North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog

According to Randy Scott, Columbia Police Chief, two of his officers were the victims of drunk driving car accidents in South Carolina over the weekend. In 2011, Scott says that five of his officers were the victims to these alcohol-related traffic accidents, according to WISTV10. The first drunk driving car accident happened on Sumter Street when a driver ran straight through a red light, slammed into a patrol car and then drove into the Greek Boys restaurant. The second drunk driving car accident happened as an intoxicated driver slammed into an unoccupied police car near Washington and Gervails Streets.

"Everyone thinks I can do it -- I can drive home, but clearly we see that these accidents are happening," Scott said. "Some are fatal sometimes."

Our Columbia drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that Columbia Police officers will now be setting up sobriety checkpoints near city neighborhoods, Five Points, The Vista and the downtown area. Police Chief Scott says that officers from Richland and the Highway Patrol will also be joining in on these drunk driving efforts. Scott would like to remind drivers that these types of accidents are unnecessary and completely preventable. All he asks is that drivers head out with a plan. If you're going to be drinking, get a designated driver. Whatever you do, stay away from the driver's seat!

2008 Drunk Driving Statistics in South Carolina:

-Nearly 400 fatal accidents happened in South Carolina where at least one driver was legally drunk, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.

-More than 400 people were killed in drunk driving car accidents.

-Nearly 100 people were killed in alcohol-related car accidents, where at least one driver involved had a BAC of 0.01 to 0.07 percent.

Every year, there are approximately 11,000 people who are killed in drunk driving car accidents in the U.S. It is estimated that someone dies in one of these kinds of accidents every 45 minutes. Roughly 1.5 million people are arrested every year for driving under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. Half of these intoxicated drivers already had a suspended license when they were apprehended.

More than half of all of the car accidents that happen during the weekend are alcohol-related. Statistics conclude that an average person drives while drunk about 100 times before there caught by law enforcement.

Alcohol-related accidents are costly, too. Every year, these types of accidents cost the nation more than $100 billion. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that about 30 percent of all drivers will be involved in an alcohol-related accident at least once in their lifetime. Furthermore, about one out of every 140 drivers has been busted for drinking and driving. Male drivers ages 18- to 35-years-old are most likely to be busted for this dangerous driving behavior.

Statistics reveal that nearly 50 percent of all fatal car accidents in South Carolina involve a drunk driver.

Continue reading "Officers Victims of Drunk Driving Car Accidents in South Carolina " »

According to state highway patrol officers, speed may have been a top factor in a recent car accident in North Carolina. Reports indicate that the traffic accident happened in Union County at the intersection of Antioch Church and Weddington Oaks Road shortly before 6 p.m.

According to WCNC, a pickup truck was heading south on Antioch Church Road when the teenage driver lost control near a curb. The pickup drove off the roadway and landed into a ditch. Four of the vehicle's passengers, all teenagers, were thrown from the truck. Authorities report that at least one passenger was buckled in at the time of the accident. There were five Weddington High School students in the vehicle when the accident happened. One, who was not wearing a seat belt, died at the scene. The other four teens were treated for injuries. The young driver of the vehicle faces a misdemeanor charge of death by motor vehicle.

Our Charlotte car accident attorneys understand that teenage drivers face serious risks for accidents on our roadways. When you add speed in as a factor, the risk increases. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 1,300 traffic accident fatalities in North Carolina in 2009. More than 515 were speed-related, and a majority happened on non-interstate roads. Most of these accidents -- 270 -- happened as drivers were traveling at 55 miles per hour. The second most common speed for speed-related car accidents was 45 miles per hour.

The faster a vehicle is traveling at the time of impact in a motor-vehicle accident, the higher the risks are for serious injury and death. Speed limits are posted for a reason. They are the safest and most efficient recommended speed for the corresponding area. Speed limits are posted for idea conditions and drivers should slow down when weather and road conditions are less-than-ideal.

Speeding is one of the top contributors to accidents across the nation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding is a factor in more than 30 percent of all fatal traffic accidents.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation cites speeding as the most common driving violation that leads to deadly car accidents. In the state, there are about 220,000 reported car accidents each year. In these accidents, about 120,000 are injured and roughly 1,500 are killed. Many of these accidents, including the ones that involve speed, are completely preventable.

Speeding reduces a driver's ability to react to potential driving and roadway hazards. To help to avoid speeding, drivers are urged to leave for their destination with plenty of time to spare. Parents are urged to discuss the dangers, risks and consequences of speeding with the teen drivers in their lives. Teenage drivers are likely to exceed posted speed limits.

Continue reading "Speed: A Top Factor in North Carolina Car Accidents" »

According to local police officers, a severe car accident in Greenville on Interstate 85 and Interstate 395 interchanges caused quite the backup for commuters in the area. The traffic accident ended up taking the life of one motorist. Officers and reconstruction teams are still investigating the wreck to figure out what exactly happened.

According to FOX Carolina, the accident happened on the southbound lanes of Interstate 385 near Interstate 85 at roughly 1:30 p.m. Traffic was rerouted for the remainder of the day.

Our Greenville car accident attorneys understand that Interstates are a dangerous place to travel. Every day, there are car accidents along these roadways, many near busy interchanges and interstate ramps. An Interstate interchange is a road junction that usually uses grade separation and one or more ramps to allow traffic on at least one roadway to pass through the area without having to directly cross the flow of other traffic. Drivers are urged to be cautious when traveling through these areas as the high speed makes the extremely susceptible for serious, if not fatal, accidents. Traffic flows quickly in all directions and can be overwhelming to some drivers if they're not prepared and cautious.

To help motorists to ensure a safe trip along the Interstate and through the busy interchanges, our Greenville car accident lawyers are here to offer you some beneficial safety tips. Review these tips with your loved ones to help to make sure that everyone is safe during their travels along the Interstate.

Interstate Safety Tips:

-When entering traffic on an interstate using an on-ramp, be sure to slowly accelerate your speed to match the traffic that you will be joining. You never want to enter traffic at a reduced speed and throw off traffic flow. This is dangerous.

-When entering lanes of traffic, be sure to put on your traffic signal to alert other motorists of your intended maneuvers.

-Know when you're desired exit is approaching. Know and act ahead of time.

-Get into the correct lane of traffic with plenty of time to spare. You don't want to have to cut through traffic at the last moment.

-If you have an emergency and need to pull over, be sure to pull completely off the road.

-Abide by posted speed limit signs. Never exceed the limit or travel beneath it. Stay with the steady, legal flow of traffic.

-Be sure to curb all of the distractions in your vehicle. Driving on the Interstate requires your full attention. Distractions only steal your attention from the roadway and increase your risks of an accident.

-Be cautious and courteous of other vehicles. It's not a race or a competition. Let's all do our part to make sure that everyone gets to where they're going safely.

-Slow it down in shoddy weather conditions. Posted speed limits are for ideal, dry weather conditions. If you travel more than 20 miles per hour under the speed limit, throw on your hazard lights so that other motorists can see you more easily.

Continue reading "Car Accident at Interchange in Greenville Kills One" »

A recent tractor-trailer accident in Rowan on Interstate 85 unfortunately ended fatally. According to NewsChannel 36, two lanes of the Interstate were closed off after the wreck. Allegedly, a UPS driver smashed into a double trailer near exit 79 of 85. Once the two vehicles collided, the UPS truck flipped over an overpass and fell onto McCanless Road. One of the tractor-trailers was left dangling over the edge of that overpass. Authorities report that one of the drivers was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle as it flew over the overpass.

"This was not our standard accident. We don't like to see anything like this," said Deborah Horne with the Rowan County Fire Marshal's Office.

Our North Carolina trucking accident attorneys understand car accidents are common on the Interstate, but they're oftentimes catastrophic when tractor-trailers are involved. These larger vehicles carry so much weight and size and have the potential to do some real damage when involved in a wreck. Although this accident didn't involve any passenger vehicles, the threat is still very real. When smaller vehicles, like the ones you and I drive, are involved in a traffic accident with a tractor-trailer the results can be deadly.

Officials with UPS Freight say that there looking into the accident, but believe that a front-tire blowout may be the cause of the accident. According to a spokesperson with UPS, the truck driver involved in the accident was a veteran driver and had a clean driving record.

Officials report that neither of the vehicles was carrying any hazardous materials. One truck was allegedly carry cigarettes, which were looted by motorists passing by after they were dumped along the roadway in the accident.

Officials with the Department of Transportation closed two lanes of the Interstate while the mess was being clean up.

There are a few simple safety tips that drivers can follow to help to reduce their risks of being involved in a car accident with a tractor trailer. When traveling along the Interstate, tractor-trailers are common and motorists need to be prepared.

Interstate Safety Tips:

-Pay attention. Keep an eye out for tractor-trailers. They operate much differently than our passenger vehicles. Steer clear of them and allow them with plenty of room.

-Remember blind spots. Whenever driving near tractor-trailers, make sure that you can see the eyes of the driver. If you can't see them then they can't see you.

-Never tailgate a large truck.

-Put down the distractions. Driving on the interstate requires 100 percent of your attention.

-Never cut off a large truck. They take a greater distance to stop than our vehicles do.

-If you need to stop on the highway, be sure to pull completely off the road.

-Avoid road rage when driving near trucks. Their vehicles will almost always overpower you.

-Always expect the unexpected.

Continue reading "Trucking Accident in North Carolina Leaves Trucking Dangling from Overpass" »

The results are in! According to Transportation Secretary Gene Conti, local and state law enforcement officers busted nearly 4,000 motorists for driving under the influence during the "Booze It & Lose It" enforcement campaign. This road safety campaign ran from the 3rd of December through the 2nd of January. In addition to the alcohol-related arrests, nearly 137,000 criminal and traffic citations were issued across the state, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. These enforcement efforts were executed during this time to help reduce the risks of car accidents in North Carolina.

"These numbers show our dedication to making our roads safer by removing drivers under the influence from our roadways," said Conti.

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand that the holidays serve as a dangerous time on our roadways every year, but what's more important to point out is that these types of accidents happen every day. As we start a new year, drivers are asked to focus on safe driving habits to make 2012 safer than ever. Law enforcement officers aren't backing down and will continue to hunt down dangerous drivers throughout the year. Remember to ensure that everyone in your vehicle is properly buckled in, that you abide by all posted speed limit signs and that you never drive drunk. Thousands of car accidents in North Carolina can be prevented every year with a little bit of driver responsibility.

Throughout the Governor's Highway Safety Program, officers throughout the state conducted more than 10,640 dedicated patrol and sobriety checkpoints. These enforcement efforts help to deter drunk drivers every year. With high-visibility enforcement efforts, officers hope to bring down the number of drunk driving accidents throughout the state.

Counties with the most DWI Busts:

-Wake: More than 400 citations.

-Mecklenburg: More than 290 citations.

-Guilford: Nearly 145 busts.

In addition to the DWI citations, officers issued nearly 7,050 seat belt citations, nearly 1,425 child passenger safety violations, nearly 40,000 speeding violations and nearly 4,000 drug charges. There were nearly 2,250 fugitives apprehended and nearly 250 stolen vehicles were recovered. Officers believe that these enforcement efforts and these busts were able to save lives throughout the month-long campaign.

While the dangerous holiday travel season may be over, we've started a near year and we'll be facing a whole new list of dangers. Drivers are asked to be cautious and courteous on our roadways throughout 2012. Remember to buckle in all vehicle occupants before taking off, to obey posted speed limit signs and to always driver soberly. These are a few tips that can help to significantly reduce the number of traffic accident-related fatalities that we see in the New Year.

Continue reading "Officials Write 137,000 Citations Over Holidays to Help Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in North Carolina" »

Lt. Tim Tomczak oversees traffic enforcement and accident reconstruction efforts in Raleigh, North Carolina. Tomczak knows firsthand what can happen when drivers focus on phone conversations while trying to navigate a motor vehicle, according to the News Observer. He admits to keeping his phone calls to a minimum behind the wheel, but says he knows how hard it can be for drivers to ignore the phone. As drivers continue to answer phones behind the wheel, the risk of car accidents in North Carolina will continue to be a concern for everyone.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, North Carolina law only bans school bus drivers and drivers who are under the age of 18 from using a hand-held cell phone behind the wheel. All drivers are prohibited from text messaging behind the wheel, which officials are finding is a difficult law to enforce.

Our North Carolina car accident lawyers understand that law enforcement officers have a difficult time determining if a driver was texting at the wheel or simply dialing a phone number, which is allowed by most. To help to clear up the confusion and make our roadways safer for everyone, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is pushing for a nationwide ban on all portable electronic devices.

Sometimes it can be tough for an officer to positively conclude whether a driver was using a cell phone before an accident, but Tomczak has investigated numerous accidents where that was the case. He says the risks are the same, whether a driver is using a hands-free device or a hand-held phone.

"It's not the act of holding the phone in your hand," Tomczak told the paper. "The distracting part is having your attention split between two tasks."

As of now, there are 35 states in the country, including North Carolina, that prohibit drivers from texting behind the wheel. There are only nine states that have made it illegal for drivers to use hand-held cell phones while driving. If the NTSB's recommendation is adopted by lawmakers in all 50 states, all portable electronic devices would be prohibited for driver, except in emergency situations.

The call for a nationwide ban comes as big automakers are working to turn vehicles into the ultimate electronic device, including in-car phones, televisions, navigation systems and much more.

"No call, no text, no update is worth a human life," said chairman of the NTSB, Deborah Hersman.

According to CNN, the recommendation from the NTSB may be a hard sell in all 50 states. Legislators are expected to be reluctant to upset constituents. Although a majority of drivers recognize the risks that come with distracted driving, not many are willing to hang up the phone.

Continue reading "Legislators Hesitant to Enact Laws to Reduce Risks of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in North Carolina" »

It's a New Year and we're already racking up some startling statistics for car accidents in the Carolinas. Just take a peek at recent headlines. It's "Car Accident Here" and "Car Accident There." It's a New Year and a fresh start for safer roadways. We're asking all residents to make a New Year's resolution to be a safer driver in 2012.

Our Carolina car accident lawyers understand how dangerous our roadways can be. Car accidents are becoming alarmingly frequent in our area. Use the New Year as a clean slate to practice safe and cautious driving habits. Let the recent strand of motor-vehicle accidents in the area act as a wake-up call for better driving habits by all.

There was a recent car accident in Cherokee County in the northbound lanes of Interstate 85. This accident happened just before 9 a.m. among three tractor trailers and four additional vehicles, according to Fox Carolina.

The Highway Patrol reported a second accident after a tractor trailer hauling live chickens flipped in Oconee County. This accident happened between Hunt and Cody Roads along Pine Grove Road. This accident forced officials to shut down travel in the area for several hours while the mess was cleaned up. The driver of that truck was injured and was transported to Oconee Medical Center in Seneca for treatment.

The list doesn't stop there. There was a third accident in which a North Carolina man died at the scene of an accident also on Interstate 85 right by Blacksburg. The man was killed as the tractor trailer he was driving plowed through a guard rail and down an embankment. According to the man's autopsy, he suffered a heart attack and died just seconds before the accident, according to Go Upstate.

There was even another accident. According Carolina Live, South Carolina Highway Patrol officers continue to investigate a traffic accident that took the lives of two brothers in Georgetown County. It happened when their vehicle smashed into a log truck on Powell Road. Officers will be investigating the in-car black box data recorder, which the brother's newer-model car contained, for additional information.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is here to offer drivers with a few safe driving tips to help make 2012 safer than ever on our Carolina roadways. Safe roads start with you. Pledge to be a better driver this year to help reduce the risks of fatal car accidents.

Safe Driving Tips:

-Be cautious when traveling in the rain. Standing water can cause your vehicle to loose traction with the road and spin out of control. Slow it down in the rain.

-Slow down in work zones, where you may find unexpected dangers. Drive defensively, cautiously and courteously through these areas to protect yourself and road workers.

-Pay extra attention during rush hour. Mornings and afternoons are always a tough time on our roadways. Be patient and polite during these high volume-traffic times.

-Keep your vehicle well-maintained. Periodically check the vehicle's fluid levels and tire pressure and make sure wipers and headlights are working properly.

-Keep a safety kit and a first-aid kit in your vehicle at all times to be better equipped to handle emergencies.

Continue reading "Slew of Car Accidents in Carolinas Raise Concerns for 2012" »

The preliminary numbers are out and six people have died because of South Carolina car accidents during the 78-hour New Year's Holiday, from 6 p.m. on December 30th to 12 a.m. on January 2nd. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, 10 people died during this time period last year. These new statistics reveal drivers are failing to use their New Year's resolutions to be a better driver in 2012. These early statistics should be an eye opener to drivers across the state. Until we all practice safe and defensive driving habits, roadway fatalities will continue to plague the state.

From January 1st though January 2nd on 2012, there were four people killed on our roadways. Eight people were killed during this same time period in 2011.

Our Anderson car accident lawyers understand that as of December 31st 2011, there were approximately 815 people who died on South Carolina highways. Although the number of fatalities remained relatively stagnant, the fact that there were 5 more fatalities in 2011 is devastating. Until traffic accident fatalities reduce significantly, residents, drivers and law enforcement agencies are urged to put road safety as a number one concern.

There were more than 560 motor-vehicle occupants who died in 2011. Of these traffic fatalities, more than 270 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. In 2010, roughly 315 of the near 600 motor-vehicle occupants who were killed in traffic accidents were not wearing a seat belt during the time of impact. Yes, seat belt use is on the rise among drivers in South Carolina, but the number of traffic accident fatalities still remains far too high.

South Carolina's Preliminary 2011 Statistics:

-Roughly 815 people were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-More than 110 pedestrians were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-More than 100 motorcyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-Nearly 15 bicyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents.

South Carolina's 2010 Statistics:

-Roughly 810 people were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-More than 80 motorcyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents.

-There were 14 bicyclists were killed in traffic-related accidents.

The news doesn't get any better. According to even more recent statistics from the Highway Patrol, more than 10 people were killed on South Carolina highways from 6 a.m. on January 6th through midnight January 8th.

That means that as of January 8th, 17 people have died already in 2012 on South Carolina roadways. This year's statistics are a little better than last year's, considering 19 people were killed during this same short time period in 2011.

2012 Traffic Fatalities as of January 8th:

-Three pedestrians died.

-One motorcyclist was killed.

-One bicyclist has died.

Statistics above occurred on state roads and highways. On the same date in 2011, four pedestrians had died already.

Highway Patrol is keeping a close eye on our roadways and you're urged to do the same. Please be careful on our roadways through 2012 to help make this the safest road ever. Happy 2012!

Continue reading "2012 South Carolina Car Accidents Looking Bad Already" »

Police say a man killed in an accident with State Rep. Larry Womble, D-Forsyth, was driving with a blood-alcohol level more than three times over the legal limit, according to Channel 12 News.

As our Greensboro car accident attorneys reported this week on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog, drunk driving is a leading cause of serious and fatal accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that alcohol was involved in one-third of the nation's fatal traffic accidents in 2010. Drunk driving accidents killed 10,228 motorists that year.

Greensboro car accidents occur for many reasons. But drunk driving is among the most common and the most preventable.

Winston-Salem police say the driver who hit and injured Rep. Womble had a blood alcohol level of .29. The limit in the Carolinas is .08. The driver was killed in the accident, cause of which is still under investigation. The crash occurred in December. At the start of the year, Rep. Womble was upgraded to serious condition at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

And it's not just the at-fault driver who faces liability. The Mason County Daily News reports a young woman is suing a bar that served her alcohol underage prior to her being involved in a car accident. Dram Shop laws may hold responsible bar and restaurants that serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated if that person is later involved in a serious traffic accident.

"The accident that resulted in Plaintiff being a paraplegic was due to and proximately caused by the negligence, recklessness, and willfulness and gross negligence of Defendant Jock's Sports Grill," the lawsuit said.

As many as half of these accidents involve a drunk driver between the ages of 18 and 34 and a significant number involve underage drinkers. Thus, tackling the issues associated with underage drinking is an important part of any anti-drunk driving campaign.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports the use of ignition interlock devices was expanded to another 15 states in 2011. These devices can play an important role in drunk-driving prevention. Ignition interlock devices force a driver to blow into a device that tests blood-alcohol level before permitting a vehicle to start.

"Our fight is far from over," said MADD President Jan Withers. "Each year, more than 10,000 people are killed by drunk driving and hundreds of thousands are injured."

The good news is it's a largely preventable tragedy. Resolve to be responsible in 2012. Put the phone number to a taxi cab in your wallet and a $20 bill for cab fare behind your driver's license. The costs associated with a DUI conviction can approach $20,000 counting lost wages, fines, court costs, license suspension and skyrocketing insurance fees.

And those are the lucky ones. Drivers unfortunate enough to be involved in a serious or fatal accident while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will see their lives changed forever.

Be smart. Don't drink and drive. Call a friend or call a cab.

Continue reading "Preventing Drunk Driving Accidents in North Carolina an Easy 2012 Resolution" »

Our Winston-Salem personal injury lawyers wish each of you and enjoyable, productive and prosperous 2012. And we urge you to make safer driving a part of your New Year's resolutions.

Winston-Salem car accidents are a leading cause of death for those under the age of 34. And, while teenagers and senior citizens are most at risk, we all face risks every time we get in our car, ride a bike or walk down the street.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic injury in the United States. The good news is that there is much you can do to reduce your risk of being involved in a serious or fatal accident. Already this week a newspaper delivery man was rescued from Ashe County creek after a car accident sent his vehicle plunging into the icy waters, according to the Winston Salem Journal.

As we reported recently on our Carolina Car Accident Blog, the number of fatal car accidents in North Carolina increased in 2010, even as the nation saw a significant decline in the overall number of traffic fatalities. All in all, more than 2,300 motorists died on North and South Carolina roads in 2010, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Leading causes for fatal motor vehicle accidents include:

-Drunk Driving
-Aggressive Driving
-Speeding
-Distracted Driving
-Intersection Accidents
-Bicycle Accidents
-Pedestrian Accidents
-Motorcycle Accidents

The good news is that the vast majority of these accidents can be prevented. The bad news is the responsibility typically rests with the at-fault driver more than it does the victim. Thus, we must all do our part in reducing the risks for everyone on the road.

Speeding, drunk driving, aggressive driving and distracted or inattentive driving are all easily preventable. And most accidents involving bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcycles are the fault of the driver. Failure to yield is a leading cause, but speeding and drunk driving also play a role.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reports 32,885 motorists died on the nation's roads in 2010. The feds want to focus on the fact that it's the lowest accident total since1949. However, far too many motorists are killed on the nation's roads each year. Ninety people a day are killed in traffic accidents.

Somewhere in the United States someone dies in a motor vehicle accident every 15 minutes.

Our Wintson-Salem car accident attorneys encourage you to check your insurance policy as the new year begins. Ensure that you have as much coverage as you can afford. Uninsured motorist coverage can also be vital in the wake of an accident with a hit-and-run driver or a driver who is uninsured or underinsured.

Over the next several days we are going to publish a series of blogs on the most common causes of serious and fatal accidents in the Carolinas and elsewhere. We encourage you to check back, both here and on our North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog for more information.

An informed 2012 is a safer 2012. And we encourage you to be particularly proactive when it comes to talking to teenagers and the senior citizens in your life about the importance of safe driving.

Continue reading "Resolve to Reduce your Risk of a Carolina Car Accident in 2012" »

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced that the annual traffic fatalities for 2010 were the lowest number of traffic-related deaths in over six decades. After examining the most recent car accident data available, it was determined that the less than 33,000 people who died in traffic accidents last year is the lowest number reported since 1949.

This is good news, but our Asheville car accident attorneys remain concerned about the areas that reported increases, such as pedestrian fatalities or motorcyclists deaths. These areas, along with the concern about distracted driving, have made roadways more dangerous.

The 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates there were six more deaths caused by North Carolina car accidents in 2010 than in 2009. In 2009, there were 1,313 total traffic fatalities in North Carolina compared to 1,319 last year. South Carolina reported a significant decrease in total traffic fatalities from one year to the next. There were 894 deaths on South Carolina roadways in 2009 compared to 810 deaths in 2010, which equated to more than 9 percent improvement in change from one year to the next. Nationally, there were almost 1,000 fewer deaths on roadways but less than 3 percent improvement from 2009 to 2010.

The 2010 report contained two new measures: "alcohol-related crashes" and "distraction-affected crashes." The continued improvement of electronic devices makes consumers happy, luring them into buying the most recent gadgets, which become distracting when drivers use them instead of focusing solely on their driving duties. The NHTSA reports there were approximately 3,100 distraction-related car accidents nationwide in 2010, most of them caused by cell phone use. Alcohol-related accidents continue to be a concern for transportation officials because a third of traffic fatalities are caused by an intoxicated driver.

2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Overview Key Findings include:

-Almost 33,000 people died and another 2.25 million were injured in traffic crashes in 2010.

-Almost half of the states reported an increase in total traffic fatalities in 2010.

-There were roughly 5 percent more pedestrians killed from 2009 to 2010 in traffic accidents nationwide.

-From 2009 to 2010, there were 35 more motorcyclists killed nationwide.

-Vehicle occupants wearing a seat belt reported more injuries after a crash in 2010 than in 2009.

-The number of deaths for large truck occupants increased by almost 6 percent from 2009 to 2010.

-Traffic fatalities in urban areas increased significantly in 2010 compared to a decrease in rural area traffic fatalities.

-The over-55 age group showed a significant increase in traffic fatalities in 2010.

Motorists can make a difference as we finish up year 2011 and head into 2012 by making safe driving a priority every time you hit the roadways. Use extra caution to avoid a serious or fatal accident in the months to come.

Continue reading "New Data from NHTSA Indicates Fatal Car Accidents in North Carolina Still High in 2010" »

Earlier this month, the North Carolina Department of Transportation announced the "Booze It & Lose It" campaign would be running it's course throughout the month of December and up until January 2, 2012 to help keep intoxicated drivers off of North Carolina roadways and all motorists safe from drunk driving accidents in Charlotte and elsewhere this holiday season.

The state will heighten efforts by setting up DUI sobriety check command centers statewide and putting more officers on roadways to patrol for suspected drunk drivers.

A Hickory man obviously wasn't aware that DUI sobriety checkpoints would be occurring more often this month when he crashed into a mobile "Booze It or Lose It" DUI checkpoint command center while driving drunk in Newton. WCNC reports the 21 year-old driver is facing multiple charges after crashing his Chevy Camaro into the back of a mobile unit that had been conducting DWI sobriety checks earlier that evening. The intoxicated driver was taken to Catawba Memorial but his injuries were not life threatening. No one inside the "Booze It and Lose it" van was injured or taken to the hospital. The young driver faces charges of DWI, careless and reckless driving, failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and driving with a revoked license.

Hickory drunk driving accident attorneys know that with New Year's Eve a few short days away motorists should start to use even more caution as they venture out on roadways. New Year's Eve celebrations often result in unsafe behaviors like driving under the influence -- so everyone is more at risk of being involved in a crash this time of year.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced that drunk driving fatalities have decreased in many states according to new research. Nationally, there were 10,228 deaths caused by drunk drivers in 2010 which equated to a little more than 30 percent of total traffic fatalities for the year. North Carolina is a state that reported an increase from 2009 to 2010 both in total traffic fatalities and fatalities caused by an intoxicated driver. In a year-to-year comparison, total traffic deaths increased by 6 but the number of drunk driving-related deaths increased by 30, or more than 8 percent, from 2009 to 2010.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is using education and enforcement to get the message out during the winter holiday season. Ad campaigns will be running nationwide from December 16 through January 2 to create awareness about the dangers as well as support law enforcement agencies across the country to do what it takes to get intoxicated drivers off of roadways.

Last year, North Carolina law enforcement agencies charged over 3,800 drunk drivers with driving under the influence during the 2010 Holiday "Booze It & Lose It" campaign. During the period of December 3 through January 2 last year, there were 31 deaths and over 700 injuries as a result of 1,017 alcohol-related crashes.

North Carolina motorists should expect to see over 13,000 checkpoints and stepped up patrols this month. Make the smart choice to drive sober this New Year's Eve and keep drunk driving accidents to a minimum throughout the holiday season and beyond.

Continue reading "DOT Reminds Motorists to Drive Sober to Avoid a Drunk Driving Accident in Hickory, Elsewhere This New Year's Eve" »

According to a recent article posted on CNN.com, drivers throughout the country may be facing a nationwide ban on cell phone use while operating a vehicle following a recommendation made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) at a recent board meeting.

NTSB investigators spent countless hours determining that the 40 people affected by a multi-vehicle crash in 2010 could have been unharmed if a cell phone did not cause the driver to become distracted before the horrendous accident. The NTSB has slowly but successfully worked towards eliminating electronic devices through recommendations to implement state laws in order to reduce car accidents caused by distraction in Greensboro and throughout the country.

To date, the board has recommended a ban on cell phone use for school bus drivers, novice drivers, and commercial truck drivers, which has led to several states passing laws targeting one or all of these groups.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, there are a patchwork of laws directed towards eliminating the use of electronic devices which vary from state to state. Some states ban cell phone use completely while others allow talking but not texting. Some states categorize bans on cell phone use by age or occupation while others lay no groundwork for laws banning the unsafe behavior at all.

Car accident attorneys in Asheville, Winston-Salem, Charlotte or elsewhere understand that keeping up with current events has become vital in knowing what law pertains to which driver in each state. It has even become more difficult for law enforcement officials to enforce texting or talking bans in each state because it is nearly impossible to determine whether a driver is texting or dialing a phone number while they drive.

One thing is certain. Accidents caused by distractions are much more frequent today than they were 10 years ago and it isn't a stretch to link electronic devices to the cause of these distractions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at minimum, almost 3,100 deaths occurred in 2010 that were related to distractions or cell phone use. Additionally, recent driver behavior studies have shown that 1 in every 100 drivers are emailing, texting or surfing the web at any given moment while operating a vehicle.

BlueRidgeNow.com reports that it is time for North Carolina lawmakers to see the big picture about the dangers of cell phone use and follow the recommendation to ban all electronic devices used by all automobile operators. Following a car accident, investigators are now asking for a driver's texting and cell phone records because they are finding that many accidents are being caused by this form of distraction. Drivers are continuing to multi-task behind the wheel because they don't get how unsafe the behavior is. It is up to the local, state and federal government to inflict consequences so severe that it will curb the unsafe behavior completely and save lives daily.

The National Safety Council's president and CEO recently commended the NTSB for recommending all cell phones be banned behind the wheel unless it is an absolute emergency. She states the national call for action must be addressed by legislators, employers and all drivers if we want to stop this public health threat from occurring daily on our nation's roadways.

North Carolina motorists need to consider for a moment that talking or using a cell phone while you drive is not a necessity but rather a convenience. No phone call or text message should take precedent over causing a crash or taking the life of another so put the phone down to avoid a distracted driving accident this holiday season and beyond.

Continue reading "Nationwide Cell Phone Ban Could Reduce Distracted Driving Accidents in Greensboro, Statewide" »

Each major holiday, the National Safety Council (NSC) makes a prediction on how many lives will be lost on American roadways during the holiday weekend period. For the most part, the predictions are made with holidays that may require excessive travel or consumption of alcohol during the extended weekend like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day or New Year's Day. Drunk or distracted driving car accidents in Winston-Salem or elsewhere are more common around holiday weekends as families and friends gather together and have cause for celebration.

Gastonia car accident attorneys understand the dangers that motorists face and hope that all drivers use caution and make smart choices for a safe driving week between Christmas and New Year's this year.

According to the NSC, it is estimated that 287 traffic fatalities will occur during the Christmas holiday period from Friday, December 23 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, December 26 at 11:59 p.m. Most families planning to celebrate Christmas with family will be driving during that period. In addition, the NSC estimates that 28,700 people will be injured severely enough in a car accident to need medical attention. In 2009, the actual number of deaths was significantly lower than the estimated number at 248 and 317 respectively.

The New Year's Day holiday period runs from Friday, December 30 at 6:00 p.m. to Monday, January 2 at 11:59 p.m. During this time, the NSC is estimating just under 300 traffic fatalities and another 29,700 medically treated injuries caused by car accidents nationwide. In 2009, the NSC estimated deaths for this holiday period was 445 but the actual number reported was slightly higher at 458.

Star News Online reports the following holiday driving trips provided by the North Carolina Department of Transportation:

-Non-peak hours are the best time to travel to avoid a potential collision.

-Taking focus away from the roadway inhibits reaction time to road conditions or other motorists. Stay attentive during holiday travel periods.

-Keep a watchful eye for construction areas or collisions that have occurred in front of you. Remember to slow down and move over when you see flashing lights or workers near the road.

-Begin your drive when you are wide awake. Take breaks if you become tired.

-Check for alternate routes before you leave to avoid highly congested areas.

-Maintaining a safe driving speed at 60 mph where permitted can help gas mileage and save in fuel costs. Speeding saves very little in travel time.

-During non-peak travel times try to use cruise control. Recent studies have shown that driving 10,000 miles on cruise control during the course of the year can save over 60 gallons of gas and almost $200 a year in fuel costs.

If you plan to travel to spend the holidays with family, drive safely and make responsible choices to avoid a collision. Making a commitment to drive sober and distraction-free could save a life including your own.

Continue reading "NC Motorists Drive Safely to Avoid a Holiday Car Accident in Gastonia, Winston-Salem" »

The North Carolina Department of Transportation makes all final decisions when it comes to changing road designs or improving safety measures on state roads. Many factors can contribute to a road being hazardous for motorists who travel on them regularly. When a car accident in Greensboro, Asheville or elsewhere occurs because a road is deemed dangerous, state and local governments can be held responsible when roads are not repaired or designed properly.

Charlotte car accident lawyers know that city councils and aldermen often get involved in road design issues when it affects the welfare of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. What we don't understand is why trying to avoid a disruption in local businesses should take precedent over roadway user safety when it comes to safety measures that are needed in particularly dangerous areas.

Star News Online reports that aldermen in Southport are concerned about building a traffic circle that would interfere with local businesses so they have written a resolution voicing their concerns to the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The installation of a traffic circle at the intersection of N.C. 87 and N.C. 211 would ease the flow of traffic and make the area safer but the board fears several local businesses will be affected in a negative capacity and potentially be put out of business.

A second option that the DOT is weighing is the use of an eight-phased signal design located at the intersection. This plan would be incorporated in a seven-mile stretch of widening current road structures from two lanes to four lanes.

Highways 75, 77 and 85, as well as, Interstate 40 are considered some of the most dangerous roadways in the state. When it comes to dangerous roadways, there are several things that can be considered a hazard. If roads sag into a low area there may be water that accumulates on top causing a risk of flooding or icy conditions that can cause motorists to lose control. Roadways that are traveled frequently or require constant snow or debris removal can be at risk of wear and tear dangers which include the development of pot holes, grooves or buckling. These hazards also may cause a motorist to lose control of the vehicle and cause serious injury if an accident occurs.

A few examples of poor road design include confusing transition markings, missing guard rails, construction zone hazards, insufficient signage, poorly designed railroad crossings, landscaping obstructions or traffic controls placed at ineffective locations.

Insufficient funding is often an excuse used for putting off remedying a dangerous area of roadway but it is the responsibility of state and local officials to make sure accidents aren't occurring because there is poor signage or a traffic light malfunction among other things. Accidents that occur more than once in a particular area of roadway need considerable attention as to what can be done to eliminate future injuries or deaths.

Continue reading "Poor Roadway Design Leads to Greater Risk of Car Accidents in Greensboro, Statewide" »