Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog

The National Transportation Safety Board is hoping that operators of trains, boats and automobiles will become more vigilant about not texting, talking, or surfing on their cell phones, according to a recent article in The Boston Globe.

Fort Lauderdale accident attorneys know that cell phones are deadly distractions and lead to a high rate of distracted driving accidents in Miami, no matter what method of transportation is being utilized.

“Many people continue to think it’s just going to take a moment (to call or text),” NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman said. “How do we change that mindset? Not just the NTSB, but all of us?”

The NTSB recently met in the nation’s capital to discuss last year’s fatal crash in a busy Philadelphia shipping channel. A tour boat carrying several passengers was having some engine problems and was hit by a tug boat pushing a 250-foot barge.

The collision sent 37 people into the water, which resulted in two student fatalities and several other injuries. A family emergency had distracted the tug boat operator, who had moved to the lower wheelhouse for privacy, for the final 9 minutes right before the crash. Investigators found that the tug boat pilot had made several phone calls and had surfed the internet which are both against company policy.

“Distraction is becoming the new DUI,” NTSB member Robert Sumwalt said. “This is going to reach epidemic proportions. It takes a generation or two to change it, but change is needed,” Sumwalt said.

The NTSB is in the midst of another full blown investigation involving a semi-tractor trailer that recently collided with an Amtrak train that was headed from Chicago to Emeryville, CA. According to CNN, the truck driver was allegedly on his cell phone and investigators hope to determine whether that was the cause of the collision in Nevada that killed 6 people and injured several passengers aboard the Amtrak train. The records for both the trucking company and the driver are somewhat soiled with 19 recorded safety violations and several traffic violations respectively.

As a result, the Governors Highway Safety Association reported recently that Nevada has enacted a ban on texting and driving in their state and violators will be fined starting January 1, 2012.

It has been a slow process to get state legislatures on board with a texting ban. Washington State was the first to ban texting while driving back in May 2007, and the recent tragedy has proclaimed Nevada the 34th state to take action prohibiting the behavior. Florida remains one of a handful of states that doesn’t ban cell phone use or texting while driving.
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Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers frequently report about the importance of defensive driving, and how it can save lives on Florida roadways.

These days, with the number of motorists operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol or while otherwise distracted, being a defensive driver is the only way to minimize the risks of being involved in a Fort Lauderdale car accident.

The Los Angeles Times recently reported that the chances of someone being impaired driving next to you are pretty good. Two institutions teamed up with researchers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct a first ever study on driver sobriety collecting data from the 2007 National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers.

The Study:

Drivers were stopped at 300 locations in 48 states during four different occasions on Friday and Saturday nights. There were 60 locations that drivers were stopped by authorities during the day. Samples were taken from the drivers — 3,276 were blood samples and 7,719 were saliva samples. Researchers were able to take the samples and test them to determine if the presence of any number of 75 different drugs were present in the system at the time the driver was stopped.

The Results:
-11 percent of daytime drivers tested positive for drug use based on saliva tests.
-6 percent of drivers tested during the daytime had positive signs of illegal substances.
-Nighttime drivers were found positive for drug use 14.4 percent of the time.
-10 percent of nighttime drivers had illegal drugs found in their system.
-Alcohol was the top drug of choice with marijuana coming in as the second most popular drug used by abusers.
-States that allow medical marijuana had even higher rates of the drug tested in their system while operating a vehicle.

You may think these numbers seem minimal, but when you consider the millions of licensed drivers in the Unites States and such a small sample of drivers, the numbers don’t appear to be all that miniscule.

It is no secret that drugs and alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle. Not only can they alter your reaction time, but consumption of drugs and alcohol can lead to aggressive behaviors, road rage, and even drowsiness.

The Center for Addiction and Mental Health reports that alcohol and other depressant drugs like sedatives and painkillers affect normal function of the brain which can alter vision, motor skills, alertness and coordination which are all skills needed to drive safely and make good driving decisions. Stimulant drugs, like cocaine, caffeine or amphetamines can have a converse affect and make you drowsy.

Many times, the stimulant effect can wear off suddenly causing the body to crash which is also unsafe when a driver is behind the wheel. There is no quick fix to sober up after a night of partying. The best way to get home safely and not risk injuring or killing another motorist is to abstain from using or to appoint a designated driver.
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Many will travel this upcoming holiday weekend and West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyers wish you and your family safe travels wherever you may be going.

Steering clear of car accidents in Palm Beach County will help you enjoy the Independence Day holiday weekend. We have seen how accidents on our roads and highways can be devastating, so keep your family safe this holiday weekend.

AAA estimates that nearly 39 million drivers will travel more than 50 miles from their homes during the weekend, which is down slightly from 2010, when about 40 million drivers took to the roads. The group estimates that about 84 percent of those people will be driving to a vacation spot. About a $1 increase in gas prices from last year this time is to blame for the estimated decrease in drivers. AAA believes about 3 million people will be flying this holiday weekend, a rise from a year ago.

But despite the estimated drop in travelers driving, 39 million people is a huge number. That means the risk for accidents is still very high. With clogged South Florida roads, drivers must avoid the pitfalls that can lead to fender-benders and more serious wrecks that cause injuries and even death.

But if you do end up in an accident, insist police file a report on the incident. Try to document the accident or the injury itself. Your memory of what happened will be stronger closer in time to the incident. Take photos and get contact information for witnesses and speak with no one about the accident without first talking with West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyers.

Common Fourth of July vehicle accident causes:

Drunk driving accidents: With so many additional people driving, the possibility of drunk driving accidents will be at a high level. The Florida Highway Patrol made 100 DUI arrests during the Fourth of July holiday weekend in 2010. And that doesn’t include local law enforcement. Despite increased criminal penalties, people still choose to drink and drive, so keep your family safe.

Distracted driving accidents: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes more than 450,000 injuries each year on distracted driving. Talking on a cell phone, messing with the radio dial, applying makeup and talking with others in the vehicle all can be dangerous.

South Florida teen car accidents: School is out, the weather is warm and teens want to get in the car, pick up their friends and head to the beach or the mall. While this is a rite of passage we all have made, it still terrifies us to let our kids go out on the road. Nationwide in 2009, more than 33,000 teens died in car accidents. Make sure your teen is well prepared to take on the challenges of South Florida driving.
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We posted recently on our Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog that teen drivers have the spotlight during Teen Safe Driving Week as part of National Safety Month because they have the greatest risk of any age group to be involved in a car accident in Miami, Margate or West Palm Beach.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers recommend that parents with teens preparing to drive check out the new state specific AAA Guide to Teen Driver Safety. This online tool offers plenty of helpful information to both Florida teens and their parents in the learning-to-drive process from what to do before they start driving to the time they start driving on their own.

A quick overview of the site:

-Your teen should understand the risks involved with driving before they get behind the wheel. Teens represent 7 percent of the licensed population but are involved in 20 percent of all fatal crashes. The risks of a teen crash increases with other teens riding in the car, especially at night. Teens should also learn about the licensing process. For instance, what is needed, what is required and at what age they can acquire a learner’s license, intermediate license, and full license. Insurance is another important part of teens beginning to drive because there is such a high risk for an accident. Getting the right coverage at a price that is affordable is a challenge, but there are cost-saving strategies that can be utilized. Remember, all Florida drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 personal injury protection and $10,000 property damage coverage for auto insurance.

-An important part of the learning process is driving with supervision. Supervise your teen while they practice in low-risk conditions, and as they gain confidence, present more difficult situations for them to handle. Parents also need to determine whether a teen needs their own vehicle at this stage. Vehicle type, safety features, affordability, reliability and familiarity are all things to be considered when shopping for a vehicle for your teen driver. Learning to drive takes a commitment from both the parent and teen driver, so be prepared and be patient throughout the process.

-Driving alone is the final step of the learning process. Make sure your teen is aware of the dangers of speeding, driving under the influence, driving with peers in the car, distracted driving and driving in poor weather conditions before they branch out on their own. Parents should reiterate to their teens that driving is a privilege, and with the freedom comes responsibility. Before your teen begins driving solo, you should establish a Start Smart Parent Teen Driving Agreement.

To access Florida licensing and state laws, click here to view.

For a free driving lesson, visit the Keys 2 Drive website.
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Driver inattention is a common cause of Fort Lauderdale distracted driving accidents, and yet Florida lawmakers still haven’t passed a law banning texting while driving in our state, according to a recent article on Ocala.com.

Florida is one of 17 remaining states that still do not address the issue of texting while driving. Palm Beach car accident lawyers know that banning this behavior could save thousands of lives each year, but motorists continue to be victims of bad decisions made by other drivers.

The National Safety Council has deemed such behavior important enough to dedicate an entire week of National Safety Month to ‘On the Road, Off the Phone’ to raise awareness of the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.

Almost 30 percent of all traffic crashes — over 1.5 million a year — are caused by motorists who are either texting or talking on their cell phone while driving. Everyone thought hands-free devices were the answer to reducing the risk of accidents, but it turns out that isn’t the case.

Stay Alive Just Drive reports that brain activity associated with driving can be reduced by almost 40 percent when drivers are talking on a cell phone. The odds for an accident are high if only 60 percent of your brain is focused on the skills needed to drive, such as reaction, vision, alertness and motor skills. It is reported that distractions in a car typically last three seconds. A car traveling at 45 mph can go the distance of half a football field in three seconds.

The NSC offers the following daily tips for ‘One the Road, Off the Phone’ week:

-June 27: Pull over to the side of the road or pull into a parking lot if you need to answer or make a call while driving.

-June 28: Tell your friends and family about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving.

-June 29: Change your voicemail to relay that you are currently driving but will return the missed call when you arrive safely at your destination.

-June 30: Refrain from using any wireless communication device while behind the wheel. Hands-free devices are proving to be no safer than holding a phone while talking.

The liability of distracted driving accidents falls at the hands of the driver who made a poor choice. Injured drivers should plan to take legal action by contacting an experienced car accident attorney to help get you the compensation you deserve.
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Teens met at the nation’s capital recently to discuss safe driving habits during the summer and the dangers of driving among large trucks, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Those teens now understand that when they hit the road this summer, so do a number of large trucks, increasing the risks of a deadly car accident in Palm Beach and elsewhere.

During the meeting in Washington D.C., teens pledged to make this summer a little safer for all motorists. Large trucks pose a number of threats to teen drivers as they have extremely large blind spots and provide more fatal risks when involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. The teen drivers pledged to put down their cell phone while driving and to practice extra caution around these big rigs.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys understand that our teen drivers face a higher risk for a motor-vehicle accident than those in any other age group. Lack of driving experience is one of the main contributors, followed by distracted driving and drunk driving. Parents are urged to join the awareness campaign and to discuss the dangers of irresponsible driving habits with their young driver.

“Prom, graduation, and summer are fantastic times for youth to celebrate and enjoy. However, with these fun times come unfortunate tragedies,” said Sandy Spavone, president of the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS). “Through education, enforcement, and legislation lives can be saved and injuries prevented.”

Officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Organizations for Youth Safety and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance attended this gathering and spoke to students in the area about the importance of driving safely around large trucks. They warned these drivers that a fully loaded tractor trailer needs about twice the distance to stop that a passenger vehicle needs. They also talked to students about large blind spots and urged drivers to keep out of these “No Zones.”

“We want everyone to be safe, but as newer drivers, teens must adhere to a few simple rules,” said Anne Ferro, administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. “They are: buckle up, don’t drink and drive; don’t speed, don’t text or use your phone, and steer clear of a truck’s blind spots.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the deadliest days of the year for teens are from May to August. During these four summer months, it is estimated that nearly twice as many teens die on our roadways every day as compared with the rest of the year. This equals an average of roughly 16 deaths per day. The rest of the year averages about nine deaths each day.

Motorists ages 16 to 24 have the highest traffic accident death rate in the United States. From 2005 to 2009, about 4,000 individuals of this age group were killed in motor-vehicle accidents involving large trucks.

“Do not expect that having a driver’s license is a right that comes without responsibility or risk,” said Steve Keppler, executive director of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. “Be accountable for your actions, spread the word to your friends and parents, and help create a culture of safety. Most importantly, take the driving task seriously. You never know the impact you can have that ultimately could save your life or someone else’s.”

In 2009, Florida had nearly 400 deaths as a result of motor-vehicle accidents involving a teen driver. With awareness, education and experience, we can help keep our teens safe on our roadways this summer and throughout the year.
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School drop-off areas are becoming increasingly dangerous because of distracted parents on cell phones, reports the Sun-Sentinel . Florida lawmakers have been dragging their feet to enact legislation on distracted driving.

Our Palm Beach injury lawyers and Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys find it appalling that Florida lawmakers don’t put a ban on cell phone use in school zones and elsewhere.

For the past three years, a state senator from Miami has introduced legislation banning drivers from using cell phones in school zones. The bills have never passed. This year, it died in the transportation committee. With a growing number of accidents caused by distracted drivers, school districts have taken matters into their own hands. Broward County has placed warning signs in the district to not talk on cell phones and just recently added no texting while driving in school zones. Palm Beach County has no policy on cell phone use in car loops, but signs are posted at some schools warning drivers not to use cell phones in the drop-off/pick-up area.

It is a growing concern that has gotten the attention of the Palm Beach County Safe Routes to Schools Coalition. This is a group that focuses on student safety when it comes to them walking and biking to school. In Boca Raton, Addison Mizner Elementary School has had signs up for many years. The school’s principal reports that most parents obey the signs. Hagen Road Elementary just west of Boynton Beach puts reminders in the school’s news letter not to use cell phones.

According to Distraction.gov, 32 states ban texting while driving (12 states enacted their laws last year) and eight states prohibit the use of handheld cell phones by all drivers.

Florida lawmakers don’t seem to care that nearly 5,500 people were killed and almost 450,000 were injured due to distracted driving in 2009. Or maybe they don’t know that using a cell phone while driving is the equivalent of driving drunk. Or that drivers on a cell phone are four times more likely to crash. The best they have come up with is a bill sitting on the governor’s desk requiring driver’s education teachers to warn students on the dangers of texting and driving.

Avoid the following activities to prevent a distracted driving crash:

-Talking or texting on a cell phone.

-Eating, drinking or grooming.

-Talking to other passengers.

-Reading maps or using a PDA.

-Watching a video or changing the radio station.
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