Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

A Foxboro man involved in a recent Massachusetts car accident had to be airlifted by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital. He was injured when he was thrown from a pickup truck that rolled over twice after colliding with another vehicle at South and West streets.

The accident closed the busy intersection for about an hour, according to The Sun Chronicle. This was the first of two serious accidents that happened on South Street on Tuesday. The accident happened when the truck, heading northbound on South Street, collided with a car, rolled over twice and ended up on its wheels.

Only three hours later, a woman drove her mini van into a utility pole on South Street just about a mile from the first accident. The front wheel of the van was knocked off in the crash.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that your chances of dying in a car accident during the month of August are much greater than during any other month of the year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2005 to 2009 statistics conclude that seven of the 25 deadliest days overall on our roadways are in August.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reports that, from its records going back to 1994, more Americans die in car accidents during the month of August than any other time of the year.

August has an average death rate of 1.09. September comes in second with a death rate of 1.08. March is the safest month on our roadways with a death rate of 0.94. While the change may seem small, it amounts to thousands of additional accidents.

During 2009, an average of 93 people died because of traffic accidents on U.S. roadways every day. That's an average of one death every 16 minutes, according to MSN Money.

You typically face more risks during the weekends, compared to the weekdays. Weekends are a time when residents get out and run extra errands, visit family and take day trips. Weekends are also a time when the presence of drunk drivers increases.

Saturdays are typically more fatal than Sundays. In 2009, Saturdays averaged 123 deaths nationwide while Sundays saw an average of 107 deaths. Fridays closely followed with a 102 average deaths.

Run all your errands on a Tuesday because that's your safest time on our roads! Tuesdays have an average of 69 fatalities.

The rest of the daily fatality rate averages:

-Mondays: 79 deaths.

-Wednesdays: 78 deaths.

-Thursdays: 84 deaths.

"A large proportion of crashes happen in late afternoon and early evening in general, but especially in August," says Russ Rader, a spokesman for the institute. That's when the roads fill up both with commuters and vacationers.

One reason for the nation's high death rate is probably because millions of Americans continue to drive without wearing a seat belt despite decades of pro-belt campaigns.

"If everyone buckled up on every trip, we would sharply reduce the number of fatal crashes that we expect to happen this summer," Rader says.

Continue reading "Motorists Most Likely to Die in Massachusetts Car Accident in August" »

A mother and her two young daughters were involved in a fatal rollover car accident in Boston on Interstate 90 after the mom lost control of her vehicle recently. The vehicle rolled over three times and landed right side up. The two young girls were thrown from the car and the 6-year-old died in the accident. None of the passengers were wearing seat belts, according to Boston.com.

Reports indicate that the driver lost control of the car trying to get out of the way of a vehicle that drove into her lane. Massachusetts authorities are still deciding whether or not to file charges against the mother, The Boston Globe reports. She has a record of serious motor vehicle violations. The mother had her license suspended back in March for driving while under the influence of alcohol. She also neglected to place her children in the appropriate child-safety seats.

A second Massachusetts rollover car accident left a man in critical condition at a local hospital after an accident on Route 114 in North Andover, according to the Eagle Tribune and North Andover Patch. Traveling eastbound on Route 114, the driver lost control of his sport utility vehicle and rolled multiple times. His car came to rest at the corner of Willow Road and Route 114.

The driver was airlifted to Boston Medical Center. The North Andover Police Accident Reconstruction Team is investigating the accident, according to Eagle Tribune.

It doesn't end there. A third rollover accident happened last week on the 800 block of Turnpike Street. The driver was airlifted to a hospital in Boston after his sport utility vehicle rolled over several times. Police report the car rolled over a span of about 200 feet.

These are just a few of the rollover accidents that have happened in the Boston area in the last month. Airbags may be one of the greatest pieces of safety equipment in a rollover accident.

Side airbags are installed in a number of vehicles to help protect passengers in the event of one of these accidents. Right now, some vehicles are equipped with side airbags. These are airbags that deploy for six seconds to ensure occupant safety in the event of a rollover accident. Other vehicles have side airbags that only inflate for milliseconds. Even worse, there are some vehicles that have side airbags that aren't even designed to deploy in a rollover accident. These particular types of airbags are designed to deploy only when the vehicle is hit from the side.

Another unfortunate outcome of a rollover accident is when a passenger is ejected from the vehicle. It is estimated that more than half of the 10,000 people that are killed each year in rollover accidents die after they are ejected from the vehicle. The longer a side airbag stays inflated, the less likely a passenger is to be thrown from the vehicle.

In an attempt to provide more safety measures to SUV occupants, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration introduced a rollover rating system back in 2001. This system bases a vehicle's rollover rating on an engineering analysis of each vehicle's center of gravity and the width between the front tires. The rollover rating scale ranks from five stars, which means the vehicle has a rollover risk of less than 10 percent, to a one star, which indicates a rollover risk greater than 40 percent.

Continue reading "Rollover Car Accidents in Boston Injury Many in Recent Weeks" »

Many of us spend most of May anticipating Memorial Day because it marks the kickoff of picnics, barbecues and the first official three-day summer holiday weekend. The National Safety Council wants to remind motorists to buckle up this Memorial Day weekend because the risks of being involved in a Boston car accident are heightened this time of year.

Car accident lawyers in Boston and elsewhere throughout the state know how nice it is to sit back and relax at your first summer gathering, but the increased traffic and threat of too much alcohol consumption can make it risky getting home later.

In 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported four fatal crashes in Massachusetts on Memorial Day. There were six deaths as a result of the crashes.

The NSC estimates that this Memorial Day weekend, which begins Friday, May 27 at 6 p.m. and ends Monday, May 30 at 11:59 p.m., will produce more than 400 traffic fatalities and another 39,400 injuries needing medical attention throughout the course of the holiday weekend. The council also estimates that more than 100 lives could be saved during the upcoming holiday weekend if motorists choose to fasten their seatbelts while riding in the car.

Over the last few years, Memorial Day weekend has been considered deadly when compared to similar non-holiday periods. Heightened traffic, aggressive driving, speeding and drunk driving have contributed to the averaged 12.2 percent increase in traffic fatalities during this holiday weekend over the last few years. In 2009, Memorial Day reported more traffic fatalities nationally than any other holiday, including New Year's Day, Labor Day and Christmas Day.

The NSC offers the following safety tips as you venture out this Memorial Day Weekend:
-Allow sufficient travel time to get to your picnic or gathering so that heavy traffic and the urge to speed don't play a role in your travel plans to arrive on time.

-If you are the designated driver, refrain from consuming any alcohol or have one cocktail at arrival which should cut off drinking hours before you plan to leave the barbecue.

-Minimize distractions while you are driving by putting your cell phone in the glove compartment and entering the address in the GPS before you put the car in drive.

-If stormy weather is a threat, use extra caution or wait out the storm in a safe place until it passes.

-Ensure everyone, especially children, are buckled in before you start to drive.

Massachusetts motorists are being warned that the zero tolerance enforcement of seat belt laws will be enforced throughout the state from May 23 to June 5, 2011. Police will pull over all motorists that are spotted without a sea tbelt.

Continue reading "Memorial Day Weekend a High Risk for Car Accidents in Boston" »

Boston sports fans have a lot to be excited about these days with the Celtics cruising through the playoffs and the Red Sox turning their season around after a dismal start in April.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers want to remind fans it is never a good idea to drink and drive -- so keep the boozing to a minimum if you are responsible for driving yourself home after the game.

Alcohol and sporting events tend to go hand in hand. Not only does too much alcohol consumption cause a high risk of drunk driving accidents in Boston, but fans are in danger of assault, vandalism or other alcohol-related incidents during or after the game.

Earlier this year, Bloomberg Businessweek reported just how common alcohol consumption is at sporting events. A recent study by the University of Minnesota found that 8 percent of sports fans walk out of the venue legally drunk.

Spectators volunteered to take a breathalyzer test following a total of 16 professional football and baseball games at 2 different venues. After measuring blood alcohol concentration in 382 participants, the study provided the following conclusions:

-1 in 12 fans left the sporting event intoxicated.

-Fans who tailgated prior to the game were 14 times more likely to leave drunk than a fan who didn't hang out before the game.

-Age makes a difference - under age 35 were 9 times more likely to be drunk than over age 35.

-Tailgaters admitted to drinking at least 5 alcoholic drinks in 25 percent of the total respondents. Those tested with a higher BAC admitted to almost 7 alcoholic drinks prior to the game.

There were only an average of 20 volunteer participants after each game who participated in the study. Almost 60 percent of respondents were male, 55 percent were between ages 21 and 35, and a small percentage was age 51 or older. When putting the statistics into simple terms, venues that hold upwards of 50,000 to 100,000 fans, 4,000 to 8,000 are leaving the venue too drunk to drive.

A general rule at most baseball stadiums is that the last call is either 2 hours after the first pitch or during the 7th inning, whichever comes first. A recent article in the Boston Herald reports that the more money you can afford to spend on a ticket at Fenway determines how long you can actually drink at the game. The middle-class patron who pays for the cheap seats at Fenway get cut off by the standard tradition. However, those fans who can afford field box seats, Dugout Seats' Absolut Clubhouse, Gosling's Dark and Stormy boardroom, Pavilion Suites, and the Legends Suites at the Monster Corner can start partying 2 hours before the game through an hour after the final pitch. It is almost as if rich fans are immune to being over the legal limit, unlike the average Joe.

Sports fans are completely in control of determining how much and how long they can drink before safety becomes an issue. Make the responsible choice to not drink at all or designate a driver to get you home safely before you put yourself in danger of a drunk driving or other alcohol-related accident.

Continue reading "Fans drinking at games are at high risk for drunk driving accidents in Boston" »

Your new car could eventually come equipped with an alcohol-detection device if the federal government gets its way. This option could be available within the next 10 years if proposed funding goes through, according to KSDK News. These detectors could possibly help reduce the risks of Boston drunk driving accidents.

Our Massachusetts personal injury lawyers recognize the personal liberty arguments that will no doubt be made -- but we also understand that many serious and fatal car accidents in Massachusetts are caused by chronic DUI offenders. We first reported on the issue in January on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog.

"We've worked on behavior modification for the last 30 years, but we're still killing almost 11,000 Americans a year," said Laura Dean-Mooney, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The next best option is the installation of alcohol-detection devices, she believes.

While still in the developmental stages, Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) will be able to test a driver's blood alcohol content (BAC) through either a touch-based approach or a breath-based approach, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The DADSS is a feature designed to keep intoxicated drivers from operating their vehicle if their BAC exceeds the legal limit.

"What we're doing is developing technology that won't interfere with sober drivers, will require virtually no maintenance or upkeep and will have such precision that it only stops a driver when their blood alcohol content is .08 BAC or higher, which is the illegal limit for drunk driving in every state," said Shane Karr. "Now that we have actual prototypes, a tremendous feat in itself, we'll be working to identify the gaps in performance between these prototypes and the precise standards we've identified as true technology requirements. This will point the way forward for the next phase of research."

The NHTSA reports that nearly 11,000 people died in car accidents involving a drunk driver in 2009. This number makes up 32 percent of all fatal crashes.

"Whatever the future holds for these advanced drunk driving prevention technologies, one thing remains clear; no technology can, or should, ever replace a driver's personal responsibility not to drive drunk," the Administrator said.

Continue reading "Proposed Alcohol Detection Devices to be Placed in Vehicles to Prevent Boston Drunk Driving Accidents" »

As the school year winds down in Massachusetts, students will be at increased risk of Boston car accidents. This is the first entry of a four-blog series covering the impact of distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding among teen drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death among teens between the ages of 15 and 20. With prom, spring break, graduation, and the summer drawing near, our Boston personal injury lawyers remind parents that teen drivers are at increased risk of car accidents and injuries caused by distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, seat belt violations, and cell phone use while driving. These activities pose a threat to young drivers as well as other motorists on the road.

The NHTSA also reports that, mile for mile, teens are involved in three times more Boston car accidents than all other drivers. Massachusetts car accidents involving young drivers killed 68 motorists in 2008, according to government statistics.

Lay out rules to keep your teen safe from a Massachusetts car accident:

- Set a passenger limit.

- Remind teens to always buckle up.

- No cell phone while driving.

- Absolutely no alcohol.

- Obey all speed limit restrictions.

- Develop a curfew.

- Spell our repercussions for broken rules.

Here you can find a Massachusetts parent-teen safe driving contract, courtesy of Distraction.gov.

Continue reading "Teens at increased risk of Boston car accidents as school winds down " »

The Boston personal injury lawyers and staff at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman wish each of you a safe and enjoyable Super Bowl weekend. While it won't be as hectic as it would if the Patriots were playing, the year's biggest football weekend brings an increased risk of drunk driving accidents.

A substantial number of Boston car accidents are caused each year by drunk drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 151 of the state's 363 accidents involved alcohol in 2009.

"Football is one of America's favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in serious danger if they don't plan ahead," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "Whether you're at the game or watching from a sports bar or a friend's house, designate a sober driver before the game. And remember, Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk."

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is encouraging party hosts to be prepared.

"There's a reason it's called throwing a party - a host has to be ready for the occasional trick play and juggle the unexpected when it comes to staging an event that's fun, entertaining and safe for everyone," the organization said. "Responsible hosts know that part of showing guests a great time is making sure they get home safely."

Safety tips for party hosts and guests include:

-Plan Activities, which can reduce the consumption of alcohol.

-Avoid Mixers: They can cause alcohol to be absorbed more quickly and may cause people to drink more.

-Designate sober drivers.

-Provide plenty of food.

-Avoid too many salty snacks, which can prompt people to drink more.

-Offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.

-Never serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21.

-Be proactive: If a guest has had too much to drink, make sure they have a safe way home or invite them to sleep over.

Continue reading "Increased risk of Boston drunk driving accidents on Super Bowl Sunday" »

At a conference in Waltham this week U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a multiple-agency partnership that aims to develop technology that will prevent drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. The technology could someday reduce or eliminate the risk of Boston car accidents caused by drunk drivers.

The Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) - a five-year $10 million initiative - will explore both touch-base and breath-based blood-alcohol analysis applications capable of evaluating impairment and preventing intoxicated motorists from driving. It is anticipated that integrating such technology as a standard or optional accessory in vehicle manufacturing will be available within the next decade.

"What we're doing is developing technology that won't interfere with sober drivers, will require virtually no maintenance or upkeep and have such precision that it only stops a driver when their blood alcohol content is .08 BAC or higher, which is the illegal limit for drunk driving in every state," said Shane Karr, V.P. for Federal Government Affairs at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers frequently report on the risks of drunk driving -- nationwide one-third of all fatal accidents involve alcohol. Somewhere in America someone dies from a drunk driving accidents every 45 minutes.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher the time of a fatal car accident are eight times more likely to have been previously arrested for driving while intoxicated than sober drivers linked to fatal wrecks. "Drunk driving continues to be a national tragedy that needlessly claims the lives of thousands of people on our highways each year," said Secretary LaHood. "We need to put an end to it."

Our Boston car accident attorneys know this is a topic of special interest for Massachusetts drivers familiar with "Melanie's Law" - enacted in 2006. Thirteen-year-old Melanie Powell, for whom the law is named, was killed in 2003 by a second-conviction drunken driver, the Patriot Ledger reports. It is her namesake law that imposes stricter penalties and restrictions and heavier fines for those convicted of drunk driving. It also permits state officials to have access to a driver's entire driving record.

Among other things, Melanie's Law requires habitual drunk driving offenders to install an ignition interlock device, a template technology similar to what DADSS is developing. Ignition interlock devices operate essentially like a breathalyzer. Before a car with an IID can be started, the driver must exhale into the device. If a breath-analysis indicates a BAC of .02 or higher, the IID prevents the car from being started.

Upon installation of a IID, a multiple-offender driver may get their license reinstated with a "Z" restriction. The "Z" designation indicates to law enforcement that the license-holder is a multiple OUI offender and may only drive a vehicle with an installed, functioning, IID. According to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, more than 4,000 ignition interlock devices have been installed since the program went into effect on Jan. 1, 2006.

Continue reading "New technology could eliminate Boston car accidents caused by drunk driving" »

A new report published by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that about 1 in 10 teenagers admitted to drinking and driving within the past year.

It is the latest study to highlight the many risk factors associated with teen driving. Our Boston car accident attorneys are well aware that teenagers are at high risk for every conceivable poor driving habit, including drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, not wearing their seat belt and riding with too many passengers in the vehicle. And the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to report that car accidents are the leading cause of death for all teens, including those ages 15 to 20 and those not yet old enough to drive.

While ten percent of teens admit to drinking and driving within the last 12 months, more alarming still is the fact that half of those admit to having done it more than once in the last year. When you factor in the fact that teenagers often ride with friends, it becomes highly probable that your teenagers -- yes YOUR teenager -- is going to be faced with the decision of whether or not to ride in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking.

Massachusetts drunk driving accidents are a leading cause of fatal Boston car accidents. The NHTSA reports that alcohol was involved in 177 of the 417 fatal accident reported in Massachusetts in 2008 -- accounting for a staggering 42 percent of all fatalities.

While great strides have been made in combating drunk driver over the past several decades -- 87 percent of those polled said there is almost universal disapproval -- much work remains to be done. Safety advocates continue to push for ignition interlock devices -- which test a driver's breath and prohibit a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. The AAA Foundation reports that there is nearly universal support for requiring the devices for repeat DUI offenders. About 69 percent of those polled favor the devices for all motorists convicted of DUI, including first-time offenders.

"Drunk drivers put everyone on the road in danger," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. "Driving is both a privilege and a responsibility. Exploring new technologies, such as interlocking devices, are important to ensuring public safety in conjunction with personal responsibility and law enforcement."

Continue reading "Teens at high risk of Boston drunk driving car accidents" »

The Boston Car Accident attorneys and staff at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman wish you a safe and enjoyable New Year. Please celebrate responsibly and don't drink and drive.

News22 reports that Northampton police will be out in force, as police departments throughout the state join the Massachusetts State Police in cracking down on drunk drivers.

"There's a drunk driving 'Over the Limit, Under Arrest' campaign going on," said Lt. John Healey. "This weekend, we'll have 20 extra patrols out throughout the area, looking for drunk drivers."

The Swampscott Reporter notes that 230 Massachusetts law enforcement agencies will be participating in the "Over the Limit. Under Arrest" campaign through the weekend.

Authorities point to the effort as aiding in the reduction of Massachusetts drunk driving accidents in recent years. In 2004, a total of 169 motorists were killed in drunk driving accidents in the state, compared to 124 in 2008.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports someone is killed in a drunk driving accident every 50 minutes.

Please be responsible this weekend. Designate a driver. Call a cab. Stay with a friend. Find a safe ride home. But don't drink and drive.

Continue reading "Boston car accident lawyers wish you a safe New Year's Holiday" »

The Boston car accident lawyers and the staff at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable new year. Please celebrate responsibly and don't drink and drive.

The Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) organization works hard every day of the year but it is this time of year that they try a little harder to get their message out to the country. The holidays are a special time for families, unless they are mourning or remembering a loved one killed by a drunk driver.

Penalties vary from state to state, but 5-15 years in prison for vehicular homicide is common. Recently updated in October 2010, MADD reported that Massachusetts drunk drivers if found negligent will be sentenced to no less than 2 ½ years or no more than $5000. If carelessness behavior is not found their sentence is no less than 30 days or more than $3000.

In 2009, MADD ranked Massachusetts at 31, meaning only 19 states are safer to be on the roadways when it comes to drunk driving. There were 108 fatalities in Massachusetts as a result of drunken driving crashes.

Unfortunately, MADD also reports that 4,840 people were 5 time DUI repeat offenders. Massachusetts is one of 48 states who enforce the ignition interlock device with a second offense. The device is an apparatus in which repeat offenders place in the ignition of their car and have to breathe into a tube before igniting the vehicle. MADD is currently working with the state of Massachusetts to enforce for first-time offenders.

MADD knows the holidays can be a difficult time for those who have lost a loved one to drunk driving so they offer the following helpful tips:

-In remembrance of your loved one you may want to donate gifts to a needy family or child's organization. Sometimes doing a good deed is the best medicine to get you through the tough times.

-Instead of drowning in thoughts of sorrow, get your family members together and share fond memories and stories of your loved one in an effort to make it a happier occasion for everyone.

- Start a new tradition at the holidays doing something your loved one might have really enjoyed like taking a trip, or purchasing a favorite gift.

For more information on the current holiday campaigns: "Tree of Life Tribute Fund", "Tie One on for MADD", "Give the Gift of Designated Driver" visit MADDS website and find out how you can help today.

Continue reading "Give everyone a gift -- reduce risk of Boston car accidents by not drinking and driving" »

Operating a vehicle while under the influence is a danger to other drivers and pedestrians not to mention against the law. Although under the influence is most commonly known for alcohol consumption, Boston automobile accident attorneys are finding that drug consumption is an increasing cause for fatal crashes in Massachusetts.

Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that drug use tested in fatal crash victims has been on the rise over the last 5 years. Though testing is sporadic at best, last year of the 63% of drivers that were tested, 3,952 came back positive for drug use which equates to 18% of fatalities in 2009. In 2005, only 56% of drivers were tested but 13% of the fatal drivers tested positive for drug use.

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) used by NHTSA to collect statistics broke the testing down to three variables: did the driver get tested, what kind of drug may have been used, and what was the outcome of the test.

Test results included illegal drug usage as well as doctor prescribed and over-the -counter drugs so it varied anywhere between narcotics to inhalers to Tylenol. More importantly, if a drug was found positive it didn't necessarily mean the person had used in excess but rather it was found in their system. Unlike testing for alcohol levels, determining whether a driver was under the influence of drugs is more difficult because some drugs remain in the system for days or even weeks after being consumed.

State to state there are some inconsistencies in determining if drugs are present, mostly due to the fact that each state has their own individual laws and policies established. State authorities don't all use the same test, test for the same drugs, or use the same absorption levels.

Massachusetts is a state that needs work on the measures for drug testing. In 2009, 212 driver fatalities were reported -- in nearly half the cases it is unknown whether drug testing was conducted. This track record is poor in comparison to nationally, where 21,798 fatalities were reported and testing status was unknown in only 4% of the cases.

Drivers should be aware of the warning signs on drug labels. If you have taken prescribed or over-the-counter drugs make sure you read all the side effects listed before getting in a vehicle to drive. Side effects can lead to impaired driving and could cause a serious or even fatal accident on the roadways.

Continue reading "Drivers need drug testing in Boston fatalities" »

A Wilbraham, Massachusetts drunk driving accident has claimed the life of a Portland woman, Mass Live reported.

As the holiday season enters full swing, our Boston accident attorneys urge you to celebrate responsibly and help reduce the risk of the devastating consequences that are too often associated with drinking and driving during the holiday season. Nationwide, about one-third of all fatal accidents involve alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2008, a total of 11,773 people were killed in accidents caused by drunk drivers -- or one every 45 minutes. Alcohol was involved in 42 percent of all Massachusetts car accidents, accounting for 151 of 363 traffic fatalities.

In this case, a 24-year-old Ware motorist is facing charges of motor vehicle homicide; operating under the influence of alcohol with serious bodily injury; and negligent operation, and a marked lanes violation, according to police.

The head-on collision occurred at Boston Road and Three Rivers Rod. Six people were transported to the hospital, including the 27-year-old victim. Police say the defendant was driving a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee eastbound on Boston road when he collided with a 2002 Nissan Altima with five occupants.

Continue reading "Six injured, one killed, in Massachusetts car accident blamed on drunk driver" »

Massachusetts State Police have announced DUI checkpoints in Essex County and Suffolk County as authorities work to reduce the risk of Massachusetts drunk driving accidents through the Thanksgiving Holiday.

As our Boston car accident lawyers reported earlier this week, 354 fatal accidents were reported nationwide over the Thanksgiving holiday last year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that someone is killed in a drunk driving accident every 45 minutes.

About one-third of all fatal accidents involve a drunk driver. In 2008, a total of 11,773 motorists were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Massachusetts drunk driving accident killed 141 motorists -- or a staggering 42 percent of all traffic fatalities that year.

Mother's Against Drunk Driving ranks the state 31st out of 50 states in the fight to combat drunk driving.

Statistics for 2009 include:

3-Time Offenders: 22,253

5-Time Offenders: 4,840

Fatalities: 108

Percentage of underage drinkers last 30 days: 33 percent

Underage binge drinkers last 30 days: 23 percent

Continue reading "Boston drunk driving accidents a Thanksgiving danger" »

The National Transportation Safety Board has released its Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety Improvements this week. The list will go to state governments, which are encouraged to use it in setting priorities. Our Boston injury lawyers note that many of the government's priorities involve safety topics and risk factors we discuss here frequently.

"State governments are in a unique position to effect the most significant improvement in certain areas of transportation safety," NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman said. "Our Most Wanted List spotlights those states that have made noteworthy progress in better protecting the traveling public - and those that have not."

Improve Motorcycle Safety
The number of fatal motorcycle accidents more than doubled from 1997 to 2008. Head injuries are the leading cause of death. The NTSB therefore recommends helmet laws. Currently 20 states require helmets for all riders. Twenty-seven states have partial helmet laws and three states -- New Hampshire, Iowa and Illinois -- have no helmet laws.

Massachusetts motorcycle accidents killed 41 riders in 2008.

Distracted Driving car accidents involving young drivers
Car accidents are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 20. Graduated Drivers License systems and more involvement from parents during the driver's education process could help reduce the risks. Additionally, the government backs cell phone bans and text messaging bans for young drivers.

Better Child Occupant Protection
Nearly half of children ages 4 to 8 who are killed in car accidents are not properly restrained. The government recommends booster seats for children ages 4 to 8.

Primary Seat Belt Laws
More than half of the 23.000 occupants killed in car accidents last year were not wearing seat belts. Belts reduce the risk of serious or fatal injury by about half.

Eliminate Hardcore Drunk Driving Twenty-two years ago the nation's deadliest drunk driving accident occurred when a driver slammed into a bus in Kentucky, killing 27 people. The driver had a history of drunk driving and a blood-alcohol level of .26. In the last decade, 81,000 have been killed by hard-core drunk drivers.

Continue reading "Government priorities in Mass: Fewer motorcycle accidents, drunk driving accidents, distracted driving accidents involving young drivers" »