South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Earlier this month, Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognized the recent drop in the number of fatalities resulting from drunk driving car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere in the last year. As we recently reported, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced in its new 2010 traffic accident report that the number of fatalities from alcohol-related accidents had in fact decreased from roughly 10,800 in 2000 to roughly 10,300 in 2010. This is a near 5 percent drop in just one year.

"One life impacted by this terrible crime is one life too many, as there are still more than 10,000 drunk driving fatalities and hundreds of thousands of injuries every year," said Jan Withers, MADD national president.

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand that were expecting to see an increase in the number of drunk-driving car accidents over the next week. The Christmas and New Year's holidays are common holidays for drivers to go out drinking and then to get behind the wheel and attempt to drive home. Experts are predicting that roughly 600 people will die on our roadways over these two holiday periods.

Floridians are asked to be extremely cautious on our roadways through the remainder of the year. Our roadways will be crowded with both residents and tourists. Consider following these safety tips to avoid a serious car accident.

Safe Driving Tips from the Florida Safety Council:

-WEAR A SEAT BELT: Seat belts have been proven effective in saving lives in motor vehicle accidents. Start making a habit of buckling up. Drivers should make sure that everyone is buckled up during every car ride.

-CURB DISTRACTIONS: Turn off your cell phone, text messaging devices and other portable electronic devices before starting your vehicle. Make sure pets and children are properly restrained and that your full attention is on the road.

-NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE: Always designate a sober driver before heading out to any holiday gatherings. DUIs aren't only costly, but they can be deadly. Keep an eye on your loved ones too. Don't let anyone get behind the wheel after drinking.

-REST UP: You never want to drive when you're feeling drowsy. Get at least eight hours of sleep before heading out on your holiday road trip. Take frequent breaks in driving to get out and stretch your legs.

-CHECK THE CAR: You should get your vehicle inspected before heading out just to make sure that everything is in good-working order. Check to make sure that all lights work properly, that your tires are properly inflated and that your fluids are full.

Drivers are urged to be on their best behavior behind the wheel through the holidays to help to avoid a serious accident. Be safe and alert to enjoy a safe and happy holiday!

Continue reading "Busy Roadways Increase Risks for Car Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere through Holidays" »

There have been numerous attempts to make talking on a cell phone and texting at the wheel illegal for drivers across the nation. Previously, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced a final rule to prohibit bus and truck drivers from using cell phones at the wheel. This rule included hand-held phones but not hands-free phones. This was one of the most recent attempts to curb driver distraction, until the latest proposal from the NTSB that we recently discussed on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog.

Under the most recent federal proposal, the NTSB urged state and federal lawmakers to prohibit the use of all portable electronic devices, including hands-free devices, to help stop the alarming rate of distraction-related car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. Florida is one of only a few states that has not enacted a law to prohibit or regulate the use of these devices by and or all drivers.

Our Boca Raton car accident lawyers understand that if the federal government can pass a law prohibiting bus and truck drivers from using a cell phone or a text messaging device at the wheel then more prohibitions are possible. It's only a matter of time. It may not be anytime soon though as Florida has already demonstrated its hesitation for such bans through a number of rejected proposals in recent years.

According to House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, enforcing these types of laws is difficult because there are already so many distractions that can't be regulated by law enforcement officers. He says there's really no use in enacting a law to prohibit some behavior and not all of them.

"I've heard evidence that eating fast food, or men fixing their ties, or women fixing their makeup...is just as distracting, perhaps more so, than sending someone a text message," Cannon said.

In 2010, there were approximately 3,100 people killed in traffic accidents that involved a distracted driver. These accidents are preventable. All it requires is a little bit of driver awareness and responsibility. Drivers need to be held accountable for their decisions behind the wheel. Until residents are able to recognize the dangers associated with driver distractions, our roadways will continue to be plagued with these unnecessary accidents.

"When drivers...take their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the outcome can be deadly," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

As we are well into the holiday travel season, transportation officials would like to remind you to voluntarily give up the distractions at the wheel. The New Year's and Christmas holidays are two of the most dangerous times to be on our roadways. Last year, there were more than 400 fatal accidents that occurred during the second half of December. Be cautious and alert on our roadways when traveling to holiday gatherings with friends and family members to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Continue reading "Officials Continue Push to Curb Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Boca Raton, Nation" »

A number of national organizations has been using their time and effort to help to educate motorists about the dangers, risks and consequences associated with distracted driving. Recently, on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, we reported about the U.S. Department of Transportation's (USDOT) efforts to spread this word among teenage drivers in the country. The USDOT recently launched its "OMG" campaign to target teen drivers, who are most likely to engage in distractions while driving.

Now, Distraction.gov is stepping up to the plate in an attempt to get drivers to halt the distractions while operating a motor vehicle to help reduce the risks of fatal car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. Distraction.gov is the official U.S. government website for distracted driving. The website has launched a new campaign to get drivers to take the pledge to help eliminate these accidents. With voluntary cooperation from drivers around the country, we can all do our part to achieving safer roadways.

Our Boca Raton car accident lawyers understand that distraction-related car accidents took the lives of nearly 3,100 people across the United States in 2010. These accidents also injured another 2.4 million people. While this statistic illustrated a decrease in these types of accidents from the previous year, these accidents are still taking the lives of far too many people. The truth of the matter is that distraction-related car accidents are completely preventable.

Florida is one of only a few states left that has yet to enact any sort of law to regulate driver distraction. Drivers in Florida are allowed to make phone calls, surf the web, check their e-mails and use text messaging services.

According to Distraction.gov, the fight to stop distracted driving car accidents starts with you. The organization is asking all drivers to take the anti-distraction pledge.

Take the pledge to stop distracted driving:

-Help to make our roadways safer by pledging to not talk on a cell phone or to text message while operating a motor vehicle.

-Pledge to be a good passenger and call out a driver who is navigating our roadways while engaging in distractions.

-Help to spread the word to friends and family member about the pledge and about the dangers associated with driver distractions.

As we recently reported, distractions are not limited to the use of portable electronic devices. Driver distractions cover a plethora of activities that a driver can participate in where attention is taken from the task at hand -- driving.

Distractions can also include:

-Eating.

-Smoking.

-Applying makeup.

-Drinking.

-Messing with the radio or CD player.

-Talking with other passengers.

-Dealing with children or pets while driving.

-Handling maps.

Please curb distractions behind the wheel, and urge your friends and family members to do so as well. These types of accidents are completely preventable. Be a responsible driver and help others to ring in the New Year safe and injury free! Happy Holidays!

Continue reading "Take Pledge to Help Curb Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Boca Raton!" »

The holidays make for a dangerous time on our roadways. The risks for car accidents in Lauderdale Lakes and elsewhere increase significantly as we see more and more drivers on the road during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and many other safe-driving advocates are all working together to increase road safety through the remainder of the busy holiday season.

Our Lauderdale Lakes car accident attorneys understand that enforcement and educational efforts are all underway to help raise awareness among drivers about the dangers we'll be facing during the rest of holiday season. The National Safety Council (NSC) has recently launched its predictions for roadway fatalities for the 2011 Christmas and New Year's holidays. Drivers are urged to be cautious on our roadways to help to reduce these risks.

2011 Christmas Day holiday:

The NSC considers the Christmas holiday period as the time from Friday evening on December 23rd through Monday evening on December 26th. During the 3.25 holiday period, the Council is predicting that there will be nearly 300 roadway fatalities and another 29,000 injuries that will require professional medical attention.

Each year, the number of fatalities decreases during this holiday period. Still, in 2009 there were nearly 250 people who died on U.S. roadways during this short holiday.

The NSC asks all motorists to wear a seat belt during the Christmas holiday, regardless of how far they'll be traveling. The council says that these safety devices are nearly 50 percent effective in preserving lives in the event of a traffic accident. About 100 lives may be saved because of these devices. Another 75 people could be saved if all motorists were to buckle up during the holiday period.

2011 New Year's Day holiday:

The NSC considers the New Year's Day holiday period as the time from Friday evening on December 30th through Monday evening on January 2nd. During the 3.25 holiday period, the council is predicting nearly 300 fatalities and another 30,000 injuries that will require professional medical attention.

The number of actual fatalities during this time decreased from 2005 to 2006 to 2007, but then again increased in 2008 and 2009. In 2009, nearly 460 people died because of traffic accidents during this short holiday.

The NSC again asks all motorists to wear a seat belt during the New Year's holiday regardless of how far you'll be traveling. The council says that these safety devices are nearly 50 percent effective in preserving lives in the event of a traffic accident. About 110 lives may be saved because of these devices. Another 75 people could be saved if all motorists were to buckle up during the holiday period.

Continue reading "Hundreds Expected to Die in Car Accidents in Fort Lauderdale and Elsewhere During Holidays" »

The number of drunk driving car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere throughout the state typically spikes through the Christmas and New Year's holiday season. For this reason, Governor Rick Scott has dubbed the entire month of December "National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month," according to News Channel 5.

Florida's anti-drunk driving campaign is used to assist the nationwide drunk-driving campaign, "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," which takes place from the 16th of December through the 2nd of January. During this time, about 40 percent of all traffic accidents are alcohol-related. This year's campaigns are being used to help reduce these numbers and to help make our roads safer for all motorists.

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand that the holidays are used as a time to spend some time away from work and school and to get together with the ones we love. Drivers are asked to be extremely cautious when traveling throughout during this time. The Florida Highway Patrol and other local law enforcement agencies are out in full force on the hunt for impaired drivers.

"Impaired driving continues to be a priority for law enforcement in the state, and the Florida Highway Patrol will be intensifying enforcement during the holidays," said FHP Director, Col. David Brierton. "Our goal is to create the safest possible driving environment by modifying driver behavior - and helping drivers make better decisions."

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently announced the national kickoff for the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. Alcohol-related traffic accidents continue to account for one out of every three roadway fatalities in the country.

"Safety is our focus year round at DOT. But this holiday season, we're stepping up our efforts to get drunk drivers off our roads and reminding Americans 'drive sober, or get pulled over,'" said LaHood. "We're making gains in our fight against drunk driving, but we cannot and will not let up."

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign recruits the help to thousands of law enforcement departments across the U.S. It also includes a $7 million Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over advertisement that is being used to alert drivers around the country about the enforcement efforts and to educate them about the dangers and risks associated with driving under the influence.

We would like to remind residents and visitors to go out with a plan. If you'll be drinking, be sure to designate a sober driver before events begin. If you can't find a driver, call a friend, a family member or a cab to come get you. If none of that works, get a hotel room or stay the night at a friend's house. There is no good reason to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol. Be safe and responsible this holiday season to ring in the New Year safely.

Continue reading "FHP Launches Campaign to Help Curb Drunk Driving Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere through Holidays" »

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on local and state lawmakers to enact a strict ban on portable electronic devices for drivers. Florida is one of the few states left in the country that has yet to enact any laws regulating the use of cell phones or text messaging devices, and it doesn't look like it's going to happen any time soon without a federal ban. But Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, said there are already a number of distractions that can't be regulated by lawmakers and there is no sense in adding another unnecessary layer of prohibitive behavior. Distraction-related car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere are going to happen whether or not there are laws governing the use of electronic distractions, according to The Palm Beach Post News.

"I've heard evidence that eating fast food, or men fixing their ties, or women fixing their makeup, or talking to screaming kids in the back of the van -- as I've done from time to time -- is just as distracting, perhaps more so, than sending someone a text message," said Cannon.

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand that the laws of various states used to govern distracting behavior have fallen short of their goal. In a majority of states across the U.S., drivers have the green light for talking on cell phones but are still prohibited from texting at the wheel. Not only are enforcement efforts struggling, but when they're carried out it's difficult for officers to determine if a driver was using the phone to make a call or typing to send a text. A federal ban against these distracting habits could help to get the nation on the same page, to help increase enforcement efforts and to make roads safer for everyone. But much of Florida isn't on board with the suggestion.

The NTSB met earlier this month to discuss the dangers of distraction-related accidents in the U.S. Of particular note was the discussion of an accident in Gray Summit, Missouri, in 2010 in which two people died and more than three dozen were injured. The driver blamed for this accident failed to abide by Missouri's laws because he was texting and making phone calls just before the accident.

According to Cannon, the Republican-dominated and conservative Legislature in Florida may be hesitant to agree to the "government-regulating private behavior."

But the chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board thinks otherwise.

"Needless lives are lost on our highways, and for what? Convenience? Death isn't convenient," said Deborah Hersman. "So we can stay more connected? A fatal accident severs that connection."

Nearly every year since 2002 Florida has seen a number of proposals to regulate this behavior, especially among novice drivers. These bills have been filed by both parties, but none has been able to pass through.

"Making citizens safer is one of the most important roles of government," said Janet Froetscher, president of the National Safety Council. "We are hopeful that legislators across the nation will recognize the value of NTSB investigations and recommendations and take the necessary actions proposed ... to make our roadways safer for everyone."

Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, says that the state is backpedaling when it comes to taking action to make our roads safer. Just to get seat belts to be mandatory in our state, the feds had to step in and threaten to take away millions in transportation money. Only then were seat belts made mandatory.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that distracted driving has doubled over the last tear. Distraction-related accidents killed almost 3,100 people on our roads in 2010. A federal ban may be the only hope in making roads safer in Florida.

Continue reading "Florida Lawmakers Wary of National Ban Aimed at Reducing Risks of Car Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere" »

As we recently reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, Florida lawmakers are debating yet another bill that would make texting while driving illegal in Florida. Florida is one of the few states that has yet to enact a law to regulate this dangerous habit among drivers.

Well, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is swooping in with its "OMG" public service announcement (PSA) campaign to stop teen drivers who text at the wheel. Teen drivers are more likely than any other age group to get into a distraction-related car accident in Boca Raton. For this reason, the two PSAs that the USDOT has created aims to educate these young, inexperienced drivers about the dangers of texting while driving.

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand that these two PSAs will be airing at more than 525 Regal Cinema theaters on more than 5,500 movie screens, on gas station pump-top screens and on the Distraction.gov website throughout December. As the approach the holidays, our Florida roadways are expected to overflow with vacationers and resident drivers heading to holiday gatherings. The increase in traffic greatly increases our young drivers' risks of a car accident. Parents are urged to talk with teen drivers about the risks they'll inevitable face during this time of the year.

In these PSAs, USDOT officials added in some popular texting lingo, like "L8R" and "LOL," to effectively spread the message to teenage drivers across the country. USDOT officials also thought that by using the gas station pump-top screens, movie theaters and online as the medium for the PSAs that these messages would effectively reach these young drivers. Nathan Gill, of Outcast's PumpTop TV, says that he hopes these short PSAs will reach our young, on-the-go drivers and potentially make a difference in the safety of everyone on our roadways through the holiday season and well beyond.

In 2010, there were nearly 3,100 people who were killed in the U.S. because of distraction-related traffic accidents. As technology grows more popular, the number of these accidents will continue to increase if nothing is done. We know that teenagers want to keep in touch with their friends through their winter break, but there's no reason to do it while driving a motor vehicle. Remind teens that there's a time and place for everything and behind the wheel is no time for texting.

Currently, there are 35 states that have enacted laws that make it illegal for a driver to talk on a cell phone. Another nine states have passed laws that make it illegal for drivers to talk on the cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

While Florida has yet to enact any such law, parents are asked to step in and talk with the teen drivers in their lives about the dangers, risks and consequences that come from using a hand-held cell phone behind the wheel.

Continue reading "USDOT Steps Forward with National Campaign to Curb Teen Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Boca, Nation" »

Nearly 2,500 people died in car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. Florida had the third highest number of traffic fatalities behind California and Texas and still remains number one most dangerous state for pedestrian fatalities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration just released the new 2010 report on crash statistics. Although the Administration points out that 2010 recorded the lowest number of fatalities since 1949, we still have far to go to ensure road safety. While the number of fatalities among some accident victims did in fact decrease, fatalities among bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists increased significantly.

Our Boca Raton accident attorneys understand that the overall 2010 fatality numbers were lower than the numbers of 2009. But traffic accident fatalities started to increase during the last part of the year. As the economy recovers, more residents are expected to travel and accident risks are expected to increase even more. In 2010, about 33,000 people died on U.S. roadways.

"While we have more work to do to continue to protect American motorists, these numbers show we're making historic progress when it comes to improving safety on our nation's roadways," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The NHTSA is working diligently to be able to better track all types of traffic accidents. To do so, the Administration created both the "distraction-affected crashes" and the "alcohol-related crashes" measure. Distraction-related accidents are increasing significantly with the advances in technology. These types of accidents accounted for about a third of all fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. Despite all of the advances of laws regulating drunk driving, alcohol-related accidents are still prevalent on our roadways, too. Drivers are reminded that the most beneficial way to prevent fatal accidents on roadways across the country is through driver awareness. Responsible and cautious drivers help to decrease the risks of serious accidents.

Key Findings of the 2010 Motor Vehicle Crashes Report from the NHTSA:

-There were nearly 33,000 fatalities and another 2.5 million injuries resulting from car accidents in the U.S.

-While the rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled decreased by less than 5 percent, the injury rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled increased by 2 percent.

-Alcohol-related accidents accounted for 31 percent of all fatal accidents.

-More than 50 percent of the people killed in traffic accidents were not properly restrained at the time of the accident.

-The number of fatal accidents in rural areas decreased, while the number or urban-area fatal accidents increased.

-Fatalities among motorcyclists over the age of 50 increased, while the number of fatalities among motorcyclists younger than 50 actually decreased. Overall, the number of motorcycle fatalities increased.

-Twenty states experienced increases in the number of traffic fatalities.

-The number of traffic fatalities in Florida decreased by less than 5 percent from 2009 to 2010.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere Still High: New Statistics Released by NHTSA" »

Accidents in parking lots in Boca Raton are most likely to happen during the month of December. During this time, residents throughout the state are out combing our malls and shopping centers for the perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family members. This is when parking lots are crowded and lurking with dangers, but with the proper safety strategies shoppers can help to reduce the risks of an accident during this busy time of the year.

Boca Raton injury attorneys understand that the holidays are supposed to be a pleasant time of the year. But they can quickly turn disastrous if we're not careful. There are risks of car accidents, pedestrian accidents, robberies and muggings in parking lots during this time.

Hollander Law Firm offers you these parking lot safety tips to help prevent becoming a victim of a crime:

-Always remain aware of your surroundings. Never allow yourself to get distracted by children, shopping bags, cell phones, etc.

-You should never walk alone at night. You should always walk with a friend, a coworker, a security guard or a police officer.

-Always have your keys in your hand and ready to get into the car. Drivers are urged to keep a whistle on car keys to use if something happens.

-You should always walk with a purpose. Recent studies have concluded that those who walk quickly and purposefully are less likely to become the victim of a predator. This type of walking sends a signal that you're not an easy target.

-Keep one of your hands free at all times. This will allow you to fight off a would-be attacker.

-Always remember where you parked so you're not spending too much time walking through a parking lot.

-You should always walk in the middle of ramps and aisles instead of using the stairs of a parking garage or an elevator. Stairs and elevators are an easy place for these individuals to prey on their victims.

-You should always walk in areas that are well lit. Back into a parking space when you can so you can exit more easily.

-You should steer clear of parking spots next to vans and other large vehicles. Attackers can easily hide near these vehicles and get to your quicker.

-Only unlock the driver's door when getting in. Always lock the door behind you.

-Before you get into your car, look around the inside to make sure it hasn't been broken into and that no one is in there.

-Limit the time you spend idling in your car. Once you're in, start moving.

-Make sure you know where emergency telephones, security guards and parking lot attendants are located.

-Never keep any form of identification on your car keys. If you lose them or they get stolen, a thief may be able to find you, your house or your car.

-Be sure to always report suspicious activity. If you feel like someone's following you, you should run to a lighted area or towards people who can help to find assistance.

Motorists and pedestrians are urged to be cautious around one another when traveling in our busy parking lots through the holidays, too. Let's make this a safe holiday season and escape with no injuries. Happy Holidays and safe shopping.

Continue reading "Parking Lot Accidents in Boca Raton Common through Holiday Season" »

Lawmakers are debating, once again, whether or not texting while driving should be legal in the state of Florida. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, Florida is one of the few states left that has absolutely no laws in place regulating the used of cell phones or text messaging devices for drivers.

The new bill was created was co-sponsored by Florida state Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton. Slosberg is a safe driving advocate whose family suffers from a distraction-related car accident as they lost their daughter in one of these accidents a few years ago.

Before we get our hopes up, distracted driving legislation has been introduced in the Florida legislation for years. Unfortunately, lawmakers have been too busy limiting the rights of fall victims and reducing staffing in nursing homes. No one pays the bills when it comes to distracted driving so the carnage continues.

Many believe that the bill won't even make its way out of committee, according to The News-Press. The bill failed last year mainly because officials don't know how well they'll be able to enforce such regulations and because of the "anti-government regulation atmosphere" in Tallahassee. Until drivers put down the cell phone, distraction-related car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere will continue to plague our roadways.

Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand that there are 35 states, Guam and Washington D.C. that have already enacted laws that prohibit drivers from texting. Some counties throughout the state have stopped bus drivers and school employees from texting while driving. Still, these laws aren't commonly enforced and they only cover a small portion of drivers, doing nearly nothing to solve the big problem.

Car accidents that involved a text-messaging driver took the lives of more than 16,000 people in the U.S. from 2001 to 2007. Another recent study concluded that truck drivers who text while driving face an increase in their risks for an accident by nearly 25 percent.

A recent experiment that was published in Car and Driver Magazine concluded that drivers who text message behind the wheel face greater risks than a driver who is legally drunk.

Slosberg and state Rep. Ray Pilon, R-Sarasota, say that they're pushing for this type of law in Florida because texting behind the wheel produces deadly results all too often.

"It's worse than being drunk," said Slosberg.

State Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, said she supports the bill that Slosberg's created. She says it all makes sense. This behavior should be regulated because we're seeing too many of these accidents on our state's roadways every day.

Under Slosberg's bill, texting would only be a secondary offense, which means that a driver would have to be pulled over for another infraction first. If a driver is issued a ticket for texting while driving, they would get six points on their license. Remember, if your get at least 12 in one year, then your license will be suspended.

This isn't the first time that an anti-texting bill has made its way through the legislature. Slosberg just hopes this time will be different and drivers will stop texting and endangering innocent motorists.

Continue reading "New Bill Aims to Decrease Risks for Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere" »

The Tri-Rail commuter rail station in Palm Beach County on Yomato Road, or the Boca Raton Station, is causing come safety concerns for riders. The station was first opened in January of 1989 and was rebuilt in 2005 because of Hurricane Wilma. This is the southernmost Tri-Rail station in Palm Beach County and offers plenty of parking for gas-saving riders.

According to the Sun Sentinel, the rider traffic on the Tri-Rail has increased by more than 10 percent every month since the beginning of 2011. Statistics illustrate that there are nearly 15,000 people who ride it on weekdays. Many are worried that the increase in rider traffic is causing an increase in the risks for a serious mass transit accident in Boca Raton.

Our Boca Raton accident attorneys understand that critics of the station have said that there's only "standing room only at times on weekdays." Waiting areas, aisles, cars and doors are crowded with the increase in passengers. Some riders even bring bicycles with them and take up even more room in the cars. While the number of riders was significantly higher when gas was pushing $4 a gallon, the current increase is wearing and tearing on the rail line's aging cars. Break downs are happening more often, leaving fewer cars for more passengers to ride. During rush hour it's tough to even find a seat, leaving the crowded station and train cars with standing passengers.

Rail officials are expecting the number of passengers to increase even more next year. In 2012, the city plans to begin a three-year construction project between Golden Glades and Fort Lauderdale on Interstate 95. The construction is expected to send more travelers to the Tri-Rail to avoid traffic delays on I-95

"I think some of the people who defected to the express buses will be back on the train once they realize that they're going to be stuck in traffic like everyone else," said Bonnie Arnold, a spokeswoman for the Tri-Rail.

Many trains are running with two cars instead of their usual three, which is a large contributor the crowded areas. This is expected to continue through the middle of 2012, as that's when more cars and locomotives are expected to be added.

Cars aren't only breaking down though. There was that accident that happened in the beginning of November in which a train hit a car when every seat on that southbound train was filled. Riders of the train say that there were a couple dozen people standing in the aisles when it happened and another 10 bicycles on board.

Riders complain that it's tough to ride when there are so many bikes on board, too.

One weekday rider says that he fears an accident. He says that when there are so many passengers and bicycles on the train, the doors are blocked and exits are difficult.

Another who is a flight attendant who works out of Fort Lauderdale says that there are racks for the luggage and bikes on the lower levels of the cars. Riders don't store their bicycles there like they should and rail officials aren't enforcing the rules for stowing these items.

Continue reading "Increase in Tri-Rail Riders Threaten Mass Transit Accident in Boca Raton" »

Children and elderly pedestrians are most commonly the victims of back-over car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere throughout Florida. These accidents are so common that the U.S. Department of Transportation is pushing for mandatory back-up cameras on all vehicles. Drivers are urged to be extremely cautious when reversing a vehicle as pedestrians can easily be overlooked and unfortunately run over.

"There is no more tragic accident than for a parent or caregiver to back out of a garage or driveway and kill or injure an undetected child playing behind the vehicle," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Our Boca Raton pedestrian accident attorneys understand the number of back-over accidents typically increase during each holiday season. During this time, vehicular traffic increases and drivers don't provide full attention to their surroundings when reversing. These back-up accidents are most likely to occur in driveways and in parking lots. As residents and tourists gather and friends' and family members' houses for holiday gatherings and motorists across the state flock to local shopping centers, the risk for back-up accidents increases significantly. Luckily, there are a few precautionary steps that we can all take to help prevent these types of accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that there are more than 290 fatalities and nearly 20,000 injuries that happen each year because of back-over accidents. Nearly 230 of these fatalities involve a vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds, like the average passenger vehicle. Nearly 45 percent of these fatalities occur to children who are under the age of 5, which is an alarmingly high percentage for any type of accident.

Approximately 35 percent of these victims are pedestrians who are over the age of 70.

Safety tips to keep children safe from back-over accidents:

-Teach your young ones never to play in our around vehicles.

-Always supervise children when they have to be around vehicles.

-Hold your child's hand when walking through a parking lot.

-Before you get in your vehicle to reverse, walk around it to make sure the area is clear.

-Teach your children to stand away a vehicle when a driver gets in one.

-Children should wait on a sidewalk or on the grass while a vehicle is backing out of a driveway or a parking spot.

-Children should never leave bicycles or toys on the driveway.

-Make sure you look behind you when you're reversing your vehicle just in case someone dashes behind your car unexpectedly.

-If you drive an SUV or another large vehicle, roll down the windows as you back up so you can hear what's going on outside your vehicle. Larger vehicles have larger blind spots.

-Although some vehicles come equipped with back-up cameras, don't rely on them. A driver's eye and awareness is still the best defense against a back-up accident.

Continue reading "Back-Up Accidents Common Occurrences through Busy Holiday Season" »