Oakland car accident injury law firm

CHP Endorses Plan for Safe Senior Drivers

December 11, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

People are living long, active lives, and are continuing to drive well into their senior years. The CHP, California Highway Patrol, recently announced the recommendation for seniors to plan for driving changes as they age. CHP made the announcement in conjunction with the American Occupational Therapy Association as part of the “Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.”

Driving Safely as We Age

Driving requires the use of many of our senses. When we get behind the wheel we need to have the focus and dexterity necessary to drive in a safe manner. The CHP notes that driving can be impacted by our emotional, physical, and mental health. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, seniors are the fastest growing segment of drivers. It is estimated that by 2025, one-quarter of all drivers will be over the age of 65.

Drowsy Driving is Impaired Driving

December 7, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Most of us have trouble sleeping from time to time. While lack of sleep is somewhat commonplace, a new study indicates that it can be dangerous. The study results, released by the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety, indicate that driving while drowsy may have the same effect as driving while under the influence of alcohol. Drowsy driving is impaired driving, and is the cause of many serious accidents and injuries every year.

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

The AAA previous issued reports that made clear the relationship of drowsy driving and an increase in vehicle accidents. The new report delves further into the effects of sleep deprivation on drivers. Sleep deprivation greatly decreases a driver’s ability to act and react. Those who are sleep deprived may fall asleep at the wheel. Nodding off while you drive is dangerous. Closing your eyes, even for just a few seconds, means that you have traveled without paying attention to the road, or to other vehicles and pedestrians. When you nod off, you are no longer in control of your car.

Distracted Driving Causes Accidents and Injuries

November 30, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Distracted driving has changed a lot over the last few decades. Distracted driving used to be mainly people who were eating, applying makeup, or changing the radio station while driving. Today, distracted driving has become a lot more complicated. It can also cause major accidents with serious injuries. The use of cell phones for talking and texting has created a large problem and the need for new legislation. In California, drivers are not allowed to use handheld devices while behind the wheels of their vehicles.

Distracted Driving Statistics

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, DOT, distracted driving has reached epidemic proportions. In 2014, there were 3,179 people who died as a result of distracted driving accidents. Additionally, 431,000 people were injured in 2014 in accidents caused by distracted driving. The problem is so significant that DOT has a website, Distraction.gov, devoted completely to distracted driving. They provide informational materials for teens, parents, educators, employers, and community groups. The information is useful for raising public awareness about distracted driving.

Why Rear-End Accidents are So Dangerous

November 25, 2016 | Gregory J. Brod

Accidents happen frequently. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, there were more than 6 million reported traffic accidents in 2015. In those accidents, 2,443,000 people were injured and more than 32,000 people died. Accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Rear-end accidents can cause some of the most serious and disabling injuries possible.

Injuries Caused by Rear-End Accidents

One of the most common injuries caused by being rear-ended is whiplash. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jerking motion, like what happens when a vehicle comes to a sudden abrupt stop. Whiplash can be a serious and painful injury that may take months or longer to heal.

Car Accidents and Daylight Savings Time: The Dangers After We Fall Back

November 3, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

The end of Daylight Savings Time is a yearly occurrence that many of us eagerly anticipate and dread in equal measures. Many people reveled in an extra hour of rest this past weekend (at least those without young children whose sleep cycles don’t change simply because we adjusted our clocks!). However, that extra hour of sleep comes at cost: lost daylight. While many people worry about the impact on afternoon activities and even on people’s moods, at our Oakland injury law firm we worry about another danger – the tie between car accidents and daylight savings time.

Increased Risk of Car Accidents When Daylight Saving Time Ends

sunset Last year, Time Magazine delved into the twice-yearly debate about changing the clocks, focusing on the impact of Daylight Savings Time (“DST”) on road safety. The article suggests that losing an hour of afternoon sunlight, as we do each fall when DST ends, may result in an increased number of traffic accidents. According to a 2004 study, the lives of some 170 pedestrians and 200 motorists could be saved each year by maintaining DST all year.

Bay Area Injury Attorney Examines Passenger Safety in Car Accidents

August 19, 2015 | Gregory J. Brod

A crash in El Sobrante this week raises important questions about passenger safety in car accidents. Specifically, are passengers at greater risk for serious injury and/or death than drivers? Research and our experience as an Oakland car accident wrongful death law firm suggests the answer is “Yes.” New studies on passenger safety also reveal surprising information on where in a vehicle an adult passenger is safest.

El Sobrante Crash Kills Three, Injures One

NBC’s Bay Area affiliate reports that CHP officials were called to the scene of a crash in El Sobrante, near the 6000 block of San Pablo Dam Road, at around 10 P.M. on Sunday. According to CHP, a red Camaro crossed into the opposing lane and sideswiped a silver Honda Civic. The driver of the Civic was able to stop the car on the shoulder and did not suffer major injuries. However, the Camaro crashed into a tree and exploded killing three passengers. The Camaro’s driver escaped before the blast, but was taken to John Muir Medical Center with serious injuries. CHP officials believe alcohol and speed may have both been factors in the accident.