Recognizing the Dangers of Fatigued Driving

Any condition or situation that takes a driver’s attention off of the task at hand increases the risk of a traffic accident. Distracted driving is one such situation and a growing safety concern across the nation. Another safety risk is fatigued driving, which is a common problem for big rig operators.

Truckers and Hours-of-Service Rules

Although semi truck drivers are required to abide by Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations with regard to the amount of time they are allowed to drive without any breaks, many violate these rules for the sake of bonuses and/or greater profits. Truck drivers may even receive pressure from the trucking company they work for to meet unreasonable delivery schedules. Nonetheless, continuing to drive for inordinate amounts of time without rest causes fatigue, which can significantly hinder a driver’s ability to operate their truck safely and can even result in a driver falling asleep at the wheel. Consequences of fatigued driving, other than completely falling asleep, include:

• Drifting into other lanes of traffic;
• Abrupt changes in speed;
• Excessively slow speed;
• Over-steering;
• Under-steering;
• Slower reaction times; and
• Improper (or lack of) braking.

Consequences of a Big Rig Crash

Any of the aforementioned fatigued driving issues can cause a truck accident, and the unfortunate reality is that truck crashes have devastating results for other motorists. The immense size and weight of a semi truck makes it a highly dangerous vehicle. Even minor accidents with smaller passenger vehicles can result in serious or even fatal injuries for the occupants of the smaller vehicle while the truck driver survives potentially without any injuries. When a truck driver does not take their required rest breaks, they place the lives of other motorists at risk. Fatigued truck driving is one of the most common causes of truck accidents resulting from driver negligence.

How a Massachusetts Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

It is inexcusable that truck drivers should operate their massive vehicle while fatigued as it is completely preventable. If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of truck driver fatigue, you have the right to hold the driver liable for the injuries you’ve suffered. The experienced Boston semi truck accident lawyers with the Kiley Law Group are committed to obtaining maximum compensation for each and every client and can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today for a free consultation at (888) 208-1695.

NHTSA Announces Chrysler Group Recall of Dodge and Chrysler Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall of 119,072 Chrysler Group, LLC, Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles as the result of a defect in the brake system’s antilock control unit module. The defect may cause the power distribution center to overheat, which can lead to the loss of ABS or ESC function. This can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury auto accident.

What is so Important about ABS/ESC function?

The electronic stability control (ESC) system and anti-lock braking system (ABS) are essential safety features. The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking up during braking so that the driver may still have steering control and the vehicle won’t skid. Similarly, the ESC system, which is completely computerized, detects and compensates for traction loss to prevent skidding by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels in order to resolve issues such as under-steering and over-steering.

The Vehicles and the Remedy

Chrysler is recalling model year 2011 and 2012 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The company will notify owners and dealers, and dealerships will move the ABS/ESC system fuse at no-cost. The recall should begin in May 2012. Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 for additional information.

How a Massachusetts Product Liability Attorney Can Help

If you have been injured in a Massachusetts auto accident caused by a defective auto part, you may be able to hold the auto manufacturer liable for negligence. The experienced auto product liability lawyers in Boston with the Kiley Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call us today to find out more about getting the compensation you deserve at (888) 208-1695.

Teen Passengers Make Teen Driving More Dangerous

As if teenage drivers don’t have enough to worry about, a new study shows that when they have passengers in the car with them, it becomes much more dangerous. The risks of having a fatal accident increase significantly when other teenagers are in the car, and the risks go down when an adult is the passenger. The AAA recently released results from a study they conducted.

It is no secret that when teenagers drive with other teenagers, their chances of getting in a wreck increase, but the previous studies were more than 10 years old, and reflect none of the recent changes in state driving laws. Other teens are a huge distraction to young drivers, this has been known for a long time. The data used for this research was gathered from between 2007 to 2010.

Compared to driving with no passengers, a 16- or 17-year-old driver's risk of death per mile driven increases 44 percent when carrying one passenger younger than 21 (and no older passengers), the study found. The risk is double when carrying two passengers younger than 21, and quadruples when carrying three or more passengers that age.

Conversely, the risk of a teen driver dying in an accident when a passenger aged 35 or older is in the vehicle decreases 62 percent, the study said.

Like cell phones, the presence of other teens can be extremely distracting to young drivers said Jackie Gillan, president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

Between 2000 and 2010, the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes each year fell by more than half. Graduated licensing laws -- as well as greater seat belt use, better safety equipment in cars, and anti-drunk-driving campaigns -- have been credited for the decrease.

But 40 percent of the 2,191 younger teen drivers killed during those years had at least one passenger under 21 -- and no older passengers -- in the vehicle, the study said. And preliminary data for the first six months of 2011 show a small uptick in teen driving deaths, another recent study found.

Car Accident Attorney Las Vegas

 

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a car accident, you need experience on your side. Make sure you get an experienced Las Vegas Attorney. Having a teenage driver is enough to worry about, if they are in an accident you need an attorney you can trust, and one that you know will fight for your rights. Contact a personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas and get a free consultation.

Source: "Teen passengers spell danger for novice drivers”, by Molly Waldron

Are You Protected from an Uninsured Motorist?

Unfortunately, uninsured motorists make up about 50% of drivers in the inner cities of many metropolitan areas, scary, right? So, how can you be sure that you are protected in the event that you are involved in an accident with an uninsured motorist? The first thing you can do is to closely examine your insurance policy.

Uninsured and underinsured benefits should be shown separately on your declaration sheet. They will show amounts of coverage available per individual and per accident that will be provided should you get into an accident with an uninsured motorist. If you make sure you are covered ahead of time, this will likely save you lots of money and headaches in the long run.

It’s common for people to purchase small amounts of uninsured motorist coverage, Missouri requires $25,000, but this decision may be one they regret. If the damages are more than the amount of coverage, you will only receive the amount of coverage that you have for your losses. This is why a Missouri car accident lawyer recommends that you buy the same amount of uninsured motorist coverage as you do regular coverage.

If you have been involved in an accident with an issue of inadequate insurance coverage, you may not need an attorney. What you do need after any Missouri car accident is helpful and accurate information to keep you from making a mistake that could wreck your claim. Order a FREE copy of the book, The Missouri Accident Book: Dealing with the Aftermath. It will arm you with the information necessary to make all the right moves after your Missouri car accident.

Commit to Distraction-Free Driving for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Distracted driving is responsible for hundreds of thousands of car accident injuries and deaths nationwide. Although being distracted while driving has always been a problem to an extent, it has become a more serious safety issue since the advancement of cell phones and smart phones. April, as Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is the perfect opportunity to recognize the dangers of distracted driving and to make a commitment to stay focused when on the road.  

Types of Distraction

There are three main types of distraction according to Distraction.gov: Manual, Cognitive, and Visual. Manual refers to distractions that take the driver’s hands off the wheel; cognitive refers to any distraction that takes the driver’s mind off of driving; and visual refers to distractions that take the driver’s eyes off of the road. Such distractions include, but are not limited to:

• Grooming;
• Eating and/or drinking;
• Reading (even a map);
• Using a navigation system (in the car or on a phone);
• Texting;
• Using a cell phone or smart phone;
• Adjusting the CD player, MP3 player, or radio; and/or
• Talking to other vehicle occupants.

Texting is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do as it combines every form of distraction.  

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 5,474 people were killed and 448,000 were injured in distracted driving-related crashes in 2009. Of the fatal crashes, 994 involved reports of cell phone use. Furthermore, according to Monash University, “drivers who use hand-held devices are [four] times more likely to get into crashes serious enough to injure themselves.”  

When to Call a Massachusetts Car Crash Attorney

When a driver gets behind the wheel, they have a responsibility to focus their attention on the task at hand. Distraction is a choice and drivers who choose to text, eat, or otherwise distract themselves from driving endanger the lives of every other person on the road.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury as the result of a distracted driver, the dedicated auto accident lawyers in Boston at the Kiley Law Group can help you hold the at-fault driver liable for your losses. To learn more about obtaining the financial compensation you deserve, call us today for a free legal consultation at (888) 208-1695.

Methuen Woman Killed in Stoneham Accident on Route 93

Ashleigh Baudin, 25, of Methuen was killed in a collision on Route 93 in Stoneham early Sunday morning.  
What Happened  
The Eagle Tribune reported today that Baudin’s Volkswagen Beetle struck the back of a box truck that had been parked in the breakdown lane of Route 93 South at around 3:30 a.m. that morning.

According to officials, the truck’s emergency flashers were on at the time of the crash. Baudin died at the scene. There was an unidentified male passenger from Medford in Baudin’s vehicle and he was transported to a Boston area hospital with serious injuries.

Authorities have reported that alcohol does not appear to be a contributing factor and are currently investigating the fatal accident. Debris from the collision covered the right lanes and breakdown lane of the highway, forcing officials to close down the travel lanes to clear the roadway.  

When Should You Call a Massachusetts Vehicle Accidents Attorney?
Have you been seriously injured in a car accident in Massachusetts? Contact a Massachusetts car accidents attorney with Kiley Law Group to find out about your legal options before you sign any forms, give a statement to an insurance company, or hire a lawyer. Call us today at (888) 208-1695 to receive your free consultation.


DISCLAIMER: The Kiley Law Group is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited within the article. If you were involved in this accident or a similar incident and have questions about your rights and legal options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a legal evaluation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to all not-at-fault persons named in this article and to their family members as well.

NHTSA Announces Extensive Recall of Toyota Vehicles due to Air Bag Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of 495,470 Toyota Motor North America, Inc. vehicles due to a driver’s side airbag defect. This recall affects model years 2005-2009 Tacoma vehicles manufactured from September 14, 2004 through August 29, 2008.  

The Defect

The clockspring assembly, which powers the driver’s side airbag module, may become damaged over time by steering wheel vibration. If it becomes damaged, the airbag warning light will illuminate and the airbag may become deactivated. This could result in the airbag’s failure to deploy in an accident, increasing the risk of serious injury to the driver.

Airbags are important safety features, but when they do not function properly they can pose significant risks to vehicle occupants. In most cases of defective airbags, malfunctions cause the airbag to either deploy inadvertently, which can cause injury on its own, or not at all.

Remedy

The recall is expected to begin in April 2012. Toyota will notify Tacoma owners and dealers will replace the defective clockspring assembly for free. For additional information, owners can contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331.

Holding Negligent Auto Manufacturers Liable

It is an auto manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicles they produce are safe and in proper working order. If their negligent manufacturing or poor design causes a hazardous defect, then they may be held liable for any injuries that result.

If you have been injured by a defective car or car component, the experienced Boston auto product liability lawyers with the Kiley Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options. Contact us today at (888) 208-1695 for a free legal consultation.