Auto technology has evolved over the years, especially when it pertains to safety. The first cars, of course, had very few safety systems at all. But that quickly changed, especially as the risk of injury or even death became very clear, and as cars themselves became more popular. This led to the implementation of things like seatbelts and airbags. These are safety systems that are designed to protect a person from injury. If an accident occurs, these systems theoretically kick in and reduce the severity of those injuries. Wearing your seatbelt doesn’t mean you’re not going to be injured,...
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Wrong-way vehicle collisions on the rise
Wrong-way crashes are on the rise. Unfortunately, this type of motor vehicle accident is one of the most serious, often resulting in head-on collisions and deaths. It is commonly thought that wrong-way accidents are rare and difficult to get into, but studies have shown that these accidents have increased in recent years. While the topic is undoubtedly scary and difficult to process, there are things we can do to prevent these types of accidents. Driver age and technology Notably, teenagers and young adults behind the wheel and elderly drivers, especially those over 70, should take special...
Other drivers can be a threat to motorcyclists
Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and freeing activity. Riding allows you to appreciate nature and interact with the road in a way that enclosed road users vehicles don’t get to experience. When riding a motorcycle, though, a significant cause for concern is other vehicles. In fact, 42% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involving another car occur when the other driver is turning left. This means the motorcycle was going straight, and the other vehicle turned into them. With the increased risks of riding, there are some easy solutions to reduce injury. Causes of motorcycle accidents While fun...
Why some semitruck drivers are unfit to be on the road
Semitruck drivers do not have the luxury of waking up after a full night's rest and hitting the road after a hot meal. Most truckers are driving long hours, eating fast food, with an hour or two of sleep between jobs. Their declining health can impact how they drive and put you in danger when driving around them. You should know that a trucker’s health is not the only reason you may be in danger: New truckers can be unqualified for the job Driver shortages have caused the trucking industry to reduce the legal semitruck driving age to 18 years of age from the original 21 years of age. These...
Why might a semitruck crash into you?
Any motor vehicle could cause a crash, yet semitrucks can cause crashes far more devastating than other vehicles because of their size. Their size can also make them more prone to crash. Here are some of the reasons to watch out for if driving around them: They are longer A truck driver cannot clear a junction as fast as shorter vehicles. Anyone on a motorcycle or in a car that misjudges how soon another vehicle will reach the intersection they are crossing can often get out of the way in time with a quick blast of the throttle. Or, they may be able to brake hard and stop just in time....
Can you seek compensation for a drunk driving crash?
Drunk drivers are a danger to everyone who’s on the road at the same time as them. It’s imperative that all victims of drunk driving crashes take steps to hold that driver accountable for their negligence. This may help to prevent the driver from getting behind the wheel after drinking again. One thing that some people don’t realize is that they can seek compensation for the damages caused by the impaired driving crash through the civil court system. This includes things like your medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, plus pain and suffering. This is possible even if the person faces...
Don’t respond to aggressive tailgaters
Many people across Ohio rely on the safe use of the roads to go about their daily activities. Usually, they are able to do this without issue. Unfortunately, there are times where drivers can run into trouble. Road traffic accidents are common enough in the state to be worthy of concern. There are a number of different factors that can lead up to an accident, with driver distraction, impairment, speeding and reckless driving being some of the more notable sources. Among the most frequent causes of road traffic collisions is tailgating. Tailgating warrants further consideration as not only...
Wearing high-visibility clothing while riding your motorcycle may save your life
If you tell someone that you’re a motorcyclist, their next question might be about whether you’ve been in any accidents. People tend to associate riding a motorcycle with an enhanced injury risk. One of the reasons why motorcyclists face such a high risk of injury is due to visibility issues. It’s not uncommon for motorcyclists to say that they didn’t see riders approaching them. Motorcycle riders can take measures to make themselves more visible to potentially minimize their crash risks. How likely is it for a driver to see a motorcyclist? The U.S. Department of Transportation previously...
Do speed governors curb truck accident rates?
Many fleet companies began equipping their tractor-trailers with electronic controlled modules (ECMs), also known as "speed governors," some years ago. They did so to ensure that their truckers couldn't travel faster than a certain speed. Some research shows that these governors have led to a reduction in truck accidents. How much safer are trucks equipped with electronic controlled modules? Data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) captures how motorists who allow their speed to deviate from the normal traffic flow are most apt to have an accident. The...
Zen and the art of motorcycle safety
With spring upon us, motorcycle season has arrived in Ohio. The freedom on the road and the wind blowing in your hair brings big smiles to a motorcyclist just itching to ride after winter. Get your bike out of storage, have a mechanic look at it, and, then hit the road. Wait. Not so fast. Do not forget the safety aspects and responsibilities a motorcyclist must adhere to. Numerous road hazards exist for motorcyclists, and they include slick roads and distracted drivers. But some of the hazards are self-inflicted. Think alcohol and controlled substances use, which will make you an accident...