North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers Blog

Connected cars are becoming more and more of a possibility. Recently, officials with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a new round of testing for these vehicles.

About 3,000 of these "connected cars" were released onto the streets of Ann Arbor, Michigan. These cars are able to communicate with one another through Wi-Fi technology and could be used to help reduce or eliminate the risks of car accidents. The latest safety pilot will run an entire year so that officials can see how this technology will respond on real roads and in real driving conditions.

This is the biggest road test that this technology has ever seen.

"This cutting-edge technology offers real promise for improving both the safety and efficiency of our roads. That is a winning combination for drivers across America," said USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood.

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand that officials are trying anything and everything that they can do make our roadways safer. It's clear that drivers aren't taking the responsibility seriously as they continue to cause millions of avoidable accidents every year.

The study is being conducted by the Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) at the University of Michigan. All of the participants in the program are volunteers. Each of their vehicles is now equipped with both the vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) and the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication devices. These devices are also equipped to gather information about the usability of these devices and regarding just how effective they are in reduce accidents.

If all goes well, officials with the NHTSA say that this technology would be able to reduce the severity or complete avoid 80 percent of accidents.

How does this technology work? The communication devices work by sending out messages to each other regarding the location and speed of vehicles. When these devices come too close together, drivers are warned. This can help to reduce intersection accidents, accidents involving a driver's blind spots, rear-ending accidents and more.

While officials are hoping that this technology will completely change the way we view road safety, there's a lot that needs to be done before it can be launched on a national level. Officials need to better understand how it's going to work in everyday scenarios and how drivers are going to react to it.

In the last phase of the study, nine out of ten drivers who used the technology said that they were actually in favor of it and they think that the benefits of this program are going to help to significantly cut down on the number of car accidents our nation witnesses every year.

Most drivers say that they would like to have the V2V safety features on their vehicle.

Info from this phase of the study will be used by NHTSA official to figure out by 2013 if they're going to continue development, including possible rulemaking.

Continue reading "North Carolina Accident Watch: Technology Continues to Improve Road Safety" »

It's seems like there's an app for nearly everything!

Now, parents can use an app to check up on their teen's driving. You might have seen those "How's My Driving?" stickers on trucks and semis. Well, now parents are putting them on their teen's vehicles and they're getting other motorists to send in reports on their teen's driving behavior.

With just a sticker and a smartphone app, parents can pay $15 for the first year and $10 for every year after to get a sneak peek into their teen's driving habits when they're not around, according to the Courrier-Journal.

All parents have to do after signing up is register their teen's license plate on the app's website. Then be ready to start getting reports about what your teen is doing out there on our roadways.

Our Rock Hill car accident attorneys understand how important it is to make sure that our newly-licensed drivers are doing alright behind the wheel. With this new app, parents can keep a close eye on how they're doing. Teens will also know that they're being watched so they're more likely to practice safe driving habits. Some support the app while others say that it's only going to cause more accidents.

So how exactly does it work?

For drivers that have the app already downloaded, all they have to do is type in the vehicle's license plate number and send in their thoughts about that particular driver. It's like having a little report card. Don't worry, the texts are anonymous.

"This puts a little bit of yourself in the passenger seat as a parent," said Mike McManigal, creator of the app. "Once (teen drivers) leave the driveway and turn the corner and they're out of sight, no one's policing them."

The app was launched last month and has been getting some mixed reviews. Some say that it's a genius idea that's going to get teens to pay more attention to their actions in the driver's seat. Others are saying that there's going to be some trouble with false reports and fraud. Others are fearing that drivers will be encouraged to text while driving just to be able to send a report about another driver. More texting drivers equates to higher risks for accidents.

Regardless, teens need to be watched on our roadways. Maybe there's a better way to do it than ask drivers to whip out there phones while driving.

Teenagers are more likely to die in a car accident than any other way. These crashes continue to be the number one cause of death for this young population year after year. It's during these first few years behind the wheel that they have the highest risks for accidents, too. Parents are urged to stay in sync with their teen's driving habits, even if that does mean slapping a sticker on their car. Your best bet is to offer them with plenty of supervised driving time. Hop in and let them show you their driving skills first hand!

Continue reading "NC Traffic Safety: Bumper Stickers Getting the 4-1-1 on Your Teen Driver" »

A 57-year-old woman from Rock Hill was killed in a pedestrian accident on Heckle Boulevard by McCollough Street. According to Herald Online, this accident happened just two blocks from where her husband was walking when he was hit and killed by a passing van just eight years ago. Paramedics arrived at the scene at about 9:00 p.m. and transported the injured woman to the Piedmont Medical Center. Just before 10:30 p.m. she was pronounced dead.

Residents and witnesses to the accident say that she was trying to cross the street when she was hit by a passing vehicle. The area in which this accident happened does not have a crosswalk.

Our Rock Hill pedestrian accident lawyers understand how dangerous some of our city's roadways are for pedestrians. Many of these streets are designed solely for fast-moving vehicular traffic and forget the needs of pedestrian and bicyclist traffic. It's important for drivers to always be on the lookout for pedestrians, even when they're not expected. Safe driving habits might be one of the most effective ways to prevent a potentially fatal accident. Make sure you're aware of your surroundings at all times!

There were nearly 900 traffic accident fatalities in the state of South Carolina in 2009. Most of these accidents occurred in rural areas. Of these accidents, only 16 fatalities were witnessed in urban areas.

Many of these accidents involved pedestrians, too. These vulnerable travelers stand little to no chance against the size and weight of a motor vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 4,200 pedestrians killed in the United States in 2010. Another 70,000 were injured in these same incidents. In South Carolina, there were nearly 100 pedestrians killed throughout the year.

We need to get drivers to pay a little more attention to the on-foot traffic. Drivers are to remember that when there are no traffic signals, a driver is required to yield the right of way to a crossing pedestrian. At the same time, pedestrians are to stay off of the road until it is safe to cross. Pedestrian are required to use the right half of a crosswalk. Pedestrians are not to cross an intersection diagonally unless they're instructed to by a device or an official. When there's a sidewalk, use it! It's important for a pedestrian to make their travel as predictable as possible. You want motorists to see you along our roads so that they can steer clear of you!

When driving in a residential zone or in a school zone, drivers should slow it down and be extra cautious. In areas where pedestrians are likely to be found it's important to be on the lookout. Make sure you physically turn and check your surroundings before making a maneuver in traffic or reversing your car. You can help to keep pedestrians safe and alive with your responsible driving habits.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed in Accident on Same Block as Husband's Accident 8 Years Ago" »

Car accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Officials in each state push a Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program to help to mold these youngsters into safe and responsible drivers.

Well, the state of New Jersey is taking it one step further. Lawmakers have decided to require newly-licensed drivers to display a red sticker on the license plate of their vehicle. State lawmakers say it is going to help police officers to keep a closer eye on these young drivers. Parents are saying that it's going to make these youngsters a moving target for predators.

It's all a part of "Kyleigh's Law." This was a law named after 16-year-old Kyleigh D'Alessio. She was killed in a car accident with another teenage driver. The other driver involved was speeding and violated the state's GDL program by having too many young passengers in the vehicle. Officials think that the stickers are going to help officers enforce the rules of probationary licenses.

Our Charlotte car accident lawyers understand that teens in the state have a strict GDL program to follow. They're required to have learner's permit for a year, in which time they're required to complete 60 hours of supervised driving time. Once they complete this stage and move on to their intermediate driver's license, they're prohibited from driving from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. They're also prohibited from having more than 1 passenger younger than the age of 21 in their vehicle. If a family member younger than 21 is already a passenger then no other passengers younger than 21 who are not family members, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

"When you have one extra friend in the car there's a 50 percent chance of that person getting into an accident," D'Alessio's mother said.

Many teens and parents have chosen not to keep these stickers on their vehicles however. Some say they don't want to be profiled. Others say they worry of predators.

Not having the decal is not a moving violation. Teens face a $100 fine.

Teens in North Carolina may not be required to point themselves out on our roadways, but they are required to follow all of our road laws, including the laws of the GDL program. Parents are asked to talk with the young driver in their family to not only get them familiar with these laws, but to make sure they're being followed. Consider enacting your own driving laws within your household. Make sure you and your teen are clear of the consequences of breaking these home driving rules. Talk with them about the importance of safe driving habits and the dangers, risks and consequences of dangerous ones.

You might think your message is falling on deaf ears, but you'd be surprised. Parents are some of the most influential people in a teen's life.

Continue reading "Reducing Risks of Car Accidents: Teens Targeted with Stickers" »

Over the last decade, the number of traffic fatalities and pedestrian fatalities has been declining. Fewer drivers have been getting into accidents each year and fewer pedestrians have been getting hit by these drivers.

At least that was true until we got to 2010, according to The Washington Post.

There were more than 32,880 people killed in car accidents in the U.S. in 2010. According to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 13 percent of these recorded deaths were pedestrians. That's right! There were close to 4,500 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents over the course of a year.

Our Asheville pedestrian accident attorneys understand that a pedestrian was killed every two hours in a traffic accident in 2010. A pedestrian was injured every eight minutes. Drivers just aren't paying enough attention to the pedestrians and bicyclists along our streets.

It's equally important for pedestrians to be smart travelers. Make sure you're aware of your surroundings and know where vehicles are. You want to make sure that your maneuvers in a predictable manner! Always cross at a crosswalk or at an intersection. Make sure you've got plenty of time to make it across the street before you start. It's also a good idea to wear bright-colored clothing to help drivers to see you more easily. Smart walking habits help to steer your clear of a potentially fatal accident.

Pedestrian Accident Facts from the NHTSA Brief:

-Florida was ranked as the most dangerous state in the country for pedestrian fatalities, tallying 2.58 deaths per 100,000 people.

-Wyoming was ranked as the safest state in the country for pedestrians, logging in only 0.53 fatalities per 100,000 people.

-A large majority of pedestrian fatalities happened on a clear day, as opposed to when there was crappy weather. It makes sense when you consider when pedestrians are most likely to be out, and the answer to that isn't in the rain or the snow.

-Drunk drivers were involved in about 15 percent of all of the recorded pedestrian fatalities.

-Drunk pedestrians were involved in more than 30 percent of these fatal accidents.

-Most pedestrians were killed while walking along principal or minor arterials. These are the roads that are designed for fast-moving vehicular traffic with very few advantages for pedestrians.

In the state of North Carolina, there were nearly 200 pedestrians killed in traffic accidents in 2010. These fatalities accounted for about 25 percent of all traffic accidents recorded during the year.

Drivers are asked to be more aware of their surroundings, specifically on-foot traffic. Make sure that you take that extra second to look around before making a maneuver in traffic. Be extra cautious in areas where pedestrians are likely to be found, including school zones and neighborhoods. Your alert driving habits can help to save lives and help to bring back down the number of pedestrian fatalities in the area.

Continue reading "Walkers Beware: Pedestrian Fatalities Up Despite Recent Decline in Traffic Accidents" »

Skateboarding is a simple and eco-friendly way for many to get around. Unfortunately, it's not a legal way to get around in Asheville. According to the Citizen-Times, a proposal to make this form of transportation acceptable was recently rejected by City Council with a 4-3 vote. Back in April, an ordinance proposal was requested by the Council, but after reviewing it officials concluded that there were just too many safety concerns with allowing this form of transportation.

Councilman Marc Hunt says that the ones who are pushing to lift the ban may be some of the more skillful skateboarders in the area. Unfortunately, there are others who aren't as skilled on a board and run some serious risks of accidents when traveling near our city's busy streets. He adds that the risk is just too high!

Our Asheville accident lawyers understand that residents are looking toward various alternative forms of transportation to get around town. Bicycle and on-foot traffic are two forms which are welcomed in the area. Skateboards aren't as welcomed. Getting skateboards to be legal on our streets has been a long-term project for many skateboarders in the area, but it's not looking too promising.

"I'm really sick of being considered an outlaw, and I'm tired of running," said local skateboarder Kevin Haney to City Council. "I hate that I have to hide something that I'm so passionate about."

The current rules of the city only allow skateboarders to skate along sidewalks that are outside the central business district. In the downtown area, skateboards are prohibited.

With the most recent proposal, the ordinance was going to allow users to use the streets, if they weren't performing any tricks or stunts. They would have also been required to wear helmets, to yield to the right of way of pedestrians, to obey traffic laws and to ride only during the daylight hours.

All local skateboarders wanted was the "four-wheel down" rule, allowing those who ride their skateboards for transportation purposes to be allowed to do so. Many advocates in the area argue that not everyone should be punished for the irresponsibility of others.

Councilman Jan Davis isn't buying it. He says that he doesn't see residents using it only as a form of "transportation." He says that it's only going to serve as a threat to pedestrians. He says that with the large amount of pedestrians in the downtown area, there's no room for skateboarders.

Some say it would even be difficult for officers to enforce the "four-wheel down" rule. That's why Councilman Chris Pelly is saying let's give it a shot. He says that local government should give it a whirl for six months to see how it's going. Results should be presented at the end of that time and then a final decision should be made.

Meanwhile, skateboarders are still banned from riding in the area.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Accidents: Skateboarding Targeted in Asheville" »

In a recent three-car accident, one man was killed and five others were injured.

According to WRAL.com, the accident happened in Franklin County on U.S. 64 just before 4:00 a.m. when a vehicle ran out of gas and glided onto the side of the road near the Highway 36 intersection near Zebulon.

According to the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the car was not pulled entirely off the road. A man driving a passenger truck attempted to drive past the out-of-gas vehicle and slammed into it. Upon impact, the out-of-gas car was thrown farther off the right side of the road while the passenger truck was sent flying across both westbound lanes of the highway. At this time, a third vehicle slammed into the mess, drove into the median and then into a cable barrier. The out-of-gas car went in flames. The driver of that vehicle was killed. Three men involved in the accident were transported to a local hospital and two women were treated at the scene.

Officers don't know if the out-of-gas vehicle had its flashing hazard lights on, but they can confirm that the headlights were not on. They add that they don't believe any of the vehicles had their headlights on when the third vehicle came upon the crash. Factors of this accident are still be investigated and charges are pending.

Our Charlotte car accident attorneys understand that it happens to nearly everyone -- running out of gas -- at one time or another. Sometimes you just forget to fill up until it's too late. When you run out of gas, you're putting the safety of all drivers and passengers in jeopardy. When the engine dies, most times so do the brakes and the power steering. Drivers can even end up stopped in the middle of the road.

When you run your gas tank really low, you're running the risks of pulling into the engine the sediment buildup on the bottom of your vehicle's gas tank. This buildup can clog the fuel pump pickup, the fuel filter or even the fuel injectors.

"We realize some motorists are trying to be resourceful and delay fuel expenditures by driving their car until the gas tank is nearly empty, but this can sometimes do more harm than good," said John Nielsen with AAA.

If you notice that your car is running out of gas, the first thing you want to do is make sure that you can get your car off the roadway. Once you make it to the side of the street, be sure to put on your hazard lights. Stay in your car once you're on the side of the road. Call for roadside assistance. Just make sure that you and your passengers stay away from passing traffic and out of harm's way.

Continue reading "Out-of-Gas Car Starts Three-Car Accident in Franklin County" »

You don't run around with your age written on your forehead, so why are newly-licensed drivers in New Jersey forced to display their license info on their vehicles?

That's what some Jersey parents are asking government officials. In the state of New Jersey, under "Kyleigh's Law," drivers who are operating under a restricted driver's license are required to place a red sticker on their license plate to alert law enforcement officials. Lawmakers say that this system helps officers to better detect when a young driver is breaking a rule of the state's graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program. Parents and teens are saying that this system only makes them an easier target for predators. The law was named after Kyleigh D'Alessio who was killed in a car accident about six years ago. The 16-year-old driver was involved in that accident with another teen driver, according to CBS New York.

"There were too many teens in the car. He was new GDL driver. He was speeding. That's a lot of distractions right there," said D'Alessio's mother.

Our Asheville car accident lawyers understand the risks that teen drivers face on our roadways. Car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for teens across the nation. Many times, these young drivers aren't able to comprehend the dangers and the risks that are associated with their behavior behind the wheel. Many of their risks are shaped by their surroundings, meaning who is in the vehicle, which distractions are present and what time of the day they're driving. To help to keep all of these factors at bay, the state of North Carolina enacts various laws on these young drivers through its graduated driver's licensing (GDL) program.

North Carolina's GDL Laws for Drivers with Restricted Licenses:

-No driving between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.

-No more than one passenger younger than the age of 21. If a family member under the age of 21 is already a passenger then no other passengers younger than 21 are allowed.

Officials are focused on keeping these young drivers' attention on the road. When passengers are present in the vehicle, the risks for accidents increase significantly. It's the same thing with distractions, especially with cell phones and text messaging devices. Teens are also more likely to get into an accident when driving during the evening hours. These GDL laws are there to help to ease teens into driving, exposing them to risks one at a time.

The new red stickers in New Jersey are to help officers to keep a closer eye on these young drivers. They adhere with Velcro, and some have chosen to remove them. Parents are worried that these drivers will be targeted and will be more nervous behind the wheel because of it.

Sticker or no sticker, parents are asked to talk with their young drivers about the risks they're sure to face on our roads. Make sure that you provide these young drivers with plenty of supervised driving time to get a first-hand experience on just how their skills are progressing. Your interactions and involvement with your teen driver can help to ensure their safety behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Carolina Car Accidents, Red Dots and Teen Drivers" »

As our Gary car accident lawyers recently reported, the summer seasons means that there's a lot of road work. Drivers are asked to be safe, alert and cautious when driving through road construction areas -- not only to help to protect themselves, but to help to protect roadside workers and other motorists as well.

In just 2010, there were about 600 people killed in traffic accidents that happened in our nation's work zones. During that same year, about 10 were killed in North Carolina work zones.

Transportation officials are announcing some more road construction projects, too. According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), a near $3 million construction project recently started on Green Level Church Road (over White Oak Creek) in Gary. This project is working to help to replace the 60-year-old bridge on that road. The project means that roads between Green Level Church Road will be closed from Roberts Road to Green Level West Road until April of 2013.

We understand that this closure means that there are going to be some detours. Drivers and other travelers who are heading south on Green Level Church Road will have to take a right on Green Level West Road, a left on Wimberly Road and another left on Jenks Road to make their way around the construction and to get back to Green Level church Road.

Drivers who are heading north on Green Level Road will be detouring that same route, just the opposite way.

The bridge that is being replaced is pretty much functionally obsolete. It was originally built to size and other standards that are no longer current. It just can't handle the demands of our North Carolina traffic, specifically in Wake County. Construction crews are out there working to make our streets safer for us. Let's help to keep them safe on the job and be careful and cautious when traveling around them.

Officials with the NCDOT are reminding motorists to keep an eye out for construction and detour information, stay alert and to make sure you're obeying the newly-posted speed limit signs. Lookout for flaggers, too. They're along our state's work zones to help to assist rerouted traffic and to make travel smoother.

When driving through work zones and when taking detours, drivers are asked to keep their eyes on their surroundings. This includes keeping a lookout for changes in lanes, for other vehicles, for flaggers, for work equipment and for work vehicles. You should drive with your headlights on when passing through these areas, too. It will help motorists and roadside workers to see your car more easily.

If you need information about traffic and road conditions, you can call 511 or visit the NCDOT's travel information website. You can even visit NCDOT Mobile, which is a phone-friendly version of the Department's website.

Continue reading "NC Road Construction Watch: Bridge Replacement Closing Gary Road until 2013" »

Every year, there are nearly 400 pedestrians who are injured or killed in traffic-related accidents in the Triangle area. To help to reduce these risks and make the roadways safer for everyone, local governments, agency partners and universities have joined together to launch the "Watch for Me NC" campaign. This is an enforcement and education effort focused primarily on the safety of pedestrians, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). Supporting this campaign is also the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Highway Safety Research Center at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.

"Our goal is to educate drivers and pedestrians on what they can do to make our roads safer for everyone," said Paul Morris, NCDOT's Deputy Secretary for Transit.

Our Chapel Hill pedestrian accident lawyers understand that walkers face some serious risks for accidents through the warm summer months. Unfortunately, drivers aren't always looking out for them. Safety of our on-foot travelers relies heavily on drivers. With more education and enforcement efforts, state officials are hoping for a success in reducing the number of serious and fatal accidents involving pedestrians.

The campaign will be targeting the following communities of the Triangle:

-Carrboro

-Chapel Hill

-Durham

-Raleigh

The campaign will be slapping related messages on gas pumps, on the sides of buses, on university campuses and elsewhere. These messages will also be accompanied by efforts from area police officers to enforce pedestrian laws and a radio campaign. Officials will be focusing on making sure drivers are yielding to crossing pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

"I think it's a great opportunity to get some information out to the public and really raise awareness that we do have to share the road," said Lt. Tim Tomczak with the Raleigh police department's crash unit.

The NCDOT is paying for most of the campaign with a contribution of more than $100,000.

Every year, there are nearly 2,000 pedestrians who are hit by motor vehicles in the state of North Carolina. In these kinds of accidents, pedestrians have a lot to lose. When a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle that is traveled at just 40 miles per hour, the pedestrian has an 85 percent chance of dying.

Drivers are asked to be careful during this time of the year. During the summer season, there are more pedestrians out in North Carolina than any other time of the year. Lookout for pedestrians everywhere, even in areas where you'd least expect them. Be aware of your surroundings and always take a second look before reversing, turning or making a maneuver in traffic. You're safe and alert driving habits could mean the difference between life and death for a North Carolina pedestrian, someone who is a friend and a family member to someone here in the state.

Continue reading ""Watch Out for Me NC" Campaign Working to Protect Pedestrians in Triangle" »

Transportation officials and state lawmakers understand the dangers of distracted driving. That's apparent with all of the new laws in the country. Currently, there are about 40 states that have laws on the book that don't allow drivers to send or receive text messages while driving.

South Carolina isn't one of those states. The South Carolina Senate rejected another bill that would have prohibited drivers from texting at the wheel. The state is in the distinct minority with respect to distracted driving prevention.

There are municipal bans however, like the ones in West Union, Sumter, Clemson, Walhalla, Camden and Columbia. Each of these areas have banned drivers from texting while driving. The state's not on the same page though, as lawmakers recently rejected a proposal for a $100 fine for all drivers who are busted texting while driving and potential jail time for those who cause a fatal accident because of a distraction. The Senate didn't want to approve it.

Our Spartanburg personal injury attorneys understand the risks that are associated with distracted driving. Some lawmakers are starting too as well, like the ones in Massachusetts who recently sentenced a driver to 15 years in prison because he caused a fatal accident while texting at the wheel. Lawmakers in South Carolina aren't on the same page.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an organization that spends its days working to make our roads safer. Officials with the NHTSA recognize three types of distractions that drivers face behind the wheel: cognitive, visual and manual. Texting while driving is one of the worst things for the three of these. When a driver texts behind the wheel, they're taking their hands off the wheel, they're taking their eyes off of the road and they're taking their mind off of the task at hand -- driving.

People who cause an accident while engaging in text messaging activities while driving are textbook examples of negligence. Although texting while driving isn't illegal in the state yet, a personal injury lawyer can help to seek out cell phone records and other evidence as a means to hold distracted drivers accountable for their actions and for the injuries and damages that is caused by a serious or fatal accident.

Currently, the state of South Carolina is one of only 11 states that doesn't have a ban on text messaging for all drivers. There are no limits on cell phone use either. There are however, those bans in certain municipals.

"The House just isn't ready for this kind of legislation," said Rep. Lanny Littlejohn. "I think, subconsciously, they're afraid that the bill would eventually lead to cell phones being banned outright for all drivers."

Regardless of what state laws prohibit or permit for drivers, we all know right from wrong. Distractions lead to fatal accidents. Be responsible behind the wheel and practice your safest and most alert driving habits to help to protect yourself, your passengers and other motorists.

Continue reading "South Carolina Holdout When it Comes to Distracted Driving Legislation" »

There's a new addition to the Columbus Police Department. It's a new motorcycle and it's helping to help to educate riders and to raise awareness in all motorists of their presence on our roadways, according to Blue Ridge Now.

Police Chief Chris Beddingfield says that his department has always been active members in the Governor's Highway Safety Program and enjoy being safe driving advocates for all types of motorists. The Department also participated in the state's Bike Safe program.

"North Carolina's Bike Safe program promotes accident prevention training and pairs motorcycle officers with civilians," said Beddingfield.

Our Columbus motorcycle accident attorneys understand that motorcyclists face serious risks for fatal accidents on our roadways. These motorists may have some of the most advanced skills on two-wheels, but without defensive driving habits they can find themselves in some serious trouble. Through the Bike Safe program, local police departments get to offer Rider Skills Days to motorcyclists in the area to help them to brush up on these skills. These courses allow officers to team up with riders to get a hands-on assessment on their current motorcycle skills along with advice on how to be an even safer driver.

Chief Beddingfield says that the program kicked off back in 2005 after the department noticed a significant spike in the number of motorcycle crashes in the area. He adds that there are only a few departments in the state that offer this program, be he hopes to take it national one day.

The Governor's Highway Safety Program offers police departments "points" when they participate in safe driving programs. Departments can then turn in these points for money to help to fund new equipment. In 2011, the Columbus Police Department was able to cash in their points to get the new motorcycle. Without the point system, none of this would have been possible.

Beddingfield says that the motorcycle program has been quite effective. He says that residents have stopped him in the area to talk about the bike and to talk about the risks associated with motorcycling. He said it has made more of a contribution than he would ever have thought.

Both the Bike Safe program and the new motorcycle has helped to create closer ties between police agencies across the state. Both Asheville and Hendersonville offer the Bike Safe program. Sometimes these departments even team up and share their equipment and resources for even bigger programs.

The Columbus Police Department will be holding a Bike Safe Program on the 10th of August and again on the 21st of September. Anyone can participate. All you have to have is your own motorcycle and your own motorcycle license.

This program is important and helpful in the state because in order to get a motorcycle license in North Carolina, you have to only pass a written test. Unfortunately, they don't need to ever have ridden a motorcycle to get one.

Continue reading "New Motorcycle Law Helping to Save Riders' Lives" »

Fatal injury to an 84-year-old Easley nursing home resident may have been heat related. The coroner reports that the office received a number of calls and complaints that the Majesty Health and Rehab center was alarmingly hot inside.

According to Fox Carolina, the Pickens County Coroner believes that the sweltering heat may have contributed to her death. Medical officials conducted an autopsy on the woman and are expecting results within the next six weeks. The coroner says that the elderly woman did in fact have pre-existing conditions that could have caused her death, but they still believe that the condition of her room and its temperature were likely a contributing factor, according to media.

"They said it was warm," said Kandy Kelley, Pickens County Coroner. "Very, very warm in the facility."

Our Easley nursing home neglect attorneys understand that nursing homes and their staff members have an obligation to keep residents cool and are accountable for all other living conditions. These homes are to make residents as comfortable as possible and to help to make their stay one with dignity. Unfortunately, there are homes that are understaffed and are underfunded. This lack of resources poses serious threats for vulnerable and elderly residents, increasing their risks for a potentially fatal injury inside their nursing home.

Local officers were called to the Majesty Health and Rehab center for a welfare check after some residents called and complained about the heat inside of the facility. When they arrived, they found the woman and noticed she was in serious need of medical care. They transported her to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Accident reports indicate that the temperature inside of the nursing home was more than 90 degree Fahrenheit. Upon arrival, officers moved nearly 40 residents to a cooler area in the facility.

According to DHEC, the agency was notified about the incident but was unable to comment on it until the investigation is completed. In Carolina nursing homes, state regulation mandates that the temperature of occupied areas be kept no higher than 81 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

Dr. Hiep Pham of Greenville Memorial Hospital commented on the case and said that proper air conditioning is critical for our elderly loved ones during this time of the year. If them temps exceed 90 degrees, a fan isn't going to help. If temps reach near 100 degrees, then a fan is only going to turn the area into a convection oven.

Residents are urged to stay in close contact with their loved ones in nursing homes. Visit and call frequently to check in on how they're doing. Be sure to let your elderly loved ones know that it's okay to call you at any time, especially when there's an emergency. Staying active in their lives and in their living situations can help to reduce the risks of a potentially fatal accident like the one in Easley.

Continue reading "High Temps Suspected in Easley Nursing Home Fatality" »

You've got to be careful when selecting a nursing home in Asheville or anywhere else in North or South Carolina. The truth of the matter is that nursing homes are big business. Your loved one's welfare is typically secondary -- sometimes criminally so.

Unfortunately, homes aren't always what they seem to be and can come with a heap of headaches if you don't do thorough research before selecting one. Nursing homes are a big business. Be careful with your choice. Unfortunately, you cannot count on the system to have the best interest of your loved ones at heart.

According to Fox Carolina, a former executive of a nursing home was recently sentenced for 5 years and three months in prison for accepting contractors and evading taxes. The Colonial Heights man was also ordered to dish out close to $700,000 in restitution, penalties and federal taxes.

Asheville nursing home neglect attorneys understand that some of these funds, which were accepted by the executive, were funds that were supposed to go toward the nursing homes and toward the residents. Many nursing homes around the country are facing financial problems already as many of them are run as for-profit institutions where resident comfort is secondary to the bottom line.

The executive pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion and two counts of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The 62-year-old executive also admitted to filing false tax returns that did not include more than $400,000 of his ill-gotten income.

He was also the previous director of renovations and maintenance for Medical Facilities of America. This organization runs nearly 50 nursing homes in both North Carolina and in Virginia. He was recently found guilty of demanding kickbacks in exchange for giving various companies construction-related contracts at some of those nursing homes. In addition to these sentences, four separate contractors have been convicted of paying kickbacks to the executive.

The number of residents in nursing homes is expected to increase exponentially with the coming wave of retiring Baby Boomers. Couple that with systematic cuts in state and federal funding, and residents are at increased risk for neglect or abuse.

Tips for Choosing the Best Nursing Home, from USA TODAY:

-Stay close to home. Visits are the biggest influence on the conditions and services of a nursing home. Chose a home nearby to make visits more frequent.

-Get references. Talk with friends, family members and neighbors about their experience with local nursing homes.

-Look into staffing. Make sure that the home is staffed well enough to handle the number of residents. Check the backgrounds of the staff members, too. This information should be on file with the facility.

-Visit before choosing. Stop in during off-business hours to see how things are run when no one's looking.

Continue reading "Nursing Home Exec's Prison Sentence a Reminder that Elder Care is Big Business in North Carolina" »

The summer season means roadwork. It also means increased risks of car accidents. Drivers are asked to be careful when traveling through roadside work zones. In 2010, there were nearly 600 people killed in traffic-related work zone accidents, according to The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse. During the same time, there were nearly 10 people killed in these same accidents in North Carolina. South Carolina was a little bit safer, only witnessing one fatality in 2010.

Our Asheville injury attorneys understand that we've all got things to do, people to see and places to go. We've got to drive to get these things done and most of us are on a schedule. That's why we're asking you to pay a little more attention to road work throughout the state during your travels. If you know your trip will be taking you through road construction, either plan a different route and try to avoid it altogether or leave early to allow yourself more time to get where you need to be.

Luckily, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has a Work Zone Safety Program that works to help to reduce these kind of accidents and to cut down on the number of work zone fatalities. It does this by helping to raise not only awareness but also education among travelers in the state. There are a number of activities and initiatives that are conducted throughout that state to do just that. The program has already been able to create, produce and distribute educational videos to target drivers of all ages as well as those in the professional trucking industry. The theme for this entire campaign is "Drive Smart. Do Your Part."

Safe Driving Tips for Work Zones:

-Always stay alert. Make sure your full attention is on the road and your surroundings.

-Pay close attention. Make sure you recognize all signs and flaggers in these areas.

-Drive with your lights on. Always have your headlights on to help roadside workers and other drivers to see your vehicle better.

-Avoid tailgating. Most accidents in road work zones are rear-end accidents.

-Slow down. Be aware of the posted speed limits in and around road work zones.

-Keep up with the traffic flow.

-Avoid changing lanes in a work zone. Do this before you enter or once you leave the work zone.

-Keep distractions away. Always keep eye on the task at hand -- driving -- and off of distractions.

-Stay patient. Work zone crew members are working to make roadways safer for you. Help to make their job safe and be cautious when driving through work zones.

Remember that construction work is oftentimes in close quarters with passing motorists. This work can also be extremely distracting. Stay alert, be patient and remember that the inconvenience is only temporary.

Continue reading "Watch Out for Road Work to Help Prevent Accidents in the Carolinas" »