North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog

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 is no secret that teen drivers are often the most at risk of being involved in a car accident in Gastonia, Charlotte or elsewhere. Teen car accidents can be particularly tragic around the holidays.

Winston-Salem car accident attorneys cringe when they see a report of an accident involving a teen driver with little ones in the car. Not only can young drivers lose their focus and become distracted, but sometimes they are not mature enough to know how to tend to a child's needs or behaviors.

The Salisbury Post recently reported of a fatal teen car crash that killed a teen passenger riding in the front seat. Three children under 6-years-old riding in the back managed to survive. There were no witnesses to the accident, but the 17-year-old female driver is presumed to have veered off the right side of the road after coming around a bend. She ended up overturning the Chevy Blazer straight into a utility pole.

The teen passenger riding in the front seat was thrown approximately 100 feet and died despite three people working together to administer CPR until help arrived. The three children along with the teen driver were tended to by area residents until emergency responders arrived at the scene. They were taken to Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast but their injuries were not considered life-threatening. The accident is under investigation, but local residents said they heard music blaring from the SUV after the accident. Additionally, speed has been a common factor in several previous accidents in the same vicinity.

Nowadays, parents have so many concerns when it comes to keeping teen drivers safe on roadways. Cell phones and other youth passengers riding in the vehicle are common causes of distraction related to an accident. Young drivers tend to speed because they don't think anything will come of this unsafe behavior. Teens seem to have easy access to alcohol, which can put them at considerable risk of a fatal accident if they choose to drive under the influence.

Fayobserver.com reports that a third of American teens drink alcohol and almost 20 percent of teens binge drink. Teens are able to walk into a convenience store, purchase a potent malt liquor and not be be asked for age identification. Law enforcement officials expect that as holiday parties begin to increase in the next few weeks, so will underage drinking and the number of teen driver arrests. The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's is dangerous for all drivers because alcohol intake increases due to celebrations or more time off from work or school.

If you have a young and inexperienced driver in your family, parents or guardians are encouraged to talk to them about safe driving during the holidays. Reiterate the importance of driving distraction-free. Make a point to discuss the dangers of driving under the influence and the consequences they can face if they are caught for underage drinking or become involved in an accident.

Continue reading "North Carolina Teen Drivers Urged to Drive Safely During the Holidays to Avoid a Car Accident in Gastonia, Elsewhere" »

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" »

A fatal teen car crash near Lillington earlier this month has our Winston-Salem car accident lawyers wondering if there is ever a time that parents should allow their teens to drive late at night or with other teen passengers accompanying them in the vehicle.

WTVD reports that four teenage classmates between the ages of 15 to 17 were riding in a vehicle on Old Highway 421 when the young driver lost control of the vehicle, flipped the car and caused the vehicle to crash. A 17-year-old passenger is dead and her 16-year-old friend who was driving will be charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle. The two other teens passengers were taken to WakeMed but are expected to survive the accident. Troopers report speeding was a contributing factor in the crash but that the accident was not alcohol-related.

This incident, along with many other teen car accidents in Charlotte and elsewhere in North Carolina are why strong graduated licensing programs are needed.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teens in North Carolina can apply for a learners license at the age of 15. During the intermediate stage, teens are not permitted to drive alone between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. and are limited to one passenger under the age of 21 riding in the vehicle with them. Nighttime and passenger restrictions could be lifted as early as age 16 years and 6 months under certain conditions.

An article in U.S. News & World Report states that a recent study shows 16-year-olds are less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than 18-year-olds in states with strict GDL laws. In fact, states with the strictest GDL laws showed a 26 percent decrease in fatal crashes involving a 16-year-old, but a 12 percent increase in fatal crashes involving 18-year-olds.

The study looked at over 130,000 fatal teen crashes which occurred between 1986 and 2007. The study found that the crash rate for 16-year-olds was 28.2 per 100,000 compared to 46.2 per 100,000 18-year-olds.

GDL laws vary from state to state but most have a 3-phase learning to drive program in place. The beginner stage allows teens to drive with supervision. The intermediate stage restricts high-risk situations like night driving while unsupervised. The final stage allows for full and unrestricted privileges for young drivers, which in North Carolina, could be obtained before age 18.

The study has caused some speculation as to why 18 year-olds are involved in more fatal crashes. One theory is that with strict GDL programs placing age restrictions on novice drivers, more teens are waiting to get their license. By waiting to apply for a learner's permit at age 18, teens can avoid some of the age-specific restrictions placed on them while learning to drive.

One lesson that can be learned from the study and recent fatal teen crash is that parents and role models should continue to make safe driving behaviors a hot topic of discussion with young drivers, even well into their college years. Gaining driving experience is important to become a safe driver but open lines of communications are just as equally important to keep you and your teen safe on roadways.

Continue reading "Fatal North Carolina Teen Car Accident a Lesson to Talk to Your Teen about Safe Driving Beyond Obtaining a License, Throughout High School" »

Our Statesville car accident attorneys know that teen drivers get a bad reputation because they often get distracted behind the wheel or don't have the experienced decision making skills that most adult drivers have.

In fact, Automotive Discovery reports that when respondents in a nationwide survey were asked if teens were good drivers, the vast majority rated them as poor or average drivers. Poor or average drivers, no matter what their age, can often find themselves involved in car accidents in Winston-Salem, Asheville, and elsewhere in North Carolina.

Allstate Insurance released results from a recent poll indicating that 80 percent of drivers surveyed stated they felt teen drivers were risky behind the wheel. The poll also indicated that 60 percent of respondents were in support of stiffening graduated driver licensing programs statewide.

The nationwide poll was used as a measure for public reaction to the Safe Teen and Novice Driver Uniform Protection Act (STANDUP), which awaits a decision by Congress to tighten up teen driver licensing laws and place more restrictions on young drivers. We posted about the STANDUP Act last month on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog, when we indicated that it was a provision of Mariah's Law -- named after a teen driver killed in Arkansas.

If passed, teens would be restricted on unsupervised nighttime hours driven, passengers in the vehicle, and using cell phones behind the wheel. In addition, age requirements would change from state to state on when a learner's permit can be obtained and when each phase of the learning-to-drive process can take place.

According to the survey, 76 percent of those polled are in favor of changing the minimum age to receive a learner's permit to age 16. Additionally, 69 percent support having a three-stage licensure process to be completed before a driving test can be taken to obtain a full license. Of those surveyed, more than 8 out of ten supported banning cell phones or texting while driving and 70 percent favored limiting teens of nighttime driving hours, especially if unsupervised by another adult driver. As you can imagine, more than 60 percent were in favor of not allowing non-family passengers in the car with drivers under age 18.

Bill Vainisi, deputy general counsel and senior vice president of Allstate commented that respondents' attitudes clearly indicate that GDL programs can help save lives based on the results of the survey.

Moreover, it is clear that Americans think extending the process for a young driver just learning to drive can help introduce teen drivers to safe driving behavior and gain more experience behind the wheel before they graduate to driving alone without the supervision of an adult.

"What's needed now is national leadership in the form of uniform standards for those GDL laws," says Vainisi.

Continue reading "Survey Says: Teen Drivers' Risky Behavior Creates Tendency for Involvement in Car Accidents in Winston-Salem" »

Most drivers, over 80 percent, are under the assumption that winter driving is more dangerous than summer driving, according to a survey conducted by the Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the University of Minnesota.

On the contrary, Charlotte car accident lawyers know that summertime brings more motorists to the highways and city streets for family vacations, holiday barbecues, trips to the beach, street festivals, and other warm-weather events. More vehicles traveling on roadways can only mean an increased risk of summertime car accidents in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Hickory or elsewhere in the state.

Most drivers, 79 percent, responded that they feel safe on two-lane highways in rural areas which often leads to more dangerous driving behaviors during the summer months. Of those who responded, 38 percent feel relaxed on rural highways.

Drivers who feel safe and relaxed while driving are more likely to entertain risky behaviors like speeding, using a cell phone and drinking and eating while driving, which can lead to a high risk of injury for other motorists. When asked why they feel safer in rural areas, 51 percent responded because there is less to worry about and 31 percent responded that they feel more comfortable in the area and the driver knew the area better.

According to an article in Reader's Digest, there are a number of summer driving hazards that motorists may want to try to avoid because they can be quite costly. The first of the summer dangers, hitting a wild animal while driving, is quite common, not to mention dangerous. State Farm Insurance reported an estimated 2.3 million collisions between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2010 due to a vehicle hitting a deer. Motorists who want to reduce the risk of hitting an animal should drive with their high beams on and be particularly careful during early morning hours or at dusk. Strapping yourself in can also reduce the risk of serious injury in these types of crashes.

Summertime also brings the risk of severe storms passing through the area. In some cases, severe rain and thunderstorms can add an element of surprise and be quite dangerous if motorists don't change their driving behavior in certain driving conditions. If severe weather strikes while you are on the roadway, it is recommended that motorists should allow plenty of space between vehicles, reduce speed, pull off to the side of the road, clean your vehicles windows and windshield both inside and out, inspect all vehicle lights (hazard, brake and turn signal) to make sure they are working properly and use your headlights in poor visibility.

A third summer hazard is driving drowsy. Not only can warm weather make you drowsy but so can long road trips or driving late at night. Motorists are reminded to pull over at a rest stop if they get drowsy. A recent study by AAA Foundation indicated that 2 out of 5 drivers have fallen asleep at the wheel and 10 percent of drivers have done so in the last year.

Drivers may tend to keep a watchful eye for other motorists throughout the year but pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists are much more common on roadways during warmer weather and can be considered a summertime hazard. Motorists can avoid hitting bikers and walkers by knowing they are present and using a little extra caution at intersections or crossings.

The last of the summertime hazards to consider is speeding. Speeding is a contributing factor in approximately 33 percent of fatal crashes throughout the year and is always a concern. The omission of snow and ice on roadways doesn't give motorists the green light to speed even though most feel it is safe to do so. As motorists sneak in the last few trips of the summer, be reminded of these summertime hazards in order to reduce the risk of serious injury in a North Carolina car accident.

Continue reading "Summer Hazards Can Cause High Risk of Greensboro Car Accidents" »

As part of National Safety Month, June 12-18 is drawing attention to teen driving safety and the dangers inexperienced drivers face on roadways.

Our Charlotte car accident attorneys know that teens in North Carolina and throughout the country are in the midst of the 100 deadliest days of the year for young drivers and hope they use extra caution during the summer months to avoid a car accident in Greensboro and elsewhere.

A recent tragedy in York County is just another reason we should promote safe driving for young people this time of the year. WISTV reports on a fatal accident involving a teen who had graduated from high school a few days earlier. The teen was driving on SC Highway 160 early in the morning when he spotted a cyclist in his path The teen driver swerved to avoid the bicyclist, ran off the right side of the road and hit a pole and a tree before his vehicle rolled over. The teen driver died at the scene, while the cyclist remained unharmed.

The 100 deadliest days, as we posted on our North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog, is the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day. In 2009, nine out of the 10 deadliest days for young drivers were between May and August.

The National Safety Council understands the importance of this matter and has dedicated the third week of June to promote safe teen driving. There are more than 15 crashes daily involving a driver between the ages of 15 and 20. Two out of three people who die in teen-related crashes are not the teen driver, but someone else involved in the accident.

Throughout the week, backers like First America and Toyota will sponsor webinars and free online programs to support parents and teens during the early stages of driving.

The Alive at 25 Parent Program is an online interactive course that explains the risks involved and reiterates basic driving skills and the ability to make good decisions while driving.

The second edition of Teen Driver: A Family Guide to Teen Driver Safety is also a helpful tool for parents and teens. This guide takes you through the stages of getting a license and gaining driver experience. It also identifies the risks of making bad choices, like not wearing a seat belt or driving under the influence. The guide offers a driving skills checklist that can be used each time you go out on a supervised driving session with your teen. The checklist can be rated by satisfactory or needs improvement and includes the following items to name a few:

-Driving at night or during the day.

-Distractions occurring inside and outside the vehicle.

-Merging into traffic.

-Passing other vehicles.

-Sharing the road with trucks, motorcycles, other cars and bicyclists.

-Speed used on turns or curves, during poor weather conditions, or congested roadways.

All motorists are at a high risk of car accidents during the summer months, but teen drivers are especially at risk as they spend more time on the road this time of year. Be a safe driver to reduce the risk of a serious or fatal accident in North Carolina this summer.

Continue reading "Teens at High Risk of Greensboro Car Accidents in Summer" »

Improving highway safety seems to be on the minds of everyone these days, according to a recent survey published by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The government's initiative to reduce car accidents in North Carolina and elsewhere in the country has gained the attention of many motorists who use our roadways.

Car accident attorneys in Statesville, Winston-Salem and Greensboro know that getting drunk and distracted drivers off the roadways improves safety but there still remains much to be done by state and federal governments to reduce the number of fatalities each year on American roadways. The launch of 'Decade of Action for Road Safety' campaign has gone global in the fight against deaths on roadways. Regrettably, campaigns don't really help victims or their families with the financial hardships faced after suffering a severe or fatal injury -- so seeking professional advice is an important step to maintaining financial stability throughout the recovery process.

We first mentioned the international campaign last month on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog. The Safe Systems Approach over the next 10 years aims to improve vehicle safety, build safer roadways, change unfavorable driving behaviors, and improve the emergency care given following a crash.

"At a time when more and more U.S. highway safety agencies are adopting "Toward Zero Death" goals, it is very heartening to see motorist support for more, not less action by government to make our roads safer," said J. Peter Kissinger, President of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, that commissioned this survey.

The AAA Foundation reports the following responses from American motorists on the survey:

-70 percent agree that stricter driving safety laws should be imposed.

-41 percent agree that the federal government should make cars safer, 60 percent feel automakers have the responsibility to enhance car safety.

-86 percent agree that a driver education course should be completed prior to licensing for all new drivers.

-57 percent agree that state government legislatures should be more active in making roadways safer in respective states.

-62 percent agree that our country needs more laws to curb bad driving behaviors.
It is projected that by 2020, there will be almost 2 million traffic fatalities throughout the entire world in a calendar year. The universal goal is to put monetary resources towards education, road design, technology, and laws in order to reduce traffic fatalities worldwide.

May 11th, 2011 marks the official launch of 'Decade of Action for Road Safety' with an event hosted in Washington, D.C. Over 50 countries and 30 U.S. states will show support of the global campaign by wearing the trademark symbol, the yellow tag, in recognition of a worldwide effort to make roadways safer.

For more information about the event, click here to view.

Continue reading " Motorists support worldwide effort to reduce traffic fatalities in North Carolina, throughout the country" »

A Butler High School football player is facing charges in connection with a Charlotte, North Carolina car accident that claimed the life of a 51-year-old man, News Channel 9 reported.

Our Charlotte injury lawyers frequently report the dangers faced by teen drivers on our roads and encourage parents to speak to their young adults early and often about the importance of making good driving decisions. Only by using each of these tragedies as a teaching opportunity can we have a positive impact on the dangers faced by teenage drivers on the road.

In this case, the 17-year-old withdrew from the football team this week, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools officials. He faces a misdemeanor charge of death by vehicle, driving without a license and failure to yield the right of way. The DMV reports he was never issued a driver's license.

The school senior and former running back turned across Rocky River Church Road to go left onto Camp Steward Road when he hit the victim on his motorcycle, according to police. The fatal Charlotte motorcycle accident is also a reminder that riders will be out enjoying a few last rides as long as the weather is tolerable. Motorcycle accidents usually lead to very serious or fatal injuries to riders and keeping an eye out for motorcycles can help motorists avoid such tragedies through the final weeks of riding season.

The rider was pronounced dead at the scene. Police report that the teen was also charged with driving without a license in September. The victim's wife of nearly 30 years, as well as his daughter and son-in-law, said he was an avid motorcycle rider who enjoyed getting out on his bike whenever he could.

Continue reading "Teen driver blamed for causing fatal Charlotte car accident that killed motorcycle rider" »

Statistics show that every ten minutes Mothers Against Drunk Driving help's an individual who has been a victim of drinking and driving. It is further reported that one in five teens are binge drinkers and only one out of 100 parents know or believe their teen is partaking in binge drinking.

Educating your teen about the dangerous outcomes of drunk driving and knowing the signs to look for if your teen is drinking can help you prevent a horrifying and possibly deadly North Carolina car accident .

We encourage you to speak to your teen about the dangers of drunk driving during Teen Safe Driver Week Oct. 17 to 24 and to continue the message into the holiday season. This is the first in a three-blog series that will also touch on the dangers of drinking and driving and distracted driving among teenagers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers ages 15 to 20. Nationwide, 6,428 motorists died in accidents with teen drivers in 2008. North Carolina car accidents involving teenagers killed 250 people.

There are obvious signs to let you know if your teen may be drinking. Your teen could be drinking if you find that they been skipping school or is suddenly secretive; their grades begin to suffer; or they start using mouthwash, mints, or gum regularly. If you begin to find alcohol missing in your home or if you find alcohol hidden in their room, your teen could be drinking.

With homecoming and the holidays right around the corner, teens may find themselves in a situation where they feel peer pressure to drink. As a responsible parent there are steps you can take to prevent your teen from drinking and being involved in a drunk driving car accident. Communicate with your teen; don't just talk to them but also listen to their concerns and ideas. Know who your teen's friends are and where and how they spend their time together. Have rules in place and be sure your teenager understands the penalties if they are broken.

Don't underestimate the power of your parenting. According to MADD, in 2008, the GfK Roper Youth Report conducted an online survey of kids up to the age of seventeen. Seventy-nine percent of the kids surveyed said that their parents had a significant influence in their decision to drink.

Continue reading "Parents have the power to influence their teens good decisions, help avoid North Carolina car accidents" »

Teen drivers understand distracted driving habits put them at substantially higher risk for being involved in a North Carolina car accident ... but they continue to text message and use cell phones behind the wheel and to engage in other dangerous driving practices, the USA Today reported.

Our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog reported earlier this month on the upcoming distracted driving summit planned in Washington. Lawmakers hope to pressure states without a text messaging ban into passing such a law. Federal authorities are also concerned about the patchwork of legislation motorists face. For example, North Carolina forbids texting and driving, while no such prohibition exists in South Carolina.

Nationwide, an estimated 6,000 motorists are killed each year and 500,000 are injured in accidents caused by distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Only speeding and drunk driving contribute to more highway deaths. And the federal government reports that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 20.

"Teens do continue to drive distracted even when they recognize the dangers," says William Van Tassel, manager of AAA's driver training programs. "Driving is the first real adult responsibility, but let's face it, they're still teens whose brains aren't fully developed."

The survey by Seventeen Magazine found that 84 percent of young drivers are aware of the risks of distracted driving, yet 86 percent admitted to engaging in some form of such behavior, including using a cell phone while driving, eating, adjusting the radio, applying makeup or riding with four or more passengers.

Among the survey's other findings:

-Drivers 18 and 19 are more likely to engage in distracted driving behavior than those ages 16 or 17.

-Reasons teens gave for driving distracted included: Don't think they will get hurt (35%), makes driving less boring (22%), the need to remain connected at all times (21%).

-Teens who have access to their own vehicle were more likely to drive distracted than teens who had to share a vehicle.

Continue reading "Teens know distracted driving increases risk of North Carolina car accident ... they just don't listen" »

Our hearts go out to the family of a teenager killed in a North Carolina car accident allegedly caused by a man with three drunk driving convictions on his record.

The Charlotte Observer reported that the 17-year-old was killed in the Gaston County crash. She had recently graduated from North Gaston High School. The 28-year-old driver of the car has been charged with second degree murder and is in jail on a $2 million bond.

Our Charlotte, North Carolina injury lawyers take special care in fighting for the rights of clients who have been seriously injured or killed in drunk driving accidents. These are frequently tragic cases as families are forced to deal with the devastation caused by the senseless acts of a driver who climbs behind the wheel after having too much to drink.

Five hundred of the 1,433 fatal North Carolina car accidents reported in 2008 involved a driver under the influence of alcohol, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The laws are evidently not working. North Carolina drunk driving laws provide for permanent revocation of a driver's license if the previous violation is within 5 years. What is this 28-year-old defendant still doing on the road with three previous DUI charges?

This girl was killed and two of her friends were seriously injured by a habitual drunk driver. The accident happened Sunday night on Dallas-Cherryville Highway and also seriously injured two of her friends. Despite his DWIs, the defendant has spent a total of just 37 days in jail (a third conviction calls for a mandatory one-year jail sentence).

He was on the road, despite having a revoked license. Police say his Jeep Cherokee was traveling 60 mph when it crossed the center line and collided head-on with a 1984 Oldsmobile. Witnesses said he was driving erratically and passed two other cars before the crash.

Continue reading "Charlotte, North Carolina drunk driving accident kills teenager, seriously injures two friends" »

A Concord, North Carolina car accident has claimed the life of a 17-year-old teenager on her way home from a graduation ceremony, the Salisbury Post reported.

As we reported earlier this month on our North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers Blog, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers ages 15 to 20. In 2008, a total of 98 drivers and 80 passengers were killed in North Carolina car accidents involving teenagers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Nationwide, more than 2,500 teens were killed and 228,000 were seriously injured.

In this case, the North Carolina Highway Patrol reports that the girl was the passenger in a 2003 Ford truck driven by an 18-year-old on N.C. 73 near Lake Lynn Road. The driver apparently over-corrected when the truck went off the right side of the road, causing the pickup to flip over and strike a utility pole. The Concord High senior was killed -- the driver was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The two had been returned from Concord High's graduation ceremony on Saturday afternoon when the accident occurred. The cause of the accident remains under investigation and no determination has been made about whether charges will be filed.

Fatal car accidents involving teenagers are among the most tragic cases a Concord injury lawyer can handle; no amount of compensation can right such a wrong. Sometimes such crashes are unavoidable but we encourage you to do everything possible to ensure your child stays safe on the road this summer.

The highway patrol reports that a North Carolina teenager is involved in a car accident every half hour. Crash rates also increase sharply when teenagers begin to drive unsupervised. The patrol urges parents to enter into a driving agreement with their teenage drivers.

The contract states a teenager will:

-Never drive a vehicle after consuming alcohol.

-Always wear a seat belt.

-Never drive aggressively.

-Obey the speed limit.

-Avoid driver distractions.

Continue reading "Concord, North Carolina car accident claims life of teenager after graduation ceremony" »

A Greenville, South Carolina car accident claimed the life of a Mauldin High School student on Tuesday, FOX Carolina reported.

The 16-year-old's car went off the road and struck several trees. A 14-year-old passenger was also injured. The death of a child is always a tragedy. Unfortunately, as school lets out on the long, hot summer ahead, teenagers are at high risk for being involved in serious or fatal car accidents. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 20, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Carolina injury lawyers at Lee & Smith urge parents to spend some time talking to their teenagers about the importance of safe driving.

About 1 in every 6 fatal car accidents involves a teenager. In 2008, a total of 5,864 motorists between the ages of 15 and 20 were involved in fatal car accidents --2,739 teenagers were killed and more than 228,000 were seriously injured.

North Carolina accidents involving teenagers killed 98 drivers and 80 passengers in 2008. In South Carolina, teenage car accidents killed 71 young drivers and 38 passengers.

Inexperience, immaturity, speeding, drinking and driving, not wearing seat belts, distracted driving and night driving are among the primary causes of teen driving fatalities.

The federal government's teen driving website offers parents and teens a wealth of resources to begin the discussion regarding safe driving.

Suggestions for reducing the chances of a teen driving accident include:

-Absolutely no alcohol.

-Seat belt use.

-No cell phones, or text messaging while driving.

-Curfew.

-No more than one passenger at a time.

-Active parental involvement in establishing clear rules and consequences.

The U.S. Department of Transportation's distracted driving website is also raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving among teenagers. Young, inexperienced drivers under 20 have the highest rate of distracted-driving fatalities -- 16 percent of all fatal car accidents involving teenagers are caused by distracted driving.

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