Author: Anthony Proffitt

Motorcycle braking technology reduces risk of accidents

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date August 7, 2016

While motor vehicles come equipped with critical safety devices, including airbags, seatbelts, backup sensing systems and head restraints, most motorcycles lack this life-saving protection. As a result, a number of motorcyclists are injured and killed each year in tragic accidents. Studies show, however, that antilock braking systems on motorcycles can help to reduce the risk of accidents and could save peoples’ lives on the road. In fact, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety reported that motorcyclists riding bikes that have ABS technology have a 31 percent reduced risk of being involved in a fatal motorcycle accident than those who are riding bikes that are not equipped with the braking system.

Antilock braking systems sense when wheels are about to lockup and reacts by reducing brake pressure. Once the wheels have regained traction, brake pressure returns to normal. Cars that have this technology can avoid hydroplaning, or going into an avoidable skid. When the wheels of a motorcycle lockup, on the other hand, the results can be catastrophic, according to Consumer Reports. The motorcyclist may lose his or her balance altogether, fall or crash into another vehicle. Antilock braking systems allow bikers to apply the brakes in any situation without the fear of skidding, sliding or falling off of their bikes.

A number of mid-size motorcycles already come standard with antilock braking systems. Yet, many people argue that the technology should expand to all motorcycles, especially bikes that are most commonly bought by new riders. Antilock braking systems not only benefit bikers who are used to completing more advanced maneuvers and take high-risks when it comes to riding, but it can also help low-risk bikers who may be more cautious.

Truck Accidents

New rule requires truckers to use electronic logging devices

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date August 5, 2016

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set regulations requiring truck drivers to take periodic rests throughout their drive. In addition, truckers are prohibited from driving more than 11 hours in a 24-hour period and 77 hours each week, as stated in the Hours of Service regulations. While all truckers in Tennessee and across the nation are held to this rule, a number of truck drivers fail to keep accurate driving records. As a result, fatigued truck drivers are at higher risk of causing catastrophic accidents, as well as injuring and killing innocent people.

A rule that was recently passed by the U.S. Department of Transportation will require all bus and commercial truckers to use electronic logging devices when recording their driving hours, according to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety. Up until this point, truckers were responsible for keeping their own hours logged in a written book. Hand-written log books made it easy for truckers to manipulate their driving hours in order to spend more time on the road. More driving hours equates to a larger paycheck and helps truckers meet tight delivery deadlines. Yet a number of people are killed each year in truck accidents caused by drowsy truckers.

Not only do electronic logging devices record important information, including vehicle movement, miles driven, engine hours and location, this data can be sent to truck company headquarters to help control the fleet. The rule, which will require trucks to have electronic logging devices by December 2017, is expected to prevent at least 562 injuries and save countless lives every year.

Motorcycle Accidents

Types of injuries caused by motorcycle accidents

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 31, 2016

Although everyone on the road is at risk of becoming injured in an automobile accident, motorcyclists in Tennessee face an even greater danger. Not only do they lack the protective barrier that a motor vehicle provides, but motorcycles do not come equipped with seat belts, air bags or other safety devices. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that wearing a helmet and other protective gear can help to decrease the severity of the damage, bikers may still suffer from a number of injuries.

One of the most common types of motorcycle injuries involves traumatic brain and spinal cord damage. Even when wearing a helmet, a hard jolt to the head can cause the brain tissue to smack into the hard bony interior of the skull, according to the CDC. In addition to causing immediate brain bleeding, bruising and inflammation, brain trauma can lead to long-term cognitive damage that could have lasting effects on a person’s life. If trauma should occur anywhere along the spinal cord, the biker may experience nerve damage or become paralyzed.

Broken bones and lacerations are also typical injuries encountered by bikers who are involved in a collision. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident, motorcyclists may be hit with a sudden impact while traveling at a high rate of speed. Bikers may suffer bone fractures and severe lacerations as a result of being thrown from their bike.

Finally, road rash is common among people who have survived a motorcycle accident. Bits of rocks and other debris can become ingrained in the skin, which can cause infection and scarring.

Truck Accidents

Truck driver inexperience cause of big rig accidents

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 29, 2016

There are many factors that can contribute to a large truck collision in Knoxville, including bad weather, traffic signals, vehicle design, truck maintenance and traffic conditions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, one contributing factor involves the amount of experience the truck driver has on the road. Large truck operators must be specially trained and licensed to drive big rigs, as these large vehicles operate much differently than other motor vehicles.

Inexperienced and negligent truck drivers can cause major tractor trailer accidents, leading to serious injuries and even death. One study conducted by the FMCSA sought to find the main factors that led to a number of truck accidents over a 33-month period. The results showed that poor driver performance, inexperience and negligence contributed to the 87 percent of the accidents. The specific truck driver behaviors included the following:

Driver was physically impaired with alcohol, distraction or fatigue.
Driver was inexperienced, anxious and/or made poor decisions on how to react to a situation.
Driver was speeding, tailgating or displaying another form of reckless behavior that made it difficult to respond to road conditions.

Researchers also found that speeding tractor trailers were involved in 30 percent of the study group.

Due to the heavy weight, big rigs need a longer distance to brake, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. When truck drivers exceed the speed limit, they may be unable to stop if a car pulls out in front of them or if they approach heavy traffic conditions. This is especially true in bad weather conditions. Motorists should always drive defensively and be on the lookout for negligent truckers.

Car Accidents

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 24, 2016

Motor vehicles come standard with essential safety devices, including seat belts, airbags and anti-lock brakes. As motor vehicle technology continues to improve, however, newer models may come equipped with the latest features. Manufacturers hope that use of these advanced safety devices will help to reduce car accident accidents, injuries and fatalities in Tennessee and across the United States. They also hope that the technology will ultimately help to save lives.

One of the older safety systems continues to be one of the best when it comes to helping cars avoid sliding, rolling over and skidding on the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that electronic stability control allows cars to grip the road when even when the tires experience reduced traction. Rather than spin out, the car is often able to continue driving in the right direction when the ESC system is working properly.

According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, cars that have front crash prevention technology are less likely to get into a rear-end collision with another vehicle. A study found that this braking system can reduce fender benders by up to 40 percent.

In addition to electronic stability control and front crash prevention, there are several other features that can maximize a vehicle’s safety rating. These include the following:

Blind spot detection
Rear view assist
Park assist
Adaptive headlights
Lane departure warning

Research and development has already been working on intelligent technology systems, which allow vehicles to ‘speak’ to one another. This communicative feature also enables vehicles to speak with departments of transportation regarding road conditions, traffic and construction.

Drunk Driving Accidents

TN woman faces felony charges after deadly golf cart incident

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 22, 2016

When people get behind the wheel of a vehicle after having a few drinks, they not only put their own lives in danger, but also the lives of their passengers and everyone else on the road. In order to protect these lives, driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is strictly prohibited for motor vehicle drivers across the state of Tennessee. In addition to people who are operating cars, trucks and motorcycles, the law extends to include drivers of any type of motorized vehicle, including golf carts.

A Tennessee woman faces criminal charges, including a Class D felony of vehicular assault, implied consent and her first DUI offense after driving a golf cart while drunk. The woman was driving a golf cart while her husband and another male passenger were standing up in the rear of the cart and holding on. As they were headed to the clubhouse, both men were thrown from the golf cart when the woman supposedly made an abrupt turn at a high rate of speed. Although the male passenger obtained only superficial scrapes, the woman’s husband hit his head and later died in the hospital.

The 55-year-old woman admitted that she, the female passenger in the car and the two men had all been out drinking and had approximately 10 beers each. There were also beer cans found within the golf cart when the accident occurred.

When tragic incidents like these occur, victims may wish to speak to a personal injury attorney regarding their rights and legal options. People may be eligible for compensation for their emotional trauma, medical expenses and lost wages from work.

Source: The Tennessean, “Man dies in Gallatin after golf cart fall; wife charged with DUI,” Tena Lee, July 21, 2016.

Car Accidents

Has your vehicle’s airbag been recalled?

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 17, 2016

One of the most important safety devices used in vehicles are airbags. While you may hope that you will never have to use an airbag, it is comforting to know that your vehicle is equipped with a safety device that may potentially save your life should you become involved in a Tennessee car accident. Surprisingly, the very airbag that you count on to save your life, however, may actually be the cause of your death. Recently, millions of airbags manufactured by the Takata Corporation have been recalled, after they have been found to explode and project shrapnel upon deployment. According to the New York Daily News, the airbags have been involved in at least 11 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

Takata Corporation produces airbags for a variety of car manufacturers, including Ford, Honda, Mitsubishi, BMW and General Motors, just to name a few. In one case, a young girl in Texas was killed by an airbag after she was involved in a low-impact auto accident. When the airbag deployed, her neck was cut open by a flying metal shrapnel object and she bled to death as a result.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, over 8.8 million airbags have been repaired as a result of the recall. Countless more defective airbags are still in need of repair, and motorists are encouraged to check with their automobile’s manufacturer to see if their vehicle is involved in the recall.

This information should be used for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice.

Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

National data reports increase in fatal auto accidents

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 15, 2016

Although many states in the nation have implemented stricter laws and penalties against negligent motorists, the number of people killed in devastating car accidents continues to rise. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that motor traffic fatalities jumped from 32,675 deaths in 2014 to approximately 35,200 deaths in 2015, which is a 7.7 percent increase. In Tennessee alone, 1,349 people were killed in car collisions in 2014.

Researchers have attributed this surge in fatalities to several factors, including the continued usage of cellphones while driving. As a way to combat distracted driving, several states have made it illegal to talk or text on hand-held cellphones while behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. In Tennessee, for example, texting and driving is prohibited. In addition to drivers not concentrating on the road, fatal auto accidents may be caused by the following:

Drunk and drowsy driving
Failure to use child safety seats
Speeding
Failure to use seat belts

An estimated 94 percent of deadly traffic accidents are thought to be caused by human behaviors, such as those listed above. However, other factors may contribute to this increase as well. As the American economy improves, more people are traveling and putting more miles on the nation’s highways. With a greater number of motorists on the road, the potential for danger also increases.

In order to stay safe while driving, motorists should be sure to always buckle up and follow the posted speed limit, especially in bad weather conditions. Furthermore, motorists should not use any type of cellphone, including hand-hand or hands free devices. If people are aware of the growing problem of car accident deaths, they may be able to help lower their risk of danger on the road.

Car Accidents

How to make sure that your tires are safe for the road

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 10, 2016

Whether you have been involved in a serious car accident in Tennessee or you have been lucky enough to avoid getting into a collision with another vehicle, it is crucial that you keep your automobile well maintained. While all of systems of the car are important, the tires are one of the most critical. Not only do they carry the entire weight of the car, but they also ensure your vehicle is moving safely when navigating through traffic. Since a number of collisions are caused by poorly maintained tires, there are steps you can take to ensure your tires are safe for the road. As a result, you can limit your chances of becoming involved in an automobile accident.

One of the best ways to keep your tires safe is to check the tire pressure at least once each month, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tires that are underinflated or overinflated can become unstable on the road. In most cases, you can find the proper tire pressure for your car in the vehicle manual. Furthermore, the tread on your tires should be evaluated regularly for wear and tear, including cracks, uneven wear patterns or foreign objects that may be stuck within the tire.

Another way to improve the life of your tires is to have them rotated regularly and to have your steering aligned. This will ensure that the tire wear evenly. Also, be careful not to exceed your tires’ weight limit by carrying too much weight in your vehicle.

This information should be used to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.

Car Accidents

How bad tires can increase the likelihood of an accident

Post author By Anthony Proffitt
Post date July 8, 2016

If you are one who consistently keeps your vehicle well-maintained, you may actually reduce your risk of getting involved in a car accident in Knoxville. According to Consumer Reports, studies indicate that poorly maintained tires can put drivers and other people on the road in danger. In fact, if your tires are underinflated or overinflated by 25 percent or more, your chances of becoming involved in a serious auto accident increases by three times when compared to vehicles that have properly inflated tires.

A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration evaluated how bad tires contribute to car accidents. Researchers found that factors, including tire pressure, depth of tire tread and excessive wear and tear, played a role in vehicle accidents. Other aspects, such as driver experience and bad road conditions were also measured. Results indicated that not only are rollovers more likely to occur when vehicles have bad tires, but adverse weather conditions, such as rain and ice, are significantly more hazardous when tires are not properly maintained.

Tire blowouts can also occur when motorists are driving erratically or speeding. In addition, environmental factors, such as excessive heat, can cause tires to act up as well. It is hard to get an accurate representation of how many fatal car accidents are caused by tire problems, as there can be many contributing circumstances surrounding collisions. Researchers agree, however, that making sure your tires are in good working condition is a must before talking your vehicle out on the road.

This information is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.