Car Accidents

Published on: November 24, 2023

Drowsy Driving Linked to 100,000 Car Accidents Every Year

Motorists driving while fatigued or sleepy cause as many as 100,000 car accidents every year. This November, the National Sleep Foundation is marking Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while sleepy.

The National Sleep Foundation commemorates the first week of November every year as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to coincide with the end of daylight savings time. The National Sleep Foundation estimates that as many as 100,000 car accidents every year are caused by drivers who are too sleepy or fatigued to drive. According to the National Sleep Foundation, more than half of all American motorists admit to regularly or consistently driving while sleepy. About 20% of American drivers admit to having operated a motor vehicle while sleepy at least once in the past year. Clearly, there are far too many people who feel comfortable driving a car when they are simply too tired or sleepy to do so.

Some categories of motorists may be at a greater risk of drowsy driving than others. For example, motorists between the age of 16 and 25 are at a higher risk of driving while sleepy. Male motorists may also be much more likely to find nothing wrong while driving in a sleepy condition compared to female drivers. Shift workers and commercial drivers like long haul truck drivers may also be at higher risk of not getting enough sleep resulting in drowsy driving. Apart from these business travelers as well as persons suffering from medical conditions like sleep apnea are also at a higher risk. Apnea is a sleep condition that causes a person to suffer from respiratory interruptions during sleep at night which causes the person to be fatigued and sleepy in the daytime. Sometimes, drowsy driving is the result of taking medications like anti -depressants and antihistamines that may have sleepiness as a side effect.

Published on: November 6, 2023

Roadside Cameras, Monitoring Apps Help Prevent Car Accidents

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Recent studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety find that some technologies may be especially beneficial in identifying distracted drivers and preventing car accidents. Distracted driving is one of the main causes of auto accidents involving serious personal injuries.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently released the findings of two new studies that show that roadside cameras are very beneficial in helping identify motorists who are using cell phones while driving. The study found, in fact, that these cameras were almost as beneficial as in – car monitoring systems that are designed to identify whether motorists are distracted by cell phones when at the wheel. The study also found that in – phone apps that measure and collate data about cell phone use while driving are also extremely beneficial in helping identify driving behaviors that are likely to result in car accidents.

Currently much of the data that we have on cell phone-related behavior by motorists at the wheel come from roadside surveys conducted every year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The data in this survey comes from cameras that are used by the federal administration to monitor driving behavior from morning to evening during a few weeks every summer. Obviously, the kind of data that results from a survey like this is fairly limited since it is only collected over a certain period of time every year. There are also limitations on the number of people that can be identified or monitored using this technology.

Published on: November 3, 2023

Report Finds Georgia one of the Best States for Teen Motorists

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

There are several areas in which Georgia can improve its auto accident prevention and safety record, but as a new report finds, the state scores very well as far as preventing teen driver car accidents is concerned.

Wallet Hub recently conducted a survey of all 50 states, and compared the driving environments in all based on safety, economic factors and driving laws. Georgia ranked very well on several of the parameters. Overall, the state ranked at number 10 in conducive driving environments for teen drivers. It was ranked at Number 16 for safety and Number 12 for the quality of its driving laws for teenage drivers. It was also placed at Number 35 for economic environment. The state was placed at Number 1 for the quality of its laws against texting and distracted driving, Number 6 on the quality of its roads, and at Number 7 on the quality of its occupant protection laws. Georgia’s Graduated Drivers License programs also received a nod, placing at number 11. Its DUI laws were ranked at number 14 for number of DUIs for every 100,000 drivers. It also placed at number 25 for the quality of its laws against driving under the influence of alcohol.

The data speaks for itself. Georgia’s Graduated Drivers License programs and the effectiveness of the state’s laws against distracted driving make for an ideal environment for teenage drivers in the state. The state also has invested in targeting greater participation by parents in their children’s driving journeys, and many education and awareness programs have been geared towards this aspect. Safety advocates say that parents should model exemplary driving behaviors in front of their teen children. For instance, there is little point barking at your child to wear his or her seatbelt when you do not bother buckling up every time you drive either. Lectures against using cell phones while driving mean nothing if you, as the parent, are unable to avoid checking a text message while you are at the wheel. Parents should not only display excellent driving habits, but also discuss driving lessons with their child. For instance, If you are using a turn signal while driving, explain to your teen why you are doing so. Taking a practical approach like this makes for creating a stronger, safer and more responsible teenage driver who is at a lower risk of car accidents.

Published on: October 31, 2023

Medications Most Likely to Cause Senior Auto Accidents

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

New research recently attempted to identify the various types of medications that could exacerbate a senior’s risk of being involved in car accidents, and found that painkillers and antidepressants topped the list.

A senior person may be at a much higher risk of being involved in a car accident due to a number of factors. These factors include lower vision, lower hearing abilities, delayed reaction times, impaired judgement abilities, and one of the most important of all, the side effects of medications. A senior is more likely to suffer from a number of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes, and may be on medications for several of these conditions. Many of these medications do come with side effects that include drowsiness, fatigue, confusion, disorientation, lack of concentration and other symptoms.

A recent study attempted to identify the specific classifications of drugs that are most dangerous for a senior driver. The researchers followed a group of senior adults over 10 years of their lives, and focused on their performances on annual road tests. The researchers found that seniors who were on certain types of drugs were much more likely to fail their annual tests or score very low on the tests. The biggest culprits were anti – depressants and sedatives or sleeping aids which were found to have the most serious impact on senior driving skills. Seniors who used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or over-the-counter painkillers were also much more likely to do poorly on their driving skills tests. The researchers found that when the seniors were on these three different types of drugs, they were more likely to get marginal or failing scores on the driving tests.

Published on: October 27, 2023

Older Adults with ADHD at Higher Car Accident Risk

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Seniors who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may have a significantly increased risk of being involved in car accidents.

A new study finds that it is not just teens with ADHD who may be at a higher car accident risk, but also seniors between the age of 65 and 79 who may also have elevated risks as a result of their condition. The study focused on 2,800 seniors between the age of 65 and 79 . Out of these seniors, approximately 2.8% suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a condition that is categorized by high activity levels, lower attention and concentration levels and other symptoms that make it difficult for the person to concentrate and focus attention for long periods of time.

The researchers found in their analysis that seniors who suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder had a 74% higher risk of being involved in car accidents compared to those who were not diagnosed with ADHD. They were also much more likely to be involved in violations that result in traffic tickets with a 102% higher risk of traffic violations. Seniors with ADHD also had a 7% higher risk of sudden braking incidents, which often lead to auto accidents.

Published on: October 19, 2023

The Year’s Most Dangerous Season for Car Accidents is Here

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

It is the most dangerous time of the year to drive, even more dangerous in fact than winter. Not too many people realize it, but fall is the most dangerous season with a motorist’s risk of being involved in car accidents at its highest during these days.

Auto insurer Carfax recently announced that according to its data, it is autumn and not winter which is the deadliest season of the year for drivers. In fact, according to the data, more than 72% of Americans live in states like Georgia where fall is the deadliest season of the year with the highest number of auto accidents recorded.

There are a number of reasons why the risk of car accidents is greater during fall season compared to other times of the year. The days are shorter which means fewer daylight hours and greater volumes of driving in the dark when the risks of being involved in an auto accident are at their highest. Only 25% of all travel in the United States occurs during night time, but night time accounts for the same number of accidents every year as day time. Another factor contributing to the higher risk of car accidents during autumn is deer. More than 50% of all auto accidents involving deer in the United States occur between October and December. Mating season kicks off during this time, and you will find larger numbers of deer along busy roads. A third important reason for the high number of car accidents during fall season is the slippery and wet road surfaces. Roads may be slick because of wet leaves that fall down during storms, and these provide ideal conditions for an auto accident.

Published on: October 12, 2023

Spinal Cord Injury Breakthrough Promises Hope for Auto Accident Victims

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Victims of car accidents, motorcycle accidents and trucking accidents who have suffered a spinal cord injury may look forward to a day when they can walk independently again thanks to a new breakthrough in research in the field.

Scientists recently announced a breakthrough in their attempts to regenerate axons in persons who have suffered a spinal cord injury. The breakthrough was announced by a team of scientists that included both Swiss and American researchers. According to the team, they found that redirecting regenerated axons to their target regions was more effective in helping along the healing process and aided the recovery of the patient, compared to random regrowth of axons.

Back in 2018, the team had identified that axons which are responsible for communicating transmissions among the nerve cells could be regrown after the damage. However, they found that even when the axons were regrown, it did not really lead to any marked or significant functional recovery for the patient. Now, however, they say that they have found a way to redirect the regenerated axons to their target region, helping restore functional movement. The researchers experimented on mice with spinal cord injury, and found that the mice were actually able to walk independently after the treatment.

Published on: October 6, 2023

Legalization of Marijuana Linked to Increased Risk of Auto Accident Personal Injuries

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Georgia continues to criminalize the use and possession of marijuana for recreational use. While there is a very narrow exception for use of marijuana for medical purposes, the statute is not nearly has broad as found in many other states. Accordingly, marijuana is not as readily available in Georgia compared to other states that have fully legalized marijuana for all purposes or fully legalized marijuana to medical use. As the findings of a new study shows, this may be for the good since legalization of marijuana is linked to an increase in the number of auto accident personal injuries.

The information comes from a new study that was conducted in Canada. In 2018, Canada became the second country in the world to legalize the sale of marijuana for recreational purposes. According to the study, that decision has resulted in a significant increase in the number of auto accident injuries that are serious enough to lead to a visit to the emergency room.

The study is quick to affirm that marijuana – related emergency room visits after car accidents are still uncommon, but the percentage of such auto accidents has been skyrocketing since the 2018 legalization of marijuana. According to the study, there has been a 475% increase in car accident personal injuries linked to marijuana use, with the increase being even sharper following the 2018 legalization of marijuana. On the other hand, there has not been a similar increase in the number of alcohol – related car accident personal injuries resulting in emergency room visits during the same period of time.

Published on: September 29, 2023

Driving Anxiety and the Fear of Car Accidents

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

The fear of being involved in an auto accident is the number one factor affecting driving anxiety and stress, but there are ways to circumvent these fears. If these fears can be overcome, it will greatly improve the lives of these individuals and is very likely lead to fewer auto accidents.

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has tips for drivers who want to drive safely and responsibly without letting their fears and anxiety come in the way. Ironically enough, these anxieties and stresses may actually place drivers at a greater risk of being involved in an auto accident. Confidence and calm is key to driving safely and responsibly and when a driver is stressed about being involved in a car accident or losing control of the vehicle, it makes it more likely that he will actually cause a car accident.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, fear of being involved in a car accident is the number one factor that causes driving anxiety. We live in an age when high resolution images of catastrophic or fatal car accidents are easily available online, and if a person has seen these images, these may flash in his mind when he is driving, causing his or her heart rate to increase and his or her palms to become sweaty.

Published on: September 19, 2023

Threat of Drunk Driving Auto Accidents Looms Over Labor Day

by Robert N. Katz, Esq.

Statistics from last year show that Labor Day was the second deadliest holiday in the United States in 2022, and this year, with the incidence of drunk driving on the rise, the risk of alcohol – related car accidents has never been higher.

Last year, one study by a car insurance app found that the Labor Day Holiday weekend ranked second only to the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the number of fatal car accidents recorded. The study analyzed data between 2011 and 2020, and found that the Labor Day holiday was the second most dangerous holiday in the country. Over the study period, the data showed that more than 4000 people were killed in car accidents over Labor Day, many of them caused by drunk drivers. Approximately, 25% of deaths involved teens and young people in their mid 20s. About 70% of this category of drivers were male. The second most at- risk category of drivers during the Labor Day holiday were drivers between the age of 26 and 35.

Drunk driving is likely fueling this increase in car accident deaths. Recent data shows that driving under the influence of alcohol is actually on the increase across the country. Between 2020 and 2021, there was an increase of approximately 14% in fatal alcohol – related car accidents. Overall, there was an increase of approximately 10% in car accident deaths during the same period of time. Clearly, the role of alcohol in causing car accidents is increasing, and this is a cause of concern.