News

Safety Should Come First for Summer Road Trips

Posted: June 20, 2011

Summer means road trips. Even with the high price of gas, many families will take to the roads this summer, either for extended vacations or day trips. Warm, sunny days also bring motorcycles and bicycles out of storage, so automobiles and trucks are sharing the roads with more traffic. Unfortunately, traveling by motor vehicle can be hazardous. Since knowledge is power, the following information can help as you hit the road this summer.

Cars are safer but accidents happen

Motor vehicle accidents are costly. Each year, approximately 400,000 lives are lost and $150 billion in property damage results from crashes. In New York State alone there were 314,974 accidents reported in 2009 (the most recent DMV statistics), with 4.1 percent resulting in serious personal injuries and .4 percent resulting in a fatality.

Distracted driving has become a major concern. Accidents are often caused by drivers talking on cell phones, texting or otherwise not paying attention. Alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription medications are factors in 38 percent of all deadly crashes and 7 percent of accidents overall.

Drivers are not always the cause of accidents. Other causes include: vehicle defects, improper highway signage or road design, road construction, broken traffic lights, and poor lighting.

Injuries from motor vehicle accidents almost inevitably result in financial hardship. Even under New York’s No-Fault Insurance system, people have out-of-pocket costs and can easily fall behind on their regular household bills. To avoid a denial of benefits or minimize delays in payment of your benefits, you must notify the no-fault insurance carrier in writing within 30 days of an accident. Don’t wait to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys. Call 1-800-343-8537 for your free consultation, we would be happy to explain the process even if your injuries seem minor.

Motorcycle popularity comes with increased risks

“Riding” has become more and more popular over the past several years, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting motorcycle ownership increasing from 3,897,191 registered bikes in 1995 to 5,780,870 in 2005. And here in Western New York, what could be more enticing on a nice summer day than heading out through the countryside on a motorcycle?

Unfortunately, the increase in motorcyclists combined with the increase in distracted automobile drivers has had disastrous consequences. The New York State DMV reports that in 2009 there were 5,150 motorcycle accidents, with 3.3 percent involving fatalities and 21.6 percent resulting in serious injuries.

None of us can control what other drivers do, so if you are going to ride a motorcycle it is critical you drive defensively. Get experience in a safe environment, mastering your cornering and braking skills; don’t push yourself to dangerous limits, be aggressive, or speed; learn to be hyper-vigilant; and, of course, wear a helmet and other protective clothing.

If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, contact one of our personal injury attorneys as soon as possible so that we can investigate and gather the evidence we need to win your case. Remember, in addition to suffering pain and disability, without legal help, you could be financially devastated.

Trucking is big business, but creates big accidents

On your summer road trip you’ll see how critical the trucking industry is to our economy. According to www.truckinginfo.net there are 3.5 million registered common carrier trucks in the U.S., which generate about $255.5 billion in revenue each year.

Although the trucking industry and government regulators work diligently to try to make commercial trucking safer for everyone on the road, there are still problems. Commercial trucks may be involved in only 2.4 percent of all vehicle accidents, but nearly 98 percent of the time -- in a “head-on” collision with a truck -- the driver of the other vehicle is killed. Car drivers should exercise caution when in proximity to trucks: know the blind spots, turning hazards, and appropriate following distances.

There are many factors that impact truck safety. Accidents can result from a truck driver’s fatigue, inadequate training, tight scheduling, risk taking, or use of drugs and alcohol. Trucks may not be properly maintained or loads may be beyond the truck’s limit or improperly balanced.

If you are in an accident with a truck, the driver or trucking company may be at fault. The consequences for you -- lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering and permanency -- can be severe. Call us at 1-800-343-8537 to find out how our attorneys can help.

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