August is the Deadliest Month for Drivers in Florida

August is the Deadliest Month for Drivers in Florida

by Auto Accidents

August is the Deadliest Month for Drivers in Florida

With the summer season comes the benefit of drier roadways, increased visibility, and extended daylight hours.

 

Despite the excellent driving conditions, summer is the most common season for auto accidents in Florida according to the DMV, with accidents rates peaking in July and August. Reports found that August in particular sees more fatal car crashes than any other month.

 

So what makes summer such a dangerous season for driving, and what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road? Below, we’ve explored some of the reasons accident rates skyrocket during the summer.

 

Impaired drivers. Summer afternoons are the perfect occasion to cool off with a frosty beer on a porch with friends. But while enjoying a couple of cold ones in moderation is perfectly fine, a significant danger arises when people who have been drinking decide to get behind the wheel.

 

On any given day during the summer, there tends to be a significantly higher number of alcohol-impaired drivers on Florida roadways than in other seasons. This number only surges during holiday weekends such as the Fourth of July.

 

Out-of-town drivers. Florida is a hotspot for international vacationers and tourists all year long, but the number of out-of-towners increases during the summer when children are out of school. As families flock to our state to soak up rays on the beach and visit our world-renowned theme parks, our roads become more crowded with drivers who are unfamiliar with local roads. Lost, confused, and distracted drivers are more likely to cause of collisions and other accidents than those who are familiar with the road layout and traffic laws of the local area.

 

Boca Raton Bike Accident Lawyer

Cyclists and motorcyclists. During the summer months, many cyclists and motorcyclists take to the road, taking advantage of the dry weather and warm sun. Unfortunately, many drivers in Florida are not always on the lookout for bikes and motorcycles, and fatal accidents involving cyclists and motorcycle riders have become increasingly common.

 

Teen drivers. School is out, which means more teen drivers are free to roam the roads. With more teen drivers comes an increased risk of auto accidents, since teen drivers often have not had the opportunity to fully develop their driving skills in the way that more experienced drivers have. Studies have found that a growing number of teens have admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as to engaging in distracted driving activities such as texting, adjusting music, or fixing makeup,

 

Tire blowouts. Hot temperatures can cause the air inside tires to expand, causing blowouts in older and more worn-out rubber. Sudden tire blowouts can be shocking and potentially dangerous to drivers, whose first reaction is often to panic. An average of 535 fatalities and 2,300 collisions are caused by blowouts every year, with the bulk of incidents occurring during the hot summer months.

 

Sun and heat. The bright glare of the hot summer sun can blind drivers and cause crashes, while air-conditioners working overtime can cause the engine to overheat. In addition, the summer sun can cause dehydration in drivers during long road trips, leading to fatigue, dizziness, and impaired driving ability that can mean more crashes.

 

Safe Summer Driving Tips

 

Safe Summer Driving Tips

As a driver in Florida, you can promote safer roads while avoiding accidents during the summer months by following these important safe summer driving tips.

 

  1. Don’t drink and drive.

A couple of frozen margaritas or fruity cocktails might not seem like much, but even small amounts of alcohol can affect your driving in a big way. Play it safe by finding another way home if you’ve been drinking, such as a sober friend or public transportation.

 

  1. Don’t drive while tired.

Fatigue can have a tremendous effect on your coordination and ability to concentrate. If you are feeling sleepy, pull over as soon as possible and rest before hitting the road again.

 

  1. Don’t drive while distracted.

Distracted driving is the number one cause of auto accidents in Florida, outranking even drunk driving as the deadliest threat facing our roadways. When you are driving, keep your full attention on the road, and never text, use your cellphone, or adjust GPS or climate controls.

 

  1. Take your car in for a checkup.

A safe and well-maintained vehicle can protect you from preventable breakdowns and collisions, improve vehicle handling, and increase the life of your tires. Be sure to take your car in for routine checkups, especially before going on a long road-trip or traveling out of town for vacation.

 

Of course, accidents can happen to the most responsible and cautious of Florida drivers—especially when other drivers are careless or negligent. If you have been injured in a summer auto accident through no fault of your own, you should consult with an experienced Florida auto accident attorney. Your lawyer may be able to help you hold the at-fault driver accountable for their actions, and pursue a claim for medical bills, lost wages, and overall pain and suffering.

 

Safe Phone Zones Spring Up to Combat Distracted Driving

Safe Phone Zones Spring Up to Combat Distracted Driving

by Auto AccidentsDistracted Driving

Safe Phone Zones Spring Up to Combat Distracted Driving

Drunk driving. Dangerous road design. Inclement weather.

 

These are some of the common causes of auto accidents on Florida roadways. But of all of the hazards that threaten Florida roadways, distracted driving has proven to be the most dangerous.

 

According to some studies, drivers who are talking on their phones while driving show greater signs of impairment than drunk drivers. Research has also shown that the accident rate for drivers who are using their cellphone is higher than for drivers who have a blood alcohol content of .08 percent.

 

Distracted driving accidents have risen 25 percent in the last three years, with thousands of texting-while-driving accidents alone occurring annually. As distracted driving accidents in Florida continue to skyrocket, lawmakers are stepping in.

 

In 2013, state officials voted to make texting while driving a secondary non-criminal traffic offense. However, this law on its own has proven to be ineffective, since it only covers the act of texting and not looking at the screen or having a conversation on the phone. It is also a difficult rule to enforce, since in order to be pulled over legally, drivers must have already violated some other traffic law.

 

That’s why the Florida Department of Transportation has taken an additional step to combat distracted driving in our state. Earlier this month, the FDOT launched a campaign to establish 64 “Safe Phone Zones” in rest areas, welcome centers, and turnpike service plazas across the state. You can view a map of current Safe Phone Zone locations here. Campaigns like these are not uncommon, and have been met with varying levels of success, but this one is interesting for a number of reasons.

 

Large blue highway signs have been placed along Florida roads, leading drivers to these Safe Phone Zones. Within Safe Phone facilities, signs remind drivers to take the chance to use their phones in a safe location. As the FDOT Assistant Secretary for Engineering and Operations explained in a press release, “By calling our rest areas, welcome centers, and service plazas ‘Safe Phone Zones’, we are saying they are much more than just rest stops—they are safe stops.”

 

The Limitations of Safe Phone Zones

 

The launch of Safe Phone Zones across our state will hopefully encourage drivers to pull over to a safe location before answering a text or making a call on their phones. However, while phones may represent one of the deadliest driving distractions, they are hardly the only ones.

 

One glaring issue with Safe Phone Zones is they fail to address major driving distractions beyond cell phone usage, including:

 

Smoking activities. Smoking, lighting a cigarette, and ashing a cigarette can all serve as both cognitive and physical distractions when driving, yet thousands of Florida drivers smoke while driving on a daily basis.

 

Adjusting music and climate control systems. In the seconds it takes to adjust music or climate control systems, motor vehicles can travel a great distance, and drivers can end up making a deadly error.

 

Florida Distracted Driving Lawyer

Eating and drinking. While fast food restaurants and American culture alike may encourage eating and drinking in our cars, drivers who use their vehicle as a dining room can cause serious, often fatal accidents.

 

Passengers. According to some studies, as much as five percent of distracted driving fatalities involve a driver who was talking to or looking at another passenger.

 

Outside objects. Sights, sounds, and activities going on outside of our cars can be distracting too. Seven percent of distracted driving accidents occurred when drivers were looking at on outside object, such as a billboard or post-wreck cleanup.

 

Being lost in thought. More than half of all fatal distracted driving accidents are attributed to being “lost in thought” or thinking of things other than the driving task at hand, making it one of the most dangerous types of distracted driving behaviors.

 

In order to put a stop to distracted driving in our community, it’s important to recognize and address all types of distracted driving behaviors. While setting up Safe Phone Zones to discourage cell phone usage when driving is a powerful first step, it is only the beginning of our state’s journey to distracted driving-free roadways.

 

Boca Raton Distracted Driving Attorney

As a driver, you can help reduce distracted driving accidents by remaining aware of your own driving behaviors. Anything that takes your full attention from driving—whether it be texting, singing along to the radio, or sipping a smoothie—could lead to an accident, and should be postponed until your vehicle has come to a full stop.

 

And if you have been a victim of a distracted driving accident, you can raise awareness of our state’s serious distracted driving problem by holding the driver accountable in an auto accident claim. Talk to a knowledgeable auto accident attorney to learn how you can take a stand against distracted driving in Florida, while seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to recovery.

 

Avoid Traffic (and an Accident) With These Apps

Avoid Traffic (and an Accident) With These Apps

by Auto Accidents

Avoid Traffic (and an Accident) With These Apps

Ask anyone to come up with a list of their least favorite things, and “traffic” is likely to rank highly—perhaps just behind “tax season” and a few spots higher than “paper cuts.”

 

Few drivers will argue that the congested roadways in Florida aren’t frustrating, inconvenient, and stressful. But did you know that heavy traffic can also be very dangerous?

 

In heavy traffic, it’s common for drivers to lose their patience and begin to drive recklessly. Even if you manage to keep your cool in traffic, the reckless drivers around you may jeopardize your safety. Frustrated drivers are far more likely to change lanes quickly and carelessly, ignore warning signals, and disregard the rights of other drivers. Reckless drivers frequently drive too close to other vehicles, or drive in bicycle lanes and on road shoulders in an exasperated attempt to get to their destination quicker.

 

When there are reckless or aggressive drivers on congested roadways, the likelihood of serious auto accidents increases. That’s why it can be a good idea for both your schedule and safety to avoid traffic whenever possible.

 

Here’s the good news: today, there are a variety of mobile phone apps specifically designed to help drivers avoid traffic and plan safer, faster commutes. Below, we’ve listed apps that will help you get from point A to point B without hitting heavy traffic or falling victim to an auto accident.

 

South Florida Accident Lawyer

Waze Social GPS, Maps & Traffic. Waze is a community-based traffic and navigation app, which displays real-time traffic information provided by other users nearby. Users can update the app with useful information and alerts on road conditions, including info on hazards, gas prices, police check points, and accidents.

Price: Free

 

iTraffic. The iTraffic app provides drivers with highly accurate, up-to-date traffic information on their iPhones. The app automatically generates the best routes to take based on live traffic conditions, constantly updating routes to avoid any jams that occur while you are on your journey.

Price: $1.99

 

PD Maps Worldwide Edition. This straightforward app provides a turn-by-turn map navigation system using maps from eight different providers, including Google Maps, Yahoo! Local, and Microsoft Bing Maps. You can see real-time traffic information, and easily route and re-route your journey with the touch of a button.

Price: Free

 

Beat the Traffic. Beat the Traffic can help you plan a speedier route with real-time information on traffic, accidents, and other potential driving problems personalized to your route.

Price: Free

 

Traffic Updates. With Traffic Updates, you are able to see delays in traffic and other updates on an interactive map. You can also see different travel times and estimated delays for various routes.

Price: $.99

 

MyLiveTraffic. This is a collaborative app that uses real-time reports of traffic congestion across the world. The app displays visual information on route congestion overlays, warnings, and other important alerts.

Price: $1.99

 

Of course, it’s important to remember to access apps and plan routes before starting your drive, and refrain from using your cellphone while on the road. Cellphone usage on the highways can actually cause traffic jams, in addition to increasing the likelihood of serious, fatal accidents.

 

When used at the proper times, traffic apps can help you plan a safer, speedier, and smoother route. But if you do find yourself victimized in a serious auto accident caused by a reckless driver in a traffic jam, you should call a Florida accident attorney. With the help of an attorney, you can hold reckless drivers accountable for the accident, and obtain compensation for medical bills and other costs related to recovery.

 

Poorly Designed Roadways in Florida Common Cause of Auto Accidents

Poorly Designed Roadways in Florida Common Cause of Auto Accidents

by Auto Accidents

Poorly Designed Roadways in Florida Common Cause of Auto Accidents

From drunk drivers to speeding to neglecting to use seat belts, there are plenty of hazards that can cause car accident injuries and fatalities.

 

[clickToTweet tweet=”Studies found that poorly designed highways and road conditions contribute to more deaths than any other factor” quote=”But studies found that poorly designed highways and dangerous road conditions may contribute to more deaths than any of these factors, accounting for more than half of fatal crashes in the US.”]

 

Every year, poor road design and dangerous conditions causes thousands of fatal auto accidents in Florida and across the country. Examples of poor design and dangerous conditions include:

 

Ineffective exit ramps. When on- and off-ramps are improperly placed or too short, they do not allow for safe merging. When drivers cannot merge safely, collisions and other severe accidents may occur.

 

Improper shoulder design. The shoulder of a road should have adequate space to allow drivers to exit their car safely without being struck by passing vehicles. In addition, the slope of a road shoulder should be as level as possible to reduce the chance of rollover.

 

Street edge drop-offs. Street drop-offs, such as ravines or cliffs, should have safety guards and other measures to prevent drivers from accidently swerving over the edge.

 

Improperly situated median barriers.  When median barriers are not situated appropriately, this can lead to fatal head-on collisions with other motor vehicles.

 

Dangerous intersections. Conditions such as narrow roads, sharp roads, and confusing traffic signals can make it even more difficult for drivers to navigate through already-tricky intersections.

 

Road hazards. Government agencies that are responsible for the road have a duty to keep road services clear of dangerous obstacles, such as trees and other vegetation. Road surfaces should also be kept clear of dangers, such as pot-holes, which can damage vehicles.

 

Inadequate signage. When warning and instructional signs are absent, defective, improper, or allowed to deteriorate or be removed, this can cause confusion among drivers, leading to fatal accident. The same is true for traffic signals—if they are poorly placed or allowed to malfunction, this can create disorder and cause accidents on the roads.

 

Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Inadequate pedestrian safety measures. Roadways without appropriate crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and other pedestrian accommodations can cause serious pedestrian accidents. These types of accidents are often fatal, since cars are much larger and moving faster than pedestrians.

 

Inadequate lighting. When there is insufficient lighting on roadways at night, this can severely hinder visibility for drivers, making them more likely to hit an obstacle, pedestrian, cyclist, or other driver.

 

Dangerous road surfaces. Road surfaces become dangerous when pavement does not have adequate skid resistance, or when improper drainage causes ponding or hydroplaning.

 

Poor construction. When road builders fail to follow approved plans, use shoddy materials, or make careless errors when building roadways, roads and highways can deteriorate, collapse, and otherwise fail to provide safe driving conditions.

 

Failure to adapt. The agencies responsible for maintaining roads have a responsible to maintain and adapt roads when it becomes necessary to ensure driver safety. This includes addressing road cave-ins and sinking, changing use patterns by vehicles and pedestrians, and noting and resolving causes of reoccurring accidents.

 

Unsafe parking policies. Parking policies that limit visibility of a dangerous intersection can result in accidents for pedestrians, bikers, and motor vehicle drivers alike.

 

Inadequate bike safety measures. Similarly, bike accidents are also often fatal, and are often caused by an absence of bike lanes or lanes with unsafe design.

 

If You or a Loved One Was Injured in a Poor Road Design Accident

Poor road design and dangerous conditions can cause many kinds of serious accidents, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bike accidents. If you or a loved one was involved in an accident that you suspect may have been caused by poor road design, it’s critical to contact an auto accident lawyer as soon as possible.

 

It can be difficult to determine and prove whether poor road design caused your accident, often requiring a thorough investigation and evaluation by accident reconstruction specialists and engineers. An attorney can help you gather evidence, locate witnesses, and consult with the necessary experts.

 

A lawyer can also help you identify the party responsible for your accident. This is often a challenging task, since multiple parties may be involved. Through research and investigation, your attorney can help you determine whether the dangerous roadway as the responsibility of a private contracting firm, the local government, or the federal government.

 

Florida Car Accident Attorney

Regardless of who or what caused your accident, the consequences of an auto accident can be devastating for you and your family. By filing a claim against the responsible party, you can secure much needed compensation for medical bills, repairs, lost wages, and overall pain and suffering. You will also bring attention to a dangerous roadway, which can prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.

Boca Raton Auto Accidents

Florida is the Worst State to Get Into a Car Accident

by Auto Accidents

Boca Raton Auto Accidents
Recently, Florida has been ramping up efforts to make our roads safer. From installing new, easier SunPass payment systems across the state to passing harsher distracted driving laws, the Florida justice system has noticeably been trying to lessen the number of automobile accidents that occur statewide.

 

Unfortunately, these efforts do not seem to be coming fast enough. Florida has been dubbed one of the top 10 states with the worst drivers, and our crash statistics are nothing to be proud of. Now, despite Florida’s best efforts to turn over a new leaf of traffic safety, a recent study from WalletHub has found one more defect in Florida’s approach to road safety.

 

According to the study, Florida is the worst state in the country to get into an automobile accident.

 

[clickToTweet tweet=”Despite the fact that it is illegal in Florida to drive without insurance, 23.8% of Florida drivers are uninsured.” quote=”Despite the fact that it is illegal in Florida to drive without insurance, the study found that 23.8% of Florida drivers are uninsured.”]

 

Additionally, Florida has a very lax minimum liability coverage requirement. This not only makes matters worse for drivers responsible for accidents, but even more so for the innocent drivers that they hit.

 

The Insurance Debacle

 

Auto Accident Attorney Boca Raton

 

One of the most important revelations from WalletHub’s study is a problem that Floridians have been avoiding for too long—the problem of minimum liability coverage. Unlike many states, Florida does not require most of its drivers to have bodily injury liability (BIL) coverage (that is, insurance coverage that protects other drivers in the event that you cause an accident).

 

The exception here is that certain drivers can be ordered to have BIL coverage, particularly if they have been involved in accidents before. But even in those cases where BIL coverage is mandated, Florida only requires a minimum coverage of 10/20. This means that if you cause an auto accident, your insurance company will only be required to pay $10,000 for each person whose injuries you caused, and no more than $20,000 total.

 

For reference, compare these numbers to Alaska, which is one of the highest-ranking states in the nation according to the WalletHub study. Alaska’s BIL coverage is 50/100, meaning that in the event of an accident, an insurance company will pay up to $50,000 for each individual, not exceeding $100,000. Comparatively, Florida’s requirements barely even register.

 

To be fair, Florida does encourage drivers to include BIL coverage in their insurance packages. Since it is optional, though, many drivers will opt out of including BIL coverage in the interest of saving themselves some money.

 

The Risks of Lax Insurance Coverage

 

By allowing drivers to get on the road with such low insurance coverage, the state of Florida is essentially letting drivers shirk their responsibilities to themselves and other innocent people on the road, including cyclists and pedestrians. In bad accidents that result in serious bodily injury to others, Florida’s mandated minimal coverage will not be nearly enough to cover the costs of medical bills and other associated expenses.

 

This means that the other person, the driver who had nothing to do with the accident but who merely suffered the consequences of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, has to foot the rest of the bill. It also means that everyone else—that is, all citizens of Florida who actually pay for insurance—will have to pay more.

 

Insurance supplements like bodily insurance liability benefits may seem unnecessary to drivers, but car insurance is something that works on a large scale. In order for all citizens to benefit, all citizens must pay into it. Unfortunately, as long as adding BIL coverage will mean higher monthly payments for drivers, plenty of people will continue to opt out of it if given the choice. This means that many people, if they are struck by an uninsured driver in Florida, are simply out of luck.

 

What This Means For You

 

West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney

Florida’s low insurance coverage requirements may seem great for drivers who do not want to pay too much for insurance, but it can be devastating for other men and women they share the road with.

 

If you have been injured in an auto accident, you may be experiencing the effects of Florida’s lax insurance policies first hand. But do not let another person’s negligence cost you. If you have been in an accident and have suffered at the hands of a driver who did not have adequate insurance coverage, you should still be entitled to compensation.

 

Do not allow yourself to be a victim of Florida’s lax liability insurance laws. Fight back with a knowledgeable, experienced attorney to make sure you get the fair and just compensation that you deserve. Contact our law offices today to set up a free consultation and start getting your life back on track.

 

 

Will Florida's Recent Hit-and-Run Ruling Impact Injury Cases

Will Florida’s Recent Hit-and-Run Ruling Impact Injury Cases?

by Auto Accidents

Will Florida's Recent Hit-and-Run Ruling Impact Injury Cases

A recent ruling in Florida might make it a whole lot harder for victims of hit-and-run crashes to get the justice that they deserve. The ruling states that drivers who are responsible for hit-and-run crashes cannot be prosecuted unless there is definite proof that they knew they had been involved in a crash.

 

This decision comes following the appeal of a case in which a Florida driver was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison after hitting a 22-year-old skateboarder with his truck. The teenager was dragged nearly 90 feet and was in a coma for weeks as a result.

 

Now, Florida’s Supreme Court has sided with the appeals court, which stated that the driver in this case may not have known that he hit the boy. The Supreme Court reasoned that in order for a felony conviction to be made in any case, the prosecution must be able to prove that the offender knew what he was doing and chose to willfully disobey the law.

 

What Does This Mean For You?

 

Florida is well known for a lot of things, but unfortunately road safety is not one of them. Each year, Florida sees 200,000 automobile accidents, thousands of which involve pedestrians. Worse still, the rate of hit-and-run accidents in Florida has been on the rise. In 2014, hit-and-run accidents were up by 23%.

 

Unfortunately, this recent ruling is a step backwards for Florida’s ongoing journey to make the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians. Although intended to protect the rights of drivers, the new ruling seems destined to backfire and could wind up leaving countless hit-and-run victims in the dust.

 

Do Not Be Discouraged—Your Case Matters

 

This new ruling may send the wrong message to Florida citizens: that hit-and-run drivers can be excused. The lawyers at The South Florida Injury Law Firm know that that is not true. This ruling will likely change the way that hit and run cases are handled in court. However, it does not mean that it is now impossible for hit-and-run victims to receive compensation for their resulting injuries and trauma.

 

Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer

On the contrary, it just means that your lawyer may have to do a little more investigative work. Maybe the driver responsible for the hit-and-run truly did not notice that he had been involved in an accident, but how could he have missed it? Was he distracted? Was he texting, toying with the radio, smoking, or talking on his phone while driving? Was he looking away from the road at the time? Maybe he was intoxicated or under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident, or maybe he was driving without insurance and so chose to flee the scene before cops could arrive. Whatever the scenario, you deserve a lawyer who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

 

Even though it may seem that the state of Florida is turning its back on victims of hit-and-run accidents following this, the lawyers at The South Florida Injury Law Firm will stand beside you and see to it that responsible parties are held accountable. If you have suffered personal injury as a result of a hit-and-run, do not let this new ruling prevent you from seeking the justice that you deserve and the compensation that you need to fully recover and get back to your normal life. Contact us today.

 

Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorney

Guest Post: Dolman Law Asks When a Car Crash Lawyer is Needed

by Auto Accidents

Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorney

When do you need to hire an auto accident attorney? That’s the question that the Law Offices of The South Florida Injury Law Firm was asked by Matthew Dolman of Dolman Law Group, and it’s something that many of our clients have said they wondered about before contacting us.

 

Mr. Dolman wanted to get a range of responses from experienced car accident lawyers, so I decided to add my voice, as well. If you’d like to read the final post, which 13 different personal injury lawyers contributed to, check it out here: https://www.dolmanlaw.com/hire-car-accident-lawyer/

 

Protecting Yourself from Road Rage and Aggressive Drivers

Protecting Yourself from Road Rage and Aggressive Drivers

by Auto Accidents

Protecting Yourself from Road Rage and Aggressive Drivers
There’s no denying that driving can be stressful. Even the best of us have found ourselves yelling at another driver or cursing under our breath when we are stuck in particularly bad traffic, running late to work, or just having a bad day.

 

Feeling stressed or irritated during undesirable driving situations is normal, but a problem arises when these feelings escalate into road rage or aggressive driving.

 

[clickToTweet tweet=”Road rage is defined as violent or visibly angry actions by a driver, while aggressive driving ” quote=”Road rage is defined as violent or visibly angry actions by a driver, while aggressive driving includes dangerous behaviors such as tailgating and running red lights.”]

 

Most drivers know how to control feelings of frustration and anger on the road before they escalate into violent or aggressive behaviors, whether by taking deep breaths, putting on soothing music, or simply letting the feeling go. But how do you deal with road rage or aggressive driving from the driver in the car behind you?

 

When you are sharing the road with an aggressive driver, it can be a frightening and perilous situation. Here are some tips on handling aggressive drivers, and protecting you and your family from acts of road rage:

 

Keep calm. Even if another driver is acting angrily or aggressively, it’s important to keep your own behavior calm and courteous. If another driver acts aggressively by cutting you off or tailgating, your reaction to his or her behavior will determine what happens next in the situation. Whenever possible, try to avoid conflict. If he or she attempts to engage you in an argument, ignore them and drive away.

 

Avoid eye contact. Even if it is not your intention, eye contact can be perceived as a challenge. Since many aggressive drivers are driven by personal insecurities and frustrations, they can be set off by something as simple as a raised eyebrow or smirk.

 

Refrain from using inflammatory gestures. It can be tempting to honk, swear, or make inflammatory hand gestures if someone is driving poorly or aggressively, but doing so can inflame a driver’s temper. Instead of releasing frustration or anger in this way, wait until you’re off the road to vent by sharing the story with a friend.

 

Leave some room. It can be tempting to scoot your car up into open space when there’s a lot of traffic around you, but this can cause some drivers to feel anxious and irritated. Try to leave a few feet behind the car in front of you to avoid agitating a fellow driver and to allow yourself space to make a speedy exit if the situation calls for it.

 

Boca Raton Car Accident Lawyer

Stay out of the left lane. If a driver is trying to bully you into speeding up, move out of the right lane to let him or her pass. Put on your blinker to let the driver know you are planning to let them pass, and switch lanes when it’s safe to do so.

 

Follow traffic laws. A somewhat obvious but no less important way of preventing road rage is to follow local traffic laws as closely as you can. Always use directional lights to indicate a lane change and follow cars at a safe distance. Remain in one lane whenever possible and drive within the speed limits. Avoid texting or using your phone while driving. Use your horn only when absolutely necessary.

 

Find another parking space. It can be frustrating when another driver swipes the parking space you’ve been waiting for, but it’s not the end of the world. Instead of getting angry and trying to start an argument, assume that the driver may not have seen you and seek another space.

 

West Palm Beach Car Accident Attorney

Stay safe. If a driver is acting aggressively, lock your doors and leave enough space in front of you to pull out. Call 911 if an angry driver approaches your car.

 

Report road rage and aggressive driving. It’s advisable to report incidents of aggressive driving or road rage to Florida law enforcement. Be sure to include details such as license plate number, make and model, and direction of travel.

 

When driving, it’s a good idea to be tolerant of non-conforming traffic behaviors to a reasonable degree. But if another driver’s road rage or aggressive driving behavior causes you to get in a car accident, that’s when tolerance should end.

 

If you have been involved in an accident due to another’s angry or aggressive behaviors despite your own efforts to practice safe driving, contact a knowledgeable accident attorney as soon as possible.  A skilled lawyer can help you hold dangerous drivers accountable for their actions and prevent them from causing similar accidents in the future. Not only will you be able to help keep aggressive driving off the road, you may be able to recover compensation for repairs, medical bills, and overall pain and suffering.

 

 

Prescription and OTC Drugs Can Impair Drivers

Prescription and OTC Drugs Can Impair Drivers

by Auto AccidentsDUI Accidents

Prescription and OTC Drugs Can Impair Drivers
In recent years, law enforcement agencies across the country have been cracking down on drunk drivers. With new marijuana legislation sweeping the nation, it looks like another crackdown could be right around the corner for individuals caught driving under the influence of marijuana. But while these are important steps to take in the fight against DUIs and DWIs, and it is extremely important to patrol drivers’ use of alcohol and marijuana, these are not the only drugs that can cause impairment.

 

When it comes to impaired driving, prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be just as harmful as any illegal drugs – especially if you’re on the receiving end of an accident with an impaired driver.

 

The Real Dangers of Prescription Drugs

 

Most of us tend to think that if something comes to us from a doctor, that makes it totally safe. We believe this even if the drugs in question issue clear warnings about engaging in certain activities, such as operating heavy machinery. But did you know that it goes even further than that?

 

As the FDA points out, even over-the-counter (OTC) drugs can be extremely dangerous. According to them, some of the most dangerous OTC drugs when it comes to driving impaired include:

 

  • Antihistamines
  • Antidiarrheals
  • Anti-emetics

 

Each of these drugs can cause drowsiness, which can be very dangerous for drivers. While it may seem minor, drowsiness behind the wheel is no laughing matter. As reported by DrowsyDriving,org, driver fatigue accounts for approximately 100,000 car crashes each year. These accidents result in approximately 1,550 deaths and 71,000 injuries annually. So whether you’re driving a car, a motorcycle, or a bus, it’s imperative that your head is clear while you’re behind the wheel.

 

To protect yourself and others against impaired driving under the influence of OTC or prescription drugs, make sure to follow these few simple rules:

 

  1. Read the warning labels. If an OTC drug package says something like “May cause drowsiness,” or, “After taking this drug, be careful when driving or operating machinery,” heed these warnings.
  2. Read the ingredients lists. Make sure to read the ingredients lists on all OTC medicines, and make note of each active ingredient’s designated use. If any of the ingredients are used as antihistamines, antidiarrheals, or anti-emetics, be on your guard.
  3. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure that your doctor knows which drugs you are taking and if you have any preexisting conditions. You never know how drugs may interact with one another, or what effects they may have on your body.

 

Bear in mind that even if a drug seems harmless, and even if you have taken the drug multiple times without any effects, you can never be too cautious. Today is a new day and you never know how a drug will affect you this time around.

 

If You’ve Been Injured By An Impaired Driver, Fight Back

 

Boca Raton Auto Accident Attorney

All of this is important for injury victims to know, too, because if you’ve been injured in an auto accident, it’s vital not to automatically rule out the possibility of DUI. Even if you don’t smell booze or marijuana on the other driver, it’s still very possible that other drugs may have been involved.

 

According to CBS News:

 

  • Almost 70% of Americans use prescription drugs
  • More than 50% of Americans take two or more prescriptions
  • 20% of Americans are using five or more prescription drugs

 

Even though these drugs are perfectly legal to consume, there isn’t a single prescription out there that doesn’t come with some risk of side effects. Sometimes, these side effects can be serious. This means that anyone who uses a prescription drug, no matter how legal it is, can be at risk of impairment.

 

[clickToTweet tweet=”If you’ve been injured by someone driving under the influence of prescription drugs, fight for the justice u deserve.” quote=”If you’ve been injured by someone driving under the influence of prescription drugs, fight for the justice that you deserve.”]

 

Contact an accident attorney at The South Florida Injury Law Firm today.

 

Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyer

Florida Toll Roads Not as Safe as You Think

by Auto Accidents

Boca Raton Auto Accident Lawyer
Just by getting behind the wheel of a car, you’re taking a risk. Whether you’re driving on a side street, multi-lane highway, toll road, or “free road,” there are always certain dangers that you may face as a driver.

 

Surprisingly, though, research has shown that some roads are actually safer than others. In a 2008 study, toll roads were shown to be 36% safer than non-toll roads (“free roads”), based on fatality statistics from previous years.

 

Recently, however, the Orlando Sentinel reported that accidents on Florida toll roads have been increasing dramatically over the past four years. According to the Sentinel, 2014 saw almost 260 accidents on toll roads—that’s a 170% increase from three years prior, when there were only 96 crashes on the same roads.

 

Why the Increase in Toll Road Accidents?

 

Florida has 734 miles of toll roads—more than any other state in the country. To an extent, the increase in accidents is likely a result of an increase in traffic. The Sentinel reports that Florida toll roads have seen more traffic in recent years due to the fact that the economy has been on the upswing and more people are willing to drive on roads that require tolls if it means an easier commute.  The Sentinel also cites bad weather and distracted driving as two of the main issues for South Florida auto accidents – on and off toll roads.

 

When you’re driving on toll roads this year, be aware of some dangers you may come across.

 

  • Bad weather. Especially in South Florida, bad weather can surprise you at any time of any day. Remember that dangerous driving conditions require reduced speeds and increased alertness.
  • Distractions. Of course, texting and driving is one of the main causes for accidents on the road. But distractions can come in countless other forms as well—even something as simple as having someone in the passenger seat can be a distraction. While you’re driving, be sure to focus all your attention on the road. With factors on the road changing so constantly, you need to really concentrate to stay on top of your game.

 

West Palm Beach Car Accident Lawyer

  • Inexperienced drivers. While teenagers certainly won’t admit it, new drivers are often a hazard simply because they lack experience. Young drivers are more prone to panic behind the wheel or make hasty and dangerous decisions, which could put them and other drivers at risk. This is especially true on toll roads, which is a new environment for many inexperienced drivers and can be overwhelming.

 

No matter how long you’ve been driving, you’re never too experienced to obey the rules of the road. Whenever you’re driving—either on toll roads, “free roads,” or even in parking lots—makes sure to be careful and alert at all times to avoid potential accidents and injuries.

 

What Can be Done to Decrease the Number of Accidents?

 

One Florida toll road agency has been campaigning to make toll roads safer through the installation of new electronic payment systems. These systems allow cars to pay tolls without stopping at booths, which will hopefully lessen incidents of accidents since drivers will be able to continue driving without interruption.

 

Still, your best defense against toll road accidents is to simply be on your guard and always give the road your undivided attention.

 

Even when you are as careful as possible, though, sometimes accidents still manage to find you. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident on a Florida toll road, contact the attorneys at The South Florida Injury Law Firm to help you analyze your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

 

About the Author:

Jeffrey Braxton is a trial lawyer in Fort Lauderdale who has devoted his 22-year career to the practice of personal injury law. As lead trial attorney for The South Florida Injury Law Firm, Jeff has litigated thousands of cases and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an exclusive group of attorneys who have resolved cases in excess of one million dollars.