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Archive for the ‘Auto safety’ Category

Steer Clear of the Big Trucks

Thursday, April 5th, 2012

Steer Clear of the Big Trucks

(On behalf of Gibby Andry Law, New Orleans, LA)

So if I told you that 4,000 people were killed in one year as a result of accidents that involve trucks, would that shock you? What if I told you that in approximately 40% of those crashes, driver fatigue was to blame?

What if I told you that after 8 hours of consecutive driving, the likelihood of a crash doubles? Reports show that a driver who has been on the road for 10 hours without a break is 2.5 times more likely to cause an accident than someone who just got on the road. In the 11th hour of consecutive driving (without resting), the likelihood of causing an accident shoots up to 5 times as often.

What if I told you that after 8 hours of consecutive driving, the likelihood of a crash doubles? Reports show that a driver who has been on the road for 10 hours without a break is 2.5 times more likely to cause an accident than someone who just got on the road. In the 11th hour of consecutive driving (without resting), the likelihood of causing an accident shoots up to 5 times as often.

So, why is it that our truck drivers are allowed to drive for 11 consecutive hours? This issue has been in the news. Consumer advocate groups have voiced their opinions. Lawsuits have been filed.

Back in 2009, the Department of Transportation said it would review and reconsider the hours of service rules. In December of last year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration did make some changes, some of which went into effect in February and some which will go into effect in July 2013. For now, though, the number stands at 11. Eleven hours is still the maximum number of consecutive hours a truck driver can drive without stopping for a break. However, the subject will continue to be researched and analyzed.

So what does this mean? It means that our truck drivers, and all of us sharing the road with them, are at risk. Besides the potential for driver fatigue due to consecutive hours at work, truckers have blind spots, make wide turns, need more space and time to stop, have huge blowouts, and drift into other lanes due to wind or a lighter load. Let’s do them (and ourselves) a favor and steer clear of them when possible.

If you or your loved one has suffered serious or crippling injuries through a trucking accident, please give us a call at (888) 696-6049. The Gibby Andry Law Firm is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and we have the experience necessary to properly evaluate cases of serious or crippling injury and/or death. Let us get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.

Posted in amputation, Auto Accidents, Auto safety, Car Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, legal settlements, Truck Accidents | No Comments »

Driving while Texting or Using Cell Phones are in the News Again

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Driving while Texting or Using Cell Phones
(On behalf of Gibby Andry Law, New Orleans, LA)

Measures are in the works to make further changes for Louisiana drivers. A bill which bans the use of hand-held cell phones and other wireless devices while driving has made it through a House Committee. Even if passed, the bill would still allow the use of hands-free devices.

So what are the current laws in Louisiana?

Handheld ban for drivers with a learner’s permit or intermediate license regardless of age

Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)

Ban on all cell phone use (handheld and hands-free) for novice drivers, those within a year of licensure (Primary law for drivers under 18)

Ban on texting for all drivers (Primary law)

Preemption Law prohibits localities from enacting distracted driving bans

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has confirmed that 52 people reportedly died between the years 2005 and 2009 as a result of cell phone use and an additional 111 died during that same time period from other distractions while driving.

Death or severe, crippling injuries can happen in an instant. Our life or the life of another can be forever changed in an instant. In the accounts given after an accident, most have said they only took their eyes off of the road for a few seconds. Most never thought it would ever happen to them. Most thought they could answer that call, send that quick text, or check that Facebook post. Look at their faces on www.distraction.gov .

So what can we do?

The FCC tells us we can do a few things:

First, let’s give clear instructions to our teen drivers. Let your new motto be: “On the road…Off the phone.”

Second, we can lead by example. A tough one. Just do it. The little ones are watching and they do what we do. Put on your seatbelt. Pull over to text or talk…or to eat, fix your make-up, grab your purse, etc.

Finally, we can be informed and active. Be informed by learning, reading, watching information on this topic. Be active by setting rules for you and your family. Perhaps posting the information (when you are not driving) or passing it along to your child’s school.

If you or a member of your family is injured as the result of someone else’s distracted driving, give us a call at (888) 696-6049. The Gibby Andry Law Firm is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, and we have the experience necessary to properly evaluate serious cases of crippling injuries and/or death. Let us get to work on getting you and your family the compensation you deserve.

Posted in Auto safety, distracted drivers, Truck Accidents | No Comments »