As a driving community, we recognize distracted driving is dangerous and should be illegal, yet not only do we continue to do it but we also have the nerve to think we are good at it. A recent study by Progressive Insurance Company found that a majority of drivers believe distracted driving is the number one cause of car, truck and motorcycle accidents, 1/3 of drivers are still confident in their own ability to text and drive. Want to know who thinks they are best at it? Continue reading
Some people can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, but Honolulu thinks too many people are bad at walking and texting. The city has now passed legislation which outlaws pedestrians crossing the street while texting or otherwise using their smartphones. As you might expect, the law is receiving mixed reviews. Some safety experts believe the laws will make pedestrians think twice about using their phone while crossing the street. Others believe the law is just another form of government overreach. Finally, some critics believe the law will allow distracted drivers to blame pedestrians. But one thing is for sure. . . Continue reading
Months ago, when I first learned of the solar eclipse, I immediately ordered some solar eclipse goggles. Even though the goggles were more expensive, I ordered them for a couple of reasons: (1) since they fit snuggly around the head they allegedly fit children better and posed less risk of them being askew and allowing harmful rays into the eye; (2) because they were snug against your face, less ambient light came in from the side making your viewing of the solar eclipse more crisp and sharp; (3) unlike the paper glasses, I figured I could use them as part of a Halloween costume later on for our daughter; (4) and, I am not going to lie, I wanted to get a picture of John Day wearing a pair of black out goggles. Continue reading
Today is the first day of school for Williamson County. Our daughter Kate is entering 5th grade this year at Scales Elementary. Although she was embarrassed, she did relent and allow this picture upon arrival at school. And while it seems like just yesterday that we were going to the Boo Hoo breakfast for kindergarten parents not that much has changed. She still worries about liking her teachers, the dynamics of friendships and how much homework will be assigned. And, of course, as her parents, we still worry about everything, which brings me to some very important safety reminders for us all. Continue reading
Sit at an intersection and watch the cars go by and notice how many drivers have a phone in their hand. Or, if you are a passenger in a car, watch the drivers of oncoming cars to see how many drivers are using their phones. Perhaps most frightening is to be a pedestrian and see just how many cars that are passing you are being operated by drivers using their phones. If you do any of these, the numbers below probably will not surprise you.
Roughly 3500 people are killed and nearly 400,000 are injured in car accidents involving distracted driving. 11 teens die every day because of distracted driving. A driver distracted by their cellphone is more dangerous than a driver with a BAC of .08. An accident is 23 times more likely to occur when the driver is distracted. From 2014 to 2015, there was a 32 percent increase in deaths attributed to distracted driving. And despite these statistics, drivers continue to text, take photos, surf social media and the internet and more while driving. Now, one State has decided to do something about it. Continue reading
By now you have probably seen the video of the driver of a Volvo (Mr. Neely) hitting a bicyclist (Tyler Noe) on the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you have not, just Google “bicycle accident and Natchez trace” and you will find lots of sites with video of the accident. In short, Mr. Noe was hit by a black Volvo hits that simply keeps going after the very scary impact. Mr. Neely, the driver of the black Volvo, has since been charged with felony reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to immediately notify of an accident and failure to render aid. As a firm that has handled a lot of accidents involving bicyclists, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc., this case helps demonstrate 4 important points about injury accidents. Continue reading
According to a recent report in The Tennessean, Franklin police need help locating a driver who caused a deadly motorcycle accident last week on McEwen drive. According to witnesses, an unidentified Nolensville woman, age 50, changed lanes and knocked the motorcycle into a curb. The motorcyclist, who was thrown from his bike, was severely injured and later died at the scene. If you or a family member was involved in an accident with an unidentified driver who does not stop, you can still recover money for your losses if you have the right insurance and know what to do. Continue reading
Recently, I have seen two instances of people posing as lawyers and engaging in unscrupulous behavior. Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery is now involved in one of the cases, and criminal charges are pending against the other. So what exactly are these posers alleged to have done and what can you do to protect yourself? Continue reading
It is that time again. The boat and jet skis are in the water. Spring rains are bringing the lake level up to summer pool. With the warmer temperatures, the water in the lake will soon be ready for swimming. Our family will head down to Tim’s Ford Lake every chance we get. For our family and probably most others, the first ones in the water are the kids. To keep them and everyone else safe this summer from electrical shock drowning, refresh yourself on these life-saving safety tips and teach your children the ones appropriate for them: Continue reading
In 2015, more than 10,000 people lost their lives and another 200,000 were injured in drunk driving related car accidents and another 200,000 were injured. In Tennessee, despite law enforcement making over 23,000 DUI arrests, drunk driving car accidents claimed 252 lives. How does Tennessee compare to other states? Continue reading
Tennessee Injury Law Center
