Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

There's a new cartoon that's going to teach your child some useful tools to remember when traveling near or in cars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has partnered up with Chuggington, a popular animated series, in an attempt to help prevent injuries to children in Massachusetts and elsewhere.

Children under the age of 8 are the target audience for this campaign, which includes downloadable safety tips, a kid-focused safety pledge and a number of activities for parents and caregivers to practice with children.

"Educating children at an early age about the importance of wearing bicycle helmets, looking both ways when crossing the street and buckling up leads to a lifetime of good traffic safety habits," said Ray LaHood, the U.S. Transportation Secretary.

Our Boston injury lawyers understand that car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for children. It's estimated that there are more than 1,300 deaths and roughly 180,000 injuries to children under the age of 15 in car accidents in the U.S. in 2009. There were more than 260 deaths and nearly 200,000 injuries that occurred to child pedestrians in 2007 while playing around or in vehicles. For this reason, the new campaign will cover safety tips for bicyclists, school bus riders, pedestrians and child car seats.

Throughout the new series, the characters will be learning important lessons in each episode that will help children to understand the dangers associated with each of these modes of travel. Through each episode, characters will earn rewards, or badges, for practicing safe behavior. The creators will be pushing the "The 'Think Safe, Ride Safe, Be Safe!' pledge to these children, which is meant to teach your child to do exactly as it says. The show aims to get children excited about learning safety rules.

This campaign was launched just in time for National Child Passenger Safety Week, which is used to urge parents to review the rules and recommendations regarding their child and their child's car seat. During this time, parents can visit one of the many child seat inspection locations in Massachusetts to have their child's seat examined and installed by a certified technician. The inspections are most oftentimes free of charge and they can teach you the proper techniques to install a child seat. You are urged to call and make an appointment before visiting any location.

According to national statistics, about three-fourths of all child car seats in the U.S. are installed incorrectly. We recently told you about different ways to ensure that your child is safely buckled during every car ride and the Massachusetts child restraint laws on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog.

Parents are urged to continue to discuss safety tips with young children in an effort to help prevent any serious injury. It is important to equip your child with the knowledge and skills to be able to travel safely.

Continue reading "Animated Series to Help Prevent Traffic-Related Child Injury in Massachusetts and Elsewhere" »

As we recently reported on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog, our state keeps upping the restrictive laws within our Graduated Drivers Licensing (GDL) program to help reduce the risks of teen car accidents in Massachusetts. While these new restrictions seem to be doing the job for young, newly-licensed drivers, the problem is that 18-year-old drivers are experiencing an increased risk for fatal car accidents once the restrictions are lifted, according to CNN Health.

Our Boston teen car accident attorneys understand that these recently released statistics illustrate the importance of parental involvement in a young driver's life. Parents and guardians are urged to continue to keep safe driving habits as a frequent topic of conversation long after your young one has completed the GDL program, which began in the United States in 1996.

A recent study from the Journal of the American Medical Association concludes that from 1986 to 2007, 16-year-old drivers who participated in a strict GDL program experienced a decrease of more than 25 percent in fatal car accidents than those who weren't involved in a strict program. However, 18-year-old drivers who had completed a strict GDL program saw more than a 10 percent increase in fatal accidents compared to those who hadn't participated in a strict program.

"Right now, we're not getting the net effect across all teens that we're hoping for," says Scott V. Masten, Ph.D., author of the study.

Advocates are unable to explain why 18-year-old drivers experience the sudden increase in fatal car accidents. Some believe it's a reaction to the restricted driving stages they experience in a strict GDL program. Since the young drivers were sheltered from dangerous driving habits, they become overwhelmed once these restrictions are lifted.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that approximately 2,300 drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2009. There were approximately 195,000 members of this age group injured in the more than 5,100 traffic accidents that involved one of these young drivers.

As a parent, stay involved in your teen's driving career by:

-Asking that your child calls you once he or she arrives at their destination, and then once again when they're leaving to head home.

-Limit the number of passengers that are allowed to ride in your teen's vehicle. Driver distractions, including other passengers, are one of the main causes for teen car accidents.

-Create and enforce a teen-parent driving contract to law down the ground rules for driving and the consequences for breaking them.

-Take a ride with your child regularly. This will help you to keep an eye on their driving habits.

-Set a good example. Be sure to always practice what you preach and be on your best driving behavior when your teen is riding in the vehicle with you.

In Massachusetts, there were nearly 50 people killed in motor-vehicle accidents in 2009 that involved a teenage driver. Teen driving accidents can be prevented with thorough and extensive teen-driver education.

Continue reading "Are GDL Programs Effective in Reducing Teen Car Accidents in Massachusetts?" »

The State of Massachusetts is celebrating National Child Passenger Safety Week through this Saturday, Sept. 24. According to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division (EOPSS/HSD), child passenger safety is a top priority of our highway officials. These departments continuously work with one another and with local municipalities and local organizations to help promote proper child passenger seat usage and installation. Throughout this awareness week, parents and caregivers have been urged to join the festivities, spread the word and check out one of our state's Child Passenger Safety checkup events. These child-seat checkups have been taking place throughout the commonwealth, and will help to ensure that adults are properly buckling in their little ones to protect their safety in the event of a car accident in Massachusetts.

"As a mother of four children, I know how important it is to correctly select, install and use child safety seats," said Sheila Burgess, director of the Highway Safety Division for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, according to a news release. "This checkup and the others taking place across the state represent our commitment to ensuring parents and caregivers are safely buckling up children as well as themselves on every drive."

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that more than 75 percent of child safety seats are installed into vehicles improperly by an adult. Parents are urged to stop by one of the Child Safety Seat checkup locations just to make sure you're properly strapping in your child. At these inspection stations, nationally certified child-passenger safety officials will be available to inspect your techniques and help you to improve your child's safety. Improperly buckling in a young passenger can result in serious injuries.

According to Massachusetts Child Passenger Safety Law:

-As of July 2008, all children that ride in a motor vehicle must be seated in a federally approved child seat.

-Children are required to be properly fastened and secured in a child seat until they are at least 8 years old or taller than 57 inches.

-A booster seat/seat belt combination must be worn by all children who have outgrown the height and weight requirements for a child seat. This usually happens when a child weighs at least 40 pounds, has reached the age of 8 or is taller than 57 inches.

-Children 13 and older are required to wear a seat belt.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 1,300 children under the age of 15 killed in traffic accidents in 2009. Nearly 180,000 young passengers were injured in these incidents. Many of these fatalities and injuries could have been prevented if parents had taken the time to properly restrain children in a vehicle during every car ride.

Continue reading "Child Passenger Safety Week Gears Up to Prevent Child Injury in Massachusetts" »

A recent motorcycle accident in Randolph landed a 62-year-old man in the Boston Medical Center. The man was injured after colliding with a motor vehicle at the intersection of Pond Street and North Main Street at approximately 4 p.m. Traffic was slowed and rerouted through a detour while the accident was investigated, according to Enterprise News.

Our Boston injury attorneys ask that all motorists keep an eye out for motorcycle riders during these last few weeks of riding season. Riders are unable to navigate our roadways year round, so when the weather permits, they hit the open road in full force. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to serious injuries in the event of a traffic accident. Typically, these motorcycle riders are often overlooked by car and truck drivers because of the bikes' smaller size. Motorists are asked to remain aware of their surroundings to help keep our riders safe while they're still able to ride.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has conducted a number of studies on the dangers and riding techniques of our motorcyclists. Transportation officials understand the risks that these motorists face for a serious accident on our roadways and are making strides in helping to preserve their safety.

According to MassDOT, a rider is most likely to experience an accident when:

-A vehicle makes a left-hand turn in front of a motorcyclist.

-A motorcyclist gets stuck in a vehicle's blind spot.

-A motor vehicle follows too closely behind a motorcycle.

-Turn signals are not used.

-You fail to acknowledge road laws.

-There are dangerous road conditions, including railroad tracks, wet leaves, potholes and other obstructions.

-Weather conditions are poor.

-Your line of vision is obstructed. Oftentimes, sport utility vehicles, commercial trucks and delivery vans can block a motorist from seeing a motorcyclist.

The DOT offers this advice to motorists to help avoid an accident with a motorcyclist:

-Remember that motorcycles can easily be overlooked on our roadways.

-Our eyes are conditioned to spot other passenger-vehicles. Take the extra time to watch carefully for motorcyclists and other travelers in smaller vehicles.

-Be aware of the road, traffic and weather conditions, all three of which require drivers to be extra vigilant. Motorcyclists also have to adjust their driving skills. During these times it can be difficult to judge and predict when riders may take evasive action.

-Check twice, save a life.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, of the 334 roadway fatalities in Massachusetts in 2009, approximately 54 involved motorcyclists.

A number of these accidents, both of passenger-vehicle and of motorcycle riders, can be reduced and potentially prevented if we all take a look at our own driving habits and make a conscious effort to make them more aware, more cautious and more defensive.

Continue reading "62-Year-Old Suffers Serious Injuries in Randolph Motorcycle Accident" »

A new recommendation from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) could put an end to cell phone-using truck drivers.

The NTSB recently recommended this regulation to help prevent trucking accidents in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Both hand-held and hands-free devices would be prohibited, according to CNN.

This isn't the first time that the NTSB has recommended specific drivers to hang up the phone while operating a motor vehicle. The Board previously banned cell phone use by bus drivers and newly-licensed drivers.

Our Boston truck accident attorneys understand how critical this type of ban is. Too many accidents are being caused by distracted drivers. These accidents can oftentimes lead to fatal results when a large, commercial truck is involved.

In 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration banned truckers from sending or receiving text messages while driving. If a trucker is busted texting at the wheel, they could potentially face a fine of $2,750.

The most recent recommendation banning cell phone use by truckers came after a 45-year-old truck driver in Munfordville, Kentucky caused an accident that killed him and took the lives of 10 others. Officials believe that he was using his cell phone when the accident happened.

After officials investigated the accident, they concluded that the driver had used his cell phone for text messages and calls nearly 70 times while he was driving in the 24-hour period before that accident. Phone records revealed that he made four phone calls just minutes before the fatal accident happened.

The accident happened as the tractor-trailer left the roadway on Interstate 65. It crossed over a 60-foot median, over a cable barrier system and crossed into lanes of oncoming traffic. The truck struck a van that was carrying a dozen people. The driver of the van, nine of its occupants and the truck driver were killed in the collision.

The investigation revealed that the driver had no health problems, the road and weather conditions were fair and there were no mechanical problems with the big rig. Officials believe the distractions caused by his cell phone are to blame for the fatal crash.

According to Deborah Hersman, a safety board chairman, a cell phone ban for truck drivers has the ability to save lives on U.S. roadways.

"When you are at the wheel, driving safely should be your only focus," said Hersman.

These recommendations would apply to all drivers that currently possess a commercial driver's license. This means that all interstate commercial drivers and all in-state drivers that operate under the authority of any similar license would be covered.

According to Boyd Stephenson, American Trucking Association's manager of safety, a great number of trucking companies already have regulations governing the use of cell phones by truck drivers. A complete ban would help to increase the safety of all motorists on our roadways.

Continue reading "NTSB Targets Cell Phone-Using Truckers to Help Reduce Risks of Fatal Car Accidents in Massachusetts" »

The driving privileges of an 18-year-old have been revoked while she awaits the trial for an accident in which officials allege that her vehicle struck a pedestrian back in August. The court believes that the restriction is justifiable considering she is such an inexperienced driver.

The young driver is currently facing a charge of grossly negligent operation of a motor vehicle with serious bodily injury resulting, according to WSTP. The pedestrian was left in critical condition and is currently suffering from severe bone and brain injuries.

Pedestrians are extremely vulnerable in the event of a car accident in Massachusetts. Motorists are likely to be at fault during these accidents as many are the result of distracted-driving habits. Motorists need to remain aware and cautious behind the wheel, especially in areas like the Greater Boston area that have a large population of on-foot travelers.

Our Boston pedestrian accident attorneys understand that the phone records of the young driver reveal the 18-year-old was having a text message conversation with a friend between the time she left her house in her vehicle and the time she called emergency responders to report the accident. Although the young driver told authorities that she was in fact looking at the roadway and the time of the accident, she also admitted to engaging in a text message conversation simultaneously. A number of recent studies that we've reported about on our blog illustrate the dangers and the increased risks that driver faces for an accident when engaging in distracting behavior behind the wheel.

Court records reveal that the driver had only received her driver's license about six months prior to the accident. The court has ordered her to stay away from the wheel as a condition of her release after her arraignment.

Most recently, the young driver requested permission for restricted driving privileges so that she could get herself to and from work each day and so that she may provide transportation for her disabled mother and younger brother. Her request was denied.

The car-pedestrian accident took place in Vermont, which has a law prohibiting drivers from texting behind the wheel.

The young driver says that she feels terrible about the injuries she has inflicted upon the victim. She says, in her defense, that the accident occurred during the evening hours and the pedestrian was wearing dark-colored clothing. She also states that this was in fact an accident and not a crime.

Current Massachusetts law says that drivers that are under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Public transit drivers and school bus drivers have also been banned from using a cell phone while driving or they could face a fine of $500.

All drivers, regardless of age, are prohibited from texting while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are busted sending messages of surfing the internet while driving will can a fine of $250 for a first offense and $500 for a second offense.

Continue reading "Young Drivers Prohibited from Cell Phone Use to Reduce Risks of Fatal Car Accidents in Massachusetts" »

A recent car accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike took the lives of two and injured three. Massachusetts state police report that a 6-year-old was fatally injured when a van, driven by a 25-year-old female, smashed into a box truck and was thrown into the breakdown lane of the Turnpike.

It then hit the guardrail, passed over three lanes of traffic, hit the center guardrail, flipped over and came to a rest on its roof in the center of the highway. A 6-year-old passenger was thrown from the van during the collision, according to The Republican. The driver and two 4-year-old girls were transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester.

The driver of the truck was not injured in the accident. The westbound lanes of the Turnpike were closed for the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section to conduct an investigation and for cleanup. Investigators are focusing on whether or not the 6-year-old was properly belted during the accident. Traffic was rerouted in Auburn at exit 10. Traffic was backed up for about 10 miles as a result of the accident.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that traffic can be hectic at times on the Turnpike. In addition to safe driving habits, making sure that all passengers are properly restrained is one of the most important steps someone can take to ensure occupant safety. To help ensure the safety of child passengers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently released a new set of recommendations for buckling up your little ones.

Child passenger restraint recommendations:

-Children should remain in each child seat until they meet the manufacturer's height and weight limits.

-Keep children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible. These seats help to support a child's head, neck and spine in the event of an accident.

-Read instruction manuals to learn how to properly install the car seat by using either the seat belt or the LATCH system.

-All passengers under the age of 13 should ride in the back seat.

-Never place a child that is using a rear-facing car seat in front of an active air bag.

-Children should be seated in booster seats until they're at least 13-years-old or are at least 4-foot-6.

"Selecting the right seat for your child can be a challenge for many parents. NHTSA's new revised guidelines will help consumers pick the appropriate seat for their child," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.

Another important factor we would like to point out in the accident is the fact that is rolled and came to a rest on its roof. Although safe driving advocates have done much research on the likelihood of rollover accidents on a number of cars, there are tips you can follow if your vehicle is one of ones that is more susceptible to these types of accidents.

Tips to avoid a rollover accident:

-Steer clear of conditions that could cause you to lose control of your vehicle, including drowsy driving, intoxicated driving and speeding.

-Be extra careful on rural roads.

-Try not to panic. The NHTSA says, "If your vehicle should go off the roadway, gradually reduce the vehicle speed and then ease the vehicle back on to the roadway when it is safe to do so."

-Keep an eye on your tires. Make sure that they're properly inflated and not worn.

-Be cautious when loading you vehicle. The more weight your vehicle is carrying, the less stable it becomes.

Continue reading "Minivan Traffic Accident on Mass Turnpike Kills 2" »

A trucking accident in Los Angeles landed a trucker in state prison for seven years and four months. The Massachusetts truck driver was recently found guilty by the Los Angeles Superior Court of involuntary manslaughter for a trucking accident that happened last April in which a father and a daughter were killed and a nail salon and bookstore were heavily damaged.

Accidents like this can happen anywhere when the proper safety precautions aren't taken. The Everett truck driver neglected to navigate his big rig on approved roads and failed to properly acknowledge brake issues. Trucking accidents in Massachusetts can be caused by the same circumstances. It is the responsibility of the trucker and the trucking company to ensure that these large trucks are following all safety regulations on our roadways to ensure the safety of all motorists.

Our Boston trucking accident attorneys understand that accidents with big rigs oftentimes produce deadly results. Motorists are asked to travel with extreme caution when traveling among these large trucks. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a semi, contact an experienced attorney to help you determine who may be at fault and to help you to collect the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

"No matter how much we ache for just one more day, they are never coming back," said a friend of the family that was killed in the Los Angeles accident.

The accident happened as the 25-ton semi was traveling through the San Gabriel Mountains and was unable to stop after the brakes failed. The truck sped down the Angeles Crest Highway and slammed through La Canada Flintridge, California.

By the time the truck stopped, it had run over four cars, killed two people, injured three and plowed through a nail salon and a bookstore.

During trial, prosecutors stated that the accident was a direct result of the driver's decision to take a narrow, winding road through the mountain instead of taking one of the nearby freeways to get from the desert to the Los Angeles metropolitan area. An off-duty firefighter reportedly warned the truck driver about the dangerous road and suggested that he turn around. The trucker proceeded down the mountain road for another mile and a half. During this time the big rig's brakes began to smoke. Instead of stopping the vehicle and allowing them to cool down, the trucker reportedly poured cool water on them.

Officials inspected the big rig after the accident and concluded that half of the 10 truck brakes were either incorrectly adjusted or were overheated.

The trucker has already spent 20 months in jail awaiting his trial. Officials believe that he will be released in about two years if he's well-behaved. He is expected to serve the remainder of his jail time in a low-security prison.

"For me this is a nightmare and I didn't wake up yet," said the trucker to the family of the victims. "I know each you hate me today but I ask for forgiveness."

The trucker says that he was simply following the instructions of his GPS system. He blames the accident on the lack of safety ramps for runaway trucks on that mountain. Since the sentencing, the California Department of Transportation has decided to ban all five-axle trucks from a portion of that highway.

Continue reading "Massachusetts Truck Driver Kills 2 and Injures 3 - Sentenced to More than 7 Years Behind Bars" »

The fight to keep our teens safe from car accidents as they head back to school continues to make news. Teen drivers are now required to follow more driving rules than ever before. All of these new regulations aim to reduce their risks of car accidents in Massachusetts and elsewhere. Unfortunately, car accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for teens.

A number of state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) across the country are enacting more strict rules on teen drivers. Connecticut for example, recently released a report on The Effectiveness of Connecticut's Teen Driving Laws. Most of these laws were enacted back in 2008 after a number of fatal teen accidents occurred in 2007. The state experienced a near 30 percent decrease in the number of fatal accidents involving 16- and 17-year-old drivers after the new laws were passed.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that teen drivers are most at risk for an accident on our roadways simply because of their inexperience behind the wheel. To help teach our newly-licensed drivers safe and effective driving habits, the state of Massachusetts currently operates with a graduated Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) program.

The Connecticut report illustrates that even though the state's teen population has remained steady, the number of traffic accident fatalities has, in fact, decreased after enacting the new laws. One of the most influential laws, the DMV believes, prohibits the young drivers from operating a motor vehicle between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., unless driving to work or to school or for a medical or a religious reason.

"Overall, it appears that the restrictions placed on teen drivers in 2008 have been beneficial in limiting the amount of driving incidents involving police contact, such as traffic stops and accident investigations," said Wilton Police Lt. Donald Wakeman.

Massachusetts GDL program:

-Learner's permit: Drivers must be at least 16-years-old for this license. It must be obtained for at least six months before advancing. A driver is required to complete 30 hours of classroom instruction, 6 to 8 hours of behind-the-wheel training, 4 to 6 hours as an observer to another student driver and 12 hours of supervised driving.

-Junior operator's license: A driver with this license must be at least 16.5-years-old. This license does not allow drivers to operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00AM unless accompanied by a parent or a guardian. Drivers are also prohibited from driving with passengers for the first six months unless they're supervised by a licensed driver that is at least 21-years-old.

-Full license: After completing the first 2 steps, a driver is eligible for a full unrestricted license at the age of 18.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 2,300 drivers aged 15- to 20-years-old that were killed in motor-vehicle accidents in the U.S. in 2009. More than 195,000 of these young drivers were injured as well. These drivers aren't just a threat to themselves. They're also threatening other motorists on our roadways. In 2009, more than 5,100 of these young drivers were involved in fatal accidents on our roadways.

These fatality rates can be decreased with proper teen-driver education and with the help of parents and educators. It is important to get involved in your teen's driving experience. Discuss the risks, the responsibility and the dangers of a driver's license. Parents may be among the most influential people in their teen driver's driving habits.

Continue reading "Stricter Laws Proven to Decrease Risks of Teen Car Accidents in Massachusetts and Elsewhere" »

As technology continues to advance, the number of distracted driving car accidents in Boston and elsewhere continue to increase.

To help combat the problem, the National Safety Council (NSC) recently released a series of videos to illustrate the dangers that drivers face while driving distracted. The video series, called "Understanding Distracted Driving," discusses the risks, dangers and consequences of distracted-driving habits. NSC Senior Director of Transportation Initiatives David Teater, uses the video to discuss the answers to 12 common questions that motorists have about this behavior.

The video also suggests that companies address cell phone usage while driving on the job. Employers are offered with advice on how to enact and enforce a no cell phone policy in their work place.

Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys see too many car accidents on our roadways that are caused by distracted drivers. According to distraction.gov, more than 5,400 people are killed every year because of these types of accidents. Nearly 1,000 of these accidents specifically report the use of a cell phone as the type of distraction that caused the crash. Distracted driving accidents are preventable with a little driver effort.

About 20 percent of all traffic accidents that occurred in 2009 were the result of distracted driving. Drivers who use a hand-held device while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle are four times as likely to be involved in an accident that's serious enough to cause injury. Recent studies conclude that using a cell phone while driving slows a driver's ability to react as much as a driver who is legally drunk, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08.

To help curb driver distraction, Teater has spoken to a number of local, state and federal officials to encourage stricter enforcement against distracted drivers. Teater's 12-year-old son lost his life in a 2004 car accident in which the driver at fault was using a cell phone at the time of the collision.

"Cell phone use and driving are a dangerous, and oftentimes deadly, combination," said Teater. "The resources NSC has developed explain why this behavior is so dangerous and provide solutions on how to go about changing behaviors to make our roadways safer."

Back in 2009, the NSC made an attempt to sway government officials to enact a complete ban on cell phone use at the wheel. The Council was the first organization to suggest the ban.

Massachusetts cell phone laws:

-Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving.

-Drivers of school buses and passenger buses are prohibited from using a cell phone at the wheel.

-All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving.

According to handsfreeinfo.com, drivers face a $100 fine if busted text messaging behind the wheel. The second offense gets you a $250 fine and a $500 for a third.

Continue reading "New Videos Illustrate Risks, Dangers and Consequences of Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Massachusetts " »

With all the new advancements in motor-vehicle technology, cars are safer than ever. But some of the original safety devices will most likely keep you safe in a Boston car accident.

Seat belts and child safety seats are still some of the most effective lifesavers and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently released a report illustrating the importance of properly buckling up all vehicle occupants.

"While we're looking for the next big breakthrough in vehicle safety, we should keep in mind that many existing strategies at the driver and passenger level still can yield gains," says Adrian Lund, Institute president.

Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand that nearly 100 people die on our roadways every single day. Many of these fatalities can be prevented if drivers take just a few seconds to buckle up. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), preliminary estimates conclude that nearly 33,000 people were killed because of motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2009.

Massachusetts seat belt law states that all vehicle occupants 12-years-old and older must wear a seat belt except:

• Vehicle occupants that have proof from a physician that a medical condition or a disability makes wearing a seat belt impossible or dangerous.


• Occupants of vehicles that were made before July of 1966.


• Drivers of tractors, buses, taxis and of trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 18,000 pounds or more.


• On-duty postal workers.


• Police and fire vehicle drivers.


• Emergency vehicle passengers.

Seat belts reportedly saved the lives of nearly 13,000 people in 2009. According to the NHTSA, more than 3,600 additional people could have been saved if everyone were wearing a seat belt during a motor-vehicle accident.

The study also stresses the importance of properly-used child safety seats in the event of a traffic crash. While there has previously been some confusion as to which child should use which child seat, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released new recommendations to help clear the confusion.

This most recent information states that parents and guardians should keep their child in each type of child restraints, including forward-facing, rear-facing and child booster seats for as long as the child fits with the height and weight requirements suggested by the manufacturer.

"Safety is our highest priority," said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "The 'best' car seat is the one that fits your child, fits your vehicle and one you will use every time your child is in the car."

Child safety seat recommendations:

-Children under the age of 1: always ride in a rear-facing car seat.

-Children ages 1- to 3-years-old: Keep children in rear-facing seats for as long as possible. Once your child has outgrown the manufacturer's height and weight recommendations for the car seat, you can move your child to a forward-facing car seat with a harness.

-Children ages 4- to 7-years-old: Keep your child in a forward-facing child car seat with a harness until they have exceeded the weight and height limit for the seat. Once they've outgrown these limits, it's time to move them to a booster seat.

-Children ages 8- to 12-years-old: Keep your child in a car booster seat until they are big enough to fit in a seat belt properly. They should typically graduate to an adult seat and seat belt once they've reached 4 feet, 9 inches. Make sure that the seat belt fits snugly across the upper thighs and not on the stomach. Also make sure that the shoulder portion of the belt lies snug across the shoulder and chest. The belt should not cross over the child's neck or face. Your child is always safer to ride in the back seat.

While your new car may be equipped with cameras, top-of-the-line airbag systems, override steering systems and vehicle detection systems, some of the most effective ways to prevent injury in the event of a collision is a good-old seat belt.

Continue reading "Simple Ways to Prevent Injury in a Boston Car Accident" »

A woman was killed after a recent car accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike. A 62-year-old woman from Portsmouth, New Hampshire died after the tire on her Lincoln Town Car came off the vehicle around 2:00 p.m., according to the Worcester Telegram. After the tire left the vehicle, the Town Car hit a guardrail, spun out and was thrown down an embankment. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the vehicle. She was transported to Wing Memorial Hospital in Palmer where she was later pronounced dead.

A 24-year-old passenger in the vehicle was also taken to the hospital and treated for injuries. She was reportedly wearing her seat belt at the time of the accident. The accident is currently being investigated by the State Police Crime Scene Services Section and the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section. The far right westbound lane on Route 90 in Warren was shut down for about 30 minutes, causing nearly eight miles of backed up traffic.

As we recently reported on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, motorists have been urged by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to take a peek at their vehicle's tires to help prevent a potentially fatal accident on our busy Massachusetts roadways. Although this consumer advisory was released specifically for summer travel, it's apparent that motorists need to keep an eye on their tire conditions all year long. We may be into the beginning of the fall season, but the summer-like weather is still here and the heat increases your risks of a tire-related car accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 3,500 people died as a result of tire-related traffic accidents from 2005 to 2009. The NHTSA also estimates that more than 115,000 people were injured in these types of incidents. A great deal of these fatalities and injuries can be prevented if motorists take the proper precautionary steps to ensure the safe-condition of their vehicle's tires.

You are urged to check out the tire pressure in all four of your tires. Low tire pressure mixed with the heat of the roadway can be a deadly combination. Accidents caused by these conditions can easily be prevented.

You're also urged to check the condition of your tires. Old worn tires are more susceptible to serious damage during travel. You can easily check the condition of your tires by examining the sidewall. Make sure that there's ample tread on each tire. Balding tires not only reduce your control over the vehicle, but also reduces your ability to safely navigate the roadway.

And lastly, we know that everyone wants to get as much as they can out of their vehicle and their fuel. Another reason why properly inflated tires are so important is because it helps you to get the maximum mileage from your gas tank. Under-inflated tires significantly reduce the number of miles you can get from each gallon of gas. Just a 25 percent drop in tire pressure can cause you to lose nearly 3 miles per gallon.

Continue reading "Vehicle's Tire Causes Fatal Massachusetts Turnpike Car Accident" »

Sleepy drivers produce the same dangers as drunk drivers and increase risk of car accidents in Massachusetts and elsewhere just the same. According to Automotive Industry Today, being sleepy behind the wheel slows a driver's reaction time just the same as if they had been consuming alcohol. These effects cause a driver to lose their ability to react to dangerous hazards on the roadway. Sleepy drivers are not able to process traffic movements as well as a well-rested driver.

The Centre for Sleep Research reports that a driver that has been awake for 18 hours has the same reaction abilities as a person who has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05. A driver that has been awake for a full 24 hours has the same reaction time as a driver that has a BAC of 0.10. The legal BAC limit in the state of Massachusetts is a 0.08.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand how dangerous it can be to jump behind the wheel of a motor vehicle if you're drowsy. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers do it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about five percent of drivers admit to nodding off behind the wheel at least once within the last month.

Researchers believe that the number of drivers who fall asleep at the wheel is actually much higher. The reason for this theory is because a good number of drivers neglect to inform officers about being drowsy at the time of an accident. Unfortunately, there's no "Breathalyzer" that can detect a driver's level of sleepiness.

The National Sleep Foundation reports that in one of its studies about a third of surveyed drivers admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel at least one time in the last month. About 15 percent of the surveyed drivers admitted to falling asleep regularly, at least once a month.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 100,000 car accidents happen every year because of sleepy drivers. These accidents kill more than 1,500 people and injury another 71,000 people each year. The result of these accidents is about $12.5 billion in monetary losses each year.

Some studies conclude that drowsy drivers cause at least a fourth of all traffic accidents in the United States.

Fatigued driving is easily prevented with these safety tips:

-Stop if you're feeling sleepy. Pull over to the side of the road, get out, stretch or take a nap.

-Schedule in some breaks. In addition to planning out the route to your destination, you should plan out rest spots. You're urged to take a break from driving every 2 to 4 hours.

-Take turns. If you're on a long road trip with another licensed driver you should take turns behind the wheel. This will allow sufficient resting time for each person to avoid drowsy driving.

-Make sure to get adequate sleep. Before venturing out on a long road trip make sure you've gotten plenty of well-rested nights.

-Make sure you're eating regularly. Deprivation can add to the feeling of drowsiness. Make sure to eat well-balanced meals when on road trips.

It is important to remember that there's no quick fix for drowsy drivers. Many motorists may believe that rolling down the windows, turning up the music of gulping down some caffeine will help to wake you up. But that's only a temporary fix and will most likely leave you even more tired that when you started.

Continue reading "Drowsy Driving Contributes to Alarming Number of Massachusetts Car Accidents" »

A 47-year-old East Boston man recently entered a not guilty plea to leaving the scene of an accident and motor-vehicle homicide at the Chelsea District Court after being accused of being involved in a hit-and-run car-pedestrian accident in Revere, according to the Chron. Prosecutors say that the man made an attempt to fix the damage on his SUV that was caused by the accident. He is being accused of striking and killing a 22-year-old pedestrian just before 6:00 a.m. The young woman was taken to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Prosecutors believe that the man attempted to make repairs on his vehicle to cover up the damage and then attempted to wash it down with bleach to hide and further evidence. The man is currently being held on a $25,000 bail.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to car-pedestrian accidents near our busy roadways. To help reduce the risks of such serious accidents, the Institute for Human Centered Design, recently discussed plans of Shared Space, which is a street design concept to help protect pedestrians traveling along our roadways. Shared Space is already a popular part of European roads, according to the Boston Globe.

This theory aims to reduce the number of curbs in our area. Researchers of the program believe that curbs are the enemy on our roadways as they serve as a barrier that determines which part of the roadway belongs to the vehicles and which parts belong to the pedestrians. Shared Space also frowns upon the use of traffic lights, road markings and street signs. Under the Shared program, streets are stripped down and all physical and psychological barriers are eliminated. Without these traffic regulating devices, motorists and pedestrians are forced to share the area efficiently and safely. Supporters believe that the roads can actually be safer by making them more dangerous and requiring everyone to think a little bit more.

"So what have we done here?" asks director of urban and transit projects at the Institute for Human Centered Design, Christopher Hart. "We've extended that curb 10 feet out. We're forcing drivers to pay attention, and we're forcing them to slow down even just a little bit because their field of vision has changed."

For years now, the design of the street system in our area has kept their focus on efficient and speedy movement of vehicle traffic. Luckily, Boston and other large metro areas in the county are leaning towards the creation of safer streets for everyone. A number of organizations, transportation departments and advocates are campaigning the "human-centered design," oftentimes referred to as "complete streets" or "context-sensitive design."

"We live in an environment where everybody is in a rush," says Thomas Tinlin, the city's transportation commissioner. "Our job is to look at it as, if everybody plays by the rules, how best to move everybody through the system."

There's an area inside City Hall that is called the Traffic Management Center in which live video is surveyed of various busy intersections. A technician is hired to monitor these areas and make appropriate stop-light adjustments to ensure that the traffic flow's steady. Whereas the focus of this technician has always been to get our Boston motorists traveling quickly and efficiently, a number of pedestrian advocates recognize the increase in on-foot traffic and are pushing to shift the focus from vehicles to pedestrians.

Continue reading ""Shared Space" Aims to Unite Motorists and Pedestrians on Boston Roadways" »