Item: Flaxman Law Group
Rating: 5
Author: Clara Barman

Pets Can Cause Florida Car Accidents

Published on: June 7, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Florida residents love their pets, but when those pets are loose in a car, they can easily contribute to deadly traffic accidents. According to the organization “Paws to Click,” one accident occurs every 18 minutes in this country because there is a pet loose in the vehicle, distracting the driver. About 30 000 accidents in the US each year are caused by dogs alone. According to the same source, one in five drivers admit to driving with a dog on their lap. While Florida does not have any regulations requiring pet owners to restrain their pets in a vehicle, it is the safest and most humane option.

While dogs are lovable creatures, when they are left loose in a car, they can cause a great deal of distraction to the driver. The dog may begin chewing the upholstery or may try to dig under the seats. Some dogs get motion sickness and vomit in the car. Many dogs like to hang out the window, which puts them at risk of falling out of the window or getting debris in their mouth or eyes. Many dogs also enjoy jumping all over the car, getting underfoot, or placing their paws on the steering wheel. All of these distractions can become deadly for the driver – and for the drivers of other vehicles nearby.

Another tragic consequence of allowing pets loose in a car is that they become victims in the event of a car accident. If you are in a car accident in Florida and are holding your dog in your lap, your dog will likely be killed due to the impact of the airbag inflating in front of you. As well, if a pet is unrestrained and you are in a collision, that pet becomes a projectile which can harm you in an accident. If your pet is airborne during an accident, they will likely impact and this will prove fatal. Placing your pet in a carrier or appropriate restrains can help prevent an accident, and can also save your pet’s life.

There are many ways to safely restrain your pet in your car. There are booster seats, car seats, and seat belts made for dogs. These items are inexpensive, widely available, and allow your dog to look out the window while staying safer. It is important to place your dog in restraints in the back seat of the car, where airbags will not harm your pet in the event of an accident. All other animals should be placed in carriers or crates in the back seat of the car. Crates and carriers are also available for dogs.

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Teaching Your Younger Children About Florida Car Accidents

Published on: May 17, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many parents try to teach their new teen drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving in Florida, or about the dangers of distracted driving. However, younger children are also at risk in Florida car accidents. In fact, the National Center for Heath Statistics reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death for children under the age of 14. There are many ways that parents can teach young children to be safer in cars:

1) Teach your young children to be cautious about getting in a car with a driver who may be drunk. While most youngsters are taught to never get in a car with a stranger, teach children to look for the signs of a drunk driver and teach them to call you instead of getting in the car.

2) Teach your children to wear seat belts at all times. Younger children should always be placed in an age-appropriate safety seat. However, once children are old enough to wear a seat belt, they should be taught about the importance of safety belts and should be encouraged to wear a seat belt at all times.

3) Teach your children not to distract a driver. Younger children can inadvertently distract the driver, without realizing the danger. When driving with a younger child, make sure that they have an activity that can distract them during the trip. As well, be sure to explain to children the importance of not distracting any driver they are getting a drive from.

4) Teach pre-teens about the dangers of too many passengers. Many teens and pre-teens drive around with older friends with cars, and this means that many young drivers ferry around cars full of friends. This can be distracting and dangerous, especially for a younger and less experienced driver. Make sure that you explain to your younger teens about the dangers of distracted driving and the dangers of too many passengers in a car.

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Summer Road Dangers to Avoid

Published on: May 5, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Now that the summer is headed our way, there are some new dangers on the roads. Look out for these hazards to help prevent Florida car accidents:

1) Recreational vehicles. At this time of year, many people take out ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, and other types of similar vehicles for fun. When these vehicles share the road with you, you need to be extra cautious to avoid a collision. Also, while people are not supposed to use motorized scooters, golf carts, or ride-on mowers on roads, some do, so be alert for these hazards as well.

2) More pedestrians. Visitors and Florida residents alike enjoy the summer days by heading out for walks. Many people take advantage of lazy summer days to take strolls or try jogging. Keep alert, especially at intersections and in areas near walking trails. Give pedestrians plenty of room and be prepared for the unexpected. Together, we can help lower the rate of Florida pedestrian accidents.

3) Weather conditions. While most of us consider winter weather to be a hazard, summer has its own hazards. Hot, dry days can make it hard to concentrate on driving, for example, while sunny days can make visibility very difficult. As well, high heat can cause older cars to overheat and function poorly. Keep bottled water, sunscreen, and sunglasses in your car so that you can stay comfortable and focused on the road.

4) Road work. At this time of year, many municipalities start building projects and road repair. In these areas, slow down and follow signs or indicators. Stay alert for workers or work vehicles, which pose an additional obstacle for driver. Where possible, learn about road work on your route ahead of time and take an alternate route to avoid traffic and the risks of construction areas.

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How to Avoid Florida Car Accidents During Tourist Season

Published on: April 28, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

It’s no secret that Florida is a major tourist destination and now that the school season is winding down, many people from all across the country and from around the world are making plans to visit the state for their vacations. Tourists bring important cash into the economy, but they can also mean a greater risk of Florida car accidents because:

1) Not all tourists are familiar with Florida roads. Tourists may drive more slowly, back up, and need to turn around as they look for their hotels or destinations. The roads and road signs – as well as the hazards – which are familiar to local Floridians are not familiar to those who have never driven on Florida roads before. Anticipating other cars and driving defensively is therefore important for all drivers.

2) More tourists mean more traffic. More people pouring into Florida and heading on the roads towards major attractions means more traffic – and traffic can mean more frayed tempers as well as a greater risk of car accidents. When driving during the tourist season, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and give yourself plenty of space on the road.

3) More tourists mean more bicyclists and pedestrians. Many visitors enjoy exploring Florida’s natural beauty on foot. This can mean more bicyclists and more pedestrians sharing the roadways with cars, which in turn can lead to more Florida bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. It is important to be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists – especially those who may not be familiar with local roads.

To drive safely as we share the state with visitors, be sure to put away and distractions before you get in your car and drive defensively. Courteous driving will keep you and your family safer and will also encourage visitors to come back to the state for their next vacation.

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Your Teen Driver’s First Road Trip

Published on: April 21, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

For many teens, a road trip is an adventure and something of a rite of passage. Therefore, many teen drivers look forward to the day they can gather together a few friends and hit the road. If your teen driver is going on a first road trip, keep these safety tips in mind:

1) Make sure your teen has GPS and a cell phone – but won’t use them while driving. A cell phone with a GPS feature can help your teen call for help and get oriented, but since distracted driving is a leading cause of Florida car accidents, you want to ensure that your teen won’t use these devices while driving. Make sure that your teen agrees to pull over onto the side of the road before using these devices. Also, arrange a call-in time for your teen to call you to let you know that everything is fine.

2) Help your teen plan the trip. Work together to identify driving times, rest stops and breaks, potential hazards, and good driving routes. Make sure that your teen understands all the information needed to drive safely.

3) Create a written agreement. Create a contract with your teen and sign it. The contract should outline the rules for the road trip – such as when your teen will call in, a no drunk driving clause, a no distracted driving clause, and anything else you need to keep your driver safe. Be sure to outline fines and penalties for breaking the rules.
4) Encourage your teen to choose passengers carefully. Passengers are a major cause of distraction for teen drivers, so encourage your driver to consider who is coming along on the trip. Consider packing snacks or other activities for passengers so that your teen can focus on the road.

5) Make sure that your teen has a safe car to drive. Many teens driver older used cars because they are affordable, but not all of these cars are adequate for the rigors of a road trip. Take the car to your own mechanic to make sure the vehicle is sound and safe.

6) Consider the gift of additional training. The best gift you have give your teen before the road trip is a few hours of extra training with a qualified driving instructor. One on one training with a good instructor can help your teen correct some bad habits and brush up on skills needed for a longer trip.

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The Top Driving-Related Talks You Need to Have With Your Teen Today

Published on: March 31, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, but this is also a great month to talk to your teens about the other dangers of driving. It’s a great time to discuss:

1) Drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32 people in the US die every day due to drunk driving. Don’t let your teen become one of the statistics of Florida drunk driving accidents. Have an agreement with your teen that
2) Drugs and driving. Many people think of impaired driving as drunk driving, but many drugs (including illegal drugs as well as medications and even over-the-counter products) can cause car accidents because they can cause sleepiness or impairment. Talk to your child about natural supplements, over the counter medications, and illegal drugs. Make sure your teen knows about dangers.

3) Distracted driving. Thanks to awareness campaigns, your teen likely knows about the dangers of texting or talking while driving – but does that mean they put away their mobile device when they drive? This is the month to talk about that and to ensure your teens pull over to the side of the road before making a call.

4) Passengers. Mobile devices are not the only distractions on the road. Loud passengers, loud music, and other distractions in the car can have lethal consequences. Create a list of potential distractions with your teen and then help him or her come up with solutions that address each distraction.

5) Stunts and risks. Teens sometimes think that the risks and stunts they see on TV look cool, and may not appreciate the effects of those risks. Show them photos of accidents caused by stunts and discuss the effects of such decisions.

6) Speeding. Speeding reduces your teen’s control of the car, which, combined with the relatively less experience your teen has behind the wheel, can result in a crash. Worse, higher-speed accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities.

7) Car safety. While Florida car accidents are a major risk for your teen driver, they are not the only risk. Make sure that you discuss issues such as parking and getting to the car safely at night, car maintenance, car break downs, and more.

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Pets, Children, and Passengers: Florida Car Accidents and Distractions

Published on: March 29, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

When we think of distracted driving, most of us think of driving with a cell phone to our ear. While there is no doubt that cell phones and mobile devices lead to Florida car accidents, they are not the only cause of distractions. In fact, some of the most common distractions are far more low-tech:

1) Pets. Pets often need to be ferried to the vet, but most types of pets don’t respond well to a moving car. They can easily panic and get underfoot. Even a well-behaved dog can suddenly become unruly if it notices something interesting out of the window. The safest place for your pets in the car is in a pet carrier. This is safest for both you and your pets. With your pets safely stowed, you won’t have to be checking on your pets and you won’t have your visibility compromised by pets jumping in front of the windows.

2) Children. Children can easily be a distraction that can cause you to take your eyes off the road. Whether you are trying to tame two fighting siblings, get something away from your infant, or are checking on the source of mysterious sounds from the back seat, taking your eyes off the road for even seconds can mean a dangerous Florida pedestrian accident. Younger children should be placed in an age-appropriate child restrain, far from anything they can grab. Older children should be given some form of activity or game for the trip so that they can play quietly without being a distraction.

3) Passengers. Passengers may wish to chat and may take your mind off the road. An animated conversation in the car can also cause you naturally to take your eyes off the road to look at the speaker. You don’t have to insist on complete silence, but playing music and having passengers in charge of the play list can help keep conversation naturally to a minimum.

4) Objects. Whether it’s a purse dropping to the floor of your car or your groceries tumbling in the back seat or a CD that just doesn’t want to pop into the player, objects in your car can distract. Keep all non-essentials in the trunk and if something falls down, wait until you are pulled over to retrieve it. Today’s iPod decks let you create entire play lists for the duration of your trip, so that you never have to change the music.

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Car Stunts Can Mean More Florida Car Accidents, Especially Among Younger Drivers

Published on: March 17, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

While getting that driver’s license for the first time is a thrill and a sign of freedom for most teen drivers, there is mounting evidence that some drivers are abusing their driving privileges and using their cars to perform stunts that can easily lead to Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), about 70% of participants in car stunts are young male drivers and the number of accidents resulting from vehicle stunts seems to be growing. The most popular stunts include:

1) Car surfing. In this stunt, a passenger rides on top of the car, on the running boards, or on the bumper while the car is in motion. In some cases, someone hangs outside of the vehicle while the car is driving. Some drivers speed up or go at increasingly higher speeds while car surfing. According to the CDC, car surfing alone has resulted in almost 100 fatalities. Those who “surf” on cars can easily lose their grip and fall onto the road or crash into overhanging branches or other objects.

2) Ghost riding. In this stunt, a passenger dances or stands on the outside of the car while a driver drives the vehicle, often at increasing speeds. This stunt is dangerous because the person on the exterior can easily lose their balance and fall off. It’s a simple way to become a Florida spinal cord injury patient and a simple way to sustain fatal injuries.

3) Skitching. This stunt mimics windsurfing: while the vehicle is in motion a passenger uses a rope or some other means to be dragged along behind the car on roller skates, roller blades, skateboard, or scooter. This can easily lead to collisions and pedestrian accidents if the person behind the car swings out of control. As well, the person behind the car can easily lose their grip or fall under a vehicle.

While these stunts are no doubt meant to be innocent fun, they are anything but. They can cause serious injuries and death. They can also lead to serious charges against any driver who partakes in such activities. Unfortunately, these stunts are often popularized on YouTube and other social media websites, making them seem fun for young drivers.

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Could Florida Ban Young Distracted Drivers?

Published on: March 10, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Although the link between texting and driving and Florida car accidents has been well established, Florida has not yet passed a texting and driving ban. In the state, it is still legal for drivers to use mobile devices while driving, even though other states have banned the dangerous practice. However, a new bill has been proposed which would make it illegal for young drivers to drive distracted.

There is already a precedent for special rules for minor drivers. Young drivers are not allowed to have any alcohol while driving, are not allowed to have an excess of passengers in the car, and must obey graduated licensing laws where they exist. The idea behind such rules is that young drivers have less experience and are therefore more at risk of being in a car accident.

The Minor Traffic Safety Act bill would make it illegal for Florida drivers under the age of majority to use a cell phone while driving. Those who violate the law will receive a ticket. As well, if the act passes, it would require Florida drivers under the age of 18 to display a tag identifying them as minors. The bill would also make it illegal for school bus drivers to use mobile devices while driving.

Currently, there is a national texting ban for truck drivers and school bus drivers. Many states have passed laws which make texting and driving illegal for all drivers in that state. A few states have also banned the use of cell-phones while driving, although hands-free sets are still allowed.

Although Florida has attempted to pass similar rules, these bills have not been able to pass into law. Although these bills have wide-spread support, many people are so reliant on mobile devices that they do not want to see a text ban passed. As well, some law enforcement agencies have stated that enforcing any such laws would be very difficult as drivers tend to text below the level of the windshield or the car windows, making the activity hard to notice. The Minor Traffic Safety Act may be a step towards a more wide-spread ban, if it passes.

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Making Florida’s Roads Safer and Preventing Car Accidents

Published on: February 1, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 2430 fatalities in 2010 caused by Florida car accidents. This represents the smallest number of fatalities seen since 1978, even though the population of Florida has grown significantly since that time. However, while these numbers are cheering, the fact is that there are still too many deaths and serious personal injuries resulting from Florida traffic accidents. There are ways to help reduce these numbers even further:

1) Enact texting bans. Many legislators and experts have been calling for a text ban for drivers. Many states already have such bans in place to help prevent distracted driving. There is a well-established link between distracted drivers and accidents. According to the NHTSA, 448 000 people were injured and 5474 were killed in 2009 due to distracted driving. Of these injuries and fatalities, 24 000 injuries and 5474 fatalities were linked to cell phone use by a driver. However, the measure to ban texting has proven controversial. Currently, there are two bills which could be considered by Florida legislature: H.B. 79 and S.B. 158. Both would limit or ban the use of wireless devices in cars.

2) Encourage more public awareness campaigns and enforcement campaigns. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, increased seat belt use (due in part to public awareness campaigns) and efforts by law enforcement are partly responsible for the lowered Florida car accident fatality rates. Encouraging enforcement and public awareness can hopefully help to drop the numbers of injuries and deaths even more.

3) Enforce drunk driving laws. Florida drunk driving accidents are still a serious problem. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 770 out of 2558 Florida car accident fatalities in 2009 were the result of drunk driving. Only Texas and California had higher rates of drunk driving fatalities.

4) Better training. A number of studies have suggested that graduated licensing and other programs designed to encourage additional driver training ensure that all drivers on the roads have the skills needed to stay safe. Ensuring that teens and young drivers get more training can help reduce accidents involving younger drivers.

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