Posts Tagged ‘safety’
Texting While Driving – Laws and Dangers
Driving while distracted is the cause of many serious and often fatal accidents every year. However, this is still a common practice for many drivers which is resulting in more and more cities and states legislating a ban on this activity. There are many types of distractions that can cause danger, such as talking or texting on a cell phone, grooming, watching videos, or adjusting a cd player or radio.
$100,000 State Farm Grant to Safety Program Highlights Deadliest Crash Month for Teens
0,000 State Farm Grant to Safety Program Highlights Deadliest Crash Month for Teens
State Farm has awarded a 0,000 grant to Teens in the Driver Seat® (TDS), making the company the largest corporate sponsor of the growing peer-based safety program for young drivers. The funding will go toward supporting the program in Texas.
State Farm has awarded a 0,000 grant to Teens in the Driver Seat® (TDS), making the company the largest corporate sponsor of the growing peer-based safety program for young drivers. The funding will go toward supporting the program in Texas.
State Farm made its announcement on the eve of what is typically the deadliest month of the year for teens nationwide. The average number of fatal crashes involving teenagers over the past decade has been highest in July, and that month has surpassed all other months in eight out of ten years from 2000 to 2009, based on crash records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Teenagers face more danger on the roads than any other group, and that danger peaks in July,” said State Farm Public Affairs Manager Sophie Harbert. “This is an ideal time for us to highlight our support of Teens in the Driver Seat and our overall commitment to roadway safety.”
Started in 2003, Teens in the Driver Seat is the nation’s first peer-to-peer program focused exclusively on teen driving safety. The program was developed by the Texas Transportation Institute(TTI), and is designed to capitalize on the profound degree of influence that young people have on each other. Crash trends suggest that the program is having a meaningful impact. Since the program started, the number of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes has dropped more steadily in Texas than in any other state.
Student teams at nearly 500 Texas schools have started Teens in the Driver Seat programs, reaching more than half a million of their peers with safe driving messages. The schools can request help from TTI staff, but the students are ultimately responsible for developing and delivering the safety messages in ways that resonate best with other students.
“Most young drivers don’t know that they’re many times more likely to die in a crash than people in other age groups,” says TDS Program Director Russell Henk of TTI. “But they need to hear the message from a source they trust; they need to hear it from each other. The support we receive from State Farm will help to ensure that they do.”
About State Farm®:
State Farm insures more cars and homes than any other insurer in the U.S., is the leading insurer of watercraft and is also a leading insurer in Canada. Our 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts—more than 78 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 37 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca®.
About the Texas Transportation Institute:
Since 1950, the Texas Transportation Institute has sought solutions to the problems and challenges facing all modes of transportation—surface, air, pipeline, water and rail. A member of The Texas A&M University System, the Institute annually works with nearly 200 sponsors at all levels of government and the private sector. Recognized as one of the finest higher education-affiliated transportation research agencies in the nation, TTI has made research breakthroughs across all facets of modern transportation. Virtually every mile of roadway in Texas has benefitted from TTI research.
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Austin, TX June 30, 2011
Illinois Accident Lawyer Supports Chicago Police Clampdown on Unsafe Bicyclists
Illinois Accident Lawyer Supports Chicago Police Clampdown on Unsafe Bicyclists
A recent sting operation scolding bicyclists for breaking road rules reinforces the need for bicycle and motor vehicle safety, says Illinois personal injury lawyer Michael P. Schostok.
Chicago police warned bicyclists to obey traffic laws in a recent sting operation at one of the city’s busiest downtown intersections, according to an article in the Chicago Tribune.
Michael P. Schostok, a Chicago personal injury attorney who represents clients hurt in motor vehicle and bicycle accidents, calls the campaign a step in the right direction.
“Whether you’re a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian, you must obey the rules of the road,” says Schostok, an equity partner in the Chicago personal injury law firm of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard. “Chicago is home to nearly 3 million people, and countless numbers of them commute every day. Hopefully, a ticket or warning will lead them to behave more responsibly.”
In just two hours, officers issued 240 warnings and one ticket to cyclists committing violations, such as running red lights and riding through pedestrian crosswalks, the Tribune reported. It’s part of a joint campaign between city police, the Department of Transportation and the City of Chicago’s Bicycling Ambassadors that encourages bicyclists to “Share the Road.”
Around 3,200 Illinois bicycle accidents occurred in 2009 — 20 of them fatal — according to the most recent statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“Sometimes, the accidents will result in a bump or a bruise and commuters will go on their way, but other times, there are catastrophic injuries that change the course of the victims’ lives forever,” says Schostok, who also handles wrongful death lawsuits.
For example, a crash could cause traumatic brain injuries or other wounds that permanently disable or disfigure accident victims.
“What may seems like a simple act of negligence, such as riding in a crosswalk, could have devastating consequences,” explains Schostok. “In an instant, a bicycle, car or pedestrian crash has the potential to rob victims of their livelihoods and cause irreversible physical and emotional pain.”
The Chicago accident lawyer said one helpful solution is for bicyclists to know the rules of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
“The code holds that every vehicle operator – and a bicycle counts as a vehicle – must follow the same traffic laws as drivers of any car or truck,” Schostok says. “Of course, that also means that drivers must respect cyclists as equals on the road.”
Violators or their insurance companies may be held liable for any injuries caused by negligence on the roads, he added.
When disaster strikes, it is important for victims and their families to learn about their legal options and file claims as soon as possible, Schostok advises.
“Contacting a lawyer who is experienced in bicycle and motor vehicle accidents can help determine whether you have a good case to make in court,” he explained. “And the stakes are high – a successful verdict or settlement can result in compensation that can help alleviate the burdens caused by medical expenses or time off work.”
About Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard
Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard is a leading Illinois personal injury law firm with offices in Chicago and Waukegan. In addition to representing clients in catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, aviation and product liability cases, the firm focuses on car and truck accidents, airplane and train accidents, construction injuries, birth injuries, brain injuries, unsafe properties and animal attacks. The firm has obtained more than 5 million on behalf of its clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases, including 160 multi-million dollar verdicts or settlements. For more information, call (312) 372-1227 or use the firm’s online contact form.
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chicago department of motor vehicles
Limousine Association Executive Director, Barry E. Lefkowitz Participates on NJ MVC Safety Advisory Council
With several prominent achievements in the Limousine industry, Barry E. Lefkowitz, Executive Director of the Limousine Association of New Jersey, was requested to be a member of the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission Safety Advisory Council
The Limousine Association of New Jersey is pleased to announce Barry E. Lefkowitz’ participation on the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s Safety Advisory Council. The Safety Advisory Council, which held a critical planning meeting in May 2007 regarding the NJ MVC’s future, requested the experience and expertise of Lefkowitz, Executive Director of the Limousine Association of New Jersey, and a recognized key participant in the NJ Limousine industry.
New Jersey is experiencing several key trends from an increase in densely populated areas, to teenage accidents, to special needs for an aging population. To work along with these trends, the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission’s (MVC) Safety Advisory Council will be taking active steps to try to improve safety in New Jersey by developing a plan for the next five years, which includes emphasis areas and coordinated strategies. The NJ Motor Vehicle Commission realizes that to capably address the hurdles to its future success, strong feedback and innovative ideas are needed.
Other participants on the advisory council included: the NJ Deputy Attorney General; President of the NJ State Safety Council; Director and Deputy Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety; NJ Dept. of Education – Office of Academic and Professional Standards; Department of Transportation, Chief Technical Assistance Unit Admin Office of the Courts; Assistant Director of Municipal Court Services; Manager of the Motor Vehicle Commission Driver Management Dept.; State Executive Director of MADD; School Bus Owners Association, NJ State Municipal Prosecutors Assn., State of NJ Congressman for the American Motorcyclist Assn.; NJ State Chiefs of Police; Executive Director of the NJ Motor Truck Association; Director of Public Affairs AAA; NJ State Police Field Operations; American Motorcyclist Association; State Coordinator for the AARP/NJ Driver Safety Program; Chief NJ Police Traffic Officer’s Association; CMCA, President of the NJ Municipal Court Administration Association
The MVC realizes that it needs to partner with key organizations to address safety concerns. At the Safety Advisory Council’s most recent meeting, topics that represented key safety areas for the NJ MVC were discussed. Law enforcement, the courts, regulating entities, educators, safety organizations and others organizations impacted the priority of topics.
Representatives discussed, and then voted on which topics were priority. The following are the topics according to priority.
1. Driver Control – MVC has almost lifetime involvement with drivers from supporting driver education, testing, licensing, monitoring, sanctions, improvement and license retirement. Point system and driver improvement are addressed.
2. Teen Drivers – Teens are involved in more accidents per mile driven than any other driver age category. Education, testing and driver improvement issues are addressed.
3. Older Drivers – With the population aging increasing the number of older drivers who can exhibit reduced skills and medical conditions impact safety. Education, medical reporting, and re-exams are addressed.
4. Motorcycle Safety – With motorcycles growing in popularity it is recognized that specialized training is proven to help prevent collisions. Education by novice and experienced riders are addressed.
5. Commercial Vehicle Driving – Many trucks and buses travel NJ roads leading to a greater risk of collisions. Commercial driving is regulated at the federal level. The availability of qualified drivers is a safety concern. School Bus Drivers, small buses and vans, and commercial vehicles are addressed.
“The human and economic costs associated with accidents on the road are too great. The NJ MVC Safety Advisory Council is charged with the courageous responsibilities to develop more effective strategies to reduce the number of lives lost, the human suffering, and the economic costs associated with motor vehicle collisions in New Jersey,” said Lefkowitz. “The Council has effective and well-attended sessions made up of people with various areas of expertise and knowledge including the directors of key traffic and motor vehicle-related departments within the state of New Jersey. I am honored to be selected to sit as a participant on this council.”
Mr. Lefkowitz has a strong government background, with three decades of governmental relations, regulatory, economic development, media, and educational experience at the federal, state and local levels. Lefkowitz has developed and successfully guided over 200 Bills through the State Legislative and Congressional processes, including “The Limousine Safety Act”, and the “Real Interstate Driver Equity Act”.
About the Limousine Association of New Jersey (LANJ)
The LANJ was created to ensure that New Jersey operators are treated fairly by legislators, enforcement officers and governing bodies. Members are active in Trenton and Washington D.C.
The organization has grown into a dynamic political entity that is respected nationwide for its successes and member programs.
Additional information about the Limousine Association of New Jersey is available at http://www.lanj.org
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Posted On: Lumberton, NJ June 6, 2007
Washington Personal Injury Lawyer Hails Gains in Traffic Safety, Urges More Action to Prevent Car Accidents
Focus on speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving could accelerate an improving trend in Washingtonâs statewide traffic fatalities, Seattle personal injury attorney Dean Brett says.
Even though Washingtonâs traffic-related deaths dropped to an historic low in 2010, raising public awareness of the dangers of speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving could prevent even more fatalities, Seattle car accident attorney Dean Brett said today.
On March 30, the Washington Traffic Safety Commission announced that the stateâs traffic fatalities dropped from 492 in 2009 to 448 last year, marking the lowest number of crash-related deaths in Washingtonâs history.
âThese numbers show that our roads are safer today than ever before, but thereâs still a lot of work that needs to be done,â said Brett, a founding partner of the personal injury law firm, Brett & Coats, Attorneys at Law, PLLC, which represents car accident victims and their families throughout Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham and Spokane.
In 2009, the law firm secured a .5 million verdict in a case involving a drunk driving accident, which was the largest jury verdict ever recorded in Skagit County (French v. Parker, et al.; Skagit County Cause No. 08-2-00530-8).
âThat number â 448 â is not so low when you consider that 448 families lost a loved one to a car crash during the past year,â Brett said. âEven the loss of one life to an auto accident that could have been prevented is one too many. Thatâs why our state needs to continue to focus on putting an end to the types of reckless driving that cause accidents, injuries and deaths.â
Brett said the emphasis should be on speeding, distracted driving and drunk driving because they are three of the leading causes of car accident deaths.
Speeding accounted for nearly 40 percent of all Washington traffic fatalities between 2004 and 2008, according to a Washington Traffic Safety Commission study. Drunk driving accounts for nearly one quarter of the stateâs driving fatalities, 2009 state data shows, while distracted driving has become a growing concern due to the growing number of people who talk on cell phones or text while behind the wheel.
âWe need to be aggressive in raising awareness of the dangers of reckless driving, especially in our message to younger drivers,â Brett said. âAnd reckless drivers need to know that they will be held fully accountable for their conduct.â
If a person or their loved one is harmed by a reckless driver, Brett said it is important to contact an experienced Washington car accident attorney in order to discuss their legal options.
âOur law firmâs main concern will always be on promoting safe driving and protecting the rights of innocent victims and their families,â he said.
About Brett & Coats
Brett & Coats, Personal Injury Attorneys, PLLC is a Washington personal injury law firm with offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham and Spokane. The firm represents car accident victims, including those injured in DUI/DWI accidents, and other personal injury victims throughout the state of Washington. The firmâs practice areas also include motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, boating accidents, construction accidents, railroad collisions and aviation crashes. For more information, call the firm at (800) 925-1875 or use its online contact form.
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Posted On: Seattle, WA (Vocus/PRWEB) April 04, 2011washington state driving record
A Super Fast Defensive Driving Course for Busy Users at Denton-defensivedriving.com
An internet borne defensive driving school, Denton-defensivedriving.com letting you drive defensively with out spending days to master the skill.
According to the National Safety Council, an estimated 77% of accidents are due to the driverâs error. Rejuvenating user defensive driving skills will provide the methodology needed to avoid an accident and serve as an important reminder to drive defensively at all times.
The defensive driving course from http://www.denton-defensivedriving.com claims to inculcate the safe driving habits through an interactive mode of learning, covering the varied disciplines like Speeding, Braking, Backing, Emergency maneuvering, Evasive steering, Defensive Parking, Alcohol consumption and its effect on driving.
The course administrators believe that course from http://www.denton-defensivedriving.com need not be confined to those looking for ticket dismissal or point reduction but can be pursued by everyone in order to cultivate the defensive driving habits.
Denton-defensivedriving.com offers 6-hour Texas defensive driving course which is approved by the Texas Education Agency apart from court approval.
The state approved web based course offers an expert help desk which stands by 24/7/365 guiding the users through out.
About http://www.denton-defensivedriving.com:
TEA approved 6 hour course on defensive driving course stands clean up your driving record. Pursuit of the course not only helps driving records but uplifts user driving experiences.
For further details, contact:
James Peterson,
http://www.denton-defensivedriving.com
800.723.1955
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Posted On: Tallahassee, FL January 27, 2006order driving record texas






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