North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog

Our Charlotte car accident attorneys posted about a female pedestrian who was struck and killed in the Elizabeth area by a drunk driver recently on our North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog. Much of the community and local businesses are disturbed by the accident. So much so, that they are vehemently trying to push the City of Charlotte into adding safety measures to prevent further accidents from occurring in this dangerous section of roadway.

WSOC-TV reports that the stretch of 7th Avenue between Pecan Avenue and Hawthorne Lane has been repeatedly dangerous for Charlotte pedestrian accidents because there is no crosswalk located at a popular crossover area. In addition, the visibility to see oncoming traffic is limited, so making it across the street safely becomes a challenge.

Following an investigation by the Charlotte Department of Transportation, a proposal was drawn to help make this area safer. According to the article, some of the highlights of the Elizabeth Area Plan proposal include:

-Making several changes at the intersection of East 7th Street at North Caswell Road and Pecan Avenue to help pedestrians cross safely. Suggestions for improved safety features would include changing the geometric design, implementing crosswalks at all legs of the intersection, installing countdown signals and curb ramps for pedestrians, and using leading clearance interval signals for pedestrians.

-Implementing more crossing areas for pedestrians at East 7th Street, Pecan Avenue and North Caswell Road.

-Devising a plan for traffic calming measures in the highly congested area for pedestrians and motorists. One method would be to create mid-block crossings on East 7th Street so that pedestrians don't have to walk down to the corner to cross the street.

One reason this particular area is dangerous is because traffic goes zipping by and pedestrians have very little time to get to the other side in between passing vehicles. TrafficCalming.org explains that this safety measure in highly congested areas can be beneficial because it forces vehicles to slow down and gives pedestrians a shorter distance to walk to safety. Examples of traffic calming safety measures include: narrowing streets, placing street islands in the middle of a multiple-lane road, landscaped curb bump outs, roundabouts, and speed humps. Essentially anything that can get a motorist to slow down, be more alert, and shorten the distance that a pedestrian needs to get to a safe area can help calm a congested traffic area.

The City Council recently met and voted to adopt the Elizabeth Area Plan. The overall goal is to create a more inviting pedestrian environment in an area that thrives in restaurants, pubs, retail storefronts and business establishments.

The responsibility lies with transportation departments and local governments to make sure pedestrians aren't put at risk of injury every time they attempt to cross the street. Motorists can do their part by slowing down and using caution at intersections where congested pedestrian traffic is expected.

Continue reading "Elizabeth Area Deemed a Dangerous Spot for Charlotte Pedestrians" »

Traveling on holiday weekends can be a nightmare, especially if you are expected to be somewhere and become involved in delays or a car accident in Greensboro, Charlotte or elsewhere in the state.

Holiday weekends always make roadways more congested but this weekend draws more attention as motorists head out to family gatherings, Thanksgiving Day parades, or shopping adventures looking to get a jump on holiday gift ideas and sales events.

Gastonia car accident attorneys know that soaring gas prices won't keep travelers off the roadways this weekend so we want to alert motorists to use extra caution as you travel throughout the holiday week and weekend.

According to a recent article in USA Today, Thanksgiving holiday travel is estimated to hit a record high level this weekend. Even those drivers who plan ahead and intend to leave early can run into snags with construction, breakdowns, or congested traffic. Long trips with screaming kids in the car and potential weather-related problems can only add to the stressors of holiday traveling. AAA predicts that 90 percent of holiday travelers will be on roadways rather than through the air this year. More specifically, it is estimated that 38.2 million of the 42.5 million expected travelers will be via automobile.

Speeders will be of particular interest this holiday weekend as law enforcement gets heightened to keep roadways safe during holiday travel. Some states offer maximum traffic violations as high as $2,500 (Illinois and Virginia) for speeding. North Carolina makes the Top 10 list for stiffest penalties slapped on speeders during holiday weekends. A speeding motorist can be hit with a $1,000 fine in North Carolina, Florida, Minnesota and Indiana. Other hefty maximum speeding fines include $2,000 in Georgia and Nevada, $750 in Utah and $625 in Iowa.

North Carolina is also notorious for some of the worst roads in the country. Construction zones can make travel delays a hassle but motorists are reminded to be patient, plan your route accordingly and don't become aggressive when traffic comes to a screeching halt.

The Fatality Analysis Reporting System used the by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported over 900 deaths nationwide on Thanksgiving in 2009 as a result of 354 fatal crashes. In 2009, North Carolina reported 39 deaths on Thanksgiving caused by 14 fatal crashes.

Important holiday driving tips to remember:

-Perform a routine maintenance check on your vehicle. For example, check the cooling system, air in your tires, radiator and brakes to make sure all are working properly before a long trip.

-Take a nap after your holiday meal to avoid causing a drowsy driving accident on your way home from a family gathering.

-Check out area events that might create road closures or traffic delays like holiday parades or shows. Planning an alternate route is advised.

-If alcohol is being served, designate a driver if you intend to drink.

-Whether it is a quick trip to the store or a 50 mile trip to grandma's house expect delays and traffic congestion.

-Just because it is a holiday doesn't mean bad drivers hide out all weekend and stay off roadways. Defensive driving skills should be heightened during holiday travel weeks.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Puts Motorists at Risk of Car Accidents in Greensboro, Statewide" »

A little more than a year ago, a female teenage driver was killed in an Asheville distracted-driving accident because she was texting while driving. Her father now speaks out to teens about the dangers of texting and driving, and is one of the featured clips in the updated "Faces of Distracted Driving" series being promoted by the government.

Our Charlotte accident lawyers applaud the campaign's intent of getting the message out about the dangers of distracted driving and the consequences that come with this driving habit. Viewing personal and tragic stories like those in Faces of Distracted Driving pull on the heart strings, and may just the thing to make drivers think twice about risking an accident because of driver inattention.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently released a new public service announcement (PSA) which is updating new faces and stories to the "Faces of Distracted Driving" series. The campaign has been viewed online more than 100,000 times since it began in November 2010. The PSA is a 30-second clip called "Get the Message," which features loved ones who have lost someone from a distracted-driving accident somewhere in the U.S.

Some of the featured tragic stories that can be found at Faces of Distracted Driving include:

-A 19-year-old was struck and killed on his bicycle by a distracted truck driver traveling at 60 mph.

-A 21-year-old male was riding with a co-worker who became distracted and failed to yield at a stop sign. The male passenger was killed within 24 hours of a tractor-trailer hitting the vehicle that failed to yield in the middle of oncoming traffic.

-A 21-year-old female pedestrian was killed by a distracted driver while she was crossing the street.

-A 17-year-old high school student was riding to school in her pickup truck when she crashed on a rural roadway because she was texting.

-Two teen drivers crashed in the middle of an intersection when one of the drivers was distracted by her cell phone while running a red light at 50 mph. The teen victim in the other vehicle died within 24 hours of the crash.

-A 58 year-old hiker was struck from behind and killed instantly by a vehicle traveling at 70 mph. The driver was texting at the time of the accident.

Unfortunately, these and many other tragic stories occur each and every day on roadways throughout the United States. If you have or someone you know has a story to tell or a message to voice, the U.S. Department of Transportation encourages families to post a message or video on YouTube and email the link to faces@distraction.gov.

No one wants to mourn the loss of someone killed in a distracted-driving accident in North Carolina or elsewhere. Make a commitment to drive distraction-free.

Continue reading "Personal Stories of Distracted Driving in Asheville Car Accident and Elsewhere Revealed in PSA Message" »

With the holiday season just a few weeks away, we urge everyone to do their part to help prevent drunk-driving accidents in Asheville and throughout North Carolina.

Our Gastonia drunk-driving accident attorneys remind you that opting to get behind the wheel while intoxicated is a poor decision that will most likely change a life forever. Even if you and everyone else involved is lucky enough to avoid getting into an accident, or survive one that you caused, there are always consequences to pay for driving under the influence.

Two families in South Carolina will be without loved ones this holiday season following a fatal drunk-driving accident in Berkeley County recently. Goose Creek Patch reports one family is mourning the loss of a loved one while the other has to watch a family member face a pending prison sentence.

In one accident, a 47-year-old woman from Moncks Corner died from blunt force trauma after being hit in her 2000 Saturn by a 33-year-old drunk driver operating a BMW. The driver of the BMW was traveling in the opposite direction when she crossed the center line and hit the victim's car in a head-on collision. The defendant was charged with felony DUI, according to South Carolina Highway Patrol, after the victim died. The defendant and the 23-year-old passenger in her vehicle survived with minor injuries despite having not been wearing seat belts.

We are hopeful the 23-year-old passenger will learn a valuable lesson from this tragedy. Without positive role models, teens and other young drivers put themselves at considerable risk while making bad decisions and getting involved in an accident caused by operating a vehicle under the influence.

ACTnowNC.org reports that North Carolina had more than 11,000 drunk-driving accidents in 2009, of which 363 were fatal. Sadly, more than 20 percent of North Carolina's students in 2009 reported riding in a vehicle with an intoxicated person. One out of 10 high school students also admitted to driving under the influence in a one-month period in 2009. Nationwide, 35 percent of the drivers involved in fatal DUI crashes were between the ages of 21 and 24 in 2009. The next highest at-risk age group was 25-to-34-year-olds, who reportedly were involved in 32 percent of accidents that year.

There are several social and health problems that can be associated with underage drinkers. If you see some of the following symptoms from a teen or young person, get help immediately.

-Lack of participation in youth activities or school groups.

-Constant development of illnesses or hangovers.

-Poor grades in school or frequent absences from school.

-Detection of other drug use.

-Loss of memory.

-Suicide or homicide isn't out of the realm of possibilities with relation to the young person's behavior or attitude.

-Change in sexual activity either by participating in unprotected, unwanted or unplanned activity.

-Behavioral situations that lead to legal problems or lawful consequences such as DWI.

Recent studies have shown the more a young person is around alcohol, the better chance they have of becoming addicted to it later on. More than 40 percent of children who start drinking before age 15 end up dependent on it later.

If you attend a holiday party with your teen child, set a good example by not having an alcoholic beverage. Teach your children to act responsibly and never drink and drive.

Continue reading "Underage Drinking Increases Risk for Drunk-Driving Accidents in Asheville, Elsewhere " »

A recent article in Bloomberg Business Week reported that car safety inspectors are looking more scrupulously at all plug-in electric vehicles manufactured with lithium-ion batteries as their power source. We mention this because our car accident attorneys in Winston-Salem, Charlotte and elsewhere are concerned about consumer safety after reading about two separate incidents involving a Chevrolet Volt that have a lithium-ion battery.

We find it odd that the battery defect wasn't found earlier. A defective vehicle or its parts can cause serious injury if a fire-related car accident in Greensboro or elsewhere occurs, especially if there are occupants. Automobile manufacturers should have detected a problem with the foreign-based batteries produced by the largest chemical maker in South Korea prior to making them the power source of many electric cars being sold on the market today.

Fortunately no one was hurt in either incident. The first incident was a report of a Chevrolet Volt sitting at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) testing center parking lot when it caught fire. The car had undergone a side-impact crash test three weeks prior to the fire. As a result of the incident, safety regulators are talking to all manufacturing companies, including Nissan Motor Co., Ford Motor Co. and General Motors that already sell or intend to use lithium-ion batteries in their electric vehicles about the fire risks associated with the battery.

More recently, another fire-related incident involving a Volt charging in a residential garage in Mooresville, N.C., has a team of NHTSA investigators involved in an ongoing investigation. Several other charging stations were installed in homes in North and South Carolina by Duke Energy Corp. but have been told to stop using the station to prevent the risk of injury until the investigation is complete.

An engineering consultant from Michigan knowledgeable about lithium batteries commented that lithium burns really hot but it isn't a common hazard. A lithium battery can catch fire when the battery case or some of the internal cells get pierced by steel or other ferrous metals. When a lithium battery is pierced like that, the temperature begins to rise through a chemical reaction. Depending on the size of the piercing, the reaction could cause a fire to ignite immediately ot it could take days or weeks to occur.

Electric plug-in vehicles are the wave of the future. In fact, by 2015 President Barack Obama said he would like to to have 1 million electric vehicles on U.S. roadways to countermeasure the dependence on foreign oil supplies. In addition to the Chevrolet Volt, the Nissan Leaf is also powered by a lithium-ion battery. As of October 31, there have been more than 13,000 Leafs and Volts sold in the U.S. this year. Toyota Motor Corp. uses a nickel-metal battery in its top-selling hybrid vehicle the Prius. However, a plug-in version of the Prius and an electric RAV 4 will be using lithium batteries.

Defective vehicles put consumers at risk of injury and often require experienced advice when an accident occurs.

Continue reading "Electric Vehicles With Lithium-Ion Battery Could Put North Carolina Motorists at Risk of Fire-Related Car Accidents" »

According to North Carolina Operation Lifesaver, a vehicle or person is hit by a train approximately every three hours in the United States. Statesville car accident attorneys know that locomotives are big and powerful machines that can easily crush a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorist who gets in their path. Ensuring that railroad crossings are marked accordingly or that flashing lights and swing arms are functioning properly becomes an important part in keeping anyone who crosses the tracks safe and uninjured.

In 2010, there were almost 50 incidents of railroad crossing accidents in Hickory and throughout the state that resulted in one fatality. South Carolina reported 50 railroad crossing accidents last year but five people lost their lives after being hit by a train in 2010. Nationwide, there were a total of 2,004 collisions on a highway-rail grade crossing in 2010.

SCnow.com reports that Operation Lifesaver and South Carolina Highway Patrol recently performed a demonstration and training exercise about railroad crossing safety. A car was left sitting idle with a dummy in the driver's seat on a railroad crossing in Darlington. Upon impact with the low-speed train traveling at 10 mph, the car was pushed down the tracks approximately 120 yards. Emergency responders, fire rescuers, railway officials and SCHP's Collision Reconstruction Team witnessed the event in hopes of learning the dynamics of a crash, as well as how dangerous crossings are.

In viewing the demonstration with knowledge of the variables involved, it can be determined if any changes need to be made for future emergency responses to a railroad-crossing collision. In most cases, a train is traveling at 55 mph so it can be concluded that it can take a stretch as long as a mile to get the train stopped in an emergency situation. It is almost inevitable that a crash will occur due to the size and speed of a locomotive not getting stopped in time.

The Rail division at the North Carolina Department of Transportation offers these rail tips to motorists, pedestrians and rail passengers:

-Never attempt to go through a crossing when railroad stop arms are down or lights are flashing.

-Be alert for trains throughout all parts of the day.

-When walking, only cross tracks at designated areas.

-No fishing or bungee jumping should take place from railroad trestles.

-Walking along a railroad track is dangerous and should be avoided.

-Never try to get on a rail car or locomotive while the train is moving.

-Stand away from the tracks while waiting on a platform for the train to arrive.

-If a train is in motion, hang on as you move about the cabin, especially if you are trying to cross over to the next car.

-If the train doors close, wait for the next train to arrive rather than try to pry or hold the doors open.

-In case of an emergency call 911 or get the conductor's attention.

Railroad crossings are particularly dangerous for motorists, pedestrians, or bicyclists who become distracted. Always focus on the intersection and make sure it is safe before you cross. Remember, it is not uncommon for several trains to be running at multiple lane crossings so expect other trains to follow when you stop for the first approaching train.

Continue reading "Operation Lifesaver Geared Towards Preventing Collisions with Trains at North and South Carolina Railroad Crossings" »

Bad things can and often do happen when a vehicle reaches a speed in excess of 100 mph on North Carolina roadways. In 2009, speed-related accidents in Charlotte, and elsewhere in the state killed more than 500 people. Traveling at high rates of speed can cause a motorist to lose control or take a corner too fast before causing a rollover accident or collision with another vehicle or object.

IndependentMail.com reports of a fatal crash involving a motorist who was allegedly operating his vehicle at 114 mph. The three-vehicle collision happened on a Friday in July during the middle of the day. A South Carolina state trooper recently testified in a preliminary hearing that the excessive rate of speed was estimated based on the skid marks that were left on Interstate 85 following the crash.

A Georgia man on his way home from visiting his girlfriend in North Carolina died of head injuries when his 1988 Lincoln was hit by the BMW SUV driven by the speeder. It is believed that the driver of the Lincoln was also speeding at the time the crash occurred. The impact of the collision caused the BMW to hit a center median which caused a rotating spin of 360 degrees.

A third vehicle driven by a 41-year-old female was then hit by the BMW that was spinning out of control. The female driver and the defendant were taken to Greenville Memorial Hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the BMW has been charged with reckless homicide. The judge has ordered to move ahead with the charges based on court records that indicate the defendant has been guilty of several previous traffic offenses in Greenville and Anderson counties. If convicted, the driver would face up to 10 years in jail and a $5,000 penalty.

The Governors Highway Safety Association stipulates that any driver in North Carolina who speeds or drives carelessly without regard for the rights or safety of others is considered reckless when committing two or more of the following violations: tailgating or following too closely, running through a stop sign or red traffic light, failing to yield the right of way or passing another vehicle illegally.

Speed is often a factor in reckless driving violations. For example, a motorist pulled over for speeding at 15 mph over the posted 55 mph speed limit can be charged with reckless driving. The same goes for a motorist who is traveling at 75 mph in a 70 mph speed zone. Reckless driving is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina and can be punishable up to 60 days in prison. A driver who is convicted of reckless driving may also face fines up to $1,000, be subject to a license suspension up to 12 months and have four points added to his or driving record.

Reckless drivers put pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists at risk of severe injury or death when a collision occurs. Motorists should reduce their speed, drive distraction-free and be in complete control every time they sit behind the wheel to operate a vehicle.

Continue reading "Reckless Driving Accidents in Charlotte, Elsewhere Often Caused by Speeding Motorists" »

A reality star mom was recently involved in a parking-lot accident in Wilmington, NC. The Teen Mom 2 star, normally in the spotlight for her acting, has gained attention following a tweet she posted at the hospital.

New York Daily News reports the reality star had her two-year old son and a teenage companion accompanying her in the vehicle when she ran into a light pole at a speed of 10 mph. The actress was rushed to the hospital after slamming into the dashboard, but her son and the other occupant were unharmed in the accident. The reality star tweeted from the hospital that she was involved in a parking-lot accident but the incident was not related to being under the influence of drugs.

Greensboro car accident attorneys know it is possible that social media could have played a role in causing the collision, but the accident is still under investigation by local authorities. We urge all drivers to resist multitasking when you're behind the wheel in an effort to reduce traffic accidents. Operating a vehicle distraction-free is one way to prevent or reduce the risk of a car accident in Gastonia, Statesville, Charlotte or elsewhere in the state.

The 20-year-old reality star had enough good sense to keep her 2-year-old son strapped safely in the car seat restraint in the back seat of the car. Some mothers are unaware of the dangers of not traveling with their child securely fastened in the back seat. The Herald reports about a recent situation involving a mother who was feeding her newborn baby in the front passenger seat of her SUV while parked at a convenience store parking lot. Rather than waiting until the baby was finished nursing, the father behind the wheel drove off and entered the highway with the mother still feeding the infant in the front seat of the car.

It isn't clear whether the family were residents of North Carolina or just visiting, but it is clear they were unaware that it is against the law in our state to be holding a child in the front seat while the vehicle is in motion. The North Carolina driver handbook clearly states that child safety seat restraints are required and clearly defines the specifics behind the law. All moms and dads should be aware and follow the child restraint law meant to keep children safe if a car crash occurs. Children can be severely injured or even killed in a crash when unprotected, which is why car accidents are the number one cause of death nationwide for young children.

If you want to learn more about child safety while riding in a vehicle or child restraints seats, visit National Highway Traffic Safety Administration online for more information about age and seat requirements.

Continue reading "Reality Star Mom Suffers Injuries in North Carolina Car Accident " »

In a recent statement, Transportation Secretary Gene Conti announced that more than 750 motorists were cited in North Carolina for driving under the influence during the Halloween weekend. The "Booze It & Lose It" Campaign ran for four days beginning October 28 in an effort to help reduce drunk-driving accidents in Greensboro and statewide. The campaign is meant to create awareness that motorists would be removed from the roadway if they were stopped and found to be driving while intoxicated.

Asheville car accident attorneys know that drunk drivers often cause anguish to thousands of people across the country every year when someone in their lives dies because of a car accident. In making one bad choice, it affects the lives of so many for a lifetime.

Recent statistics have indicated that drunk-driving accidents seem to be a higher risk on holiday weekends. That's probably because people choose to drink, often to an extreme, when they celebrate during the holidays.

Removing drunk drivers from roadways is a priority of the Governor's Highway Safety Program as well as law enforcement officials statewide. During Halloween weekend, there were 1,664 sobriety checkpoints set up throughout the state. Mecklenburg County issued the most DWI citations at 58, followed by Wake and Robeson Counties (each with 51) and Guilford County reported 46 citations. In addition to DWI citations, there were more than 660 drug charges issued. Motorists were cited 1,131 times for failing to wear a seat belt and 5,757 times for speeding tickets. There were also more than 200 violations of the child passenger safety seat law.

The "Booze It & Lose It" Campaign that ran from August 19 to September 5 for Labor Day drunk-driving awareness totaled almost 2,960 citations for driving under the influence. Again, Mecklenburg County reported the most DWI stops at 217, followed by Wake (203), New Hanover (133) and Guilford (113) counties.

For motorists who use common sense, it almost makes you want to stay at home where you can't be at risk of being hit by a drunk driver. Unfortunately, that isn't feasible nor desirable for most. It is quite simple to make the choice to drink responsibly or not get behind the wheel if you have had too much alcohol.

As we head into the holiday travel season we want to urge motorists to do your part. Don't drink and drive and use caution every time you get behind the wheel to avoid an accident with another motorist under the influence. If you suspect a driver is under the influence, safely pull off the road and report them to the authorities. Saving a life is the ultimate gift this holiday season and throughout the rest of the year.

Continue reading "Greensboro Drunk-Driving Accidents Prevalent During Holiday Weekends" »

The Republic reports that with Daylight Saving Time now in effect, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) wants to remind motorists that fewer daylight hours means an increased risk for car accidents in Gastonia, Hickory, Winston-Salem and elsewhere in the state. Not only are motorists short on daylight hours for their evening commute, but bicyclists and pedestrians need to be more careful to avoid an accident while walking or biking in the dark.

North Carolina residents turned their clocks back by one hour Sunday morning, meaning evening commutes are now a lot darker starting this week and continuing through the next few months with the sun setting earlier each night. Greensboro car accident lawyers know adjusting to the time change affects your body and mind and can even be somewhat depressing. But using extra caution during dark hours will help keep you safe on North Carolina roadways until we "spring forward" in just a few months from now.

In 2010, the North Carolina Department of Transportation reported that there were nearly 190 bicyclists and 875 pedestrians involved in car accidents during dusk and nighttime hours. There were another almost 16,500 accidents involving animals during the hours of darkness.

Driving in the dark can be tricky, especially this time of year when deer and other critters can potentially pop out from nowhere right in front of your vehicle. We posted last month on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog that deer will be on the run as hunting season approaches. So be on the lookout for them dashing across your path to help avoid a collision and possible injuries.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation offers these tips for motorists to keep in mind as they drive in Daylight Saving Time:

-Coincide changing your clocks back one hour with checking all lights on your vehicle. For instance, check brake lights, emergency flashers, headlights, and even interior lights to make sure they are working properly. You may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic if a fuse or bulb needs replaced.

-Use high-beam lights in rural areas but be courteous to approaching vehicles by flashing to low beams while you pass.

-If your rear-view mirror has a night setting, use it to avoid glare from car lights shining behind you.

-Never wear sunglasses after dusk.

-Keep a watchful eye for bikers and walkers after dark, especially as winter weather approaches.

-If you feel drowsy from the time change, avoid long trips or driving while fatigued.

-Focusing your eyes on one spot in front of you causes "highway hypnosis" which reduces your reaction time if a hazard appears on the road. Keep your eyes active by moving them back and forth to reduce the risk of reaction impairment.

Continue reading "Daylight Saving Time Increases Risks for Nighttime Car Accidents in Gastonia, Elsewhere" »

A fatal teen car accident in Greenville is a reminder that teenagers should have plenty of supervised driving experience before they take on slick rural roadways at night with another teen in the vehicle. As these conditions can be difficult for most drivers, we urge you to do whatever you can to ensure your teen is as prepared as possible to handle these types of situations.

WYFF-4 reports two teens were seriously injured in an SUV accident after colliding into a house. Five days later, the young passenger in the vehicle was pronounced dead at the hospital. The tragedy could have been magnified considering the crash occurred near a college campus community where students often roam at late-night hours.

Authorities investigating the accident say wet roads could have been a factor. Our North Carolina car accident lawyers know that it was probably a combination of factors, which may have included dark and winding roads, driver distraction, or traveling too fast on an unfamiliar road at night.

The recent accident is the second in less than a month at this particular dangerous location. The house, owned by North Greenville University, was vacant but officials say they are looking for some sort of safety measures to help prevent collisions at the sharp curve where motorists are losing control of their vehicle as they make the turn.

Adding a guard rail as a minimum could help keep the campus community safer. Other safety measures that could be issued by the South Carolina Department of Transportation are a traffic light, crosswalk or warning sign.

Another school-related accident turned tragic when a teenager was walking to his school bus stop and was hit by a 20-year-old driver in a Jeep. WSOC-TV reports the teen pedestrian was hit before daylight while walking alongside the road. The victim's mother had recently made a request with the school district to move the bus stop closer to their residence as the boy walked nearly a quarter of a mile to catch the bus each day. School officials denied the request after inspecting the location and determining there were no visual impairments near the pick up location and their home could be clearly seen from the bus stop. Safety didn't appear to be an issue.

Motorists are reminded of the following tips when driving in school zones or campus communities:

-Use caution throughout the day, not just in morning and afternoon commutes.

-During inclement weather, try to avoid highly populated pedestrian traffic areas. Wet roads make it difficult to stop or see.

-If you find yourself driving on unfamiliar rural roadways at night, reduce your speed and look for warning signs to alert you of dangerous curves or bends in the road.

Accidents like these reinforce the importance of driver knowledge and experience. We encourage parents to continue to talk to their kids about safe driving, and take an occasional ride with them to make sure they are practicing safe behaviors behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Teens Driving on Wet Roads at Night are at High Risk for Car Accidents in North Carolina, South Carolina" »

Drowsy driving is more common than you may think, with drivers under the age of 25 accounting for more than 50 percent of all "fall-asleep" car accidents in North Carolina, according to Clinical Compass. Drivers with the most fall-asleep accidents were 20-years-olds. Still, this is a problem plaguing drivers of all ages.

These accidents take the lives of more than 1,500 people and injure another 71,000 each year nationwide. According to a recent study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, about one in every six fatal car accidents involves a drowsy driver. Although more than 95 percent of drivers say that this driving behavior is completely unacceptable, more than a third of drivers surveyed admitted to doing it at least once in the last month.

Our Charlotte car accident lawyers invite you to join Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. This campaign organized by the National Sleep Foundation aims to raise awareness among drivers about this dangerous driving habit, and takes place Nov. 6 -12. The National Sleep Foundation says most drivers underestimate the dangers that come with a sleepy driver.

"People know that they shouldn't text or drink when they drive, and that's great," said David Cloud, CEO of the foundation. "However, many don't realize that driving while drowsy is also very dangerous."

According to the more recent poll from the National Sleep Foundation, drivers 16 to 45-years-old admitted to driving while drowsy at least once or twice a week. Cloud says that he acknowledges that people are sleeping less, and in this economy they're working more. Still, it's important to stay in tune with your body when you're behind the wheel of a motor vehicle not only to ensure your own safety, but the safety of others on our roadways.

Driving while drowsy can:

-Slow your reaction time.

-Impair your ability to see.

-Cause lapses in judgment.

-Can hinder your ability to process information.

Recent studies have revealed that a person who has been awake for 20 hours has the same reaction abilities as a person who is legally drunk. When drivers are sleepy at the wheel, it's extremely possible for them to go into 3- or 4-second bouts of micro-sleep, meaning they are in the car still traveling probably at a high rate of speed, completely unconscious.

Symptoms that indicate you're experiencing drowsiness behind the wheel:

-You have heavy eyelids or you're blinking frequently.

-You're having numerous daydreams.

-You're having difficulty keeping your head up.

-Your vehicle is drifting in and out of lanes.

-You are unable to clearly remember the last couple of miles you've driven.

-You keep yawning.

-You start to feel irritable, restless or aggressive.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important for you to pull over in a safe place and take a break. If you're traveling with another licensed driver, switch spots and let him or her drive. There is nothing more dangerous that trying to power through your sleepiness. Drowsy Driving Prevention Week organizers are hopeful the campaign can help get drivers to recognize the dangers and appropriate prevention measures.

Continue reading "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Aims to Help Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in North Carolina" »