Florida
Trucking Accident Lawyer Blog

There is some dispute about how many US and Miami Beach truck accidents may be caused by truck drivers who use illegal, prescription, and over-the-counter drugs that may impair their driving. Some investigative reports and former truckers claim that drug use is a wide-spread problem in the trucking industry. Some allege that tight deadlines and long hours make drivers reliant on drugs in order to meet work deadlines. They also note that the challenges drivers face often affect their health and compel them to use prescription and over-the-counter drugs while on the road.

Other trucking industry experts note that drug use is not a large problem. They note that truck drivers have much safer driving records than average passenger car drivers. They also note that truck drivers are subject to random drug testing to ensure that they are drug-free. Some point out that passenger car drivers are more likely to cause Miami Beach drunk driving accidents and car accidents because these checks are not in place for passenger car drivers. The Transportation Department also notes that truck accident deaths have been declining – and that driver error is the most common cause of commercial truck accidents.

Some investigations suggest that drug testing alone may not be enough. A 2007 investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that 75 percent of drug testing sites did not remove items that could be used to alter drug specimens. Undercover officers for the GAO were also able to purchase online products that hide drug use and were able to add them to urine samples at the testing sites without being caught.

Possibly as a result of testing challenges, it is difficult for experts to note how many truck drivers are using illegal or restricted drugs on the road. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), in 2007 less than 2% of randomly tested truck drivers tested positive for controlled drugs. However, when Oregon started testing truck drivers on its roads randomly on its own, it found that 9% of commercial truck drivers failed a random drug test.

Whatever the exact rates of drug test failures are, there is no doubt that any drug use by commercial truckers can – and does -- lead to fatalities and serious injuries. Drivers who are impaired and make errors that lead to Miami Beach car accidents, which in turn lead to brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. No matter what efforts have been made so far in reducing the use of controlled substances among commercial truck drivers, more needs to be done to prevent accidents caused by this problem.

If you have been in a Miami Beach truck accident that you think may be caused by an impaired driver, you may want to contact an experienced Miami Beach personal injury attorney. Commercial truck accidents are already complicated due to the multiple parties involved, but proving impairment can be even more challenging. A qualified Miami Beach personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights and options so that you do not have to face the aftermath of your accident by yourself.

Continue reading "How Much of a Concern are Miami Beach Truck Accidents Caused by Drugged Drivers? " »

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently released the results of its Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), which analyzes the causes of large truck accidents across the country. The study found that driver fatigue, distracted driving, and poor truck maintenance were among the leading causes of big truck accidents. Although the study was national in scope, the same issues are causing Miami Springs truck collisions.

The LTCCS study examined close to 1000 traffic accidents involving large trucks. According to the study, big truck accidents cause 5000 fatalities each year, and the nearly 500,000 semi truck collisions that take place in the US each year can be reduced through prevention.
According to the latest LTCCS study, the majority of big truck accidents examined are related to safety violations. Researchers of the study concluded that roughly 66% of commercial trucks have at least one documented violation. In many cases, the violation has to do with something significant, such as the braking system or the tires.

According to the LTCCS study, however, the biggest concern for motorists is driver fatigue. The study’s authors concluded that driver fatigue was the most common cause of larger truck accidents. In 2011, the FMCSA released new Hours-Of-Service which are intended to ensure that drivers get more rest. However, it is not yet known what impact the new rules will have on road safety. As well, as many experts have noted, Hours-Of-Service rules only apply to commercial truck drivers. Most motorists are not restricted by such rules and many Miami Springs car accidents may be occurring due to drivers of passenger vehicles who are too tired to drive safely. Miami Springs personal injury attorneys may pursue legal action against drivers of passenger vehicles who do not drive safely, but such drivers may still be causing a number of traffic accidents.

According to the LTCCS study, another major cause of truck accidents involving 18-wheelers, semis, and other large trucks is driver distraction. While a federal ban prevents commercial drivers from texting and driving, there are still many potential distractions in a truck cab. Drivers may easily be distracted by hands-free devices, PDAs, tablets, mp3 players, CB radios, laptops, and other devices. As mobile devices get smaller and more omnipresent, they can cause a greater distraction. Unfortunately, there is currently no practical way to ban the ever-growing number of distractions available to drivers.

Many Miami Springs personal injury attorneys and law enforcement professionals also point out that it is very hard to enforce existing no-texting laws for truck drivers. Mobile devices and cell phones can be kept in a driver’s lap, making it hard for law enforcement officers to catch drivers who are texting. In most cases, it is not until after a Miami Springs traffic accident that driver distraction is uncovered when police check phone and text message logs on a driver’s mobile device.

Of course, another key problem is that while commercial truck drivers are not allowed to text and drive, there is no texting ban in Florida for drivers of passenger cars. This means that local drivers can easily cause Miami Springs pedestrian accidents and truck accidents unless they willingly put mobile devices away when driving.

Continue reading "Could LTCCS Study Shed Light on Miami Springs Truck Accident Causes?" »

Speed-related Miami Shores car accidents and truck accidents are an especial concern. High-speed traffic accidents are more likely to cause fatalities and serious injuries, including brain injuries, burn injuries, and spinal cord injuries. This is because the force of a collision is considerably greater when a vehicle is speeding. When a higher-speed Miami Shores truck accident occurs involving a car and truck, the results can be even more devastating. Since the force of the truck is already so much greater than that of the smaller passenger vehicle, when speed is a factor it is even more likely that the occupants of the passenger vehicle will be seriously injured.

To reduce the risks of accidents such as these, many suggestions have been made to reduce speeding on roads and to make sharing the road safer. In 1987, a federal law was passed, for example, which allowed states to increase highway speed limits on rural interstate highways. At the time, the highways had speed limits of 55 mph and states were permitted to raise the speed limits to 65 mph. A few states decided to post different speed limits on these highways for trucks and different speed limits for cars – but does this make highways safer?

Speed limits on roadways are based on the idea of the 85th percentile. While many people assume that slower speed limits are safest, some research has shown that the safest speed is the one at which the majority (or about 85%) of traffic moves. Some studies have shown that when speed limits are posted lower or higher than what most drivers are driving, some drivers speed to reflect the speed at which they feel they should be driving while other drivers drive at the posted speed limit. This creates two sets of speeds, and this can cause reckless driving, tailgating, and other situations which lead to traffic accidents.

When trucks and cars share the road, therefore, some experts believe that both trucks and cars should travel at the same pace to prevent accidents. However, there are some issues with this. Some Miami Shores traffic accidents, for example, are caused because in many cases trucks and cars cannot travel at the same speed. Trucks may need to slow down and stop more often if they are making deliveries. Commercial big rig trucks also need to start slowing down much sooner than passenger cars do, as it takes longer for tractor trailers to brake. This can cause shifts in speed which, according to the 85th percentile idea, are unsafe.

There are other issues, too, which affect safe speed limits and trucks. A 2006 study at the University of Arkansas found that trucks that travel at lower speeds actually may be safer since they can maneuver and brake more easily than trucks which are going faster. Rather than supporting the 85th percentile idea, which suggests that uniform speed is best, the study found that a slower speed for trucks may be best – even when other vehicles are going faster.

Continue reading "Speed Limits and Miami Shores Truck Accidents " »

If you work with a North Miami personal injury attorney because you have been injured in a truck accident, one of the things your attorney will do is evaluate all the information available and will investigate the accident itself to determine all liable parties. There are many ways that attorneys can do this:

1) Look up records regarding past violations involving the same truck driver or trucking company. If a truck driver has previously involved in a North Miami car accident or if the track record of the truck carrier is poor, this can indicate that the driver or the company did not take due care and may be held liable for the accident.

2) Subpoena the truck’s maintenance records. One reason it is important to retain an attorney quickly after a North Miami truck accident is because maintenance records may not be kept for very long. Yet, they can indicate whether the truck was well maintained. If the truck had known problems that were never fixed or if the truck was not regularly inspected and maintained, this can help show dangerous negligence on the part of the driver or truck company.

3) Determine the speed at which your vehicle and the truck were traveling. Excessive speed is a frequent factor in fatal collisions.

4) Gather evidence about, and analyze, any damage to the vehicles. This damage can help accident reconstruction experts determine the cause of an accident.

5) Subpoena the driver’s log book. Again, the log book may not remain forever, so it is important for a North Miami truck accident attorney to secure this book right away. By law, all commercial truck drivers are supposed to indicate hours and miles driven, as well as stops taken. If a log book is incorrectly kept or shows that the driver did not rest adequately before an accident, this can help prove driver liability in the accident.

6) Speak to first responders and witnesses at the scene of the North Miami traffic accident. Securing this testimony can be especially important if a victim decides to pursue legal action against the truck company or driver.

7) Gather evidence from the truck’s black box. This can indicate information about what the truck was doing (and how fast the truck was moving) before, during, and after the accident.

8) Work with accident reconstruction specialists and private investigators to determine the cause of the accident and liable parties in an accident. If more than one liable party emerges, this can increase the chances that the victim will get a fairer settlement for injuries. In many cases, a North Miami truck accident is blamed on the drivers, but a number of factors – including road maintenance, other drivers, car defects, truck brake defects, and other causes – may be to blame. Often, only a thorough and professional investigation can help uncover the true reasons behind an accident.

9) Review the trucking company’s policies, safety procedures, maintenance schedule, and accident track record.

10) Evaluate the total costs of the accident. In many cases, insurance companies and victims do not consider the long-term costs of a North Miami traffic accident, but the injuries sustained in a serious accident can last many years and may require many years of expensive medical treatment.

Continue reading "What a North Miami Personal Injury Attorney Looks at After a Truck Accident " »

When most drivers think of Miami Gardens car accidents involving a truck, they imagine a truck barreling down a highway and colliding with a car. However, in many cases a Miami Gardens truck accident involves a truck that is parked on the side of the road. These types of accidents can still cause serious injuries and fatalities and they are very preventable.

Most commercial tractor trailers need to make frequent stops, including stops on the shoulder of a roadway or highway. In some cases, it is safer to pull over than to keep driving. If a commercial truck driver is not feeling well, for example, or needs to check directions, it is safer to pull over than to keep going. When a truck malfunctions, the driver may simply have no choice about stopping. In some cases, commercial truck drivers also pull off to the side of the road in order to make a delivery or to rest in areas where no other spaces for resting are provided.

Unfortunately, a large tractor trailer pulled over on the side of the road can be a hazard. A large truck can partially obstruct the outside lane, and any car traveling along that outside lane can collide with the truck and cause a serious Miami Gardens truck accident if the passenger car driver does not notice the truck in time. Along winding roads and in the dark, it can be especially difficult to spot a truck stopped by the side of the road. A number of Miami Gardens personal injury cases have been launched after the devastating impact of just this type of accident.

According to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, when a tractor trailer is stopped on a highway or highway shoulder, the driver is mandated to follow some measures to ensure that oncoming cars are aware of the danger. That is, drivers are expected to use warning devices, such as hazard warring flares, fuses, or other warning devices to ensure that oncoming traffic can see the truck. If a driver fails to take these precautions and a Miami Gardens traffic accident takes place as a result, the driver of the truck may be held liable for not taking the proper precautions and for being illegally parked on the side of the road. In some cases, the truck carrier may also be held partly liable if the driver is not given adequate warning devices for this situation or is not trained in the use of such devices.

In this type of Miami Gardens traffic accident, the results can be devastating, especially if the accident occurs on a highway, where speed limits are higher. A motorist traveling unsuspectingly along a highway may not be able to slow down or swerve in time to avoid a truck that is illegally parked on the side of the road. In many cases, the motorist hits the truck head-on at high speeds. Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and fatalities are the common outcome of this type of accident, in part due to the high speed involved.

Continue reading "Stopped Trucks Can Still Cause Miami Gardens Truck Accidents" »

After a Fort Lauderdale truck accident, one of the first things that the truck carrier, attorneys, and insurance companies will do is try to determine liability. If you have been injured in a Fort Lauderdale car accident involving a truck, you will want to work with a qualified Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, since an experienced attorney can help determine liability. If your attorney is able to find that a few people share liability for the truck accident, the odds that you will get fair compensation for your lost income, medical costs, car repairs, and other accident costs is improved. There are a few parties who may be found liable for your Fort Lauderdale traffic accident:

1) The truck driver. In many Fort Lauderdale truck accidents, the truck driver is considered the primary liable party. This is because in many Fort Lauderdale traffic accidents, it is driver error that leads in to the accident itself. Your Fort Lauderdale car accident, for example, can be caused by a truck driver’s distraction, fatigue, drug use, or other errors.

2) The trucking company. In many cases, the trucking company can be held at least partly liable in a Fort Lauderdale truck accident. This is because many trucking companies have policies which contribute to accidents. For example, a truck carrier may not adequately screen or train its drivers, or may encourage drivers to drive longer distances or longer hours than is safe. However, in order to prove that a trucking company is liable, you generally need to work with a qualified Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney, who can gather evidence and can prove that the trucking company is partly liable for the accident.

3) The loaders who placed the cargo on the truck. The people who have placed the cargo on the truck are responsible for ensuring that the cargo is correctly distributed and safely secured before the driver pulls away. While the driver is expected to check the cargo periodically throughout the trip, if the loaders are negligence or reckless in loading the cargo, they may be held partly liable for any accident that results due to cargo shifting.

4) The owners of the cargo on the truck. In some cases, the people who own the cargo on the truck may be held partly liable if they do not adequately warn the driver and the trucking company about the dangers of the cargo, do not adequately declare the content of the cargo, or take other negligent actions which result in injury.

5) The owners of the property where the accident took place. In some cases, the roadways or locations where the accident takes place are not correctly maintained or are unsafe due to faulty road engineering or road design. In these cases, the city of Fort Lauderdale, the state itself, or the local government in charge of the road may be held partly liable for the accident.

Continue reading "After a Fort Lauderdale Truck Accident: Evaluating Liability " »

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), cargo shifts are one of the most dangerous causes of truck accidents. Although they are not common occurrences, when cargo shifts do occur, they are very likely to cause a serious accident. In Deerfield Beach, traffic accidents caused by cargo shifts are likely to cause fatalities and serious injuries.

To understand why cargo shifts and resulting Deerfield Beach truck accidents take place, it is important to understand tractor-trailers. These larger commercial trucks have very high chassis, making the truck more likely to roll over and making stability essential. The cargo is the heaviest part of the truck, but the ability of the truck to stop, maneuver, and speed up is in the tires. When a truck attempts to move, the force of the move must be transferred through the truck, from the ground to the load. When a load is not carefully balanced, a Deerfield Beach rollover accident or cargo shift is the likely result.

In addition to incorrectly balanced loads, incorrectly secured loads are another common reason for cargo shifts. In a larger commercial truck, cargo needs to be very securely tied down or secured to prevent shifting. In some cases, loads are naturally more difficult to secure. For example, liquid loads naturally shift and move during transport. In these cases, special tanker trucks need to be used to ensure that the load shift does not lead to an accident.

Truck drivers are primarily responsible for a cargo load. They are expected to inspect the cargo during the trip and before the trip to ensure that it is safe. However, in a Deerfield Beach truck accident caused by shifting cargo, there may be multiple liable parties. For example, trucking companies are expected to properly train drivers so that drivers can inspect cargo correctly. In addition, loaders are expected to load and secure cargo correctly.

If you have been in a Deerfield Beach truck accident that you believe may have been caused by a cargo problem, it is important to consult with a qualified Deerfield Beach personal injury attorney. In many cases, where a commercial truck is involved in an accident, truck carriers have access to powerful insurance companies as well as teams of attorneys to represent them. You will need a qualified personal injury attorney who can investigate the accident, find all liable parties, and safeguard your rights.

Even in cases where a Deerfield Beach traffic accident seems fairly straightforward, where commercial entity is involved, the case may be more complex than you realize. Even simply finding all liable parties can be very important. For example, if a Deerfield Beach personal injury attorney is able to find multiple liable parties in your case, you can drastically improve your chances of getting a fair settlement that covers more of your medical costs, lost income, and other expenses. As well, a good attorney can help safeguard your rights and can ensure you do not sign away your rights when making an insurance claim.

Continue reading "Cargo Shifts and Deerfield Beach Truck Accidents " »

According to experts, commercial truck cargo theft is a serious and growing problem. In 2009 alone, thieves stole nearly $500 million worth of commercial truck cargo, representing a 67% jump in thefts when compared with 2008. In many cases, cargo is stolen while truckers step of their vehicle out to eat or rest. According to law enforcement, medical and pharmaceutical cargo as well as electronics are especially targeted by thieves, since these can easily be re-sold. Florida, Texas, and Georgia are considered among the highest-risk states for cargo theft.

Some experts believe that cargo theft may be fueled in part by economic woes. While the thefts are certainly a concern for trucking companies, who lose considerable amounts of money due to the crime, there is some concern that the thefts can also have a negative impact on public safety in a number of ways:

1) Possible injuries to truck drivers who want to protect themselves and their cargo. If truck drivers interrupt a theft in progress or attempt to defend their trucks, there is the possibility that thieves may attack the driver in order to steal the cargo, increasing the risk of injuries to the driver.

2) More focus on cargo safety can detract from truck safety. As truck carriers are forced to focus on cargo theft, they may have fewer resources to put towards truck safety and driver safety overall. In other words, the more carriers are focused on cargo theft, the less they can focus on driver fatigue, driver distraction, and other common causes of Davie car accidents involving trucks.

3) Thieves who steal large amounts of cargo may be driving with unsafe loads, increasing the risk of Davie traffic accidents. If thieves steal entire cargo loads off of trucks, they must then transport the cargo. If they do so in trucks, they may simply not have the skills to securely distribute and secure the load, increasing the risk of a Davie truck accident. In addition, if thieves steal flammable or hazardous cargo, they may cause a fire, toxic spill, or other dangerous situation if they do not know how to transport this type of cargo safely.

4) Thieves escaping from a crime scene may cause an increase in Davie car accidents as they are likely to speed.

5) Re-selling of some cargo goods may cause injuries. One troubling thing about cargo theft is that thieves specifically target pharmaceuticals as a form of profitable product. Unfortunately, when pharmaceuticals and other dangerous cargo are resold on the common market, there is no control over how they are used. Pharmaceuticals, taken for the wrong purposes or in the wrong doses can be extremely hazardous or even fatal. Similarly, hazardous cargoes, including fireworks, flammable materials, and others pose a danger when used incorrectly.

Continue reading "Could Cargo Theft Increase the Risk of Davie Truck Accidents and Other Injuries?" »

In the New Year, many people make big changes in their lives. If your change involves moving to a new home, you may be interested in renting a truck to move your furniture and possessions to your new house. While renting your own truck can be a cost-effective option, it is not always the safest option. Each year, people are involved in Palmetto Bay traffic accidents while driving rental trucks.

The truth is, most motorists are not prepared for the dangers and risks of driving larger moving trucks. These trucks have more blind spots and handle much differently than a regular car, putting you at a much higher risk of a Palmetto Bay truck accident. In addition, some truck rental companies have poor records for truck maintenance. Many companies renting trucks have long lists of unsatisfied customers, some of whom claim that the companies rent trucks that are not kept in good condition. In past years, investigative journalists have found that some companies even move trucks from state to state to avoid costly repairs and maintenance on their fleets. The track records of some of these trucks may give you pause.

Luckily, there are ways to move safely. Where possible, leave the driving to someone else. Professional and experienced truck drivers can handle large moves and large trucks with ease, potentially saving you from a Palmetto Bay car accident. Professional movers can also pack your possessions carefully and are generally fully insured, so that if any injuries or any damage occurs during the move, the costs are covered. Many people feel that the costs of professional movers are very high, but the costs of a Palmetto Bay truck accident can also be very high. Before making a final decision, at least consider speaking with a tax preparer – if you are moving due to your job, the costs of the move may be partly tax-deductible, making movers more affordable.

If professional movers are not in your budget, there are still other options which allow you to have someone drive a moving truck for you. For example, you can rent a truck and hire a driver who can drive the truck for you. If you decide to do this, make sure that you speak with the truck rental company about insurance options. Another option is do-it-yourself services. These moving services will deliver a large container to your current home and you can pack the container with your possessions. Once you are packed, the company will transport the container to your new home, where you can unpack it. These services cost less than professional movers but do not require you to drive your own moving truck.

If you do decide to drive your own moving truck, at least take several precautions to ensure that your trip is safe. For example, book a truck that is large enough for all your possessions. Overloading a truck can cause brake failure and tire failure, so err on the side of caution. Next, make sure that you take the rental truck to a trusted mechanic before you load in anything. If there are any maintenance or safety issues, your mechanic can let you know so that you can contact the rental company to get a safer truck. Be careful to load the truck evenly and to secure your possessions in place to prevent them from shifting. Correctly loading the truck is important in preventing Palmetto Bay rollover accidents. Where possible, drive with a friend so that you can take turns driving and so that you can get help with blind spots and parking, if needed.

Continue reading "New Year, New Home? What You Need to Know to Prevent Palmetto Bay Moving Truck Accidents " »

In 2011, food trucks were a major issue in many Florida cities. Some Florida cities including Miami, argued that food trucks were a danger, because they could cause Miami car accidents due to increased traffic congestion, or could cause other types of Miami traffic accidents because food trucks attract both pedestrian and car traffic to small areas. Those who opposed food trucks argued that they posed unfair competition for restaurants and also were unregulated, making them potentially dangerous.

However, there was no denying that food trucks were immensely popular in Florida in 2011, and they had their fair share of supporters. Many argued that even in Miami, where food truck rules were tightened over the summer, food trucks had not been found to cause any Miami truck accidents or traffic accidents. Many also argued that the food trucks provided a safe and affordable option for diners.

Diners certainly flocked to food trucks in 2012. Many cited the low costs and good quality of the food as the reason. With lower overhead, food trucks were often able to provide lower prices than traditional bricks-and-mortar businesses. They are also able to travel to events and other locations where diners are, often making them a more convenient option for hungry patrons.

In 2012, Florida communities will likely see the debate about food trucks continue and may also see new legislation for the food truck industry. For example, St. Petersburg, Florida is considering a few options. The community is considering allowing food trucks in vacant lots. This, according to advocates, would help revitalize vacant areas in and near downtown while providing a service that the public wants. St. Petersburg is also considering allowing food trucks only near Beach Drive and near the Pier, where demand is greatest. Another option being considered is to allow food trucks only in cooperation with private businesses (such as existing bricks-and-mortar restaurants). This option would ensure that food trucks could co-exist with local restaurants rather than competing with them.

St. Petersburg does not currently permit food trucks, although that is expected to change by the end of 2012. Many other Florida communities, however, do permit food trucks. For example, Orlando allows food trucks to work collaboratively with local businesses as long as the trucks stay ten feet or more from the road. Tampa permits food trucks in private lots and at special events only. St. Petersburg’s efforts to bring a food truck scene into the community may eventually affect other communities who wish to allow food trucks on their streets.

While so far there have not been injuries reported involving food trucks, these are commercial trucks and in the event of an accident, they will be protected by larger insurance carriers. As well, gathering evidence in these cases and determining liability could be challenging since the truck may be owned by more than one entity and may be located on a city street or a private lot owned by a third party. Since food trucks can simply drive away, locating drivers and evidence can also be challenging. In any such accident, victims would need to work closely with a qualified personal injury attorney.

Continue reading "Food Trucks and Truck Accidents Across Florida " »

According to Florida authorities, this time of year is one of the deadliest on Florida streets, with accidents both on primary and secondary roads. Unfortunately, this can be one of the riskiest times of the year for a Miami truck collision or car accident. Florida even has one of the unfortunate distinctions of being one of the states with the highest numbers of fatal accidents over the holidays, although the Florida Highway Patrol no longer forecasts fatal accidents for this time of year.

Florida officials will be taking part in a number of initiatives to reduce Miami traffic accidents at this time of year. For example, law enforcement authorities will patrol secondary and primary roads more vigilantly through the New Year, looking for drunk drivers, stranded drivers, and speeding motorists. Florida Highway Patrol is taking part in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over program up to January 2 to curb Miami drunk driving accidents and DUIs across the state. Unfortunately, Miami car accidents caused by drunk driving continue to be a serious problem. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 35% of fatal traffic accidents in Florida between Christmas and New Year’s of 2010 were alcohol-related.

Many police authorities will be monitoring the streets more vigilantly over the holidays, even reducing time at home with their own families in order to keep the streets safer. According to public safety authorities, there are several things that people can do to keep safe in Miami through the New Year holiday:

1) Have a designated driver. A designated driver can ensure that you get home safely and ensures that you will not need to return the next day after a night out in order to get your car.

2) Call a taxi. Many taxi companies are extra-busy at this time of year and are working hard to meet demand. Keep some extra money in your wallet as well as a list of local taxi companies so that you can get home safely.

3) Rely on public transit. Using public transit to get to and from holiday events reduces your risk of Miami car accidents and is healthier for the environment. It is also a less expensive alternative to a taxi.

4) Call friends or family. If you cannot drive because you are tired or have been drinking, call someone for help.

5) Finish texts and emails before starting your car. In addition to cracking down on drunk driving over the holidays, Florida authorities also want to crack down on distracted driving. While there is no texting ban in the state, commercial drivers are not permitted to text and drive. Authorities will enforce that law.

6) Report aggressive or drunk driving by calling *FHP (*347). Reporting dangerous driving ensures that police can respond appropriately – and potentially prevent a Miami traffic accident.

Continue reading "Florida Authorities Work Hard to Prevent Miami Truck Accidents and Car Accidents at This Time of Year" »

Commercial truck drivers are not allowed to text and drive or use cellphones while driving. However, the National Transportation Board is calling for a far more wide-spread ban – one that would ban all drivers in all states from using portable electronic devices in all but emergencies. The ban would include hands-free devices as well. While many people believe that such a ban would help prevent Miami car accident, there are also at least a few reasons why it would help prevent truck accidents as well:

1) Truck drivers are not the only ones who cause Miami truck accidents. In many cases, distracted drivers of passenger cars cause accidents because they are not paying attention to the road. By banning electronic devices for all motorists, there is a chance that there will be fewer distracted drivers overall, potentially decreasing Miami traffic accidents – including truck accidents.

2) Light truck drivers and non-commercial truck drivers are still allowed to text and drive in Florida – even though these drivers can still cause deadly accidents. In 2010, a driver in Missouri sent 11 texts in 11 minutes, causing a highway pileup that injured 38 people and killed two.

3) The problem is not going away. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has said that the situation with distracted driving is getting worse, with about 50% of drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 admitting to texting or emailing which driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in about 1000 motorists at any given moment in 2010 was using a mobile device to surf the Internet, email, text, or engage in some other distracting activity. This represents a 50% increase in these activities compared to the last year.

4) Banning only some drivers from texting and driving is sending the wrong message. To send the message that texting and distracted driving is deadly, all motorists need to be banned from using mobile devices. Just banning commercial drivers makes it seem as though distracted driving is not allowed for commercial truck drivers, but is fine for everyone else.

5) The evidence of the danger is compelling. There is no longer any doubt that distracted driving kills. Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other experts and organizations attest to the dangers. Just as DUI was once legislated to prevent Miami drunk driving accidents and drunk driving accidents across the US, more needs to be done to prevent distracted driving accidents.

Of course, more needs to be done than just enacting laws. The NTSB has stressed that laws need to be enforced. Missouri already has a law which prevents drivers under the age of 21 from texting and driving, but in the 2010 Missouri accident, the 19-year-old driver continued to send texts and was not apprehended by anyone. Many authorities now automatically ask for texting and cellphone records to be preserved when they investigate an accident, so that they can determine whether distracted driving was a factor in an accident. However, more can be done to prevent distracted driving accidents in the first place.

Continue reading "Would a Universal Ban on Cellphone Use Prevent More Miami Truck Accidents?" »