Tampa Bay Injury Law Blog » safety

Fog Warning in Tampa Bay | Fog Safety Tips

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:20:21 +0000

As daily commuters make their way to work this morning, look out for the dense fog throughout the Tampa Bay area. Driving in heavy fog can be a dangerous mix for some when visability is reduced to a quarter-mile in front of their vehicle.

From the St. Pete Times, Hernando, Pasco and Hillsborough counties were under a dense fog advisory until 9 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. Florida Highway Patrol troopers urged motorists to use caution during the morning commute.

To keep people safe while driving under these conditions, here are some fog driving safety tips:

Step 1

Slow down. Most fog-related traffic fatalities occur because someone was driving too fast and couldn’t stop in time to avoid a collision.

Step 2

Turn your lights on so others can see you. Don’t turn on your high beams, which are directed higher and will just reflect light back at you.

Step 3

If you leave the road, be sure to pull off completely. Turn off your driving lights and turn on your flashers so others know you’re there but won’t think you are driving on the road.

Step 4

Think about what other drivers see when they’re behind you. If you are constantly tapping your brakes, you’ll likely make them nervous – and they’ll be more likely to pass you.

Step 5

Use your wipers and defroster to keep the windows clear.

Step 6

Watch your speedometer. Fog scatters light and reduces the contrast between objects. Studies have found that the longer a driver is in fog, the faster he or she drives. Avoid falling into this dangerous trap.

Step 7

Turn off the radio and turn down the heater. Listen for other cars approaching before making a turn.

Step 8

Remember that other drivers have a limited sight distance and that fog makes the roads wet. Signal early, and when you use your brakes, don’t stomp on them.

Source: Fog Safety Tips

School Bus Safety a Hot Topic

James Dodson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:57:01 +0000

The National Association for Pupil Transportation (NAPT) recently named October 20 through October 24 as National School Bus Safety Week. The NAPT, an advocacy group aimed at protecting children, annually schedules the third week of October as National Safety Week, and launches a campaign to make people/drivers aware. This years theme, “Stop on red, kids ahead.” NAPT also compiles statistics related to child injuries from school bus-related accidents.

During National Safety School Bus Safety Week, The federal Department of Transportation (DOT) announced new regulations and funding designed to make school buses safer. The new regulations include higher seat backs, lap and shoulder belts on smaller buses, and standards for seat belts on larger school buses. The National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA), provides numerous publications, resource guides, and statistical research promoting school bus safety awareness to educate students, bus drivers, and other motorists about proper behavior aimed at reducing risk of school bus related injuries and fatalities.

School bus safety has been a hot topic in the news. In addition to the national safety promotions that are occurring, the Minnesota Star Tribune reports that a federal grand jury in Madison, Wisconsin indicted the semi-truck driver acquitted of state charges last year in the school bus accident that killed five and injured dozens near Eau Claire. The driver, 25-year old Michael Kozlowski, has been indicted on federal charges after the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) determined via an investigation, that Kozlowski improperly falsified his driving logs. On the day of the accident in question, Kozlowski allegedly fell asleep at the wheel. When his vehicle hit the shoulder, he tried to turn back onto the roadway, flipping his vehicle into the occupied school bus.

Although its not clear whether or not new school bus safety regulations would have saved lives in the Eau Claire accident, the new regulations should help to prevent injuries in the most common types of school bus collisions, such as rear end and T-bone impacts.

If your child is injured in a school bus accident or any other type of motor vehicle crash, contact the Law Office of James W. Dodson, P.A., for FREE written materials discussing your rights and mistakes to avoid in any potential claim.

Insurance Institute Rates Crossover Safety

James Dodson — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:50:32 +0000

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests and monitors vehicles for safety performance. In a press release issued August 20, 2008, the IIHS, listed its top crossover performers in regards to crashworthiness.

Earning the top safety awards were the 2009 Ford Escape, 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2008 Nissan Rogue, and the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. The vehicles were evaluated for crashworthiness as well as ability to limit or protect injuries such as whiplash. The frontal crashworthiness evaluations are based on results of 40 mph frontal offset crash tests. IIHS has been performing these specific types of tests since 1995. For more details visit IIHS’s homepage.

The Law Office of James W. Dodson, P.A. evaluates product liability claims and has experience pursuing the best course of action for its clients affected by defective products.

Bicyclist Killed and Pedestrian Seriously Injured in St. Petersburg

James Dodson — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:40:59 +0000

Local news media outlets report that a red Dodge Ram pickup truck, apparently trying to avoid being pulled over by the St. Petersburg Police Department, struck and killed a bicyclist and seriously injured a pedestrian at the intersection of 22^nd Avenue South/Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in the City late last night.

According to sources, the pickup truck was attempting to turn left at 13^th Avenue South, struck the two innocent bystanders, flipped, and landed on another vehicle. The driver then fled the scene.

The unfortunate bicyclist (not identified) was pronounced dead at the scene, while the pedestrian (likewise not identified) was taken to a local hospital, likely Bayfront Medical Center, with life-threatening injuries. The police investigation continues.

Although it likely would not have made a difference in this case, we like to provide consumers with information they can use to increase their safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has published articles and videos regarding adult bicycle safety. Although nothing can protect an innocent bystander from an incident such as this, perhaps the safety tips can help to make others aware and avoid tragedies like this in the future.

The attorneys and staff of the Law Office of James W. Dodson, P.A. send out our prayers and condolences to the families of the bicyclist and pedestrian. We hope for a speedy and complete recovery for the pedestrian.