be a problem, consider renting transportation for your guests. A charter company can arrange for safe transport for your guests and can help prevent Florida drunk driving accidents, too. Or, consider having guests carpool to cut down on pedestrian traffic and to provide some designated drivers.

2) Make sure your parking area is well-lit. If your guests will be driving themselves, make sure that parking areas are well-lit to prevent accidents, falls, and other hazards. You can buy temporary lights if you need them.

3) When saying good-bye to guests after a party, help them leave safely. Walk them to their car. This will help ensure that they are sober enough to drive. If you notice that they are not sober, don’t let them drive. If your friends are fit to drive, help them by standing near the car and ensuring that the way is clear for them to back out and drive away.

4) Consider rear-view systems as gifts to friends. These handy devices are very useful in preventing Florida pedestrian accidents involving children, because they allow drivers to see exactly what is behind their car as they back up.

5) Do not allow your children to play in your driveway or in the street when there is a party. It’s too easy for visitors to drop by your home and your child to be injured. If there is a party on your street, your child may be drawn to the cars and the party. Any guests backing up out of a parking space may not see your child. When there is extra traffic on your street or expected traffic, find fun indoor activities for your children.

Continue reading "Could You Be at Risk for a Florida Car Accident or Premises Liability Claim at Home?" »

During the holidays and the weeks leading up to the holidays, Florida car accidents often increase in frequency. There are many reasons for this. Many of us are driving more often to take care of holiday errands and visits. As well, slippery roads can easily lead to car accidents. Shorter days and less visibility are a contributing factor to many accidents at this time of year and unfortunately, Florida drunk driving accidents are also more common at this time of year, as some motorists partake of good cheer and decide to drive home.

Florida pedestrian accidents are also more common at this time of year. Unfortunately, many of us are in crowded store parking lots, rushing about with our to-do lists. High stress and more traffic in pedestrian and car shared areas can lead to more accidents. As well, there are often more pedestrians about as people walk from store to store or head out to visit friends. There are also more delivery persons making deliveries, meaning more people walking about. Now is the time to do your part to prevent Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Here’s how:

1) Have a plan for getting home safely. If you decide to drink at a holiday event, make sure that you have money to get home or a plan to get home. Preventing Florida drunk driving accidents starts with planning ahead.

2) Be alert for more pedestrians and more cars on the roads. More trucks are on the roads at this time of year, too, as stores go into overdrive to meet consumer demand. Adjust your driving.

3) Adjust your driving to weather conditions. It gets darker at this time of year, which means less visibility. At the same time, holiday lights can cause glare or distract drivers. Wet roads can further compound these problems, especially with more people on the road. Slow down, use your lights and wipers, and stay alert.

4) Note and respect new pedestrian areas. Some stores create new pedestrian areas in order to encourage shoppers. These pedestrian areas may result in closed parking lots or closed streets. Stay tuned to traffic updates on your radio so that you can anticipate and respect these pedestrian areas.

5) Put away your mobile device. Distracted driving is deadly at any time of year, but it is especially dangerous during the holidays, when extra traffic and poorer lighting put you at even greater risk. Your phone conversation or text is not worth the heartbreak you would cause a family this holiday season if you caused an accident. Put your mobile device away and turn it off when driving.

6) Get your car tuned up. Make sure your breaks are in good working order, your tires are in top shape and your wipers and wiper fluid are ready for wet weather. When your car is in good shape, it responds better and allows you to avoid collisions more easily.

Continue reading "At This Time of Year, Florida Pedestrian Accidents are a Concern for Drivers" »

Some universities in Florida and across the country are starting awareness campaigns to warn student drivers about the dangers of distracted driving in a bid to reduce the number of Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents. Campaigns such as the “Put Down Ur Cell Fone” campaign try to raise awareness among the students about distracted driving through on-campus signage and demonstrations. The message is clear: to reduce your risk of causing a Florida pedestrian accident or car accident, put away your cell phone when getting behind the wheel of your car.

Targeting student drivers may be a smart move, since according to some studies, drivers under the age of 20 have the highest number of drivers who routinely drive distracted. According to some statistics, up to 16% of under-20 drivers drive distracted. The dangers of this type of behavior are well documented. A study by the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis found that 6% of all car collisions are related to cell phone use. Cell phone use causes 636, 000 car accidents each year, and these accidents result in 330 000 injuries and 2 600 fatalities.

Cell phones are not the only danger. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute 65% of near-accidents and 80% of all car accidents involve a driver who was distracted by some activity within three seconds of the collision or near-miss. Distracted driving can include texting, cell phone use, talking to passengers, adjusting music, searching for an item, eating, drinking, applying makeup, and any number of other activities. Researchers are very clear: don’t attempt to multitask while you drive.

Some states have banned texting while driving, but Florida so far has not taken that step. Nevertheless, law enforcement would like to see drivers voluntarily putting their mobile devices away when driving. Any distractions take away your focus and your eyes from the road. Even if this happens for only a few seconds, that is more than enough time for a Florida car accident to take place.

Distracted drivers face penalties for reckless driving. As well, if someone causes a crash because they have chosen to drive distracted, they can be held liable for the accident and can be sued. Insurance rates for such drivers also tend to increase. It is smartest – and safest – to put your entire focus on the road while driving.

Continue reading "Distracted Driving a Concern for Law Enforcement Trying to Halt Florida Car Accidents " »

The tradition of beach driving may be costing lives. According to experts, beach driving leads to many Florida car accidents and pedestrian accidents each year. Between 2005 and 2010, 45 Florida pedestrian accidents took place on Volusia County beaches alone because someone was driving a vehicle on the beach. According to experts, beach driving leads to about 6% of Florida pedestrian accidents. This year, Volusia County Council has hired a consultant to review beach safety and beach driving to determine whether there is any way to reduce the number of beach accidents involving cars and vehicles.

A review by the News-Journal, a local newspaper, found that in many Florida car accidents and vehicle accidents on the beach, pedestrians were in fact lying down or sitting down on the beach, potentially making them less visible to drivers. In about one-third of cases, drivers were backing up when the accident occurred, suggesting that in many cases the pedestrian was simply not seen by the driver in the rear-view mirror.

As well, according to the newspaper, about half of Florida car accidents on the beach take place during March and July, the months when beaches are busiest. This may mean that simply changing the rules or laws during these two months can significantly reduce the instances of Florida pedestrian accidents on the beaches. Volusia County Council has also considered adding more car-free zones and more signage on the beach to prevent accidents.

Exerts claim that one of the problems is that the beach is a constant intersection. Most Florida car accidents occur at intersections, simply because these are the points where conflict can most easily take place. On a beach, however, the flow of people and vehicles is constant, creating almost endless points of conflict. At the same time, experts note that more people on beaches are bitten by sharks than injured in collisions with vehicles.

Some suggestions for improving beach safety also include creating completely separate areas for sunbathing and driving. This will help ensure that people who are lying down and people who are driving are simply not in the same area. Some experts have also suggested that parts of beaches should be completely closed down during times when the beaches are busy to allow for better supervision. However, for families who have lost children or loved ones to beach pedestrian accidents want cars banned entirely from beaches, saying it is too unsafe for pedestrians and vehicles to share the same space.

Continue reading "Florida Car Accidents on Beaches Linked to Tradition " »

At least one study suggests it might be the case. According to researchers at the University of South Florida, elderly drivers who take part in brain training reduce their risk of being in car accidents by half, when compared with elderly drivers who receive no brain training. The training involves cognitive training programs which do not address driving skills in particular, but are rather concerned with strengthening cognitive power.

The study tested 908 drivers with an average age of 73. Some drivers were given no training, some took part in a program designed to improve reaction speed while others trained with a program designed to hone reasoning skills. A final group worked with a program created to improve memory. All drivers received ten sessions and were then tracked for six years. According to researchers, drivers who took programs designed to improve reasoning skills and reaction speed were able to reduce car accidents by 50%. The programs designed to improve memory had no discernible outcome on accident rates.

Of those drivers who took the memory training course, 16% had at least one accident that was personally their fault. The drivers who took no training had an 18% accident rate. However, of those who took the reasoning program, only 12% were in car accidents. Only 10% of those drivers who took the speed response program were in accidents over the six-year period.

The study seems to suggest that training – even training that does not have anything to do with improving driving skills – may be able to help prevent Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents involving elderly drivers by honing specific skills. Researchers are especially excited by the fact that the brain training seems to have long-term impact on driving ability, since participants were still seeing different car accident rates years after their mind training sessions.

However, another study from the University of Cambridge that studied 11, 000 drivers found that brain training did not help cognitive skills in real-life tasks such as driving. However, authors of the University of South Florida note that theirs is the first study to take driving skills into consideration specifically and to test different types of brain training.

Continue reading "Could Brain Training Help Reduce Florida Car Accidents Involving Elderly Drivers?" »

A new survey conducted by Leger Marketing has found that while most drivers agree that distracted driving is dangerous, about 75% of drivers polled say that they allow for such distractions while driving rather than actively striving to eliminate such distractions from the car. The survey results seem to suggest that in order to reduce Florida car accidents caused by distracted driving, it’s not enough to simply let drivers know about the dangers of distracted driving: more has to be done to compel drivers to nix distractions before they get behind the wheel.

The survey further revealed that drivers have skewed notions about which distractions are most dangerous behind the wheel. About 88% of drivers polled agreed that texting on a cellphone was dangerous, but only 19% thought that adjusting an iPod or radio while driving was a problem. Another 83% of respondents said that talking on a cellphone while driving was wrong. This is despite the fact that most experts agree that any distractions to the driver can increase the risk of an accident.

According to the survey results, many drivers continue to engage in behaviors they know are dangerous and distracting. For example, 60% of drivers admitted they adjust their car’s stereo while driving while 8% admitted to texting or emailing behind the wheel. Another 15% of drivers admitted to talking on a cell phone while driving, even though most respondents agreed that the behavior was risky.

According to Allstate, 80% of car accidents can be attributed to distracted drivers. While the survey results from the Leger Marketing study suggest that more drivers are getting the message about distracted driving, it is also clear that drivers are not getting the full message. Drivers are still confused about distracted driving caused by behaviors not linked to mobile devices. As well, even though drivers know the dangers of distracted driving, many drivers continue to engage in risky behaviors. To prevent more Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents, increased awareness and wide-spread changes to driver behavior need to be made.

Continue reading "Preventing Florida Car Accidents May Involve More Than Raising Awareness About Distracted Driving" »

While Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents can occur at any time, there are many things you can do to help reduce your risk of being in an accident – before you even get in the car:

1) Protect yourself with excellent insurance. Good insurance can help protect you if you are in a collision and ensures that you as well as the other driver are covered for medical bills and related expenses in the event of an accident. Buy the best quality of car insurance you can afford to ensure that you don’t have to pay multiple costs out of pocket.

2) Turn off your cell phone or mobile device. Distracted driving has been proven to increase your risk of being in an accident. Just listening to your mobile device ringing can distract you – and can tempt you to pick up the phone or to sneak a peek at that text message. Put away your device and make sure it is off before you drive off, so that you can put all your focus where it belongs: on the road.

3) Make sure you are ready before you get in the car. Before you get in the car, make sure you are ready to drive safely. Make sure that you have not consumed anything which may affect your ability to drive. Prevent a Florida drunk driving accident by avoiding drinking before you drive, but also take a close look at your medication and any over-the-counter medication you are taking. Make sure it is safe to drive with the medications you are taking. Also, avoid driving when you are sleepy or very emotional.

4) Make sure that your car is ready to avoid accident. Keep your car in good repair and make sure that you walk around your car before you get in. Any tire problems or mechanical problems you have can affect your ability to control your vehicle and prevent an accident. Check with the manufacturer about any known problems with your vehicle. This is especially important if you have an older car – check to make sure that previous owners have had any known problems or recalls addressed.

5) Know your route. Knowing where you are going and having a clear idea of your route ensures that you can focus on driving – not on finding house numbers or street names. Use GPS or online mapping before you leave the house. Keep a copy of the map with you when you drive, but be prepared to pull over to read directions or have a passenger direct you as you drive. Trying to figure out your route as you drive is very distracting.

Continue reading "Protecting Yourself From a Florida Car Accident – Before You Get in the Car " »

Teens often enjoy the freedom of commuting to school and most parents support the idea. However a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety suggests that teen commutes may contribute to Florida car accidents and accidents across the country. Researchers at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety collected data on accidents between 2001 and 2004 and found that there was an increase in car accident rates during school commutes in the afternoon and morning. As well, researchers found that about 30% of car accidents involving drivers between 16 and 17 years old occurred during school commute times.

According to researchers, many evening car accidents involving teen drivers take place due to drinking and driving or speeding, but this is not the case with school commute time accidents. Instead, researchers concluded that distraction and fatigue are the contributing causes in these accidents.

According to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), there are several things that can be done to help prevent Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents during school rush hours:

1) Let your teen know about the dangers. Teen drivers may assume that commute drives are safer because they do not take place at night. Share statistics about school commute accident rates and encourage your teen drivers to stay extra alert.

2) Do not let your teen drive tired. Have your teen agree to drive only if they have gotten eight hours or more of sleep a night. Offer a ride if your teen has been staying up late or is under stress due to exams or school work.

3) Encourage your teen drivers to stay out of cars where other teen drivers display unsafe driver behavior. Teens often commute together and sometimes take turns carpooling. However, teens may also feel peer pressure not to speak up if a driver is driving distracted or tired.

Continue reading "Help Your Teens Commute Safely and Help Them Avoid Florida Car Accidents" »

The U.S. Department of Transportation has released new statistics showing that the number of fatal Florida car accidents is lower. Fatal car accident rates are also dropping in Georgia and nationally, even though the number of miles Americans drive is actually increasing. This has led many experts to weigh in on why the rate of accidents seems to be dropping. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, car accident fatalities in 2009 have declined to 1.13 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, compared to 2008’s 1.26 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles driven. During the same time period, the total car miles driven in the US increased by 0.2%.

Fatal Florida car accidents have dropped even more than the national rate. Between 2008 and 2009, the number of Florida traffic accident fatalities decreased by over 400 deaths. The drop has many questioning whether the decrease is permanent, cyclical, or related to a specific set of factors. The numbers, while welcome, have many people questioning the cause of the decrease. Some federal officials claim that the change is permanent. Other possible reasons for the good news might be:

1) A poor economy. Some experts believe that fewer people are driving often due to less expendable income. With less money, experts argue, fewer people are traveling or going on unnecessary trips and fewer people on the roads means fewer car accidents.

2) Better drivers. An administrator with the National Highway Transportation Safety believes that drivers are getting the message from public service announcements and are taking better precautions, such as wearing seatbelts and choosing not to drive under the influence.

3) Less driving. At least one Florida’s sheriff’s department claims that Florida car accidents are decreased because fewer are driving. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Transportation, in Florida the number of vehicle miles driven in 2009 decreased by 2%. With fewer people driving in the state, it is possible that some Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents are simply being avoided.

4) Safer cars. Both car manufacturers and some police departments believe that safer cars may be contributing to fewer fatalities in Florida car accidents. Passenger side airbags, for example, are now standard in many newer vehicles, possibly meaning fewer Florida brain injuries in collisions and therefore fewer fatalities.

5) Laws. New laws are being developed all the time to make Florida safer. For example, as of July 2009, a new primary seat belt allows police to pull over Florida drivers for not wearing a seat belt. Prior to that new law, police had to pull over drivers for another reason and could not pull over a motorist just for not wearing a seatbelt. As well, Florida has a tough law for motorists with multiple accidents. Any Florida driver who has three or more at-fault car accidents within a three year period is required to take driving school in order to brush up on their driving skills.

Continue reading "Are Florida Car Accident Rates Slowly Dropping?" »

Florida injuries to minors and children are very common in state car accidents. Police officers and child safety advocates note that just any seat belt, however, will not help keep a child safe. The wrong seatbelt can actually cause more injuries. For example, using a regular seatbelt rather than an age-appropriate child safety seat with very young children can result in serious injuries in the event of a collision.

Children under the age should be in a child safety seat in the back seat of the car. Infants should be in rear-facing seats while older children and toddlers can be facing forward, but must be in child safety seats designed for their age group. Most experts agree that until age two, children should be in rear-facing seats. Once children are between 40 and 65 pounds, they can be placed in child safety seats with harness and buckles.

Children under four-feet nine inches in height or under 8 years old should be placed in booster seats. This is because in the event of a Florida truck accident or car accident, the seatbelt can cut into a child’s neck, causing serious and potentially life-threatening injury. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, children should always be in the back seat until they are at least 13 years old. Younger children are much safer in the back, even when they no longer need a child safety seat. The back seat provides more cushioning and more protection in the event of an accident. Children who are in the back seat will suffer fewer injuries from the windshield. As well, airbags, which are now standard in most cars, can be dangerous to children when deployed. The airbags inflate very suddenly and because children are not as tall as adults, children tend to be pushed into the airbag with great force. This can and does cause injuries.

According to federal statistics, the widespread use of child safety seats does seem to have an impact on child safety in car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4% of the nation’s fatal car accidents resulted in the deaths of minors 14 years of age and under. This is 3% lower than the number of childhood deaths in car accidents in 2008. This is despite the fact that the amount of miles traveled by Americans in cars actually increased in 2009. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 179,000 children sustained injuries in 2009 car accidents.

Child safety seat use does seem to be closer to universal – but booster seats are a different problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2009, 96% of children between the ages of 1 and 3 were placed in child seats and 89% of children under 13 years of age used child restraints appropriate for their age. 41% of children between the ages of 4 to 7 use booster seats. Child safety advocates would like to see that number increase in order to help safeguard children. The message is clear: In Florida car accidents, age-appropriate safety seats and restrains can save lives and can help prevent injuries.

According to new statistics, Florida streets and the nations streets may be becoming safer in some ways – despite the continued presence of Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents and despite the fact that there are more drivers on the road than ever before. According to new statistics, there are five times as many motorists in the US as there were six decades ago. However, 2009 saw fewer deaths than there have been since the 1950s.

Experts agree that there has been a change. About 14 years ago, many people did not wear seat belts – a factor that helps to prevent many Florida brain injuries and fatalities in Florida car accidents. As well, two decades ago, cars were made with fewer safety features for passenger safety, experts note. Even in cases where a vehicle was not damaged, fatalities could result.

Today, car manufacturers are paying more attention to passenger safety. Features such as anti-lock brakes, skid control, brake force inhibitors, electronic brake distribution, airbags, and other safety features protect passengers in a collision and offer the driver more control of the vehicle in an accident, helping to prevent some Florida car accidents. Features such as airbags can help prevent Florida brain injuries and fatalities, even in a more serious accident. With safety standards and rating widely published, and with more consumer awareness about car safety, car manufacturers are in fact competing with each other to introduce more safety features.

It’s not just car manufacturers who are trying to prevent Florida car accidents. In the past twenty years, laws regarding drunk driving accidents, DUI, speeding, and other violations have become more stringent. As well, Florida has hired more officers over the years in order to enforce traffic laws more fully.

The focus on safety appears to be paying off. Fatal Florida car accidents have decreased almost 30% since 2005. The number of fatal Florida drunk driving accidents has also decreased 15% between 2008 and 2009. In 2009, Florida traffic deaths dropped for the fourth consecutive year. While there are still many preventable Florida traffic accidents and personal injuries, the statistics suggest some movement in the right direction.

Beach driving is a Florida tradition – but one that can easily lead to Florida car accidents and serious injuries. Beach driving involves the practice of driving on packed beach sand, often on public beaches with plenty of beachgoers. The result, not surprisingly, can lead to Florida pedestrian accidents and serious injuries.

The practice is long-lived. As early as the first Ford models, drivers were using hard-packed sand at Florida’s beaches to drive. In the 1930s, even races were held on Florida’s beaches, a practice that was not stopped until 1960. Not surprisingly, numerous Florida personal injuries resulted in lawsuits over the practice. Environmentalists have also filed lawsuits against beach drivers, hoping to preserve sea turtles. Homeowners with waterfront properties have also tried to take beach drivers to court, hoping to preserve their beachfront properties.

Today, many beaches prohibit beach driving, however the practice is not officially illegal on all of Florida’s beaches. As well, the results of lawsuits have been mixed. This year, a judge ruled against a New Smyrna Beach, deciding that beach driving did not infringe on the homeowner’s property rights. Softer sand and environmental changes have also meant that in some Florida areas, beach driving has simply become unfeasible.

New Smyrna Beach and Daytona Beach still permit beach driving, but St. Augustine beach has banned the practice following a tragic accident ten years ago. Volusia County also still permits beach driving, but has posted signage advising drivers to stick to the 10 mph speed limit at all times.

Beach drivers interested in taking their cars onto a beach would do well to travel during less busy days at the beach. Busy beach days mean lots of children playing on the beach – and young children may simply not be aware of the dangers of playing near a car. Obeying the speed limit and driving with extra caution are also important to prevent a tragedy.

Parents with young children might want to check beach driving regulations before heading to a beach. Beaches that do not permit beach driving are often safer for very young children, who are more likely to be injured by a car on a beach.

Many fatal Florida truck accidents and car accidents take place on highways. The high speed allowed on highways combined with occasional driver error and high traffic often results in dangerous conditions that lead to serious accidents. After the fourth of July weekend in 2007, for example, the Florida Highway Patrol reported 31 people were killed on Florida highways. There are many that such accidents on the highways can be avoided:

1) Wear a seatbelt. According to the FHP, in about 67% of fatal Florida highway car accidents, seatbelts were not worn. Wearing a seat belt is the law in Florida. You can receive a fine and ticket for failing to wear your seatbelt. Even more seriously, you could lose your life or sustain a serious injury in an accident if you fail to wear your seat belt. Many Florida brain injury patients and spinal cord patients sustained their injuries because they were in a car accident and were not wearing a seat belt at the time.

2) Do not drive under the influence. Florida drunk driving accidents claim many lives. Driving with an excessive blood alcohol limit in Florida can mean license suspension, fines, and even jail time. It can also cost lives. If you have had one or more drinks, avoid driving.

3) Do not drive while tired. Fatigued Florida drivers are an especial danger on Florida highways, since highway driving involves higher speeds and therefore faster response times. A small error caused by fatigue on a Florida highway can easily lead to a fatal car accident.

4) Obey posted speed limits and other signage. The faster you drive, the more likely you are to lose control of your vehicle. As well, when you speed on Florida highways, you often do not leave yourself enough time to respond to a potential hazard, increasing the likelihood of a car accident. Road signs are there to protect you – obey them.

5) Avoid distractions when driving. Texting, talking on your cell phone, or being distracted in any way behind the wheel is as dangerous as drunk driving – and may contribute to just as many accidents. Before getting in your car, turn off your mobile devices and prepare to give your full attention to driving. Distracted driving is especially dangerous on Florida’s highways, where you may have only seconds to react to prevent an accident.

Many things can affect your visibility on the road, and all these factors can increase your risk of a car accident. Keep in mind that these factors can affect your ability to drive safely:

1) Excessive light. Street lights, headlights, the sun, and glare can all affect your ability to see correctly. Too much light is blinding and in Florida there are many bright days where visibility on the roads is affected. There are many ways that you can ensure a safe drive, even when the light is too bright. Using a sun visor and sunglasses can help, especially on bright days and at sunrise and sundown. Following other cars at a safe distance helps to ensure you are not blinded by their headlights. If you are being blinded by high beams from oncoming traffic, look at the white lines on the side or right of the road until the car passes.

2) Inadequate light. Many Florida truck accidents and car accidents in rural areas are caused at least in part by inadequate light. Poor streetlight placement and dark nights can make it hard to see, even when you use your headlights. In these situations, it is best to use your headlights and to reduce speed to get home safely.

3) Poor weather. Florida fog, rain, wind, and storms can create poor visibility conditions that lead to Florida car accidents and traffic accidents of all types. If possible, avoid driving in bad weather. If you must drive or are caught in bad weather, slow down, turn your headlights on so that other cars can see you, and use your windshield wipers to keep your view as clear as possible. In foggy conditions, use low-beam headlights to light your way. If the weather suddenly becomes so bad that you cannot see the road in front of you, pull over and wait a few minutes (leaving your blinkers on) until the weather improves.

4) Roadway obstructions. Florida construction, hills, and winding roads can affect your ability to see what is coming up, making it harder to anticipate hazards and avoid them. Even trucks can be a problem if they block your view of the road. In these conditions, slow down and try to scan ahead as much as possible. Use signage in construction areas to guide you and to help you avoid a Florida pedestrian accident.

Florida streets and highways have become busier than ever over the past generation, and experts agree that increased traffic also means an increase in the number of Florida truck accidents, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents. In fact, some research suggests that nationally the number of registered vehicles has tripled while the number of licensed drivers has doubled over the last three decades. The increased traffic means more people sharing the road, which means more congestion and more risk.

While many Florida drivers are safe and do their best to avoid Florida pedestrian accidents and other traffic accidents, not all drivers are skilled. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration polls drivers annually about their driving behaviors. Drivers in a recent survey admitted to the following risky behaviors in the week before taking the survey:

*26% failed to stop entirely at a stop sign
*23% drove at least 10 mph over the posted speed limit at least once on a highway
*8% drove after drinking

Breaking such bad habits can help prevent many Florida driving accidents, since these bad habits contribute to far too many accidents each year. Florida drunk driving accidents, for example, claim lives all year long, but preventing these accidents is so simple. There are many ways that you can break bad driving habits and make the roads safer for everyone:

1) Take responsibility for your driving. Many people assume that others are bad drivers and research has shown that most drivers overestimate their driving ability. Even if you believe that other drivers are responsible for bad habits, do admit your own bad habits and take charge.

2) Learn what your own bad habits are. Do others point out driving mistakes you are making? Have you received a ticket for a traffic violation lately? No one likes to hear criticism of their driving skills, but take a deep breath and consider the areas where your driving could use some work.

3) Get regular upgrades of your driving skills. Even if you drive every day, you can help break bad habits and help avoid accidents by improving your driving skills periodically. Taking a refresher course, racing course, or defensive driving course can help you brush up on your skills and can help you develop better habits – good habits that can help prevent a Florida accident some day. If you drive as part of your job, your employer may even be willing to cover part of the costs of your training.

A few basic errors by Florida drivers result in a disproportionate number of Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents. Among the riskiest behaviors are:

1) Speeding. About two out of three polled drivers admit to speeding on occasion. However, even going 5 miles an hour over the speed limit can put you at an increased risk of car accidents, especially in bad weather or with poor road conditions. Many Florida car accidents are caused by people simply driving too quickly for Florida conditions. About one third of all fatal car accidents are caused at least in part by speeding. Speeding can increase your risk of an accident up to sixfold, but usually only saves a few minutes of time.

2) Not giving right of way. Florida drivers are busy drivers, and even courteous drivers sometimes fail to follow right-of-way rules. About 40% of all car accidents and Florida truck accidents take place at intersections, meaning that right of way rules played at least a part in the collision.

4) Tailgating. Not giving other vehicles enough room can increase the risk of collisions. Following too closely is especially dangerous around large commercial trucks. Many Florida trucking accidents each year, for rexample, are caused by passenger vehicles following trucks too closely. Trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, so give them more room. As well, in poor conditions, all vehicles take longer to stop, so it pays to give additional room.

5) Distracted driving. Drivers often feel that they can multi-task while they drive, but this is not the case. Research has concluded that distracted driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Whether you are talking on the phone, applying cosmetics, changing CDs, texting, eating, or fixing your hair, your eyes and mind are not on the road – which is where they should be.

6) Drunk driving. Unfortunately, even with extensive education campaigns, Florida drunk driving accidents are all too common. Even one drink can put some people beyond the legal blood alcohol limit. Drinking coffee or sipping water will not sober you up – only time can do that. If you have been drinking, it’s simple: don’t get behind the wheel.

Distracted driving has been in the news. Most Florida drivers know that distracted driving can help increase the risk of Florida car accidents. However, many drivers may not realize just how significant a risk distracted driving really is. Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a sturdy in 2006, in which they studies motorists using 100 cameras for more than one year. The cameras were used to capture all types of motorist behaviors in an effort to determine what activities impacted driving ability.

Researchers found that drivers were sleepy and were eating, applying cosmetics, drinking, smoking, reading, and using mobile devices while driving. Researchers also concluded that in about 65% of close calls and in about 80% of all car accidents, distracting behaviors such as these played a key role. The study found that sleepiness increased the risk of a car accident by a minimum of fourfold. Researchers concluded that women were more likely to be in car accidents caused by distracted driving.

The 2006 study concluded that cell phones, cosmetics, and mobile devices posed a special risk in cars. Drivers who were dialing a number on their mobile devices increased their risk of a car accident 2.8 times when compared with non-distracted drivers. Female drivers applying cosmetics were 3.1 times more likely to be in a car accident than non-distracted drivers.

Eating and drinking can also be major distractions when it comes to driving. According to the study, motorists who ate on the road had 1.6 to 1 odds of being in a car accident. While drinking alone was not associated with a higher risk of collision (provided that the drink was not alcoholic), the major risk with drinking is spilling one’s drink and being distracted by it. Researchers found that dropping an object (such as a drink) and trying to recover it increased the risk of a close call or car accident nine fold. It proved one of the most dangerous activities to do while driving.

Although the study found that smoking was not necessarily a distraction, researches found that anything which removed motorists’ eyes from the road for two seconds or more increased risk of a collision or near miss. The implication for Florida motorists is clear: To prevent Florida car accidents and the injuries caused by collisions, motorists’ eyes must remain on the road. Any activity that removes the eyes from the road for even two seconds can cause a serious accident.

Many Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities are caused by accidents on our roads. To help prevent these devastating collisions, drivers must start to look beyond just gadgets as a distraction. Any activity that removes your eyes from the road can cause a Florida pedestrian accident or car accident.

Driver training and licensing are meant to ensure that all new Florida drivers have the basic skills needed to safely operate a car. Despite this, young drivers and new drivers do have a higher accident rate. Partly, this is because even the most advanced Florida driving schools and training classes simply cannot cover all the possible elements of driving safely. Most schools do not carefully instruct drivers about driving in bad weather, night driving, and other necessary driving skills. There is simply no time. As well, even the best Florida driving instruction classes do not make up for practice, which is really what is needed to improve your driving skills.

If you are a new driver – whether you are 16 or 60 – you can help prevent Florida car accidents by exercising some additional precautions for the first 3-6 months after you get your license:

1) Get additional training. The driver’s training you take to obtain your license is usually very rudimentary. Additional training with a qualified instructor can help you hone your skills and can help you stay more confident behind the wheel. Defensive training, additional in-car sessions, and even racing schools are excellent investments that can help you avoid accidents and injuries.

2) Drive with an experienced driver. Driving occasionally with a good driver can help ensure that you don’t develop bad habits early on. A good driver can notice and help gently correct and problems you are having.

3) Avoid night driving until your driving skills improve. Night driving means lower visibility as well as more intoxicated drivers on the road. Since your driving skills and defensive driving skills are only developing, it is too easy to get involved in a Florida drunk driving accident because of someone else’s negligence. If you need to drive at night, at least get some in-car night driving training with a qualified instructor first.

4) Do not drink and drive. Even small amounts of alcohol (amounts that keep you below the legal limit) can make you drowsy and can affect your driving skills. Do not add to Florida drunk driving statistics – do not have any alcohol while driving. As well, take another look at the over-the-counter medications and prescription medications you take. Do any of them make you drowsy? If so, talk to your doctor about getting different medication, since these substances can also increase your risk for accidents.

5) Do not take on passengers until you improve your skills. Passengers are a distraction, even when they don’t mean to distract. The more passengers you take on, the greater your risk of being in a Florida pedestrian accident or traffic accident. Wait until you hone your skills first.

For many Florida teens, a driver’s license is a rite of passage. Even with graduated licensing, getting a Florida driving license involves getting a permit and getting basic training behind the wheel. While teens have to pass a road test to get their driver’s license, most newly-licensed teens do not have the extensive experience needed to stay truly safe on the roads. As well, many teen drivers may be at risk because they are easily swayed by peer pressure and because some teens overestimate their driving skills.

Although teens account for only 7% of all drivers, nearly 14% of fatal car accidents involve teen drivers. Male teens under 24 years of age have a an auto-related death rate that is 2.5 times the national average. For teens ages 15-19, car accidents are the leading cause of death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4, 877 teens were killed in 2000 alone as a result of preventable car accidents. Many more sustained serious injuries as a result of accidents. According to the NHTSA, 36% of teens involved in car accidents in 2000 were drinking and 58% were speeding when a collision took place. In addition to causing injuries to teen drivers, car accidents involving teen drivers also cause serious injuries to innocent motorists and bystanders. Many Florida head injuries, spinal cord injuries and other serious injuries are caused by teen drivers each year.

Researcher Dr. Dennis Doverspike has studied teen drivers and risk-taking attitudes among teens at the University of Akron and has concluded that it can take years for driving skills to develop and most teens simply do not have those years of on-the-road experience it takes for driving to become automatic. As well, Dr. Doverspike notes that no states require teens to demonstrate a proficiency in high-speed traffic or different weather conditions before getting a license.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many accidents involving teen drivers occur when a driver has been drinking, during recreational driving, after dark, and when there are multiple passengers in the car. However, according to the NHSTA, when parents become more involved, teen car accident risks can dip. There are many things that the NHSTA reports parents can do to help keep teen drivers safe:

1) Insist on seat belt use. According to the most recent statistics, up to 50% of teens who were killed in car accidents in previous years were not wearing their seat belt at the time of impact. Many Florida spinal cord injuries and brain injuries could be prevented each year as well if everyone wore a seat belt every time they stepped into a car.

2) Get familiar with your teen’s driving habits. Drive with your teen. Does he or she drive aggressively, use a cell phone while driving, or exhibit other bad habits? Consider your own habits – are you a good role model for your teen when it comes to driving? If your teen is making dangerous mistakes, consider additional training and classes to boost your teen’s driving skills.

3) Discourage your teen from taking the car on the weekend and at night. This is when car accidents are most likely to happen. At the very least, ensure that your teen gets some training with a professional instructor specifically addressing high-traffic driving and night driving.

4) Have your teen pay their own car insurance. Since any infraction can increase premiums, this can be a nice motivator for your teen to keep their records clean.

5) Restrict the number of friends your teen can have in the car at one time. Teen drivers are more likely to crash if they have multiple passengers.

While most Florida car accidents take place on the roads, the simple act of filling up your car or stopping at a gas station also has its hazards. Some serious Florida burn injuries take place at gas pumps. In many cases, gas station accidents are entirely preventable, simply by:

1) Obeying gas station signs. Most gas stations have signs clearly indicating no smoking and no cell phone use at the pumps. It is vital to follow these directions, since most gas stations have seen plenty of gas spilled and gas is highly flammable. Just having a lit cigarette near the fumes and spilled gas can lead to tragedy.

2) Being careful when pulling into and out of gas stations. At certain times of day, there are bottlenecks and busy periods at most gas stations. Cars may jockey for space at the pumps and some motorists are more aggressive than others when trying to get gas. Slow down and stay alert. Some Florida car accidents take place each year at gas stations, and Florida pedestrian accidents are also likely at a station where motorists are zipping to and from their cars.

3) Keeping your face away when pouring gas. Whether pumping gas at a pump or pouring gas into a container, keep your face well away. Gas in the eye area stings and burns as well. If you get gas in your eye, rinse your eyes very well with water. Your eyes may sting for a few hours. If your eyes do not get better, see a physician.

4) Using extra caution when pouring gas into gas cans. It is easy to spill gas in this way and get gas in your eyes. Always fill gas cans on the ground (never in a car or truck bed) and wear protective goggles or eye wear if possible to prevent contact with your eyes. If you need to fill a container with gas, make sure that it is a container designed for storing gasoline and is in good condition. An incorrect container can cause gas spills, which can lead to burns.

5) Avoiding stepping in and out of your car while you pump has. The simple static this causes can cause a fire and burn injuries. Gasoline has a flash point of only -40 F, making it very flammable.

6) Washing your hands thoroughly after pouring or pumping gasoline. If you rub your eyes without washing your hands first, you could irritate the eye area. As well, you don’t want to grab a sandwich and end up eating gasoline with your snack.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are two deaths each day across the country in work zones. At this time of year, construction sites and road work zones are more prevalent as the nice weather permits building work which cannot always be completed in the winter. However, drivers out for summer errands are not always cautious about slowing down or staying well out of the way of crews and workers, and this can and does cause many Florida truck accidents and car accidents each summer. According to experts, there are several things that drivers can do to make roadways safer for everyone:

1) Stay alert to construction work and road work signs. In most areas, signage is posted well ahead. Stay alert to these signs and pay attention to the new speed limits, hazards, and lane changes in the area. Being prepared can ensure that you can ease into the new driving situation carefully.

2) Stay alert for others in the construction area. Work areas have a way of pushing everyone together – pedestrians, motorists, city workers, trucks, and bicyclists. You need to be cautious about these other individuals sharing the road with you. Each year, serious Florida bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents occur at work sites. Make sure to stay alert and be prepared for the fact that some pedestrian and bicyclists may not be obeying the rules.

3) Always obey the posted speed limits in work zones and construction areas. Many Florida construction site accidents occur when motorists surpass safe speed limits. While it may be frustrating to have to slow down if you are in a hurry, there are workers working only a few feet away from you. When you speed, you increase the chances that you will hit and injure one of these workers.

4) Maintain a larger distance between you and the car in front of you. Construction vehicles may be pulling in and out of the work zone, and this can cause sudden stoppages in traffic. A larger distance gives you more space to stop safely, without rear-ending the car in front of you.

5) Use extra caution around the flag person. The flag person or flagger is standing in the road area and you need to obey their signage. However, do not just go because a flag person waves you on. Check traffic first to make sure it is safe to do so. Each year, accidents are caused by a small mistake or miscommunication between a flagger and motorist.

According to Allstate, May, June, July, and August are the deadliest months for teen drivers, with the majority of teen car accidents taking place during these months. Each year, according to statistics, about 5,000 teen drivers die on the roads. In addition, many more Florida young drivers are seriously hurt or cause serious Florida pedestrian accidents or bicycle accidents on the roads. Even with graduated licensing programs, which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration claims can reduce car accidents by 20-50%, teens are still at risk for motor vehicle accidents, especially at this time of year.

According to experts, there are many things that parents can do to help their children drive safely this summer:

1) Remind your child to use a seat belt each time they drive. Many Florida brain injuries sustained in car accidents take place because a passenger or driver failed to wear a seat belt. It takes only a few seconds to buckle up, but it can prevent your teen from flying through a windshield in the event of an accident.

2) Give your child license to call you at any time for a ride with no questions asked – and stick to it. Make sure that your teen never drives drunk. Underage Florida drunk driving accidents claim far too many lives each year. Many teens fear the repercussions if their parents find out that they have been drinking or doing drugs, which is why a “no questions, no punishment” rule is important.

3) Tell your teen driver about the dangers of speeding. Speeding reduces response times and increases the odds of fatalities in the event of a collision. Speeding also makes it more likely that minor traffic mistakes end up becoming serious accidents.

4) Enforce a no-distraction rule. Distracted driving causes many Florida car accidents involving young drivers. Young drivers, especially, need to focus on the road as they perfect their driving skills. You may want to institute a no-passenger ban until your teen has honed their driving skills. Also, make sure that your teen does not talk or text on a cell phone when driving. Consider calling them up when you know they will be driving. If they pick up, set an appropriate punishment.