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More than 300 people died in car accidents in Massachusetts in 2010. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just released the 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview. This is the most updated car accident data available. The NHTSA concluded that nearly 33,000 people died in traffic accidents throughout the year in the U.S. This is the lowest number of fatalities since 1949.

While that may sound promising, it’s important for us to point out that a good number of accidents actually saw increases throughout the year, including accidents among pedestrians, motorcyclists and occupants of large trucks.
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Our Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand that the total number of traffic fatalities is expected to increase. As we finished up 2010, the number of fatalities actually started to rise. Experts believe that as the economy continues to improve, the number of traffic fatalities will increase. Drivers are urged to remain cautious on our roadways and to not take this announcement as a sign to relax safe driving habits at the wheel. There are still many dangers lurking on our roadways and with the holiday season upon us, these dangers are more common. Remain alert and cautious behind the wheel to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

There were two new measures added to this year’s reports. Officials with the NHTSA decided to add the “distraction-affected crashes” and the “alcohol-related crashes” measures. As technology continues to advance, devices become more readily available to drivers and increase risks for an accident significantly. In 2010, there were roughly 3,100 people who died in distraction-related car accidents in the U.S. These accidents continue to be a huge problem on our roadways. Alcohol-related accidents are also a main concern for transportation officials as these types of accidents accounted for yet another third of all traffic accident fatalities.

“The findings from our new attitude survey help us understand why some people continue to make bad decisions about driving distracted–but what’s clear from all of the information we have is that driver distraction continues to be a major problem,” said U.S. Transportation Administrator Strickland.

Key Findings of the 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview:

-Nearly 33,000 people were killed in traffic accidents.

-Nearly 2.25 million people were injured in traffic accidents.

-Alcohol-related accidents made up about a third of all traffic fatalities.

-The number of pedestrians killed increased by nearly 5 percent from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of motorcyclists killed increased by nearly 35 deaths from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of large truck occupants killed increased by roughly 6 percent from 2009 to 2010.

-The number of vehicle occupants who were injured while wearing a seat belt during an accident increased.

-The number of fatal accidents in rural areas decreased, while the number of fatal accidents in urban areas increased significantly.

-The number of fatalities among individuals over the age of 55 increased significantly.

-Twenty states experienced increases in the total number of fatalities.

-Massachusetts saw a decrease of roughly 25 fatalities from 2009 to 2010.

As we round out the remainder of 2011 and head into 2012, drivers are urged to remain cautious on our roadways. As the economy continues to recover, more motorists are expected to hit our roadways, which will bring along increased risks for a fatal accident.
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We posted on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog last December that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had plans to pass a final rule that all vehicles would be required to be equipped with backup cameras by 2014.
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We make note of this because our Boston car accident attorneys want to remind parents, babysitters, caretakers and motorists to keep a watchful eye for children and elders as this time of year is particularly dangerous for back-over accidents in Newton, Cambridge, Waltham and throughout Massachusetts. Driveways filled with vehicles at family gatherings and shoppers backing out of jam-packed parking lots can make it difficult to see little ones or elders located behind the vehicle. These two age groups don’t react as quickly to a moving vehicle which puts them at considerable risk of getting run over when they are in a vehicle’s blind spot.

Almost a year later, the proposed back-over regulations have hit the news again. According to a recent article in Bloomberg Businessweek, the NHTSA expected to issue a regulation by year-end but they are getting some backlash from the automobile industry. Those opposed feel it is just another attempt to over-regulate by the federal government.

The NHTSA reports that each year approximately 300 people die and another 18,000 are injured in back-over accidents nationwide. The installation of cameras or video in vehicles up to 10,000 pounds could potentially cut the number in half. One woman tells her personal story when last April she was headed out to run errands. She started to back the car out of the garage and felt a bump. She gets out of the car and horrifically discovers that she just ran over her 19-month-old son who had inadvertently escaped from the house without her knowing.

The massive national debate essentially comes down to money and putting a price tag on lives saved. The government has estimated that it will cost automakers roughly $2.7 billion annually to have cameras placed in the 16 million cars being manufactured each year. This averages out to roughly $18.5 million per life saved. Can they honestly put a price tag on the value of a life when safety should be their only priority?

According to an auto-market research company, back-up cameras have been included as a standard feature in 45 percent of 2012 passenger cars. One overlooked problem is that different model cars have different areas that aren’t visible to the driver in the car. A driver’s height also plays a role in determining a blind spot. For example, cars that sit low to the ground like a coupe can have a blind spot as low as four feet compared to a bigger SUV, which can be 20 feet or more. So, the ‘one-size-fits-all’ “Band-Aid” fix doesn’t work when it comes to preventing back-over accidents with a rear-view camera used universally in all vehicle makes and models.

One thing we can do is use extra caution, especially when backing out of garages, driveways and parking lots this time of year. KidsAndCars.org offers these tips to keep children from being injured or killed in a back-over accident:

-Become an expert at using your rear-view mirrors. Always adjust them to your visual vantage point each time you get in the vehicle.

-Be aware that blind zones vary with different vehicles. Families with multiple vehicles should determine blind spots for each driver in each vehicle.

-Remove all toys from the driveway and instruct your children that the driveway or garage is not a play area.

-Hold your child’s hand as you walk through a parking lot.

-If you see a driver’s reverse lights on, stop and stay clear as they back out of the driveway or parking space.

-Never assume a driver going in reverse sees you.
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Earlier this year, nearly 700 students at Woburn High signed a pledge to stop text messaging behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. This pledge was all a part of a program that was launched by both Middlesex DA Gerry Leone and AT&T to help keep teens safe from distraction-related car accidents in Massachusetts, according to the Boston Herald.
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“Car crashes are the number one cause of death for young people ages 15-24. I want to commend AT&T for their leadership in this area, and look forward to our continued partnership on this important preventative program, so that we can attempt to change this troubling trend and sobering statistic,” said Leone.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand teen texting and driving is a serious issue. These drivers’ fatality statistics are getting national attention, too. Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) launched its “OMG” public service announcement (PSA) campaign. The purpose of the new campaign is to try to raise awareness in these young drivers about the dangers of texting while driving.

The “OMG” campaign consists of two difference PSAs that are airing through December at nearly 550 Regal Cinema theaters on more than 6,500 movie screens, on pump-top screens and gas station that are owned by Outcast PumpTop TV and on Distraction.gov.

“Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving…we are making an extra effort to ensure they understand the dangers (of texting while driving),” said U.S. Department of Transportation’s Secretary Ray LaHood.

The holiday season is here and our teenage drivers will be able to enjoy time away from school on winter break and will be hitting our roadways in full force. We all know that our teens like to stay connected with one another, via text messaging and social networking, but it’s important to remind these young, inexperienced drivers that this behavior can be deadly when done at the wheel.

To help get the message across, the USDOT has thrown in some popular short-hand text lingo in the new PSAs, including “L8R” and “LOL.”

Greg Dunn, COO and Presidents of Regal Entertainment Group, says that both the company and himself are thrilled to be able to partner with the USDOT to help to raise awareness and to encourage safe driving habits among these young drivers during the holiday season and beyond. He feels that by using movie screens, websites and gas station televisions, we can effectively reach the young, on-the-go audience.

Currently, drivers in Massachusetts who are under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone while driving. Drivers of all ages have been prohibited from texting behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

In 2010, there were approximately 3,100 people killed in distraction-related accidents. As the holiday traffic flows in, drivers are urged to remain cautious and careful at the wheel. No text message is worth a life. Drive safely and Happy Holidays!
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced they will be doing a full blown investigation of Chevy Volt cars that may be susceptible to a fire hazard following a car accident in Massachusetts or elsewhere in the country.

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Bloomberg Businessweek reported the most recent incident involving a Chevy Volt that caught fire at a NHTSA testing center in Wisconsin. Investigators believe the use of lithium-ion batteries in the plug-in electrical vehicles cause them to be at risk of a fire hazard. Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf are two current models that contain these batteries, but it is expected that a plug-in version of the Prius and Toyota RAV 4 will also use these batteries.

Boston car accident lawyers know that defective vehicles are a growing concern as car manufacturers continue to advertise new and improved bells and whistles with each new model year. The new and improved part is what is in question here. President Obama’s goal is to put 1 million electric vehicles in operation on U.S roadways by 2015. Vehicles containing lithium batteries could make consumers purchasing these vehicles leery after recent reports of fire-related car accidents.

In May, a side-impact crash test was conducted on the Chevy Volt. Three weeks later the car ignited into flames. Investigators concluded that the damage to the battery during the crash test is what caused the vehicle to burst into flames. Since then, the NHTSA has taken extensive measures to learn more about the batteries, the hazards involved in using them and has worked with the Department of Energy and Department of Defense to conduct strict test on the Volt’s lithium-ion batteries. These tests involved purposely damaging the battery compartment and the vehicle coolant line. After the Volt was exposed to a real-world crash scenario and following a third test, the lithium-ion battery pack again caught fire at the facility raising concern for NHTSA researchers.

No recall has been announced but a safety defect investigation of Chevy Volts has been initiated. The NHTSA continues to support the purchase of electric vehicles in an effort to save consumers money in gas purchases, create jobs and help protect the environment.

Advice from the NHTSA:

-Consumers are encouraged to contact local dealers if you have questions about an electric vehicle.

-Electric vehicles that have been damaged should not be kept in a garage or near other vehicles after being hauled away from the scene by a tow truck operator.

-If you are involved in an accident, wait for emergency responders to arrive or if health conditions permit, exit the vehicle safely.

-Emergency responders should look for electric vehicle power indicators and exercise caution to avoid electrical shock from a battery pack or disconnect of the vehicle’s circuits.

For more information about electric vehicle ratings or defective vehicle recalls, visit safercar.gov.
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Massachusetts passed the Move Over Law in March 2009 in an effort to prevent first responders and emergency rescuers from being hit by a passing vehicle. Motorists are required by law to move over to the next adjacent lane when they see flashing lights or an accident ahead.
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Massachusetts car accident attorneys understand the dangers that police officers, paramedics, firefighters, tow truck drivers and other emergency responders face when they work the scene of an accident. So we remind motorists to give them a break by reducing your speed and moving over to avoid contact with them.

A recent car accident in the Canton/Westwood area sent a police officer to the hospital after being struck by a passing vehicle while he was helping a construction crane move along Route 128. The Milton Patch reports the police cruiser was in the right lane in front of the crane that was moving into position at a construction site. A second cruiser was also driving slowly behind the crane. The accident is under investigation but the preliminary report indicates the motorist passed the first cruiser and the crane but did not see the leading cruiser before cutting in front of the crane and striking the rear of the police car. The police trooper was transported to Milton Hospital but the seriousness of his injuries has yet to be released. No charges will be filed against the car operator until the investigation is complete.

This is one of many recent serious accidents involving police who have been struck by a passing vehicle in the last year. Last March, one state patrol officer suffered serious leg injuries after he was struck by a second vehicle after pulling over a traffic violator. A second officer was hit in Framingham last March when he was riding in his police cruiser. Over the summer, six state troopers in Massachusetts were seriously injured or killed in as many weeks after responding to an emergency situation.

CBS Boston reports that the law is clearly not working with the number of accidents involving emergency responders still occurring in our state. Whether it is blatant disregard of the law or motorists’ just not being aware of the law is still to be determined. A local garage in Attleboro connected to AAA towing service responds to an average of more than 1,000 calls per month. Tow truck drivers fear for their life because they continually see speeding motorists distracted by their cell phones or drinking coffee pass within a foot of where they are standing.

According to the Registry of Motor Vehicles, troopers issued more than 3,100 violations of the Move Over Law during its first year. In 2010, the violations issued were up to 4,263. State police officials claim they don’t have enough manpower to continue enforcing the Move Over law, which explains the drop in citations issued this year which stands at 2,285 from earlier this month.

Violators can face a penalty of up to $100 when they fail to move over. Motorists are reminded to use caution and stay alert for flashing emergency lights, especially when roadways are congested.
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A teen car accident over Thanksgiving weekend highlighted several examples of how bad decisions can lead to a chain reaction of severe consequences. The only positive is that no one involved in the Massachusetts car accident suffered life-threatening injuries or had to be transported to a hospital emergency room.
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WPRI reports a 16-year-old took his father’s car for a ride without asking permission on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. This poor decision had several negative consequences including a crash with another vehicle, fleeing the scene of an accident, the vehicle catching on fire and several charges as a result of the accident.

The teen driver, after crashing into a 2000 Pontiac with two passengers, was later found walking West on Route 1 about a half-mile away. He was picked up by police and later identified by a witness after he was brought back to the scene. The vehicle the teen was driving caught fire after a spark ignited a flame, but firefighters were able to put out the fire before too much damage was done. Attleboro Police are charging the teen with operating an unregistered vehicle, driving without a license, driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of an accident. The teen was released under his father’s custody and awaits a court date with an Attleboro Juvenile Court judge.

Car accident attorneys in Quincy, Attleboro, Worcester, Norwood and elsewhere in the state know that roadways will be extra congested from now until the end of the year, so there is no time like the present to exercise caution every time you get behind the wheel.

Teenagers who make bad decisions can expect to face severe consequences, which is why it is so important to practice safe driving during the busy holiday season.

Teens are reminded of these general tips from teendrving.com:

-If multiple drivers use a family vehicle, adjust the mirrors, seat and headrest to fit your size each time you get behind the wheel.

-Limit teen passengers and never overload the vehicle with more passengers than are meant to ride safely in the vehicle.

-Always follow posted speed limit. Speeding makes it difficult to stop or avoid contact when a dangerous situation arises.

-Never make motorists play a guessing game. Communicate with turn signals, blinking lights or hand gestures when changing lanes or waiting at a four-way stop sign.

-Never drink and expect to drive. Underage drinking is extremely dangerous and puts you and other motorists at severe risk of injury or death.

-Check the gas gauge when you start the engine to make sure you have plenty of gas to get to your destination.

Teens who drive cautiously are making smart decisions that could save a life. Avoid a car accident this holiday by driving safely every time you get behind the wheel.
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According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation‘s (MassDOT) Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV), local and state inspectors handed out more than 100 citations in nearly 200 towns and cities recently to those who passed school buses as they were dropping off or picking up students.

The citations were handed out during a recent undercover program that aimed at targeting these irresponsible drivers to help reduce the risks of school bus-related pedestrian accidents in Massachusetts. This was the 7th year that the Registry practiced the “Operation Yellow Blitz” program, used to raise awareness about this dangerous driving behavior and the risks our young school bus riders face while getting on and off a school bus every day.
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“We want to get the word out that drivers on both sides of the road need to stop when school buses pick up or drop off children,” said Registrar Rachel Kaprielian.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that all traffic is required to stop when a school bus is stopped for a pickup or drop off. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to do so and place our young school-aged children at a serious risk for an accident. Kaprielian reports that this is a huge concern for the RMV. The Registry has been able to recruit the participation for more than 150 cities and towns in the last 7 years. In 2007, there were only 30 areas participating in Operation Yellow Blitz.

Kaprielian says that officers and officials witnessed five vehicles pass a school bus at once at one particular stop. All vehicles were pulled over. A few of these drivers said that they were unaware that they had to stop for a school bus. The truth is that all drivers have a responsibility to know when they’re traveling near a school bus and to stop their vehicle when a bus’ red lights are activated.

According to MassDOT, drivers can be fined nearly $300 the first time they’re busted and $1,000 and a temporary license revocation for a second violation.

The Operation Yellow Blitz program is a yearly enforcement program that is used to target bus stops and passing traffic along roadways and at intersections. Although this program only comes around once a year, bus drivers are always on the lookout for disobedient drivers every day. Bus drivers will write down your vehicle information and you license plate number and report it to the RMV if they observe you passing their stopped school bus. If you’re a repeat violator, you could potentially face an administrative hearing that could possible result in your license being suspended.

Last year, MassDOT wrote more than 2,150 warning letters. This year, more than 1,600 warning letters have been issued so far.

Roughly 5,000 students are injured every year in school bus-related accidents. A large number of these accidents happen as students exit or board the school bus. One main reason for this is because a school bus offers large blind spots, not only to bus drivers but to passing motorists as well.

Many young bus riders don’t understand this danger and are unable to foresee potential dangers around a bus. About half of all school-aged pedestrians who were killed in bus-related accidents were between the ages of 5- and 7-years-old.

Drivers are asked to be cautious when driving near school buses. As buses drop off children for winter break, motorists are asked to be cautious for young pedestrians all around the state and not just near bus stops.
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The holiday season is officially here and motorists from around the country will be making Massachusetts their holiday vacation destination. To help keep our roads safer and to help you avoid a car accident in Boston, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is here to encourage drivers to plan ahead and keep safety as a top priority for their holiday road trips.
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As the holiday traffic rolls in, MassDOT encourages drivers plan their route accordingly. Typically, Exit 9 on I-90 that connects I-84 to Connecticut and New York sees extremely busy toll plazas and some heavy, congested traffic. To avoid any delays, drivers are urged to steer clear of these areas or to travel through early in the morning or after 8:00 p.m. During this time, traffic is lighter and can help to keep your trip moving on schedule.

Our Massachusetts car accident lawyers understand that traffic also get backed up both at the I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges and at the northbound lanes of I-93 and I-495 heading into New Hampshire. Planning your trip accordingly can help you to avoid any serious delays or a potentially fatal accident.

“Safe travel is our top priority, and we encourage Commonwealth residents to plan ahead for holiday travel,” said Richard A. Davey, MassDOT Secretary and CEO.

To help you with your holiday travels, MassDOT offers motorists with an interactive road camera website with nearly 100 road cameras along the state’s highways. These cameras refresh the images every couple of seconds to provide you with real up-to-date traffic data. You also have the 511 traffic alert program to help provide you with important messages regarding traffic details throughout the holidays.

The 511 program was designated by the Federal Communications Commission in 2000 and allows the state to provide important travel info regarding roads conditions statewide. The service provides up-to-date traffic updates for major Massachusetts roadways, including roadways in South Coast, Central Mass and Western Mass.

MassDOT is also offering important winter safe driving tips for holiday drivers:

-Motorists should always drive with your vehicle’s headlights on in the winter weather.

-Always observe posted street signs and speed limits.

-You should never drink and drive, especially during the holiday season. Alcohol-related accidents increase significantly during Christmas and New Year’s.

-Always be sure that everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt. Massachusetts state law says that all occupants must be properly restrained in a vehicle.

-Keeps a heads up for changing weather. Adjust your driving accordingly.

-Always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you. Never tailgate.

-Use your emergency flashers when you’re driving slower than the posted speed limit or when you’re stopped near traffic.

-Always factor in extra time to get to your destination.

-Plan regularly scheduled breaks to avoid fatigued driving when traveling long distances.

-Have you car looked over before venturing out. Check your battery, fluids and tires.

-Carry emergency equipment with you. Make sure to have a cell phone, road flares, a jack, a lug wrench, a spare tire, etc.

From our attorneys to your family, have a Happy Holiday Season and safe travels.
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Gas prices may be a little higher than expected, but that’s not stopping Americans from hitting the road over the Thanksgiving holiday. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 43 million Americans will be traveling at least 50 miles over the Thanksgiving weekend. This is an increase of nearly 5 percent from the number of travelers from the previous year. The increase in roadway traffic is expected to increase the risks of a Massachusetts car accident. Drivers beware.
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Despite the higher gas prices, drivers are still making the journey. Last week, the average price for a gallon of gas in the country was $3.39. Just a year ago, it averaged $2.88.

Our Boston car accident attorneys understand that our roadways will be congested with anxious drivers over the upcoming weekend. Motorists are urged to plan ahead and to be prepared to help ensure roadway safety. There are a few simple preparations that a driver can take to help to make sure they make it to their Turkey Day destination safely.

During Memorial Day travel was flat and travel actually decreased during both the 4th of July and Labor Day this year compared to the previous year. Experts suggest that travelers stayed home and kept an eye on their bank accounts, but are saying that finances are not a concern with Thanksgiving and many will venture out.

“Driving AAA’s projected increase in the number of Thanksgiving travelers is pent-up demand from Americans who may have foregone holiday travel the last three years,” said vice president of AAA Travel Services, Bill Sutherland.

A majority of Thanksgiving holiday weekend travelers will be taking road trips, although AAA expects that air travel is also expected to increase. AAA says that this year’s air travel will increase by about 2 percent from the previous year even though the Air Transport Association of America is forecasting a 2 percent decrease.

For the books, Thanksgiving weekend starts Wednesday the 23rd and continues through Sunday the 27th, according to CNN.

Road Trip Travel Checklist:

-Service your car before heading out on a long trip. Make sure a mechanic okay’s your tires, fluid levels, etc.

-Bring extra tools with you. It’s a good idea to bring a tire pressure gauge (check tire pressure often), flash light, jumper cables, hand wipes, water, a quart of oil, an extra fan belt, your vehicle manual, garbage bags, etc.

-Take a peek at your spare tire to make sure it’s easily accessible and is properly inflated.

-Make sure you have jacks in your vehicle and make sure they work.

-Check to make sure you’re able to remove all four tires.

-Always carry a road emergency kit.

-Bring a portable first aid kit.

-All passengers should have their own set of car keys.

-Make sure to have a road map. GPS devices are nice, but make sure to keep a paper map with you for backup.

-Check your route beforehand. Make sure there aren’t any events along your route that could hinder traffic. If so, find an alternate route.

-A few days before leaving, make sure that everything fits in your vehicle and does not hinder your visibility.

-Be aware of the road laws in states you’ll be traveling in as they can vary.

-Always be sure to bring your cell phone and its charger. Bring a written list of important phone numbers.

-Leave early and leave plenty of time to be spontaneous or to address delays.

-Be sure to take breaks often.

-Bring plenty of activities to entertain children: toys, games, music, a journal, etc.
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