North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) takes pride in keeping motorists informed about vehicle safety ratings and which cars are better equipped to withstand a crash. The aim of such information is to help reduce injuries and deaths sustained in car accident in Greensboro and throughout the country.

The Car Connection reports that the 2012 Vehicle Crash Test list has recently been released by the NHTSA.

Charlotte car accident attorneys know that the structure of a vehicle doesn't always save a driver or passenger from an accident caused by another motorist. The make of vehicles has steadily improved over the years but thousands of people continue to die each year on our nation's roadways.

According to the article, the NHTSA improved crash-testing in 2010 but failed to test more than a handful of vehicles. For 2012, crash-testing will be performed by the agency on 42 passenger cars, two minivans, 8 pickup trucks and 22 SUVs and crossovers. In total, 81 percent of the passenger vehicles with model year 2012 that will be sold in the U.S. will be tested. Furthermore, 92 percent of the 2012 models will have rollover-specific data provided so that consumers will know how protected they are if a rollover accident were to occur.

Also beginning in 2012, drivers will be informed of which vehicles come equipped with crash avoidance technologies. Features such as forward collision or lane departure warnings can help alert drivers and potentially help drivers to avoid a crash.

Some of the predicted top-selling 2012 vehicles being tested will include:
-2012 Toyota Camry
-2012 Ford Explorer
-2012 Chevy Silverado (in 2500 Series)
-2012 Ford F-150 Supercab
-2012 Toyota Prius v Hybrid
-2012 Honda Civic Hybrid
-2012 Honda CR-Z
A selection of electric vehicles from Mitsubishi, Coda and Ford will also be crash tested in 2012.

There are a total of 68 2012 vehicle models that provide either a lane departure warning (LDW) or forward collision warning (FCW) or both. For the first time ever, the NHTSA will be testing a few select vehicles on their anti-collision technology (vehicles equipped with one or both of the LDW or FCW systems). A few of these vehicles include the 2012 Chevy Equinox, 2012 Volvo S60 and the 2012 BMW 328i.

"Our 5-star ratings program is a critical resource to help consumers make the best possible decisions about the cars they want to buy," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "People should remember: More stars, safer cars."

A full list of the 2012 models being tested for crash safety ratings and crash avoidance technologies can be found at NHTSA.

Safercar.gov is a valuable resource for families or consumers who are getting ready to purchase a car. Potential buyers can find information about 5-Star Safety Ratings and safety technology by visiting the website online.

All results and recommendations of the 74 vehicles being tested for 2012 will appear on this website once crash-testing has been completed.

Continue reading "North Carolina Car Accident Watch: Safer Vehicles Reduce the Risk of Accidents" »

A recent study by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicated that the most critical time for a teen driver is the time right after they begin driving unsupervised in a vehicle. As part of National Teen Drivers Safety Week, which runs through today, our Statesville car accident lawyers want to remind parents to stay involved with your teen's driving, especially the first few months after obtaining a license.

WFIR reports that a AAA Foundation study revealed the odds are pretty good that a teen will get in an accident during the first month of him or her getting a driver's license. North Carolina teens are most at risk of a car accident in Asheville, Greensboro or elsewhere in the state when they make three common errors while driving: inattention, failure to slow down and failure to yield. These errors account for 57 percent of all accidents involving a teen within the first month of passing the driver's test. Certain types of crashes were found to minimize as driving experience was gained.

Forbes reports of a second study released by AAA Foundation recently that examined novice drivers of 38 North Carolina families. A camera was installed in the vehicle driven by the teen from the time that supervised driving was mandatory clear through six months after obtaining a full license. After examining almost 6,000 video clips, researchers determined young drivers' behaviors were a lot more lax while driving alone than when driving with adult supervision. Close calls often occurred from judgment errors due to inexperience and failure to detect changes in the traffic environment.

Parental involvement in teenagers learning to drive is vital to keeping them safe. Many schools have stopped offering driver education classes for due to budgetary constraints. That makes it even more important for parents to find an organization or school that will give them the experience and knowledge necessary to make good decisions while driving, especially during the first year of unsupervised driving.

Shopautoweek.com offers these tips to parents when picking a driving school for teens:

-Make sure the school is accredited.

-Pick a class that has a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio for optimal training. There should be no more than 24 students in the class.

-Class should entail on-road driving experience with the instructor.

-Check to see if the school is affiliated with any professional associations like Driving School Association of America, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association.

Driving schools that emphasize parental involvement hope that a parent will spend extra time with their teen to help him or her develop skills that will keep them safe while operating a vehicle. Knowledge is one thing, but gaining experience helps in learning how to avoid dangerous situations all together. Spending time riding with your teen, even after they obtain their license could help them beat the odds of being involved in an accident that so many teens face early on in their solo driving career.

Continue reading "First-Year Driving Critical for Teens Involved in Statesville Car Accidents" »

Whether a person rides a bicycle as a means of transportation, a fitness tool, or for pure enjoyment, our Hickory car accident attorneys want to remind motorists that roadways are becoming highly populated with bicyclists, so please use extra caution when you spot them on North Carolina roadways.

Star News Online reports that several recent car accidents in North Carolina involving bicyclists have alerted authorities to just how dangerous roadways are becoming. More than one accident recently has been caused by a bicyclist confused by the rules of the road when the riders thought they had the right of way but didn't.

New Hanover County is by far the most dangerous county to report bicycle-vehicle crashes in North Carolina from 2004 to 2008. The average yearly crash rate for New Hanover County is 2.5 per 10,000 people in relation to the next highest crash rate at 1.9 in Orange and Robeson counties during this period. From 2004 to 2008, New Hanover County reported the fourth most bicycle-vehicle crashes of all counties in North Carolina. Considering the population for New Hanover County is much less, these are not statistics to be commended.

According to bicyclinginfo.org, there has been a 17 percent decrease in bicyclist deaths from 1998 to 2009. However, there were 53,000 bicyclist injuries in 1998 compared to 51,000 injuries in 2009, representing only a 4 percent decrease. Alarmingly, it is estimated that only 10 percent of bicycle crashes causing an injury are reported to police departments, a primary source for crash data.

Educating motorists and bicyclists is key to keeping the number of accidents to a minimum. If bicyclists and motorists learn the proper rules, responsibilities and rights of the roadway, it can help ensure the safety of all concerned. Respect is the first step. A motorist and bicyclist who each shows respect for the other is able to share roadways safely.

Motorists should keep an eye out for cyclists at night; learn how to pass them safely by allowing a minimum of 3 feet of space and be aware of bike lanes and how to maneuver around them. Motorists need to stay in control when adverse weather strikes and realize that cycling in poor weather conditions is a challenge that needs extra attention so as not to alarm a cyclist needing to focus their attention in these conditions.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has developed a series of bicycling maps to help adventurers work their way across the state safely. Regional and local maps can help bikers get in and around a city, but highway maps are meant for bicycling tours and involve hundreds of miles of travel on highways and interstates. Motorists are advised to be aware of which highways are utilized most for these tours so that you can use extra caution when you stumble upon a bicyclist out on a quest.

Continue reading "North Carolina Bicyclists Lacking Rules of Road Knowledge at Risk for Collision with a Vehicle in Hickory, Elsewhere " »

Halloween can be a scary time for kids, literally, because they are at considerable risk of being struck in a car accident in Winston-Salem, Gastonia, or elsewhere in the state. Motorists may find small trick-or treaters difficult to spot because the activity occurs at dusk or dark when visibility is limited.

Our Asheville car accident attorneys want to remind motorists that October is Halloween Safety Month so be mindful of children walking to help reduce the risk of causing severe injury.

American College of Emergency Physicians reports that Halloween is the most dangerous day of the year for pedestrian accidents involving young children. For children under age 16, 38 percent of all pedestrian accidents happen between 3 and 7 p.m., which is prime time for trick-or-treating. Children walking at night in a costume can inhibit their ability to see, presenting a high risk for a fall accident. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are the most dangerous days of the week for pedestrian deaths, especially when Halloween falls on one of these days. Even though Halloween is on a Monday tris year, don't let your guard down.

Research is limited when it comes to the dangers of pedestrian deaths on Halloween but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention looked at data from 1975-1996 and determined that children were four times more at risk of a pedestrian accident involving a motor vehicle on Halloween than any other night of the year. Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) narrowed down the number of pedestrian deaths involved in a motor vehicle crash on October 31 between 4 and 10 p.m. From 1975-1996, researchers found that 89 deaths occurred for children between the ages of 5-14 years old. This equates to an average of four deaths per year on Halloween between 4 and 7 p.m. for this age group.

AAA Exchange offers these Halloween safety tips:

To Motorists

-Use peripheral vision to be alert for children on front yards or walking away from the front porch of a house.

-Use extra caution when pulling into or out of private driveways or alleys.

-Use your headlights, even during daylight hours, so that your vehicle becomes more visible.

-Be prepared for children crossing streets mid-block and not at a designated crosswalk.

-Keep an eye out for children walking on sidewalks, curbs, medians and roadways.

To Trick-or-Treaters

-Avoid wearing a costume with a mask that covers your entire head when possible. Use nontoxic face paint to avoid problems with vision.

-Props should be blunt-tipped and flexible to avoid serious injury if a fall occurs.

-Place reflective tape on your costume if you plan to go out at night. Reflectors make children more visible.

-Never shine a flashlight into the eyes of a motorists, instead place it face down in your treat bucket.

-Choose homes that are clearly participating in Halloween activities with well-lit porches or driveways.

-Always trick-or-treat with an adult present.

Keep your children safe this Halloween by going over some helpful rules and tips to help them avoid being struck by a car. Remind them to steer clear of vehicles by crossing at intersections and making themselves visible at all times.

Continue reading "Halloween Increases Risks of Car Collisions with Trick-or-Treaters in Winston-Salem, Gastonia" »

If you are a motorist who enjoys looking at beautifully colored leaves this time of year, you may want to think twice before you take your next autumn excursion. Enjoying the scenery by looking at trees during the fall is a form of distraction that can cause a serious car accident in Statesville, Hickory or elsewhere in the state.

GoBlueRidge.net reported three separate accidents over the weekend that authorities say were caused by leaf-lookers.

The first multiple-car crash happened Saturday afternoon near Flintlock Campground on NC Highway 105 when an idle vehicle was waiting for traffic to clear to make a turn and was rammed from behind. A third vehicle failed to stop and collided into a second vehicle. A few hours later, an identical type of crash involving three vehicles occurred near Mountain Lumber on NC 105. A domino effect caused all three vehicles to be involved in rear-end collisions. No one was seriously injured in either crash. A third crash involving two vehicles occurred Sunday afternoon, also on NC 105.

Gastonia car accident lawyers know that fall colors and the beauty that nature has to offer this time of year can be relaxing, but don't get so caught up in the distraction that you forget to focus on driving. Distracted driving accidents can be deadly and occur far too frequently on North Carolina roadways.

Another fall hazard that motorists should be on the lookout for that we posted about recently on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog is the increased chances of hitting a deer in your path.

Two teens were recently killed in an accident caused by a young driver trying to avoid contact with a deer. MSNBC reports the driver tried to swerve to miss a deer and lost control of the vehicle. The Jeep the boys were riding in overturned, causing the driver and passenger to be thrown from the vehicle. No charges have been filed as of yet, but the case has been turned over to the Stanly County District Attorney's Office.

The Governor's Highway Safety Association offers these tips to eliminate distractions likely to cause serious injury or death in a crash:

-Put your phone on silence before you start the engine.

-Alert callers that you are driving by adding a message to your phone that indicates you will return their call later.

-Only answer or initiate a call after pulling over into a parking spot.

-If a passenger is riding with you, have him or her respond to a text message for you.

-Pledge to "X the Text." Never text or surf the internet while you are operating a vehicle, even if you are sitting at a stop sign or in traffic that isn't moving.

-Restrain your pets in the back seat so they don't become a distraction in your lap.

-If child passengers need attention, stop the vehicle in a safe location rather than turning around to address the situation while you are driving.

-Focusing on driving, rather than eating, reading, smoking or talking is the best way to keep you and other motorists safe.

Continue reading "Autumn Distractions Cause Risk for Car Accidents in Statesville, Statewide" »

The level of concern for distracted-driving accidents in Asheville, Charlotte and elsewhere in the state has grown dramatically over the years. The issue may even match the level of concern for drunk-driving accidents because many people are losing their lives in accidents caused by someone texting, putting on makeup or fiddling with the radio.

Greensboro car accident lawyers know that advocates, state lawmakers and government officials direct a lot of attention to distraction-related behaviors. Like drunk driving, it is a choice and a damaging behavior that can be changed if motorists make a commitment to do so.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is an organization that works with state highway safety offices in implementing programs that can improve safety for roadway users. We posted previously on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog that the GHSA released a comprehensive distracted-driving study recently in which they looked at the dangers of distracted driving, the impact it has on driving performance and what states can do to begin curtailing the problem.

The GHSA periodically surveys state highway safety offices to learn which programs are being implemented to improve roadway safety for pedestrians and motorists alike. In 2010, the GHSA distributed a survey to state offices asking them to detail what countermeasures are being implemented to reduce distracted driving accidents.

According to the 2010 Survey of State Safety Programs , most states are vigilant in their efforts to keep accidents at a minimum. The problem is that technology is growing so fast that it is nearly impossible to keep motorists from getting distracted by smartphones and in-vehicle devices. Key findings from the survey include:

-State highway safety offices have made distracted driving a primary concern. Twenty-seven states have incorporated distracted driving into their strategic highway safety plans.

-Data collection from crashes has improved with 43 states indicating that they determine and document on police reports whether distraction caused the accident.

-Almost half of the states have created documents geared toward teen drivers and the dangers of driving distracted. A third of the states have a driver distraction question on the driver's license test.

-Thirty-seven states provide education campaigns and public information on distracted driving. North Carolina is one of very few states that provide technical assistance or training to judges and courts on distracted driving.

-Only 15 states use Twitter and Facebook as a method of conveying anti-distracted driving messages to the public.

North Carolina is not a state that has made distracted driving a priority in the strategic highway safety plan, nor do law enforcement officials collect and document data regarding whether a form of distraction caused the accident. Teens are not provided with distracted driving materials in North Carolina, but it is a required component of driver education and included on the state driver's license test. North Carolina educates the public about the dangers of distracted driving through traditional methods but not through the use of media or social networking.

It is clear that much can still be done to create a balance that is needed between enforcement, education and legislation if our state wants to minimize the number of distracted driving accidents occurring on roadways.

Continue reading "N.C. Efforts to Reduce Distracted Driving Accidents Don't Measure Up" »

Purchasing a vehicle can be an overwhelming experience trying to navigate through all the standard features and available options in newer models these days. But one thing that remains important to our Greensboro car accident attorneys is that safety features should not take a back seat to the "bells and whistles" features that are more appealing in a vehicle. Choosing a highly rated car with top-notch safety features could make the difference between life and death or severe injury in a car accident in Charlotte, Winston-Salem or elsewhere.

There are some resources out there that can help make your decision easier by becoming more informed. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) helps consumers make informed decisions by rating vehicles on crash safety and performance. A vehicle can be awarded a good rating for front, rear, side and rollover crash protection. Additionally, vehicles mass-produced after Sept. 1, 2011, must be equipped with electronic stability control (ESC).

Any vehicle with a rating of 4 or higher is considered a good rating. Federal requirements necessitate that a vehicle's roof must withstand 1.5 times of its weight. Occupants riding in high-rated vehicles that are involved in rollover crashes are less susceptible to serious injuries because the roof strength prevents the top of the car from caving in.

The organization recently awarded the Audi A6 and Volkswagen Passat with their pick for top safety. The Audi 6 is considered a luxury car but earned the award for passing the roof strength test in rollover crashes with flying colors. The A6 endured a force equal to 4.9 times the weight of the car. The Passat tolerated a force equal to 6.3 times its weight. Both vehicles improved their safety rating in roof strength from the previous generation of models.

The Chevrolet Sonic, a new model for 2012, also received top ratings and top safety pick from the IIHS recently. The Sonic replaces the Aveo which previously earned an acceptable rating in the front crash test but marginal ratings in side, rollover and rear crash protection. The 2012 Sonic is a small four-door vehicle that received a roof strength-to-weight ratio of 5.37. The Aveo withstood a force of 3.09 times the weight of the car.

Safety concerns shouldn't cease once you do your research and purchase a vehicle. Even though vehicles are tested for safety before they are sent to a dealer's lot, many models often get recalled for defects after they are purchased. Safercar.gov not only provides consumers with a purchasing safety guide that helps consumers know what to look for in a car but the site also allows you to check for recalls and have them emailed to you.

Take the time to learn about important safety features when shopping around for your next vehicle. It might just save a life.

Continue reading "Vehicles with High Safety Ratings Can Reduce Risk of Injuries in Rollover Accidents in North Carolina, Nationwide" »

Two-wheeled vehicles will be kept under a watchful eye by South Carolina state troopers with the upcoming fall bike rally, reports Carolina Live. Mopeds and scooters are populating Carolina roadways more frequently these days, which is making riders more susceptible to being involved in a car accident in Greensboro or Spartanburg. Motorists don't always spot the smaller and less noisy vehicles in time which can put them at risk of a collision.

Charlotte accident lawyers saw in the news recently that a South Carolina backup quarterback was injured in a scooter accident on campus.

Scooters have become a popular mode of transportation on college campuses. The South Carolina Gamecocks' sophomore reserve had just picked up a pizza and was riding with one hand on his scooter when he crashed around 2 a.m.

He was found unconscious along the side of the road. The athlete suffered a concussion, needed stitches and was told to sit out from practices and competition for two to three weeks. The coach hopes the lesson learned by his teammates as they travel around campus on their scooters is that safety comes first. Keeping both hands on the handlebars is an important safety precaution in order to maintain control, not lose balance and avoid a collision.

South Carolina Highway Patrol recently published materials pointing out the differences in state law regarding mopeds and scooters. They recently sent out a pamphlet to all the law enforcement agencies detailing the updated differences in state law regarding the two vehicles. To clear up any confusion for riders of these two-wheeled vehicles, the SCHP clarifies the following key points highlighted in the pamphlet:

• Mopeds contain engines 50cc or smaller versus a scooter which typically has an engine of 125 cubic centimeters and up.


• Mopeds must be clearly marked with a moped tag and travel at a maximum speed of 25 mph.


• Both vehicles are permitted on any South Carolina highway.


• Scooter riders are required to have a motorcycle license and to insure their scooter as opposed to moped riders needing a Glass G or regular driver's license. Mopeds do not need to be insured.


• A moped can be operated by a 14-year-old versus a scooter requires minimum age of 15 to operate.


• An operator or rider is not required to wear a helmet when using either of the two-wheeled vehicles.

Much of the concern for moped and scooter riders stems from patrol officers finding them practicing unsafe behaviors. For instance, many mopeds are spotted riding in the far left lane of a four lane highway, which is typically considered the fast lane for vehicles. Considering mopeds can only travel at a speed of 25 mph, it makes it quite dangerous for them to be mixed in with other motorists in the fast lane. In distributing the pamphlet, the SCHP hopes that riders will become more aware of their surroundings, become more visible, wear protective gear, avoid heavily traveled routes and travel during non-peak time periods.

For more information about how to obtain a moped or scooter license, visit South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles online.

Continue reading "Gamecocks Reserve Quarterback Injured in Scooter Accident on South Carolina Campus" »

In an effort to combat the problem of distracted-driving accidents, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety launched its third-annual "Heads-Up Driving Week." This week-long event is going on right now, from October 2nd to the 8th. During this time, the Foundation and other officials ask that all drivers make a pledge to curb driver distractions while navigating their way around our roadways.

"In my personal opinion, it's under-reported because most drivers aren't going to admit they were on the phone or distracted, and we have no way to prove otherwise," said Lt. Col. Marty Sumner of the High Point Police Department.

What she's talking about is distracted driving-related car accidents in Asheville and elsewhere throughout North Carolina. Every day there are some 8,000 traffic accidents caused by distracted drivers.These types of accidents are all too common on our roadways.

In 2010 for instance, there were approximately 5,500 traffic accident-related deaths that reported the involvement of a distracted driver. These traffic fatalities are completely preventable had drivers paid more attention to the road and spent less time with various distractions.

Our Charlotte car accident attorneys understand that the first step in correcting this problem is to change our own driving behaviors. By recruiting pledges from family members, friends and coworkers, we can all do our part to make our roadways a safer place for everyone. We understand that most people lead busy lives and the temptation to multitask is prevalent, but it's a completely unnecessary habit while driving. Drivers should focus on one thing only -- the roadway.

Distracted driving facts:

-Drivers reportedly spend about half of their time behind the wheel engaging in various distractions.

-Distractions can include text messaging, cell phones, applying makeup, rubbernecking, eating, smoking and playing with the radio or GPS system.

-Drivers who use a cell phone are four times more likely to be involved in an accident that results in serious injury.

-Passengers have been the leading distraction contributing to car accidents.

Over the last 25 years, more than a million people have lost their lives because of car accidents in the United States. Just in 2010 alone, nearly 34,000 people were killed in traffic accidents. Many experts blame advancements in technology for the increasing number of roadway deaths caused by distracted drivers.

According to the Foundation's Traffic Safety Culture Index, almost 95 percent of surveyed drivers stated that driving while distracted is a habit that is intolerable. Nearly 90 percent of the surveyed drivers reported that they would strongly support stricter laws to govern or to completely ban distractions for drivers. Still, about a third of all drivers engage in the dangerous driving behavior.

We would like to invite you to sign the "Heads-Up Driving Week" campaign and take the pledge to toss out distractions while behind the wheel. Driving is a task that requires focus and attention. Only the most focused drivers are able to avoid road dangers.

Continue reading "Officers Predict Increased Number of Distracted Driving-Related Car Accidents in North Carolina" »

We posted previously on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog that South Carolina contains some of the deadliest rural roads in the country.

According to ABC News 4, South Carolina Department of Public Safety recently reported that more people have died on South Carolina roadways from January 1 to September 15 this year than during the same period in 2010. After three years of steady decline, deaths have increased by 20 from last year to this year during the first nine and a half months of the year.

Charlotte car accident lawyers realize that rural roads and the few remaining days of warmer weather makes fall season a dangerous time of year to be on roadways in North and South Carolina because roadways become congested with day-trippers looking for an autumn adventure. More traffic coupled with driver inattention can lead to a high risk of a car accidents in North Carolina and South Carolina, not to mention pedestrian and motorcycle accidents.

In more recent statistics published by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety, as of September 25th there have been a total of 593 deaths on highways in South Carolina. Of these fatalities, 73 have been pedestrians, 81 have been motorcyclists and 11 have been bicyclists. Several September traffic fatalities have boosted the death count number above a year-to-date comparison from last year.

In a recent article by the Post and Courier, state officials are looking for answers to countermeasure the higher number of traffic fatalities being reported this year. A South Carolina Highway Patrol spokesman states, "It's not the roadways that is the danger, it's the person."

In 2009, South Carolina ranked first in the country for rural road fatalities, accounting for almost 5 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Driver inattentiveness is believed to be the biggest cause of these types of roadway accidents. Motorists become familiar with routes that are traveled frequently which can lead to a false sense of security and more drivers getting distracted by checking emails or making phone calls while driving. Motorists that speed or drive distracted on dark and unprotected rural roadways are at a high risk of serious or fatal injuries when involved in an accident.

The Associated General Contractors of America made a suggestion to increase road spending in order to modernize rural roadway shortfalls.

For example, improving lighting on darkened roadways, widening shoulder widths and adding guardrails could keep motorists from leaving a roadway into a ditch and improve safety dramatically. These safety features already exist on most highways and interstates in North and South Carolina.

Motorists, motorcyclists and pedestrians who find themselves out for a Sunday escapade this fall or who find themselves traveling on the same country roadways frequently are advised to slow down, pay attention and drive cautiously in order to avoid a rural roadway accident.

Continue reading "Familiarity of Rural Roadways Can Lead to Distracted Driving Accidents in North Carolina, South Carolina" »

Motorists who live and drive frequently in densely populated areas are being alerted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to be on the lookout for deer dashing across your path. October is the height of running season for deer, which can lead to deadly car accidents in Winston-Salem and elsewhere throughout the state. In fact, there are roughly 20,000 animal-related car accidents in our state annually and 90 percent of those are caused by a deer.

We have all heard the expression 'a deer in headlights' but for most motorists this doesn't usually end well because we can't predict what movement a deer will make in front of us. Our Hickory car accident attorneys know that when a deer jumps in front of your car it is often unavoidable and multiple car collisions can result if a motorists are following too closely. A claim can be made against the insurance carrier, but the priority should be to get the injured the medical attention they need. It is better to reduce your speed and allow plenty of space in front of you rather than risk serious injury in a collision caused by an animal.

NCDOT recently released a report that looked at animal-related accidents over the last 3 years. There have been more than 19,500 accidents each of the last three years that were caused by animals. As a result, 17 deaths, 3,453 injuries, and almost $136 million in property damage have occurred from animal-related accidents since 2008. Deer activity typically increases during hunting and mating season. Prime time for deer-related collisions is during the fall and early winter months of October, November and December and during the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

North Carolina reported 60,045 car accidents involving animals from 2008 to 2010. Wake County has reported the most crashes caused by an animal for the past 10 years. In 2010, Wake County reported 1,051 animal-related collisions, followed by Pitt County (713), Duplin County (646), Guilford County (635) and Randolph County (534) rounding out the rest of the Top 5 for accidents caused by animals.

Motorists that want to view a deer crash map for your area can click here to a view map provided by the Transportation Mobility and Safety Division. Select your county and view crash statistics by quarter, as well as, color coded pinpoints for crash locations throughout the county.

Motorists can reduce the risks of a deer-related crash if you use the following tips suggested by NCDOT:

• Increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you during the months of October through December, especially at night, to avoid colliding into the back of a vehicle that needs to stop short of missing a deer in the roadway.


• If you spot a deer near or on the roadway, honk your horn to alert the deer with an audible sound.


• Avoid swerving to miss a deer in the road. Swerving often leads to a rollover accident or a head-on collision with another motorist which can cause serious or fatal injury in a crash.


• Locating a deer along the side of the road usually means there are more to follow. Expect deer to travel in groups to avoid a collision with a second or third deer in the pack.


• Use caution near or around bridges, overpasses, railroad tracks, ditches or streams as these are the most common paths used by deer and places that car accidents involving deer take place.


• If you see a deer crossing sign, slow down. Also reduce your speed in wooded areas or during dusk and nighttime hours.


• Drive with high beams to increase visibility whenever possible.

Continue reading "Deer a Fall Hazard for Motorists Involved in Car Accidents in Statesville, Hickory" »

Each October, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) hosts Drive Safely Work Week. This year's event is taking place this week through Oct, 7. The campaign is used to raise awareness among employers to help ensure the safety of their workers whose jobs require them to drive. More specifically, it focuses on reducing cell phone use and other distracted driving-related car accidents in Asheville and elsewhere.

Our North Carolina car accident attorneys would like to ask that all companies and supervising employers participate in this year's event, titled "Focus 360°: Getting there safely is everyone's business." This is the second year that this campaign has taken a national approach to reduce the risks of distracted driving car accident on the job.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, car accidents continue to be the number one cause of work-related fatalities in the U.S. In 2010, there were more than 4,500 work-related fatalities in our country. Nearly 2,000 of these fatalities were the result of on-the-job traffic accidents. These types of accidents took more lives than assaults, violent acts, contacts with objects or equipment, falls, exposure to harmful substances, fires and explosion accidents combined. The thing about distracted-driving accidents is that they are among the most preventable in the workplace!

In 2009, approximately 130 workers were killed in North Carolina, and in 2010, about 135 workers died. Nearly 50 of the 135 fatalities in 2010 were the result of on-the-job traffic accidents. These types of incidents were the leading cause of death for workers in North Carolina in 2010.

The week-long campaign focuses on work-related motor-vehicle travel, whether you're a passenger, driver or a cyclist. Everyone is at risk when there's a distracted driver behind the wheel.

The facts, according to NETS:

-Distracted driving takes a driver's physical and mental attention away from the roadways.

-Nearly 5,500 people were killed in the U.S. in 2009 because of car accidents that involved a distracted driver. Another 448,000 people were injured in these types of incidents during the same year.

-One in four accidents involved a driver who was using a cell phone.

-Texting drivers take their eyes of the roadway 400 percent more than drivers who don't text.

Employers are urged to take part in one of the following for Drive Safely Work Week:

-Enact and enforce a cell phone policy kit for your workplace, provided by the National Safety Council (NSC).

-Share tips and create activities to help enforce your current cell phone policy kit.

-Employers who decide not to enact a cell phone policy kit are still urged to educate employees about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving.

We would like to urge all employers and employees to participate in this week's events. Distracted driving-related accidents take the lives of too many workers in the U.S. every single day. These incidents are completely avoidable and preventable with the proper determination, rules and discipline.

Continue reading "Drive Safely Work Week to Help Reduce Risks of On-the-Job Car Accidents in North Carolina, Nation" »