Car Accidents

April 8, 2011

Slumped Economy Influences Decreased Number of Boston Car Accidents

The United Stated experienced reported 34,700 fatal vehicle accidents last year, according to the National Safety Council. This number shows a 3 percent decrease from the previous year and a fatality decrease for the fourth year in a row. Previous motor vehicle fatality trends credit the recession to the decreased number. Unfortunately, the fourth-quarter of 2010, as we started to climb out of the recession, the number of fatal car accident began to increase.

Our Boston car accident attorneys urge motorists to be prepared for more traffic and a greater risk of car accidents in Massachusetts as the economy recovers.

“As encouraging as it is to see fatalities decreasing on our nation’s roads, the 2010 rate of decrease is less than a third of the previous year’s decrease,” said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “We must remain vigilant in addressing roadway safety issues where the greatest impact can be made, such as distracted and teen driving. As miles traveled start to rise again from recession lows, we want to ensure the continuance of this downward trend.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that more than 10 million vehicles were involved in police-reported accidents in 2008. Passenger vehicles made up 94 percent of those involved in accidents.

The NSC also reports that motor vehicle injuries, deaths and property damage cost $236.6 in 2010, also a 3 percent decrease from 2009. This total cost includes medical expenses, wage and productivity losses, administrative expenses, property damage and employer costs.

In Massachusetts, nearly 230 vehicles were involved in fatal accidents in 2008, claiming the lives of roughly 170 motor-vehicle occupants. Percent decreases in fatal accidents are slightly higher than the national average sitting at about 5 percent each year.
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April 6, 2011

Massachusetts Hopes New System will Decrease Risks of Boston Work Zone Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Boston recently called upon the Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works (“EOTPW”) and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to discuss new standards on how to effectively manage traffic to help reduce Boston construction zone accidents.

The groups will be reviewing the current “MassHighway Work Zone Safety Guidelines for MA Municipalities and Contractors” and “Standard Details & Drawings for the Development of Traffic Management Plans.” Both articles identify different configurations for construction work zones and suggest ways to achieve safe and efficient traffic management setup.

Our Boston wrongful death lawyers ask you to practice safe driving and abide by the state’s Move Over law, to help keep our motorists, road workers and emergency responders safe on the job. We would also like to remind you that fines are still doubled in Massachusetts even when a construction zone is inactive or shut down, according to Boston.com.

The theme for this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week theme is ” Safer Driving. Safer Work Zones. For Everyone.” MassDOT will be continuing to keep focus on Work Zone Safety by initialing the new Work Zone Speed Monitoring Program. This new program will be monitoring speeds of vehicles passing through work zones and limited access highways. They will be using electronic field monitoring of speed and volume information in designated work zones.

Car related fatalities continue to be the leading cause of work fatalities. In 2009, Massachusetts suffered 10 fatal work zone car accidents, according to The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse. The United States suffered nearly 700 fatalities and more than 33,000 injuries in work zones.

MassDOT offers motorists these tips to keep motorists, road workers and emergency responders safe:

-Travel at a safe speed. When you see warning signs, traffic regulations or emergency vehicles make sure to stay alert and proceed at a safe speed.

-Merge as soon as possible. Whether you see road construction or an emergency responder approaching, it is important to merge as quickly as possible to avoid close and potentially dangerous interaction.

-Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Altered road conditions can cause surprise maneuvers by other motorists. Keep your reaction time by allowing yourself extra space between you and others on the road.

-Keep a safe distance from construction vehicles, workers and equipment.

-Plan ahead when you know you may encounter road work. Leave early or plan a different route as these conditions can potentially slow your commute.
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April 4, 2011

Car Choice Largely Affects the Safety of Your Teen Driver in a Boston Car Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A new crop of teens will be hitting the road soon with their very own driver’s license, but what are you doing to keep them safe? The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that, per mile driven, teens drivers ages 16 and 19 the most at risk for Boston car accidents and car accidents elsewhere in the United States.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers understand how scary it can be to send our teen drivers out on the road to fend for themselves. That’s why it is important to send them out there with the proper tools to help them stay safe: safe driving habits and a safe vehicle.

While your teen might have a fast, sporty, fun car, in mind, you probably prefer something that is more economical and safe. Compromise is important here. Parents should sit down with their teen and discuss realistic options. Perhaps a mutual agreement can be reached. The Dover Post recommends discussing what each party wants in a car and then discussing which options are available — this may be the most effective way to find a car that meets both parties requirements. Teens may even be surprised at their parent’s ability to pick out a sweet ride.

Allstate recommends that parents stand strong against car dealers when negotiating on a chosen vehicle. Don’t get intimidate and don’t hesitate to request a lower price. Negotiating sticker prices has become more and more wide spread in recent years.

It is also recommended that parents deal with the highest-ranking person at the dealership. Salesmen on the lower end collect commission on sales and are more likely to try and talk you into buying a car you may not want. Upper managers really can’t lose money in sales unless they practically give you the car. They’re more likely to be upfront with the details.

Here are some of the most important things to look for when purchasing a car for your teen driver:

-Keep an eye on the tires, especially if you’re purchasing a used car for your young driver. Keep the car equipped with tires that provide the best traction. It is important to talk with your teen about how the car will handle in various driving conditions as well.

-Keep an eye on the type of airbags in each car. Make sure you know which ones provide the most safety and which ones are available in the car you may purchase.

-Stability control may be key in keeping your teen safe. The system isn’t perfect, but it could help your teen driver manage through a situation they may not have seen coming.

-Check all your options. Do your research before heading out to the dealership. Check out reviews and safety ratings. The NHTSA is a good place to start for general car safety information. Encourage your teen to help with the process. Allow them to feel as if they’re picking out the car on their own. This research will help educate your child about vehicle safety, too!
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April 1, 2011

Proposed Alcohol Detection Devices to be Placed in Vehicles to Prevent Boston Drunk Driving Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Your new car could eventually come equipped with an alcohol-detection device if the federal government gets its way. This option could be available within the next 10 years if proposed funding goes through, according to KSDK News. These detectors could possibly help reduce the risks of Boston drunk driving accidents.

Our Massachusetts personal injury lawyers recognize the personal liberty arguments that will no doubt be made — but we also understand that many serious and fatal car accidents in Massachusetts are caused by chronic DUI offenders. We first reported on the issue in January on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog.

“We’ve worked on behavior modification for the last 30 years, but we’re still killing almost 11,000 Americans a year,” said Laura Dean-Mooney, national president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). The next best option is the installation of alcohol-detection devices, she believes.

While still in the developmental stages, Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS) will be able to test a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) through either a touch-based approach or a breath-based approach, reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The DADSS is a feature designed to keep intoxicated drivers from operating their vehicle if their BAC exceeds the legal limit.

“What we’re doing is developing technology that won’t interfere with sober drivers, will require virtually no maintenance or upkeep and will have such precision that it only stops a driver when their blood alcohol content is .08 BAC or higher, which is the illegal limit for drunk driving in every state,” said Shane Karr. “Now that we have actual prototypes, a tremendous feat in itself, we’ll be working to identify the gaps in performance between these prototypes and the precise standards we’ve identified as true technology requirements. This will point the way forward for the next phase of research.”

The NHTSA reports that nearly 11,000 people died in car accidents involving a drunk driver in 2009. This number makes up 32 percent of all fatal crashes.

“Whatever the future holds for these advanced drunk driving prevention technologies, one thing remains clear; no technology can, or should, ever replace a driver’s personal responsibility not to drive drunk,” the Administrator said.
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March 30, 2011

Gas Saving Tips Could Save You Money and Help Reduce Risks of Boston Car Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Gas is expected to hit $5 a gallon this week. Well, okay, April Fools. But $3.50 a gallon is no bargain.

The average price for a gallon of gas currently sits at about $3.56, according to PriceLock. Massachusetts gas prices average a little lower at $3.48. DriveOn offers tips to help drivers save on gas consumption, when in all actuality these tips may be better for preventing Boston car accidents.

Boston personal injury lawyers encourage you to exercise cautious driving habits not only to keep you from spending all your hard earned money on fuel, but to help keep the streets of Massachusetts a little bit safer.

“I think as the prices climb, there’s a lot of interest in finding every single way to save,” said Mary Maguire, the Massachusetts spokeswoman for AAA Southern New England.

There are numerous ways drivers can regulate their fuel usage. Try following these money saving tips:

-Turn your car off whenever you can. Don’t leave it running while you’re waiting for your kids to get out of school. Don’t sit in the parking lot blabbing on your phone, Don’t leave the car running when you dash back into the house for whatever you forgot.

-Check the air pressure in your tires. While many of today’s cars come standard with warning lights that alert you when your tire pressure is running low, it’s just as important to get out and check manually if you’re driving an older car. Make sure to use a gauge. Don’t eyeball it.

-You don’t have to warm up your car anymore. Where that used to be the rule, modern cars don’t need it. Now all you need to do is drive slowly at first and allow a little time for the oil to warm and circulate properly.

-Stay off the gas pedal. Full throttle drinks of a ton of fuel — and fast!

-Try carpooling. Ride with friends or coworkers whenever possible. Not only are you cutting the risk of an accident in half, you’re cutting your gas consumption in half as well.

Wondering which gas stations are offering the cheapest fuel prices? Here’s a list of daily gas prices in Boston.
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March 28, 2011

Mandatory Backup Cameras Could Decrease Fatal Boston Car Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Approximately 292 fatalities and nearly 18,000 injures occur as a result of back-over crashes each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Of the 292 fatalities, 228 of them were caused by vehicles weight less than 10,000 pounds.

According to DriveOn, the NHTSA is publishing a new rule that would require backup cameras on most cars and trucks. The feds have put off the publishing of this rule for 10 months now.

Boston personal injury lawyers urge you to practice cautious driving with or without a rear-view camera in your vehicle. We stress the importance of being aware of your surroundings while sitting behind the wheel.

Gentex, one backup camera supplier, said it could take a navigation system as long as 5 to 10 seconds “to display the rear view image depending on weather conditions,” said industry analyst Himanshu Patel at JP Morgan. These delay times may not be effective in preventing Boston parking lot accidents.

Backup cameras are available to drivers in numerous models, styles, sizes and prices. They’re available as center console television screens, tiny rearview mirror images or are even available in your sideview mirrors, They’re also available with night vision features. On many new cars they’re now coming as a standard feature.

“The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers — a lobbying group that represents the Detroit Three and other big players like Toyota, Mazda and Volkswagen — has opposed the regulation because it’s too costly,” says Kicking Tires. “If the rule is finalized, the backup cameras would cost the industry $1.9 billion to $2.7 billion annually, according to NHTSA.”

Backup cameras allow drivers to see beyond their line of site — helping save lives. The government finds their function to be so critical, they are going to continue to push to make them standard on all vehicles.
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March 23, 2011

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Injures 6-year-old in Boston Car Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A 25-year-old Melrose man crashed into a car that was pulled over in the breakdown lane on Route 1 earlier this month, seriously injuring a 6-yer-old boy, according to Boston.com.

Local officials say the driver was driving while impaired and that marijuana was involved in the Boston car accident.

Boston personal injury lawyers understand the potential consequences that driving under the influence can have on motorists. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 4,000 of the drivers who were involved in car accidents and were tested for drug use reported positive results last year. NHTSA reports also indicate that driving while under the influence of drugs is on the rise.

“Every driver on the road has a personal responsibility to operate his or her vehicle with full and uncompromised attention on the driving task,” said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland at the time. “Today’s report provides a warning signal that too many Americans are driving after having taken drugs, not realizing the potential for putting themselves and others on the highway at risk.”

According to the Essex District Attorney’s office, the 25-year-old driver pleaded not guilty to motor vehicle homicide while under the influence of drugs; operating negligently; OUI drugs, second offense; speeding; and marijuana possession with intent to distribute.

When the driver was asked if he had consumed any alcohol, he stated, “No, but I might have weed on me,” according to a police report.

According to the Marijuana Policy Project, police officials hope to one day institute some sort of system to determine impairment on the roadside for marijuana and other prescription drugs since blood tests and urine tests are regulated, time consuming and expensive. Officers are anticipating technology for saliva tests, which are not currently regulated by national standards.

Officials report finding two pipes with fresh marijuana reside inside the 25-year-old’s vehicle and three bags of marijuana near the scene.
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March 22, 2011

Ford Motor Co. Offers Driving Course to Schools to Help Prevent Boston Car Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in young adults ages 15 to 20. In an effort to continue to reduce car accidents among teens, Ford Motor Co. is expanding its program of one-day clinics to 30 high schools in 15 states.

Our Boston personal injury lawyers understand the importance of educating our young drivers about safe driving habits, especially with the increasing popularity of hand-held communication devices.

“We know that with the advent of texting, in particular with teens, that that’s become a major distraction,” says manager of Ford Driving Skills for Life, Jim Graham. “The lack of experience is a key. You take that in conjunction with distracted driving and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.”

The course if offered to students for free, thanks to Ford Motor Company’s $35,000 per-clinic donation. The students will be able to learn safe driving techniques from some of the nation’s best drivers, professional race car drivers. Each student is taught what it’s like to deal with in-car distractions, to drive while legally drunk using intoxicated vision goggles and how to drive in various poor weather conditions.

The course is designed to decrease some of these teen accident statistics provided by NHTSA:

-Approximately 12 percent of those 12 years of age and older reported driving under the influence of alcohol in the last year.

-An estimated 24,000 people were injured in car accidents while using cell phones in 2009.

-Speeding contributed to 31 percent of all fatal crashes.

Students Against Drunk Driving offers you this Communication Guide to help you talk to your child and find and effective way to stress importance of safe driving.
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March 20, 2011

Multiplying Low-fare Bus Options May be to Blame for Increased Rates of Boston Car Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The increasing number of low-fare buses in Massachusetts are conjuring up questions about the safety features and regulations of the older, cheaper rides. These discounted bus lines offer cheaper tickets, but could increase the safety risk for passengers or result in a Boston bus accident.

“They discount, some of them, not all of them, but some of them hold back in certain areas. They may not have a full-time fleet mechanic. They may not have a full-time safety person,” said transportation consultant Joe Mokrisky said.

Massachusetts car accident attorneys advise you to check out bus companies before purchasing a ticket. Ask yourself, “Is your safety worth sacrificing to save a few bucks?”

ABC 5 reports that tickets on a low-fare bus company making a trip from Boston to New York will run you about $10 – $15, but the same trip on Amtrack will run you about $70. Is your safety really at risk on those loosely maintained buses?

Worldwide has been the only company to receive one score with an alert status in the last 24 months, according to the Federal Transportation Department. The citation was not vehicle related. The driver was cited for driving fatigued.

Bus drivers for all types of busing companies are typically paid the same, go through the same training sessions, and work under the same schedules. The major difference between the low-fare companies and the companies like Super Luxury Tours and World Wide Travel is the age of their buses. Low-fare companies typically offer rides on older buses.

The low-fare bus options didn’t score so well in the 24 month record. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration records show the 135 buses in the Northeast, operated by Coach USA, racked up 20 speeding tickets during the same period. Greyhouse Lines Inc. collected about 117.

Whatever the fare, busing companies have an obligation to protect passengers from preventable injuries. When they don’t, a company can and should be held responsible.
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March 19, 2011

Boston Railroad Crossing Accident Claims Elderly Woman’s Life

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

There are nearly 5,800 railroad crossing accidents every year in the United States according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Boston car accident lawyers urge you to be alert at railroad crossings as crossing devices may fail, railroads may be littered with debris — mechanism failure or human error can cause fatal injuries.

Avon officials were called to the scene of a Massachusetts car accident Thursday. An elderly woman and her car were stuck by a commuter train at a railroad crossing. The train engineer slammed on the brakes but was unable to stop before hitting her car. She was later pronounced dead.

Crash Stuff reports that nearly 50 percent of collisions that take place at railroad crossings happen when warning devices, lights and gates, are activated.

A study released by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration reveals that these railroad crossing accidents cause serious and fatal injuries to vehicle occupants because of the extensive amount of damage the massive trains are able to cause. Crash Stuff reports that a 150-car freight train that is traveling 50 miles per hour will take over a mile to stop completely.

Please follow these safety tips to help prevent railroad crossing accidents:

-Check both directions. If there are two train tracks at one crossing, one going each direction, be sure to look both ways before crossing.

-Keep away. When stopping at a railroad crossing, make sure you are at least 15 feet from the tracks.

-Assume there is always a train approaching. Approach all railroad crossings with caution.

-Remember that the train is probably moving faster than you think. Trains often appear to be traveling slower than the eye perceives. A freight train tops out at approximately 60 mph while passenger trains can travel up to speeds of 80 mph.
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