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

Will A New App Prevent Miami Car Accidents?

Published on: August 23, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Michael McManigal has created a new app that will allow parents to keep tabs on their teen drivers – and will allow drivers to comment on other drivers’ skills. The app registers a teen’s car and once the app is paid for parents get a bumper sticker to attach to their teen’s car. The sticker reads “How is my kid driving.co PUSH TEXT myTAG#.” Drivers who see the sticker can send a text anonymously to report on the driving of the teen. Parents can then read the comments.

Critics of the app say that it encourages drivers to text while driving in order to report bad driving. While texting and driving is not illegal in Florida, it is a practice that is widely known to be dangerous. The National Safety Council 1.6 million accidents each year are caused by texting or other cell phone use on the road. Some critics also claim that the app unfairly targets young drivers and teen drivers, although adults may also be driving recklessly.

McManigal has stated that he encourages drivers to pull over or wait before sending a text when they see the bumper stickers. He also notes that bad driving and reckless driving by teens and young drivers is a real problem – one with few solutions. In many cases, teens may drive one way when their parents are in the car and may drive recklessly when not supervised. Indeed, parents may be unaware of bad teen driving habits until it is too late. The tab does allow parents to keep an eye on their child’s driving at all times, in a sense.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, texting while driving raises the risk of an accident by eight times. Statistics like these make some worry about the new app, but the app has received praise from AAA’s traffic and teen driver safety program as well as from parents groups. One reason may be because while texting and driving is a concern, so is the car accident rate among young drivers. In Florida, according to the AAA, 9% of fatal traffic accidents involve teen drivers, even though teen drivers account for only 5% of all drivers.

Statistics like these have many parents in Florida clamoring for the app. Some parents believe that the app will help them spot troubling red flag signs and hopefully prevent a Miami car accident. Other parents hope that the app will keep their teen drivers safe from road rage, since it will give frustrated drivers an outlet for their aggression.

It is too soon to tell whether the app will help prevent Miami traffic accidents caused by reckless driving. It is obvious that both negligent driving and distracted driving are a major cause of Miami truck accident and car accidents. What is less obvious is a solution that will help prevent more accidents.

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Car Surfing and Miami Car Accidents

Published on: June 28, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Car surfing is a trend among many teens. It involves having one or more passengers hanging out of, or balancing on top of, a moving car. In many cases, the car is driving above above the posted speed limit – in some cases, well above the speed limit – and in many cases teens take photos or videos of the stunts. In some situations, these videos and photos document the final moments of the risk-takers.

According to information gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 58 people died between 1999 and 2008 in US accidents caused by car surfing. Another 41 victims suffered serious injuries. Most victims were teenagers and male.
Car surfing is a serious problem and leads to Miami car accidents for many reasons:

1) Those who take part in car surfing will often lose control and fall out of or off of the moving vehicle. In most of these cases, death is a common result, especially if the driver is speeding. This is in fact the most common type of injury resulting from car surfing. In this type of Miami traffic accident, the teen may simply lose grip on the vehicle and may plummet in front of the vehicle and get run over. Even if they fall clear of the vehicle, Miami head injuries are a likely result when the head comes into contact with a hard surface such as pavement. Car do not wear helmets or other protective gear, so there’s often nothing protecting them from impacting with pavement at a very high speed.

2) Those who take part in car surfing may smash up against an object. In many cases, car surfers will ricochet off of another surface, such as a nearby car, bridge, or other hard surface. Teen surfers may simply not notice objects bearing towards them, and this is likely to result in severe Miami brain injuries.

3) The driver involved in these pranks is often distracted. In many cases, the driver is speeding, looking at the surfers, and in some cases trying to take videos or photos of the event. In many cases, the driver may swerve out of control and lose control of the vehicle. In other cases, the driver may be in a Miami car accident, colliding with another vehicle.

4) Car surfing is distracting for other drivers, who may lose control of their vehicles while trying to get out of the way.

Car surfing is always dangerous, and unfortunately it is prevalent among some teenage boys. It is important for parents to be aware of what their children are doing with their friends. It is also important for parents to speak frankly with their children about the dangers of car surfing. Many teens have already died from this particular type of prank, and more needs to be done to ensure that more accidents do not take place.

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As Teen Driving Time Increases, It’s Time to Talk Texting To Prevent Hialeah Car Accidents

Published on: June 26, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

At this time of year, there are more teens on the road as summer starts and classes end. Unfortunately, statistics suggest that teen drivers are also more at risk at this time of year when driving — especially if they are driving distracted. According to a yearly survey by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 58% of high school seniors and 43% of high school juniors admitted to emailing or texting within the past month.
While Florida does not have any laws banning the use of mobile devices on the roads, there is a great deal of awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Anecdotally, many drivers are aware that distracted driving causes Hialeah car accidents and serious injury. Statistics and studies have also proven that distracted driving can lead to serious car collisions.

According to the CDC, distracted driving causes about 16% of teen car accident fatalities.
Summer may compound the problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), summer is deadliest time of year for younger drivers under the age of 20. In addition, car accidents are the leading cause of teen fatalities, according to the organization. Each year, more than 5000 teens are killed in car collisions across the country. In the summer months, the number of teen fatalities in car accidents jumps to 422 deaths monthly, up from 363 deaths, on average, during the rest of the year.

During the summer, there are dual concerns for parents hoping to protect their teens from a Hialeah traffic accident. One factor is that the summer months are already a riskier time for teen drivers because teen drivers are spending more time on the road. Another factor is that teens are more likely than some other age groups to use mobile devices or drive distracted, pushing their risk of being in a Hialeah truck accident or car accident even higher.

The stakes may be even higher, as well. A serious at-fault accident during the teenage years could affect a teen driver’s driving privileges, driving records, and insurance rates for years. A serious car crash can also lead to criminal charges and even a criminal record against a teen – a record that could affect their life for years to come. The trauma of causing a serious accident and injuries or fatalities can also stay with a teen for years to come. Of course, if a teen driver drives distracted and is injured, the Hialeah head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries can affect income potential and life quality permanently.

In addition, teen drivers are still forming driving habits, so it is important to instill the habit of distraction-free driving in younger drivers. Parents of teen drivers can start by having honest discussions with their teens about the dangers of distracted driving. There are many good resources available online and from local police departments about the dangers of distracted driving. Parents can use these resources when helping their teens understand the dangers. A few discussions can help drivers understand the dangers and can help prevent Hialeah motorcycle accidents and car accidents.

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New Statistics About Teen Drivers Could Give More Insights into Miami Car Accidents

Published on: June 1, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

New information from the AAA shows that teen drivers are more likely to be in deadly car collisions when they drive with passengers who are under 21 years of age. According to the statistics, having one young passenger and no adult in a passenger vehicle with a teen driver increases a teen driver’s risk of a fatal car accident by 44% when compared with driving without passengers. As each additional young passenger is added, the risk of being involved in a fatal car accident increases. The same research, however, finds that when a passenger in the car is an adult over the age of 35, a teen driver’s risk of being in a fatal car collision is actually decreased by 62%
According to the AAA and other experts, these statistics show what has already been known anecdotally; younger passengers distract teen drivers and may encourage risky behaviors while having an adult in the car can encourage teen drivers to drive more cautiously. According to experts, even when younger passengers are quiet, they can be a distraction for a young driver. Distracted drivers may experience what is known as “inattention blindness.” This occurs when a driver is looking at the roadway but is distracted enough to not process everything in front of them. When this occurs, the driver cannot react in time to obstacles, in many cases, and this can result in Miami pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents.

The implications of the research is clear: if parents want to ensure that they teens are not involved in Miami traffic accidents, it is important to place limits on passengers. Parents may also want to restrict other distraction in the car and even ask teens to drive with an adult passenger during the first few months after being licensed.

Another study, out of Melbourne’s Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, shows that road accidents are the leading cause of teen deaths around the world. International research showed that injuries were the result of 40% of fatalities to young people between the ages of 10 and 24. The single leading cause of death in this age group, according to researchers, was car accidents. Researchers in the study also found an alarming trend: while fatality rates for young children under the age of five have declined over 80% internationally in the past five decades, teen fatalities have not significantly declined in the same time period. Worse, the US has the highest teen fatality rates of 27 developed countries, in part due to the rate of car accidents and violence across the country.

Some countries, including Australia, have reduced teen mortality rates by reducing road speeds, improving licensing programs, and improving road and vehicle quality. It may be time to get more serious about preventing Miami car accidents so that the rate of teen fatalities can be reduced.

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May Can be a Dangerous Time for Teen Miami Car Accidents

Published on: May 24, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

May is a hectic time for many young drivers, as schools host proms, graduations, and other spring events to mark the end of the year. For new drivers, these events can mean hazards that can lead to a Miami car accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that summer is the deadliest season for teenage drivers, and car accidents are still the leading cause of fatalities for the age groups. According to NHTSA, over 5000 teenagers across the country die in car accidents each year. Each month in the summer, an average of 422 teens are killed in car accidents, compared with an average of 363 teens killed in months during the other seasons.

There are many reasons why summer can be an especially dangerous time of year for teen drivers. One is that events such as prom, summer road trips, and graduation mean that teens are likely to drive with passengers at this time of year. However, according to the the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers are more likely to be in car accidents when they have multiple car passengers. Passengers are also at risk, according to the organization, since two out of three teens killed in car crashes involving a teen driver were passengers in the car at the time of the crash.

There are other reasons why summertime driving can be dangerous for teens. With school winding down, teens may spend more time on the road. In addition, many summertime events include alcohol. Even though teen drivers in Florida need to maintain a zero blood alcohol level, Miami drunk driving accidents are still a major problem for the age group, with some teens making poor choices about drinking and driving.

In addition, new drivers may not have developed the good driving habits – such as checking blind spots – that help prevent Miami truck accidents and car accidents. Some studies suggest that new drivers and teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to engage in risky behaviors such as texting and driving.

There are many things that parents and families can do to help their teen drivers stay safe during the summer. Perhaps the most important thing to do is to sit down with a teen driver and set some ground rules about driving. Parents may wish to set rules about texting and driving or driving with too many passengers. Parents can also help by ensuring that their teens have adequate driver training (and additional training, if needed) to stay safe on the roads.

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Your Teen’s First Road Trip – How to Help Your Child Avoid a Miami Car Accident

Published on: May 10, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Road trips are something of a rite of passage and many new teen drivers love the idea of heading for the open road during summer vacation. If your teen driver hopes to try a road trip this summer, here are some ways you can help your teen avoid a Miami car accident while on the road:

1) Make sure your teen has the driving skills to handle a road trip. If your teen just recently got a driver`s license, he or she may not have the experience to easily avoid Miami truck accidents and traffic accidents. Consider having your teen take additional lessons and defensive driving lessons before the road trip.

2) Help your teen plan a safe road trip. Talk with your teen about passengers. A few additional passengers can help your teen stay safer on the road, but too many passengers may be a distraction. Discuss passengers and the safest routes to take on the road. Talk to your teen about the supplies they need to take for a safe road trip. These might include a first aid kit, a cell phone, maps, and other supplies.
3) Make sure your teen knows how to stay safe. Set some ground rules to ensure that your teen does not take unneeded risks, such as driving distracted. Give your teen an option to get home safely. For example, make it clear that you will come get the group, no questions asked, rather than risk having your teen drive under the influence or drive in dangerous conditions. Arrange a regular check-in time when your teen can call in to let you know he or she is safe. Consider arranging a GPS device with your teen so that you can keep track of the car`s route.

4) Get your teen`s car checked. A well-functioning car can reduce the risk of a Miami traffic accident because a well-maintained car responds correctly. Take your teen`s car to a trusted mechanic to ensure that the car is in good enough condition for a road trip.

5) Have back up plans. Make sure that your teen knows what to do if plans change. If there is a road closure or another problem, for example, make sure that your teen understands alternative routes to take. You don’t want your teen lost and driving in unfamiliar areas.

6) Consider extra insurance. If your teen will be headed outside of US borders or state borders, make sure that he or she has extra car and health insurance in case there is a problem.

7) Take a practice run. Consider driving along with your teen as your teen takes a longer drive. This will reassure you about your teen`s driving ability before he or she takes the trip. If you notice any problems – such as distracted driving or a need for more driving lessons – you can address these issues before the trip.

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Teens, Passengers, and Miami Lakes Car Accidents

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

Experts agree that too many passengers in a car with a new teen driver can increase the risk of a Miami Lakes traffic accident. Passengers are a distraction for any driver, and this level of distraction can be especially dangerous for a less experienced, new driver, leading to a Miami Lakes motorcycle accident or other traffic accident. Teen passengers can also encourage a new driver to take risks, so experts point to peer pressure and risk taking as other dangers of passengers.

One Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia study of 198 teen drivers shows that teens who have characteristics that already increase their risk of car accidents are the ones who are more likely to have multiple passengers as well. Teens who were shown to be most likely to invite friends into their cars as passengers were also the teen drivers who described themselves as thrill-seekers and who claimed that their parents did not keep track of their actions. Researchers found that teens in this group also had a poorer grasp of driving dangers.

A second study conducted by State Farm Insurance had researchers looking at 677 teen drivers who were involved in serious accidents. Researchers found that teen drivers who had other teens as passengers were more likely to have been distracted just before an accident when compared with teens who did not have any passengers. According to the study, teen male drivers who drove with teen passengers were nearly six times more likely to try an illegal driving move than drivers in the same age group who did not have passengers. Teen male drivers who drove with teen passengers were also found to be twice as likely to have been driving aggressively before an accident, when compared with solo drivers. Researchers found that teen female drivers, however, are less likely to drive aggressively, even when they have passengers.

Studies such as these clearly indicate that passengers are a serious distraction for teen drivers. At the same time, however, many teen drivers feel peer pressure in order to take on multiple passengers. When a teen gets his or her license, they generally have friends who do not yet have a license and who may rely on them for transportation. Teens may also be proud of their driver’s license and want to share in the excitement with their friends, who are often eager to be passengers.

Unfortunately, multiple passengers can create noise, conversation, and other distractions. In some cases, passengers may encourage drivers to take unnecessary risks or even to drive recklessly. It is up to parents to set ground rules for driving with passengers. If you have a teen driver in your home and wish to prevent Miami Lakes car accidents, you may wish to sit down and have a conversation about passengers and to set some ground rules for how many passengers are allowed in a car at one point. It may be important to discuss alternatives and options available in the event that your teen needs to go somewhere and friends ask for a ride.

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Does Graduated Driving Prevent Miami Springs Car Accidents?

Published on: March 23, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many laws have been passed in Florida to help prevent Miami Springs traffic accidents as well as car accidents across the states. One of these laws involves graduated licensing programs. All 50 states have instituted graduated licensing over the past two decades. In most cases, graduated licensing takes three phases:

1) A learning period. During this period, driver’s privileges are restricted and drivers must have supervision when driving. During this stage of the process, new drivers are expected to take driver’s education classes and to get supervision driving practice.

2) An intermediate driving period. During this period of the learning process, drivers are allowed to drive unsupervised under some circumstances, but restrictions are in place to ensure that new drivers are not allowed to drive alone and unsupervised in more dangerous situations, such as night driving.

3) A full licensing phase. During the final phase, restrictions are lifted and drivers enjoy all the privileges of driving that fully licensed drivers enjoy.

Many experts believe that graduated licensing helps prevent Miami Springs car accidents involving young drivers and new drivers, since the program ensures that drivers only gradually get additional privileges as they gain experience. Advocates of graduate licensing programs claim that gradually getting new drivers used to driving is the best way to prevent accidents. These experts note that many Miami Springs traffic accidents involving young drivers are caused by young drivers who simply do not have the experience to make the right decisions and who are therefore more prone to accidents. Statistics, including insurance industry statistics, show that young drivers are among the highest risk groups for car accidents, and graduated licensing programs are meant to address this issue.

However, graduated licensing is not without its drawbacks and its detractors. Some people claim that graduated initiatives unfairly place an additional burden and additional restrictions on new drivers and young drivers, even though drivers of all ages are at risk of Miami Springs truck accidents and traffic accidents. They note that a number of factors – including illness, distraction, and other non-age-related issues – can contribute to car accidents, making it unfair to simply restrict younger drivers. Those who disagree with graduated licensing also note that in many cases graduated licensing is based on time elapsed rather than on skills learned. For example, most graduated licensing programs automatically allow drivers to upgrade their licensing status after a certain amount of time passes – whether or not the young drivers have demonstrated a better grasp of driving skills and knowledge.

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Underage Drinking and Miami Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: March 14, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), underage drinking is a major cause for concern when it comes to preventing car accidents. While many drivers are aware that drunk driving causes many Miami car accidents, few people are as aware that teen drinking and underage drinking are also a leading cause of Miami drunk driving accidents. Florida has a zero tolerance law when it comes to teen drinking – drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from having any alcohol in their system when they drive. Despite these laws, however, some teens choose to drink and drive, and some parents are not aware that their teen drivers are taking part in this risk-taking behavior.

According to MADD, in 2006, about 28.3 percent of teens between 12 and 20 years of age admitted to drinking in the previous month. Another 6.2 percent were identified as heavy drinkers while 19 percent were classified as heavy drinkers. MADD also reports that 28% of fatal car accidents involving teen drivers involve alcohol. In fact, according to the organization, more teens die from alcohol-related events than from all other controlled drugs combined.
Underage drinking affects everyone and is costing lives. Teens who are in alcohol-related accidents can suffer permanent injuries, including brain injuries. Each year, teens are killed in alcohol-related Miami traffic accidents.

According to experts, everyone has a role to play in preventing these accidents. For example, teens have been involved in MADD initiatives to inform other teens about the dangers of drunk driving. Teens can also sign pledges to not drink and drive.

Schools are also helping to prevent Miami truck accidents and car accidents caused by drunk driving. Many schools sponsor MADD events or support police initiatives. Many teens have heard a presentation at their school about drunk driving.

Parents, of course, also have a huge role to play in preventing Miami drunk driving accidents. Parents can speak with then teens and children about the dangers of drunk driving and underage drinking. Even if teens do not drink and drive, alcohol can still cause serious accidents, including Miami pedestrian accidents and sports-related injuries. Teens who have been drinking are more likely to get into an accident because they have poor motor control and fewer inhibitions. However, some teens see the drinking age as an arbitrary number. Parents can help by ensuring that teens understand that the drinking age is present for a number of reasons. Of course, parents can also help by setting a good example themselves and by ensuring that teens and children know that they can get a no-questions-asked drive home if they need it. Teens and children are more likely to call a parent for a sober ride home if they know that they will not be punished for doing so.

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Give the Gift of Safety: Holiday Gifts That Can Prevent Miami Car Accidents

Published on: December 15, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Are there still people on your holiday shopping list? If you are looking for some great presents that can also help your loved ones avoid Miami traffic accidents, consider:

1) A hand-held breathalyzer. These are available at many department stores, and can help prevent Miami drunk driving accidents. There are even key chains with small breathalyzers on them. Although not as accurate as the systems used by authorities, these small items can help a loved one re-consider driving after they have been drinking.

2) A GPS system. GPS systems are more affordable than ever before – and more accurate. They can help a loved one find their way to various destinations without the distraction of maps. They can guide a driver to a destination without requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road, and this can help prevent Miami car accidents.

3) A rear-view camera system. Miami rollover accidents are tragic, but there are small cameras which can be mounted on the back of a car to allow drovers to see exactly what is behind them before they start backing up. In some cases, these systems are combined with GPS systems in one device.

4) A winter safety kit or emergency kit. Emergency kits and winter driving kits are very affordable but contain the various items that someone might need after a Miami traffic accident or after a car breaking down.

5) A gift certificate for a tune-up. Many mechanics offer gift cards and gift certificates. This can be a great gift for anyone, as it can ensure that a driver’s car is in great shape and ready to avoid a Miami truck accident or traffic accident.

6) Driving lessons. If you have a new driver in your life, consider giving the gift of additional private driving lessons. These can help a new driver hone their driving skills and their confidence behind the wheel, putting them less at risk for a Miami car accident. Refresher courses are a great gift for drivers of any age, as are racing lessons. Racing lessons are fun and help teach driving skills and confidence that can help any driver drive more safely.

7) Reflective clothing for the joggers and pedestrians on your list. Miami pedestrian accidents are a major cause of concern, and Miami bicycle accidents are all too common. If you have friends and family who enjoy biking or walking, get them reflective clothing, hats, or accessories, so that they can stay safer while exercising.

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