North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog

Pets Pose Distraction Risk for North Carolina Motorists

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:14:35 -0500

It is not uncommon to see a dog perched in the passenger seat, sitting on the lap of a driver, or jumping around the back of an SUV. While pet owners may find it convenient or even fun to drive around with their animals, they may not realize the dangers posed by pet distractions. According to a new study, driving with pets is increasingly a cause of driver distraction and car accidents, especially among senior drivers.

Recent studies suggest that the crash rate for drivers over the age of 70 is higher for those who drive with their pets. The study was focused on evaluating the potential threat of driver distraction for elderly drivers with animals in the vehicle. Our Charlotte accident attorneys are committed to driver safety and are dedicated to helping the victims and families who have suffered because of driver distraction.

The risk of accident for drivers who always had their pets in the car doubles that of those who never had a pet in the vehicle. With evidence that distracted driving accounts for 10 percent of all U.S. highway fatalities, drivers and their loved ones should be aware of the risk before getting behind the wheel with an animal in the car.

A recent study found that elderly drivers are particularly vulnerable to the distraction of pets in a vehicle. They may not have adequate reaction time or suffer from other sensory deficiencies that can increase the likelihood of distraction and an accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has released guidelines to minimize driver distraction, including avoiding the use of hand held devices and recommending that auto manufacturers avoid distracting dashboards. All of the guidelines focus on keeping driver attention on the road. As accident reconstructionists and experienced investigators know, even a few seconds of driver distraction can result in a deadly accident or catastrophic injury.

Pets pose dangers to drivers in a number of ways. They could demand too much attention, get in the way of the steering wheel, prevent changing gears or block a driver's view. Distracted driving accident rates increase with dangerous driver habits, including using cell phones, adjusting the radio, or driving with pets. Pets may not necessarily interfere with driving, but they may be distracting to their loving owners.

Statistics indicate that more than half of pet owners take their dogs or cats with them on occasion. With the high rate of accidents among distracted and elderly drivers, pets can create additional risk and burden. If you or someone you love was injured or suffered because of distracted driving you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys will investigate your case and take every necessary step to protect your interests. We are experienced with cases involving distracted and negligent driving and will pursue every opportunity to protect your rights.

If you or someone you love routinely drives with an animal, consider the risk of distracted driving. Taking a pet to the mall or on daily errands may not be worth the risk to the driver, passenger and other motorists on the road.

May Kicks Off Hundered Deadliest Days for Teen Drivers

Mon, 13 May 2013 05:50:26 -0500

For most teenagers, summer means freedom from school, parties with friends, and even graduation. Many teens will be spending their last summer at home before they head off to college. While the festivities can be exciting, parents and teens should be aware of the dangers they face on the road. May kicks off the 100 deadliest days for teen drivers: from Memorial Day though graduation, summer and Labor Day.

Many teens will be driving for the first time this summer. Others will be revisiting summer fun with their oldest friends. Teen drivers and their passengers should be aware that with all of the summer fun to be had on the road, no adventure is worth a fatal accident or injury. According to AAA, car accidents are the primary cause of death among teenager. The period from Memorial Day to Labor Day mark the 100 deadliest days of the year for teen drivers. Our Charlotte car accident attorneys are experienced in handling cases involving tragic teen fatalities.

Teen driving accident rates spike in the summer for a number of reasons. Teens often take to the road with a care free attitude. Inexperience and distractions caused by cell phones, friends, and music can be a deadly combination. Accident rates also simply go up because teens are not in school and have more free time to drive around with their friends.

Parents may recognize that teens are partying more during the summer. They may be taking off to the beach, a weekend camping trip, or "cruising the strip" with friends. When teens get together for prom or graduation, they may throw rules, even laws, out the window. This disregard for safety has proven to be dangerous, and deadly, for teen drivers. In the summer from 2005 to 2009, 7,300 American teens died in fatal collisions.

Accidents often involve speeding, drinking and driving, drag racing, or distracted driving. Inexperienced drivers are less equipped to respond to dangerous conditions or encounters. Teen drivers should be more aware and conscious, especially during this time of the year.

Parents can help to protect their teens by making sure they are informed about the dangers of distracted driving. Drinking and driving is another known danger and teens should never get into a vehicle with another driver who is under the influence. When sending your teen out on the road, remember to advise them of common dangers on the road.

Unfortunately, even parents who take all of the necessary precautions have been the victims of a fatal teen accident. If you or someone you love has been involved in a teen car crash or collision, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses, including lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any other personal or financial losses you have endured. Our firm is experienced in the investigation of even the most complex accident claims and will collaborate with experts when necessary to uncover and preserve all relevant evidence in your case. We will focus on identifying all responsible parties and will aggressively pursue the full financial recovery you are entitled to.

New safety rating for older drivers and young passengers

Fri, 10 May 2013 05:24:17 -0500

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for tracking accident data and promoting legislation and initiatives to make highways safe for motorists and their passengers. The agency is proposing new safety ratings aimed at protecting families and the nation's oldest drivers. The NHTSA has recently announced that it is considering an update to the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) that would take into consideration vehicle safety for older drivers as well as a "family" rating to mark how effectively a vehicle is equipped to protect rear-seat passengers, including children, in the event of an accident.

Vehicle and driver safety are critical to minimizing injuries and accidents on the road. Our Charlotte car accident attorneys are experienced in helping families and victims recover compensation after an accident. We understand the importance of vehicle safety and are dedicated to helping the oldest and the youngest accident victims.

Car function and safety can be pivotal in helping driver avoid accidents and preventable death. Improvements to vehicles can prevent serious accidents and injuries. It also may impact how consumers make decisions when purchasing a vehicle. The new NCAP rating system will provide invaluable information to help consumers make the best decisions when choosing a vehicle. The safety reports will be especially relevant for elderly drivers and consumers with young children.

As most consumers know, the NHTSA already rates vehicle safety. The current NCAP system has been in existence since 1978. This new "silver" rating would provide additional safety information in addition to the existing five-star safety ratings. Overhauling the system will likely take a few years, according to the NHTSA.

Aging drivers have been linked to an increase in vehicle accidents. In addition to failing eye sight, hearing, and general perception, older drivers often suffer health conditions, including arthritis, that can make driving difficult. In addition to being potentially dangerous drivers, older drivers are also less likely to withstand high-impact car crashes. The "silver rating" will provide elderly consumers with important information to help drivers choose cars that are better suited to their needs.

According to federal statistics, older drivers and passengers account for the highest death rate in serious accidents. Safety features, including Smart Car options, can reduce the risk of accidents and put seniors in a better position when they hit the road. Higher ranking cars for senior citizens may offer automatic seat belts, push button start systems, and easy-grip steering wheels. Older drivers who have lost height in their age may also have access to adjustable pedals.

The new rating system also addresses safety features for rear-seat passengers, including children. Vehicle safety features could prevent serious injury and accidental death caused by car collisions. Our firm is experienced in handling car crash cases ranging from fender benders to drunk-driving collisions and fatal highway accidents. If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident, our attorneys are prepared to investigate your case and pursue the full compensation you deserve. We will also examine safety features of a vehicle and determine if any auto defect was responsible for injury or death.

Distracted Driving Bill Stalls in Carolina Legislature

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:33:03 -0500

A Senate bill that could have tightened distracted driving laws in the state has taken a little longer than expected to make it through the legislature.

According to My Horry News, the bill (Senate Bill 186) was filed back in January by Sen. Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach. What this bill was supposed to do was to make it a felony charge for drivers who cause a fatal accident because of driver distractions.

"Right now the highest incident of accidents or collisions are 18- to 25-year-olds," Rankin said. "Throw in a cell phone and it's even worse."

Our Charlotte car accident lawyers understand that distracted driving continues to be a serious problem in the area. Nationwide, there are thousands who are killed every year because of the irresponsible and distracted driving habits of others. According to distraction.gov, there were 3,331 people killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 3,267 in 2010. An additional, 387,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver, compared to 416,000 injured in 2010.

Because the legislature is in the first year of a two-year cycle, bills not passed this session may be taken up when the General Assembly reconvenes in January 2014. If it doesn't make it though in 2014, it's going to have to be reintroduced.

Why hasn't it gotten anywhere? Even as debate stalls on this important piece of legislation, prosecutors have decided to drop all charges in the case of a fatal traffic accident in which this behavior was deemed a factor. There's no lesson to be learned there, and there's no deterrent when there are no penalties.

A truck driver was slapped with charges back in November after an accident that happened in March. In this accident, his semi allegedly slammed into an SUV and killed a 4-year-old passenger. According to Highway Patrol officers, the truck was going too fast for current weather conditions and the driver was using a cell phone at the wheel.

As it stands now, truck drivers are prohibited from using a cell phone behind the wheel. That's federal law.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), only drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone behind the wheel in North Carolina. On the other hand, all drivers are banned from text messaging in the driver's seat.

Regardless, drivers should have their attention on the roadway at all times. There should never be a phone call or a text message that's worth risking someone's life. And this applies to any and all distractions. We're talking about eating, smoking, drinking, talking with other passengers and even applying makeup at the wheel. It's all dangerous and can be deadly. Keep your hands on the wheel, your eyes on the road and your mind on driving.

North Carolina Bicycle Accidents Higher Than National Average

Sun, 05 May 2013 06:31:39 -0500

The number of bicycle fatalities per 1 million people is higher in North Carolina than it is overall in the nation.

According to the latest report on bicycle crashes released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, our crash rate per 1 million was 2.59, compared to the total U.S. rate of 2.17.

Our Asheville car accident attorneys know that the majority of fatal bicycle crashes involve motor vehicles. When a car or truck strikes a bicyclist, a bicyclist's risk of injury is great because aside from a helmet, there is nothing else to cushion the body from the pavement. Depending on how fast the motor vehicle is traveling and the angle at which the bicyclist is hit, he or she faces high risk of a serious injury or death.

The NHTSA's annual report, which this year details 2011 statistics, revealed that across the U.S., there were nearly 680 bicyclists killed and 48,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes.

Deaths of people operating bicycles accounted for 2 percent of all those killed and 2 percent of all those injured throughout the year.

What's especially concerning, though, is that the number of cyclists killed was nearly 10 percent higher in 2011 than it was for 2010. While there were 623 killed in 2010, there were 677 killed in 2011. In fact, the percentage of bicyclist fatalities was higher in 2011 than it's been in the last decade.

Although we don't have figures for 2012, we do know that throughout the country, more people are choosing to ride bicycles as a means of regular transportation because it's greener, healthier and often more enjoyable than a motor vehicle commute.

But more bicyclists mean more crashes.

A 2009 report - the most recent - by the North Carolina Department of Transportation revealed that more than half (55 percent) of all bicycle crashes in North Carolina that year occurred in counties within the Piedmont region, which includes the cities of Charlotte and Raleigh. The Coastal Plain counties accounted for 38 percent of all bicycle crashes, while the Mountain region, where Asheville is located, accounted for just 7.5 percent.

However, that's not an indication that Asheville is any safer than elsewhere in the state. Simply, the Mountain region of North Carolina simply has fewer people, even though those in Asheville may tend to ride bicycles more than those in other areas.

The largest portion of bicyclist fatalities in the country happened between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., according to the NHTSA. That accounted for about 30 percent of all fatalities. The second-highest number, 21 percent, occurred between 8 p.m. and midnight.

Thirty-one percent of those incidents were in rural areas, while 69 percent were in urban settings.

Another noteworthy trend that continued through 2011 was the rising age of bicycle crash casualties. In the last 10 years, the average age of bicyclists injured rose from 28 to 32. The average of bicyclists killed rose from 36 to 43.

We may continue to see this figure rise with the continued aging of the baby boomer population.

Fatal Charlotte Truck Accident Blamed on Distraction

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:54:36 -0500

Two brothers, ages 1 and 5, were killed recently in west Charlotte when a delivery truck driver allegedly struck them after making a wide turn at the intersection of W. Tyvola Road and Shady Lane.

Our Charlotte car accident attorneys understand that police believe distracted driving was to blame, and have charged the driver with a criminal misdemeanor. The boys had been walking with relatives to daycare that morning. The driver had been on his way to his first delivery in Rock Hill.

Witnesses say he was laughing as he made the turn, an indication, investigators say, that he was either involved in a conversation or distracted by a radio program or some other device.

Another recent North Carolina crash, this one in Asheville, was also said to have involved distraction. Investigators say a woman who was killed when her vehicle struck another on Interstate 40 was likely talking on her cell phone. Investigators said that officers found three cell phones in the vehicle - and two of those were open.

Clearly, these incidents just go to further illustrate what a huge problem distracted driving truly is in North Carolina, as well as throughout the country.

AAA reports that cell phone distractions while driving quadruple the risk of crashing, and it's believed to be a factor in some 8,000 crashes each day.

State law bars texting while driving, but a proposal that would have made talking on cell phones while driving illegal failed to pass the state legislature.

Cell phone and texting records are now routinely preserved in the event of a crash, to determine definitively whether distraction was a factor. That information can be used in future civil lawsuits.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued guidelines to auto manufacturers in the hopes of reducing distractions related to built-in electronic devices in vehicles. Those include devices used for communication, navigation and entertainment.

Secretary Ray LaHood said that while drivers do appreciate certain features in their vehicles, there must be a better balance with regard to safety.

As such, the Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's voluntary guidelines involve criteria such as ensuring that those devices don't require more than two seconds of attention to operate.

Additionally, the NHTSA says that certain features should be disabled while the vehicle is in motion. For example, manual text entry for text messaging and internet browsing should cease while the driver is in motion. Same thing with video-based communications or entertainment and the display for certain kinds of social media content, web pages and text messaging.

These recommendations are in line with the findings revealed in NHTSA's recent study, The Impact of Hand-Held and Hands-Free Cell Phone Use on Driving Performance and Safety Critical Event Risk.

While there are steps that auto manufacturers can do to limit driver distractions, it's ultimately up to the person behind the wheel.

Tragedies such as what happened recently in Charlotte and Asheville shouldn't be happening. We call them "accidents" in that no one intended for them to occur. However, that doesn't mean they aren't 100 percent preventable.

Greensboro Injury Lawyers Warn Against Pileup Risks

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:25:36 -0500

A recent 100-car pileup on the North Carolina-Virginia border on I-77 claimed 3 lives and injured 25 people, some critically.

Our Greensboro car accident lawyers understand that the incident involved 17 crashes that resulted in the pileup, all attributed to severe fog, specifically the cloud that had fallen upon the Fancy Gap Mountain region.

There were reportedly some advance warning signs to notify people of the fog. Some have said drivers were traveling too quickly for the conditions. However, motorists reportedly found themselves beset by these conditions quite suddenly. One minute visibility was normal and the next, it was virtually non-existent.

USA Today conducted a recent analysis of crash statistics, and found that so far this year, there have been nearly 20 pileups on U.S. highways. Of those, five involved at least 50 vehicles. The injuries were numerous.

The sudden onset of fog has been at the core of numerous pileups since last year. In Texas last Thanksgiving weekend, two people were killed in a 95-car pileup on I-10 when a sudden patch of fog settled over Beaumont.

Then last year in Florida near Gainesville, 10 people were killed when I-75 became suddenly blanketed in smoke and fog.

In addition to fog, winter weather is also a major culprit, with the storms along the Great Lakes leaving numerous pileups in their wake. Just this past January, pileups in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana involved 30 to 40 vehicles each.

As we continue to thaw out this spring, fog will continue to be a concern in North Carolina, particularly along the mountainous regions.

Fog has the ability to reduce visibility to a quarter mile or less. If you know the area through which you are traveling is under a fog advisory, postpone your trip if at all possible, or plan an alternate route. Usually, fog lifts by either late morning or afternoon, so the inconvenience shouldn't be too great.

However, if this isn't possible, The Weather Channel advises drivers to keep the following in mind:

Use your low beams. If you use your high beam lights, the light will only be reflected back to you, which is going to serve to reduce your visibility even further.

Slow down. Specifically, keep an eye on your speedometer. Fog creates the optical illusion of slow motion, even if you are actually moving fast.

Stop to listen for the traffic you might not be able to see. Roll down your window a bit, turn down the radio and keep all other distractions to a minimum.

Defrosters and windshield wipers can help to maximize your visibility.

Please be patient. Don't attempt to pass traffic or hurry. You will only be putting yourself, your passengers and fellow motorists at risk.

If you have trouble seeing directly in front of you, you may choose to use the painted road markings or the edge of the road as a guide.

Elderly at High Risk of North Carolina Pedestrian Accidents?

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:18:53 -0500

Not everyone understands the risks that elderly pedestrians face in North Carolina. Hendersonville does though. According to the County's "Walk Wise, Drive Smart" program, more than 30 percent of its population are elderly residents.

Older pedestrians have a greater chance of suffering serious or fatal injuries if struck by a motor vehicle when walking than their younger counterparts. Unsafe conditions and poor transit options contribute to the risks.

Our Hendersonville pedestrian accident lawyers understand that the number of elderly killed while walking on America's road is expected to increase given the aging of the U.S. population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By 2015, more than 15 million Americans age 65 and older will live in areas where public transportation service is poor or non-existent. That number is expected to keep growing as the baby boom generation "ages in place" in suburbs and exurbs with few mobility options for those who do not drive. And that's why officials with Transportation for America conducted the "Aging in Place, Stuck with Options" study.

Absent access to affordable travel options, seniors face isolation, a reduced quality of life and possible economic hardship

According to the study, most residents stick to where they are once they reach retirement age. When they "age in place," they're stuck in the places with poor transit systems and are forced to deal with an area that no longer accommodates their needs.

Improving transportation safety is the best way for officials to head off the problem. When transit is scarce, two feet are all that's left for many of these residents. After decades of rapid growth that focused almost exclusively on
speeding traffic, Charlotte, North Carolina officials thankfully decided that they needed to rethink their street design guidelines.

Before the roadways were redesigned, the area didn't have bike routes or a complete sidewalk network and suffered from limited connectivity and far too many cul-de-sacs. In the beginning of the 2000s, officials with the Charlotte Department of Transportation started building a street network design to help meet the needs of more travelers -- including pedestrians.

The goal was to make getting around a lot easier and safer for everyone. But is it working?

We need to be on the lookout for our elderly pedestrians -- in all areas. The reflexes and abilities of these travelers are diminishing and they're less likely to react to roadway dangers. That's why we have to stay one step ahead to help preserve their safety.

If you have an elderly family member, check in with them. Is there anything they need? If there any way you can help? Working alongside our seniors can help to preserve their safety and to keep them in our lives that much long. After all they've done for us, it's the least we can do for them.

Drunk Drivers Killing Hundreds in South Carolina

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 08:45:54 -0500

"South Carolina has dropped from number one to number seven in terms of DUI related impaired drivers," said Leroy Smith, director of the South Carolina Dept. of Public Safety.

And that's good news, according to Mainlands Connect. But the fight is far from over. According to the the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there close to 400 people killed in alcohol-related car accidents in the state of South Carolina in 2011. These kinds of accidents accounted for close to half of all traffic accident fatalities throughout the year.

Our Rock Hill drunk driving accident lawyers understand that there were close to 10,000 people killed nationwide because of alcohol-related car accidents. Throughout the year, an average of one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality occurred every 53 minutes. A lot of these accidents happened at night, too. As a matter of fact, the rate of alcohol impairment among drivers was close to 5 times higher at night than during the day. In 2011, 15 percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes during the week were under the influence of alcohol, compared to more than 30 percent on that happened on the weekends.

It was our younger drivers who were guiltiest. Drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 had the highest percentage of drivers with a BAC of .08 or higher. The proportion of drivers involved in fatal crashes with BAC levels of .08 or higher was close to 25 percent among males and nearly 15 percent among females.

Not only is there no reason to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, but it's just selfish to risk the lives of others in the process. That's why officials are cracking down hard on this poor behavior. You don't want to get busted.

A DUI conviction can be costly. The fine for a DUI can range from $400 to $6,300; your license will be suspended for six months; and your insurance rates will increase. So, aside from your fine, you'll also have to pay a license reinstatement fee and higher insurance rates.

There's no reason for you to put yourself in any of these predicaments. All you have to do is stay sober behind the wheel.

But what if you consume alcohol and have to get home? That's where responsibility and safety kick in. There are a number of ways that you can get home safely. Call a cab or a taxi, call a friend or family member or even turn to public transportation. Whichever you decide, just make sure that the driver's seat isn't one of them. With thousands dying on our roadways every year because of irresponsible behavior, there's no reason to add to the risk. Your best bet is to designate a sober driver before you ever go out. Sober is safety and it'll get you home.

Elderly Drivers' Heighted Risks for Carolina Traffic Accidents

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 08:15:48 -0500

In 2011, there were more than 5,400 people over the age of 64 who were killed in car accidents across the U.S. According to the latest statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 300 of them were killed in North Carolina traffic collisions.

This is a serious problem, especially as the baby boomer generation ages, because these elderly drivers face serious obstacles behind the wheel that make it tougher and more dangerous to drive.

Although the elderly population accounts for roughly 13 percent of our nation's residents, they accounted for more than 17 percent of the people who were killed in traffic accidents throughout the year. This is a number that's down about 2 percent from the year before, but it's a statistic that's expected to rise. In the next few years, our elderly population will hit a boom. With more of these drivers on our roadways, we can expect more accidents.

Our Charlotte car accident lawyers understand that these elderly accidents are most likely to happen when the roadways are busiest. Throughout the year, more than 75 percent of them happened during daylight hours while roughly 70 percent happened on the weekdays. And they're endangering everyone out there, with more than 65 percent of the accidents involving other vehicles.

We're not here to point fingers though, we're here to help. In the state of North Carolina, drivers are required to renew their license once every 5 years once they reach the age of 54, according to Caring.com. Usually, a driver only has to renew every 8 years.

These drivers are also required to pass a vision and a traffic sign test for renewal. They also have to get their vision tested. They must have 20/40 or better for unrestricted; 20/70 better eye with restrictions. Bioptic telescopes are not permitted for meeting acuity standard, but are permitted for driving. If you're over the age of 60, you're exempt from the parallel parking test.

Aging affects each of us differently and when chronic illnesses are also present; there can be a decline in physical and cognitive abilities. It's through no fault of their own, but it's important that were stepping in to make sure that everything's running smoothly and they're not at undue risks out there.

Take a look at the elderly members of your family. Are they safe to be out there behind the wheel? Can they see? Are there unexplained dents in their vehicle? Do they seem anxious when driving? Do they take alternative routes to avoid major highways? Are they abiding by lights and road signs? Are they driving too fast or too slow?

If the answers to any of these questions don't pass muster, it might be time to talk with your loved ones about giving up their keys. It's not about taking away their freedom and their independence, but it's about making sure that they're around longer to enjoy it.

Teen Driver Fatalities on the Rise in NC

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 07:52:56 -0500

In 2011, there were close to 100 teenager drivers in the state of North Carolina who were killed in car accidents. According to recently-released statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these teenage car accidents are on the rise.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for all 15- to 20-year-olds, and we need to do whatever we can to reduce the risks.

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand that the first year a driver spends behind the wheel is the most dangerous year they're going to spend on the road. It's important that we launch our teen's driving careers with safe and responsible habits, but it takes some time and work to get that achieved. Parents and guardians are the most influential people in a teen's life, and that good, positive influence needs to happen as frequently as possible.

Nationwide, there were close to 4,500 teenagers involved in fatal accidents. If you break it down, 10 percent of all of the drivers who were involved in a fatal accident and close to 15 percent of all of the drivers who were involved in police-reported accidents were these young drivers. In 2011, there were close to 1,300,000 teenage drivers involved in police-reported accidents. And most of those accidents were preventable and were caused by driver inattention, carelessness and inexperience.

One of the most important factors to discuss with our young drivers is alcohol consumption. According to the NHTSA, about a third of all teens who were killed in a traffic accident had alcohol in their system. They may not be old enough to legally purchase it, but that doesn't mean they can't get their hands on it.

For teenage drivers, alcohol involvement is higher among males than among females. In 2011, close to 30 percent of the young male drivers involved in fatal crashes had been drinking at the time of the crash, compared with about 15 percent of the young female drivers involved in fatal accidents.

They're to be safe regardless of how they're getting around -- even on motorcycles. During 2011, close to 219 young motorcycle riders (15- to 20-years-old) were killed, and another 5,000 were injured in traffic accidents.

These drivers are less likely to wear a seat belt, too. Make sure you're talking with them about the importance of a seat belt. It can mean the different between life and death in the event of a collision.

In addition to talking with your teen and setting a safe driving example for them, it's important that you're riding along with them for supervised driving time often. This is important even when they've graduated from their learner's permit and are allowed to drive without an adult in the vehicle. Make sure they know what is expected from them behind the wheel and they're doing everything in their power to stay safe. Enact driving rules within your home and stick to them. Enforcement is half the battle when it comes to safety.

Officers Increase Saturation Efforts to Curb Carolina Accidents

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:59:44 -0500

Police officers in Rock Hill are putting a lot of attention on seat belts. In a recent seat belt enforcement campaign on Patriot Parkway, officers issued nearly 10 citations. During the same time, enforcement efforts on Riverview Road landed close to 5 motorists with citation and two more with warnings.

Back in January, local officers kicked off a new way to help to reduce the risks of car accidents -- Data Driven Approach to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS). This is a campaign that was organized by the state's Department of Public Safety. Through the effort, officials with the State Transport Police, the Highway Patrol and the York County Sheriff's Office Highway Interdiction Team are working to let their presence be known out there.

Our Rock Hill car accident attorneys understand that there were at least 20 motorists who were stopped by Rock Hill Police Officers during an April 5th effort. The specialty of this enforcement campaign is that officers are using statistics to bolster police visibility in areas that they feel car accidents are common. The area that was most recently used in this enforcement campaign was all of the avenues, roads and streets enveloping and crisscrossing the I-77 interchange. Officers say that vehicles in these areas are traveling at least 8 miles over the posted speed limit at least 90 percent of the time.

Dilip Patel, the manager of the Microtel Inn & Suites in the area, says that he oftentimes worries about the guests of his hotel who walk in the area. He says that they're having to dodge speedsters and irresponsible drivers.

Patel says that there should be more sidewalks or walking trails in the area. He does say that he's happy to see police in the area helping with the problem, hoping it builds awareness in drivers.

During the first 3 months of 2012, there were close to 95 accidents reported in the area. So far in 2013, officers have recorded more than 65.

In 2013, officers handed out more than 220 citations for seat belts, speeding and other traffic violations. In just the first 2 months of 2013, they've already handed out more than 250.

In the wake of these enforcement efforts, we're reminding motorists to buckle up. South Carolina's seat belt law requires that every driver and every occupant of a motor vehicle, when it is being operated on the public streets and highways of this state, must wear a safety belt.

Not only are you risking your own safety when traveling without a seat belt, but you're also running the risk of getting slapped with a citation. If you busted, you can wind up with a $25 ticket. It may not seem like much, but you're in for a whole lot more if you get into an accident without a seat belt. Consider the medical costs for injuries and think about that time you're going to miss from work. A seat belt is your first line of defense.

Teen Drivers Face Highest Accident Risks on Carolina Roadways

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 08:59:28 -0500

In a recent car accident, a teenage passenger was killed. In the accident, a second young passenger was take to the hospital. According to News13, the accident happened on Highway 501 N. in Marion.

According to accident reports, the driver ran his vehicle off the road and jumped over a guardrail. The car came to rest in a canal.

Our Marion car accident lawyers understand the risks that our teens face out there, especially when there a multiple passengers in the vehicle. As a matter of fact, car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in South Carolina. There were more than 120 people killed in car accidents involving teen drivers in our state in 2010. Over the last 5 years, these teen driver accidents have claimed the lives of close to 800 people. Across the nation, there have been close to 90,000 people killed in accidents involving teen drivers, according to SafeRoads4Teens.com.

Under the rules of the South Carolina Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program, teenage drivers are not allowed to have more than 2 passengers under the age of 21 with them in the vehicle at any time unless they're driving to or from school. Unfortunately, those are some of the most lenient laws in the country. With each passenger, your teen driver's risk for an accident increases significantly.

In addition to the passenger restrictions, it's important that you're familiar with the other restrictions of the state's GDL program:

-Drivers can get their learner's permit at the age of 15.

-At 15 years and 6 months, a driver can get their intermediate license.

-At 16-years-old, a driver can get a full license.

-There is a mandatory 6 month holding period for the learner's permit stage.

-During the learner's permit stage, parents are required to ride along with their teen drivers for at least 40 hours. This is to provide them with plenty of supervised driving to help to develop those safe driving habits. At least 10 of those hours must be completed at night.

-Before obtaining an unrestricted driver's license, drivers are prohibited from driving between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (standard time) or 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (daylight savings time).

-Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using a cell phone in the driver's seat. They're also prohibited from text messaging while driving, too.

As we head through this time of the year, teens will be spending a lot more time behind the wheel. They've got prom, graduation and summer break. During this time, we typically see a significant increase in the number of teen driver accidents. Make sure you're doing your part to help to reduce these risks by continuing an active presence in your young driver's life. Make sure they're getting plenty of supervised driving time and that they're following all of the rules.

Cell Phone Use Blamed in Fatal Ashville Traffic Collision

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:44:05 -0500

As we recently reported on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog, the month of April is being used by safe-driving advocates to push National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Unfortunately, not all drivers in the state of North Carolina are listening.

According to the Citizen-Times, a driver involved in a recent fatal accident is facing blame after officers discovered she was on the phone when the accident happened. Following the accident, police officers obtained phone records that showed the woman was on the phone just seconds before impact. In this accident, it was that phone call that ended her life in the accident on Interstate 40.

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand that the phone records show that the woman was repeatedly dialing a phone number as her vehicle slammed into the back of another vehicle on that Interstate. While officials are trying to tackle text messaging and driving, which has proved to be more dangerous, we must all remember that using a cell phone in any way while driving is extremely dangerous.

Officers report that the woman was driving east in the right lane of the Interstate just before 10:00 a.m. when the accident happened. There was a driver who was stopped in that same lame because of some traffic resulting from an earlier accident. Accident reports state that the woman didn't slow her vehicle at all before slamming into the car in front of her. The two people who were in the first car were taken to a local hospital and treated for injuries.

While investigating the accident, officers found three phones in the distracted driver's vehicle. After obtaining a search warrant, officers were able to obtain those phone records.

According to the AAA Foundation for traffic safety, talking on a cell phone behind the wheel quadruples your risks of being involved in an accident. It's these dangerous driving habits that are a factor in close to 8,000 accidents each and every day.

"Don't handle a cellphone while you are in forward motion operating your vehicle," officer Ann Fowler said.

As we continue through National Distracted Driving Month, we want to remind drivers that there is no phone call and no text message that should be worth risking your own life or the life of innocent travelers around you. Remember that in the state of North Carolina, all drivers are prohibited from text messaging behind the wheel. Although only drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from talking on a cell phone in the driver's seat, we all know right from wrong. So hang up the phone and save a life. If you have a phone call or a text message you need to deal with, your safest bet is to pull over somewhere, come to a safe stop and then handle it. There's no point in taking your eyes off the road to do it.

NC Traffic Safety: Enrolling Students in a Safe Driving Future

Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:13:37 -0500

Doug Darrell was a police officer for many years and he has become unfortunately familiar with teen car accidents. He knows all too much about the dangers that accompany their inexperience behind the wheel.

According to The Apex Herald, he's been the one many times to deliver the unfortunate news of a teen death to the family of the young driver.

As his sons approached the legal driving age, the retired detective felt that his time would be well spend trying to get teens to act more responsibly behind the wheel. That's why in 2006 he launched StreetSafe; Life Saving Driving Experience. This program is unique because it's taught by police officers and first responders.

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand that car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for teenagers across the country. Local parents and guardians are urged to register their young driver into one of these programs. Registration is only $30 -- and that's a cost that could wind up saving their life. But you're not off the hook once you register them. Parents and guardians are required to attend the first hour of the glass. Darrell says that this is one of the most important hours of the class.

"When I was doing research I found in every single study that parents are the number one significant influence on the way their children drive," Darrell said.

StreetSafe is a hands-on driving program designed and developed to change the driving behaviors that cause moving violations, crashes, DWI's, injuries and death.

Parents and guardians who have had teens complete the course report that they're not the only ones that are surprised by what they've learned. Throughout the course, teen drivers are put through a number of driving course maneuvers to show them just how easily accidents can happen. The problem is that many of these young drivers think they're invincible out there.

As it stands, the state of North Carolina is ranked as one of the worst states in the country for fatal teen accidents. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) reports that only the state of Texas saw more teen fatalities than North Carolina in 2011.

Each year, the country sees roughly 6,000 teens killed in car accidents. We can help to cut down on this number by providing our young drivers with more supervised driving time and with a more thorough driving education.

You're not in the clear after this course though. Parents and guardians are asked to spend plenty of time in the vehicle with their young driver behind the wheel. Supervised driving time is one of the most effective ways to make sure that you teens is practicing safe driving habits out there. The habits they learn during their first few years of driving is the best way to ensure that these are the habits they'll practice for a lifetime. Equip them with the tools that they need to help ensure a safe driving career.