Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

March 13, 2011

Teens exceed speed limits causing increased risk in Boston car accidents

Teen drivers may not fully understand the severity of their actions behind the wheel and the importance of road safety rules. This is the last of a four-part blog covering the dangers of teen driving and Boston car accidents. Recently on our Boston Car Accidents Lawyers Blog we discussed the risk of drunk driving and distracted driving among Boston teenagers. As teens look forward to spring break, prom, graduation, and summer break, they will be hitting the road in large numbers.

Boston car accident lawyers can tell you that speeding is one of the main factors contributing to Massachusetts traffic accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 31 percent of fatal accidents were caused by speeding — claiming the lives of nearly 12,000 motorists last year.

Men between the ages of 15 and 20 were most likely to be involved in speeding accidents. In 2008, a total of 363 motorists were killed in Massachusetts car accidents.

The U.S. Department of Transportation sets speed limits to not only ensure the safety of our roads, but to maximize the efficiency of traffic flow as well.

Here, The NHTSA provides a brochure to help teens understand the rules of the roads and speed limits. It is important to remember that if our teens do not understand the dangers and consequences speeding may have on them and others on the road, they are less likely to obey speed laws and adjust their driving behavior to weather and traffic conditions.

If you’d like to help spread the message to your teens and others, you are encouraged to join the “Speed Shatter Life” campaign organized by the NHTSA.
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March 10, 2011

Boston car accidents caused by drunk teen drivers

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

We began discussing the dangers of teen driving habits by previously addressing the issues of distracted driving and Massachusetts teens on our Boston Car Accident Lawyers Blog. As the third part of a four-part blog we are now going to address the effects of teens and drunk driving and the risk of Boston car accidents.

Boston car accident attorneys are well aware of the severity of teen crashes and the corresponding involvement of alcohol. In 2008, one in three drivers under the age of 21 who were killed in a car accident involved an intoxicated driver. According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of all drinking and driving incidents involving teens, 1 in 5 involved fatal crashes.

In a recent study conducted by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 60 percent of drivers surveyed admitted to operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol at some point in time.

In 2008, nearly 14,000 people were killed in alcohol-related car accidents. Massachusetts drunk driving accidents are the leading cause of fatal Boston car accidents. The NHTSA reports that of the 417 fatal accidents in Massachusetts, alcohol was involved in nearly 200 of them. Those two hundred alcohol-related fatalities make up a staggering 42 percent of all road fatalities.

Of the total amount of fatal car accidents among teen drivers, 30 percent of those drivers did not have a valid driver license or had previous license suspensions or revocations.

The NHTSA reports that one person dies from an alcohol related driving fatality every 48 minutes, tallying nearly 11,000 lives taken by irresponsible and drunk driving.
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March 7, 2011

Distracted teen drivers at increased risk of Boston car accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Recently on our Boston Car Accidents Lawyers Blog we discussed the severity and dangers of careless teen driving. We will now look at the impact that teens and distracting driving have on the safety of everyone on the road.

According to The Boston Globe, 63 percent of teens admit to using their cell phones while driving, a proven factor in increasing the risk of Boston car accidents.

In 2009, nearly 6,000 people in Massachusetts and surrounding areas were killed as a result of distracted driving. Massachusetts has been in a six-year debate regarding our distracted driving laws. Twenty-eight states have put laws in effect banning texting while driving. Massachusetts’ law went into effect on Sept. 30.

Distracted driving is not only defined as texting while driving. It also includes fiddling with a GPS, applying makeup, driving with multiple passengers, listening to loud music, and eating behind the wheel.

“Clearly, distracted driving is a problem,” says Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “What is not clear is how best to address it,”

Tips to avoid distracted driving:

– Drink with a lid on your cup to avoid spillage.

– Park to eat or go inside.

– Keep safe driving as the top priority.

– Be well rested when driving.

– Don’t store items on your lap or in between your legs.

– Silence/put away all electronic devices when in route.

– Use proper restraints for pets.

A two-page brochure by the U.S. Department of Transportation is available for you to download at www.distraction.gov.

“Behind the statistics are real families who have been devastated by these tragedies,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
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March 5, 2011

Teens at increased risk of Boston car accidents as school winds down

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

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.
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March 3, 2011

Intersections a deadly place for Boston car accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Intersections are a planned point of conflict to drivers according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Our Boston personal injury lawyers agree that motorists should consider intersections the single most complex traffic situation a driver will encounter.

Despite increased traffic engineering measures over the past 25 years, the numbers of crashes at intersections remains basically unchanged. Almost 21% of the total traffic fatalities in the U.S. were intersection-related in 2009.

Resources devoted to intersection safety are coming from a variety of organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), FHWA, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and AAA.

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System reported in 2009 over 4,500 fatal crashes nationally at intersections with traffic signals or stop signs.

Over the last 5 years Massachusetts has seen a decline in fatal crashes at intersections. We had 92 crashes in 2005 and reported 78 crashes in 2009.
Although total fatal crashes and intersection crashes are down, the percentage of intersection crashes remains basically the same. Meaning, over the last 5 years, an average of 21% of the total fatal crashes happened at Massachusetts intersections.

We can all agree that intersections are tricky places. But if approached with caution they can be less daunting. Remember to always come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Oncoming traffic has the right of way. Motorists should yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn. If you are first in line, watch for vehicles that may run through the red light. Appropriately use your turn signals so other drivers know what you are doing. Stop at a yellow traffic light unless it is unsafe to do so.

The 100 most dangerous intersections in southeastern Massachusetts are listed in the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) report for 2006 to 2008. The report indicated that there were 618 red-light-running crashes in the previous report covering the time span of 2002 to 2004. In the 2006 to 2008 report, red light running crashes almost doubled totaling 1,287.

Intersections have been proven deadly in Massachusetts. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution as they enter and go through an intersection in order to avoid a serious motor vehicle crash.
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March 1, 2011

ROAD TRIP! Safest route may help avoid Massachusetts car accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

When planning your next road trip, wouldn’t it be helpful to know the safest roads to take? We can already choose the shortest route or one that avoids highways. The option to choose the safest roadway is a welcomed alternative.

USA Today is reporting on how the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has started a pilot program to map the safest roads in 8 states. Hoping to add more states the foundation is currently working with Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, Utah, Florida, Iowa, Michigan and New Jersey.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers know that even the safest roads can still lead to a Boston car accident if motorists aren’t careful.

Suppose you are planning the family vacation to Disney World. You would log into a website and enter Boston to Orlando. The website would indicate the roads with the most traffic injuries and deaths and those roads with the highest ratings due to their engineering features.

Public interest is high for this data; a recent AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety survey indicated that 73% of drivers would use this information, especially in unfamiliar areas. It is estimated that it will take 2 to 3 years to gather the information.

Road trips are a lot of fun, making your own schedule allows for flexibility and the scenery while driving can be amazing.

Here are some safety tips to make your next road trip as enjoyable as possible:

-Get your vehicle to the mechanic for a quick tune up.

-Plan your route.

-Plan your stops for meals and bathroom breaks or just to stretch your legs.

-Plan your driving time accounting for delays.

-Make sure everyone and everything is secured. Passengers and pets should be properly restrained and all luggage needs to be properly secured.

-Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for driving.

-Have all necessary items, like money for tolls or sunglasses, within easy reach.

-Don’t adjust the car’s controls while you are driving.

-Passengers should help with directions.

-Stop if you get tired even if it is before a scheduled stop.

-Plan for changing road conditions like snow, heavy rain or fog.

-Prepare for a for a vehicle break down by having a charged cell phone at all times.
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February 27, 2011

Defective child-safety seats increase risk of injury in Boston car accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Dorel Juvenile Group is recalling almost 800,000 child safety seats according to a recent announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers aggressively protect consumers who have been wrongfully injured by a faulty product. In this situation, we remind parents to check their car seats for a possible recall for a defective harness that could leave them more susceptible to a serious or fatal injury in the event of an accident.

The NHTSA began the formal investigation of Dorel Juvenile Group (DJG) back in May of 2010. Further investigation has indicated that the child safety seats need recalled because the harness locking and release button is defective. The button does not always return to its locked position, which can allow the harness adjustment strap to move undesirably through the adjuster. A child moving around in the seat can suffer severe injury during a motor vehicle crash with a loose harness.

DJG concluded the defective products were manufactured from the first of May 2008 through the last day of April 2009. Restraint systems sold with a “Center Front Adjuster” are causing the problem. The harness can be found on infant, convertible, and booster child restraint seats mass-produced during this time period. Consumers may have purchased this product as a part of a travel system or stand-alone set.

Consumers are being instructed by DJG to obtain a remedy kit which will fix the malfunction in the locking and release button. Instructions on how to apply the lubricant in the kit are provided along with a repair label that should be placed on the seat once the repair is done. Consumers who purchased the seat can continue to use but should make sure the harness is secure and the lock-release button locks into the correct position.

Safercar.gov is an excellent resource for parents who want to stay informed on child passenger safety. It is recommended that all children 12 and under sit in rear seats. The following are 4 steps to consider as your child grows and can change seat positions in your vehicle:

-Infants should be kept in rear-facing child safety seats at minimum up to 1 year old and at least 20 pounds.

-Toddlers ages 1-4 (20-40 lbs.) can be moved to a forward-facing child safety seat which is secured in the back seat of the vehicle.

-Children ages 4 to 8 should ride in booster seats contained in the back seat of the vehicle.

-At age 8 and older children can use the vehicle seat belt located in the back seat of the car. It is extremely important that the belt works properly before having your child graduate to this method. Proper fitting is considered when the lap belt lays across their upper thighs and the shoulder belt lays across their chest.

For a complete list of models being recalled by Dorel Juvenile Group visit www.safercar.org. And always read the instructions that come with your child-safety seat.
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February 26, 2011

Separate bike trails would lead to fewer Boston bicycle accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Health practitioners encourage cycling as a measure to get fit. But cyclists are rightly concerned about the risk of being involved in a Boston bicycle accident.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers are often called to represent victims who sustain serious injuries as the result of an accident with a careless or negligent driver.

Bloomberg Businessweek HealthDay News recently published the result of a study that found cycle-only paths separated from street traffic are safer than paths riding alongside passenger vehicles in the streets.

It was reported that injury rates are 28% less when cyclists are separated from having to ride next to motor vehicles. The design of intersections and green or red bicycle signals also directly impact cycling safety.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported over 600 deaths in fatal bicycle accidents nationwide in 2009, which accounted for 2% of all traffic fatalities during the year. Another 51,000 cyclists sustained injuries on American roadways in 2009 when involved in a motor vehicle crash. Massachusetts reported a total of 6 fatal bicycle accidents for 2009.

The Unites States is a little behind the times when it comes to cycling safety. American bike lanes are typically designated on roadways by a painted stripe. The Netherlands has approximately 18,000 miles of separate bike tracks. The lack of bike tracks encourages Americans to drive, not walk. In comparison, 25% of Dutch commuters bike, compared to less than 1% of Americans who commute to work via a bicycle.

When examining cycle tracks vs. cyclists riding next to motorists on roadways, the study found much lower risks on bike tracks. In fact, when given the choice, the study found that cyclists were 2 and a half times more likely to ride on congested bike paths than to choose a route that put them on the streets riding next to passenger vehicles.

The statistics indicate men have a much higher risk for being involved in a bicycling accident. That is mostly due to the fact that women fear cycling next to motorists on roadways. The study indicated more women would be interested in cycling, but only if separate tracks were to be implemented.

Americans are constantly trying to find ways to manage weight and stay fit. A healthy heart means a longer life, but is that really the case? Cycling is an excellent way to maintain a healthy heart but doesn’t necessarily mean a longer life when faced with the dangers of riding along next to motor vehicles.
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February 25, 2011

Unsecure loads common cause of Boston trucking accidents, work injury

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Wicked Local recently reported on a man that sustained serious injuries when a truck fell on him from a transport trailer.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers are all too familiar with improperly secured loads on trucks and know the havoc it can create on our roadways.

The afternoon accident occurred at a car auction when a pickup truck fell off of a transport trailer. The victim, an employee from the auction, had just secured the truck and was about to check on another vehicle when the incident happened. It appears the truck was not properly secured according to the preliminary investigation.

The man’s injuries were so severe he had to be transported by helicopter to Brigham & Women’s Hospital.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics contact with objects and equipment while at work killed 734 U.S. workers, 12 were in Massachusetts.

This incident could have been far worse if the truck had broke free while in transport.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has many rules and regulations regarding securing cargo, which are documented in the Driver’s Handbook on Cargo Securement.

Sections in the handbook include the proper methods to secure: logs, dressed lumber, metal coils, paper rolls, concrete pipe, intermodal containers, vehicles (car, trucks and vans), heavy machinery, flattened or crushed vehicles, roll-on containers and large rocks.

There are a variety of different devices used to secure cargo including: synthetic webbing, chains, ropes, blocking, clamps, friction mat and steel strapping.

Cargo needs to be secured so it doesn’t spill, leak, blow off fall through or fall off the vehicle, shift to cause instability or become dislodged. Truckers should do a pre-trip inspection of their load and inspect securing devices throughout the trip.

There are also complex requirements on the amount of force a load needs to withstand from different directions. The load can not shift more than a certain amount from front to back, side to side or upwards.

Properly securing loads is the responsibility of truckers and trucking companies and is necessary to ensure the safety of motorists. An improper load can lead to a devastating crash, causing serious or fatal injuries.
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February 23, 2011

Boston bicycle accidents an ongoing concern even as cycling crashes decline nationwide

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The 2009 data on pedalcyclist was recently released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

For this data a pedalcyclist is a rider of pedal powered vehicles that have 2 non-motorized wheels or are a unicycle or tricycle. Our Boston personal injury lawyers remind you to ride safely to prevent a Massachusetts bicycle accident. While Boston was made significant improvements to its cycling infrastructure, riders still face the risk of serious or fatal injury in the event of a crash.

In 2009, there were 630 fatal bicycle accidents nationwide — down 12 percent from the more than 700 killed from 2008 and the lowest number in nearly a decade. More than 51,000 were seriously injured in bicycle accidents.

Some statistics from the report on nationwide bicycle accidents:

-The average age of crash fatalities is 41.

-Crashes occur in urban areas 70% of the time.

-Males accounted for 87% of the deaths and 80% of the injuries.

-Alcohol was involved by either the rider or driver in 40% of the crashes.

-33% of fatal crashes happened at intersections.

-Day time fatal crashes increased by 6% and night time crashes decreased by 13% from 2008.

Massachusetts had 6 cyclists killed in 2009.

The City of Cambridge Police Department remind cyclists of the following:

-Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws, must ride single file, should stay to the right of the roadway unless directed otherwise, and should always use hand signals.

-Bicycles can not be ridden on a sidewalk in the following area: (cyclist need to walk their bike, ride on the street or take another route) .

-Harvard Sq.

-Central Sq. business districts, as well as some newly created banned areas:

-Inman Sq.

-Huron Village

-Mass. Ave., from Wendell St. and Shepard St. to Russell St. and Cogswel

-Somerville Ave (entirely)

-Bicyclists when riding on a sidewalk must ride at a speed equal to a normal walk, give an audible warning before passing a pedestrian and remember that pedestrians have the right of way.

-Bicyclist will not pass to the right of a bus at a bus stop or ever be towed by another vehicle.

-Bicyclist riding between dusk and dawn must have a red light or reflector on the rear of their bike, have a white headlight on the front and have side reflectors.

-It is recommended that everyone wear a helmet while riding but riders 16 and younger must wear one when riding on public roads.
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