Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

Technology That Could Help Prevent Truck Collisions in Fort Lauderdale and Across Florida

Published on: January 30, 2013 | By Flaxman Law Group

Each year, passenger car manufacturers release new types of safety features and technology designed to keep us safe behind the wheel. Already, we have seen some of this technology helping to prevent car collisions in Miami and across Florida. Now, the federal government and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are taking a look at what technologies could help prevent truck accidents in Miami and across the country. Since studies have shown that up to 90% of traffic crashes are caused by driver error, experts feel that these types of technology could help prevent truck accidents:

1) Automatic emergency braking. This is a technology available already on many higher-end passenger vehicles and it has already helped prevent many car collisions. Automatic emergency braking uses cameras and radar to detect when a collision is imminent and computer algorithms calculate the chance of a crash in order to apply the brakes in time to prevent an accident.

2) Electronic stability control (ESC). In 2012, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a regulation which would make ESC standard on buses and trucks. According to NHTSA’s research, requiring all buses and trucks to have ESC could help prevent 14% of loss-of-control accidents and 56% of truck rollovers. That could mean preventing 60 fatalities annually.

3) Forward-collision warning systems. These systems use cameras and radars to warn a truck driver when he or she is approaching too close to another vehicle or stationary object. A 2009 study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration concluded that 8,597-18,013 rear-end accidents could have prevented in the years 2001-2005 if these systems were standard in all trucks.

4) Side-view assist. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), up to 79 fatal car accidents and up to a total of 39 000 traffic accidents could be averted or affected if all trucks had this technology.

5) Lane-departure warning systems. These systems warn drivers when they drift off the road or into other lanes. They can be effective in preventing fatigue-related traffic accidents in Miami and across the nation. According to the IIHS, up to 10 000 truck accidents could be averted or affected if this technology were standard for trucks.

While there is ample evidence that these technologies could help prevent accidents, getting regulations passed is challenging. The technologies would cost the trucking industry additional money, and would require many trucks to be serviced to meet the new regulations. These facts have some in the industry arguing that these technologies are not needed.

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Could NTSB Safety Technology Recommendations Help Prevent Davie Trucking Accidents?

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

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) would like to see some features and devices to become standard on all new cars and trucks in order to help prevent car and truck accidents. Car and truck manufacturers say that adding these safety technologies could add substantially to the cost of vehicles, but the NTSB has argued that the following safety features, if standard on all vehicles, could help prevent accidents:

1) Lane departure warning. This system sounds an alarm if a driver enters another lane without signaling. This system can potentially prevent Davie truck accidents by warning motorists if they are drifting into another lane. It can also help warn drivers who routinely change lanes without adequate signaling – a bad driving habit that can lead to Davie car accidents and truck accidents.

2) Forward collision warning. These systems monitor the traffic in front of a truck or car and warn the driver with an alarm if a collision is about to happen. In some cases, the system can even apply the brakes to prevent an accident.

3) Adaptive cruise control. This safety technology interprets traffic conditions by using sensors and then modulates brakes and throttle to ensure that a motorist maintains a safe distance from other cars. This technology can help prevent Davie traffic accidents caused by cars following other vehicles too closely.

4) Automatic braking. This system applies the brakes automatically when needed to prevent a Davie pedestrian accident or other collision.

5) Electronic stability control. Electronic stability control is a system that automatically brakes specific wheels to stabilize the car and allows the driver to retain control of the car. According to the NTSB, this feature is included on many smaller cars but would be very effective on larger trucks.

6) Tire-pressure monitoring systems. As the name suggests, this feature keeps track of tire pressure and alerts drivers when tire pressure does not meet specific safety standards. Since many Davie truck collisions are caused by tire failure and blowouts, this technology could help prevent these accidents.

7) Speed-limiting technology. As the term implies, this technology limits the speed that vehicles can reach. Since speeding is a factor in many traffic accidents – including fatal collisions – this feature is meant to prevent these types of crashes.

Many of the above features are already available on some cars and trucks, but they tend to be optional features that come with higher-end trucks and cars. According to the NTSB, these safety features should be made mandatory so that drivers at all budgets could benefit from the safety measures.

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Programs Aim to Reduce South Miami Truck Accidents Caused by Aggressive Driving

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

In November of this year, the Florida Highway Patrol and other agencies launched TACT (Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks), an initiative aimed at reducing Florida traffic accidents caused by aggressive drivers. According to authorities, aggressive driving is a leading cause of South Miami car accidents and truck accidents. When drivers are aggressive, they’re more likely to make mistakes and more likely to take risks, which can lead to accidents and serious injury. There are many things that can be done to help prevent aggressive driving:

1) Take responsibility and avoid driving when you are emotional. Emotional driving can be just as dangerous as distracted driving and can also lead to South Miami truck accidents and car accidents. When you are emotional, your full focus is not on the road and you’re more likely to make mistakes as well as to drive aggressively. If you find yourself emotional or angry and want to drive off, take a walk instead, take a few deep breaths and learn to relax yourself before you hop in the car.

2) Be aware of the risk factors of aggressive driving. We all have triggers that make us angry. Learn to recognize what makes you angry and avoid driving immediately afterwards.

3) Learn to recognize symptoms of anger before you get in the car and learn to diffuse them. Many people drive aggressively because they do not realize that they are at risk or do not realize that they are driving aggressively. If you are speeding, cutting other drivers off, yelling at other drivers, making aggressive hand gestures, and are filled with anger as you are driving, you’re probably an aggressive driver and you may be suffering from road rage. You should pull over and calm down before you continue to drive. If you feel angry and feel like hitting something, yelling, or driving quickly, do not get in the car. Learn to calm yourself before you drive.

4) Report aggressive drivers. Drivers who are aggressive on the road tend to drive aggressively repeatedly. If you see someone who is weaving, making offensive gestures, or seems to be in the throes of road rage, report them.

5) Learn to manage your anger if it is an issue. If you have trouble controlling your temper or your emotions and it is affecting your driving ability or your life, consult a professional. Anger management classes can make you a better driver, can make you calmer, and can improve the quality of your life.

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Issues That Affect You: Safety Concerns That Affect Coral Gables Truck Accident Risk

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

Keeping yourself informed about the issues that could affect your safety on the road is an important part of being a savvy driver. There are many issues that federal and state governments have been mulling over that could affect the risk of Coral Gables trucking accidents:

1) Maximum allowed truck weights. In 1995, there was a freeze on longer combination vehicles (LCVs) and limits have been set on the weight and size of commercial trucks. Numerous studies have shown that heavier and larger trucks may be at larger risk of collisions and may harm roads and infrastructure more than current trucks. However, truck companies and the industry sometimes advocate for larger trucks and larger weight limits, arguing that these limits would allow their businesses to be more cost-effective as it would allow more products to be shipped at a time.

2) Hours of Service (HoS) regulations. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), and other agencies, driver fatigue is a contributor in many truck crashes. As a result, federal laws have limited the number of hours commercial truck drivers can work before taking a break. In 2003, rules were set so that drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after ten consecutive hours of break. This was actually an increase in the number of hours permitted on the road and many advocacy groups have tried to get these hours reduced. Truck drivers and companies, however, have a financial incentive to seek longer hours.

3) Insurance levels for truck companies. Motor coaches are required to carry a minimum of $5 million in insurance while trucks need to carry $750 000 in insurance. Many advocacy groups have been trying to increase these mandatory minimums, especially for commercial trucks carrying hazardous waste, noting that the minimums have not been updated in three decades. With the current rules about insurance, some advocates point out, victims of Coral Gables truck accidents who have sustained serious injuries such as Coral Gables head injuries, amputations, and other serious injuries may have trouble getting fair compensation for their injuries.

4) Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs). EOBRs are devices which automatically record information about trips – including distances driven. Truck safety groups have been trying to pass rules which would require all trucks to have these devices. Currently, commercial truck drivers must note hours driven and hours of rest in written log books, but these books are not as accurate as EOBRs.

5) Panels and impact guards to reduce underride accidents and injuries in rear impact collisions. According to the Truck Safety Coalition, half of all fatal truck accidents involve underrride accidents, where a smaller vehicle slides under a larger truck. Some experts believe that requiring all commercial trucks to be equipped with energy-absorbing, velocity-sensitive rear impact guards and low-mounted side panels would prevent a large number of these types of accidents.

6) Speed limits. Speeding is a major cause of many Coral Gables car accidents and truck accidents. Since trucks take longer to stop and brake than passenger vehicles, some experts believe that reducing speed on trucks would reduce the risk of accidents and would decrease the risk of fatalities and serious injury in collisions.

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Truck Driver Tips For Renters: Preventing Miami Springs Truck Accidents If You Have To Rent A Truck

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

Most motorists who drive passenger vehicles may need to rent a truck or van at some point in their lives in order to complete home renovations or for a move. If you need to rent a truck, you will want to keep several safety tips in mind in order to help prevent a Miami Springs traffic accident:

1) Rent the right truck and check it out before you drive. Choose the smallest truck you need for your needs without having to overburden the truck. The larger the truck you rent, the more blind spots you will have and the more difficult it will be for you to drive the truck, especially if you’re used to smaller vehicles. If you need a very large truck for your task, consider hiring a moving service or truck driver to prevent having to drive the truck yourself. If you do rent a light truck, make sure that you test the truck out before you load it up and drive it anywhere. Consider taking it to a mechanic for quick once over. Unfortunately, the safety records and standards of rental companies very widely. There many horror stories of customers renting trucks that are not fit for the road or that prove to have safety issues.

2) Go for a test drive. If you rent a truck, consider taking it out on back roads and quiet streets to familiarize yourself with the vehicle before you load it up and take it for a drive in busy areas. Gaining a little bit of experience and confidence with the truck is important in helping you reduce the risk of a Miami Springs truck accident.

3) Get lots of rest. Fatigued driving is a leading cause of Miami Springs car accidents and truck accidents. If you are moving or doing something strenuous, especially, get plenty of rest so that you are alert on the road.

4) Make sure you know the responsibilities of the truck. If you are renting a very large truck, you may need to keep a log of driving hours and rest hours and you may need to make stops at scales along the way. Make sure you have this information before you take the truck out of the rental company’s parking lot.

5) Drive defensively.

6) Become aware of your truck’s no zones. Trucks have more blind spots and much larger blind spots than the average car. Become familiar with the truck’s blind spots and make sure to give yourself extra room in order to account for them. Use your mirrors and turn around physically to check blind spots when backing up, turning, and driving. Up to one third of car accidents involving trucks and passenger vehicles occur because of a vehicle in the truck’s no zone.

7) Use extra caution in construction zones. Construction zones are danger zones for all drivers, especially trucks. Construction zones usually involve a number of pedestrian construction workers as well as larger vehicles and unpredictable vehicle movements. When in a construction zone, slow down and follow directions and signs carefully.

8) Give yourself extra space. Trucks take more time to slow down. With the larger blind spots, as well, it becomes more important to keep a larger distance between yourself and other vehicles. When in doubt, leave more room.

9) Report problems. If you notice unsafe conditions on a highway or other safety dangers, you can contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Driver Hotline (1-800-DOT-SAFT) or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Hotline (1-888-327-4236) in order to report the problems.

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Driving with a Chronic Illness: How to Avoid Getting Into a Miami Truck Accident or Car Accident Due to a Medical Condition

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

Medical conditions are a serious hazard on the road. Each year, people are injured and killed because motorists fall ill behind the wheel. Heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and other medical emergencies cause Miami pedestrian accidents and car accidents each year. Even milder conditions, such as sleep apnea, cause serious Miami truck accidents. To avoid this type of tragedy from happening to you:

1) Get regular checkups and get symptoms checked out promptly. Not knowing that you have a medical condition can be one of the most dangerous situations. Some conditions – including high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and cardiac disease – are very dangerous for motorists but may not have obvious symptoms. Getting regular checkups and checks of your vitals is an important part of staying proactive about your health and safety.

2) Get treatment and follow doctor directions carefully to manage your condition. If you do have a condition that can affect your driving ability, it is important to manage your condition as well as possible. Consult with your doctor as needed and follow the treatment plan as prescribed.

3) Do not get back on the road until you are ready. Ask your doctor about your driving skills and how they may be affected. If you are diagnosed with an illness that affects your coordination, cognitive skills, vision, or mobility you may wish to ask your doctor how it will affect your driving ability. You may need some accessibility features for your car or you may need to get the condition under control before you get back to driving.

4) Talk to your pharmacist about any medications you may be taking. Medications that make you sleepy or drowsy can be dangerous. Even over the counter medications can affect your ability to drive, so read labels carefully and ask if you have any questions.

5) Take driving slow. Avoid higher-risk driving. If you have a medical condition that you are getting used to, ease back into driving as you learn to cope with your health. Avoid longer drives, night driving, and riskier driving situations until you are sure that you can handle them.

6) Take driving refresher courses or an evaluation of your driving skills. If your health concern affects your mobility, vision, cognitive skills, or response times, consider getting your driving evaluated by a driving instruction or expert. Discussing your concerns and addressing your problems can help you to drive safely.

7) Get the technology you need for your car to make driving easier. New safety and accessibility tools are developed every day and can help make driving easier and safer for you, helping you avoid Miami car collisions. Consider some of these features for your car to make you a safer – and more confident – driver.

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Warning Signs that Driver You Know May be at Risk of a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident or Car Accident

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

In many cases, drivers who cause a Fort Lauderdale pedestrian accident or car accident show some signs of possible driver errors and problems before the accident. Some of these signs can include:

1) Warning sign fender benders. Smaller fender benders – especially multiple small Fort Lauderdale car accidents – can be a warning sign that a driver is routinely taking risks or has a health problem that does not allow them to drive safely. These smaller accidents should be addressed before the motorist causes a serious Fort Lauderdale traffic accident.

2) Mix-ups doing basic driving activities – pedal mixups, driving up on curbs accidentally. While anyone can make a mistake, these types of mistakes during routine driving activities could signal distracted driving or another problem.

3) Forgetfulness or getting lost while driving. These can be early signs of dementia and could be a serious risk on the road.

4) A chronic medical condition that is serious enough to affect driving ability. Anytime a driver is diagnosed with a chronic health condition – such as cardiac disease, epilepsy, dementia, and other conditions – it is important to discuss how the condition will affect driving ability. If the patient is getting treatment, it is important to discuss the effects that medication will have on driving ability.

5) Fear when driving. Timid drivers are likely to make mistakes and drive in a way that may be dangerous. Sudden timidity and loss of confidence when driving can be dangerous and can signal that the driver knows that something is wrong. In some cases, timidity can be caused by trauma after a Fort Lauderdale truck accident or car accident. In any event, it is important to build back driver confidence by addressing any underlying issues and by getting some remedial driver training to build skills and confidence.

6) Distracted driving. Any driver of any age and health status is a risk on the road if they are driving distracted. While texting and driving is not illegal in Florida, reckless driving can lead to legal claims and charges. Any driver who routinely drives distracted will likely cause a Fort Lauderdale traffic accident and the bad habit needs to be addressed.

7) Substance abuse or medications that can cause dizziness and other dangerous symptoms. Fort Lauderdale drunk driving accidents claim far too many lives and are entirely preventable. In addition to driving under the influence of alcohol, however, drivers can also driver under the influence of drugs. Controlled substances, illegal drugs, prescription medication, and even over the counter medications can all affect judgment, response times, and motor skills.

If you know someone who is an at-risk driver, speak to them in a non-accusatory way about the issue and provide them with the facts they need to drive safe. You could be helping to save their lives.

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Read-End Miami Gardens Truck Accidents: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe

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

According to statistics, each year across the country about 400 people are fatally injured in rear-end crashes with commercial trucks. Many more are seriously injured but survive. In about half of all fatal rear-end truck accidents, the smaller passenger car slides under the truck in what is known as an underride. Underride accidents are especially tragic since during this type of accident the passenger vehicle is crushed or the top is sheared off, causing devastating injuries to the passengers inside the car. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), many of these types of accidents are preventable.

There are regulations in place to prevent underride Miami Gardens truck accidents. Since 1998, federal rules have required large commercial trucks to have underride guards. These are bars that are attached to the back of the tractor trailer in order to prevent cars from sliding under the vehicle in the event of a collision. However, underride Miami Gardens car accidents continue to happen. According to the IIHS, in some cases the guard breaks off in the event of an accident. In 2011, the IIHS conducted research on underride guards. The results of the study were surprising: in half of tests, underride guards failed, even at speeds as little as 35mph. Worse, the guards met safety standards, so they were guards considered effective. According to the IIHS, the problem was that in many cases when a car struck the guard at an angle, the attachment holding the guard to the truck gave way.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tests on underride guards have been conducted repeatedly with similar results and the government has been aware of the problems with the guards since at least 2009. The IIHS would like to see government regulators step in to correct the issue. In Canada and Europe, stricter measures have been introduced to prevent underride accidents and experts in Florida feel that more could be done to prevent this devastating type of Miami Gardens traffic accident.

The IIHS is continuing its efforts to change the regulations and has announced new research examining the top tractor trailer manufacturers to see which fare best in rear-end collisions. Results of the studies are expected in early 2013.

In the meantime, accident victims who have been seriously injured in underride Miami Gardens truck accidents are often turning to Miami Gardens personal injury attorneys and legal claims in order to hold manufacturers and drivers responsible. Florida law does allow anyone seriously injured in a truck accident to seek a claim against those liable for the injuries.

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Defensive Driving Can Prevent a Miami Gardens Truck Accident

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

In 2011, 9 out of 13 accidents involved a truck. No matter where you drive and how often you drive, the reality is that you need to be able to share the road safely with trucks if you hope to avoid a Miami Gardens traffic accident. According to experts, defensive driving – or driving with an eye to noticing hazards and preventing accidents – is the best way to prevent a Miami Gardens truck accident. There are many ways that you can drive defensively on the roads:

1) Pay attention. The first step of defensive driving is awareness. When approaching a truck, you need to be aware of it and its limitations. Trucks are much larger and drive differently when compared with passenger cars. They have more blind spots and take longer to brake, for example, making it very dangerous to drive right behind a truck.

2) Stay visible and let trucks pass you. To avoid a Miami Gardens car accident, keep in mind that truck drivers can only see you when you can see the driver. Stay out of trucks’ blind spots and let trucks pass you rather than driving near or immediately behind trucks.

3) If you have a car emergency or cannot put your full focus on the road, pull over and put your flashers on. Most truck drivers are responsible and careful on the roads, but each year Miami Gardens traffic accidents are caused by distracted truck drivers and car drivers. If you need to make a phone call or if your tire suddenly blows, pull over as much as you can to get out of the way of traffic. To make yourself visible to oncoming traffic, use your flashers or other signals.

4) Stay calm and focused. When driving, make sure that there are no distractions and try to avoid driving when you are upset. Driving is emotionally draining and can even be physically tiring. It is an activity that requires all of your attention. If you are upset or distracted, let someone else drive you.

5) Prepare for the unexpected when sharing the road with trucks. Delivery trucks may need to stop suddenly and commercial trucks sometimes blow a tire or experience brake failure. In many cases, truck drivers are making deliveries to areas they may not be familiar with, and this may mean that they are looking for street signs and numbers, possibly slowing down unexpectedly. When driving near trucks, keep in mind that they may do something you don’t expect – and it is up to you to respond quickly to avoid a Miami Gardens truck collision.

6) Brush up your driver skills with a defensive driving class. If it has been some time since you took a driver’s training class, especially, brushing up on your skills can help you correct any bad habits and learn new skills to stay safe on the roads.

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Road Safe America Offers Top Tips for Preventing a Hollywood Truck Accident

Published on: September 25, 2012 | By Flaxman Law Group

Road Safe America is an organization dedicated to raising awareness about road safety. The group offers a number of tips to help drivers prevent truck collisions:

1) Be aware that trucks behave very differently than cars and use extra caution when driving near them on the road. Trucks take longer to brake, for example, and some types of trucks may make frequent or unexpected stops. Be prepared for the unexpected when driving near trucks, and give trucks extra room to maneuver in order to help prevent a Hollywood truck collision.

2) Be aware of the blind spots around trucks and stay out of them. According to Road Safe American, one third of all accidents involving passenger cars and commercial trucks occur because the smaller car is in the truck’s blind spot. A good rule of thumb is that if you cannot see the truck driver, the driver cannot see you. A commercial truck has large blind spots to either size and behind the truck. To prevent a Hollywood car accident, stay out of these zones.

3) When a truck is turning right, do not pass the truck on the right. The truck can swing wide, causing an underride accident.

4) Do not cut off any truck or bus. If you are passing a large vehicle, make sure that you can see the entire car in your rear-view mirror before you attempt to get in the lane in front of the truck. Trucks and buses take longer to brake and may not be able to stop in time to prevent a Hollywood traffic accident if you cut them off.

5) In bad conditions and on higher-speed roads, give trucks at least seconds of space. Due to the size and force of trucks, slick road conditions can make it even harder for trucks to brake.

6) If you see a truck driver driving dangerously, call the police. Reckless and aggressive truck drivers are a huge danger on the road, as their vehicles can cause devastating damage. Calling in a dangerous driver can help save lives.

7) Be aware of your own blind spots. While the blind spots on a passenger car are much smaller than the blind spots on a truck, they are enough to cause a serious Hollywood bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or traffic accident. Get into the habit of checking your blind spots regularly, to ensure that you are aware of what is around you.

8) Be in good physical condition for driving. Getting adequate rest and food is important, as is being in good physical and mental condition. While most of us take driving for granted, it is a taxing activity – and one of the most dangerous things we do every day. Driving tired or while in poor health can be as dangerous as driving drunk, so make sure you are fit to drive before you get behind the wheel.

9) Never drive distracted. Distracted driving is the cause of many Hollywood traffic collisions. If you have to make a call, change a CD, or send a text, wait until you get to your destination or pull over first.

10) Slow down when in construction zones. There are usually more pedestrians and trucks in these areas, and construction can create dangerous traffic delays as well. Use extra caution in these areas.

11) Keep your vehicle in good condition. When your car responds as you expect, it is easier for you to drive defensive and to act when needed to prevent a crash.

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