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Author: Anthony Proffitt

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Truck Accidents

Common causes of truck accidents

Commercial truck accidents are on the rise in Knoxville. These are many reasons why these types of accidents take place. According to CNBC, in 2012, there were 10,659,380 trucks on the roads. The amount of commercial vehicles that were equipped with safety technology was almost 10 percent. The number of injuries that were sustained from truck accidents was more than 284.

Trucker fatigue

Many truckers driver for many hours without rest. They are tired and fatigued which makes them less alert. Sleep deprivation has caused many truckers to make driving errors that result in collisions with other motorists resulting in injuries, deaths and significant property loss.

Speed

Truckers who speed create unsafe driving conditions for other drivers, especially if there are poor weather conditions. Many truckers are under pressure to make deliveries by a certain time. The risk of collisions and fatalities are double for truckers who drive over 45 mph, states Science Daily.

Other motorists

Some people who drive passenger cars fail to give commercial vehicle operators enough driving space. They become aggressive when they see these vehicles and attempt to outmaneuver them by speeding to jump in front of them, not allowing them to get over and by trailing too closely behind them. What they fail to realize is that trucks have blind spots. They also require more stopping time because of their large sizes and cargo loads. Truckers cannot make sudden stops. When they do, the motion can cause their vehicles to jackknife, turn and move in unwanted and unexpected directions and even tip and roll over. This affects the safety of every motorist that is in close vicinity to those vehicles.

There are many factors that can affect a trucker’s ability to safely drive their vehicle. Motorists should be respectful of these drivers, know their limitations and plan their driving actions accordingly to avoid accidents with them.

 

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Common causes of motorcycle accidents

When motorcycle accidents happen in Knoxville, they often cause harm and injuries to the riders and anyone else who is involved. Motorcycle accidents happen for many reasons and when they do, they are often severe or fatal. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, in 2015, there were 4,693 fatal biker crashes. Five percent of those deaths occurred during the month of December. These accidents were not caused by biker error alone. Many of them involved passenger cars. Bikers should make themselves aware of what the common causes of motorcycle accidents are before they hit the roads so they can take preventative actions to avoid them.

Improper left turn from another vehicle

When other motorists fail to pay attention at intersections and cannot see bikers that are behind them due to blind spots and for other reasons, they are likely to make left turns that cause collisions. Bikers can avoid this type of situation by traveling at safe distances, anticipating the actions of the drivers in front and around them and by paying attention to signs of intent.

Drunk driving

Bikers who indulge in alcohol before riding are a big risk to themselves and everyone else. So are other motorists who drink before driving. Drunk driving leads to lower inhibitions, reaction times, poor driving judgments and accidents. Crashes lead to injuries and even lost lives. Bikers can protect themselves by staying off their motorcycles if they plan to drink. If they are sober, they should pay attention to the actions of other motorists and stay steer clear of any they suspect are intoxicated.

Taking corners too fast

Bikers who speed around corners are unable to predict and see what may be the other side of them, states RideApart. By taking the corners too fast they risk collision with animals, people, other motorists and road structures like poles and buildings. To avoid this kind of situation, motorcyclists should slow down when they approach corners so they can turn safely.

Many motorcycle-related accidents are preventable. Bikers should exercise due diligence and caution when riding so they can protect themselves and other motorists.

Categories
Car Accidents

Older drivers and accidents

More seniors in Knoxville are living longer than ever and are holding on to their driving privileges much longer. Even though they have a wealth of driving experience, many seniors still find themselves involved in car accidents. Older people have different driving habits than they had when they were younger.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of senior motorists who sustain injuries in car accidents is 586. The number of older drivers on the roads increased by 34 percent from 1999 to 2012, resulting in 36 million senior citizens who exercise their driving privileges. Older drivers who are involved in car crashes are more likely to suffer from severe injuries than younger motorists. This is due to their age, diminished vision and cognitive abilities, medication and less dexterity, states ABC News.

Older drivers are often considered one of the safest driving groups because they limit the amount of time they spend on the roads. They are less likely to travel when it is dark outside and in areas like the freeway where there is a high volume of traffic. Senior drivers also tend to wear their seatbelts when they are behind the wheel. However, when they do get into accidents, it is often because they make critical driving mistakes, such as driving too slowly, keeping an improper driving distance and not noticing traffic signs.

Seniors who take certain medications, exhibit diminished vision, mental functions and lack driving confidence are at risk for car wrecks and should consider using an alternative means of transportation.

 

Categories
Car Accidents

Guarding against [uninsured/underinsured] drivers

Motorists in Tennessee should be on guard against uninsured and underinsured drivers. These people are not only carelessly disregarding the law, they are also putting every other motorist who is on the road with them at risk for harm and financial setbacks. According to Insurance Information Institute, only 49 of the 50 states require drivers to have auto insurance. Some of the drivers who are on the road only carry the bare minimum that is allowed, others do not have a policy at all.

When car accidents happen that involve uninsured and underinsured drivers, it is hard for victims to recover financially from the damage and injuries they may have incurred. The cost of injuries and damages are usually catastrophic. Having the state minimum in auto insurance is not enough to cover the financial aftermath of most car accidents, states ConsumerReports.org. Many insured drivers who find themselves dealing with this type of situation must pay for these expenses themselves or sue the at-fault driver, which is no guarantee of payment. Any expenses that they incur that are not covered by their own policies they have to pay for themselves.

There are ways drivers can protect themselves from uninsured and underinsured drivers. Many insurers offer uninsured and underinsured coverage that can be added into existing policies. This type of coverage makes it possible for innocent drivers to receive some type of compensation if the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured. It only applies if the victim’s insurer does not cover any injuries or damages that occurred from the situation.

Auto insurance may be so expensive to some people that they opt to drive without enough or any coverage at all. However, dealing with the consequences of car accidents is much more expensive and can present financial challenges for many years to come. Drivers can protect themselves from having to deal with this type of situation by checking their policies and adding underinsured and uninsured coverage.

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

The high chance of wrongful death in motorcycle crashes

Nothing comes close to the freedom of a motorcycle ride on the open highway. Unfortunately, Tennessee bikers are at much higher risk of injuries and fatalities as a result of inattentive motorists compared to operators of other vehicles. A car or truck driver may walk away unscathed from a crash that results in the wrongful death of a motorcycle rider.

One such tragedy occurred at the end of September 2016. WREG reports that a truck driver collided with a motorcycle late one evening, killing the motorcycle operator and injuring his female companion severely. The driver responsible for the accident compounded this terrible situation by failing to remain at the scene of the crash and attempting to hide the truck rather than acting responsibly to provide aid for the victims.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, fatal motorcycle crashes have been on the rise in the United States since the early 2000s. Out of all 2015 vehicle crashes, 13 percent were motorcycle crashes that resulted in fatalities. Among these motorcycle crashes, 59 percent involved multiple vehicles. An overwhelming majority of riders in these fatal motorcycle crashes were male, and 30 percent were under the age of 30.

IIHS notes that motorcyclists do not enjoy the structural protections that shield other vehicle operators during traffic accidents, and injuries and wrongful deaths are much more likely to occur in crashes that involve motorcycles. Although motorcyclists should ride responsibly, it is also crucial that all vehicle operators watch out for them by checking their mirrors and blind spots.

Categories
Car Accidents

Hit-and-run: Always a bad choice

A hit-and-run accident can leave Knoxville families with unanswered questions, hefty medical expenses and heartbreak. In the long run, a driver who leaves the scene of an accident faces severe legal reprisals. The best decision any driver can make is the responsible one: to follow the law, remain at the site of the accident and render assistance in any way possible.

Unfortunately, the driver who fatally struck a pedestrian in Knox County in mid-November opted to disappear from the scene, leaving behind a devastated family to search for answers. Law enforcement was able to identify the vehicle and the driver, whose actions only made the situation more tragic.

Knoxville drivers who end up in such a crash have several legal obligations. The driver’s first responsibility is to provide reasonable aid to injured persons. This includes requesting medical assistance when such treatment is requested by the injured party or when physician aid appears necessary.

Drivers must also report the accident to law enforcement. These days, most drivers are likely to be able to make the emergency call by cell phone, but in areas with poor coverage, it may be necessary to leave the scene to find the closest authority. No driver, however, should depart until the necessary medical assistance has been provided.

Last but not least, drivers involved in a crash are required to exchange vehicle registration and insurance information as well as driver’s license numbers, names and addresses. Failure to follow these steps can have severe consequences, particularly when one or more individuals are injured or killed in a crash. Drivers should never consider hit-and-run a viable option.

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Preventing fatal motor vehicle accidents during the holidays

For many motorists in Tennessee, the holiday season is the perfect time to travel and go see friends and relatives. It is also the time of year when fatal motor vehicle accidents are at their highest. According to USA Today, the number of victims who died from car crashes around Thanksgiving was 436 in 2013. Almost 15 percent of the total fatalities that occurred during the month of November from 2006-2011 occurred around Thanksgiving.

Avoid speeding

Drivers should plan their travels carefully. They should allow for extra travel time so they do not end up rushing or speeding to get to their destinations. They should also remain mindful of speeding motorists. Instead of speeding up or engaging in aggressive driving behaviors in response to them, they should maneuver their vehicles safely out of harm’s way.

Pay attention to road conditions

The weather is usually wet, cold and full of snow during this time of year, leading to slick road conditions. Motorists should monitor the conditions on the roads at all times and adjust their speeds and maneuvers accordingly.

Honor traffic courtesies

There are some rules that many drivers abide by when they are on the roads. These courtesies include not passing on the right, moving to the right lane when they are driving too slow in the left lane and not blinding other motorists by turning off their high beams, states the National Motorists Association.

Hold off on the drinks

Drivers should avoid drinking and driving, especially during this time of year. Alcohol can lead to intoxication and negatively impact their ability to make safe judgments and driving actions. It can also lead to motor vehicle wrecks where fatality is a factor.

Fatal car accidents during the holiday season are preventable. Drivers who plan ahead and take preventative actions can reduce their risk of accidents and death.

Categories
Truck Accidents

Semi-truck drivers and the holidays

With the arrival of the holiday season in Tennessee comes an increase in road activity. More semi-truck drivers are on the roads than usual. Many of these vehicle operators are putting in longer hours so they can meet shipment deadlines and earn extra pay. However, there is a downside that many motorists are not aware of. The longer truck drivers spend on the roads, the greater their risk of car crashes and injuries. According to Safer America, there were 3,906 fatalities that occurred out of 338,000 truck crashes in 2013.

Many truck drivers are tired

Driving for long hours at a time can lead to fatigue and tiredness. Many big rig employers offer their employees incentives for meeting delivery and shipment deadlines ahead of time. Many truckers earn those rewards by driving without taking many or any rest stops. This often leads to them operating vehicles while they are partially aware and so exhausted that they are unable to make safe and sound driving decisions, states GaugeMagazine.com. They may also fail to notice signals and signs of driver intent from other motorists.

Speed and aggressive driving tactics

Some truckers tend to speed and use aggressive driving behaviors so they can reach their destinations on time. Their disregard for traffic rules, signs and the safety of other motorists can create hazardous situations on the road. Other drivers may misjudge their actions and try to compensate for them only to find themselves involved in big-rig accidents.

Truck drivers who are on the roads during the holidays should remember to drive with caution and full alertness. Motorists who are also on the streets should give special consideration to commercial vehicles so they can remain safe when they are around. Drivers should be prepared to drive defensively and to report any odd, improper and unsafe driving behaviors to authorities.

Categories
Truck Accidents

When truckers eat while driving

When truckers in Tennessee drive while they are hungry, they are more likely to engage in distracted driving. This often creates many dangers for other motorists who are sharing the roads with them. Many of them work many hours and may not take many rest or food stops in an effort to meet their shipment deadlines. According to CDL Life, accidents are more likely to occur for truck drivers than it is for other motorists. Government officials and local law enforcement agencies have ramped up their efforts to catch truckers who engage in distracted driving behaviors to reduce the number of accidents, injuries and casualties that occur.

“Eating and drinking while behind the wheel are distracting activities that many drivers, including truckers engage in”, states Napa. By taking their meals on the road with them, they can travel faster. However, doing so also increases the risk of them not paying attention to the roads like they should.

Eating and drinking often requires truckers to remove one or two hands from their steering wheels, making it hard for them to control and maneuver the vehicles properly. In the event of spills and food dropping, truck drivers may also remove their eyes from the roads momentarily. The few seconds to moments their eyes leave the streets and hands leave the wheel are enough time for their vehicles to wander into other lanes. Truckers may also fail to notice driving signals and behaviors of other motorists on the road which can increase their chances of collision significantly.

Truckers should limit their food and drink consumption while they are driving. If that is not possible, pulling over to a safe location on the side of the roads so they can nourish themselves is recommended. This can help to reduce the threat of accident and injury that is associated with truckers who eat and drive.

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

Holiday driving dangers

The holiday season in Tennessee is a time that is often filled with joy and happiness for many. However, according to EHS, it is also a time where driving dangers are at their highest. More drivers are on the roads than usual. With higher traffic volumes comes a greater risk of accidents. Motorists who decide to travel during this time of year should make themselves familiar with these dangers so they can take measures to keep themselves safe.

Intoxicated driving

Many people attend family gatherings and parties where alcohol is served. Some of those people who end up drinking find themselves driving while they are intoxicated. The dangers of this behavior impacts everyone because inebriated drivers are not as in control of their driving behaviors as they should be. Alcohol-impaired drivers are responsible for 40 percent of fatal car accidents during the holiday season, states Edmunds.com.

Distracted driving

Drivers have access to hands-free technology and mobile devices that sometimes interfere with their ability to remain focused on the roads. They may feel tempted to send texts, make phone calls and interact more with these devices and their passengers.

Tired and fatigued driving

Some motorists spend long hours on the road in order to get to their destinations. As a result, many of them end up driving while they are tired, fatigued and having trouble focusing on the roads. Some of these drivers do not stop to rest because they do not want to lose any time traveling to their destinations.

Most holiday driving dangers are preventable with careful planning. Motorists who decide to travel during this time should be extra cautious and prepared for accidents.