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Author: Anthony Proffitt

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Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Common causes of bus accidents

Bus accidents in Knoxville get little attention but should be on the forefront of everyone’s minds. Bus accidents are a lot more common than many people seem to think. In 2015, there were 261 fatal bus crashes., states the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Victims of bus crashes are often passengers, motorists and pedestrians. Regardless of who is at fault in these accidents, the victims often experience life-changing injuries and long recoveries. 

Even if you do not use public transportation often because you drive, you do share the roads with bus drivers. Learn about some common causes of bus wrecks so you can avoid them. 

Reckless driving 

Car operators are not the only motorists who engage in reckless driving. Sometimes bus drivers do it too. Bus operators are under pressure to stay on schedule and meet deadlines. These factors can result in them speeding, tailgating and engaging in other aggressive driving behaviors that put themselves, their passengers and other drivers on the roads at risk for accidents and injuries. 

Fatigued drivers 

Some bus drivers work long shifts and may forgo their breaks because of staffing and work issues. The long hours they spend transporting passengers and the monotony of the road can cause them to feel fatigued and less alert than they should be. According to a study posted in Metro-Magazine.com, commercial vehicle drivers have a 56.48 percent chance of crashing their vehicles when they are tired or fatigued. Drivers of any vehicles who cannot focus, concentrate or remain alert are dangerous to everyone on the streets. 

Rebellious passengers 

Not all people who ride buses conform to the rules and expectations that they should remain calm, courteous and well-behaved. Some passengers become unruly and cause disruptions that result in bus drivers becoming distracted while they are operating their vehicles. 

The above list of crash contributors is not all inclusive. Other common issues that can result in bus wrecks include driver intoxication, distractions and defective equipment. Many of these driving safety hazards are avoidable with preparation and proper precautions.

Categories
Car Accidents

Common driving errors that lead to car accidents

Many car accidents in Knoxville occur due to driver error. Although many of the vehicles that are on the roads are equipped with safety features and technology to make them safer to operate, car crashes are still a leading cause of death for all age groups. According to a study posted on CBSNews.com, “driver mistakes contributed to approximately 75 percent of car accidents that occurred over a three-year period.” 

Here is a brief overview on some common driving mistakes that cause car crashes. 

Some motorists, such as teens and seniors are more prone to making critical mistakes while operating their vehicles than others. Young adult drivers do not have much driving experience to rely on. Although they have completed driver’s training, it takes years for them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to handle different road situations and hazards. Seniors may not be fully aware of their surroundings so they can operate their vehicles safely. 

Many driving errors occur out of habit and ignorance, states Goliath.com. Common mistakes drivers make that often result in property damage, injuries and death include: 

  •        Riding the brakes
  •        Not using turn signals
  •        Improper use of vehicle lights
  •        Not paying attention to traffic signs 

There are other factors that contribute to people making mistakes while driving, such as alcohol, distractions, recklessness and fatigue. Motorists should take measures to ensure they are ready to drive their vehicles safely. Preparing themselves and their cars before each trip, avoiding distractions and substances that lead to impairment and using defensive driving behaviors can reduce the likelihood of them crashing into others.

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

Teen drunk driving accidents increase in the summer

Underage drinking is a growing concern for many parents in Knoxville. According to MADD.org, underage drinking increases during the summer by 61 percent. With teenagers being the most dangerous group of drivers on the roads, they should learn about the impact that alcohol and car accidents can have on their lives. 

Here is a brief overview of teenage drunk driving accidents. 

The problem 

Many adolescents do not value their driving privileges. They take risks and do things that significantly increases the chances of them crashing into other vehicles, sustaining life-threatening injuries and dying. They drive with distractions, do not show other motorists proper road courtesies and engage in other reckless driving behaviors that endanger the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. When alcohol is a factor, the fatality rate for teen car accidents is 60 percent, states Drive-Safely.net. 

How alcohol affects teen drivers 

Many teens are not aware that their bodies do not process alcohol like adults. Their bodies and brains are still developing. Repeated exposure to alcohol can lead to irreversible brain damage, memory problems and other complications that can dramatically change the course of their lives. The effects of alcohol on their driving behaviors include slower response times and diminished judgment skills. Also, teen drivers do not have sufficient driving experience to handle certain situations they may encounter. These are all major contributing factors that impact teen motorist safety. 

Teens should not drink alcohol, nor should they drive after consuming it. Parents and adolescents can prevent alcohol-related teen car accidents. Teens should learn about the dangers and take them seriously. Parents should provide more supervision, guidance and consequences when their young adults disregard the law and engage in dangerous driving behaviors.

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Summer is the deadliest time of year for teen drivers

Summer is the time of year where many people take to the roads to travel in Knoxville. It is also the time of year where the number of teen drivers on the roads is at its highest. Many people do not realize that the “rate of fatal teen car accidents increases by 15 percent during the summer,” states WBIR.com. Teen motorists are already a high-risk group of drivers. 

It is a common belief that their lack of practical driving experience is the primary reason they end up in car accidents. However, according to a study posted in AAA Newsroom, “a leading cause of adolescent motor vehicle crashes is distraction.”

  • Young adult motorists have a higher likelihood of using their cellphones and smart mobile devices in the minutes leading up to their crashes.
  • Teens drivers who have passengers are more likely to talk, play and focus on them instead of keeping their full attention on the roads.
  • Many young vehicle operators reach for items and use the functions on their vehicles infotainment systems instead of keeping their eyes on the roads and their hands on the steering wheels. 

Many adolescent motorists do not realize or care about the dangers they face when they are on the roads. Other leading causes that contribute to teen car crashes include speeding, not wearing seatbelts and reckless driving behaviors. 

There are ways to decrease the risk of teenage car accidents. Parents should stop letting their teens drive without adult supervision. Teens should become more aware of the dangers they face and how their actions can affect them and others. Teens should also avoid distractions so they can make better driving decisions to avoid car accidents. 

Categories
Car Accidents

How can I prove my injuries came from a car accident?

Car accidents are extremely common in Knoxville. If you ever find yourself in one, you may be wondering how to prove that your injuries are the result of the crash. Even if you initially feel fine after your ordeal, there is a chance that all of the adrenaline pumping through your blood and your emotions may be masking any injuries you may have. There is also the possibility that you have delayed injuries that may show up several hours or days after your accident. According to Ktar.com, many people do not realize the extent of their car accident injuries because of distractions, emotional disorientation and mental trauma. 

Here are some steps you can take to prove your injuries are car accident-related. 

Do not make statements about your health 

Avoid telling anyone at the scene of the accident that you feel fine and that you are relatively unharmed. You should also avoid running, lifting and doing other actions that could indicate that you are not injured. Those statements and actions can be used to discredit your claim. You could have injuries that you are not aware of yet.

Seek out medical treatment 

No matter how minor or serious your car accident is, it is important for you to seek out medical treatment right away, even if you feel fine. You should get checked for signs of obvious, hidden and delayed injuries. You should inform the medical staff about any symptoms you feel so that all information regarding your health and injuries are documented. You may need to undergo diagnostic testing and take x-rays so that the extent of your injuries, such as broken bones, concussions, and damaged muscles are discovered. 

There are other factors that can affect what you need to do to prove your injuries came from a car accident. If you plan to file a lawsuit against the other driver, you have the burden of proof. Depending on the extent of your wounds and circumstances surrounding your ordeal, you may benefit from seeking out legal counsel.

 

 

 

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving and motor vehicle accidents

When people drink and drive in Knoxville, they do not do it with the intent to harm or kill others with their vehicles. But that is precisely what happens in some drunk driving motor vehicle accidents. Many drunk drivers participate in this type of reckless behavior because they are misinformed about the dangers. 

The impact of drunk driving 

Alcohol is a substance that is known to impair a person’s mental and physical processes. Individuals who consume alcohol may enjoy the buzzed and intoxicated feelings they get, especially while they are behind the wheel. However, the innocent motorists, passengers and pedestrians who are seriously injured and lose their lives to these individuals and their families are the ones who suffer the most. 

Drunk driving does not just happen. Motorists who drink and drive choose to put themselves and everyone else on the roads in danger. When they engage in distractions they become even more negligent and dangerous to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014, almost 31 percent of all motor vehicle deaths were caused by intoxicated drivers. 

Ways motorists can protect themselves 

Drunk driving accidents are preventable. Motorists should learn to identify the signs of intoxication in other drivers so they can stay away from and report them. Indicators that highlight a driver may be drunk include driving on the wrong side of the road, swerving in their lane, driving too slow, tailgating and erratic braking, states QuitAlcohol.com. 

People should not rely solely on law enforcement to keep them safe from drunk drivers. They can protect themselves by driving defensively, not drinking and driving and identifying and notifying the authorities when they see inebriated drivers on the roads.

Categories
Truck Accidents

Sharing the road with trucks and commercial vehicles

A booming economy means there is no shortage of trucks and commercial vehicles on the roads in Knoxville. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there are more than 12 million commercial trucks on the roads across the country. Many commercial vehicle operators drive for several hours at a time before stopping for breaks. Some of them speed and engage in careless driving behaviors to meet deadlines. These factors and more are the cause of truck accidents, fatalities and injuries. 

Motorists should utilize the following suggestions so they can share the road with truckers and commercial vehicle operators safely. 

Follow at a safe distance 

Semi-trucks, big rigs and commercial vehicles are harder to maneuver than passenger cars. They require more stopping time and space. Motorists who follow these vehicles too closely do not have enough time and space to avoid collisions when truckers make sudden stops and reductions in speed. 

Stay aware of no pass zones 

Trucks and commercial vehicles have blind spots where the operators cannot see anything, even when their mirrors are in the right positions. These areas are located on the sides and in the rear of their vehicles. If “motorists cannot see truck drivers in their side view mirrors, then they should assume that the operators cannot see them,” states the AARP. You should stay as far from away as possible from the no pass zones/blind spots of trucks.

Do not drive distracted 

Distractions are a leading cause of accidents for all vehicle groups. Motorists should pay careful attention to the roads and the drivers around them. They should limit their distractions so they can properly respond to the actions of other motorists, including truckers and commercial vehicle operators. 

Truck accidents are happening more often on the roads. But motorists who drive defensively and give special consideration to commercial truck operators can reduce their chances of being involved in truck and motor vehicle crashes.

Categories
Car Accidents

How can I avoid aggressive drivers?

As a motorist who frequents the roads in Knoxville, you should pay close attention to the drivers around you. Some of them are aggressive motorists who do not care or understand how much their driving behaviors can impact others. Yelling, tailgating, cutting off and rude and inappropriate gestures are common behaviors that angry and reckless drivers exhibit. According to NBCNews.com, aggressive driving is a factor in 56 percent of fatal motor vehicle accidents. It is also a leading cause of car accident injuries. 

With more motorists on the streets these days, the chances of you encountering angry drivers are higher. Here are some ways you can avoid aggressive motorists. 

Stay calm 

It is not uncommon for you to feel as if your patience is being tested during your commute. You should give yourself extra travel time and plan to be on the roads a little longer than usual. When other drivers do things that are inconsiderate, illegal or offensive towards you, stay calm and courteous. 

Avoid eye contact 

Angry drivers often look for people they think are easy targets. They are not necessarily thinking about how their actions can affect themselves or anyone else. Some of them may be looking for opportunities to take their feelings out on others. You should avoid making eye contact with these individuals to keep these situations from escalating beyond your control. If you must respond to them, do so carefully and without aggression. 

Drive to safety 

Some angry and upset motorists may try to follow you so they can confront you the moment you stop and get out of your vehicle. If you suspect you are being followed by an aggressive or reckless motorist, drive to the nearest police station, fire department, hospital or public area. 

Aggressive driving is becoming more common. But you can protect yourself by staying in your own space, not provoking the offending drivers and contacting law enforcement when necessary.

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

How to avoid summertime holiday car accidents

Many Knoxville motorists are finalizing their plans for Memorial Day. According to CNN.com, Memorial Day weekend is a very risky time for motorists to be on the roads. There are more drivers on the roads and an increase in traffic accidents. Many of these accidents are the result of tired drivers who spend too much time on the roads, alcohol use and distractions. There are also more young drivers on the roads who lack driving experience. 

With the holiday quickly approaching, anyone who plans to travel should make themselves aware of the dangers they face. Here are some ways they can avoid summertime car accidents. 

Drive defensively 

With all of the hazards on the roads, motorists should always drive defensively, states Drive-Safely.net. They should not assume that other drivers are going to drive properly and follow all traffic signs and rules. It is not always easy to predict the actions of other motorists or driving conditions that can affect the safety of others. Driving defensively can enable motorists to plan their actions out in advance so they can avoid potential accident-causing hazards, such as vehicle malfunctions, pedestrians, animals and reckless drivers. 

Stay focused 

Some drivers may become distracted from spending too much time driving. They may feel like using distractions to keep themselves alert and awake. Distracted motorists are a very big danger on the roads. They cannot anticipate the actions of other drivers and maneuver safely around objects, pedestrians and animals that may end up on the roads. They are also unable to compensate for any driving errors that are made by themselves and other motorists. People who do not stay focused on the roads may also miss crucial warning signs that can alert them to changing traffic and road conditions and detours. 

The roads may be busier during the summer and filled with more dangers. But drivers who learn about those dangers and adjust their driving behaviors to avoid them can reduce their risk of car accidents.

Categories
Car Accidents

How to prevent summertime drunk driving accidents

Summertime marks the beginning of longer days, warmer temperatures, more social events and drunk driving. Many people in Knoxville are so caught up in hanging out with their friends, partying and enjoying themselves at events around town that they fail to consider how their alcohol consumption can affect their driving skills. According to Cars.com, “motorists are twice as likely to die from car accidents during the summer than any other time of the year.” Many of those accidents are the result of alcohol and drug use and distractions. 

Here are some ways people can keep themselves and their friends from driving drunk and injuring others. 

Choose a designated driver 

Anyone who plans to go out for some summertime fun should choose a designated driver. That person should not drink any alcoholic beverages. They should also keep an eye on friends who decide to drink so they can discourage them from drinking to the point of intoxication. If a designated driver is not available, they should use a ride share service, taxi or public transportation to travel. 

Limit their drinks 

Many intoxicated people do not keep track of the number of drinks they consume. They may not understand that buzzed driving is just as deadly as drunk driving. All it takes is for a person to consume one alcoholic beverage for their driving abilities and safety to be affected, states AFMC.org. 

Drunk driving accidents are completely preventable when motorists recognize the dangers and adjust their actions to prevent them. Drivers who are at risk of accidents and injuries from crashes with drunk drivers should also encourage their friends not to drink and drive.