Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers Blog

Georgia Truckers Face More Stringent Prescription Drug Rules

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:59:34 -0500

A new final rule handed down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is intended to reduce the number of impaired commercial truck drivers and prevent trucking accidents in Atlanta and throughout the country.

Our Georgia trucking accident attorneys know that truck drivers have a difficult job, with grueling schedules that demand physical and mental stamina. Adding alcohol or narcotics to that mix - whether prescribed or not - can have deadly consequences.

The new rule expands earlier guidelines regarding truckers' use of medication or narcotics. Illegal narcotics, such as cocaine and heroin, are prohibited by every driver, as is alcohol.

Under the old rule, employers who had "actual knowledge" of a driver who had violated these laws were compelled to take action against that employee. But the administration determined that the term "actual knowledge" could mean the employer would have had to have seen or witnessed the drug use first hand. Under the new rule, employers merely have to be made aware, even if that knowledge comes from the trucker's previous employer.

The new rule also prohibits truckers' use of any Schedule I substance under any circumstances. Schedule 1 drugs are those that must be prescribed by a doctor, such as certain opiates, stimulants and depressants. These are drugs that would have a high potential for abuse and would impair the truck driver's ability to do his or her job safely. Under the old rules, truckers could use these substances on the job when they had a valid doctor's prescription. Not any more.

The advocacy group Road Safe America has long supported changes in this area. For years, the group has been calling for a central database where trucking companies could check the previous drug test results for truck drivers. The group says truckers that tested positive for drugs in one state would simply go to a neighboring state to apply for a job there. Without a central database to cross-reference information, the driver's prior record becomes essentially "lost."

With all the press given to impaired drivers of passenger vehicles, imagine how much more damage is often done when the intoxicated person is driving an 80,000 pound truck at speeds of up to 80 miles an hour. As Road Safe America puts it: "It's truly horrifying."

A recent Georgia trucking accident highlighted these dangers. According to The Newnan Times-Herald, a truck driver from West Virginia was found guilty earlier this month of a 2010 hit-and-run crash on I-85 that injured a sheriff's deputy.

The accident happened in 2010 as the deputy was initiating a traffic stop along I-85. As the deputy was walking back, his cruiser and the vehicle he had stopped was sideswiped by the trucker's 18-wheeler.

Both cars sustained damage, and the deputy was tossed to the ground. The trucker, who the newspaper reported had been legally using prescription drugs, did not stop, though he was located and arrested a short time later.

The trucker was found guilty of hit-and-run, violating the state's Move Over law and failing to maintain his lane.

FMCSA Working to Ensure Drivers Rest and Reduce Risks of Trucking Accidents in Georgia, Nation

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:08:45 -0500

A recent accident involving a semi-truck driver from Atlanta left a man in the hospital and more than 200 gallons of diesel fuel all over I-90. According to authorities, the accident happened shortly after 6 p.m., when the commercial tractor-trailer drifted off of the right side of the road. The driver tried to bring the large truck back on the road, but according to authorities, the driver lost control of his rig. His semi slammed into a concrete barrier and both of the truck's fuel tanks were punctured, spilling fuel all over the road. The semi flipped onto its side and finally came to rest at the side of the road, next to the barrier. The Atlanta driver has been found at fault and cited.

Every year, thousands of fatal trucking accidents happen on roadways across the nation. Many of the trucking accidents in Atlanta and elsewhere are the result of driver fatigue. Truck drivers work long hours behind the wheel with very little rest. These drivers are common victims to drowsy driving as they chug on toward meeting deadlines and delivering goods. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were nearly 300,000 large trucks on U.S. roadways in 2009. These trucks were involved in accidents that resulted in the death of nearly 3,400 people and injury to another 75,000.

Our Atlanta trucking accident lawyers understand that semi-truck drivers have demanding work schedules with hours and hours spent behind the wheel. To help to reduce the risks of drowsy driving-related trucking accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced a new rule to regulate the work schedules of these drivers. These drivers operate potentially deadly vehicles if involved in an accident. Death is more likely in the event of a traffic accident involving a big rig, semi-truck, tractor-trailer or 18-wheeler.

The rules tighten the previous hours-of-service (HOS) safety rules for these truck drivers,

"This final rule will help prevent fatigue-related truck crashes and save lives," said USDOT Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The new rule was open for discussion a number of times through FMCSA listening sessions. These were meetings held across the country in which trucking employers, truck drivers, safe-driving advocates and law enforcement officials were invited to share their input regarding these standards to help shape the rules

FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro says this rule is the most thorough and extensive rule yet. She says that through public and private input, as well as extensive research, administrators with FMCSA feel they've created the most comprehensive and beneficial set of rules and regulations to help to reduce the risks of drowsy driving-related trucking accidents across the country.

Drivers are no longer allowed to work 82 hours a week. They are now limited to 70 hours a week. They are also required to take at least a 30-minute break for every 8 hours they spend behind the wheel. Lastly, they are no longer allowed to driver more than 11 hours in a day.

Companies and drivers will be fined if they break any of the new rules.

In 2009, the NHTSA reports that there were nearly 150 large trucks involved in fatal accidents in Georgia. The new rule is hoping to reduce this number significantly with the coming years.

Slew of Georgia Trucking Accidents Urges Drivers to be Cautious on Roadways

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:39:39 -0500

As our Georgia trucking accident attorneys discussed on a recent blog, trucking accidents are a top concern for safe-driving advocates across the country. Traffic accidents involving big rigs, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks and tractor-trailers oftentimes produce fatal results.

There have been a number of recent trucking accidents in Georgia that illustrate our need for more road safety awareness. Both the drivers of trucks and the drivers of passenger vehicles are urged to be cautious. By practicing safe and alert driving habits, we can all do our part to help to reduce the risks of these types of accidents.

Recent Trucking Accidents in Georgia:

Canton Road Connector on I-75 in Marietta: After a trucking accident in which a big rig flipped on its side, officials were forced to block the northbound lanes of the interstate to mop up the truck's spilled diesel fuel. Luckily, authorities reported none of the truck's 9,000 pounds of propane leaked in the accident. According to 11ALIVE, one person was injured in the accident and was transported to the hospital.

Highway 129 south on Gainesville: After rainy weather passed through the area, Hall County authorities report that a tractor-trailer slid off of the slippery roads and flipped on its side, according to Access North GA. The truck was fully-loaded with chickens. Local authorities said that it took for hours to clear the mess.

FedEx driver hits man in East Point: A 77-year-old pedestrian was hit by a passing truck and is now on life support. This accident happened at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Harrison Road. Georgia State Patrol report that the truck's bumper hit the elderly pedestrian and the two back tires ran over her. WSBTV2 reports that the trucker kept driving until someone called and said that he had hit someone. The driver then returned to the scene of the accident. Reports indicate that the driver failed to see the pedestrian. The driver is not facing any charges for the accident. Authorities say that the pedestrian was jaywalking at the time.

Trucker from Georgia stops traffic for three hours: A truck driver from Rome wedged his big rig under a train trestle at roughly 8:30 a.m., after failing to obey a traffic control device. Officials with the Cambridge/Greenwich Police have given the driver a ticket. It took officials two hours to get the truck out from underneath the trestle, according to Bennington Banner.

Tractor-trailer hits power pole in Macon: A tow truck that was carrying three vehicles ran into a power pole and caused the power lines to hang just feet above the highway. Power was cut off to Northern and Hall Streets. Cleanup was expected to take nearly five hours. Motorists were urged to steer clear of the area.

Federal Trucking Standards Help Keep Fatigued Truck Drivers from Causing Georgia Trucking Accidents

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:39:56 -0500

Federally regulated hours-of-service rules for trucking companies are in place for a reason. Without them, fatigued truck drivers put other motorists in danger of a trucking accident in Georgia and elsewhere. Truck drivers are often required by their employers to make long trips and work extended hours but these work conditions can take a toll on the body and cause a driver to become drowsy or otherwise lose their edge.

Road Safe America recently reported that a state legislator from New Hampshire is knocking the government for trying to keep trucking companies in line by placing stringent rules on drivers for the number of hours permitted to work in a day or in any given work week.

Atlanta trucking accident attorneys understand that drivers make the most money by working long hours but it simply isn't safe for other roadway users around them. Not only are motorists at tremendous risk of an accident caused by a fatigued driver but pedestrians and bicyclists have very little chance of survival from a collision with a large commercial truck or tractor-trailer. State Senator Ayotte is considering an amendment to ban the use of Federal funds to issue a final rule on driver and roadway safety for drowsy drivers in the commercial bus and trucking industries.

We first posted about the new proposal for hours-of-service (HOS) rule on our Georgia Truck Accident Lawyers Blog last December. The HOS proposal included a "34-hour restart" in which truck drivers could not begin the clock on a new weekly 60 or 70 hours worked without taking a 34-hour break from driving duties in between. New legislation was also proposed that a truck driver couldn't work more than 14 hours in any given workday. Violations of these proposed rules would cause drivers and their employers to be slapped with civil penalties for each offense. The driver could be assessed a fine up to $2,750 while the employer could be forced to pay up to $11,000 in civil penalties.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood responded to the New Hampshire Senator with a letter. He defended his efforts and the work of his department by reinforcing the dangers of fatigued drivers. He wrote that approximately 500 lives were lost last year in an accident involving a fatigued commercial driver.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is very close to issuing a final rule that is critical to keeping hours worked by truck drivers in check and keeping fatigued commercial drivers off U.S. roadways. Since 2009, the government has been tackling the issue of driver fatigue through research, listening sessions and the rulemaking process. To propose an amendment to the final rule would cause confusion and a gray area between Federal and State officials, as well as, members of the trucking industry.

We want to urge all drivers to be well-rested before you take to the roads. Alert drivers can react to the dangers of more congested roadways as 2012 gets underway.

Train v. Tractor-Trailer Accident in Atlanta Highlights Risks to Motorists

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:06:15 -0500

A Georgia trucker is in trouble after plowing his big rig into a train; the clash of titans occurred at the Cherokee Street crossing in Kennesaw, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The risk for Georgia semi accidents is on the rise as 2012 gets underway; truckers are hitting the road looking to make up for lost time after the break. Motorists don't stand a chance in an accident with a tractor-trailer and are unlikely to fare any better in a railroad crossing accident. Train engineers and truck drivers share a larger responsibility in keeping motorists safe on the road. When they fail to live up to their end of that bargain, the results are typically catastrophic and often deadly for victims in passenger cars.

Our Atlanta trucking accident attorneys understand those risks: Nearly 4,000 motorists were killed and nearly 75,000 were injured in accidents with large commercial trucks in 2009. In three-quarters of those cases, the victim was the occupant of a passenger vehicle or a non-occupant, such as a bicyclist or pedestrian, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In this case, the truck got stuck at the crossing and was hit by a freight train, according to a report from the Kennesaw Police Department. The Atlanta Foods International truck was crossing the CSX Transportation tracks at the time of the accident. The 44-year-old truck driver was cited for failure to heed a crossing signal that warned of the approaching train. The train slammed into the trailer but managed to remain on the tracks.

The train missed the tractor and neither the driver or the train crew reported serious injuries, according to the AJC report. The road was closed for more than three hours and the Cherokee crossing was to remain closed pending repairs.

Georgia is one of 10 states under federal mandate to improve safety at railroad crossings. The state ranked fifth most dangerous in a report released in 2010 by the Federal Railroad Administration. Georgia is under a directive to focus on crossing deemed most dangerous and to come up with an action plan to improve safety.

Nationwide, about 7,000 railroad crossing accidents occur each year, claiming nearly 900 lives. Nationwide, railroad infrastructure is aging and woefully inadequate when it comes to the task of keeping motorists safe. Far too many crossing lack arms, lights and signals and far too many intersections have equipment that is not functioning or not properly maintained.

According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the state currently evaluates crossings based on the following criteria:

-Number of passenger trains using the crossing.

-Number of freight trains using the crossing.

-Distance to alternate crossing.

-Crossing's accident history.

-Type of warning devices present at crossing, if any.

-Alignment of roadway and crossing.

-Traffic volume of crossing.

-Crossing speed limit.

-Affects of closure, including presence of medical facilities in the area.

Nation's Officials Call For Cell Phone Ban For All Drivers, Including Georgia Truckers

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 10:43:29 -0500

In the last year, vehicle safety officials have banned truck drivers from texting while driving in order to prevent serious traffic accidents, including Georgia trucking accidents.

Now, the U.S. Department of Transportation has banned all truck drivers and bus drivers from using cell phones while driving.

Some may cry that this is a violation of freedoms we enjoy as Americans, but our Georgia trucking accident lawyers
have seen the devastation caused by distracted driving, especially in situations that involved large tractor trailers.

Think about it -- when you are operating a 3,000-pound vehicle and take your eyes off the road for just a second to see who's calling or reach down to pick up your phone, you could easily slam into another vehicle, a pedestrian or hit a guardrail, causing a major pile-up. It happens nearly every day.

Now imagine the devastation caused by a truck driver, operating an 80,000-pound vehicle, carrying large logs, tons of dirt or construction supplies, heavy vehicles or boxes of goods. The devastation can be tragic.

As smartphones become more and more prevalent and provide increased options and tools for users, they are more attractive to use inside the vehicle. For truckers who spend hours on the roads of our nation, they can be an escape from the mundane task of long-haul trucking.

But no more, the Department of Transportation has said. In November, officials implemented a final rule that specifically prohibits interstate truck and bus drivers from using their cell phones at all while they drive.

Texting is certainly a major hazard while driving, but consider that a ban of texting doesn't take into consideration people who want to play a popular game, update their Facebook status or send a tweet out to followers on Twitter. Our phones can do so much that using them while driving can be extremely deadly.

In 2009, the Federal Motor Vehicle Carrier Safety Administration reported that nearly 5,500 people died as a result of distracted driving. That's on top of nearly 500,000 who were injured because of texting, calling or otherwise using their phones or being distracted instead of focusing on the road.

But it's not as if truck drivers are the only culprits here. Every day drivers must take more precautions when driving and the National Traffic Safety Board is attempting to help by calling for a ban throughout the country on every driver using cell phones or text messaging while they drive.

Our Georgia truck driving accident lawyers wish everyone safe travel this holiday season and throughout the year. Eliminate distractions, including the use of cell phones and avoid large trucks driven by people who may or may not be following the law regarding texting. Arrive at your destination safely.

Georgia Tractor Trailer Deaths Leave Behind Devastation

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:58:22 -0500

It doesn't take a lot of searching on the Internet to see that people involved in serious trucking accidents in Atlanta and the surrounding areas can be devastating.

Our Georgia truck accident attorneys point out three recent examples where accidents involving large tractor trailers caused death and major injury.

People who are driving sedans and other smaller vehicles almost always are on the wrong end of a trucking accident. While truckers themselves do run the risk of being injured, given that they are higher up and have a chance of flipping due to the weight of the trucks they drive, the risk isn't nearly as high as the vehicles below.

In one case, a woman died in a horrible accident in Thomson, Georgia, after colliding head-on with a tractor trailer. Photos from the scene show a mangled vehicle that is barely recognizable. You can't determine the make or model or have any idea what the vehicle looked like before.

According to news reports, the accident happened in the early hours of a recent weekday on a highway. A 21-year-old woman collided with a tractor trailer and was pronounced dead at the scene, state troopers reported. The tractor trailer was carrying wood and was driven by a 45-year-old truck driver.

Witnesses reported that the woman drove into the northbound lane of the highway, attempting to pass another southbound vehicle. But when she didn't immediately get back into the lane, she ran straight into a tractor trailer that was coming over a hill.

The force of the accident caused the woman's vehicle to be dragged more than 200 feet -- nearly 2/3 of the length of a football field -- before it finally came to rest. It's unclear how fast the vehicles were going at the time, but that line alone describes the awesome power of these tractor trailers.

In an accident north of Macon on Interstate 75, two people died during a multi-vehicle accident on the highway. A television news station reported that at least two people died in the wreck where one of the vehicles involved was a tractor-trailer.

The accident took hours to clear up as traffic was completely blocked for some time as crime scene investigators attempted to piece together what happened.

A Georgia trucker was involved in a fatal accident in upstate New York recently when a delivery truck driver ran into the rear of an 18-wheeler that was having mechanical problems, killing a delivery truck passenger, a local newspaper reports.

The Georgia truck driver told police he was driving slowly on an interstate because he was experiencing mechanical problems. An appliance delivery truck driver said he didn't see the tractor trailer until it was too late. The impact of the accident killed his co-worker.

Even running into the back of an empty 18-wheeler can kill, as this story relays. Large trucks are so powerful they don't need to be fully loaded in order for other drivers to feel their impact.

Georgia Trucking Accidents Expected to Rise This Holiday Season

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 20:18:43 -0500

Traffic analysts believe that nearly 90 million people will be on the road this holiday season, traveling at least 50 miles from their homes to visit relatives or friends.

With Interstate 75 running right through Atlanta, this means that there will also be an abundance of tractor trailers passing through Georgia, delivering goods to retailers throughout the Southeast. And with an increase in trucks, that could mean there will be additional Georgia trucking accidents.

Our Georgia trucking accident lawyers have seen the devastation that accidents involving big rigs can have on families. While many truck drivers take precautions to drive safely, many companies overwork their drivers, which leads to fatigue and the potential for drivers to lose focus and get into an accident.

While everyone realizes the danger that a car-on-car accident can have, a trucking accident is magnified because of the sheer weight and size of these massive vehicles. When they attempt to stop, their loads can shift, making their ability to break even more difficult. Add in bad weather and road conditions and it can be disastrous for drivers.

The National Safety Council has estimated that nearly 300 people will die on the roads between December 23 and December 26 as a result of the expected increase in traffic. Despite an increase in gas prices in recent months, experts believe more Georgians will be hitting the roads this holiday season.

Studies have shown that seat belts are 45 percent effective in helping to prevent fatal accidents. Based on that data, more than 100 lives could be saved during the Christmas holiday if every person wore a safety belt while driving. Some recent fatal statistics during the last few years, as reported by the National Safety Council (year followed by number of fatalities):

2005: 383
2006: 379
2007: 454
2008: 409
2009: 248

While it is encouraging that the number of fatal accidents was down in 2009 from previous years, that's still a large number of people who have died as a result of traffic accidents. It's unclear what percentage of those traffic accidents were a result of large trucks.

Additionally, statistics from the New Year's holiday period during the last few years have increased in recent years:

2005: 449
2006: 432
2007: 387
2008: 407
2009: 458

Truckers are everywhere and drivers would do best to avoid being nearby, if possible. Even just a near contact can cause a trucker to over-correct their steering and cause accidents. Because of their large blind spots, it's also advisable to stay away from those areas where other drivers can't see the drivers in their side-view mirrors.

Let this holiday season be memorable, but not because of a bad trucking accident. Drive safe, wherever your destination and through whichever roads you travel. Adhere to these short tips to avoid being the victim of a Georgia trucking accident.

New Campaign to Reach Teens and Risks of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Georgia, Nation

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:41:28 -0500

Last year, Governor Sonny Perdue signed a bill into law after a Morgan County teen died while texting behind the wheel. The law, Caleb's law, makes it illegal for all drivers to text behind the wheel to avoid distracted driving-related car accidents in Atlanta and elsewhere throughout the state. Distraction-related traffic accidents are an all too common occurrence on our roadways. As the holiday season approaches, we'll be seeing more traffic on our roadways and increased risks for an accident. Drivers are asked to be cautious and remain attentive when driving throughout the rest of the year and well through 2012.

“We need to do everything possible to focus young drivers on the road ahead,” said Governor Perdue regarding HB 23. “I want to thank Rep. Ramsey for working hard on this bill.”

Our Atlanta trucking accident lawyersunderstand that truckers are already forbidden from texting while driving under federal law. Still, distracted driving is a leading cause of tractor-trailer accidents in Georgia and elsewhere. Additionally, a good majority of teen car accidents are caused by young drivers who are using cell phones and text messaging devices behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the U.S. Department of Transportation recently launched its "OMG" public service announcement (PSA) campaign to raise awareness about these incidents. These dangers are exacerbated around large trucks during the busy holiday travel season. Parents are urged to discuss the importance of alert and focused driving habits with their teens as well as the risks they'll be facing through holiday traffic this year.

The "OMG" campaign will be aired at Regal Cinema theaters around the nation, at gas station pump-top screens that are owned by Outcast PumpTop TV and online through the month of December.

"Teen drivers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving, which is why we are making an extra effort to ensure they understand the dangers," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

As we head into the holiday travel season, teen drivers will be heading out with the rest of us to visit friends and family members and on winter vacations. This PSA is being used to reach teens by using their popular texting lingo, including "LOL" and "L8R."

These PSA will be shown on nearly 6,600 movie screens at more than 525 theaters across the county in addition to roughly 12,000 television screens at gas pumps. They'll also be available on the Distraction.gov website. The USDOT is using these mediums as it believes the message will reach the most number of teens this way.

It's no secret that teenagers want to remain connected with their buddies. Unfortunately, many teenagers keep the connection going while they're behind the wheel. This PSA is being used to illustrate the dangers, risks and consequences of texting behind the wheel.

As the holidays approach, parents are again urged to talk with their teen drivers about the dangers of texting a driving. Your conversation may be able to help save a life on our roadways. Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

Heightened Thanksgiving Day Travel Increases Risks of Georgia Car and Trucking Accidents

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:04:18 -0500

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and give thanks for the many blessings you have been given in our life. Most Thanksgiving Day traditions involve several generations of family gathering around the table for turkey, stuffing and all the fixings. For this reason, Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous travel days or holiday weekends of the year as many motorists are required to travel to get to their loved ones and family.

Georgia trucking accident attorneys know that roadways will be more congested around the holidays so we hope that motorists use extra caution on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the weekend to reduce the chances of being involved in a car or trucking accident in Atlanta or elsewhere.

Many travelers may be coming to Georgia from out-of-state which can make roadways more dangerous for a driver who is unfamiliar with the area. When a car or truck driver doesn't know the area, making a wrong turn onto a street or roadway that only goes one direction can create a potentially dangerous situation.

A multiple vehicle crash on I-85 north of Atlanta recently is a good example of how going the wrong way on a roadway can lead to serious injury. A woman driving a Ford Explorer was allegedly going the wrong direction when she clipped an 18-wheeler. The impact with the first large truck caused her to hit another tractor-trailer and Chevrolet van before being thrown from her SUV. The alleged wrong-way driver of the Ford Explorer was seriously injured from the crash but authorities reported no other injuries from the accident. Hazmat crews had to report to the scene as one of the trucks involved in the accident spilled fuel.

In order to avoid an accident with a large truck or car this Thanksgiving, American Trucking Association's professional drivers offer the following highway safety tips:

-Maintain a safe travel speed. More vehicles on the roadway require operating at a lower speed to avoid contact with a large truck other passenger vehicle that slows or stops without warning.

-Rather than winging it if you don't have a GPS device in your vehicle, plan your trip mile by mile before you leave. Know your exit name and number, watch for traffic signs well in advance, familiarize yourself with street names, and pull over to read a map if you get lost.

-Don't be distracted by everything going on around you. Keep your eyes and mental focus on the road at all times.

-The only way to limit the chances of being late to dinner is to leave plenty early. Allowing extra travel time takes the stress of arriving late out play and allows families to enjoy the ride.

-If you don't have an emergency kit in your vehicle, prepare one for the trip. Include items like a flashlight, first-aid kit, jumper cables, tire repair kit, blankets and bottled water.

-Check the 5-day weather forecast the week before your trip so you know what weather conditions to expect. Make adjustments in your travel plans if poor conditions are predict.

-If you feel a little drowsy after you stuff yourself with turkey, take a nap before you drive or have someone else get behind the wheel until you feel rested.

Drunk Driver Killed in Georgia Trucking Accident Serves as Reminder to Avoid a Truck Collision in Atlanta, Elsewhere

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:45:35 -0500

With winter weather just about upon us and the holidays fast approaching, it is a good time for our Atlanta trucking accident lawyers to remind motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists to use a little more caution to avoid an accident. You may begin to notice roadways becoming slicker with morning frosts and icy conditions or a little more congested with holiday shoppers and travelers.

We especially urge you to use more caution around big rigs to avoid a tractor-trailer accident in Georgia. Becoming entwined with these big and powerful 18-wheelers doesn't usually end well for drivers, bicyclists or pedestrians.

Two separate incidents that occurred recently remind us of the dangers when a motorist makes impact with a tractor-trailer. AccessNorthGa.com recently reported of an early morning collision when a car became wedged underneath a semi. The driver of the car was trapped inside and had to be taken to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for treatment of severe injuries.

A second accident turned fatal when a driver of a 2008 Kia Optima in Worth County failed to stop at a stop sign. Fox 31 online reports a 68-year-old female had to be rushed to Phoebe Putney Hospital after colliding with a flatbed truck on Highway 300. The driver ran a stop sign, but the approaching truck could not swerve in time to miss broadside contact with the Optima. Georgia State Police confirmed the passenger car driver was under the influence at the time of the accident. The woman was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Road Safe America offers these driver safety tips:

Passenger car drivers

-Whatever you do, stay out of a truck's blind spots. A trucker can't avoid a collision if you are riding where the driver can't see you.

-Allow four to six seconds of space between you and semi-truck in wet or icy conditions or at high rates of speed.

-When using a turn signal, wait for a tractor-trailer to make their turn before passing. Large trucks require more space to turn corners so you don't want to block their path by trying to go around them.

-If you see a truck driver driving erratically or recklessly, report them to authorities immediately.

Tractor-trailer drivers

-Never get behind the wheel if you are feeling drowsy. Eat right, stay fit and get plenty of rest.

-A third of work zone injuries are caused by large trucks driving too fast through construction zones. Slow down and move over.

-Check brakes regularly to avoid accidents from brake malfunctions. A common out-of-service violation for large trucks is brake defects.

-Drive defensively, not aggressively. If an aggressive driver approaches you on the roadway, let them go. Never engage in aggressive acts with other motorists.

Reduce the risk of severe injury or death by using caution and staying focused on the roadway every time you get behind the wheel.

Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Aims to Curb Fatigue-Related Trucking Accidents in Georgia and Elsewhere

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:56:23 -0500

The National Sleep Foundation and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety have joined forces for this year's Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, educating the public on ways to reduce the risks of fatigue-related car accidents in Atlanta and elsewhere. The 2011 campaign is taking place this week through Saturday.

Our Atlanta trucking accident attorneys understand that truck driver fatigue has been a popular conversation topic among safe driving advocates in recent months. Trucking accidents overall kill more than 5,000 people ever year and injure about 150,000. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that there were more than 750 fatalities and another 20,000 injuries resulting from accidents with fatigued truckers. Unfortunately, it happens all too often. A driver of a commercial truck gets sleepy at the wheel because he or she has worked too many hours and hasn't slept enough.

To help raise awareness about this dangerous driving habit, AAA released its findings regarding drowsy driving from a recent study, according to CBS Atlanta. The study concluded that although more than 95 percent of surveyed drivers said that drowsy driving was completely unacceptable, about a third of all drivers were still guilty of the dangerous habit.

Drowsy driving can produce fatal consequences, especially when a large truck is involved. Fatigued drivers are reportedly involved in one out of every six deadly accidents. Sleepy drivers are among the top contributors to trucking accidents in the U.S., contributing to nearly 15 percent of all fatal trucking accidents.

More than 40 percent of drivers who were surveyed by AAA admitted to having fallen asleep behind the wheel at least once. What's alarming is that a majority of these drivers fell asleep while they were driving at high speeds.

"Drivers have a tendency to underestimate the impact being tired has on their driving ability, which puts themselves and others at risk," said AAA Foundation president and CEO Peter Kissinger.

You may be getting sleepy at the wheel if you are having trouble focusing on the road, you are swerving in and out of your lane, you can't clearly remember the last few miles driven, you're yawning excessively, feeling irritable, restless or aggressive, or overlooking traffic lights, for instance.

How to prevent drowsy driving:

-Get at least seven hours of sleep before you head out on a long trip.

-Take a break every two hours or every 100 miles.

-Travel with a passenger. Switch drivers when you start to feel sleepy.

-Never drive during times that you'd normally be sleeping.

Remember that one of the worst things you can do behind the wheel if you feel sleepy is to try to power through it. If you start feeling tired, the best thing to do is pull over in a safe spot and rest.

Curbside Buses More of a Danger Than Conventional Buses in Georgia and Elsewhere

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:23:14 -0500

Bus operators throughout the country have been under scrutiny recently after a rash of accidents that have injured and killed passengers. Since March 2011, there have been 22 deaths and another 159 injuries as a result of five curbside motorcoach bus accidents. Charter companies that require drivers to work extended hours or operate buses with mechanical malfunctions can lead to a high risk of bus accidents in Georgia and elsewhere in the country.

Our Atlanta bus accident attorneys want you to be aware that whether you're taking a quick bus trip across town or out for a day of holiday shopping, there are certain risks with the transportation you choose.

Following a tragic bus accident in Bronx, N.Y., last March that killed 15 people and injured several more, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) decided to take a closer look at safety issues concerning low-cost curbside buses. What they discovered was that more expensive conventional buses are seven times less likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to curbside bus transportation. This is one instance where saving a few bucks on bus fares may not be worth the risk you are taking in the long run.

The fast-growing economical bus transportation option has grown at a pace that can't be matched by federal authorities. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has been unable to keep up with safety inspections of every bus. That's understandable when you consider the fact that each inspector is responsible for inspecting about 1,000 vehicles.

The Wall Street Journal reports curbside buses, like those used in the Chinatown neighborhood of New York City, don't operate through bus terminals but rather pick up passengers curbside. This allows operators to lower fares for customers because they don't pay terminal fees like conventional bus operators do.

Safety violations, such as driver fatigue is a growing concern. From January 2005 to March 2011, the NTSB found that more than 16 curbside buses out of 100 were removed from service for driver fatigue. Conventional buses were taken out of service at a rate of 11.2 per 100 buses for the same reason. Overworked bus drivers for extended periods of time can become drowsy and put passengers at risk. Curbside buses also reported an unsafe driving violation rate of 22.4 incidents per 100 buses.

Curbside bus carriers should be under high scrutiny with statistics like these. It is up to FMCSA, NTSB and other federal officials to keep low-cost companies honest and above board with daily operations to ensure passenger safety today and in the future.

"The NTSB study has revealed important information about curbside motorcoach travel and, in the coming weeks, we'll need to continue working to improve the safety regulations that govern this growing industry," said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY).

USDOT Announces Success of Distracted-Driving Campaign to Fight Against Car Accidents in Georgia, Elsewhere

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 09:23:16 -0500

According to Ray LaHood, U.S. Transportation Secretary, the “Faces of Distracted Driving” public service announcement has been viewed more than 100,000 times. This PSA was released by the U.S. Department of Transportation back in November of 2010. The 30-second announcement uses a number of stories from residents across the country who have been the victim of distracted driving-related car accidents in Atlanta and elsewhere.

Our Atlanta trucking accident attorneys understand how dangerous driver distractions can be. The need for focused and alert driving is extremely important as we head into the holiday season. Road traffic will be increasing as the end of the year approaches. During this time, the risks for a potentially fatal accident increase as well. Drivers are urged to curb all distractions to avoid an accident.

“I thank all of the families of distracted driving victims who have bravely chosen to share their stories of loss with the world,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

No text message or phone call is worth risking the life of an innocent motorist. The videos from the U.S. Department of Transportation aim to reveal the true consequences of distracted driving to motorists nationwide.

There were approximately 5,500 people who were killed in 2009 because of motor-vehicle accidents that reported the involvement of a distracted driver. About 500,000 people were injured in these types of incidents throughout the year as well.

According to Fox News, truck drivers are currently prohibited from text messaging while driving, but laws to make it illegal for truckers to talk on a cell phone while behind the wheel are still pending. As long as drivers are allowed to engage in distractions behind the wheel, we will continue to see innocent lives lost on our roadways.

Every year, we see far too many accidents on our roadways that are the result of driver distractions. These accidents oftentimes end fatally when a large truck is involved. Transportation officials continue to work at eliminating the life-threatening habit of driving while engaging in distractions. All we need is more driver responsibility to curb the dangers.

"The risks of texting while driving are beyond belief," said Boyd Stephenson of the American Trucking Association.

Distracted driving can be classified in many categories, including:

-Eating.

-Smoking.

-Drinking.

-Playing with the radio.

-Surfing the web.

-Applying makeup.

-Interacting with passengers.

-Operating a GPS device or a paper map.

-Talking on a cell phone.

-Text messaging.

All of these behaviors can lead to a potentially fatal accident and can be prevented. Until there is a federal law banning this behavior and more enforcement efforts to can the act, drivers are asked to make responsible decisions behind the wheel and to pay attention to the roadways and to traffic.

Road Safe America Addresses Unsafe Roadways to Help Prevent Trucking Accidents in Atlanta, Nation

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 07:52:07 -0500

Highway funding legislation has been extended once again, with the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives pushing it back until March 2012. This legislation is referred to as Public Law 109-59. This is the eighth time that this bill has received an extension and Road Safe America isn't happy about it. This highway safety advocate group continuously pushes for safe roadways for motorists nationwide to help prevent fatal car accidents in Atlanta and elsewhere. The extension of this legislation is doing nothing more than putting drivers on U.S. roadways in danger, according to Road Safe America.

Most of the construction projects and maintenance work on our roadways relies heavily on federal tax money. The budget that organizes the money used for these projects is discussed, altered and renewed only every six years. The legislation that's in office right now expired nearly two years ago. There are a few ways that government can raise the money to keep this fund alive, one of the most popular options being to raise the tax on gas. But instead of figuring out new ways to make money to make our roads better our elected officials are throwing in the towel. With each and every extension, our roadways are getting worse and more dangerous.

Our Atlanta trucking accident attorneys understand how vital of a role roadway conditions plays in the safety of motorists. Our elected officials are supposed to ensure the safety of all roadways. If you feel that the condition of a road has contributed to your accident, you're urged to contact an attorney to help you take on the at-fault parties and to help you to gain the compensation you deserve.

In September, a bridge on Interstate 64 that is used to get from Ohio to Louisville and to cross over the Ohio River had to be shut down because of all of the stress fractures that road analysts found in the I-beams. This bridge could be closed for months, and roadway officials predict that many other bridges could be closed following even more inspections. Without the proper funding for projects like this one, these roadways could remain closed.

Road Safe America believes that if this type of financing was as predictable as other parts of government expenses, then these maintenance and rebuilding projects could have been avoided. The safe road advocate group is calling on Congress to do its job.

According to SmartMotorist.com, here are the common causes for roadway accidents:

-Equipment Failure

-Roadway Design

-Poor Roadway Maintenance

-Driver Behavior

More than 90 percent of traffic accidents are a combination of a driver's skill and a combination of one or more of the factors listed above.

Road Safe America and other safe-driving advocates hope that one day a highway funding bill will be able to introduce more safe-driving rules. In addition to roadway design, many commercial vehicles rely on on-board data recorders and speed regulating technology to help reduce the number of fatal accidents. The organization reiterates that it would rather have a complete bill passed than an incomplete bill rushed through legislation, but eight extensions is far too many.