Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Fatigue a Key Risk Factor for Young Drivers in Car Accidents

Published on: May 31, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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How Significant is Fatigued Driving as a Cause of Car Collisions in Coral Gables and Other Communities?

Published on: May 23, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

A study of driver fatigued was recently conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute in association with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The researchers concluded that fatigued driving is a leading cause of car accidents. If you have been driving while sleepy, assuming that it does not put you at an increased risk of a car crash in Coral Gables or your community, the study’s findings may be eye-opening.

Researchers in the study examined 100 vehicles in the Washington DC and Northern Virginian region. The cars were especially equipped with technology ranging from accelerometers to sensors, video and radar, and special lane-tracking software. The technology allowed researchers to not only rely on self-reporting of fatigue from drivers but also allowed them to track drivers who closed their eyelids, yawned, nodded off, or otherwise exhibited signs of fatigued.

The technology was significant because most studies on fatigued driving rely on motorists to self-report signs of fatigue. This technology allowed researchers to actually track signs of fatigue – whether drivers were aware of them or not. While traditional studies have estimated that fatigue causes 2-3% of accidents, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute study found that fatigued drivers account for 20% of car accidents. Researchers further found that younger drivers (between the ages of 18 and 20) were more likely to be in fatigue-related crashes. The study also concluded that fatigue-related car accidents are more likely to occur during the daytime.

Researchers at the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute concluded that motorists who are even only moderately tired when driving are four times more likely to be a collision when compared with rested drivers.

More studies are already underway into fatigued driving, but in the meantime experts agree that avoiding fatigued driving is vital. If you want to avoid being in a car or truck accident in Coral Gables or your community, you will want to:

•Get a good night’s sleep
•Visit your doctor if you notice daytime fatigue or another symptom of a sleep disorder
•Get prompt treatment for sleep disorders
•Do not drive when you are tired
•Rely on public transportation or carpooling if you have a hectic schedule and often work late
•Use extra caution behind the wheel if you work shifts that change your sleep patterns and make you more prone to fatigue
•Do not assume that energy drinks or coffee will make you safer behind the wheel if you are tired – they will not
Studies have already concluded that driving fatigued is as dangerous as driving under the influence, because it can impair your judgment and slow response times in similar ways. Avoid drunk driving accidents in Coral Gables or your community by not driving after drinking, and avoid fatigue-related crashes by not driving when you are tired.

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Preventing Drowsy Driving Car Accidents in Virginia Gardens and Across Florida

Published on: April 11, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Fatigued driving leads to many car accidents in Virginia Gardens and across South Florida. Each year, drowsy drivers fall asleep at the wheel or make driver errors because their response times and motor skills are affected by their fatigue. If you want to prevent these types of car and truck accidents in Virginia Gardens or your community, make sure that you:

1) Be aware of when you might be most at risk of drowsy driving. According to experts, mornings and evenings are high-risk times for drowsy driving, as are weekends and the start of the week. The period immediately after Daylight Saving time is also higher risk. Use extra caution when you are most likely to be fatigued.

2) Create a lifestyle that makes it easy for you to get good quality sleep. In many cases, our lifestyle creates situations where it is harder to get to sleep. For example, research has shown that if you use screens – including TV screens, e- readers, or computer screens – in your bedroom before sleep you may have a harder time getting adequate rest. Light pollution and even small lights in the bedroom can also impede your ability to sleep, as can noises. In addition, a stressful work environment can make it harder for you to fall asleep at night and stay asleep. Cultivate a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate rest, exercise, and quality nutrition. Outsource some of your work or work to make your time commitments reasonable. You may experience better health and you may also be less at risk of traffic accidents.

3) Take note of any feelings of fatigue. Before you drive, notice whether you feel tired. In fact, get into the habit of evaluating your mental state throughout the day. If you notice unexplained feelings of fatigue frequently, this could be the sign of a sleep disorder or another serious issue. See your doctor promptly in order to get help.

4) Do not overschedule yourself. Having too much to do means that you are more likely to drive distracted, more likely to speed, and more likely to get inadequate rest. All of these things can lead to a traffic accident in Virginia Gardens or your community. Overscheduling yourself can also lead to excessive stress and can reduce the quality of your life (and your sleep). Learn new ways to manage your time so that you can get everything done without overburdening your schedule.

5) Look into carpool and other driving options. If you drive everywhere or have to drive many miles per day, it’s easy to get exhausted and overwhelmed. Consider commuting using public transportation. This can give you a chance to do something else – such as listen to quiet music or read – while someone else takes care of the driving. Or, consider carpooling. This can also give you a break from constantly having to drive everywhere and can even help you save money.

6) Don’t just over-caffeinate. If drivers are tired, they often simply zip through a drive-through in order to pick up coffee or a soda. Be careful of over-caffeinating rather than treating symptoms. If you are tired all the time, it is important to talk to your doctor rather than just continue drinking caffeine. Drinking caffeine can still lead to a car accident because once the caffeine rush wears off you can fall asleep at the wheel. In addition, drinking too much caffeine can make you jittery and can also lead to a car accident. Caffeine may also not improve your motor skills or response times if you are fatigued.

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FDA Move to Reduce Drug Dosages Could Reduce Car Collisions in Miami and Other Communities

Published on: February 7, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Following concerns that sleeping pills may stay in the bloodstream longer than thought, the FDA has announced that it will require manufacturers of the popular sleeping pill zolpidem – more commonly known by brand names such as Edluar and Ambien – to slash dosage recommendations. The move comes amid new information that the pills may be causing morning drowsiness that can lead to car crashes and other problems. New research suggests that women in particular can process the drug slowly, which can mean that the effects can linger even in the mornings. Other drugs will not be affected.

Under FDA rules, recommended dosages for zolpidem will drop from 10 milligrams to 5 milligrams and will drop to 6.25 milligrams (from a current 12.5 milligrams) for the extended-release products. Last year, a study published in the British Medical Journal determined that up to 500 000 fatalities in the US in 2010 may have been linked to sleeping pill use. The same study concluded that users of sleeping pills increase their risk of early death by fivefold. The FDA has asked for more research from manufacturers of sleeping pills, asking them to complete driver simulations and other research.

Currently, there are no specific studies examining the sleeping aid-related risks of car and truck accidents in Miami and other Florida communities. However, the study published in the British Medical suggests that a number of traffic and car accidents in Miami and other communities may be caused by sleeping pill use and abuse. To reduce the risk of this type of accident, make sure that you:

1) Keep track of any symptoms related to sleep disorders. If you notice snoring, fatigued, disturbed sleep patterns, or other symptoms, speak with your doctor to find a solution. Untreated sleep disorders can cause you to fall asleep at the wheel and can increase your risk of a traffic accident.

2) Consider alternatives to sleeping pills. Work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan. In some cases, lifestyle changes or even changing your sleeping conditions can help you get a better night of rest.

3) If you do take any sleeping pills, speak with your doctor and pharmacist. Make sure the medications do not interact with other medication you may be taking and heed any warnings on the labels. Take the smallest dose of sleeping pills you need and be especially careful when taking a new type of sleeping pill or changing your dosage – as your body adjusts, you may be more sleepy in the mornings or may be more groggy than usual.

4) Get into the habit of checking your fitness to drive before you get into the car. Whether your drowsiness is caused by sleeping pills, sleep disorders, or another reason, if you feel very fatigued when driving you may cause a traffic accident in Miami or your community. Avoid driving when you feel too tired.

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Could Fatigued Doctors Be Causing Car Accidents in Miami Lakes and Across South Florida?

Published on: January 15, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

New research from the Mayo Clinic has found that 11% of medical interns surveyed admitted to being involved in a car accident while being involved in training. Another 43% of medical interns reported a near-miss. While training to become doctors, medical interns often get inadequate sleep and face extreme stress due to the pressure of their studies. The combined pressure and lack of sleep may mean that interns are getting into accidents caused by fatigued driving and distraction.

What Can be Done to Prevent Car Accidents Caused by Fatigued Driving?

In many cases, medical interns experience fatigue because of a culture of high-pressure and long-hour education. While technically the number of hours that medical interns work could be reduced, since the medical training system has always taken place in this manner there is not much pressure to change. This is despite the fact that fatigue may also contribute to medical mistakes and potentially medical malpractice claims in Miami Lakes and across South Florida. After all, if doctors and medical interns are too tired to drive, they may also be responsible for misdiagnosis and other preventable mistakes because they are too fatigued to place their full focus on their job. Changing the culture would go a long way towards preventing personal injuries caused by medical mistakes and by traffic accidents, some experts agree.

Who is Liable in These Types of Car Accidents in Miami Lakes?

If you have been injured in a car accident or pedestrian accident in Miami Lakes or another community caused by a fatigued driver, who is responsible? In most cases, the other driver will be the at-fault driver, but proving fatigued driving can be difficult. It often requires a personal injury attorney working with a private investigator to find answers. In some cases, if a medical intern caused an accident, the place of work may be held partly liable. If the vehicle of the at-fault had a mechanical defect, the manufacturer of the vehicle may also be held partly liable.

Finding multiple liable parties improves the chances that you will be able to pursue fair compensation after an accident. This in turn can help you pay for medical bills, car repair costs, lost income, and other costs associated with the accident. A good personal injury attorney in Miami Lakes or your community will carefully investigate your accident and will aggressively fight for your rights so that you do not have to pay the often-catastrophic costs of your injuries out of pocket.

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Summertime and Drowsy Driving: Why Driving Tired at This Time of Year Leads to Davie Car Accidents

Published on: July 12, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Davie car accidents seem very common during the summer months, when the news is filled with stories of serious accidents and roadway closures caused by collisions. One common cause of many Davie traffic accidents is fatigued driving. Fatigued driving can increase the risk of a Davie car crash in a number of ways. Fatigue, for example, can mean poorer motor control and response times. Studies have shown that driving when tired can result in the same poor motor control and slower response times as drunk driving. If you avoid drinking and driving to avoid a Davie drunk driving accident, you should also avoid driving tired to avoid a car accident.

Fatigue can mean micro-sleeps. When you are very tired, you may feel that you stay aware and awake but research has shown that you actually fall asleep for fractions of a second. This is the body’s way of getting much-needed sleep if you are severely exhausted and not taking the time to rest. You may have no recollection of these micro-sleep cycles but, of course, if they occur when you are behind the wheel of a car they can easily cause a devastating Davie pedestrian accident or traffic accident.

If you suffer from extreme fatigue, you can fall asleep at the wheel. Each year, Davie truck accidents and car accidents occur because an exhausted driver simply falls asleep while driving. When the body becomes so tired that even micro-sleep does not replenish the body, the body simply shuts down. When this occurs on the road, a driver loses complete control of their vehicle and the result is often a serious accident.

Even if you think that you are getting good sleep, you may still be driving tired. Many people assume that they are getting adequate sleep when in fact they are not. Even if you are getting eight hours of sleep a night you may suffer from sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders which can affect your driving ability. If you always wake up tired or find yourself sleepy during the day, even when you get adequate rest, speak with your doctor to find out whether you could have a sleep disorder that could be affecting the quality of rest you enjoy.

Summertime can exacerbate the effects of fatigue, so it especially important to be aware of the dangers of driving fatigued. The bright sun and high heat of Florida summers can lead to drowsiness and can be distracting, making it even harder for fatigued drivers to drive safely. Hot nights can also make it harder for those who already suffer from sleep disturbances to get a good night’s sleep.

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Good Sleep Hygiene Can Help Prevent Florida Car Accidents

Published on: May 19, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

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.

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Why Summer Can Mean More Fatigued Drivers on the Road

Published on: May 12, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

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.

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Why Distracted Driving Can Mean More Florida Car Accidents in the Summer

Published on: May 10, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

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.

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Your Teen Driver’s First Road Trip

Published on: April 21, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

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.

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