Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

Back-Seat Drivers May be Contributing to Crashes in Homestead and Other South Florida Communities

Published on: July 30, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

A 2011 study completed by esure car insurance found that back-seat drivers contribute to 14% of car collisions and near-misses. While back-seat drivers are usually considered simply an annoyance, the study found that comments and criticisms of the driving can lead a motorist to become distracted and to take their eyes off the road. Men are more likely to take their eyes off the road if they have a back-seat driver, but young drivers seem more affected by the distraction of passengers and are more at risk of an accident, according to the study authors.

There are several ways to prevent back-seat drivers from causing a car collision in Homestead or your community:

1) If there is a back-seat driver in your life, speak with them about their habit. According to the esure car insurance study, spouses are most likely to be culprits when it comes to back-seat driving. If you have a passenger who frequently comments on your driving or tries to give “helpful” advice, sit down with that person and discuss how the criticism and comments make you feel. Tell the person about the risks of back-seat driving and encourage them to refrain from commenting.

2) Limit the number of passengers in your teen’s car. Studies have shown that the risk of a teen being involved in a traffic accident in Homestead or another community increases with the number of teen passengers in the car. Limit the number of friends your teen can drive or ask your teen to drive only with adult passengers in the car until driving skills improve.

3) Give passengers something productive to do. Back-seat drivers are less likely to make comments and suggestions if they have something helpful to do. Get passengers to make phone calls, check the map, change the music, or take care of other similar things. That way, they are less likely to talk and they will help you with distracting tasks that keep your focus on the road. Your risk of being in a car or truck accident in Homestead or your community will be less and your passengers will feel that they are helping.

4) Be extra cautious when driving with multiple passengers. If you carpool or are going on a road trip with your family, there is more likely to be multiple passengers and multiple distractions. Plan ahead and institute rules that ensure your distractions will be kept to a minimum.
5) Stay calm and keep your eyes and focus on the road – even when faced with unruly passengers. When faced with a back-seat driver, try explaining your need to concentrate and your need for quiet. Try to maintain your focus and tune them out. Avoid looking away from the road to confront them.

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New Study Shows the Risks of Fatigued Driving For Younger Drivers in Hollywood and Other Communities

Published on: July 25, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Researchers at the George Institute for Global Health have completed a study which has found that young drivers who do not get adequate sleep nightly significantly increase their chances of getting into a traffic accident. The study confirms findings about fatigued driving already known, but it is one of few studies to focus specifically on younger drivers.

Researchers in the study polled 19,327 motorists between the ages of 17 and 24 between 2003 and 2004. The study found that young motorists who self-reported getting six hours or less sleep hours nightly also had a higher rate of car accidents when compared with motorists in the same age group who slept for longer hours. The study was headed by Dr. Alexandra L.C. Martiniuk and was published in JAMA Pediatrics.

According to Dr. Martiniuk and her team, young motorists who were sleep deprived during the weekends had a higher risk of being in car collisions but also had a higher risk for single-car accidents. The hours between 8 pm and 6 am were especially dangerous for younger sleep-deprived motorists.
According to some safety experts, the study data confirms the dangers of sleep-deprived driving for younger motorists. Some authorities note that younger drivers may already be at risk for car accidents in Hollywood and other communities because they have less driving experience. When you add fatigue to that risk factor, the problem is compounded.

For younger drivers, school pressures and other age-related problems can lead to sleep deprivation and poor sleep patterns. Teen years and young adult years are often a time of stress and change, and this can lead to interruptions in sleep patterns. Unfortunately, lack of adequate sleep can easily lead to a serious or even fatal accident.

Sleep deprivation is known to be a factor in many car and truck accidents in Hollywood and across the country. When a driver is fatigued, they have poor motor skills and response times, making it harder for them to avoid collisions. In addition, fatigued drivers may fall asleep at the wheel or may enter into very short sleep cycles, which can cause them to lose control of the car.

Authorities say that both young drivers and their parents have a role to play in preventing traffic collisions in Hollywood and other communities. Teens need to be made aware of the risks of fatigued driving. If sleep disorders are an issue, a visit to a doctor can help determine whether there are any physical ailments that may be causing sleep problems. If not, better time management and stress reduction techniques may be needed to ensure that motorists get the rest they need. Young motorists also need to be aware of the symptoms of fatigued driving. These can include:

•Frequent yawning
•Eyes going out of focus or blinking often
•Eyes drifting closed
•Unfocused or wandering thoughts
•Drifting into another lane of traffic or the shoulder of the road
•Trouble focusing
•Swerving of the car or sudden slowing down
•Delayed braking
•Slumping forward in the car seat
•Not remembering the last few minutes of driving
Any of these can be signs that a driver is so tired that they are a danger on the road. In this situation, it is best to pull over. Parents and teens can sign a pledge similar to the no drunk driving pledge. Many families have agreements designed to prevent drunk driving accidents in Hollywood and other communities. These pledges allow a young driver to call family for a safe ride home, no questions asked, rather than risk driving under the influence. Families can have a similar arrangement for fatigued driving. If a young driver is too tired to drive safely, they can call home for a safe drive home, no questions asked.

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Hands-Free Devices May not Help You Avoid a Car Accident in Hollywood or Your Florida Community

Published on: July 18, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

A new study from the University of Utah has concluded that hands-free devices may be much more dangerous for drivers than previously thought. Researchers involved in the study had adults use a hands-free device while “driving” using a simulator. The study found that driver reaction time decreased while eye movements, brainwaves, and mental work increased. Drivers using the hands-free devices were also more likely than non-distracted drivers to overlook traffic signs, pedestrians, and other important visual cues.

According to researchers, the problem is that hands-free devices still distract drivers mentally, which increases their risk of an accident. Despite this, all states permit hands-free devices and many car manufacturers and mobile device manufacturers tout hands-free technology as the safer option. Studies such as this most recent research suggest that drivers who want to avoid a car accident related to mobile devices in Hollywood or any other community must put away all distractions – even distractions that allow both hands to remain on the wheel.

The University of Utah study confirms what many safety experts have been saying: that car accidents in Hollywood and other communities are caused by distracted driving. The study also confirms the definition of distraction that many safety experts use. Many claim that any activity that takes the driver’s hands off the wheel, the driver’s eyes off the road, or the driver’s mind off driving is a potentially fatal distraction.

Each year, car and truck crashes in Hollywood and other communities are caused by distracted drivers, and often by drivers who are trying to do more than one thing at a time. Hands-free devices allow the driver to keep their eyes on the road and allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel but still distract a driver mentally, which still permits the driver to miss important information, such as a pedestrian crossing the street.

In addition to hands-free devices, a wide range of distractions are possible for motorists, including:

•Road work
•Rubbernecking to see other accidents
•Arguing with passengers or speaking with passengers
•Daydreaming
•Changing music or making adjustments to the car
•Looking after a pet or child in the car
•Eating or drinking in the car
•Applying makeup or grooming
Most safety experts agree that more needs to be done to make drivers aware of distractions. It is imperative that drivers avoid all types of distraction and stay as focused as possible in order to avoid traffic accidents in Hollywood and other communities.

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The Financial Impact of a Truck or Car Accident in Hollywood or Your South Florida Community

Published on: July 16, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

There’s no doubt that a truck or car accident in Hollywood or your community is always devastating. It may lead to serious injuries, including head injuries, burns, fractures, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. However, in addition to the emotional and physical trauma, a traffic accident in Hollywood or your community can also be financially devastating. There may be a long-term financial impact related to your accident. Costs related to your accident can include:

1) Emergency and immediate medical costs. If you have been in a car or truck accident in Hollywood or any community, you will likely need some immediate medical attention. In fact, if you hit your head it is important to seek emergency medical help right away, even if you’re not sure whether you have sustained an injury. Some injuries do not manifest themselves right away, so getting tested for soft tissue and head injuries in Hollywood or the community where the accident took place is important. If your accident was serious, however, a trip to the emergency room as well as emergency treatment can be extremely expensive. Depending on where the accident occurred, you may have to be rushed to the hospital or even airlifted to the nearest trauma unit. You may need emergency and life-saving surgery as well as other expensive medical treatments in addition to tests and other medical procedures.

2) Property damage. Due to the size and force of commercial trucks, if you are involved in a truck crash in Hollywood or another community there is likely to be considerable damage to your vehicle. You may have to pay for extensive repairs for your car or your car may need to be replaced. In addition, any property that you may have had in the car, including electronics, work computers, cameras, cell phones, and other personal property and effects may have been damaged or destroyed by the accident.

3) Lost wages. A serious traffic accident in Hollywood or another community may take months or even years of recovery time. During this period you may not be able to return to work full time. If your injuries are serious enough, you may not be able to return to work and you may face years or even a lifetime of lost income. You will need to make up for this loss income in some manner.

4) Ongoing medical and related costs. In many cases, you may have ongoing medical costs. For example, you may need to pay for follow-up medical treatment, medicine, medical devices, and other costs. You may have to pay to have your home made accessible and you may need to pay for similar incidental expenses.

5) Transportation costs. If your car has been destroyed or damaged by the accident, you may need to pay for a rental car or you may need to pay for taxis or other forms of transportation if you’re too injured to drive. Over the months it may take you to recover, these can end up costing a substantial amount.

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How Sleep Deprivation Can Lead to Truck and Car Accidents in Pompano Beach and Beyond

Published on: July 13, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Much has been written in recent years about fatigued driving and the dangers of lack of sleep. As many people face hectic schedules, it seems that inadequate sleep is becoming the standard rather than the exception. Research has shown that the effects of not getting adequate sleep are much more profound than we have realized in the past. Not getting enough sleep actually kills. It leads to car and truck accidents in Pompano Beach and across the country each year. It reduces life expectancy and can affect everything from mood to hormones to thinking ability.

While many people know that fatigued driving can lead to car accidents in Pompano Beach or their community, there is still much confusion about what actually constitutes adequate sleep. Mostly experts say that at least eight hours of sleep a night is required for the average individual. However, individual sleep needs vary based on genetics, age, and health conditions. The general rule of thumb is that if you wake up feeling tired after a full night’s sleep, you likely have not gotten adequate sleep.

Even if you get to the proper number of hours for your body, however, keep in mind that quality of sleep matters as well. Frequent interruptions throughout the night due to a noisy environment can mean that you end up fatigued to a dangerous degree, even if you get 10 hours of sleep overall. Patients who have sleep apnea may be getting seven hours, eight hours, or more sleep at night but may wake up feeling dangerously exhausted. Each year, traffic accidents in Pompano Beach and other communities occur due to just this sleep condition. If you are feeling tired throughout the day and require naps or additional rest, you may wish to speak with a doctor to determine your sleep needs and to determine whether there are any medical conditions that could be affecting your sleep.

Inadequate sleep can lead to a number of problems and issues, including:

•Drowsiness
•Sleep latency or falling asleep
•Moodiness
•Anxiety and depression
•Difficulties with thinking or concentration
•Behavioral changes
•Problems with cognitive processes
•Poor judgment, organization, planning, problem solving, and critical thinking
•Relationship issues
•Memory problems
•Disorientation or confusion
•Poor reaction times
Many of these issues can be potentially fatal behind the wheel of a vehicle. Each year, for example, truck accidents in Pompano Beach and other communities occur because a truck driver falls asleep behind the wheel due to extreme fatigue or uses poor judgment or has poor response times due to fatigue. Federal laws are designed to help prevent this by ensuring that truck drivers rest for specific periods of time. However, these rules have not been adequate in completely eradicating fatigued driving, in part because these rules do not address the issue of insomnia or sleep apnea and in part because drivers sometimes ignore the rules in favor of meeting work deadlines.

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Keeping Fido and You Safe: Driving with Pets and Avoiding Car Accidents in Pompano Beach or Your Community

Published on: July 10, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you are headed to your Florida summer home or for a road trip this summer, you may be planning to bring your pet along with you. No matter what type of pet you have, though, you need to take a few precautions to keep both of you safe on the road. Pets are a major distraction for drivers and can inadvertently be the cause of catastrophic car collisions in Pompano Beach and other communities. Incorrectly securing a pet on a road trip can also lead to distress and injury for the animal. If you want to travel safely with your pet, be sure to follow these tips:

1) Buy dog safety seats, car kennels, dog harnesses or travel crates to keep your pet restrained when you travel. Most experts agree that the pet should be in the back seat and there should be a barrier between the back seat and the front seat. This is not only safer for the driver, but also for the pet. It can help prevent a traffic collision in Pompano Beach or your community and ensures that if you are in an accident, your pet is less likely to be injured.

2) Get your pet used to small road trips. When you take the pet to the vet or on another short drive, use the crate or restraint and offer plenty of treats and attention after the trip is done. Short trips allow you to see how your pet handles travel. If your pet seems distress, you may wish to speak with your vet about medication for your cat or dog. A distressed or vocalizing pet on a longer trip can be a source of distraction and frustrating. If you are checking on your pet rather than focusing on the road, you may end up being involved in a car or truck crash in Pompano Beach or your community.

3) Plan for longer trips. Keep medication, water, toys, and treats on hand to distract your pet during rest stops. You may need to plan for more frequent rest stops, too, to make your pet comfortable. Before you travel, visit your vet. Make sure your pet is up-to-date with vaccinations for your travel destination and get advice about medication your pet may need for travel.

4) Use extra caution when you arrive at your destination. If you are on a longer trip, your pet may be disoriented and anxious. During the trip and immediately after the trip, avoid having unfamiliar people interact too closely with your pet without your close supervision. Even if your pet is very well-behaved, animal and dog bites in Pompano Beach and other communities often happen when an animal is distressed. Allow your pet to adjust to your destination gradually.

Pets are a valued passenger in your car, and a little extra care can keep both you and your pet safe.

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New Cars May be the Culprit in Many Car Collisions in Miami and Other Florida Cities

Published on: July 6, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Traditionally, safety experts have warned drivers about the dangers of older cars when it comes to safety. After all, older cars may not be maintained correctly and may be affected by mechanical problems that could lead to a car accident in Miami or another community. Older cars may also not have the safety features of older cars, which many have thought places the driver and passengers at an increased risk.

A new study may turn that traditional way of thinking around.

A study out of the UK conducted by insurance underwriter Accident Exchange has found that new cars actually have a higher accident rate than older cars during the first six months of ownership. In fact, according to the study, while new cars account for only 2.9% of cars on the roads, they are responsible for 5% of accidents. The study also found that drivers with a new car are twice as likely to be involved in a collision during the first six months of ownership, compared with drivers who have owned their cars for longer.

According to Accident Exchange, the issue may be one of familiarity. Drivers with new cars are still getting used to steering, mirrors, brakes, and other systems in a new car, and the lack of familiarity with the vehicle may get drivers into trouble.

According to the study authors, another issue may be distraction. Drivers may be distracted by the new features of their car, and this may mean that they focus on the car rather than on the road during the first few months of owning a car. Further, drivers with brand-new cars may drive differently, because they are extra cautious with their new purchase. The excessive caution can actually lead to car and truck collisions in Miami and other communities, since driving more cautiously does not necessarily mean driving better.

Although the study’s authors did not mention it, inherent product defects may also contribute to some car collisions with new cars. With new models, defective systems may not have come to light yet and it often takes some car collisions and injuries before products liability claims in Miami and other cities are launched. Usually, it is only after a few injuries have been reported that manufacturers start issuing recalls and offering free changes.

If you have a new car, how can you avoid being involved in a traffic accident in Miami or your community?

Safety experts have always suggested that drivers adjust their cars to their driving needs. Before taking your car out the first few times, spend some time in the driveway getting accustomed to new blind spots, new controls, and new systems. Adjust the seat and mirrors as needed and ensure that you are comfortable in the car and can see clearly. Read the manual or ask the dealership for a demonstration of all the new systems and features of the car.

The first few times you head out with the car, consider taking quieter routes so that you can get used to how the car handles before you take the car on your morning commute or on a more challenging trip. Once you get used to the car, you will be able to handle it as safely as any other vehicle.

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Avoiding a Car Accident in Miami or Your Community This Weekend

Published on: July 3, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Authorities and safety experts say that that the Fourth of July holiday means that motorists need to be more aware of the risks of car collisions in Miami and other Florida communities. To avoid being involved in a traffic accident in Miami and surrounding areas, be sure to follow these tips:

1) Watch out for an influx of visitors. In Miami this year, the tourism season is picking up with visitors from Europe and South America in particular. Many hotels are close to capacity and some special events in the area are already sold out. The influx of tourists is great for business, but it also means that motorists need to be aware of more pedestrians in the city as well as potentially more drivers on the roads.

2) Cross only at crosswalks and designated crossing areas, especially in busy areas and at special events. Pedestrian accidents at Miami events often occur when pedestrians cross where motorists do not expect them. If you are attending an event or are in a pedestrian and car-heavy area, be sure to cross where drivers expect it. If you are driving in an area where there is an event or plenty of pedestrians, slow down and stay alert.

3) Keep a close eye on children. Children are excited by all that Miami has to offer in the summer, but this can mean that parents need to be extra vigilant to prevent child injury in Miami or their community. If you are walking with your children, keep them in strollers or hold onto them to prevent them from running into traffic. If you are driving in Miami, be extra alert for families and young children who may run into traffic.

4) Keep your car in tune. You are more likely to be able to avoid a car or truck accident in Miami or your community if your car is in good shape and responds the way you expect it to if you need to make a sudden maneuver.

5) Stay alert for events and construction in your area. Listen to traffic and weather updates so that you can avoid traffic congested areas that increase your risk of an accident. Plan your routes based on safety. Taking a little extra time to arrive at your destination can be worth it if you avoid the hassle and risk of traffic delays, road work, and congestion.

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Preventing Injuries in Side Impact Accidents in Hialeah and Other Florida Cities

Published on: June 27, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Side impact car accidents in Hialeah and other communities are among the most common traffic collisions. These accidents often occur when drivers change lanes without checking for oncoming traffic or when cars turn without checking for oncoming traffic.

Side impact accidents often lead to catastrophic injuries because passengers are less protected on their sides. The front of the dash usually has airbags to protect the passenger but the sides of the car have glass and a thin layer of metal as protection. In a side impact collision in Hialeah or another community, the glass can easily go flying and passengers may be crushed by the other car. Each year patients are rushed to ERs in Hialeah with spinal cord injuries, head injuries, cuts, and other serious injuries resulting from these types of collisions.

Car manufacturers have made a number of improvements to cars in order to minimize injuries in side impact crashes. Some cars have safety cage designs, which means that they have stiffer side and roof designs that increase the crumple zone and distribute impact of a crash so that occupants are injured less.

Another innovation in the past ten years has been the side impact airbag. By 2012, over 95% of passenger cars sold included a side impact air bag. Just like an airbag in the dash or steering wheel, this airbag inflates rapidly at impact, cushioning the occupant from the crash. While it does not increase the crumple zone, the side impact air bag prevents the passenger from hitting his or her head against the glass and metal of the door, which can help prevent head injuries. Curtain airbags provide even more protection and protect the occupant all the way to the hip while also preventing the passenger from being thrown from the car in the event of a collision.

Since side impact car accidents are so common, it makes sense to buy a car with the best side impact crash protection. If you are shopping for a new vehicle, consider a car with curtain side impact air bags as well as safety cage design. You may also wish to review the latest independent side impact crash tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS tests car makes and models independently for side impact safety.

In addition to buying a safe car, keep in mind that best practices can also help minimize injury if you are in a traffic accident in Hialeah or your community. Any type of car accident is more dangerous for a child than an adult, and that includes the side impact crash. Young children are more likely to be seriously injured in a crash and airbags can actually do more harm than good. If you are traveling with an infant or a young child, place them in the rear seat, in a child-appropriate and age-appropriate safety restraint. Adult passengers who are in the front of the car should wear a seat belt at all times. In combination with an air bag, these provide the best protection in the event of a crash.

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Six Things You Can Learn From Commercial Truck Drivers to Prevent Car Accidents in Hollywood or Your Florida Community

Published on: June 25, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Studies have shown that in traffic accidents involving passenger cars and commercial trucks, the passenger car drivers are often more likely to be at fault. If you want to prevent truck and car collisions in Hollywood or your community, there are several things you will want to learn from commercial truck drivers:

1) Learning to drive takes more work than you think. Passenger can drivers can get a license by completing a simple course and passing a test. The testing and training for commercial truck drivers, however, is more vigorous and truck drivers must complete more in-truck training as well as more classroom training. Passenger car drivers can close the gap between training requirements – and become safer drivers – by getting additional driver training. In some cases, getting additional training can also help you save money on your insurance costs.

2) Developing your driving skills is a life-long endeavor. Commercial truck drivers are expected to keep their skills up-to-date. Most passenger car drivers can also refresh their skills with occasional classes. This can be especially important when moving. For example, if you move from Florida to a city with a winter climate, winter driving classes can give you the skills you need to drive safely in your new home.

3) You need a system of checks and balances to stay safe on the road. Truck drivers prevent car and truck crashes in Hollywood and other communities because they follow strict federal guidelines. For example, truck drivers may be subject to random health testing and must obey rest times as well as texting bans. The rules for passenger car drivers are more relaxed. However, passenger car drivers can stay safer on the road and can prevent traffic accidents in Hollywood or their community with self-imposed rules. While texting and driving is not yet illegal in Florida, motorists can still choose to put away mobile devices when driving, for example.

4) Measuring your progress is important. Commercial truck drivers are expected to keep logs of distances driven and rest stops taken. This forces them to pay attention to how much sleep and rest they are getting. This is also a good idea for passenger car drivers. If you are going on a longer trip, especially, keep track of how much you travel and how many breaks you take – aim to get a good night’s sleep each night and make several stops throughout a day of driving to prevent highway hypnosis and fatigued driving.

5) The shape of your vehicle is important for road safety. Commercial truck drivers are responsible for checking their tires, cargo, and the basic state of their truck before each drive. This is to help prevent tire blowouts in Hollywood and other communities, as well as other preventable accidents. A quick once-over of your car is also a good idea; a well-maintained car is more likely to respond the way you need it to if you need to act fast to prevent a pedestrian accident or other traffic collision.

6) Near-misses and small collisions are an important clue. Motor carriers lose money on unsafe drivers because these drivers can lead to costly litigation and insurance cost increases. When a truck driver is in a near-miss or a minor accident, it is usually investigated. Unfortunately, passenger car drivers sometimes dismiss minor accidents and fender-benders rather than seeking medical advice and driver evaluation and rehabilitation.

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