All of the Sudden, Traffic Deaths in the United States Increased

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The latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics was for the year 2011, where the traffic agency recorded a total of 32,367 fatalities from motor vehicle crashes in the United States. Said figure was the lowest number of fatalities since 1949, and was also a nearly 2-percent decline in the number of people killed from the previous year (32,999, 2010 statistics).

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland credited such decrease in the 2011 motor vehicle deaths to improved driving behavior, vehicle safety, and educational and awareness campaigns against drunk driving and for the importance of seat belt use. However, the traffic safety agency may have some explaining to do after early estimates of motor vehicle traffic deaths for 2012 showed alarming statistics.

Apparently, the number of traffic fatalities in the United States spiked from the 2011 total to a staggering 34,080, which is utterly surprising. This was a 5.3 percent increase compared to the previous year, and once the true statistics are finalized late this year or next year, the United States will see its first year-to-year increase in fatalities since 2005.

The increase was also seen in terms of seasons, geography, and the type of motor vehicle accident involved. To begin with, the vehicle miles traveled last year rose by 0.3 percent in 2012, which was attributed to the fact that the economy improved, with more and more people purchasing vehicles.

Also, with regard to seasons, a 12.6 percent increase in deaths was seen in winter, among that of spring, summer, and fall of 2012. Every quarter of the year 2012 also saw a large increase in traffic deaths than in every same quarter during the previous year.

Geographically, fatalities in motor vehicle accidents went up in the Northeast by more than 15 percent, which was the most among other geographical regions in the U.S. The South also saw a significant increase with about 10 percent, and the West comprising California, Arizona, and Hawaii topping it all off with an increase of 9 percent.

What seems to be a steady six-year decline in traffic fatalities leading up to two years ago quickly became a quick reversal in 2012. Hope that these statistics will serve as a reminder of how dangerous traffic accidents can be. Every Los Angeles vehicle accident lawyer, though, still advises motorists to exercise safety while traveling on U.S. roadways.

When the Joy in Joyrides End

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Joyrides on highways are such a great thing to do. Speed gives you that feeling of adrenaline. It gets you excited, that help you enjoy your trips better. However, in every fun activity, you should never forget that driving, just like every privilege, comes with a responsibility. That is why while operating a vehicle; one must make sure that you keep safety in mind, above anything else.

Just recently, a vehicle that was running too fast got out of control. This made the car cross the other side of the road, crashing with another car. The wrong-way driver immediately died, as well as the driver from the other vehicle. The police are still trying to investigate what the real cause of the accident was. The authorities are once again, also looking into the possibility of alcohol or drugs, causing the accident.

Alcohol is not necessarily bad, especially when taken in moderation. Oftentimes, alcohol has psychological effects that helps one enjoy better and throw their cares away. Prescription drugs have good effects too but only when taken in proper dosages. On the other hand, prohibited drugs have no positive benefits after all and could only cause health and mental problems for its users.

The government has time and again has shown the negative effects of alcohol and drug abuse. Through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as other government agencies, federal and state agencies, many programs have been launched and many operations were held, just to put a stop to irresponsible driving and prevent drunk or drugged driving. However, all of these efforts will be put into waste if the general public won’t join the government in looking for solutions.

A Los Angeles personal injury lawyers reminded the public that as a driver or operator of a vehicle, one has the responsibility to make sure that he or she will be driving safely. He has also called on victims of such accidents or their relatives to fight for their rights and file the necessary cases and claims to get those responsible liable for their actions or lack thereof. Joyrides are fun, and you can pump up the fun by injecting a little responsibility while having fun.

About Wrongful Death: Existing California Laws

 

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Most forms of personal injury results to the injury of a person involved in an accident. However, there’s one form of personal injury that ultimately results in the person’s death. This is what we call wrongful death. Just like any form of personal injury, this stems from the liable party’s negligence or misconduct.

Basically, the defendant or the liable party in a wrongful death accident could either be an individual or an entity. More importantly, the surviving members of the deceased person, or any qualified person not-blood-related to the person, can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party.

Wrongful death lawsuits often stem from the most common personal injury accidents, including but not limited to the following:

• Vehicle accidents (e.g. cars, motorcycles, trucks, buses, or motorcycle accidents)
• Pedestrian accidents;
• Dog bites and other animal attacks;
• Product liability caused by defective goods; and
• Medical malpractice.

Moreover, every state has its own wrongful death laws, including the State of California. Here, such claim can be filed against the liable party by any of the following eligible persons:

• The decedent’s spouse;
• The decedent’s children, stepchildren, or grandchildren;
• The decedent’s parents, especially if they were dependent on him before the decedent died; or
• Any qualified person who oversees the decedent’s estate; especially if the deceased doesn’t have children or grandchildren.

Like every state in the U.S., the State of California has its own statutes of limitations with regard to filing wrongful death cases. If the death of your loved one stemmed from a motor vehicle accident, slip and fall, or any other form of personal injury, you and your surviving members may file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years from the date of the decedent’s death.

Meanwhile, if it is caused by medical malpractice, you have three years from the date of the injury, or, if it is determined weeks or months after the decedent died, one year from the date of discovery. Also, if the death of your loved one was caused by a defective product, you have two years to file for wrongful death.

Indeed, taking on such a high-profile lawsuit can be very difficult. Apart from dealing with the legal battle to get compensated for the damages you and your family incurred, you’d also have to mourn for the sudden demise of your loved one. In this regard, it is important that you seek the expertise of any Los Angeles personal injury lawyers who can help represent you.

Wearing Seat Belt Only Takes 2 Seconds: Buckle up for Your Safety

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According to an article by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), wearing seat belt only takes roughly two seconds to do; hence, drivers and passengers have no excuse not to buckle up. In the State of California, adult vehicle occupants who fail to restrain themselves using seat belt and/or shoulder harness may be fined with no less than $142.00.

Since 2005, the California government has implemented “Click It or Ticket,” a program that aims to require all drivers to wear seat belt for their safety. Since it was implemented, seat belt use rate has increased significantly – from 92.5 percent in 2005 to 96.2 percent in 2010, which was in fact a record high.

Additionally, the said traffic safety program involves disciplining California drivers who do not wear seat belt or properly restrain children inside their vehicle. The minimum fine for adults who do not use seat belt is $142.00 and up. Meanwhile, the minimum fine for parents or adults who do not restrain passengers under the age of 16 is $445.00.

“Click It or Ticket” is a program well-supported by various government agencies including Business Transportation and Housing Agency (BTH), California Highway Patrol (CHP), OTS, Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Despite the benefits of using seat belt, Los Angeles drivers must still recognize the certain dangers of the road. Drivers must remember that wearing seat belt does not exempt them from accidents. The following are the common causes of major and fatal car accidents in California:

•    Intoxicated drivers
•    Distracted drivers (drivers who eat, talk on the phone, or text while driving)
•    Speeding drivers
•    Wrong-way drivers
•    Swerving drivers
•    Poor weather condition
•    Road hazards and debris

Meanwhile, Los Angeles drivers who got injured in an accident caused by a negligent motorist should promptly contact a Los Angeles vehicle accident attorney for them to recover personal injury damages.

Factors that Make Drivers Sleepy During Daytime

Drowsiness can strike you any time of the day. Some people think that drowsy driving is only a problem of people who drive at night; however, in a non-dreamy world, even motorists who drive during the day can also be susceptible to such.

Drowsy driving can turn into a nightmare if the driver gets involved in an accident. According to statistics, about 100,000 car crashes every year in the United States are caused by drowsy or fatigued drivers.

Sleepy drivers may not only strike at night but also during daytime. There are particular reasons why certain drivers feel sleepy while driving during the day, and these include:

Lack of sleep – This may seem like a giveaway, but it is one of the top causes of daytime sleepiness of drivers. Motorists who do not have enough sleep are most likely to feel exhausted and drowsy. According to studies, adults need to have at least seven hours of sleep every day for them to be fully alert.

Narcolepsy – This medical condition can make drivers feel sleepy during the day and/or hallucinate. Drivers who are suffering from narcolepsy are advised not to drive to protect themselves and other people from road accidents.

Drugs – Certain medications can cause drivers to feel sleepy. Some of these drugs include muscle relaxers, tranquilizers, allergy medications, pain medications, and others. Drivers who need to take medicine should ask someone to drive for them to avoid getting involved in a traffic accident.

Poor diet – People who have unhealthy lifestyles and eat unhealthy foods are prone to drowsiness during the day. Drivers who eat foods with high sugar in excess are likely to experience sleepiness while driving at day. Exercise and healthy diet are seen to be the solution to this cause of sleepy driving.

Los Angeles drivers who get injured in an accident caused by a drowsy driver are advised to hire a Los Angeles injury attorney. This is to ensure that they will receive proper amount of compensations for their injuries, lost income, and pain and suffering.