Category Archives: Car Driver Safety

Dangerous Driving Conditions Can Cause Car Accidents

Las Vegas may see a large amount of sunshine throughout the year, but the days when it does rain can be extremely treacherous on the roadways. Rain can cause dangerous road conditions, which can lead to accidents. Whether driving on city roads or highways, it’s important to be aware of the road conditions at all times when behind the wheel.

Weather not the only issue

Dangerous road conditions are not always caused by weather. Sometimes, they can be caused by the negligence of another party. Perhaps a pot hole hasn’t been fixed or a truck has lost some of it’s’ cargo. Both of these things can cause havoc on the roads and drivers in Las Vegas must be aware of these types of incidents. The Precision Injury Law – Personal Injury Law Firm can help with providing exceptional legal advice to the parties affected.

In cases such as these, it is typically the party that caused the accident that is held responsible. If a truck has its cargo spilling onto the road and causes an accident, liability typically falls on the driver of the truck.

Beware of troubling road conditions

Sometimes the problem isn’t the cars bought from junk my car, but rather the road that cars drive on. If a city or county is responsible for fixing pot holes, but have left them unattended for longer than what is considered reasonable, they can be held liable for damages and injuries from a car accident.

It’s also possible that the road was simply designed in a dangerous way. This is another situation where the county, city or entity responsible for designing the road can be held liable for the damages and injuries incurred from a car crash.

Whether it’s a torrential downpour, rugged roads or a careless driver, it is your duty as a driver to constantly be aware of dangerous driving conditions. Keep your eyes focused on the road at all times and take it a little slower if driving in unsafe conditions.

If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by dangerous road conditions, you should contact an experienced car accident attorney in Las Vegas. With a reliable lawyer on your side, you won’t have to worry about paying out of pocket for injuries and damages caused by someone else’s neglect.

The Safety Of Hands Free Devices

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A recent study by AAA was released and shows that hands free devices may not be as safe as many people think. Distracted driving has become a huge issue with texting while driving, taking phone calls in the car and many other distractions. These types of accidents have become a normal thing for a Las Vegas auto accident attorney to deal with on a regular basis.

Distracted driving is an epidemic in the United States. With new technology coming out just about every month, more drivers are on their cell phones or using navigational systems than ever before. This can increase the chances of an accident exponentially and it’s against the law in nearly every state.

Most drivers believe the solution to distracted driving is a hands free device and voice recognition software. This may seem like a great idea, but a new study done by AAA shows this may not be true.

Many companies have started to market hands free devices and voice command software to all drivers, especially younger demographics. They are saying these devices are a safer alternative to a hand held device. In fact, many car manufacturers have started to include hands free dashboard technology in all of their vehicles.

The AAA Study

The data found in a recent AAA study showed that hands free devices with voice commands for text and email may actually be more distracting for the driver. This is due to the higher level of concentration necessary to make sure the email or text is transcribed properly. When drivers use this type of technology, they tend to develop “tunnel vision” or “inattention blindness.”

Many police accident investigators have started adding the comment “looked, but did not see” to the report. This used to confuse safety officials, but research has shown that it means tunnel vision or inattention blindness was a part of the accident.

Rising rate of new technology in vehicles

With about 9 million vehicles on the road featuring some type of infotainment technology system, distracted driving is certainly a serious issue. Many officials believe the number will increase to more than 60 million of these vehicles by 2018. AAA officials have briefed automakers and they want to limit vehicles made with voice command software, hands free devices and infotainment systems.

AAA wants vehicles to be limited to just the core driving options necessary as features on the vehicle. The National Safety Council has also joined the debate and has asked policymakers to reconsider entertainment and communication technology on future vehicle models.

Distracted driving is a problem and a hands free device isn’t the solution. When you’re on the road, put the phone away and only use a navigation system when you have a passenger to run it for you. This will help keep you safer and less distracted on the highway.

Avoiding Semi-Truck Accidents

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Driving can be dangerous and an accident with a semi-truck is one of the worst and most deadly vehicle related incidents. Avoiding this type of accident should be a high priority for all drivers. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting into an accident with a semi-truck.

Avoid the Blind Spots

All semi-trucks have blind spots, which are very dangerous for other drivers. These blind spots are very large and can make it very dangerous when you’re trying to drive around these vehicles. About 30% of all semi-truck accidents start because of a car driving in the blind spot of the semi.

Any car accident attorney in Las Vegas will tell you, semi-truck accidents are the worst. They will also tell you that they’ve encountered many cases with a car driving in the blind spot of a truck. Respect the driver and if you can’t see the truck’s side mirrors, they likely cannot see you.

Provide Some Distance for Semi-Trucks

When driving on the highway and in adverse conditions, make sure you give trucks plenty of room to stop, maneuver and turn. You shall get more information in this source about how to do so. Don’t cut trucks off to get to an exit or a turn. Instead, drive safely and take your time, as one false move could cause the truck to slip and turn the roadway into a scene from a horror movie.

Stay Alert

Even when you’re not around semi-trucks, you should stay alert at all times when behind the wheel. It’s important to be very alert around larger vehicles, as they operate differently than a passenger car or SUV. Be ready for anything to happen and keep space in the other lane or on the shoulder in case you need to move over quickly.

Don’t Pass Semi-Trucks When they are Turning

When a semi-truck is turning, it will be moving very slowly, making it tempting to pass. However, this can cause serious issues and could cause an accident. When a semi-truck is making a wide turn, wait and let the truck finish before you move on.

Don’t Change Lanes Abruptly

Anytime you cut off a vehicle, you could cause an accident. However, with a semi-truck, it can be much worse. Trucks cannot stop as quickly as other vehicles and require more distance to brake. You should never cut off a semi-truck, no matter what type of hurry you are in.

Avoiding accidents with semi-trucks is very important. These accidents can be deadly and in many cases, can be prevented. Use these tips and practice defensive driving to help keep these accidents to a minimum.

How To Become A Positive Driving Influence For Children

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Driving safely is very important, especially when you’re carrying precious cargo. You may not realize how much of an effect on your child’s driving habits, even before they are old enough to drive.

Becoming a positive influence is very important when it comes to your children. With all the improvements for safety on the roads, the one thing that still trumps them all is safe driving. As a parent, you can start to instill safety habits into your child’s mind before they are anywhere close to getting their driver’s license. Here are a few of the things you can do to keep your children safe and help influence their driving habits in the future.

Wear Your Seatbelt All the Time

Any car accident attorney in Las Vegas will agree, wearing your seatbelt is the first step to showing your children safe driving habits. If you wear your seatbelt, they are more likely to follow suit and do the same. Many studies have shown that when parents wear seatbelts, their children will mimic their actions.

Children are like sponges and they soak up everything you do or don’t do. They also have a desire to be just like their parents, since you are likely their closest role model. If you want to instill the safe driving practice of wearing a seatbelt, start by doing it in front of your child and they will follow your lead.

Practice Safe Driving Habits

Have you ever seen the commercial with the young child in the back seat acting like they are driving the car, while dad drives it? This is exactly what children do and they will catch onto your driving habits. If you run stop signs, speed, break rules and don’t drive safely, this may stick with them. When they are old enough to drive, they may rationalize bad driving habits by thinking that mom or dad does it, so it must be right.

Drive like you’re carrying the most precious cargo possible, because your children are more likely to pick up on your good and safe driving habits.

Choose a Safe Car Seat

Choosing the right car seat may not influence your children, but it will help keep them safe. The right car seat isn’t the cheapest or the most expensive. Instead, it’s the one you feel most comfortable with and is the safest option for your children. Do your homework and make sure you choose a car seat perfect for your specific situation.

These are just a few tips to help instill safe driving habits into your children before they are old enough to drive. The last thing you want to find out is that your bad habit caused your child to get into an accident. Always wear your seatbelt and practice safe driving habits and you will be doing your part to positively influence your children.

Will Crash-Avoidance Technology Help to Save Lives in 2015?

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While car accidents may still take many lives every year, there are some key technological advances that could limit the number of traffic deaths and injuries in 2015. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is hoping technological advancements will help to eliminate up to 300 fatalities per year.

The NHTSA currently has multiple projects going on, attempting to make advancements in the area of road safety. Most of these projects are very research-intensive, but recent reports have stated that one of these projects could create more than $3 billion in profits for the US economy and could save more than 300 lives per year on roadways.

The introduction of crash-avoidance technology for large trucks

Large trucks are involved in an alarming number of accidents every year. Unfortunately, most of the accidents involving a large truck are quite serious. The introduction of new crash-avoidance technology for large trucks could have large benefits for the general public.

The University of Michigan Research Institute did a study on the affects that crash-avoidance technology could have for the United States. They estimated that the economy would benefit from a $900 million boost for adding the new technology to heavy-duty trucks. They also estimated that the economy could see a $3.1 billion boost if the technology is installed on medium and large trucks.

Crash-avoidance already being utilized

The system has already sold more than 10,000 units and is expected to sell another 15,000 units this year. Each unit costs $2,400 and is built on the anti-lock brakes, using a combination of software and radar to help alert the driver to a potential collision. If the driver cannot react fast enough, the system will automatically engage the brakes to lessen the impact of the crash.

Since large truck accidents are a major issue and one of the major reasons a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas is hired for a wrongful death suit, this technology is very important for the future of driving. It addresses many problem areas related to driving, including blind spot detection, adaptive headlights, fatigue warnings, forward collision avoidance, curve speed warnings and much more.

As technology gets better, the roads may also get safer. New collision-avoidance technology could provide major benefits for large trucks, as well as other drivers on the road. For more information about safe driving habits or to speak with a qualified car accident attorney, contact Laura Hunt today at (702) 450-4868.

Drowsy Driving a Factor in Nearly 21% of Fatal Car Accidents

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A new study was recently published by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety that stated up to 21% of fatal car accidents involved a drowsy driver. This report was published to refute a different study that stated only 1% to 3% of motor vehicle accidents were affected by a drowsy driver.

The study looked at over 14,000 car accidents and proved that a drowsy driver contributed to more than just 3% of accidents. This new study suggests the following:

Drowsy driving was a factor in 6% of all car accidents where a vehicle was being towed away from the scene
7% of all accidents involving an injury were affected by a drowsy driver
Drowsy driving affected 13% of all motor vehicle accidents involving a fatality

What are the signs of drowsy driving?

Understanding the signs of drowsy driving can help you to pull over your vehicle before you become a dangerous driver. If you start to exhibit any of the following signs, it’s best to let somebody else drive your ride:

Yawning
Daydreaming
Drifting from one lane to another
Struggling to keep your eyes open
Struggling to remember the last few miles of your drive

If these signs become evident, you should pull over your vehicle to get some caffeine or stop to get some sleep before continuing. Those between the ages of 18 and 29 are more susceptible to drowsy driving, along with shift workers, parents and those with sleep apnea.

How can you prevent drowsy driving?

The last thing you want is to find yourself on the other side of a courtroom with a car accident attorney in Las Vegas trying to prove why you were at fault for driving drowsy. This could land you in jail or you may be held liable for the damages caused in the wreck.

Preventing drowsy driving is always a smart thing to do. About 10% of drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel, but you don’t have to be one of them. Use these tips to ensure you don’t end up driving drowsy and causing an accident:

Alternate drivers when possible
Get enough sleep the night before a long drive
Drink caffeine if you start to feel sleepy and allow about 30 minutes for the caffeine to kick in
Carry extra cash for a hotel room and pull over for a nap or a good night of sleep before continuing

Hopefully these tips will keep you alert and awake behind the wheel. For more information, contact Laura Hunt today at (702) 450-4868.

5 Ways To Drive Safer This New Year

While most solutions for avoiding automobile accidents may seem like common sense, the truth is these tragedies continue to happen. Most people know what they should and shouldn’t do when it comes to driving, but most of us are guilty of breaking these rules at least once in our lives. This is why it might be a good resolution for the new year to focus on changing your behavior behind the wheel for the better. Here are 5 things to keep in mind to prevent an accident next time you get behind the wheel.

1. Don’t drink and drive

Everyone has heard this at some point, but this continues to be the most important thing you can do to prevent an unnecessary accident. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to alcohol and automobiles. If you are in doubt about whether you have had too much to drink, you probably have. If you are planning to drink, make a plan for how you are going to get home ahead of time. This could be specifying a designated driver among your friends or splitting cab faire. Either way, alcohol induced accidents and fatalities can be prevented. Also remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.

2. Be aware of pedestrians

With increasing reports of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in the valley this past year, this is something we can all commit to. Both pedestrians and bicyclist have the same rights to use the roads as drivers, and should be treated with the same caution and respect we afford to other drivers. Make sure to always look over your shoulder before switching lanes as there could potentially be a bicyclist in your blind spot. Always stop at designated crossing areas, even if you are in doubt as to whether you have the right-of-way. Courtesy and safety are key when it comes to pedestrian and bike traffic, using caution could save a life.

3. Put your phone down

This is another piece of advice that we have all heard at one point or another, but continues to be a serious issue. Fatalities as a result of cell phone use, texting in particular, are unnecessary and can absolutely be prevented. Put your phone in the trunk or back seat, buy a hands free system, pull over or configure your phone to the bluetooth system in your car. There are also apps that can prevent use of a cell phone while in a moving vehicle if you can’t resist the urge. Whatever you need to do, make sure you aren’t using your phone while driving.

4. Wear your seatbelt

Another piece of advice we have heard over and over. This is your number one defense in the case of an accident, and should be used diligently. Even if you are just going around the corner or down the street, always wear your seatbelt. This may seem like common sense, but many auto fatalities occur simply because drivers and passenger were not wearing their seat belts. Make a habit of wearing yours and refusing to drive until all passengers are wearing theirs, it could just save your life.

5. Obey the speed limit

Speed limits are made and enforced to protect you. They are not arbitrary numbers intended to make you late for work. These are carefully researched numbers which pertain to each individual road with many factors being incorporated. If you find yourself constantly speeding, try leaving a few minutes early for your destination. As speed increases, so does the force of impact in the case of an accident. Also, as speed increases, seat belts become less effective at protecting occupants.

These are just a few of the things every driver should strive for behind the wheel. If you have been in an accident and find yourself in need of a Las Vegas auto accident attorney, call the law office of Laura Hunt at (702) 450-4868 today.

Click It or Ticket: Nevada’s Push to Increase Public Safety

Nevada motorists will find themselves in store for an unpleasant surprise if they fail to buckle up this holiday season. While “Click it or Ticket” has been in effect in the Las Vegas Valley and Nevada as a whole for years, the latest incarnation of the law will move in the direction more aggressively pursuing drivers who fail to wear seat belts.

New safety regulations for Valley drivers

More than 20 law enforcement agencies, including Nevada Highway Patrol and the Las Vegas Police Department, will be joining forces to launch a new program aimed at identifying and detaining drivers that don’t put on their safety belts before getting on the road. Although seatbelt use is not a primary offense, that may soon change as a result of the measure going into effect. The Nevada Department of Public Safety warns drivers that officers are well-trained in spotting motorists who trying to “‘fake it’ or slyly slip on their seat belts upon being pulled over”.

Seatbelts save lives—and the stats back it up

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of accidental death among Americans of all age groups, and millions of drivers and passengers are treated for serious injuries each year. Seat belts are the single most effective safety device to increase the survivability of an auto accident. Those who make the decision to buckle up are more likely to live through an auto accident, and far less likely to suffer injuries. It is estimated that drivers who do not wear a seatbelt are 30 times more likely to be ejected from a vehicle, and of those ejected, 75 percent do not survive. Motorists who fail to wear a seat belt are 4 times more likely to die, and 10 times more likely to suffer a debilitating injury.

Surviving accidents on the road comes down to several factors, the most important of which is making sure to buckle up before you take off. If you ever find yourself in trouble after being involved in a crash, contact Laura Hunt, a car accident lawyer in Las Vegas, for a free consultation. With over 15 years of experience, Laura Hunt has the experienced necessary to help you maneuver through the complexities of the legal process. Call today at (702) 450-4868 or visit accidentlawyershenderson.com.

The Best Used Vehicles for Teenage Drivers

This year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety put together its first ever list of recommended vehicles for teenage drivers. The purpose of this list is to help parents find the safest vehicles for their child, without having to spend a ton of money.

When teens drive cars not suited for them, it can lead to unwanted accidents. Their inexperience could lead to otherwise avoidable accidents, the severity of which can of course vary. If you have a teenager driving a vehicle you might want to look for an experienced vehicle accident lawyer that you could then contact should the need arise. Additionally, a good way to try to decrease the chance of accidents happening is to carefully choose the vehicle you will be letting your teenager drive. A car that doesn’t possess certain features and is too powerful can be difficult for a teenager to control. Large cars are also not a good option, as they can be tough to maneuver in tight situations.

Things to look for in a vehicle

Here are a few recommendations you should keep in mind when looking for a vehicle for your teenage driver:

Stay away from muscle cars, such as Mustangs and Corvettes. They have way too much horsepower for a young driver to control.
Heavier vehicles provide the most protection in the event of an accident, but they can be hard to maneuver.
Choose vehicles with electronic stability control, or ESC for short. ESC technology improves a vehicle’s stability, by detecting skidding and keeping the vehicle stable when going around curves.
Look for vehicles with the best possible safety rating. At minimum, you want the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to have rated the vehicle a four or five.

Safe cars for teen drivers

The top midsize cars that are both safe and priced under $20,000 include:

Toyota Prius V 2012 and later
Honda Accord Sedan 2012 and later
Toyota Camry 2012 and later
Kia Optima 2011 and later
Audi A3 2008 and later
Subaru Legacy 2010 and later
Hyundai Sonata 2011 and later

As parents, it can be difficult to grasp the fact our little ones are quickly growing up. But when it comes to driving, you want to make sure your teenager is as safe as possible. Not only do you want them to learn to drive properly and safely, but you also want to put them in a safe vehicle that will protect them in case of an accident.

If your child happens to get in an accident, be sure to contact a car accident attorney in Las Vegas as soon as possible. An experienced accident attorney will be able to help you maneuver through the legal process that comes along with all accidents.

Photo by State Farm

Could Self-Driving Cars Reduce Car Accidents in the Future?

Technology has completely changed the entire landscape of the automotive industry. At first it was the invention of electric cars that had the ability to save us hundreds of dollars in gas. Now it’s all about self-driving cars that may have the ability to prevent car accidents. As with a lot of things these days, the Internet giant Google is leading the way. Of course, every car company in the world is watching to see what they will do next.

This type of technology is no doubt a game changer and will revolutionize the auto industry for many years to come. The General Motors Cadillac division is the newest entrant into this new area. In 2017 GM plans to introduce a new vehicle with a few key features centered on self-driving. This vehicle will not be able to be completely self-driven. It will, however, have hands free capabilities while driving on the highway and car to car communication that focuses on avoiding collisions.

photo by Maksim Toome

What’s the Point Behind Self-Driving Technology?

The point of all of this technology is to be on the cutting edge and reduce accidents. While all of that is great, an even bigger and more important point is to make the roads safer for all drivers. In the United States, one of the leading causes of death is auto accidents. This is partly due to all the distractions drivers now deal with, such as calling, texting, or even checking social media sites while behind the wheel. This means their primary focus is no longer keeping their eyes on the road, which ultimately leads to more accidents.

At this point, self-driving technology is still in its infancy. We will all watch to see what becomes of it in the near future. Hopefully it will change the way we drive and help save thousands of lives. Not only right here in Las Vegas, but also all over the world.

Self driving technology is still years away from being a reality, so until then, please drive safely! Stay off the phone and keep your eyes on the road. If you happen to get in an accident please seek legal advice from an experienced car accident attorney in Las Vegas. An experienced attorney will be able to help you maneuver through the legal process that comes along with any accident.