Road Safety During Spring Break

Road Safety During Spring Break

Spring is here, and with the warmer weather come much needed breaks from school and work. Whether you’re just staying at home, heading down to the beach or going to Disney World with your kids in tow, spring break is a perfect time to enjoy yourself and relax from your job or your studies. While on vacation, it’s typical for people to drive more than usual, from day trips in their communities to long hauls along the highway. Clark & Smith Law Firm, LLC would like to offer drivers a few simple tips to keep their spring breaks as safe (and fun) as possible!

If you’re going on a long trip, make sure to take turns driving to avoid getting sleepy behind the wheel. Although taking less-traveled roads can save you time, it’s safest to stay on busier highways: being lost is a hassle and can also decrease your vigilance as a driver. It’s also a good idea to get your car checked out by a mechanic before you begin your trip. If you’re using an unfamiliar car, take a minute to familiarize yourself with the dashboard and the different controls, such as the headlights and windshield wipers.

Even if you’re not planning a long trip, there are still countless things you can do to ensure your safety while driving in your community. For example, you can minimize driving distractions by using a spill-proof cup or mug, avoiding putting on makeup/looking in the mirror, and asking a passenger to adjust the radio or GPS for you. Should the need arise to use your cell phone or consult a map, always pull over in a safe place before doing so. If you’re driving with young children in the car, make sure that each child is strapped in to an appropriate car seat (always in the back of the car, never the front seat).

And most importantly, if you do plan on drinking this spring break, always arrange a safe mode of transportation beforehand- drunk driving kills thousands of Americans every year. 

Safe travels! And don’t forget the sunscreen.

For more safety tips, visit safespringbreak.org and bacchusnetwork.org. 

Road Safety in Construction Zones

Road Safety in Construction Zones

As you might know, a large percentage of Clark & Smith’s cases arise from motor vehicle accidents. Although many automobile accidents are unpredictable and caused by unsafe driving on the part of other motorists, a significant portion are caused by hazardous conduct in road construction zones. According to the Federal Highway Administration, the annual number of persons killed in motor vehicle crashes in work zones in the US has increased by 45% over the last 10 years! Even though we encounter construction sites on a daily basis, many drivers are not aware of the dangers that are inherent to these areas. Reduced speed limits, traffic congestion, and irritable drivers are just some of the factors that contribute to hazardous conditions in construction zones.

With these simple tips from Clark & Smith, you and your family can practice safe driving in construction zones and greatly reduce the risk of an accident.

· When approaching a construction zone, slow down to the posted speed and move

    to the proper lane as instructed. 

· Observe warning and caution signs before entering and until you leave a

    construction zone.

· Turn on your lights to make your vehicle more visible.

· Avoid abrupt driving maneuvers.

· Maintain a safe following distance, and be aware that vehicles ahead of you may

    stop unexpectedly.

· Keep up with the traffic flow- do not slow to look at road work and equipment.

· Obey road crew flaggers.

· Use turn signals when changing lanes, and do not wait until the last minute to  

    merge.

· Stay alert for aggressive drivers.

· Avoid distracting activities such as talking on a cell phone, tuning the radio, or

    eating.

· Watch for construction equipment entering and exiting a work zone without     

    warning, equipment extending into traffic, and crew members working close to

    moving traffic.

· Stay alert for obstacles and debris on the road.

· Above all, be patient, cautious, and courteous: construction zone crew members

    are working to improve the road and make your future drive better (Source).

Although these suggestions can help to reduce the risk of an accident, it is not possible to predict every danger that may arise within a construction zone-especially those that result from negligence on the part of construction crews or the DOT. If you or a loved one has been in an accident caused by such negligence, do not hesitate to obtain representation by a firm experienced in road defect and construction zone cases such as Clark & Smith.

Fall is here!

            Now that summer has come to a close, it is time to go back to school! School can be a very exciting time for both you and your children, and we wish you all the best during this semester.

            Many people enjoy starting classes again in the fall because with it comes back-to-school shopping. It’s hard to beat the sight of fresh pencils, erasers and notebook paper that are all new and ready to be used! Clark and Smith Law Firm would like to remind you that while you’re out shopping for school supplies, why not pick up some home safety essentials such as a new smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector? (And don’t forget the batteries.) In the midst of back-to-school excitement, it can be easy to overlook small fire hazards in the home such as candles, toasters, hotplates and power strips. Make sure to monitor these devices closely for signs of misuse. For example, always replace a power cord if it appears to be frayed, chewed, or has exposed wiring. For more information on fire hazards in the home, visit  http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/61015/ home_security/ 8_common_fire_hazards_in_your_home.html .

            Remember that in the event of a fire or explosion, you or your loved ones could be seriously injured. It just isn’t worth it to put yourself in danger by leaving fire hazards in your home unattended. Learn how Clark and Smith handles fire and explosion injuries here at http://www.clarksmithlaw.com/Practice-Areas/Burns-Explosion-Injuries.shtml .

            In addition to monitoring fire safety hazards in the home, Clark and Smith also urges you to be safe while driving to and from school in the mornings and afternoons. There can be more traffic at those times of day than during the summer, so drivers must anticipate it by staying alert and focused. Remember to get a good night’s sleep before driving to school in the morning, because overly tired drivers can be just as dangerous as drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Clark and Smith handles a wide variety of traffic-related cases each year- to learn more, visit http://www.clarksmithlaw.com/Practice-Areas/Car-Accidents.shtml . Also, always remember to give school buses a wide berth and keep your eyes open for children in the road walking to and from the bus. The state of Georgia requires drivers to come to a complete stop when approaching a school bus that is loading or unloading passengers, so make sure to abide by this rule carefully. For more information on school bus safety, visit http://www.drive-safely.net/school-bus-laws.html .

            These quick safety tips can give you peace of mind during one of the busiest times of the year. Clark and Smith hopes that this school year is a successful, safe and happy one for both you and your children! 

Happy Fourth of July from Clark and Smith Law Firm!

We hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful holiday. While we encourage you to celebrate our country’s independence with friends and family, we would also like to remind you to be especially cautious while driving. Car wrecks and trucking accidents are more likely to occur on during busy holiday travel days - so stay alert!  Highways and other roads will be more congested than usual because of holiday traffic. Distracted driving is always a danger, especially with electronics in the car such as iPads, music players, cell phones and DVD players. Keep in mind that other drivers might be preoccupied with these devices and be less likely to pay attention to their surroundings. While looking at electronics, they are more likely to drift out of their lane or fail to check their blind spots. To stay safe and alert, limit the use of these devices in your vehicles and drive especially cautiously. If you are driving at night, be aware that safe driving is of utmost importance because some drivers on the road are likely to fall asleep at the wheel. Make sure that you are refreshed and fully awake before you begin driving.

Road construction is another distraction when driving on highways and surface roads in our state.  Sometimes road construction performed by the DOT can distract drivers.  Please don’t be the driver who refuses to follow the speed signs while driving through construction zones.  Unfortunately, there are times when caution signs and detours for construction zones are not properly marked.   Don’t assume the

The Fourth of July is also a big holiday for parties with alcohol, so we urge you to never drive when you have been drinking. With these precautions, you can feel confident that you will have a safe trip.

 On another note of safety, always monitor children’s use of sparklers, and never let a child light a firework or bottle rocket. Every year, there are thousands of firework-related injuries, so don’t let your child be one of them! Before lighting fireworks, you should also check to make sure that it is legal in your state. For other Fourth of July safety tips, visit the Red Cross website (http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.94aae335470e233f6cf911df43181aa0/?vgnextoid=45935d795323b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD).

By following these easy tips, you can enjoy the Fourth with as little worry as possible. Have a relaxing and safe holiday! 

What to do after a Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be frightening.  If you have been hurt due to someone else's negligence, you can seek payment of your medical bills by the party responsible.  The steps necessary to negotiate with an insurance company can be a stressful and difficult for someone who is not a trained attorney.  An experienced attorney can help you with the process and possibly recover money for your medical bills, pain and suffering. There are several steps you need to take following a car wreck. 

1.  Please seek medical help if you are in any way hurt.  There is no need to be “tough” and decline help at the accident site, if you think you have sustained an injury.   Do not turn down an ambulance ride to the nearest hospital, if you think you may need medical attention.

2.  Make certain the police are notified and you receive an accident report.

3.  If there are witnesses at the scene of the accident, either bystanders or good Samaritans who helped at the scene, by all means get their names and phone numbers and give them your contact information.

4.  It is a good idea to keep a disposal camera in your glove compartment for pictures at the wreck scene (in case an accident occurs).  Take as many as you can from all angles.  If applicable, take pictures of skid marks, debris on the road, and position of cars before they are moved by the wrecker etc. Take pictures of items that may have played a role in the accident i.e. directional signs, road work saw horses, ice, water on the road etc. Do take pictures of the sky and weather conditions (cloudy, sunny, icy etc).

5. As soon as you can, write down the series of events leading up to and following the wreck.  Be detailed in your account - make note of time of day, weather, was road wet, was construction  on the road an issue, how fast were you travelling etc.   If you and the other passengers (if there were any) can put all of your thoughts on paper in a chronological time sequence, this is most helpful to an attorney helping you with your case.  

6.  Keep detailed records of conversations with anyone associated with the wreck.  Be sure to keep a log of who you spoke to (first and last name and title), what day and time you spoke to them.   If you received correspondence from insurance companies or bills from medical providers, doctors, or pharmacies, make certain to keep all of these documents in one central location.

7.  If you have to miss work or appointments because of your injury, keep detailed records of this. 

All of this information can be extremely helpful to an attorney representing you.  No one wants to be involved in an automobile accident, but if you are, following the steps above can help you and your lawyer in resolving your issue.

Have Fun and Be Safe on Halloween!

Halloween is a wonderful holiday for children and adults. Don't forget to be extra careful when driving during the weekend before Halloween and on Halloween night.  There are usually lots of parties in neighborhoods for children and adults and gatherings on college campuses this time of year.  Costumes often consist of dark colored clothing that make it difficult for drivers to see trick or treaters or party goers!  Don't become part of an accident.  Drive safely and slowly in areas where trick or treaters may be travelling.  If you are travelling with children, make sure they are wearing reflective clothing, reflectors on their shoes and trick or treat bags.  Trick or Treaters need to be easliy seen by car drivers.  Unfortunately, Halloween parties can mean drinking and driving and that is not a good combination!   Be extra careful as you travel on the road during the Halloween weekend for children, teens, and extra mindful of adults who are behind the wheel who may have had too much to drink.  Clark & Smith Law Firm says be safe on Halloween and have fun.

Be Careful it is Back to School Time

School is back in session and the yellow buses and the carpool drivers are back on the road!  We all need to remember SAFETY FIRST while driving. There are likely new drivers on the road headed to high school and we must be aware that these drivers are not as experienced as others.  These inexperienced drivers are often in a hurry to get to school.  They might be texting or talking on their phones, or listening to music and not paying attention.  If you have a teen driver, now is an especially good time to remind them about additional traffic since schools are back in session.   It only takes a second for a child to dart out from a bus, a person to reach down on the floor board to grab a cell phone, or look away to change a radio station and all of a sudden there is an auto accident.  Be a defensive driver and focus on the road and the cars around you.   The Georgia Assembly passed a bill in June of 2010 “to prohibit persons 18 years of age or younger from using wireless telecommunications devices for sending or receiving text messages while operating a motor vehicle.”  The following link provides all the details of the Bill:

http://www1.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/search/sb360.htm

Please enforce this law with your teen driver to protect him/her and other people on the road.

Additionally, please be careful with passengers in your own vehicle.  A new Georgia Law was put in place on July 1, 2011 that requires all "children under the age of 8 to be properly restrained in an appropriate child passenger safety seat or booster seat."  Make sure you are following the most current Georgia State Laws to protect yourself, your passengers and other drivers.  No one wants to be part of a serious accident "SAFETY FIRST" and be careful on our roads as school is back in session.