South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

The big weekend event is almost here -- Super Bowl Sunday. While Florida may not be playing this year, fans across the state will be gathering to enjoy some good sports fun.

Unfortunately, this action-packed and unofficial holiday is also the host of one of the most dangerous times to be on our roadways. There are sure to be plenty house parties, restaurant and bar events and even some old-fashioned tailgating parties. But what there shouldn't be are intoxicated drivers. Historically, it's been a major problem on Super Bowl Sunday.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Super Bowl Sunday has been deemed as one of the country's most dangerous times for motorists -- because of drunk drivers. It's estimated that nearly 50 percent of all fatalities that happen as a result of car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere on Super Bowl Sunday are the result of alcohol-impaired drivers. In 2010, alcohol-related accidents accounted for just over 30 percent of all roadways fatalities. You can see that alcohol-related accidents are much more likely during Super Bowl Sunday.

Our Boca Raton drunk driving accident attorneys understand that Super Bowl Sunday is an American tradition. It's a time to get together with friends and family members and to enjoy a good game of football. What we need to keep in mind during Super Bowl XLVI -- roadway safety. According to the NHTSA, there have already been about 180,000 Americans who have made the pledge to be a designated driver. We're not asking everyone to be a designated driver this Sunday. But we are asking everyone who is drinking to partner up with one to help ensure a safe ride home.

The NHTSA says that your designated driver should be properly licensed and should be over the age of 21. More importantly, your designated driver should promise to consume absolutely no amount of alcohol. Many people may think that your designated driver is the one who is the least drunk. NO! A designated driver is to remain completely sober. It's your best bet at getting home safely.

If you're going out for the Super Bowl, there are a few tips to remember to help you to make it home safely. The NHTSA has offered the tips listed below to help make sure that everyone has a safe and fun Super Bowl Sunday.

Going Out For The Super Bowl:

-Before you leave the house, you need to make sure you have a designated driver who has agreed to drink absolutely no alcoholic beverages.

-Make sure you're well fed before and while you drink. Food will help prevent you from over-drinking.

-Take care of your designated driver. Just because they're not drinking doesn't mean that they can't have fun. Be sure to include them. Make sure they're comfortable. Make sure they've got enough food and drink. Offer them a good seat to watch the game. Offer to chip in for gas and parking. They are helping to save your live after all.

-Be sure to leave your car keys at your house.

-Carry the phone numbers of local taxi companies just in case.

Remember, this year the New York Giants and the New England Patriots will face off at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 5th 2012.

"Drafting a designated driver this weekend will be the correct play call for a sure win," suggests the NHTSA.‎

Continue reading "NHTSA Targeting Drunk Drivers in Boca Raton and Elsewhere on Super Bowl Sunday" »

It's a New Year and everyone's going hard on their New Year's resolutions. We're asking you to fit in one more New Year's resolution to help to make our roadways safer. We're asking all residents to pledge to practice safe and cautious driving habits through 2012 to help reduce the risks of car accidents in Boca Raton. To make the roadways safer for everyone, we're asking drivers to curb the distractions, to always driver sober, to abide by speed limits, to be cautious at intersections and to be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were nearly 235,000 car accidents in the state in 2010. In these accidents, there were more than 338,000 drivers involved. This means that there were nearly 650 car accidents every single day in Florida.

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand that there were nearly 2,500 people killed in car accidents in Florida in 2010. In addition to these fatalities, there were more than 195,000 people who were injured in these accidents. If that's not bad enough, there were 108,350 accidents that only damaged property. Make one of your 2012 New Year's resolutions to be a safer driver to help reduce these statistics. The change starts with you. Lead by example.

Traffic Accident Stats - Florida 2010:

-Alcohol-related fatalities: Nearly 800.

-Drug-related fatalities: More than 100.

-Pedestrian fatalities: Nearly 500.

-Bicyclist fatalities: Nearly 100.

-Motorcyclist fatalities: Nearly 400.

-Teenage driver fatalities: Almost 100.

In January of 2010, there were more than 190 people killed because of car accidents in Florida. Another 19,100 people were injured during this time period. Drivers are asked to put on their game face when climbing behind the wheel to help make our roadways safe and to reduce the risks of accidents.

Safe Driving Tips:

-Put down the distractions. Distracted drivers contribute to about a third of accidents on our roadways. When you're behind the wheel, place all your focus and attention on driving.

-Obey the law. Abide by all posted speed limit, traffic signs and road laws.

-Get in the mood. Never drive when you are angry, stressed, anxious or upset. You always want to drive with a clear and calm mind to help to keep your thoughts from wandering off the roadway.

-Buckle up! Seat belts can save your life in the event of an accident.

-Stay sober. Never drink and drive. Always have a sober ride home or a safe place to stay. Drinking and driving can land you in jail, in a hospital or even in a casket.

-Eye on the weather. Always adjust your driving to the current weather conditions. If it's rainy or foggy, be sure to slow down.

-Defense! Be a defensive driver. Expect the unexpected and keep an eye out for other travelers. Don't always assume that other travelers will abide by the law. Be on the lookout and ready to react.

-Shape up. Keep your car in tune. Check the battery, the windshield wipers, the conditions of the tires and the fluid levels often. Keeping your car in good-working order can help to reduce the risks of a roadside emergency.

Continue reading "New Year's Resolutions to Minimize Risks of Car Accidents in Boca Raton" »

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" »

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" »

In the late 1960s, the federal government released the Alcohol and Highway Safety Report. This was the first study that collected and reported data on the dangers of drunk driving-related car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. One of the main publishers of the report, William Haddon, was former director of the National Highway Safety Bureau and president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. A year later, Haddon published an article in Popular Science that outlined some of the background on how the report was put together.

Haddon said there were about 56,000 deaths annually because of traffic accidents that involved a drunk driver back then. There were about 800,000 total accidents resulting from drunk driving during the same time. He classified many of the intoxicated drivers as average people; students, mothers, fathers, hard workers, social drinkers and teenagers.

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand what a groundbreaking report this was. This was one of the first major projects used to educate the public about just how dangerous and common this behavior was. Back then, the drunk-driving blood-alcohol limit was 0.15 in many states. The blood alcohol concentration today is much lower at 0.08. Still we're seeing far too many drunk driving-related accidents. With the holiday season approaching, we urge residents to be careful and sober on our roadways as this is a time when we typically see an increase in the number of alcohol-related car accidents on our roadways.

Drunk-driving arrests peaked at just under 2 million in 1983. In 1996, there were about 1.5 million drunk-driving arrests in the country, but alcohol-related accidents were still way too high. Many believe this decline was a result of the legal drinking-age increase. In 1984, the legal drinking age was pushed from 18 to 21 in 1984.

Drunk-driving statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

-Approximately 11,000 people were killed on our roadways in 2010 because of drunk-driving accidents. This was the third highest cause for traffic-related deaths in the U.S.

-Estimates conclude that U.S. drivers got behind the wheel about more than 110 million times in 2010.

-Self-reported incidents of drunk driving have decreased by about 30 percent in recent years.

-Approximately 5 percent of adults reported to have engaged in binge drinking at least four times a month. These incidents accounted for nearly 60 percent of all reported alcohol-related episodes.

-Male drivers between the ages of 20 and 35 account for only 11 percent of the country's population, but accounted for more than 30 percent of reported drunk driving episodes.

-The Midwest region of the country accounted for more drunk-driving incidents than any other region in the U.S. This area calculated about 650 incidents per 1,000 people. The country's average is about 480 per 1,000. North Dakota is the state with the most frequent reporting of these types of accidents with 988 episodes per 1,000.

Many researchers believe that these statistics are even higher as they think that many episodes are never reported. We urge all drivers to travel sober throughout the year.

Continue reading "Holiday Season Brings Out Alcohol-Impaired Drivers and Increased Risks of Fatal Car Accidents in Boca Raton" »

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) just announced its most important safety initiatives for the year. Their targeting "most wanted" drivers through this awareness campaign and initiatives. They've got an agenda and it includes teen drivers, drunk drivers and motorcyclists. The NTSB is publicizing their safety recommendations as a result of its investigations of car accidents in Boca Raton and elsewhere. The Board pushes these recommendations because when they're implemented motorist safety continues to be at risk.

Our West Palm Beach car accident attorneys understand that these targeted motorists could be some of the most at-risk drivers on our roadways. It is important to take information provided by the NTSB and apply it to your everyday driving habits. At times, drivers can become lackadaisical behind the wheel and forget that their actions could potentially end someone's life if not their own. The NTSB aims to bring back awareness in drivers to make everyone's day a little safer.

The first group of motorists that were targeted on the most wanted list were young, inexperienced teen drivers. They were targeted because car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for teens in the United States. Car accidents kill eight teens every day. More teens die from motor-vehicle accidents than cancer, gun violence or drugs. From 2000 to 2009, more than 58,000 teens, age 15- to 20-years-old, died in traffic accidents.

The NTSB suggests that every state enact a graduated driver licensing (GDL) system. This is a system that allows young, novice drivers to gain road exposure through a number of driving-privilege levels. Teens should start off driving in low-risk situations and, as driving restrictions are lifted, they should be gradually exposed to a fuller driving experience.

What states should do to better educate teen drivers:

-Start teens off with a learner's permit, allowing teens to drive with the supervision of a licensed driver.

-Limit nighttime driving hours.

-Set a limit for the number of passengers that may be in the vehicle with a teen driver.

-Prohibit the use of cell phones and texting devices by drivers in this age group.

A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concluded that states with a strong teen driver safety program typically witness a 40 percent lower rate of injury crash involvement among 16-year-old drivers

The NTSB is also targeting drunk drivers. It is estimated that someone dies in an accident that involves an alcohol-impaired driver every 48 minutes. Nearly 11,000 people died in the United States in 2009 because of these accidents. Roughly a third of all traffic accidents that happen every year involve a drunk driver. This is a statistic that hasn't changed in the last ten years. As a matter of fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that a driver makes nearly 90 impaired driving trips before they're arrested for drinking and driving. Florida witnessed more than 900 traffic accident fatalities because of intoxicated drivers in 2009 alone.

The NTSB recommends that states continue to perform sobriety checkpoints and administrative license revocation to target impaired drivers. They also suggest that states start to limit plea bargaining and diversion programs. States should also trying using alternatives including dedicated jail and treatment facilities, home detention with electronic monitoring and intensive supervision probation to help stop offenders from recommitting the dangerous driving habit.

Lastly, they're focusing on motorcyclists. It is estimated that more than 10 motorcyclists are killed every single day in the United States. From 1997 to 2009, the number of yearly motorcycle deaths doubled from 2,116 to 4,462. Motorcycles only represent about 3 percent of the vehicles on our roadways, but they account for nearly 15 percent of all highway deaths. The NTSB is pushing for stricter helmet use and laws.

The NTSB will continue to make recommendations to help ensure motorist safety, but these recommendations are only effective if the public is receptive to these recommendations and makes genuine attempts to take the proper safety precautions on our roadways.

Continue reading "NTSB Releases Most Wanted Motorist List to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Boca Raton and Elsewhere" »

Be careful on our Florida roadways this Fourth of July holiday weekend, if not to avoid a costly traffic ticket than to avoid a serious or fatal car accident in Boca Raton and elsewhere in Florida. The Fourth of July typically sees more car accident fatalities than any other holiday weekend of the year. An increased number of Florida Highway Patrol troopers will be out on our roadways starting Friday afternoon through midnight on July 4 to help decrease the number of fatal accidents.

"The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to making Florida's highways safer, and we plan to do that by bolstering our forces to reduce the number and severity of crashes," said FHP Director, Col. David Brierton. "Our troopers will take appropriate enforcement action on those drivers who put themselves and others in danger. We want everyone to have a safe traveling experience in our state as they enjoy the holiday weekend. I encourage motorists to do their part by complying with all traffic laws and making sure everyone in their vehicle is buckled up."

Our Boca Raton car accident attorneys remind you that the Fourth of July holiday weekend has repeatedly been ranked as the deadliest holiday of the year on our roadways. When people think of a deadly holiday, they usually will associate it with New Year's Day. That's wrong! That association is probably why more people stay off the roads during that time than during the Fourth of July. As a matter of fact, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated that nearly 40 million people will travel this holiday weekend.

To help combat the high number of fatal accidents, all uniformed FHP personnel will be out patrolling interstates and other major state roads throughout the state. There will even be FHP Auxiliary and Reserve troopers volunteering their time to assist the Patrol's forces. The state's strategy aims to increase the presence of Patrol units to help to discourage motorists from breaking the rules of the road.

The Fourth of July has almost always been at the top of the list for the deadliest holiday on our roadways. Researches have been gathering and analyzing traffic statistics for the last 25 years, according to Fox Business. Not only does this holiday see more fatal accidents, but it has also been concluded that more than 50 percent of these deadly traffic accidents are related to alcohol.

In 2009, nearly 500 people died in car accidents that occurred during the three-day Fourth of July weekend. This holiday weekend has been proven time and time again to be more deadly than Labor Day, New Year's, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"Drunk driving is a major public safety threat that still claims thousands of lives every year," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in a recent media release. "Many states continue to step up their efforts to get drunk drivers off our roads, but the numbers tell us we have to do more."

Continue reading "FHP On Duty - Looking to Prevent Car Accidents in West Palm, Boca Raton this Holiday Weekend" »

A car traveling against traffic caused an early morning car accident in Boca Raton that killed one and left one suffering from minor injuries, according The Palm Beach Post.

A Coconut Creek motorcyclist was headed northbound on State Road 7 at roughly 3 a.m. when a car approached him headed southbound in the northbound lanes, according to a report released by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Our Boca Raton personal injury lawyers would like to remind visitors that May is National Motorcycle Safety Month and to be extra cautious and aware of the increasing number of motorcyclists on our roadways.

Both vehicles swerved to avoid a collision with one another, but they swerved in the same direction. The motorcycle slammed into the front passenger door of the vehicle. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike and was pronounced dead on the scene, according to ABC 25.

Investigators have concluded that the driver of the passenger vehicle was under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the accident.

The National Safety Council (NSC) announced that May will be used to encourage motorists to safely share the road with motorcyclists and urge them to practice extra caution when these two-wheeled vehicles are nearby. Motorcyclists are much more vulnerable to accidents than any other driver. Many accidents happen because of their small size. Motorcycles are often hidden in the blind spots of vehicles. It is important for motorists to always check, and double check, for the presence of motorcyclists before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.

Motorcyclist fatalities increased more that 130 percent between 1998 and 2008, according to the NSC. It has been estimated that the mileage death rate for motorcyclists in 2007 was more than 35 percent higher than that of passenger-vehicle occupants.

"Throughout spring and summer the number of motorcyclists on the road will increase. It is important for both motorists and motorcyclists to be aware of one another," said David Teater, NSC senior director of Transportation Initiatives. "To better defend themselves, motorcyclists should follow the rules of the roadway and wear protective gear, including a Department of Transportation compliant helmet."

In 2009, nearly 4,600 fatalities resulted from accidents involving motorcycles. In addition, more than 84,000 were injured. Last year, Florida experienced nearly 550 motorcycle rider fatalities -- more than anywhere else in the United States.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers short instructional videos to motorists to offer tips to help keep them safe on our roadways.

Continue reading "Motorcyclist Killed in Wrong Way DUI Accident in Boca Raton" »

The Sun Sentinel reports the man who killed a Plantation woman in a drunk driving accident finally pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges recently. Boca Raton personal injury lawyers continue to see far too many accidents caused by drunk driving.

Drunk driving accidents in Fort Myers, Naples and Boca Raton continue to be a leading cause of death on our South Florida roadways. Driving under the influence continues to be a public health threat that takes so many lives in senseless tragedies each and every day.

The Examiner reports that the drunk driver was driving the wrong way on I-95 when he hit an SUV head-on. Three of the five passengers in the SUV were thrown from the car. The drunk driver killed one woman and two other passengers were seriously injured in the crash. Awaiting trial in November, the drunk driver fled to Central America after escaping from house arrest by cutting off his ankle monitor.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has reported a minimum of 770 DUI fatalities each year in Florida from 2005 to 2009. In 2009, Florida (30) was just under the national average (32) in percentage of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities with a BAC of .08 or higher when compared to total fatalities in all crashes.

When compared to the best state, Florida was almost double in the percentage of DUI fatalities for 2009. Florida reported that 21% of alcohol impaired fatalities in 2009 were when the driver was tested with a BAC of .15 or higher.

WPBF reports the drunk driver in this case was tested and recorded to have a BAC level of .14 at the time of the accident, almost double the legal limit in our state. He has pleaded guilty to one charge of DUI manslaughter and six other DUI counts related to property damage and injuries to other passengers. He faces a minimum of four years in prison and will be sentenced in July.

If you plan to attend a party or gathering that involves alcohol, adhere to the following safety tips:
-Always designate a driver who promises not to drink.

-Drink plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening. They will make you feel full and give you less opportunity to consume alcohol.

-Give your keys to a friend so that there is no temptation to drive home later.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident in Boca Raton, Naples or Fort Myers, contact the Hollander Law Firm. To make a free appointment to discuss your rights, call 1-888-751-7770 today.

Fifty-six people were killed in Florida car accidents over the holidays, according to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Our Fort Lauderdale car accident attorneys frequently report on the high risk of car accidents faced by South Florida motorists. Florida joins Texas and California as the states with the most fatal traffic accidents each year. And Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties are the most dangerous areas in the state.

Reducing the risk of drunk driving accidents in West Palm Beach and elsewhere in South Florida remained a priority through the holidays. The Florida Highway Patrol reported arresting 474 people on drunk driving charges. In all, the patrol issued 40,677 citations through the 19-day holiday enforcement period.

"Our troopers worked hard to help our residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable holiday period," said Col. John Czernis. "Motorists who operate their vehicles in an unsafe fashion are a danger that puts innocent lives at risk. The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol did their part to identify the unsafe drivers and take the steps necessary to decrease that risk."

But the holiday driving season often just signals the beginning of the risk for Florida motorists. While we do not have to deal with the winter weather gripping most of the rest of the nation, the increased traffic wrought by tourists and winter residents is challenge enough to increase the risk of being involved in a serious or fatal car accident.

In fact, state accident statistics in 2009 show that the number of crashes in Florida peaked at 21,599 in March. April and May contained the next-highest number of crashes. Fatalities also peaked in March, at 224.

The patrol is also reminding motorists of the state's Move Over law, which requires vehicles to slow down and/or move over when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with activated flashing lights.

Aggressive drivers or suspected drunk drivers can be reported to the patrol by calling *FHP (*347) on your cell phone.

Continue reading "Risk of holiday traffic fatalities begins winter driving season in South Florida " »

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that 1 in 10 teenagers admits to driving drunk in the last year and more than half of those admit to having done so more than once.

Boca Raton car accident attorneys understand the risks teens face behind the wheel. In addition to drunk driving, teenagers are at increased risk of speeding, aggressive driving, not wearing their seat belt, distracted driving and driving with too many passengers in the vehicle.

The risks associated with drunk driving cannot be overstated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that someone is killed in a drunk driving accident every 45 minutes in this country. In 2009, alcohol was involved in 35 percent of Florida's fatal accident, contributing to the deaths of 904 motorists.

"Drunk drivers put everyone on the road in danger," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. "Driving is both a privilege and a responsibility. Exploring new technologies, such as interlocking devices, are important to ensuring public safety in conjunction with personal responsibility and law enforcement."

The study found near-universal support for requiring those convicted of a repeat DUI offense to use ignition interlock devices, which test a driver's breath for the presence of alcohol and will not permit a car to start if alcohol is detected. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans support mandating the devices for all DUI offenders, including those convicted of violating the state's drunk driving laws for the first time.

AAA offers a pledge to avoid drunk driving, available here.

Continue reading "Teens at high risk of drunk driving accidents in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach" »

In our second blog on Teen Safe Driver Week (Oct. 17-24) we will focus on the dangers of drinking and driving among teenagers as the homecoming season and the upcoming holiday's rapidly approach.

It is a parents responsibility to make sure your teen is aware of the dangers of drunk driving and how they can steer clear of the many other distractions that could cause a horrifyingly, possibly fatal Fort Lauderdale car accident.

Mother's Against Drunk Driving reports that they help a victim of drinking and driving every ten minutes. No parent wants to believe that their teen is drinking but it has been reported that one in five teens participates in dangerous binge drinking. Not only is drinking amongst teens still a problem in this day and age, teens are also susceptible to many other distractions while driving.

In 2009, the National Safety Council reported that text messaging and cell phone use alone caused approximately 1.6 million car accidents in 2008. It has also been determined that your chances of having a car accident increases four times by using a cell phone while driving.

Thankfully, there is a slew of information out there for parents to share with their teens to assure that each and every driving experience is the safest. As a parent there are also things that you can do to ensure your teen is making good choices. As homecoming approaches, teens will inevitably be excited and receiving many phone calls and text messages from friends. Some of these friends may also have alcohol readily accessible to them. Talking to them now can prevent a tragedy in the future.

As parents you must be sure your teen understands that driving is a privilege and when rules are broken privileges are lost. It may make it easier for them to understand that this applies to their parents just as much as it applies to them. Make the rules and stick to them. Drinking is an absolute no, no. Not only are teens not old enough to drink, their bodies are still much too immature than an adults in order to handle alcohol. Cell phone use should not be allowed. Some adults are not even coordinated enough to use a cell phone while driving let alone a beginning teen driver. The fact that many states have banned text messaging and many are considering banning hand held cell phones is a clear indicator of this. For more information on keeping your teen safe while driving NHTSA's website.

Continue reading "Teenage drunk driving too frequently a cause of South Florida car accidents" »

The 22-year-old, his girlfriend and a 17-year-old friend were returning home from swimming and some pizza when the June 11 Del Prado Boulevard accident occurred. The driver, arguing about wet seats, accelerated into the curve and lost control of his 1992 Nissan. The car then skidded off the road and struck a tree, the Fort Myers News-Press reports.

The 20-year-old front-seat passenger was killed instantly and both the driver a second passenger were seriously injured in the alcohol-related Fort Myers car accident. The driver, who faces 20 years in prison if convicted, has been charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, DUI with serious bodily injury and DUI with property damage. Police reports indicate the driver was also under the influence of marijuana at the time of the crash.

For the family of the deceased, the loss didn't stop with their daughter. Shortly after the accident, the victim's mother disappeared and has yet to return. Friends told the News-Press she was suicidal after the accident.

According to the Center for Disease Control, every 45 minutes a person in the U.S. is killed due to an alcohol-related car accident. In 2008, alcohol and narcotics use were factors in 1.4 million driver arrests and drugs other than alcohol were linked to 18 percent of all motor vehicle deaths. Drivers and passengers aged 21-24 accounted 34 percent of all alcohol-related fatal crash victims, making this age group the most likely to suffer loss of life behind the wheel in a DUI-related crash.

That trends is consistent in Florida as well, where, in 2009, drivers aged 20-24 had the highest rate of fatal car accidents and represented the highest number of alcohol-related car accidents and fatal crashes involving alcohol, the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports.

Continue reading "North Fort Myers man faces charges of DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide in drunk driving accident" »

The Center for Disease Control reports that having children at home does not decrease a driver's likelihood of getting behind the wheel and driving impaired. In 2008, 99 children aged 14 and under were killed in fatal car accidents where the driver was intoxicated. Out of 1,347 traffic fatalities involving this age group, 16 percent were killed in car accidents where alcohol played a factor.

Our Fort Myers car accident attorneys and Fort Lauderdale injury lawyers know that while serious or fatal alcohol-related Florida car accidents are on the decline, the number of car accidents where alcohol is a factor is still quite high. In 2009, the Florida Department of Motor Vehicles reported 20,085 alcohol-related crashes, killing 1,004 and leaving another 14,130 Floridians injured. Boca Raton saw 105 DUI crashes, Fort Myers reported 117 and Naples reported 136 DUI-related crashes in 2009.

Since Labor Day, both Lee and Broward Counties have reported a handful of DUI arrests involving impaired drivers with children in the car. Aside from facing a DUI charge, often drivers are additionally charged with child cruelty or neglect. In some cases, the state can choose to remove children from the home. ABC-7 reported that a 23-year-old woman was stopped by highway patrol after a witness reported an impaired driver on I-75. It was determined she had struck a guard rail causing $750 in damage. She was driving with an infant in the car.

The Miami Herald reported that over the Labor Day holiday, three drivers were charged with DUI while transporting children in separate incidents:

~ A 29-year-old Palm Springs man was speeding in Lake Worth. He was driving with his 11- and 13-year-old sons.

~ A 30-year-old Royal Palm Beach woman was cited following a car accident at S.R. 7 and Pioneer Road. She was accompanied by her 6-year-old daughter. No injuries were reported.

~ A 43-year-old Deerfield Beach man was charged after officers spotted him weaving while driving 70 m.p.h. in a 35 m.p.h. zone. He was traveling with his 8-year-old son.

Continue reading "In separate incidents, parents in Fort Myers and Broward County charged with DUI with kids in car" »