Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

A Quick Mental Check Before You Drive Could Save Your Life

Published on: August 5, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Recent studies have shown that one of the most dangerous obstacles to overcome when driving doesn’t have to do with other drivers, poor road design in Hollywood or your community, or the many other things that we tend to associate with road safety problems. Instead, our minds – and specifically, daydreaming – contribute to a large number of car accidents. In fact, studies suggest that daydreams contribute to more collisions than cell phones.

If you want to stay safe on the roads and avoid traffic collisions in Hollywood or your community, you will want to do a quick mental check before you hop in the car. The simple precaution could save your life. A mental check means:

1) Checking for fatigue.

If you are fatigued to the point where your mind feels almost buzzed, you are not safe to drive. Fatigue affects a lot more than just your response times. It can also affect your ability to process information correctly and to make it hard for you to focus. It can also leave you more likely to daydream. If you are tired, take another method of transportation home. Fatigued driving in Hollywood and other communities already causes far too many collisions each year.

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Preventing Motorcycle Accidents in Hollywood and Florida This Summer

Published on: June 19, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many motorcyclists are attracted by summertime in South Florida. Hollywood and surrounding areas offer plenty of wonderful places to enjoy the freedom of the road. Unfortunately, while motorcycles are a great way to experience South Florida, they are not without risks. Each year, about 5000 people across the country are killed in motorcycle accidents and Florida has the unfortunate distinction of being third in the nation for the number of fatal motorcycle crashes.

Both passenger car drivers and motorcyclists need to act in order to prevent motorcycle crashes in Hollywood and across the region. This can be especially important in the summer months, when more people are on the roads and the area sees an influx of visitors.

According to safety experts, there are a number of things that we can all do to help prevent motor vehicle accidents in Hollywood and Florida this summer:

1) Do not speed. Excessive speed is a factor in car, motorcycle, and truck collisions in Hollywood and other communities. Traveling at a safe speed is important, especially for motorcyclists who want to prevent losing control on turns in Hollywood or their communities. Motorcycles can be especially vulnerable in collisions involving speed, so traveling the posted speed limit is crucial.

2) Be wary of blind spots. Passenger cars and large commercial trucks have blind spots in which motorcycles can easily hide. It is vital that drivers of larger vehicles check their blind spots, especially when merging, passing, changing lanes, and turning. However, motorcyclists also need to be aware of the blind spots on larger vehicles and make an effort to stay out of these areas to avoid being involved in broadside collisions in Hollywood or their communities.

3) Consider the conditions when driving or riding. Heavy rain and other weather can affect a motorcyclist’s ability to stop as quickly. Gravel and other road conditions can also affect motorcycles more than they affect passenger car drivers, so it is important to be aware of surroundings at all times.

4) Be prepared when using the road. Fatigued driving, distraction, and drunk driving is equally dangerous, whether you drive a car, truck, or ride a motorcycle. Only use the road when you are physically prepared to do so and have the skill you need to operate your vehicle safely. This means that if you have always driven a car and decide to get a motorcycle, you may wish to get a motorcycle education course.

5) Use good communication on the road. It is important that motorcyclists stay visible and maintain eye contact with drivers around them. It is also vital that all vehicles on the roads, including trucks and cars, use signals and check for the presence of other drivers when driving and turning. No driver can assume that other motorists can see them.

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Are You Unsafe on the Roads? Signs You Need Help to Avoid a Car Crash in Hollywood or Your Community

Published on: June 3, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many motorists feel confident behind the wheel and assume that they are safe from a car or truck accident in Hollywood or their community. While confidence is important when driving, overconfidence can be dangerous, according to safety experts. There are certain red flag signs that you should take steps to make yourself a safer driver by taking additional driving courses or taking other steps to keep yourself and others safe.

For example, you may want to consider additional courses or driving instruction if:

1) You have recently had a serious health concern or condition diagnosed. Any time that you are given a diagnosis for a serious condition or are prescribed a new medication, it is important to ask your doctor and pharmacist how your medication or condition could affect your driving. If your medical situation affects mobility, response times, or any other skill you need for driving you may need rehabilitation or other services to ensure that you get the driving support you need.

2) You have recently made a major move. Have you recently moved from a large city to a rural area? Have you recently moved to a large city? Have you made a move from a warm climate to a place with winter driving? Changes in your climate can mean big changes for you as a driver. For example, if you are not used to driving in winter and suddenly find yourself in a city with harsh snows, you will want to take additional classes or instruction to cope with these changes. Even moving from a rural area to a big city may mean that you need to brush up on parallel parking and other skills to be safe.

3) You have recently had a number of minor fender-benders or near misses. Near misses and minor accidents are a serious sign that you need additional assistance with your driving. Ignoring this sign can mean that you end up in a more serious car accident in Hollywood or your community. Get a checkup from your doctor to see whether there is a medical reason for the issue and get an evaluation from a driving instructor or driving professional to see whether there are specific skills you can work on to reduce your chances of a collision.

4) You are a new driver with less than one year of experience. Teen drivers and new drivers have a higher risk of traffic crashes in Hollywood and other communities because they have less experience and have had less time to practice their driving. In many cases, driver’s education classes feature only a limited time of in-car training and it can be a big benefit for new drivers to get additional one-on-one training with a driving instructor and to get defensive driving training.

5) Your confidence in driving has slipped or is low. If you have been in a serious broadside collision or another type of accident, you may need some training, counseling, or simply some time to get your confidence back. Being proactive in this situation is important, though. You do not want to make mistakes because you are too timid on the roads.

6) It has been more than 15 years since you have had any driving instruction. Most drivers only get driving instruction when they get their license, but this can be a mistake. Driving conditions and even driving laws change. Occasional refresher courses can help drivers deal with faster roads, new distractions, and new driving laws.

7) Friends and family tease you about your bad driving or refuse to drive with you. Sometimes, those closest to us see dangers that we cannot see. This is one area where we want to take the input seriously.

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Could Technology Become the Solution for Distracted Driving in Miami and Other Cities?

Published on: May 29, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Experts have many possible solutions for distracted driving in Miami and other communities. Some suggest educational campaigns or texting bans. Could it be possible, though, that technology could be the solution that helps Florida avoid distraction-related car crashes in Miami and other cities?

Recently, Apple secured a parent for a device which would prevent drivers from texting while driving. The device, called the “driver handheld computing device lock-out” in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office publications, would reportedly shut off the mobile device functions that could distract a driver if the device detected that a driver was both driving and using the device. According to Apple, about 80 percent of car crashes are due to distracted driving.

The trucking industry has also been considering technology which would place sensors and even cameras inside the driver area, allowing for automatic scanning of a trucker’s eyes to detect possible fatigue and distraction. Safety experts state that this type of technology could help prevent many trucking collisions in Miami and across the country. Truck driver fatigue in Miami and other regions continues to be a concern, as does distracted driving. However, there is no indication when this type of technology might become available or widely adopted in trucks. In addition to driver concerns about privacy, cost may be a barrier in this type of technology.

Another type of technology that could help reduce instances of traffic accidents is the autonomous truck and car. Driverless vehicles are being developed by Google and other companies and early indicators suggest that these vehicles could greatly reduce or eliminate the potential for accidents. These vehicles use sensors to automatically drive the vehicle, without input from the driver. It is estimated that in another 10 years, some of the cars and trucks on the road will be this type of driverless model. Proponents of autonomous cars claim that these cars can help resolve the issue of distracted driving. Regardless of the driver’s ability to navigate the vehicle, the car can essentially drive itself, avoiding human error and other issues that can cause traffic accidents.

While experts disagree about which technology options will ultimately end the danger of distracted driving, there is no disagreement about the fact that distracted driving causes car and traffic accidents in Miami and other cities each year. There is also no disagreement about the fact that distracted driving rules can only go so far. Even though Florida has instituted a texting ban, law enforcement admits that it is difficult to apprehend people who are texting because they can simply keep devices out of the way. In addition, safety experts state that there is simply no way to legislate against all possible distractions in the car, including eating, grooming, changing the radio, using hands-free devices, and the many other tasks that can distract from driving.

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What Driving Instructors Know Could Help You Prevent a Car Collision in Hollywood or Your Community

Published on: May 20, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Driving instructors not only drive for long hours, but they meet many types of drivers and of course must know enough about safe driving to be able to actually teach it. It’s no wonder that these professionals have some insights when it comes to prevent car crashes, including head-on collisions, in Hollywood and other cities. Some of their best insights can be narrowed down to three tips:

1) There’s more than one type of driving instruction. Many driving instructors teach more than one type of course – from refresher courses to commercial driving courses to basic driver’s ed and even racing instruction. Unfortunately, most motorists take just one basic driver’s education class before getting their license and never get instruction after that. The reality is that more instruction can make a big difference in driving ability. Taking extra defensive driving classes if you’ve had a few near-misses or getting extra one-on-one help from a qualified instructor if you’ve had a major health event that could impact your driving could make you safer on the roads and can help you prevent a car or pedestrian crash in Hollywood or your community.

2) What you do before you ever get inside the car can make a big difference. Most people see driving as something you do inside the vehicle, but driving instructors tell students that what they do before they turn the key in the ignition goes a long way towards preventing traffic crashes in Hollywood and other communities. Before you driver, make sure that you are well rested and in good health. Take your car in for regular maintenance so that it functions correctly. Make sure the car is in good condition before you hop in and be sure to turn off all your mobile devices before you slide into the driver’s seat. Do a quick check-in before you start the car – are you focused on driving, sober, rested, and ready to drive safely? If the answer is no, you could be putting yourself and others at risk.

3) Panic and emotions are two huge problems on the road. Driving instructors face frightened and nervous new drivers at work each day and know how dangerous anxiety and other strong emotions are on the roads. Being in an emotional state can make drivers reckless and can create mistakes that cost lives. Whether you are angry, anxious, upset, or worried, don’t drive when your emotions are in upheaval. A common problem is that people who have had a medical event or have survived a broadside crash in Hollywood or another accident sometimes feel a lot of anxiety about returning to driving. If this is true for you, look for ways to overcome this obstacle. Talk to a counselor or doctor or get some driving instruction, but make sure you feel confident and calm before you return to driving.

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Best Ways to Reduce Your Risk of a Homestead Car Accident

Published on: May 15, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

It’s pretty clear that good drivers have a lower risk of car crashes in Homestead and other communities – and are safer for other motorists on the road. Which brings up a very interesting question: what exactly is a good driver?

According to the results of an Allstate Insurance survey conducted in 2011, most of us think that we are good drivers. That survey found that 64 percent of people polled self-identified as “very good” or “excellent” drivers. When those same survey participants were asked about friends, only 29 percent of responders thought their friends were very good drivers and only 22 percent thought peer groups were very good drivers.

Over-confidence doesn’t just make for amusing survey results, though. Driving instructors point out that too much confidence behind the wheel can also mean a risk of collisions. To be safe, drivers need to be realistic about their driving ability and to seek help if they need it. Someone who has been injured or who has suffered a health situation such as a stroke, for example, may need help learning to drive safely again with a slightly different physical ability. Similarly, new drivers may need additional instruction and practice to truly become comfortable on the roads. Even someone who moves from Florida to a cold climate or from a smaller community to a larger city with busier streets may benefit from some refresher courses to ensure that driving skills are as strong as possible. In order to request more help and training, though, drivers need to be willing to admit that they could use a little extra advice and classes.

In addition to a realistic assessment of driving ability, driving instructors and safety experts say that drivers can be a good driver by:

•Driving defensively
•Making good decisions before and during driving
•Obeying driving laws
•Driving only when well-rested and sober
•Committing to getting an alternative mode of transportation when drunk or otherwise unable to drive safely
•Making a conscious decision to drive safely
•Yielding right of way
•Leaving adequate space for the car in front
•Obeying posted speed limits
•Exercising patience and courtesy on the roads
•Keeping focus on the road and on driving
Essentially, being a considerate and law-obeying driving not only makes you a better driver, but also a safer one. When you exercise a little patience and obey driving rules, you are less likely to be involved in a traffic collision in Homestead or your community.

Of course, even if you do everything right you could still end up being injured by a reckless driver. The more people drive safely, the safer everyone sharing roadways may be, but it only takes one bad driver to cause a serious broadside crash or head-on collision. If you have been injured in a car or motorcycle collision in Homestead or your Florida community and believe that the crash was caused by negligence, you may wish to consult with a lawyer about seeking a civil claim. Pursing justice in your case can help you seek compensation for your financial losses, but it can also send a message that negligent driving will not be tolerated.

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How Autonomous Emergency Braking (EAB) Promises to Curb Car Collision in Miami and Across the Country

Published on: April 22, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

In a car collision in Miami or another community, brakes are very significant when it comes to preventing a crash or minimizing impact. In many cases, a collision can be prevented entirely if a driver stops in time. However, panic, distraction, and driver error can mean that drivers make the wrong decision when it comes to braking. A motorist may not notice an imminent accident in time to hit the brakes or may hit the brakes too sharply, losing control of the vehicle and causing a collision. In trucking accidents in Miami and other communities, big rig and tractor trailer drivers can also brake incorrectly, leading to collisions or rollovers.

A new technology developed by car manufacturers could help reduce crashes in the future by curbing these braking problems. Autonomous Emergency Braking (EAB) uses radar and cameras to detect what is happening around a car. If the system detects that a crash is imminent, it applies the brakes to prevent an accident. Safety experts say that it could be an especially effective technology to combat distracted driving in Miami and other cities. Even if a driver is not paying attention to the road or is distracted by something else, the car can safety brake for the motorist. Possibly, this could help prevent some rear-end collisions in Miami and other cities.

In addition to Autonomous Emergency Braking, car manufacturers are also working on a blind spot detection system for trucks which would allow drivers to “see” behind their trailer and along the sides of their truck. This technology may be available as early as next year.

Another feature that targets distracted driving is an interior infrared camera that checks a driver’s line of sight. The camera can detect whether a driver is paying attention to the road ahead of them and signals an alert of some type if the system detects that the driver is distracted. In the future, car makers may be able to use facial-recognition software with the cameras in order to personalize driving in cars, letting drivers automatically set their favorite radio and temperature controls simply by getting behind the wheel. It is even possible that the same camera systems could be used to prevent car theft, since cars with the technology would essentially “recognize” their drivers.

On the one hand, it is unfortunate that distracted driving is so endemic that car manufacturers are trying to work around it rather than finding solutions which allow drivers to simply focus more. On the other hand, the reality is that distracted driving does seem to be so widespread (and dangerous) that any technology which makes the roads safer is welcome.

What do you think? Do you think this technology will eventually mean safer streets in Miami or your community?

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Motorcycle Safety in Hollywood and Florida

Published on: March 11, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Two active-duty service members were killed in motorcycle accidents in Florida last month, and this has shone a spotlight on motorcycle safety in the state. Representatives of the Department of Defense have stated that they have developed a number of safety requirements after seeing a number of motorcycle accidents among members of the military.

Currently, there are about 1,500 service members in the Florida Panhandle who are registered motorcyclists. Military officials say that many members of the military are interested in motorcycles and choose to buy the vehicles. To help prevent motorcycle accidents and car accidents in Hollywood and Florida, the military requires that members of the military:

•Register their motorcycles with military safety officials
•Wear protective and reflective gear
•Attend required safety training courses for motorcyclists
•Wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle
In addition to these efforts, some military bases are holding safety rallies or mentor rides, which allow more experienced riders to pass on safety tips to new motorcycle owners.

According to the military, these efforts appear to be paying off. Ten years ago, about 30 to 50 service members were dying in motorcycle accidents annually. Now, the number is about ten. While ten fatalities a year is still too many, it does appear that the military has been successful in helping members of the military ride more safely.

The safety awareness and efforts should be of interest to anyone interested in preventing traffic collisions in Hollywood and across Florida. One of the most interesting things about the military’s efforts is that the military is creating rules which exceed the safety rules required of motorcyclists in the general Florida population. For example, the average non-military motorcyclist in Florida can avoid wearing a helmet simply by carrying at least $10 000 or more in insurance, but the military requires its members to wear a helmet. Given that so many brain injury patients in Hollywood and other communities sustain their injuries in motorcycle accidents and traffic accidents, that just makes sense.

What can we learn from the military? There are a few things that the average motorcyclist can take away from their efforts in order to reduce their risk of a motorcycle crash in Hollywood or their community:

•Additional training is better. Riding a motorcycle is nothing like driving a car, and getting additional training can help new motorcyclists learn the important safety information they need to stay safe on the road.

•Wear more safety gear than required by law. Even though you may not need a helmet because of your insurance, wearing a helmet each time you ride – as well as reflectors and other safety gear – is an important step in staying safe.

•Learn from other motorcyclists. The mentor rides and motorcyclist rallies the military set up are especially interesting. Learning about other motorcyclists’ experiences and advice is useful, because motorcyclists may be more inclined to learn from their peers. Talk to other motorcyclists and you may find out how important safety really is.

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4 Tech Improvements Homestead Drivers May Want to Know About

Published on: March 6, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

For drivers in Homestead, truck accidents and car accidents are a concern. They are also a concern for car manufacturers, who have been developing new technologies that not only make driving more exciting but also in some cases may be able to help prevent traffic crashes. According to industry experts, there are four tech areas that drivers will want to keep an eye on:

1) The connected car. OnStar has been available since 1996, allowing drivers to communicate with others in the event of an accident, mechanical issue, or other problem. Not only are more companies getting into the market, but OnStar and other companies are working to make improvements all the time, looking into services such as self-texting cars.

2) The car technology that lets your car communicate with the world around it. Many car manufacturers are experimenting with technology that includes sensors and GPS systems that allow the car to analyze the roadway around it. This technology could allow a car to take action if another car drove too close, for example, and maneuvers were needed to prevent a collision. It could also allow the car to adjust automatically to challenging weather conditions and other dangers.

3) The self-driving car. On this blog, we’ve written about driverless cars before. It’s difficult not to get excited about the technology which could eventually help prevent traffic collisions in Homestead and other communities by taking driver error out of the equation. Most car experts agree that this is where cars (and airplanes and trucks) are headed in the future. In the meantime, though, many car manufacturers are releasing cars that have some of this technology. Some cars released now have technology that lets the cars park themselves or perform other basic functions automatically. In the next few years, semi-autonomous cars will become more popular. These cars can virtually drive themselves, but still require some input from the driver.

4) Infotainment. Cars are being connected to the Internet and are expected to provide more information as well as entertainment. Drivers today can check emails, surf the internet, browse their online photo album, and even have a scrolling list of photos from their phone displayed on the dash. Customers demand connectivity and infotainment, so it is likely that car manufacturers will continue to enhance these options in future models, but safety experts say that this technology comes at a price. Driver distraction in Homestead and other communities has been linked to collisions and more infotainment in the car can mean less focus on the road.

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New Study Suggests Link Between ADHD and Car Accidents in Miami and Other Cities

Published on: February 6, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

A number of medical conditions have been linked to higher rates of traffic collisions. Much has been written about the link between sleep apnea, for example, and truck accidents in Miami and other cities. ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is one condition that has not been linked with an increased risk of truck and car accidents in Miami and other cities, but a new Swedish study suggests that it is a condition which should be considered in any city hoping to make its roads safer.

Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden examined 17,000 ADHD patients and examined the number of traffic accidents these patients experienced between 2006 and 2010. The researchers also examined drivers who did not have ADHD during the same time frame. The study found that adult drivers with the condition were more likely to be involved in crashes when compared with drivers who did not have the health concern. However, the scientists also found that ADHD patients who took medication were safer on the roads.

The study found that 6.5% of male drivers and 4% of female drivers with ADHD had at least one serious accident, compared to about 2% of the study’s subjects who did not suffer from the condition. For male drivers, researchers found that male drivers with ADHD who were taking medication for the condition were 30% less likely to be involved in a serious crash when compared with ADHD patients who were not taking medication. For female drivers with ADHD, however, there seemed to be no link between accident rates and medication. Researchers found that drivers taking medication to control their ADHD could reduce their risk of a collision by about 58% overall.

The study’s authors suggested that patients with ADHD may be at an increased risk of collisions because the condition can lead to distraction or difficulty focusing. However, the researchers also noted that the scope of the study did not allow them to determine who was at fault in the accidents studied, so it is possible that ADHD patients may have less ability to avoid collisions caused by other drivers. Researchers noted that more studies need to be done to determine how medication could affect female drivers’ risk of accidents.

The study’s authors also noted that while medication seems to assist patients in controlling symptoms and avoiding accidents, it is important to consider potential side effects of any medication and to discuss these side effects – as well as what they may mean for road safety – with doctors and pharmacists. In fact, when facing any medical condition or taking any new condition, it is important to consult with a doctor and pharmacist. Many medications and medical conditions can create symptoms that can lead to a traffic collision in Miami or your community.

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