Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

Making the Right Decisions to Avoid a Hollywood Drunk Driving Accident

Published on: December 20, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Unfortunately, at this time of year many people make poor decisions when it comes to driving after drinking. At the same time, office holiday parties and personal holiday parties often serve alcohol, allowing some drivers to make poor decisions after drinking. Drunk driving causes too many Hollywood car accidents each year – and these accidents are completely avoidable if motorists simply take some extra time to plan ahead to get home safely.

Planning ahead

Plan ahead if you will be attending any events in the next few weeks where alcohol may be served. Even if you do not have plans for drinking at a the specific party, make sure that you have at least three ways to get home safe if you do end up drinking. Keep extra money on hand to pay for a hotel room, a taxicab, or another alternative to get home. Make plans with friends and family so that you can call each other in order to get a safe ride home. Designate a driver. Do what you can, but make sure that you do not drink and drive. It is the only way to avoid a DUI Hollywood traffic accident.

Make use of more than one option to get home

Many communities offer free or inexpensive transportation options at this time of year to help people get home safely after festivities. Find out what is offered in your area. Keep a printout of local bus routes, taxi cab company phone numbers, and other information on your mobile device or in your glove compartment so that you know how to get a safe drive home. One good option is to simply leave your car at home if you will be drinking at a party. That way, you will not be tempted to drive home.

In order to stay safe on the road, you must also be well rested and alert when you get behind the wheel. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of sleep and get plenty of rest. Not only will you enjoy the holidays more, but you will have a safer holiday season as well. If holiday stress makes it difficult for you to sleep, visit your doctor in order to get assistance before your drowsiness leads to an accident. Keep in mind that even if you have not been drinking, you may be too fatigued to drive home safely after a party. Having alternative options to get home safely can help you avoid a Hollywood truck accident or car accident.

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The Holidays Present Unique Dangers For Motorists: Here Is How To Avoid Pembroke Pines Car Accident And Other Seasonal Dangers

Published on: December 18, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

The holiday season means plenty of errands as well as fun activities. During the bustle of the season, though, Pembroke Pines car accidents are a risk. The extra rush of the holidays as well as extra traffic on the roads can lead to collisions and road rage, as well as other hazards. To have a pleasant and safe holiday, be sure to follow these tips:

1) Be more cautious in parking areas. These can be the site of many slow-speed accidents as busy shoppers rush to get to sales and back home again. Drive defensively in parking areas and keep an eye out for distracted pedestrians and drivers. Park in well-lit areas to stay safe when walking to and from retail areas.

2) Lock your car when shopping and store purchased items in the trunk. Unfortunately, thieves do target shoppers. Keeps valuables stowed out of sight so that they will not be a temptation.

3) Prepare for road trips and shopping trips to unfamiliar areas. Print out a map or use GPS to get to your destination safely. If you are going on a longer trip, get details about detour routes, road conditions, and weather conditions as well.

4) Do not drink and drive. Pembroke Pines drunk driving accidents claim too many lives each year and these are accidents that are easily preventable.

5) Inform someone when you will be heading out for a trip or running holiday errands. When someone is expecting you, they can check in if you get into trouble and cannot return.

6) Carry your mobile device with you, but keep it switched off in the car. Mobile devices are a handy way to call for help if you get stranded. However, they can also lead to Pembroke Pines motorcycle accidents and car accidents because they are a major distraction.

7) Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car when you head out and keep your car in good repair. Having enough fuel to get home (or at least to the next gas station) can ensure that you get home safely. A car that is in good repair is also less likely to break down in the middle of a roadway, potentially causing a collision.

8 ) Consider driving with a friend or family member, especially if you are heading out to run errands or are headed out for a longer trip. Two drivers can share driving duty, which makes it easier to avoid fatigued driving. A second driver can also check maps and keep an eye out for exit ramps, leaving the main driver less distracted.

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Act Now to Prevent a Fort Lauderdale Car Accident This New Year

Published on: December 13, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many people at this time of year are planning their New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you are as well, it is important to plan well in advance not only to have a great time but also to avoid a Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accident. Unfortunately, the New Year is a high-risk time for these types of Fort Lauderdale car accidents, since some revelers ring in the New Year by making bad decisions. To avoid this, there are several things you can do now to enjoy a safe and happy New Year’s Eve:

1) Consider your New Year’s Eve celebrations carefully. Most cities offer alcohol-free or family-friendly activities as well as other options. Choosing an alcohol-free event ensures that you will not be drinking and therefore are less at risk of a Fort Lauderdale car accident.

2) Consider taking public transportation to and from the event. Many areas offer free transportation or free late-night public transport for revelers on New Year’s Eve. Find out whether this is available in your area. If it is, you may wish to consider taking public transit to and from your New Year’s Eve celebration. This way, you will not even be tempted to drive after drinking. Before your New Year’s Eve celebration, print out information about the routes available using public transport as well as the hours public transportation is available.

3) Make plans for waiting if you will be getting a cab home. On most nights, if you want to avoid a Fort Lauderdale traffic accident caused by drunk driving, you can simply call a cab in order to get home safely. On New Year’s Eve, however, taxi cab companies are often overwhelmed with requests. It can be hard to reach a cab company and get a cab. If you do want a taxi, you will generally have a long wait in front of you. Therefore, you will want to plan ahead. Find ways to wait patiently. This may mean setting your mobile device to alert you about an hour before you want to leave your event. This way, you can call a cab company an hour before you want the taxi to show up. Another option is to find a 24-hour diner or another place to wait for a cab.

4) Do not rely on a designated driver or public transport alone. You may decide to stay out later than you expected, long after public transport is no longer available. Your designated driver may decide to drink after all or may leave earlier than you. To get home safely, have multiple plans in place so that you can get home safely, no matter how your night turns out.

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Will Automated Cars Cause More Miami Car Accidents or Fewer Traffic Accidents?

Published on: December 6, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

This year, California introduced a law that allows cars that that can drive without driver input to be tested on the California’s highways. There is a great deal of interest in the cars, which use a range of sensors as well as cameras and computer programs to drive in a variety of conditions with no input from the driver. Advocates of the cars say that the cars will even allow the visually impaired to drive since the cars will do all the “seeing” for the driver.

Advocates also claim that the cars will reduce car accidents since the sensors and programs can respond much more quickly than human drivers and are not prone to human error. Some even believe that the cars will take care of the problem of distracted driving, since owners will be able to text and engage in other activities while the car drives for them. However, will the new cars eventually reduce the risk of Miami traffic accidents – or contribute to the city’s accident rates?

Developers of the cars, which include Google technology, say that the cars have been tested for years now and the only accident in 300,000 miles of road tests was a minor rear-end crash that could be prevented in the future by installing heat-seeking technology in the trunk to detect approaching cars.

Critics weigh in

Critics of the cars are skeptical, noting that technology is imperfect and since computers and computer programs develop glitches or crash unexpectedly, the risks with a car fueled with this type of technology could be significant. After all, computers crash regularly and software is known for developing bugs and other problems that create crashes on personal computers. Drivers in an automated car are actually encouraged not to watch the road and may not notice a problem in time to stop a Miami car accident. Manufacturers of driverless cars have pointed out that the test cars in use have hundreds of thousands of kilometers of error-free driving on record.

Some critics also point out that if the cars become widespread they could put many professions, including car mechanics and traffic police, out of work. The financial impact of this could be significant. Manufacturers of driverless cars point out that driverless cars could actually make police and law enforcement authorities more effective, as time would be freed up to pursue other cases.

Cars raise questions about safety

In addition, the possibility of driverless cars raises the question of driver training and education. Will these cars allow the driving age to be lowered? How will drivers be tested to ensure that they safely drive a car that does not require their interaction? Currently, most states do not have laws about driverless cars and do not permit these cars on the road. However, since manufacturers of driverless cars claim that even blind drivers would be able to drive the vehicles, it raises questions about how drivers would be evaluated for safety. In addition, there are some questions about how roads could safely be shared between driverless cars and traditional cars. Would sharing the road lead to more Miami truck accidents and car accidents?

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How to Prevent Your Teen From Driving Distracted and Causing a North Miami Car Accident

Published on: December 4, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Distracted driving is a key cause of Florida and North Miami traffic accidents. Research has also shown that teen drivers are more likely than adult drivers to be involved in a car accident. Many parents worry about the statistics and worry about the fact that their teens maybe driving distracted, putting them more at risk of a North Miami car accident. However, there many things that parents can do to help prevent their teens from driving distracted:

1) Make sure your teen knows what driving distracted is. Some teens assume that checking their cell phone very quickly does not amount to distracted driving. It is important to emphasize to teen drivers that taking their eyes or their mind off of driving for even a fraction of second is enough to cause a serious North Miami traffic accident. List all the types of distracted driving possible — including changing a CD, talking to passengers, daydreaming, etc. Make sure that your teen understands that there are many ways to be distracted and that all of them can lead to a North Miami truck accident or car accident.

2) Make sure your teen knows the laws. Some drivers assume that since Florida does not ban texting and driving, it is safe to do in the car. Many research studies, however, have proven that distracted driving can lead to traffic accident and can actually be just as risky as North Miami drunk driving. In addition, Florida law does allow someone who was injured in a car accident to pursue a legal claim against an at-fault driver who was driving recklessly. Therefore, even if your teen does not technically break the law by texting and driving, if the texting causes injuries in a car accident they could be held liable. Make sure your teen understands this law.

3) Help your teen understand the consequences of distracted driving. There are many online resources that describe in graphic detail how families have been torn apart and how people have suffered catastrophic North Miami head injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, and other serious injuries as a result of distracted driving. Oprah aired an entire episode a few seasons ago about distracted driving. In addition, many law enforcement agencies have information about distracted driving, including information about how catastrophic the results of this type of driving can be. Gather a number of resources and watch them with your teen so that they can see firsthand just how a few seconds of texting or distracted driving can lead to tragedy.

4) Work with your teen to raise awareness about distracted driving. If your teen is able to get involved with raising awareness about distracted driving, he or she may be less likely to drive distractedly themselves. Consider volunteering your time and efforts with an organization dedicated to helping prevent distracted driving. It may help teach your teen driver how important it is to keep their full focus on the road while driving.

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NHTSA Rules for Teen Drivers Could Curb Davie Car Accidents

Published on: November 29, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than adult drivers to be involved in car accidents. There are a number of reasons for this. The most common reason is that teen drivers have less driving experience than older drivers, and this can put them at risk for an accident simply because they do not know how to avoid a collision. In some cases, teen drivers also take a larger risk than older drivers. For example, they may drive distracted or may engage in other risky behaviors that lead to a Davie car accident. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration believes that parents can play a key role in preventing teen car accidents. According to the agency, there are rules that parents can establish to help their children stay safe on the roads:

1) Always wear a seat belt. Both teen drivers and their passengers should wear a seat belt correctly each time that they are in a car. Wearing a seat belt can help prevent Davie head injuries in the event of a crash as well as many other serious injuries. The simple seatbelt, despite the advent of many safety features, remains one of the most important pieces of safety equipment in any car.

2) No alcohol. In Florida, teenage drivers are not allowed to have any alcohol in their blood system. This means that teen drivers cannot drink at all when they are driving. Many parents assume that their children do not drink and drive because they are underage and cannot secure alcohol easily. Unfortunately, it is all too common for teen drivers to cause Davie drunk driving accidents, and alcohol is easier to procure than many parents believe. Underage drinking is a serious problem across Florida, so it is important for parents to enforce no drinking rules for their teen drivers.

3) No using a cell phone or texting while driving. Teen drivers often feel that they will miss something important if they turn off their cell phones or mobile devices off while driving. In addition, many teens like to stay connected at all times, even when they are driving. While Florida does not have any laws banning cell phone use or texting and driving, multiple research studies have suggested that texting while driving can be as dangerous as drinking and driving. Distracted driving is a leading cause of many Davie truck accidents and car accidents. In order to keep your teen driver safe, it is important for parents to enforce the no distracted driving rule. There are online pledges that teen drivers can sign, promising that they will not drive distracted.

4) Only one passenger in the car at a time. Studies have shown that teens with multiple teenage passengers in the car are more likely to be involved in risk-taking activities and more likely to be involved in a car accident. The more teens are in the car, the higher the risk of an accident or injury. The same studies, however, show that having an adult in the car can actually reduce the risk of a car accident for a teen driver. Based on this type of research, it is a good idea for parents to limit the number of passengers that their teen drivers are allowed in the car.

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As Holiday Invitations Come In, Start Planning to Prevent Homestead Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: November 27, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

During this time of year, many Homestead residents are getting invitations to work holiday parties as well as holiday get-togethers from friends and family. While it’s exciting to get invitations and to schedule them into your planner, this is also a good opportunity to make sure that you plan ahead for safety.

Holiday parties are a cause of concern for local law enforcement, since alcohol served at holiday parties can lead some motorists to make poor decisions, leading to Homestead drunk driving accidents. Homestead car accidents involving alcohol do typically increase during the holiday season in many years, according to authorities. Sometimes, drivers simply make poor decisions after drinking at a holiday party and the consequences can be tragic. Each year, people sustain serious Homestead head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even fatalities due to drunk driving.

You can help prevent these types of tragedies by planning well in advance. When you get an invitation for a holiday party, don’t just consider whether you can attend or whether the party fits into your schedule. Also plan ahead to determine how you can get home safely. For example, one of the things you want to consider is whether the party will be alcohol free or whether alcohol will be served. If alcohol will be served, consider how you will get home safely.

To do this, consider where the party is held. If the party is held at your workplace, find out whether your employer will be providing a way to get home safely. Consider public transportation as a way to get home safely, but also consider when the party will be ending. The party may and well after public transportation is no longer available. If this is the case, you will need a list of local cab companies as well as cash on hand so that you can call for a taxicab after the party.

Be especially alert for parties that can end late and for parties that are in remote locations. Often, these are the most challenging if you will be drinking. Taxicabs from remote locations may be more expensive and public transportation may not be available late at night or in remote areas. Hotel rooms and motel rooms may also not be available in these areas. Therefore, you will need to plan ahead and arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up. You may also want to have a list of cab companies on hand as well as extra money to get home safely. Or, you can make arrangements with your host in order to stay at their home after drinking. Planning ahead can reduce the risk that you will be involved in a Homestead traffic accident simply because you didn’t plan ahead and ran out of options when it was late and you found yourself far away from an easy way to get home.

Keep in mind that after a party where you have been drinking you may feel tired and anxious to get home. This makes it easier for you to make a bad decision. To avoid being in a Homestead traffic accident caused by drunk driving, make it easy for yourself to do the right thing. Plan ahead and have more than one way to get home safe. Better yet, consider leaving your car at home and take a cab to the party so that you are not tempted to drive home after you have been drinking.

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Preventing Pompano Beach Drunk Driving Accidents This Thanksgiving

Published on: November 22, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Unfortunately, Thanksgiving and the holiday season are a time when Florida and Pompano Beach drunk driving accidents may be on the rise. There are more holiday parties at this time of year serving alcohol, which can lead motorists to make poor decisions after drinking. Luckily, these types of Pompano Beach car accidents are completely preventable and you can do your part to help prevent these types of tragedies with just a few simple steps:

1) Plan ahead – even if you don’t plan to drink. Many drivers plan ahead if they plan on drinking, but even if you do not plan on drinking you may find that you end up being served alcohol or end up drinking anyway without planning to. Any time you head to a party or holiday event, you should have a backup plan for getting home safely if you do consume alcohol. This way, being unprepared is no excuse for driving drunk.

2) Have extra money on hand. A simple way to prevent DUI Pompano Beach car accidents is simply to have extra money on hand to pay for a hotel room or taxicab home if you have been drinking. You do not want to have to make a bad decision simply because you do not have money on hand to get home safely.

3) Keep the names of hotels and taxi companies in your wallet or glove compartment. Knowing exactly who you can call and where you can call in order to sober up or get home safe makes it easier for you to make the right decision if you do drink.

4) Have more than one plan for getting home safely. Having just one get home safe plan can be risky. For example, if you designate a driver but the driver ends up drinking or ends up leaving early, you could be stranded – unless you have a backup plan to get home safe. In addition to designating a driver, therefore, you may want to have other options on hand. Have money for a taxicab, have a list of friends you can call for a safe ride home, or have other options on hand so that you have lots of ways of getting home safely.

5) Don’t plan on walking home alone if you have been drinking. While it can seem like a better option than driving drunk, walking home inebriated can lead to a Pompano Beach pedestrian accident. Pedestrians who are intoxicated are more likely to become confused and may wander into traffic or get hit by a car. Inebriated pedestrians are also more likely to be involved in a Pompano Beach trip and fall accident or are more likely to injure themselves or become the victim of a crime because they are not alert enough to walk home safely. If you must walk home, walk home with friends or get a taxicab instead.

6) Consider making a difference by donating to a local group raising awareness about drunk driving. Raising awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and supporting groups that strive to reduce drunk driving helps keep everyone safer.

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Preventing a Hollywood Car Accident This Holiday Season

Published on: November 20, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Holiday season accidents can be especially tragic. No family should have to face the holidays with an injured loved one or immediately after losing a loved one. However, for some Hollywood families, this is exactly what occurs. The rush of the holiday season as well as increases in traffic during this time of year as well as the increase in the number of parties serving alcohol can all conspire to create an increased risk of Hollywood traffic accidents. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of tragedy this holiday season:

1) Give yourself extra time. Driving while stressed is more likely to lead to driver errors, speeding, reckless driving, and other mistakes which can cause a Hollywood truck accident or car accident. Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination when you’re driving. When running holiday related errands, consider delegating some tasks or removing some tasks entirely from your to do list. Being less stressed and putting less pressure on yourself allows you to focus fully on safe driving and allows you to reach your destination safely.

2) Give yourself the gift of sleep. During the holiday season, many people feel pressured to do more and to accomplish more. Sometimes, this can lead to insomnia or to reduced hours of sleep as we try to catch up on everything. However, drowsy driving is a leading cause of Hollywood car accidents.

3) Maintain your car. It is a good idea to get a car tune-up at this time of year, especially if you will be driving far in order to visit friends and family for the holidays. A car that is properly maintained is more likely to react properly if you need to make a sudden maneuver in order to avoid a car collision.

4) Plan routes carefully. If you will be driving to visit friends or family or if you are simply running errands in unfamiliar parts of town as part of your holiday routine, make sure that you plan your routes ahead of time. Consider construction as well as the safest routes to drive. Make sure that you print out maps and instructions and place them in an easy-to-reach area or use your GPS device in order to get to your destination safely. You do not want to have to be trying to look at instructions while driving at the same time.

5) Avoid distracted driving. Distracted driving is a leading cause of Hollywood car accidents. Even though Florida has no laws against texting and driving, keep in mind that if you drive recklessly you may have a legal claim launched against you if your recklessness causes a car accident. Distracted driving can easily kill you, so make sure to put all distractions away when you get behind the wheel. During the holiday season it is normal to want to multitask in order to get everything done, but you’ll be safer – and happier – if you focus on one task at a time. When on the road, your entire focus should be on driving and driving only.

6) Have a plan for getting home safely from any party where alcohol may be served. Hollywood drunk driving accidents are a key cause of concern for families and law enforcement every year during the holiday season.

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How Driver Rehabilitation Helps Keeps Roads Safer and Helps Prevent North Miami Traffic Collisions

Published on: November 15, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Driver rehabilitation services allow drivers to work with specially trained driving instructors. Driver rehabilitation services in fact offer many things, including:

1) Driving evaluations. As drivers get older, driving ability may become a concern. While many drivers drive safely well into their senior years, some senior drivers develop medical conditions which affect their ability to drive. Since everyone ages differently, it can be difficult to determine exactly when driving ability starts to decline. Professionals offering driver rehabilitation offer evaluations for senior drivers and any drivers concerned about their driving ability. These evaluations can help pinpoint issues and problems before a North Miami car accident occurs. Driver rehabilitation professionals can also make suggestions, such as exercises for flexibility or new driving techniques to help drivers cope with changing needs.

2) Specialized driver training for new drivers. New drivers who have medical conditions or physical issues which affect driving often need different driving instruction than those who do not face these challenges. Driver rehabilitation services can offer specialized new driver training for those who are in wheelchairs as well as for new drivers who face learning disabilities or other issues which could affect driver training.

3) Specialized driver training for experienced drivers with different needs. Health conditions can sometimes change an experienced driver’s ability to drive safely. For example, a North Miami spinal cord injury patient may need to learn to drive all over again with reduced mobility. Someone who has suffered a stroke or other serious illness may also need to re-learn to drive with different abilities. Driver rehabilitation can help with these issues.

4) Specialized equipment training for new drivers and their families. Someone who has suffered from a serious illness and needs a wheelchair or other devices needs to learn how to use those devices when driving. Family members may also need to learn how to drive someone who is in a wheelchair or uses other medical devices. Driver rehabilitation can help teach these skills.

5) Assistance with accessibility features for vehicles. After a serious injury or medical condition, drivers sometimes need to use accessibility features to drive safely. Driver rehabilitation professionals can help drivers determine which accessibility features and devices can help – and how to use these features most effectively.

Driver rehabilitation can help any driver who has suffered an illness or injury which affects their driving ability. These services can cost considerable amounts, however. If the injury which has affected your driving was caused by negligence, contact a North Miami personal injury attorney to see whether you may be able to seek compensation to help pay for medical costs, driver rehabilitation costs, car accessibility features, and other costs related to your injury.

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