Anyone out on the road at any time is at risk of having an accident involving a distracted driver. Even if you do not use your cellphone while driving, that does not mean other behaviors behind the wheel will not put you at risk. If you engage in any of these practices while driving, you can easily become distracted: Eating or drinking Smoking cigarettes Changing the radio station Adjusting climate controls Rubbernecking Allowing loose pets in the vehicle Driving with[…] Read More
Simulated Accidents Teach Lessons
For some time, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has been a significant cause of car accidents. Today, distracted driving, which includes anything that takes your attention away from the road, is on the rise. Talking or texting on the phone, eating, adjusting music controls, and using a navigation system can distract a driver. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, in 2015, 3,477 car accidents involving distracted driving resulted in fatalities. The largest age group reported as[…] Read More
Avoiding Work-Zone Related Accidents
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) states that there is a work-zone related car accident every five minutes throughout the nation. In fact, work-zones are listed among the most common element in fatal car accidents. The usual flow of traffic is interrupted by lane closures, shifting lanes, warning signs, lights, barrels, flags, vehicles, and workers. Extreme caution is required to avoid work-zone related car accidents as data consistently shows that traffic accidents increase in work-zones. The following are actions[…] Read More
Speed Cameras in Pennsylvania Work Zones
To curb the increasing number of fatalities occurring on highway work zones statewide, Pennsylvania lawmakers are proposing speed camera installation. Both the House and Senate have versions of the same bill aimed at reducing speeding through work zones. Each year, thousands of serious injuries and nearly two dozen fatalities occur in work zones along Pennsylvania highways. Representative Jim Marshall believes the cameras will slow people down and save lives. House Bill 1748 and Senate Bill 172 Speeding, narrow lane shifts,[…] Read More
Improving Roadway Design Can Reduce Accidents
Unsafe roadways, combined with driver error, are the cause of many motor vehicle accidents. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) provides recommendations to local and state government agencies on how to improve roads to decrease accidents. The FHA recommendations include: Rumble strips: These strips, installed on center lines and shoulders, warn drivers with a vibration when they cross a lane. This occurs when the vehicle’s tires meet the strip. Rumble strip installation has significantly reduced the number of head-on collisions and[…] Read More
Self-Driving Cars Remain a Work in Progress
Autonomous, also known as self-driving vehicles have been getting a lot of attention over the last five years. Car manufacturers like Tesla have built entire businesses making autonomous vehicles accessible to the masses. However, there have been some serious issues with self-driving cars. In 2016, a Floridian Tesla owner lost his life after the car crashed into a moving truck on the highway. The vehicle was driving on Autopilot while the driver was asleep. The investigation revealed that the car’s[…] Read More
Drunk Driving Down, Drugged Driving Up
At one time, drunk driving was a big topic. Then organizations like MADD arose to combat that social ill. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the nation has seen a 24 percent decline in drunk driving accidents since 2006. That is the good news. The bad news is that drugged driving has taken up the slack by increasing over 21 percent just since 2013. As terrible as drunk driving is, drugged driving car accidents tend to be[…] Read More
Actor’s Death and Auto Defect Accident
In June of 2016, actor Anton Yelchin, known for roles in “Star Trek: Beyond” and “Green Room,” lost his life in an accident caused by an auto defect. Yelchin’s vehicle, which he had thought was parked, rolled down his driveway and pinned him against his entrance gate. It is believed that this was a wrongful death caused by a defective electronic transmission shift in a now recalled Jeep. Philadelphia wrongful death lawyers report that the actor’s family is seeking[…] Read More
How Weather Impacts Road Conditions
Every year, there are over 1,259,000 car accidents that are a result of weather-related complications on the road. This figure represents roughly 22% of all vehicle crashes year round. As many as there are various forms and combinations of weather, there are consequently even more added risks and precautions to take on the road when these weather conditions arise. Diminished driver capabilities and vehicle performance, roadway infrastructure, traction, traffic flow and productivity: there are a multitude of combinations that affect[…] Read More
Drowsy Driving as Dangerous as Driving Drunk
Most cautious people would never consider driving a car while they are drunk. However, many people will drive when they are too tired without thinking twice about the risk to themselves and other drivers. According to an AAA Foundation study, a staggering 41% of drivers have admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel at some point. Twenty-seven percent admitted that they have had a hard time keeping their eyes open while driving. There are similarities between the effects of alcohol[…] Read More