Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

New Fire Truck Simulator May Help Prevent Trucking Accidents in Coral Springs

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

Coral Springs firefighters have access to a new fire truck simulator for training, and some local authorities say that the new technology may help prevent truck and car accidents in Coral Springs and surrounding areas. The Coral Springs Fire Department has purchased the simulator to make training easier for firefighters and drivers. The department already has one simulator and has added another mobile simulator to make training more accessible.

The new technology will help firefighters train in conditions that mimic pouring rain and heavy traffic as well as other conditions which are difficult to recreate on demand during traditional driver training. In addition, the simulator will help firefighters train in extreme conditions as well, since the simulator can mimic city traffic after a plane crash and other unique situations.

Why Fire Truck Accidents Take Place

According to local experts, the simulator is important because driving is an important part of the equation when firefighters respond to emergency calls. Long before they can arrive at the scene to save lives and prevent serious burn injuries in Coral Springs, firefighters must rush through city streets to arrive at the destination. The bulkiness of fire trucks, coupled with the high speed of travel can lead to accidents.

Firefighting trucks carry not only emergency help, but also considerable equipment. Like all large trucks, they have multiple blind spots and are quite heavy. Navigating these trucks through Coral Springs streets is difficult. While traffic and pedestrians are supposed to get out of the way of fire trucks rushing to an emergency, not all drivers obey this rule. As a result of this problem and as a result of driver error, fire truck accidents in Coral Springs do occur. When they do occur, serious injury is the common result. In addition, if the fire truck is delayed there may be secondary injuries if the people needing emergency help do not receive assistance in time due to a traffic accident delay.

Preventing Fire Truck Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each year across the US about 2000 fire truck accidents take place. These can lead to serious injuries and even fatalities. The Coral Springs fire department hopes to avoid these types of fire truck accidents in Coral Springs by providing the simulator and additional training. The fire department is also the only South Florida department to buy a mobile driving simulator. This will allow the fire department to share the technology to hopefully prevent traffic accidents in other communities as well.

Simulators have been show to prevent traffic accidents by providing additional driver training, according to the Coral Springs fire department. The department also believes that the new purchase is a cost-effective one, since additional training may help the department prevent injuries to fire department vehicles and equipment.

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Avoid Road Trip Truck Accidents in Miami Beach and Other Communities

Published on: July 10, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

During the summer, many families head out to Miami Beach and other Florida communities for a road trip. Southern Florida is an ideal place for this type of trip, since the coast is beautiful and the entire area is filled with unique communities and tourist attractions to explore. If you are headed to the area, you will want to take steps to ensure that a car or truck accident in Miami Beach or another community does not ruin your vacation:

1) Plan your trip carefully. A successful trip is a well-planned trip. You do not want to risk a rear-end accident in Miami Beach or another community because you are making frequent stops because you are lost. Plan your route and map your route before you go. Decide where you will stop and mark rest stops, restaurants, and hotels on your way so that you know where you can stop. Check road conditions and weather conditions before you go as well, so that you are prepared.

2) Take frequent breaks. Driving too long is unpleasant and can make you tired, which can cause you to make mistakes that can lead to a collision. Schedule regular stops into your trip and use these to drink water, get a snack, and stretch your legs.

3) Carefully consider your car before going on your trip. Make sure that it is in good mechanical condition and ready to drive. If you are sharing the road with commercial trucks, especially, you may need to make sudden maneuvers to avoid a crash. Make sure your car can handle various driving conditions.

4) Assign a co-pilot. If possible, travel with someone who can check maps, look out for road signs, and handle any mobile devices. This way, you can put your entire focus on driving. Many traffic accidents in Miami Beach and across the country are caused by distraction, and you can help prevent this type of accident by having another passenger take care of everything but driving, so that you can concentrate on the road.

5) Take turns driving. If possible, have someone else drive some of the time. This will allow you to see more and will help prevent fatigue and distraction behind the wheel, keeping you safer on the road.

6) Prepare yourself physically for the trip. Driving is physically and mentally tiring. Before your trip, get a good night’s rest and be sure that you are physically in good condition and well-nourished. Eat healthy snacks and drink plenty of water on the trip. Try to get a little exercise when you make stops.

7) Avoid road dangers. Do not drink and drive or try to drive when you are sleepy. Avoid trying to use your mobile phone as you drive. When on the highways, especially, even minor distractions can lead to a disastrous collision.

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Officials Want to Help You Avoid a Car or Truck Accident in Miami Beach This Weekend

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

With the Fourth of July weekend here, authorities and officials are warning Florida residents to use extra caution to avoid traffic collisions in Miami Beach and other communities. There are a number of risk factors involved this weekend, including:

1) Busier streets. Miami Beach sees an influx of tourists at this time every year, and this year is no different. More tourists and more visitors can mean more cars on the road as well as more pedestrians. To avoid being involved in a car crash in Miami Beach or surrounding areas, account for added traffic when planning your trips and use extra caution on the roads.

2) Parties and other events where alcohol will be served. During this weekend, alcohol is a part of many celebrations and authorities say that this can increase the risk of drunk driving accidents in Miami Beach and across Florida. If you plan on drinking, leave your car at home and use public transportation or a designated driver to get home safely. Leaving your car at home reduces the temptation to drive home. Keep in mind that even if you have only a “few drinks” your mobility and focus may be impaired enough to put you at risk of a serious accident. If you drink at all, find another way of getting home. Even if you do not plan on drinking, have a “get home safely” plan in place this weekend. That may mean having extra cash for a cab, a bus schedule, or a friend’s number on hand. This way, if you do end up drinking you can still get home safely.

3) Special events. Special events can mean more pedestrian traffic, traffic delays, and unusual traffic (such as food trucks or delivery trucks) crammed into a relatively small area. If you are headed to a special event this weekend, consider taking public transportation or carpooling. If you need to drive by a special event, stay alert for revelers and added traffic. Slow down and focus on driving.

4) More trucks in the area. More trucks in the area can mean a greater risk of truck accidents in Miami Beach. With the special holiday events and the number of tourists, there will be food trucks in the area as well as more delivery trucks in the community as businesses gear up for a busy tourist season. In addition, there may be more shuttle tours and bus tours for tourists, which can increase the risk of bus accidents in Miami Beach and surrounding areas. If you are driving this weekend, take extra care.

5) Busy schedules. If you are working this weekend or trying to finalize plans, you may find that you are distracted and trying to do too much. Unfortunately, distraction is a leading cause of truck and car crashes in Miami Beach and across the country. Delicate some tasks, turn off mobile devices when driving, and try to get some extra sleep this weekend. You will feel better and be safer on the roads.

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Moving This Summer? Follow These Steps to Prevent a Traffic Accident in Miami or Your Community

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

Many families take advantage of the summer to move. In addition, many college students move to new apartments or move into student housing during the summer and fall months. Moves can pose a number of hazards, the most significant being the risk that families run by renting large moving trucks. Truck rental companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets, but each year people are injured in serious moving truck accidents in Miami and other Florida cities. You can avoid these by following these tips:

1) Consider movers. If you are moving a great deal of furniture and many possessions, movers may be a safer option. Most drivers are simply not trained to drive large trucks and run the risk of causing a serious car accident in Miami or their community by trying to operate a heavy truck on moving day. Large moving trucks are heavy and have many blind spots. In addition, driving this sort of truck requires you to consider clearance under bridges, shifting cargo, and other issues you do not need to worry about with a car. If budget is an issue, compare several movers or consider do-it-yourself or self-service movers. These types of movers will drop off a storage container at your home and leave it so that you can load the container. A professional driver will then drive the container to your new destination and you will be responsible for unloading. Since you do much of the hard work yourself, this costs less than hiring movers but still ensures you do not have to drive a large truck.

2) If you do decide to rent a truck, take some precautions. Choose a truck that is about 10% larger than what you will need, so that you do not overload the truck. Compare the safety records and reviews of several rental companies. Visit the companies in person and ask for a demonstration of the truck and its safety features. You should not rent a truck until you have gotten some training in how to use it. Before your move, take the truck to a mechanic for a once-over. This way, if the truck is in poor condition and puts you at risk of a traffic accident in Miami or at your destination, you can return it to the rental company and ask for another truck before you start loading your possessions.

3) Stay organized. Pack well in advance of your moving day, taking care to keep boxes well out of walking areas. Keep in mind that trip and fall and slip and fall accidents in Miami and other cities are very common on moving day. You can generally avoid them by staying organized and keeping walkways clear.

4) Pack your cargo carefully. Distribute weight evenly over the truck and tie down boxes and furnishings so that they do not shift as you drive. Ask your rental company for loading and packing tips. In addition, consider renting dollies so that it is easier for you to load the truck without hurting your back.

5) Give yourself plenty of time. Moving day should be as unrushed as possible. Rushing around increases the risk of an accident. Check and double-check as you go. For example, when backing up in your rental truck, be sure to check blind spots carefully to prevent any back over accidents.

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What Can the Average Person Do to Reduce Their Truck Accident Risk in Fort Lauderdale or Their Community?

Published on: June 20, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Legislators spend considerable amounts of time creating new rules and regulations to prevent truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale and other US communities. However, even if you are not a lawmaker, there are many things you can do to prevent these types of accidents from occurring:

1) Find out more. Educate yourself about legislation that is designed to prevent truck and traffic accidents. This summer, for example, many communities are passing new laws concerning food trucks. Find out about the issues and write to your elected representatives with your views. You can determine which issues your elected representatives champion by being vocal about how important traffic safety is to you.

2) Take a stand. Groups such as Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and other organizations work to raise awareness about issues that affect driver and truck safety. You can join one of these groups or support them by volunteering in order to help raise more awareness and in order to put more pressure on lawmakers to pass laws to prevent truck and car collisions in Fort Lauderdale and across the country.

3) Take a look at your own driving habits. Research has shown that traffic collisions in Fort Lauderdale and other communities involving trucks and passenger cars are more likely to be caused by the passenger car driver. In large part, this is because commercial truck drivers have more experience on the roads, are subject to stricter regulations, and see more training than the average motorist. A significant part of preventing car accidents, therefore, is making sure that you are as safe as possible when driving so that you can prevent collisions.

4) Report dangerous driving when you see it. Most commercial trucks have bumper stickers and toll-free numbers right on the trucks themselves so that motorists can report bad driving. If you see a truck driver or another motorist who appears to be driving erratically or may be inebriated, you will want to call 911. You may end up preventing a drunk driving collision in Fort Lauderdale or your community.

5) Pass on the message. Share your concerns about truck safety and your ideas for preventing accidents with others. If you are part of a homeowners association, for example, you may want to find ways to make your own neighborhood streets safer. If you have children, you can make sure that your children learn road safety early so that they can avoid bicycle accidents in Fort Lauderdale or your community and eventually become safe drivers.

Many people assume that there is little they can do to affect the rate of traffic accidents in their community, but this is simply not true. Even small efforts can eventually yield big results.

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Face-Tracking Technology Could Reduce Trucking Accidents in Miami and Across the Country, Experts Say

Published on: June 4, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Caterpillar, a company that makes mining equipment, is launching face-tracking and eye-tracking technology that it claims can reduce fatigue-related truck accidents. Could the new product help prevent truck and car accidents in Miami and other cities? The technology is a combination of software, sensors, and alarms which monitor the truck driver and issue an alert when the driver shows signs of potentially falling asleep. Some companies, including Newmont Mining and BHP Billiton have conducted trials with the new technology and initial reports suggest that the system is impressive.

Would the system work better than other systems already in place to prevent car and truck accidents in Miami and other cities? According to the makers of the face-tracking and eye-tracking technology, the new system is different because truck drivers do not need to wear special equipment for the system to work. As well, the technology works even when truck drivers switch shifts.

The system uses cameras and sensors to determine when a driver is looking away from the road, how often the driver blinks, and how long the driver’s eyes remain shut. The aim is to detect micro-sleep – a state in which a fatigued person falls asleep for fractions of a second without being aware of the sleep time. When the system detects a state of micro-sleep it agitates the driver’s seat and sounds an alarm to wake the driver up. The system also sends a report back to the driver’s employers to alert them of the problem. The company that hired the driver can also review data from the truck and the cameras and can get a video feed of the driver’s eyes.

Caterpillar acknowledges that there are still some issues with the technology. Currently, the system cannot differentiate between a driver looking down and closing their eyes. This means that driver who glances down may trigger the alarm. Despite this, Newmont Mining told the BBC that in a trial of the technology the company was able to reduce fatigue-related issues by 90%.

Currently, the main system preventing fatigue-related truck and traffic accidents in Miami and across the country are federal laws which dictate the maximum number of hours truck drivers can work and require specific rest periods. The federal laws also require commercial truck drivers to keep a log of hours driven and rests taken. As safety experts have noted, however, it is easy to circumvent these rules and to falsify logs. The federal laws also do not address fatigue caused by sleep disorders or illness. The new technology, according to some experts, will address signs of fatigue and as a result may be a better way of preventing truck collisions in Miami and other cities.

One of the biggest obstacles to the technology may be cost. According to Caterpillar, equipping just one truck with the technology costs up to $20 000. Currently, many truck carriers do not install other potentially life-saving technology due to costs and this technology is expensive.

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How Experts Believe Tanker Rollover Truck Accidents in Coral Springs can be Prevented

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

Tanker trucks are used to transport fuel, water, and other liquids. These trucks are also more prone to rollovers than cars and most commercial trucks. According to the CDC, tanker truck rollovers are the leading cause of traffic accident-related deaths for firefighters. Rollovers are also more likely than other truck accidents to lead to fires and serious injuries for truck drivers. The majority of these accidents can be prevented, according to experts, with just a few changes:

1) Regular tire maintenance. Tires that are incorrectly maintained increase the likelihood of a tire blowout and therefore a rollover. Tanker trucks are typically very hard on tires due to the weight of the cargo. It is therefore important to check tires every day for correct tire pressure and for wear and tear. Tires that are worn down may result in truck accidents in Coral Springs and other communities because worn tires are more likely to malfunction. Worn tires are also more likely to lead to collisions since tires without adequate treads can make it harder for a driver to stop without sliding. Tires that are overinflated or underinflated can also cause a tire blowout or can cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.

2) Reducing speed. Many rollover accidents in Coral Springs and other communities are caused by excessive speeds. Although tankers can rollover at speeds as low as 5 miles per hour, in most cases these accidents do involve higher speeds. At higher speeds, it is harder for truck drivers to maintain control of their vehicle and taking turns at high speeds, especially, can lead to rollovers and other types of collisions.

3) Adequate training. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that tanker truck drivers get refresher courses at least twice a year and take part in ongoing training. Additional training is important in order to help prevent truck and car accidents in Coral Springs and other communities because tanker truck drivers need to be prepared to deal with shifting cargo and other risky situations on the road. In some cases, motor carriers pay for additional training and refresher courses for drivers. Drivers in many cases can also access training on their own.

4) Weight distribution. Part of the problem with tanker trucks is that the weight of the liquid shifts frequently, and when liquid sloshes up against the sides of the truck, this can cause imbalance in the weight and can increase the risk of a rollover. It is especially important to be very vigilant when tankers are only partially full. Tanker trucks that are only partly full are especially subject rollovers.

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Reducing Road Stress Could Help Reduce Instances of Car and Truck Accidents in Coral Gables

Published on: April 12, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, traffic accident injuries and fatalities have dropped over the past few years, largely because unemployment means that fewer people drive to work and there are fewer trucks and shipments on the road. As the economy recovers, there is more road traffic and fewer people using public transport, and that can increase the risk of accidents. In Coral Gables and South Florida, the recovering economy can also mean more tourists and more traffic during certain seasons, which can also increase the risk of collisions.

Added traffic on the roads and less use of public transportation can mean more stress on the roads. At a time when many drivers are driving longer distances in order to take advantage of more job opportunities, especially, driver stress during commutes is a real concern – and can be a cause of car and truck accidents in Coral Gables and other Florida communities. To help protect yourself, make sure that you:

1) Avoid distracted driving. If you suddenly have to drive further to work because of a new job or if you are returning to driving after using public transportation for a while, it may be tempting to find something to do while you drive. However, distracted driving is a key cause of truck and car accidents in Coral Gables and across Florida. When you get behind the wheel of a car, make sure that you can focus fully on the drive.

2) Spread out driving responsibility. If you must drive a lot, consider taking public transport part of the time or carpooling. These options are not only more environmentally friendly and cost conscious, but they can also reduce driver stress, road rage, and the risk of traffic accidents in Coral Gables or your community. When you allow someone else to drive part of the time, you can read a newspaper, focus on your mobile device, or get other tasks done while commuting. Having someone else take care of the driving part of the time also reduces the amount of driver stress you experience and may reduce your risk of a crash.

3) Take care of your health and never drive tired. During the morning commute, especially, fatigue, stress, and illness can be a disastrous combination that can lead to a car collision. When you have to share the road with trucks, especially, you need to stay alert because these larger vehicles take longer to break and stop. If you’re tired, unwell, or are not feeling at your best, it is best to take public transport or rely on someone else to drive you to your destination.

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Truck Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and the Drowsy Driving Epidemic

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

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.2% of drivers polled said that in the past 30 days they had fallen asleep while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatigued driving leads to more than 100,000 car accidents annually, while other experts claim that the number may be even higher. A number of car and truck accidents in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida each year are caused by drowsy driving.

Truck drivers must abide by certain rules to reduce the risk of fatigued driving. For example, commercial truck drivers must keep a log of working hours, driving hours, and hours of rest. They must also take a certain number of breaks while driving. While these regulations have helped to reduce truck and car accidents in Fort Lauderdale and across the country, there is no one regulating drivers of passenger vehicles. If you are a driver, you can easily cause a collision with a truck if you drive drowsy. To prevent this:

1) Be aware of symptoms of sleep disorders. If you snore, wake up frequently during the night, wake up tired, or experience unusual fatigue during the day, visit your health care practitioner. Untreated sleep disorders cause many traffic accidents in Fort Lauderdale and across Florida each year. There are treatments available that can help you get a good night’s sleep so that you can drive safely.

2) Use caution if you use sleeping pills. The FDA has recently introduced new rules about the dosing of some sleeping pills. Sleeping pills may leave you fatigued in the mornings and some studies suggest that the drugs may be linked to early-morning collisions. Be cautious about taking the pills if you will be driving early in the morning. If you do need to take medication for a sleeping disorder, make sure that you understand the side effects and take the smallest dose you and your doctor agree upon.

3) Take drowsy driving as seriously as drunk driving. The problem with drowsy driving is that many people dismiss fatigue easily. While many drivers are aware of the risks of drunk driving accidents in Fort Lauderdale and other communities, there is less stigma attached to driving when tired. Many drivers see fatigue as just a part of modern life and drive even when very tired. This type of approach leads to accidents. Just as you would not drive after drinking, do not drive if you feel too fatigued, too unfocused, or too upset to drive safely.

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How Sleep Apnea Leads to Truck Accidents in Davie and Other Communities

Published on: February 2, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Sleep apnea is a medical condition that prevents a patient from getting a full night of sleep. Sufferers who have the condition are woken up many times throughout the night because they stop breathing for very short bursts of time. Sleep apnea is a treatable condition but in a number of cases it has led to devastating truck accidents in Davie and in other communities. There are many ways that this medical condition can lead to traffic accidents in Davie and across Florida:

1) Sleep apnea causes fatigue, which slows reaction times and can lead to more driver mistakes. Studies have shown that fatigued drivers have the same slow reaction times as inebriated drivers. In addition, studies have shown that fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes, which can lead to an accident.

2) The fatigue caused by the condition can exacerbate road rage and irritability. It is well-known that road rage causes car accidents in Davie and across the country. Studies have shown that fatigued driving is likely to lead to road rage, because fatigued drivers are more likely to feel irritability and may have a harder time controlling their tempers.

3) Sleep apnea can cause drivers to fall asleep at the wheel. In cases where sleep apnea is not treated and gets worse, drivers can eventually become so fatigued that they fall asleep at the wheel and drive off the road or into oncoming traffic.

4) Sleep apnea can be hard to detect, meaning that drivers may not notice that something is wrong until after an accident occurs. In many cases, sleep apnea has few symptoms, other than fatigue – and that is easy to blame on a heavy workload. Sufferers usually do not remember waking up many times during the night, and do not realize that anything is wrong. If truck drivers notice symptoms such as significant fatigue they do have an obligation to get the symptoms checked out. Similarly, motor carriers have a responsibility to make sure that their drivers are healthy and safe on the road. If carriers and drivers are negligent in this regard, they can be held liable in the event of an accident.

5) The condition can exacerbate other conditions and issues. If a driver has trouble focusing on the road, fatigued driving is even more likely to make them distracted. Fatigue and lack of proper sleep can also make a driver more susceptible to illnesses and medical problems, which can affect driving. For example, lack of proper sleep can exacerbate hypertension, which can lead to heart disease.

6) Truck drivers may be especially subject to sleep apnea. According to researchers, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the condition. Unfortunately, most truck drivers spend long hours sitting in their trucks and often eat on the go, sometimes meaning that healthy food choices are harder to find. This can make drivers more at risk for sleep apnea.

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