Reno Personal Injury Lawyer - Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Nevada Drunk Drivers Stay Home

Steve Klearman — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:09:42 GMT

From the Reno Gazette Journal Today:

Local law enforcement agencies launch a region-wide drunk driving enforcement campaign beginning Monday that will consist of saturation patrols through Labor Day weekend.

Law enforcement officers urge people who drink to do so responsibly and not drive while under the influence. Instead they can use public transportation like a bus or taxicab or having non-drinking, designated drivers to prevent alcohol-related deaths or injuries. Most drunk drivers come from neighborhood bars and individual parties, Sgt. Pat Dreelan of the Reno Police Department traffic division said in a statement.

There were 1,592 DUI arrests by Reno police officers in 2007, a significant increase over the 1,014 arrests in 2006, the statement said. Reno police say this is noteworthy because about half of the 14 fatal vehicle accidents in the city of Reno in 2007 involved drugs or alcohol.

First time DUI offenders face penalties that can include arrest, impounding of the vehicle being driven, two days to six months in jail or community service, a fine of $400-$1,000.00, a chemical test fee, attending DUI school or substance abuse treatment, and participation before a victim impact panel. In addition, first-time offenders can have their drivers license revoked and have to pay license reinstatement and other related feeds and may see a substantial increase in vehicle insurance fees, if the insurance carrier retains the individual as a client. A DUI arrest and or conviction remain in criminal history files for the rest of the individuals life, and convictions and license revocations also remain in an individuals DMV record for the rest of their life. Repeat DUI offenders face increased penalties.

Law enforcement officers suggest people help law enforcement by reporting drivers who may be under the influence. When a potential drunk driver is seen the vehicles license plate number and vehicle description should be reported to dispatch by calling 334-COPS.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Klearman

City Driving Tips

Steve Klearman — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:52:27 GMT

Surviving Intersections

About 50 percent of all city driving collisions occur at intersections, usually because a driver failed to yield the right-of-way. A recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety study reports that red-light runners are responsible for an estimated 170,000 injuries every year, about 900 of which are fatal. Worse, the number of deaths related to red light running is rising! To keep intersections safe, remember these tips:

· The vehicle on the left always yields to the vehicle on the right.

· Rolling stops can be a dangerous habit. You can miss spotting a vehicle and cause a collision.

· As you approach a "stale green light" cover the brake with your foot and be prepared to stop. Indications of a stale light include: traffic flowing smoothly, considerable cross-traffic, blinking pedestrian signals, and people standing on the corner.

· When a red light turns green, check to see that traffic has stopped on the intersecting street. Look left, then right, then scan left before you proceed. You invite disaster if you don't check for oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

· Turning right on a red light is allowed only when it is legal, your vehicle has come to a complete stop, traffic is clear, and pedestrians are clear of the crosswalk. Always take the few extra moments to look for a no-turn-on-red sign.

· When you encounter a yellow light, always stop if it is safe to do so. The purpose of a yellow light is to allow you time to clear an intersection you have already entered, not one you are approaching.

Roadside Distractions

· A lack of consideration can cause trouble. Demanding the right of way can lead to a confrontation that benefits no one.

· Keep your eyes moving for potential problems such as children playing, cyclists, pets, and cars backing from driveways. Look into your rear view mirror often.

· Establish a high visual horizon. You should be able to see one block ahead of you.

· Blind spots are everywhere. If you can't see beyond an object, slow down or change lanes to improve your vision.

· Don't tailgate. Maintain a three second following distance.

· When waiting to make a left turn, point your wheels straight ahead. If you are hit from behind with your wheels turned to the left, you would be forced into traffic.

· Whenever possible, avoid getting boxed in. Speed up or slow down as required.

· Don't fiddle with the radio or other nonessential equipment in heavy traffic.

· If a left turn is risky because of heavy traffic or poor vision, make a right turn and use an alternate route.

Backing Up

· Always check behind your car. Pedestrians and small children can be hidden from your view.

· Use your outside mirrors to help your vision.

· Do not back into busy streets, highways and pedestrian crosswalks.

· Keep your foot firmly on the brake before shifting into reverse.

· Back slowly. Glance over each shoulder out the windows.n

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Klearman

Cohabitating With Big Trucks

Steve Klearman — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:14:00 GMT

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 5,000 people die annually in crashes involving large trucks. In collisions between large trucks and cars, 98% of people killed were in the car.

To safely manage your encounters with these behemoths:

Avoid Their Blind Spots

Because they sit so high, drivers may appear to have total vision of the road. Instead, they have more blind spots than ordinary drivers. They are called "No Zones" because cars should avoid them. A big rig's four blind spots are:

-immediately in front, sometimes as much as 20 feet if the truck has a long hood.

-on either side of the cab. The right side blind spot is especially dangerous, because trucks like to swing into the right lanes to avoid troubles in the road ahead.

-up to 200 feet in the rear.

· Remember: If you can't see the driver of a truck in his side mirror, he cannot see you, either. To be seen, pull ahead or drop back.

· Don't cruise beside a truck for a long time, because if the driver needs to change lanes quickly, he might not know you're there.

· Keep your lights on in bad weather. It helps truck drivers see you amidst the spray.

Pass With Care

· On two lane roads, blink your lights to let a driver know you want to pass, whether it's day or night. If he blinks back, you can pass him safely. If he doesn't blink back, he is telling you it's not safe to pass. Wait and try again later.

· If a truck driver behind you blinks his lights, he wants to pass. Blink back and give him the time and room he needs.

· If a truck approaches quickly on a steep downhill grade, pull to the right and let him pass. He may have lost his braking power.

· When you pass a truck, wait until you are at least far enough ahead to see its headlights in your rearview mirror before you move back into the lane.

· Stay as far away as possible when encountering a truck on the highway to reduce the wind blast.

Proper Spacing

Even on dry pavement, trucks need twice as much stopping distance as cars.

· Cooperate with truckers by allowing plenty of safety cushion for the truck. In heavy traffic leave room for a truck to change lanes.

· Give trucks enough room to turn, especially on the right side for both left and right turns.

· Do not tailgate a truck (or any other vehicle). If he stops suddenly, you could find yourself wrapped around his rear axle. Tailgating also blocks your view of the road ahead. Rule of thumb: Stay 4-5 seconds behind a truck.

· When you are following a truck, position your vehicle at the side of the lane so you can be seen in the truck's mirrors.

· Another hazard of following a truck too closely is a tire blowout and flying debris.

· Be careful when you are behind a truck that has just entered the highway; it takes longer for a truck to pick up speed.

· In wet weather use more caution.

· If a trucker tailgates you or makes you angry, signal and get out of the way. Don't retaliate. It's a losing battle. Try to get some identification (safely) and report the incident.n

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Klearman

Driving Safety Intro

Steve Klearman — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:04:54 GMT

Over the next several blogs I plan to concentrate on basic information about driving safety.

Driving a car is one of the most routine activities we engage in, but it's also one of the most dangerous. Over 40,000 people are killed in motor vehicle accidents each year.

These 40,000 deaths translate into lifetime odds of 1-in-100 of dying in a motor vehicle accident.

Another discouraging number associated with motor vehicles is that 1-in-2 of us will suffer a temporary or permanent disabling injury* in a motor vehicle accident.

With odds like these, your only answer is to develop a defensive driving attitude when you get into a car. As the articles in the Driving section show, there are many steps you can take to reduce the odds you will be one of these statistics.

One of the most important steps you can take is to develop an attitude to make every driving trip a "perfect trip." This includes such things as wearing seat belts, obeying speed limits, and driving defensively under all weather and traffic conditions.

Driving a car should be one of life's pleasures, not one of life's tragedies.

The principal causes of motor vehicle deaths, based on recent National Safety Council statistics, are: Collision Between Motor Vehicles - 20,600; Collision with Fixed Object - 13,300; Pedestrian Accidents - 5,900; Noncollision Accidents - 5,200; Collision with Pedalcycle - 900; Collision with Train - 200; Other Collision - 100.

* A disabling injury is an injury that disables you beyond the day of the injury.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Steve Klearman