Recent results show that truck drivers, bus drivers, rail operators and even pilots are flunking their drug tests and performing their jobs under the influence of illegal drugs. The problem is that these employees work in the safety industry and are responsible for hundreds, if not thousands, of people's lives.
Recent studies conducted by Qwest Diagnostics show, in random drug tests throughout the country, that drug and alcohol use have dramatically increased, including a 33 percent increase in positive cocaine results. The U.S. Department of Transportation has also added heroin and ecstasy to the list of drugs for which it screens transportation workers. The worry is that increased use of drugs and/or alcohol on the job leads to an increase in accidents and injuries.
]]> Disturbing RamificationsUnion representatives report lack of sleep and exhausting schedules as one reason for the increase, particularly among truck drivers. Whatever the cause, the alarming rate of drug use in this industry has some disturbing ramifications.
The major issue in this scenario is the safety concern. These workers are responsible for the well-being of the people who have entrusted their lives to them. People count on them to be accurate, alert and in control of not only themselves, but also the situations around them.
When safety operators are not clear-headed, accidents happen. And when these safety workers are airplane pilots, train operators or other mass transit workers, the results of their inabilities can be catastrophic, with significant injuries and even casualties.
Source: CBS News, "More 'safety' workers testing positive for drugs," Cari Nierenberg, 3/22/2012.
]]>Now is a good time for all riders to review and practice safe operation of their two-wheeled motor vehicles.
More than 60 percent of accidents with motorcycles, mopeds and scooters also involve another type of motor vehicle. This is a scary prospect considering there are so few physical protections when riding. Wearing appropriate clothing and gear, however, can lessen the chances for severe injuries during minor accidents. Motorcycle helmets, protective or reflective jackets and pants, leather gloves and goggles or masks are all a must when riding.
]]> To increase both confidence and awareness on the road, avid bikers should attend local rider courses, either for the first time or as review. These courses typically include defensive riding practices and other tips for safe riding, as well as how to take bikes down during emergency situations.Knowing how to ride defensively can save a rider's life, because all too often drivers of passenger cars and other larger vehicles fail to see motorcycles and pull out in front of or merge into them. Riders have to be more focused on and attentive to other vehicles around them. Also being aware of the best practices for riding under certain weather or environmental conditions is important. Conditions like heavy rains, gusty winds, sand-or gravel-covered roads, potholes and curvy terrain can cause unique challenges and dangers for riders of two-wheeled motor vehicles.
The time is also ripe for drivers of cars, trucks and other vehicles to remember how to share the roads with bikers.
Look for more motorcycles and other two-wheeled motor vehicles on the roads during warmer months and give riders the same respect and right-of-way privileges as other vehicles on the road. Pay particular attention for motorcycles at intersections or when changing lanes on highways, as these are when most accidents with bikes occur. Also remember to increase your stopping distance around these vulnerable vehicles, which creates a safer zone in which riders can maneuver as needed.
Both riders and drivers should avoid drinking alcohol and then operating their vehicles to further prevent unnecessary motorcycle accidents, injuries and deaths.
If you or your loved one was recently in a moped, scooter or motorcycle accident, contact a California personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal rights and options. A lawyer with experience litigating motorcycle crashes may be able to help you receive compensation for your injuries.
Source: Green Bay Press Gazette, "Safety first: Play nice with motorcycles," 4/16/12.
]]>The study overwhelmingly showed that speed limiters have a profound impact on reducing or mitigating truck crashes, as well as their severity.
Speed limiters, sometimes called governors, are devices that electronically monitor and cap a vehicle's top speed. When implemented, speed limiters use multiple sensors to calculate a vehicle's speed and then transmit it to the engine's computer. When a programmed top speed is reached, the computer restricts the flow of air and gas to the engine and controls the combustion process to prevent a vehicle from going too fast. Critics of speed limiter technology can no longer deny their safety benefits, based on the FMCSA study findings.
]]> To perform its analysis, study researchers reviewed actual crash data that was compiled by trucking companies. The data included over 15,000 truck accidents of varying degrees from 20 different fleets, which contained around 138,000 trucks. Overall, the study's findings indicated that speed limiters provide significantly positive benefits.Researchers found that when trucks without speed limiters were compared to those equipped with these devices, there was a decreased accident rate of around 50 percent. The price of implementing speed limiters is minimal, so if these were required, trucking companies would be able to install speed limiters in their fleets without much financial burden. This confirms that the cost of mandatory speed limiters would be far outweighed by the safety benefits to both the drivers and the general public.
The American Trucking Association (ATA) originally petitioned the FMCSA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about mandating speed limiters in trucks six years ago. Although many countries already require speed limiters in commercial vehicles, the NHTSA only began considering mandatory speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks last year. The ATA is also advocating a national speed limit of 65 miles per hour for all vehicles to further reduce crashes and increase road safety, but this has yet to be addressed by any U.S. agencies or lawmakers.
If you or your loved one was recently involved in a motor vehicle accident involving a commercial vehicle or truck, contact a local personal injury attorney immediately. An investigation may uncover whether the driver's speed or other negligent driving practices were an issue in the accident, which would make both the driver and trucking company liable for damages like medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Source: Truck News, "New study confirms 'profound' safety benefits from speed limiters," 3/28/12.
]]>During the four years since the law was first passed, traffic fatalities have decreased by 22 percent according to the study, with a stunning decrease of 47 percent in deaths where the responsible driver was using a hand-held cellphone. Other studies about the California law confirm the downward trend between the ban and car crash-related deaths.
]]> One study in particular analyzed deaths both two years before and two years after the ban, showing that overall a significant drop occurred in motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries, as a result of the ban. A survey conducted by the state in 2011 noted that of those responding, 40 percent admitted that since the ban went into effect, they talk less on their phones when behind the wheel.Distracted driving laws like California's are important safety measures because of the higher likelihood of accidents due to distractions and the serious harm that can be inflicted by a 1,500-pound vehicle. California's law bans the use of handheld cellphones while driving. The law requires that the only way cellphones can be used in a vehicle is to use the cellphone's speakerphone (thus eliminating the need to hold the phone), using a Bluetooth wireless device, using a wired headset or installing a car kit that allows for the phone to be used through the car's internal audio system. These options, however, are not available for drivers under the age of 18.
The law imposes a base penalty of $20 for the first violation, though after all fees are accounted for, this increases to $159.
In light of these studies, the cost has worked to decrease distracted drivers, prevent injury and save lives.
Source: The Huffington Post, "California Cellphone Ban Reduced Traffic Related Deaths, Injuries, Berkeley Study Finds," 3/5/12.
]]>Although fatalities and injuries caused by residential fires have gradually declined in recent decades, fires and burns are still the third leading cause of home injury deaths, ranking the U.S. in eighth place among the 25 developed countries that track burn statistics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
]]> Hundreds Injured Annually in California Residential FiresIn 2008, more than 10,000 residential fires were reported in California, resulting in 319 injures and 59 deaths, according to the state fire marshal's report on CA.gov. Groups at high risk for fire or burn-related injuries include:
Reducing Risk Factors and Improving Fire Safety
Although cooking is the number one cause of residential fires, according to experts, smoking is the leading cause of fire-related death. To reduce the risk of fire and burn-related injuries:
If you or a loved one has been seriously burned or otherwise injured in a fire-related incident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your case and review your options.
Source: Fontana Herald News, "Here are safety tips to help protect children from burns," 02/13/2012.
]]>In response to the crisis, the group has called for mandatory backup cameras in new cars. Backup cameras could improve children's safety by giving drivers a more accurate picture of their surroundings. The large vehicles that are the current trend for American drivers have larger blind zones than smaller cars.
]]> How Backup Cameras Could Save Children's LivesBecause of their small stature, children can be concealed by vehicles' blind spots for a greater distance than adult drivers may expect them to be. A driver could fail to see a toddler who is 10 feet behind a vehicle, for instance. In addition, children may not be aware how fast a car can back up or even that a driver would plan to back out of a driveway, so they are less able to protect themselves.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been weighing the issue of mandatory backup cameras for over a year. Some critics argue that expensive backup cameras could contribute to drivers' over-reliance on technology for peace of mind, in exchange for true vigilance; others say, however, that the cameras are reasonably priced and could save hundreds of children's lives.
Whether drivers' vehicles employ rearview cameras or not, they must take care to be aware of their surroundings - especially when a child may be present. To prevent tragic vehicle accidents, California drivers who do not have rearview cameras should check behind their vehicles before they back up.
Source: "Group Wants Mandatory Back-Up Cameras for Cars," 1/12/12.
]]>Heating equipment is involved in a staggering number of fires. In 2009, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that heaters were responsible for 58,900 or 18 percent of home fires. In 2009 alone, these fires caused a total of $1.1 billion in property damage, killed 480 people and injured 1,520. Space heaters are deadly in particular. Statistics show that they are responsible for 80 percent of deaths from fires caused by heating equipment.
]]> Space Heater Safety TipsFollowing some commonsense space heater safety tips can ensure that you stay warm and injury-free this winter.
Space heaters, like other products, can sometimes have flaws in its design or contain defects. If believe that you were injured by an unsafe space heater or other heating appliance, contact an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can review your situation and assist you in recovering compensation for your injuries.
Source: Redding.com, "Tehama County resident injured in fire," 12/19/2011.
]]>Motorcycle accidents, like any vehicular accidents, can have tragic and long-lasting effects. However, due to the significant power of a motorcycle and the lack of a protective barrier between a motorcyclist and the road or another vehicle, the consequences of an accident are frequently catastrophic. Only one out of every five riders escapes a motorcycle accident with minor injuries. In most occurrences, the motorcycle operator is at least seriously injured. Additionally, the chance of having an accident in the first place is magnified just through the operation of a motorcycle.
]]> Simple Steps to FollowAs with automobile accidents, there are plenty of simple ways to avoid an accident with a motorcycle. First and foremost, a motorcyclist must obey the traffic laws and not operate the vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Another simple thing for motorcycle drivers to do is to assume that they are invisible to other motorists and take extra precautions because of it. If you drive as if no one else can see you, you can prevent the most common motorcycle accidents from occurring. Anticipate situations and you can avoid disaster, injury and possibly death.
Operating a motorcycle is different than driving a car, but common sense still prevails in avoiding accidents. If you are a prepared driver and you know how to properly operate the machine, you can help reduce your chance of being involved in a collision. Accidents most frequently occur when drivers are not active participants and when they do not obey traffic laws. So when you ride your motorcycle, be safe and be prepared.
Source: Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles
]]>One major study of US motor vehicle accidents from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety based on an analysis of police reports revealed that almost 700,000 annual crashes occur at stop signs. One of three stop-sign-related auto accidents result in at least one personal injury or wrongful death.
]]> The authors of the study focused on 1788 separate crash reports at stop sign-controlled intersections in four US cities. Close to 70 percent of all accidents at stop signs involved traffic violations, including a driver's failure to stop, which typically resulted in an angular collision.Of the 30 percent of accidents not involving stop violations, rear-end crashes were the most common circumstance. Another common cause of accidents at intersections is driver failure to yield right-of-way due to inability to notice approaching traffic. Driver age was found to be an important factor, with teen and elderly motorists found to be disproportionately at fault after investigations of crashes at stop signs.
The dangers of failing to stop at a stop sign, not yielding to oncoming vehicles or running a stop sign due to distracted driving are well established. A California car and truck accident attorney can help an injury victim or surviving family member review the circumstances of the crash, assess liability and estimate the full extent of damages.
Source: Hanford Sentential, CHP reveals new details on big rig accident that injured 2, Joe Johnson, 10/29/11
]]>Dangers of Running Red Lights
Drivers going through red traffic lights is one of the leading causes of auto accidents in the U.S. According to the Federal Highway Administration, drivers running red lights cause accidents resulting in about 1,000 deaths and 90,000 injuries annually. Half of the people who die in red light running accidents are not those who failed to stop; they are other drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians.
One in three people report knowing someone injured in an accident caused by someone running a red light, similar to the number of people who report knowing someone injured in a drunk driving accident.
]]> Efforts to Combat the Problem of Drivers Running Red LightsOne of the ways that authorities are trying to stop drivers from running red lights is through the use of cameras at intersections. The cameras take photos of cars that enter the intersection after the traffic signal has changed and then police issue a ticket to the driver through the mail.
The California Board of Audits reviewed the effectiveness of these traffic cameras in 2007. The Board found that accidents at intersections caused by people running red lights decreased by 10 percent statewide in the cities with traffic cameras. Cities without cameras saw no reduction in such accidents. In San Diego alone, the audit showed that red light violation accidents at intersections with cameras decreased by 44 percent. In Oxnard, the rate of such accidents dropped by 46 percent.
Drivers who are in too much of a hurry or too careless to follow simple rules of the road such as "red means stop" cause car accidents. If you have been injured in an accident with a driver who ran a red light, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact an attorney to discuss your situation and help you pursue your claim.
Source: It's Red for a Reason: Red-Light-Running Car Crashes and Deaths
]]>According to state senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), the hands-free law "significantly" lowered the number of fatal accidents in California. Statistics cited by The Daily Journal support Sen. Simitian's claim; during the first year California's hands-free law was in effect, the number of vehicle accidents dropped 20 percent and the number of fatalities fell by approximately 700. Yet, even though AAA Automobile Club of Southern California and the California Office of Traffic Safety estimate that between 60 and 70 percent of drivers comply with the hands-free law, fatal accidents still occur as a result of distracted driving.
]]> In an effort to further deter drivers from texting or talking on cell phones without hands-free technology, the Legislature passed a law that would increase the fines for violations. The fines for first offenses would rise from $20 to $50, and subsequent offenses would increase from $50 to $100. In addition, a point would be added to drivers' licenses for subsequent violations - that may result in increased insurance premiums for the driver.The only effect that the proposed law would have on teen drivers is to make using a cell phone for texting or talking a primary offense. Teens under the age of 18 are banned from texting or talking, even with hands-free technology, while driving.
The law passed the California Legislature in August 2011, but in early September Governor Jerry Brown vetoed the bill. In doing so, the governor stated that he supported efforts to "discourage" people from using cell phones while driving, but did not support increasing the fines drivers face for violations.
An attorney can help you seek compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering following an accident involving a distracted driver. After an accident, speak with an attorney to discuss your options.
Sources: Texting or talking drivers facing tougher penalties
]]>One of the most common reminders of the fact that these furry members of the family are still animals is when they or another dog bites a person. From small nibbles to severe maulings that leave both physical and mental scars, even the most loveable dogs may pose injury risks to people.
]]> Growing Number of Dog Bite CasesSan Diego County, in the past four years, has seen the number of reported dog bites consistently increase. While pit bulls receive the most press about being potentially dangerous dogs and were responsible for the most reported bites in San Diego County last year (389 bites), a common breed of family dog, Labrador retrievers, were responsible for the second most bites (199 bites).
Under California law, the owners of dogs that bite are responsible for the injuries caused, regardless of whether the dogs have a history of biting or not. As long as the bite victims were legally in a place they should be - such as a public park or street or private residence - and not trespassers, the owners are responsible for the dogs' actions.
If the first time a dog bites is severe enough or after the second bite, government officials can move to have restrictions placed on the dog and/or owner - from muzzling the dog or constructing a fence to euthanizing the animal - in the name of public safety.
For the victims of dog bites, however, even the most severe actions in the name of public safety will not reverse the fact that they have been bitten. Severe bites may require medical care, rabies shots and possibly even plastic surgery to repair the damage.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about receiving compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering.
Source: Grappling with Dog Bites
]]>The law is based on the state's interest in protecting people when they have accidents and most importantly, saving lives.
]]> Yet, a stalwart contingent believes that personal choice, and not a law, should dictate whether helmets should be worn. Each year, the group ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) lobbies state lawmakers to repeal California's helmet laws. They argue that helmet use should be voluntary. They also claim that helmets add to the risk of injury in certain instances, and are ineffective in serious crashes.However, proponents of helmet use point to the disabling injuries that could prevented by helmet use, as well as the costs of caring for the catastrophically injured. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 13,000 lives have been saved through helmet use between 1984 and 2002, including 1,829 in 2008 (the latest year for such statistics). The NHTSA also cites studies indicating that unhelmeted riders injured in crashes are less likely to have insurance, and higher medical costs than those who wear helmets. This is because those not wearing helmets are more susceptible to concussions and other brain injuries.
Despite the debate over legislating personal choice, wearing a helmet is the best way to reduce your chances of sustaining a life-threatening head injury in a motorcycle accident.
Source: Stuart Leavenworth: Anti-helmet brigades might need to get their heads checked
]]>Besides conducting these races in the presence of spectators and, occasionally, other vehicles not involved in the race, most drivers are amateur racers driving cars that are modified in home garages. Combined with high-speeds, these conditions only increase the danger of the races.
]]> The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2008 speed was a factor in over 31 percent of car accident fatalities, with 37 percent of the deaths (1,141) being males between 15- and 24-years-old. Hubpages.com reports that between 2001 and 2006 illegal street-racing resulted in over 800 deaths.These statistics show that illegal street-racing is much more dangerous and a lot less glamorous than Hollywood depicts it to be.
If a driver is accused of illegal-street racing in California, he or she faces stiff penalties. Often, the driver will face high fines and jail time, and, if someone is fatally injured, the driver could face vehicular manslaughter charges. Additionally, authorities may confiscate and crush the vehicle used in the street race.
The dangers of illegal street-racing extend beyond the drivers and to the community as a whole. If you are injured by an illegal street-racer, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in your area to discuss about your legal options.
]]>The California Highway Patrol reported that there were 214 pedestrian deaths and nearly 5,000 pedestrian injuries in Los Angeles County in 2008. Of all the child fatalities related to motor vehicle crashes, nearly one third are pedestrians.
California is especially deadly for pedestrians because there are so many high traffic, urban areas in the state. Approximately 72 percent of fatal accidents occur in urban areas.
]]> Many people living in bustling cities walk because it is the easiest and cheapest way to get around. In 2005, the Federal Highway Administration conducted a survey, which found that approximately 107.4 million Americans walk as their main form of transportation as opposed to driving a motor vehicle or using public transportation. .California authorities have been actively working to reduce the number of pedestrian deaths in the state by launching educational campaigns, reengineering problem areas and toughening enforcement of traffic violations.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
Researchers have determined that most crashes involving pedestrians occur in the middle of the block where there is no legal crosswalk. Pedestrians should always try to cross a roadway at an intersection.
Pedestrians should also be wary of drivers who are distracted, impaired or reckless. Make eye contact with drivers to make sure that they see you. Wear clothes that are light in color or reflective so that you are as visible as possible.
In addition, children are especially vulnerable as pedestrians due to their small size that makes them difficult to see. Children are also less cautious and unaware of the rules of the road. Parents should make sure their children are under adult supervision when crossing the street and teach children to follow safety rules when walking to reduce the chance of being involved in an accident.
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