Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Drunk Driving Accidents in Hollywood and Other Cities May be a Greater Problem Than Suspected, New Studies Reveal

Published on: April 15, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

A new study led by Ralph Hingson of the U.S. National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism was published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs and has found that drunk driving fatalities across the country may be underreported. Researchers analyzed data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and death certificates to check the blood alcohol levels of those who had been killed in traffic crashes between 1999 and 2009.

Researchers found a discrepancy. While data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that 21 percent of those killed in collisions had a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, only 3 percent of death certificates cited alcohol or drunk driving as a cause of death.

Part of the reason may be that it can take several days to get blood-alcohol tests completed while death certificates are usually filed within five days of a fatality. Another reason for the discrepancy may be that states have different rules about checking for drunk driving. Only about half of states automatically require checking blood alcohol levels after a fatal crash.

The research is interesting since it raises a question: are we underestimating the number of drunk driving accidents in Hollywood and other cities? If it takes some time to get blood alcohol testing complete, how accurate are reports about the number of serious DUI car accidents in Hollywood and other cities? Would more strict testing of all motorists involved in traffic collisions yield a more accurate picture about the real number of DUI car and truck collisions in Hollywood and across the state?

The researchers of this most recent study have stated that the underreporting is significant, since it can impact the number of prevention and educational campaigns created to combat drunk driving. If legislators knew how many young people were dying in these types of accidents, for example, this could change policies and DUI awareness campaigns as well as public focus on the issue. With accurate numbers, researchers say, it would also be easier to track how much DUI accident rates change over time.

In recent years, the focus has really been on distracted driving in Hollywood and across the country. However, this latest study suggests that the fight against drunk driving is still ongoing, with far too many motorists still ignoring the fact that drunk driving kills.

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Preventing Drunk Driving Accidents in Homestead and Other Cities Means Targeting “Buzzed” Driving

Published on: February 13, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Much has been written and said about drunk driving accidents, and Homestead motorists understand how important it is to drive sober. Drivers are repeatedly told how easily they can cause an accident if they drive inebriated.

Unfortunately, an unintended side effect of this is that some drivers think that driving while slightly “buzzed” is okay as long as they are not inebriated or at the blood alcohol limit. A new study headed by David Phillips of the University of California, San Diego, however, finds that “buzzed driving” may be far more dangerous than many think.

The recent study examined more than 570,000 fatal crashes that took place across the country between 1994 and 2011. According to the findings, no amount of alcohol in the blood can be considered safe – even drivers who had alcohol levels below the acceptable limit were more likely to be the ones at fault in accidents. Even drivers with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01 percent had a 46% higher chance of causing an accident when compared with sober motorists. This means that an adult man who has drunk half of one 12-ounce beer – about what it would take to get a .01 percent blood alcohol content level – has a higher risk of causing a serious accident.

The problem is that at .01 percent BAC, many motorists would barely feel the effects of the alcohol. They might still feel fine to drive and might not realize that they are at an increased risk of a car or motorcycle accident in Homestead or their home town. The U.S. legal driving limit for BAC is .08 percent, so it is perfectly legal to drive with a .01 percent BAC, even though the recent study suggests that it does come with a risk.

According to the latest study, the .08 percent BAC limit may as well be random. Researchers did not find any significant difference in terms of crash risk between someone with a .07 percent BAC and someone with a .08 percent BAC. What they did find is that both male and female drivers had an increased risk of causing an accident for every increase in their BAC, even when they were legally “okay” to drive. Inexperienced drivers, researchers found, were most likely to be affected by even a .02 BAC while experienced drivers had a significantly higher risk of causing a fatal accidents at a .05 BAC or higher.

Researchers concluded that only drivers with zero blood alcohol content can be considered safe and lowering the blood alcohol content levels for US drivers might help reduce instances of DUI traffic crashes in Homestead and other cities.

As the researchers note, part of the problem is that there are inaccurate perceptions about what constitutes DUI driving. Due to the laws and awareness campaigns, many people think that having a .07 BAC or below means you are “not drunk” while having anything higher means that you are, when in fact the reality is that any alcohol in your system can increase your risk of a serious accident and injuries.

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Studies Show How Drugs Can Increase the Risk of Car Accidents and Injuries

Published on: January 30, 2014 | By Flaxman Law Group

Much has been written about drunk driving in Hollywood and other Florida communities and thanks to education campaigns many drivers are aware of the risks of drinking and driving. Unfortunately, there is less emphasis on driving under the influence of drugs and medication, even though there is plenty of research to suggest that both legal and illegal drugs can increase the risk of a car crash in Hollywood. A few recent studies have highlighted the risks:

1) A recent study from Toronto’s Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, published in the JAMA Internal Medicine, found that patients with low doses of opioids like oxycodone, codeine and morphine may have an increased risk of car accidents. According to researchers, patients who had doses of 20 milligrams of morphine – which is considered a low dose – had an 21% greater risk of traffic accidents when compared with patients who were not taking the medication. Patients taking high doses of morphine had a 42% increased risk of car accidents.

2) Another recent study, headed by Associate Professor Mark Asbridge of Dalhousie University, concluded that drivers who consume marijuana a few hours before getting behind the wheel may be almost doubling their risk of a crash. Asbridge and his team examined the medical records of 49,411 accident victims to reach their conclusions. This study supports earlier findings that cannabis may contribute to car accidents by affecting decision-making, concentration, and motor skills.

3) A recent study from McGill University looked at the records of 225,000 accident victims over the age of 67 and found that drivers who were taking long-acting benzodiazepines – often used to treat insomnia and anxiety – may have a 45% increased chance of being in a serious car crash. These medications, which include Clonazepam Klonopin, Valium, Tranxene, Libratabs, and Dalmane, can remain in the bloodstream for over 24 hours, although the largest risk of a crash seems to be in the first few hours of taking the substance.

Doctors and researchers agree: many over-the-counter, prescription, or illegal medication or drugs can increase your risk of a traffic accident in Hollywood or your community. It can be especially dangerous to combine drugs and medication, since the drug interactions can sometimes produce unexpected effects. When taking any over-the-counter or prescription drugs, you will want to speak with both your doctor and pharmacist to examine any possible interactions that could occur with the drugs you take and any drowsiness or other side effects that could occur with the medication. You may need to adjust your dosage or choose another medication to avoid any effects that could increase your risk of a traffic accident. If you take a medication and notice any unusual or unexpected symptoms such as dizziness or fatigue, contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice and avoid driving until you determine it is safe to do so.

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‘Tis the Season to Focus on Preventing DUI Accidents in Homestead and Other Communities

Published on: December 19, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

At this time of year, law enforcement are concerned about DUI/DWI accidents in Homestead and other Florida cities. In December, not only are traffic accidents in Homestead more common overall – thanks to the pressure of this time of year as well as heavier traffic – but many holiday events include alcohol and DUI accidents are more common as a result.

All Homestead residents have a role to play in preventing these types of car accidents. You can help by:

1) Talking with teen drivers about the dangers of car accidents. If you have a young driver at home, talk to them about what they can do to prevent DUI car accidents in Homestead. For example, you might want to have your teen drivers sign a pledge not to drink and drive and you may want to make it clear that your children can always call you for a safe ride home – no questions asked.

2) Speaking with others about your concerns. Make sure that friends and family know about your commitment not to drink and drive. If you see someone drinking at an event, offer them a safe ride home or offer to share a cab. Speaking up shows that preventing DUI accidents matters to you.

3) Volunteering time with an organization dedicated to stopping DUI accidents. Many communities have safe-ride-home programs at this time of year and you can volunteer to give drivers a safe alternative home. Advocacy groups such as MADD also step up their awareness campaign efforts at this time of year and may be able to use some help.

4) Hosting holiday events responsibly. If you are hosting any holiday event where alcohol will be served, you have a responsibility to make sure guests get home safely. Hire or designate a driver, make arrangements to let guests stay at home, or arrange taxis for guests when they leave. Take steps to ensure that your guests can get some safely even if they have been drinking.

5) Always having a few options for getting home safely. If you will be attending any holiday events this year, make sure you have several options to get home safely – even if you think you won’t be drinking. Even if you do not expect to drink, you may end up doing so. In addition, having several routes home increases the odds that you will get home safely. For example, consider having money on hand for a cab, a list of friends you can call for a ride home, and a designated driver. Even if your designated driver ends up drinking or ends up too tired at the end of the night, you will still be able to get home safely.

6) Being aware of the risks of DUI accidents. Many people think that having a drink or two is fine and will not affect their driving. Unfortunately, this attitude causes serious car and truck accidents in Homestead and across the country each year. Even if you have one drink, it could affect your coordination and alertness – especially if you have a thin frame or if you are tired as well. Alcohol can also react with some medication to be even more deadly. The safest thing to do is to avoid driving if you have had anything at all drink. Even one drink can increase your chances of an accident.

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Hosting Holiday Events? Prevent DUI Accidents and Avoid Liability

Published on: December 17, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

If you are hosting a holiday party and will be serving alcohol, you have a role to play in preventing drunk driving accidents in Hollywood or your community. In fact, preventing DUI accidents not only makes you a good host – it can also help prevent legal hassles. In some cases, in DUI personal injury lawsuits in Hollywood and other cities, third parties can be held liable if their actions contribute to a car collision. Keeping your friends and family safe is important, and it can also help you avoid a legal battle.

If you are hosting a holiday event, there are several things you can do to help prevent car accidents after the fact:

1) Serve alcoholic drinks earlier in the evening, and then switch to other options. This allows guests time to sober up if they have had only one or two drinks. It also prevents guests from getting so inebriated that they are a danger because they think they can drive themselves home. Keep in mind, however, that someone who has had several drinks may still not be safe to drive home if they have simply switched to non-alcohol drinks. It may take several hours to sober up.

2) Provide attractive, non-alcoholic drinks for designated drivers and others who do not want to drink. Make the drinks as appealing as possible and make them plentiful, so that designated drivers are not tempted to drink.

3) Have at least one of the hosts refrain from drinking, so they can help provide assistance after the party. If everyone is drinking, it may be harder to notice dangerous behaviors or to stop a drunk driver.

4) Have several options for people who want to get home safely. Of course, anyone who drinks should have a plan to get home safely while avoiding a DUI car crash after your Hollywood party. However, being a good host means giving people options. If you are in the city, this may mean having money on hand for taxis or buses. If your party will run very late and is located remotely, hire a driver or make room in your home for overnight guests. Having several options available makes it easier to encourage guests to do the right thing.

5) Ask guests to drop keys off at the door and do not let anyone drink and drive. Gathering keys at the start of the party ensures that no guests can slip away if they have been drinking. If guests do want to leave, hosts can evaluate their condition and can stop any guests who cannot drive home safely.

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Plan Now to Avoid Holiday-Related Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: November 19, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Now that holiday decorations are going up and many people are making their holiday plans, it’s time to take steps to prevent holiday-related drunk driving. Unfortunately, the holidays are rife with drunk driving car and traffic accidents in Hollywood and other communities. With so many parties and events happening, many people make poor decisions after drinking. You don’t want to become one of the families devastated by a terrible loss around the holiday season. Right now, you will want to:

1) Plan ahead to figure out transportation to and from the various events you will be attending. As the invitations for parties and events come in, mark them on a calendar and carefully plan transportation to and from each party. Now is the time to rent a car or driver if you need it or to arrange carpooling to special events. You also want to budget for taxi fare or hotels if you cannot get home safely after a specific party or special event. Get a list of bus routes and other public transportation so that you can find a safe way home.

2) Set up a system for getting home safely. You are less likely to drink and drive if you have many ways of getting home safely that don’t involve you driving. If you know you will be likely drinking at an event, consider leaving your car at home and taking public transportation, taxi, a friend’s car, or another way to the event. This will reduce the temptation to drive later. Even if you’re not sure whether you will be drinking, have a get-home-safe system. Have a list of numbers you can call for a safe ride home, have extra money on hand for cab fare or hotel rooms, or find other solutions to get home safely.

3) Talk to your teen drivers and family about safe driving. If you have a new driver in your home, talk to them now about getting home safely after holiday events. Even if your teen is under the legal drinking age and you assume they will not be drinking, keep in mind that most teens do drink before the age of majority. Make sure they know that they can always call you and other family members for a safe ride home – no questions asked.

4) Get your car tuned up. Even if you’re responsible about avoiding drunk driving accidents, keep in mind that car accidents in Hollywood can still happen if your car is not in great shape. This is a good time to get your car tuned up and ready for all of driving you may need to do to get to family events.

5) Prepare yourself for any cold-weather driving you will be doing. In Florida, we are fortunate enough not to have to deal with snow and ice on the road most of the time. However, if you will be driving to a family event or another holiday event outside of Florida, keep in mind that you may be driving through snow and ice. Make sure that you get winter tires or studded winter tires that will better grip the road. Also, consider refreshing your winter driving skills to ensure that you can get home and to your destination safely.

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Showing Teens the Dangers of Drinking and Driving in Homestead and Other Communities

Published on: August 31, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

While all car accidents in Homestead and Florida are tragic, there is something especially galling about drunk driving accidents. It is maybe because these accidents are so preventable. Even though everyone is aware of the risks of drinking and driving, some drivers still make the poor choice to drink and drive. Their thoughtlessness and recklessness leads to many serious drunk driving accidents in Homestead and other communities.

Parents who have young drivers want to help their teens make the right decisions when it comes to drinking and driving. Here’s how families can help:

1) Give your teens another choice. Teens who have been drinking often are worried about their parents’ reaction. In these situations, teens may choose to drive rather than calling parents for a ride. It is important for parents to tell their children that they can always call for a safe ride home – no questions asked. If teens take advantage of this offer, it is important for parents to honor the promise by not punishing the teen for drinking. Another option is to have a family friend as an emergency contact for your teen driver. Your teen may be more comfortable calling a friend or family member for help if they have been drinking. Having multiple options is also a good idea, since you may be unavailable when your teen does call.

2) Don’t shy away from showing the risks of drunk driving. There are many good online resources that very dramatically and graphically show the effects of drinking and driving. Many teens do not have any experience with car or truck accidents in Homestead or their community and many shows and movies glamorize the reality. Show teens the effects of these types of accidents.

3) Get specific. Many teens have heard untrue rumors about drinking and driving. They may believe that drinking a coffee can get rid of the effects of alcohol or that one drink will not impair their judgment. It is important that teens know that Florida has a zero-tolerance limit for young drivers. Teen drivers are not allowed to have any alcohol in their system, so even one drink is enough for teens to be over the legal limit.

4) Get your teen’s peer group on board. Often, teens will listen to an older family friend or to college students before they will listen to their parents. Talk to your local college or MADD chapter – they may have speakers who are willing to come to your child’s school to speak about the dangers of drunk driving.

5) Get your teen involved in the no drinking and driving message. It is one thing when your teens hear the “don’t drink and drive” message. It is completely different when they become advocates for spreading the word. If your teen volunteers with MADD or another group dedicated to preventing drinking and driving, the message is more likely to really seep in.

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The Same Things That Cause Car Collisions in Hollywood and Other Communities Can Also Cause Pedestrian Accidents

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

Many motorists are aware that driving whole fatigued, distracted, or inebriated can easily lead to a car crash in Hollywood or another community. However, many people seem to take these types of risks when walking or bicycling, which according to some experts has led to an increase in some types of bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Whether you are in a car, riding a bicycle, or walking, you need to be aware of:

1) Drinking. If you have had too much to drink and want to avoid a drunk driving accident in Hollywood or your community, you may think that walking home is a safer option. However, walking home after drinking can easily lead to serious injuries, falls, and even traffic accidents. You may not have the coordination to get home safely and may not have the wherewithal to check for traffic before crossing the street. If you have consumed a lot of alcohol, you may lose consciousness before you reach home or you may wander into traffic without realizing it. If you have been drinking, avoid bicycling or walking home. Instead, take a cab or go home with a trusted friend.

2) Fatigue. Fatigue is linked to about 13% of truck accidents across the country. However, fatigue can also affect your ability to walk home or bicycle safely. When you are tired, you may not have the response times and motor skills to walk or bike safely. You may miss important safety cues or may more easily trip and fall.

3) Distraction. According to researchers led by Jack Nasar at Ohio State University, cell-phone related pedestrian injuries have more than doubled in the US since 2005. Since 2010 alone, about 1500 people have been admitted to US emergency rooms because they have been struck by a car while walking and using a mobile device. In addition to mobile devices, pedestrians and bikers can easily be distracted by daydreaming, music, or other distractions. Any of these can lead to a pedestrian or bicycle accident in Hollywood or your community. Some studies have suggested that listening to music can be especially risky when bicycling or walking, since it keeps you distracted and can also keep you from noticing important audio cues around you – such as the sounds of cars.

Whenever you walk or bicycle, it is best to think like a motorist. Place your focus on getting to your destinations safely, especially if you are walking at night or along a busy road. If you would like a more relaxed biking or walking environment, consider a local gym or a park path which will protect you from cars.

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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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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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