Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

Recovering From a Car Accident in Tamarac Can Take Years – Here’s How to Get on the Road to Healing

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

A serious car collision in Tamarac can result in severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, burns, and other injuries. In addition to being painful and devastating, these injuries can require literally years of healing time and recovery. In some cases, the injuries prove permanent and require a lifetime of care. If you have suffered a serious injury, it is important that you:

1) Get the best medical treatment you can. Seek help immediately after a traffic accident, since in some cases injuries can become fatal if not addressed right away. If you have been in a traffic collision in Tamarac or any other community, it is a good idea to seek medical attention, even if you do not have any serious symptoms or any symptoms at all. At the very least, you will want to be evaluated for head injury. In addition, you will want to get follow up care and possibly a second opinion if your injuries are serious. Unfortunately, medical mistakes and misdiagnosis in Tamarac and Florida can cause car accident patients to suffer even more serious injury and complications, so paying close attention to your medical care is vital.

2) Find a support system. Injuries don’t just cause physical pain. A severe traffic accident can also cause emotional trauma and upset. It is important to find a support system that can help you through the emotional healing process as your body heals. You can look for support groups in your area and turn to friends and family for help. If you feel depressed or are having trouble recovering emotionally from your injuries, speak with your doctor. He or she will be able to recommend counseling or other options that can help you.

3) Take care of your finances and legal rights. The insurance claims process after a traffic accident can be confusing and in many cases you may have the right to file a legal claim. The financial and legal aspects of your case can determine how much compensation you receive for your injuries. If you have been seriously injured and your healing process will take some time, it is very important to pursue the fairest compensation you are entitled to. Without it, you may end up paying some of the costs of your injury on your own, and this can cause significant financial distress at a time when you need no additional stress. To help safeguard your rights, consult with a personal injury attorney in Tamarac or your community to review your options.

4) Prevent further injury. One of the risks with a serious injury is secondary injury. For example, if you have sustained a head injury in a Tamarac car collision, balance and vision issues resulting from your injury could put you more at risk for slip and fall injuries in your Tamarac home. If you have sustained a serious injury, speak with your doctor about the steps you should take to minimize the risk of complications and secondary injury. This may involve making your home more accessible or it may mean getting physical therapy or other forms of therapy.

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Statistics About Car Accidents in Miami and Florida

Published on: May 14, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to statistics:

•Florida has a high percentage of drivers. 4 out of 5 Florida residents are licensed drivers. In the Miami area, for example, about 15.3 million people out of a population of 19.3 are licensed motorists. In addition, there are an unknown number of drivers on Florida roads who drive without licenses. Experts estimate that 1-3% of drivers may be unlicensed motorists.

•Your chances of being in a car collision in Miami and other Florida cities may not be as high as you fear. In 2013, less than 1.3% of Florida’s licensed drivers are expected to be involved in a traffic crash.

•The toll of car accidents in Miami is high. In 2010 alone, there were 235,461 car accidents in Florida, with 2,261 of them resulting in deaths. In Miami-Dade County alone, there were 248 deaths due to traffic accidents that year.

•Where you live can affect your chances of a significant car accident injury. Miami Dade leads Florida counties for traffic fatalities, with 248 reported in 2010. That same year, there were 160 car accident fatalities in Broward County, 151 fatalities in Hillsborough County, 129 in Orange County, and 113 in Palm Beach County.

•Certain times are more dangerous when it comes to traffic accidents. According to statistics, 55.3% of fatal traffic accidents in Miami and other cities occur at night. Weekends see more accidents than weekdays, with Saturday accounting for 19% of fatalities. The highest number of car accidents in Florida occur in March, with more than 9.4% of car accident occurring during that month.

•Where you drive also has an impact. Close to 38% of fatal traffic accidents in 2010 occurred on two-way roadways.

•You are more likely to be killed in a car accident or truck accident in Miami or Florida if you are a man. 70.9% of people killed in car accident in 2010 in Florida were men while 29.1% of fatalities were women.

•The causes of car accidents vary. Statistics show that the most common causes of car crashes are distracted driving, drunk driving, aggressive driving, inexperienced motorists, and weather.

If you have been in a car accident or pedestrian accident in Miami or any other community, you will want to consult with a personal injury attorney as well as a doctor. A good personal injury lawyer in Miami or your community can help you review your legal options as well as the likely total costs of your injuries. In the end, car accidents are about more than just numbers. Even if statistically you have a low risk of being in an accident, you may find yourself seriously injured in a collision due to someone’s negligence or recklessness. If this happens, you may be have legal options that allow you to seek compensation for pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, medical costs, and other expenses related to your injury.

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Weather is a Cause of Many Car Accidents in Miramar and Across the Country

Published on: May 7, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Weather and weather-related fatalities usually only make the news when they concern a serious natural disaster such as a hurricane. But there may be another reason to keep an eye on the skies: according to experts, one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities is traffic accidents. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports that over 7000 people across the country die each year in car and traffic accidents caused by inclement weather. Most of these fatalities tend to be overlooked because they are not counted among the deaths caused by serious storms and most of these fatalities involve one or two-car accidents. Experts are now paying more attention, however, hoping to reduce the number of weather-related traffic fatalities in Miramar and other communities.

According to meteorologists and other experts, there a number of things that drivers can do to help prevent weather-related car crashes in Miramar and other communities:

1) Understand what conditions to look for. Many people understand that snow, ice, and water can mean slippery conditions, but a range of weather conditions – including whiteouts, fog, sunny days, wildfire smoke – can create potentially dangerous conditions. Any situation that interferes with visibility or makes the roads slippery can cause dangerous road conditions.

2) Be prepared for different weather conditions. Even a very sunny day with glare can lead to a car or truck accident in Miramar if you aren’t prepared for it. In your car, keep the tools you need to stay safe. This may mean sunglasses and a hat for sunny weather and extra windshield wiper fluid for days where visibility is a problem and you need your windshield to be as clean as possible for the best visibility.

3) Keep your car in good condition. Good brake systems, tires, and windshields ensure that your car is prepared for various weather. Take your car in for regular tune-ups to ensure that it drives safely. Consider getting all-season tires, even if you never plan on driving outside of Florida and don’t need to worry about ice and snow. Tires with good treads can really help in any wet or slipper road conditions and could potentially help you prevent a pedestrian accident in Miramar or your community.

4) Stay alert about weather conditions. Get into the habit of checking weather conditions before hopping in your car. Don’t head out when the weather is very bad and if you do need to drive in inclement weather, be prepared to give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

In the future, there may be new ways to help prevent weather-related car and truck accidents in Miramar and across the country. The U.S. Department of Transportation is funding new technology, the “Vehicle Data Translator,” which would gather and share up-to-date atmosphere and road conditions with drivers in real time, giving motorists the information they need to stay safer on the roads. The system would collect data from cars and from local weather stations as well as other sources in order to give drivers more information to prevent collisions.

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Could Consistent Traffic Signals Help Prevent Car Crashes in Hollywood and Across Florida?

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

A new study out of Oregon and Portland State Universities has concluded that left turns are among the riskiest pedestrian areas. Researchers have found that permitted (also known as unprotected) left turns are especially risky. These types of left turns are created to ensure a steady flow of traffic, but if the study’s authors are correct, that speedy traffic comes at a price: more car collisions in Hollywood and other cities.

The study, published by the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium, determined that unprotected left turns lead to traffic accidents for a few reasons:

1) Poor motorist habits. According to the researchers, motorists who are turning left at permitted turns are 4-9% less likely to check for pedestrians when completing their turn when compared with motorists making other types of turns.

2) Confusing signals. Each city in the US – and even different cities within the same state – have different signals for unprotected left turns. According to personal injury attorneys in Hollywood and other communities, this lack of consistency can lead to confusion and can increase the risk of pedestrian accidents in Hollywood and other communities. Some experts have recommended one universal permitted left hand traffic sign be adopted to reduce confusion and reduce the risk of collisions.

3) Poor pedestrian habits. In many car and truck accidents in Hollywood and other communities, when pedestrians are involved they may bear some of the liability for the collision. Researchers with the Federal Highway Administration found that pedestrians are more likely to be injured when crossing in marked crosswalks rather than unmarked areas. According to some experts, this may be because pedestrians feel much safer in marked crosswalks and may take fewer precautions.

4) Unprotected left turns encourage cars to turn quickly. According to the study published by the Oregon Transportation Research and Education Consortium, drivers making a permitted left turn often need to move quickly in order to complete their turns, and this speed can mean that they do not take the time to check for pedestrians.

According to a 2010 NHTSA report, 13% of all traffic deaths in 2010 were pedestrian fatalities. That means that year about 4280 pedestrians died in traffic collisions. Experts agree that in many cases these deaths are preventable and could be avoided with better motorist habits.

Some experts believe that permitted left turns should be converted into protected left turns in order to reduce instances of traffic accidents. Others argue that better signals or traffic signs would help prevent pedestrian fatalities. Most experts do agree that some changes need to be made to prevent senseless fatalities and injuries.

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Some Injuries Sustained in a Car Accident in Hialeah Can be Hard to Spot

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

If you have been in a car collision in Hialeah or any other community, there may be some obvious injuries. For example, you may sustain broken bones, burns, abrasions, and other injuries. In addition to these injuries, however, many victims of traffic accidents in Hialeah and other communities sustain injuries that are harder to detect. These injuries include:

1) Head injuries.
2) Soft tissue injuries.
3) Emotional injuries.

Head Injuries

Head injury patients in Hialeah and other communities do not always get the help they need because in some cases patients do not present any symptoms right away. Any time you are in a serious accident where your head may have struck a hard object, it is important to get an immediate medical evaluation. Concussions may not seem serious right away but may quickly become serious or even life-threatening with time, and delaying treatment can affect your ability to recover fully. In some cases, symptoms of a head injury may develop gradually and may be subtle. Symptoms can include:

• headaches
• loss of balance
• vision problems
• ringing in the ears
• problems with reasoning or concentrating
• anxiety
• irritability
• depression
• lethargy
• sleep disorders
• convulsions or seizures
• vomiting
• disorientation or confusion
• memory loss
If you have been in a traffic accident and notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help at once.

Soft tissue injuries

One of the more common soft tissue injuries sustained in truck accidents in Hialeah and other communities is whiplash, or a soft tissue injury affecting the neck area. However, soft tissue injuries can affect neural pathway in all areas of the body. Like head injuries, soft tissue injuries may have subtle symptoms and may not produce any symptoms right away, making them hard to detect. Soft tissue injuries can also have a range of symptoms, including:

• reduced range of motion or mobility
• stiffness in shoulders or arms
• headaches
• slower reflexes
• dizziness
• muscle spasms
• weakness or numbness
If you have been in a car or pedestrian accident in Hialeah or any community and notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help. Chiropractic treatment or physical therapy can help address some of the symptoms of soft tissue injuries, but an accurate diagnosis is needed first.

Mental Trauma

Being in a traffic accident is a devastating experience and in some cases patients develop trauma after the accident. They may suffer from depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, personality changes, and other issues as a result of their accident and injuries. It is important to seek help if you have been in a car accident and find yourself upset or having difficulty returning to your normal life weeks or months after the event.

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Working Through the Real-Life Impact of a Car Accident in Hallandale Beach

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

If you live in Hallandale Beach and are involved in a serious car accident, the impact of that accident can last for years. If you have sustained a serious injury, such as a spinal cord injury, burns, fractures, or a head injury in Hallandale Beach or another community, you may face a long medical recovery process and the impact of your accident can also affect your finances, your relationships, and your emotions for years to come. You will want to address all the areas of your life that may be affected by your injuries:

1) Medical. The most obvious impact of a serious traffic accident in Hallandale Beach is the injuries suffered. You may face head injuries, soft tissue injuries, or other serious injuries. You may be rushed from the scene of the accident to Memorial Regional Hospital or another local hospital. Even if you are not taken to hospital, you will want to visit a local clinic or your doctor for a check-up as soon as possible after the accident. Some soft tissue injuries and head injuries do not manifest symptoms right away but may be serious. Once you have received emergency medical care, you may face months or years of recovery time and medical treatment. Depending on your injuries, you may need surgery, follow-up treatment, rehabilitation, and other care.

2) Financial. The high cost of medical care after a car or truck accident in Hallandale Beach is usually compounded by the fact that after an accident you may not be able to return to work for some time, causing you to lose wages. The financial devastation of a serious car accident can push households into bankruptcy – and car insurance may not always be the answer. In cases where patients need long-term care, especially, insurance money often does not cover the full cost of an accident. For this reason, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney in Hallandale Beach soon after your accident. A good attorney can negotiate with insurance companies for you or can help you pursue legal claims, if possible in your case, so that you get the compensation you and your family need.

3) Relationships. It’s true that relationships often suffer after a serious car accident. In addition to the frustration and upset that serious injuries can cause, the financial burden of a car crash in Hallandale Beach can lead to household and relationship disputes. After a serious car collision, you may need to see a therapist or counselor to get assistance. It may also be useful to speak with a support group.

4) Mental. After a serious accident, it is normal to feel anxiety, fear, upset, and a whole turmoil of emotions. It is important to get help or counseling for these emotions, especially if they hurt your relationships or prevent you from living a full life.

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Government Agency Suggests a Rating System for Elderly Drivers — Will it Reduce the Number of Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Florida?

Published on: April 22, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

This past month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted an online request seeking comments about a rating system for older customers. The suggested “Silver Car Rating System for Older Occupants” would be part of the NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and would help older customers look at safety information about new cars. The rating system would address issues of car performance that are not evaluated by the NCAP under current guidelines – issues that could affect older drivers and passengers.

The NHTSA asked the public whether there “Are there aspects of vehicle performance, currently not evaluated by NCAP that would particularly address the needs of older vehicle occupants?” Depending on the responses received, the NHTSA may change their NCAP system to address the needs of older car buyers.

The AARP reports that 16% of drivers on the country’s roads are 65 or older and by 2025 one in five drivers in the US will fall into that age category. Currently, elderly drivers have the highest fatality rates in car accidents.
Experts agree that seniors may face a number of issues that specific issues that could be addressed by specific car features:

1) Adjustable gas and brake pedals and telescoping steering columns are useful for drivers who are shorter or have mobility issues. Mobility issues among elderly drivers may cause car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and other communities, according to experts. The elderly are also more prone to osteoporosis and other illnesses which can affect height. However, many cars are made for taller drivers and may not always provide the correct adjustment’s for drivers who are under 5’3”. Making more customizable steering columns and pedals would help, some experts believe.

2) Automatic seatbelts, easy-to-grasp steering wheels, pushbutton start systems, and thick steering wheels are good features for drivers who suffer from arthritis and for those with mobility issues. Features such as these would make it easier to use safety systems and to operate a car safely, potentially reducing the risk of traffic accidents in Fort Lauderdale and other communities.

3) Larger writing on the dashboard and other systems is useful for those with vision problems. Unfortunately, current car designs feature more and more useful dials and features on the dash. In many cases, this means that each individual button and components needs to be smaller so that all the features can fit. Sleeker car designs also tend to favor smaller buttons and labels on the dash. This can make it harder for elderly and vision-impaired drivers to see everything on the dashboard, especially at night. Enhancing the visibility of the dashboard features can potentially help reduce car and truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale and other communities. Ensuring that the lights on a dashboard are easily adjustable (to reduce glare during night time driving) can also be a useful design feature.

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Everyone has a Role to Play in Stopping Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Deerfield Beach

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

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2011 alone 3331 Americans were killed in accidents and another 387, 000 sustained injuries due to driver distraction. Driver distraction causes many serious accidents leading to spinal cord injuries, fractures, amputations, fatalities, and head injuries in Deerfield Beach and other communities each year. What is most frustrating for victims is that in many cases these accidents and injuries are preventable.

There is more awareness than ever before about the dangers of distracted driving. April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, for example, and many agencies and organizations are joining forces to inform drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. The message is clear: driving while distracted causes preventable car accidents in in Deerfield Beach and other communities. Everyone has a role to play in preventing these types of accidents:

1) Lawmakers

Florida is still one of the few states not to ban texting and driving. While all commercial drivers and federal employees using company cars cannot text and drive and while some companies are passing texting bans for drivers using company vehicles, in Florida it is still legal to drive while keeping your eyes on a mobile device. The state has had problems passing a ban, despite much evidence that distraction causes many car and truck accidents in Deerfield Beach and across Florida each year.

Some legislators are concerned that a texting ban would place too many restrictions on drivers, while many point out that a texting ban would not prevent drivers from being distracted by cell phones, passengers, and the myriad other distractions available to motorists. Some lawmakers have expressed doubts about whether a texting ban or even a ban on hand-held devices for drivers would reduce the number of traffic accidents in Deerfield Beach and other communities. Despite this, efforts are still being made to pass new laws to curb distracted driving.

2) Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officials and the justice system have a role to play, too. Law enforcement officials cannot ticket a driver for texting or talking on a phone in Florida, but they can pull over drivers who are driving erratically or recklessly before those motorists cause a traffic accident or pedestrian accident. Many law enforcement agencies have also launched awareness campaigns to alert drivers to the dangers of any distractions – whether those distractions come in the form of a mobile device, food, passengers, daydreaming, or anything else.

3) Drivers

Drivers, of course, have one of the biggest responsibilities when it comes to putting a halt to preventable car crashes. Motorists need to be aware of the risks of distracted driving and need to make sure that every time they step into a car they put their mobile devices (and any other distractions) away. When every driver makes a conscious decision to drive more safely, everyone benefits from safer roads.

Drivers who have been injured by a distracted driver can speak with a personal injury attorney in Deerfield Beach or their community about making a legal claim. When motorists are held accountable for their recklessness, they may important changes to their driving habits.

4) The General Public

The general public – even those who don’t drive – do have a voice. The general public can write to lawmakers about distracted driving laws and can support advocacy groups raising awareness about dangerous driving.

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How to Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim in Davie

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

If you have decided to launch a car accident claim in Davie or any South Florida community, building the strongest case possible may increase your odds of getting fair compensation for your injuries. Here’s how you can build the strongest traffic accident claim in Davie or your community:

1) Hire the right attorney. The right attorney can make a huge difference in your case. An attorney with extensive experience in personal injury claims, insurance company negotiations, and local laws will have the experience and knowledge about how to build the strongest case. He or she will likely be familiar with the local justice system and with the local professionals who will be involved in your case. A full-service law firm that has handled many similar cases to yours will have the resources, private investigators, expert witnesses, and other professionals needed to take care of the case. More importantly, an experienced personal injury attorney in Davie or your community will be able to take care of all the details, so that you can focus on healing.

2) Act quickly. There are statutes of limitations when filing many types of personal injury claims in Florida. In addition, after a traffic accident in Davie, the longer you wait, the less evidence will be available. In addition, if you sign any documentation or accept any insurance money for your injuries, you may find that you’ve signed away some of your rights to pursue a legal claim. For all these reasons, if you’ve been in a car or truck accident in Davie or any other community, it is important to speak with a personal injury attorney right away to discuss your legal options and to discuss the best ways to preserve your rights. Even if you’re not sure whether you want to file a legal claim, an attorney can give you important advice on preserving your right to file a legal claim down the line. An attorney can also help you understand how much your injuries could be worth and how much your case might be worth, both of which are important pieces of information to have when you’re trying to decide whether to launch a lawsuit or not.

3) Gather documentation where you can. As soon as possible, start the documentation process. Make note of the other driver’s insurance and contact information, but also notice much as you can about the scene. Take photos if you can. If you are taken to a hospital, get copies of the police report and any medical reports about your condition. If you have to make any purchases related to your injuries – such as medications, taxicabs to and from doctors’ appointments, and other expenses – keep a list of the expenses, the dates you spend the money, and receipts where you can. Document your injuries, taking photos of any bruising or fractures and keeping a journal of symptoms and the recovery process.

4) Be careful of what you say, sign, and do – both in real life and online. Even saying something as simple as “sorry” at the accident scene may be construed as you taking blame for the accident. Signing documents can also impact your ability to pursue legal action later on. Even posting pictures of yourself on Facebook can have a detrimental effect if they show you looking injury-free. If you decide to file a legal claim, make sure that your attorney takes care of any documentation you may need to sign related to the case. In addition, be sure to discuss with your attorney your social media presence and what you can and cannot say about your accident to others.

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Preventing Drowsy Driving Car Accidents in Virginia Gardens and Across Florida

Published on: April 11, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Fatigued driving leads to many car accidents in Virginia Gardens and across South Florida. Each year, drowsy drivers fall asleep at the wheel or make driver errors because their response times and motor skills are affected by their fatigue. If you want to prevent these types of car and truck accidents in Virginia Gardens or your community, make sure that you:

1) Be aware of when you might be most at risk of drowsy driving. According to experts, mornings and evenings are high-risk times for drowsy driving, as are weekends and the start of the week. The period immediately after Daylight Saving time is also higher risk. Use extra caution when you are most likely to be fatigued.

2) Create a lifestyle that makes it easy for you to get good quality sleep. In many cases, our lifestyle creates situations where it is harder to get to sleep. For example, research has shown that if you use screens – including TV screens, e- readers, or computer screens – in your bedroom before sleep you may have a harder time getting adequate rest. Light pollution and even small lights in the bedroom can also impede your ability to sleep, as can noises. In addition, a stressful work environment can make it harder for you to fall asleep at night and stay asleep. Cultivate a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate rest, exercise, and quality nutrition. Outsource some of your work or work to make your time commitments reasonable. You may experience better health and you may also be less at risk of traffic accidents.

3) Take note of any feelings of fatigue. Before you drive, notice whether you feel tired. In fact, get into the habit of evaluating your mental state throughout the day. If you notice unexplained feelings of fatigue frequently, this could be the sign of a sleep disorder or another serious issue. See your doctor promptly in order to get help.

4) Do not overschedule yourself. Having too much to do means that you are more likely to drive distracted, more likely to speed, and more likely to get inadequate rest. All of these things can lead to a traffic accident in Virginia Gardens or your community. Overscheduling yourself can also lead to excessive stress and can reduce the quality of your life (and your sleep). Learn new ways to manage your time so that you can get everything done without overburdening your schedule.

5) Look into carpool and other driving options. If you drive everywhere or have to drive many miles per day, it’s easy to get exhausted and overwhelmed. Consider commuting using public transportation. This can give you a chance to do something else – such as listen to quiet music or read – while someone else takes care of the driving. Or, consider carpooling. This can also give you a break from constantly having to drive everywhere and can even help you save money.

6) Don’t just over-caffeinate. If drivers are tired, they often simply zip through a drive-through in order to pick up coffee or a soda. Be careful of over-caffeinating rather than treating symptoms. If you are tired all the time, it is important to talk to your doctor rather than just continue drinking caffeine. Drinking caffeine can still lead to a car accident because once the caffeine rush wears off you can fall asleep at the wheel. In addition, drinking too much caffeine can make you jittery and can also lead to a car accident. Caffeine may also not improve your motor skills or response times if you are fatigued.

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