Often a pedestrian accident can be attributed to the fault of both the driver and the pedestrian. No matter who is at fault when a pedestrian who is wearing headphones is hurt, a recent study sounds a valuable cautionary note.
]]> Marked Increase in Deaths and Injuries for Pedestrians With HeadphonesA study recently published in the journal Injury Prevention reveals that reports of pedestrian accidents involving headphones have increased nearly threefold since 2004. Pedestrians who wore headphones appeared more vulnerable to being struck by cars or other vehicles, but the study was not definitive.
Over two-thirds of the injured or killed pedestrians were male, and over two-thirds were under age 30. Almost 90 percent of the accidents happened in urban counties.
Further study is necessary to show a direct link between headphone use and pedestrian accidents, but the current study demonstrates a trend worth heeding.
With Austin's population of music-loving young men; its walking culture; and its festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, the issue of distracted walking and Texas pedestrian accidents hits home.
Even though pedestrians cannot prevent all accidents, they can protect themselves by paying close attention. The injuries pedestrians can suffer when they are hit by vehicles can be devastating. The more such injuries can be avoided altogether, the better off Austin pedestrians will be.
]]>During its November 17, 2011 Public Safety Commission meeting, the DPS announced the results of its newest truck safety law enforcement efforts. The DPS report revealed that since the start of 2011, over 330,000 commercial vehicles had been inspected. Of that number, over 66,000 were deemed unsafe and were removed from the road. As a result of its heightened enforcement efforts, 12,301 commercial drivers were also removed from the roads for safety violations.
]]> While the DPS cannot offer similar statistics from previous years or a breakdown of inspection numbers, administrators were able to cite brakes, tires, and lights as the common mechanical issue. Another issue could be driver fatigue.Even though they account for less than 4 percent of registered vehicles nationally, commercial trucks are the kings of American roads; however, truck safety has continued to be a major public safety issue with big rigs being associated with tens of thousands of crashes annually and nearly 4,000 deaths last year. For Texans, the problem is staggering. Commercial vehicle crashes are responsible for approximately 15 percent of the Lone Star State's highway fatalities.
Big truck accidents can cause more than minor scrapes and bruises. Accident victims can suffer from long-term disability, traumatic brain injury and even death. In addition, victims and their families can be saddled with mountains of medical bills and other issues.
As the national debate continues about improved road safety, Texas is dealing with the fact that nearly one in every five vehicles is being removed from service. In realizing that the state's commercial trucks covered 20.86 billion miles in 2008, state leaders are making a difference through initiatives like Operation Texas Thunder.
Unsafe big trucks threaten everyone sharing our nation's roads. From 2009 to 2010, truck-related fatalities increased significantly from barely 3,300 to almost 4,000. Taking steps to get unsafe commercial vehicles and buses out of service is just one way of preventing major accidents and saving lives.
]]>The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) announced a new program aimed at reducing the number of accidents and fatalities associated with football game days.
]]> The TXDOT's "Know When to Pass" program is designed to highlight the risks of game day drinking and remind fans they should have a designated driver if they intend to drink and need to drive.Game day drinking is a serious problem. Ironically, a University of Texas study was one of the first to formally identify the affect of football game days on alcohol consumption. TXDOT studies indicate 51 percent of Texans report three or more drinks at football parties and 45 percent report then driving home after the party.
And the drinking leads to an increase in DUI arrests. The statistics also indicate in 2009, 1,537 DUI car accidents occurred on days when a Texas football team was playing.
In 2009, there were 867 fatalities that occurred on football game days. The study in Texas found that "high-profile" games were similar to holiday traditionally associated with heavy drinking, like Thanksgiving, New Year's Eve and Halloween. With the NFL season nearing completion and college bowl games on the horizon, there may be many more of these high-profile games.
College students tend to be some of the heaviest drinkers and football games provide ample excuse to intensify the drinking. The sporting event provides both the reason for having a party and the social context that encourages heavy, binge drinking. When the game is over, many of these people then take to area roadways while they are still intoxicated.
]]>A recent study by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University revealed that texting while driving could be more dangerous than previously believed. The results showed that texting caused a driver's reaction time to slow down from a range of one to two seconds to a range of three to four seconds. To put this in perspective, a car will travel about 100 yards in three to four seconds while traveling at highway speeds. The study also found that texting made it more difficult for drivers to stay in their lanes and keep their speed constant.
A different study that was conducted in Britain in 2008 by the Transport Research Laboratory found that texting impaired drivers more than being intoxicated by alcohol at the legal limit. Perhaps the most stunning research of all was reported by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute in 2009. Their study found that drivers of heavy trucks were 23 times more likely to get in a collision while texting.
Currently, 34 states have banned texting while driving for all drivers. In Texas, texting while driving has not yet been banned. Such legislation reached the desk of Gov. Rick Perry in June 2011 but was vetoed. Two other bills, on the other hand, have been passed into law recently - one bans texting and cell phone use for teenage drivers while the other bans cell phone use for all drivers in school crossing areas.
]]>The new laws passed during our state's last legislative session went into effect on September 1, 2011. One of the most important new laws creates safer conditions for tow trucks that are in the process of tending to broken down vehicles or car accidents on the side of the road.
]]> The old law required drivers to slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when passing a tow truck on the side of the road with emergency lights flashing. The new law will require Texas drivers to do quite a bit more.The new law in affect requires drivers to slow down considerably or move over to create a significant zone of safety. The new law will keep tow truck drivers safe from many of the rear-end accidents that they may have risked under the old law.
Tow truck drivers must be safe to tend to the car accidents and stranded drivers on Texas roads. Allowing the emergency services room to clear the vehicles quickly will contribute to less congestion on Texas highways and overall driver safety.
]]>Choosing to be safety conscious will allow you to enjoy your ride knowing you have done what you can to prevent an accident. Although motorcycles accidents in Texas cannot be completely eradicated, riders can take steps to minimize the number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries.
]]>Fifty-two percent of the drivers of trucks that DPS agents removed from the road had logbook violations, as well, such as violating Hours of Service regulations or failing to keep an accurate log.
In comparison, in 2010 DPS agents in Texas took 25 percent of the trucks it inspected off the road for violations. Nationwide in 2010, DPS agents removed about 20 percent of the vehicles they inspected.
Owners and operators of commercial vehicles have a duty to keep their equipment in good working condition and to follow all safety regulations governing the operation of the vehicles. Given the large size of those trucks, accidents involving commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles are particularly devastating for those in cars. Truck drivers need to do their part to reduce the likelihood that an accident will happen due to equipment failure on the truck. Programs like Roadcheck ensure that truck owners and operators are fulfilling their duty.
]]>If implemented properly, these measures will surely increase safety for all cyclists and motorists. Road safety must be a joint effort between those on two wheels and those behind the wheel. However, despite everyone's best efforts, accidents happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area to discuss your situation and your options.
]]>For an Oklahoma man this fact was fatally true. On March 18, the Oklahoma man and a group of motorcyclists were heading north on Texas 149. The young rider was trailing his group and attempted to catch up. He then lost control of his bike and was subsequently ejected off of the bike. Although he was wearing a helmet, he died at the scene from injuries sustained from the crash.
]]> Tips to Prevent a Texas Motorcycle AccidentOften motorcycle riding is a solo experience. However, riders share the road with other bikers and drivers. Being a safety-conscious biker translates into an aware and trained rider. While making sure equipment operates properly, motorcyclists should also understand their relationship to other drivers on the road. Being wary of driver blind spots and exercising caution when moving through intersections are simple things that bikers can do to stay safe.
Attending motorcyclist training and practicing hand signals are other steps that increase biker safety. Mapping routes, understanding motorcycle operation and safety laws and maintaining emergency items such as first aid kits, tool kits, cell phones or other mobile communications devices are also important.
The significance of safety gear cannot be overstressed. Wearing protective gear, including a properly fitted helmet, has been proven to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal accidents.
When traveling, Texas motorcyclists should try not to travel alone and should be mindful of road conditions and the weather. Taking appropriate rest and fuel breaks provides the chance to regularly inspect motorcycle lights, signals and mirrors. Also, just as drivers can be distracted or impaired, so can motorcyclists. Texting, using cell phones or drinking while riding should be avoided entirely.
In 2008, motorcyclists accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities. While this number has significantly decreased, thousands of cyclists die each year on America's highways. Texas motorcycle accidents cannot be prevented altogether, but bikers can reduce risks for injuries and death by being prepared, trained, unimpaired and aware when sharing the road.
Source: Houston News "Motorcycle Accident on Texas 140 Claims the Life of Oklahoma Man," Brad Meyer, 3/18/2011
]]>Following its mandate to promote highway safety, the NHTSA has promoted stricter regulations regarding child safety seats, pedestrian precautions and even special technologies geared to reducing injury risks for American children. However, traffic accidents remain the leading cause of death for our youngest citizens. While our nation's roads might be safer for most, the tragic auto crash at the end of last year in St. Landry Parish, La., reminds us that more must be done.
]]> On the morning of December 3, 2010, a school bus was picking up students along its route on U.S. 190 between Port Barre and Opelousas. The bus, carrying children ages 5 to 17, stopped in the westbound right lane of the highway near the King's Truck Stop. With red lights and stop signs still activated and students boarded, the bus began to proceed down the highway when an 18-wheeler slammed into it. Of the 21 people on board that morning, 18 children and the bus driver were injured, three of them seriously. One child, a 5-year old girl, died as a result of injuries sustained in the bus crash.Months after the crash, commercial trucker David Cox of Dallas was charged with negligent homicide of a minor. The Texas trucker was indicted and released on bond. In addition to the negligent homicide charges, Cox faces 21 other counts of negligent injury. For the homicide charge, Cox could face up to five years in prison. On each of the injury charges, he could be fined and incarcerated.
While the truck driver's fate is pending, many people in the Louisiana town where the accident occurred worry about the safety of their children. Even after the serious crash, the local school board continues to use the same route to transport its students. Trucks and cars continue to travel the popular highway at 65 miles per hour. Given so many variables and lack of interventions, another tragedy could easily happen on the very same roadway.
Reducing human loss must remain the focus of road safety initiatives. Child safety cannot be considered an ancillary component of this goal. Criminal penalties for negative driver behaviors are necessary. However, preventing these behaviors must continue to be a priority in order to save lives.
Source: KATC "Man Indicted for Negligent Murder in Bus Crash," Shawn Kline, 2/25/2011
]]>In reaching this conclusion, the NHTSA studied 733 car accidents from 1980 to 2008. Texas ranks second in the nation for fatal car police officer car accidents during this time period with 81 fatal accidents. Texas ranked second only to California, which led the nation with 107 fatal car crashes involving police officers.
]]> The USA Today reports that many officers complain that seat belt use infringes on their ability to quickly respond to a situation or that their gear, such as a gun or taser, can become tangled in the seat belt restraint.The NHTSA study found that officer seat belt use increased in the 1990s from a low of approximately 28 percent in the 1980s. The problem is that in recent years, officers' use of some sort of a seat restraint has declined from 56 percent to 50 percent. It isn't clear whether the decrease in seat belt use directly contributed to the high number of line-of-duty deaths last year, but it is known that 2010 line-of-duty deaths increased by 37 percent throughout the U.S. after two years of steady declines.
Seat Belt Use Increases Survival Chances in a Car Accident
Seat belt use has been shown to provide car drivers and passengers with significant safety benefits in the event of a car accident. The Department of Transportation, among other transportation agencies, has completed numerous studies about the importance of seat belt use. One DOT study showed those who were unbelted were 30 times more likely to be thrown from the car, which results in a 28 times greater chance of catastrophic injury or death.
A study by the University of Washington echoed the significantly greater chances of survival for car drivers and passengers who chose to use the restraint - wearing a lap belt and a shoulder restraint decreases the chance of death in a car wreck by a whopping 86 percent.
Whether a police officer, a passenger, a commercial truck driver or a car driver, it is important to always wear the proper seat belt restraint to protect from serious injuries in a car accident.
Related Resource: USA Today "No Seat Belts in 42% of Fatal Police Car Crashes"
]]>Safety Study Investigated Causes of Car Accidents Along FM 2100
There have been hundreds of motor vehicle crashes on that stretch of road in the past few years, including more than 130 in 2010. Following a recent fatal accident - one that killed 16-year-old Crosby High School cheerleader Nicole Vestal - the Texas State Department of Transportation (TXDOT) performed a safety study of four intersections along FM 2100.
]]> The information uncovered by TXDOT's research reveals a staggering increase in traffic volume along the road since 2008 - the daily average number of cars using the road shot up to nearly 22,300. This translates to 1,000 more cars on a road each day that is simply not designed to keep up with that sort of demand. The increased volume, combined with other factors like weather conditions, poor driving habits, speeding, distracted driving and more, has led to hundreds of accidents in the past few years, and nearly 10 deaths as a result of fatal car crashes.Increased safety precautions like the installation of traffic control devices (stop lights, warning lights, stop signs and turn lanes) will hopefully help slow the tide of accidents like the one that killed noted Texas blues guitarist "Mean" Gene Kelton in late 2010. The FM 2100/Stroker Road intersection will benefit from the installation of a traffic light by April of 2011, and a flashing caution light will be installed at the FM 2100/Spanish Cove intersection by the end of January 2011. Analysis of traffic patterns and roadway safety along FM 2100 is ongoing.
Related Resource: KHOU.com "TxDot: Study Shows More Than 100 Crashes in 2010 on Stretch of FM 2100"
]]>According to information provided by the Texas State Highway Patrol, an SUV being driven northbound on U.S. highway 385 outside of Channing, Texas, suddenly crossed the centerline into the path of oncoming southbound traffic. Senator Williams' vehicle struck one carrying Eric Gomez, his pregnant wife, Brianna, and their two young daughters.
]]> The brunt of the damage to the Gomez family's vehicle was brought to bear upon Brianna, seated in the front passenger seat. In spite of the fact that she was restrained and the car was equipped with a supplemental restraint system, she soon succumbed to her injuries and only survived the accident by hours. That short time was vital for doctors, however, because it gave them time to perform a caesarean section to deliver her near-term baby boy. He remains hospitalized, but the rest of the Gomez family was treated and released following the accident.The passengers in Senator Williams' vehicle fared slightly better. The senator herself suffered minor injuries, as did her two grandsons, seated in the backseat. Her son, however, was critically injured. He was not wearing a seatbelt, and he was ejected from the vehicle. Ironically, Senator Williams is known in Colorado legislative circles as an outspoken proponent of tough seatbelt laws. That is why it is so tragic that her son and two grandchildren suffered needlessly because they were not secured in the vehicle.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and authorities have made no decision about possible criminal charges.
Related Resource: Amarillo News "Traffic Tragedy Needs Answers", Dec. 30
]]>In 2008, an estimated 37,423 people died in car accidents. In 2009, 33,808 people were killed, which is almost a 10 percent reduction from 2008. The number of traffic fatalities declined despite an increase of the numbers of miles people are driving.
]]> The NHTSA also reported that alcohol-related traffic fatalities decreased by 7.4 percent from 2008 to 2009, although they still account for one-third of all traffic fatalities. In addition, all traffic accidents, fatal or not, declined by 5.3 percent over the same period.Regarding motorcycle accidents, LaHood reported that 850 fewer motorcyclists died in 2009 than in 2008. This changes the trend of 11 years of increases in the number of motorcyclist fatalities.
The U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, said that a few factors likely are contributing the low rates of traffic fatalities, including:
LaHood said that people make fewer trips for entertainment and enjoyment in a poor economy. Long road trips more frequently lead to deadly accidents.
Motor vehicle crashes are still the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 3 and 34, NHTSA said.
NHTSA administrator David Strickland contributes the drop in fatalities to increased seat belt usage and a strong anti-drunken driving campaign nationwide. Today, nearly one-third of all fatalities are caused by drunken drivers. It's interesting to note that more people die from car crashes in rural areas, with urban areas a distant second, according to NHTSA's data. A roadway departure, where a vehicle crosses a street's center line or leaves the proper travel way, is the largest type of fatal accident. That's followed by accidents that occur at intersections.
Overall, fatalities in every traffic category, including pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, large trucks and passenger cars, are down dramatically from 2008.
Related Resource: USA Today's "Traffic Deaths on Pace for Another Record Low This Year"
]]>Death by Segway
James Heselden was an experienced Segway operator, but that did not prevent him from dying in a Segway-related accident at the age of 62. Reports say that Heselden, who was out patrolling his vast English estate on a more rugged Segway model, skidded off a 30-foot cliff. Heselden's body and the Segway were both found in the Wharfe River below the cliff a short time later. While the exact cause of his death is unknown, no foul play is suspected. This incident highlights safety concerns with riding Segways, especially on uneven terrain.
]]> Segway Injury StudyTens of thousands of Segways have been sold since 2001. This unique form of transportation is steered by leaning forward to speed up and backwards to slow down, is battery-powered and is stabilized by gyroscopes. Before riders use Segways, the company recommends dealer-issued safety training, including reading materials, watching a video and practicing Segway operation. In addition, it suggests riders wear helmets and closely watch their surroundings for possible obstacles to avoid serious accidents and injuries.
In a recent study, researchers at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. say that Segway injuries are on the rise. Based on studying 41 people involved in Segway-related accidents from 2005 to 2008, researchers calculated that around 25 percent of the emergency room visitors were admitted to the hospital. Some were admitted for traumatic brain injuries, but others needed surgery for broken bones. All of the recorded injuries were sustained by falling off a moving Segway, which can reach a top speed of 12 miles per hour.
Segway to Court
Police officers, mall cops, and airport staff use Segways to make their rounds quickly and efficiently. Tour groups also use Segways as an alternative to walking, which allows tourists to see more and tire less easily. As this mode of human transportation continues to gain popularity and becomes more affordable, more Segways will appear alongside pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. This may mean that more accidents and injuries involving Segways will occur, so people should be aware of their dangers and call a personal injury attorney if injury occurs.
Related Resource: NY Times "Segway Owner Dies in Segway Crash"
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