Under Georgia law, driving is a privilege that must be earned. The law provides a controlled process in which teenagers learn to drive, experience the road and gain proper defensive driving techniques. Since the law was implemented, the rate of motor vehicle accidents involving teenagers has fallen significantly.
]]> Georgia graduated driver's licenses come in three stages. The process consists of:Car accidents are the leading cause of death for young adults aged 15 to 20. Not all teenagers are ready to drive at 16, and it is up to parents to know their child and help them learn how to be a safe driver. Young drivers can practice safe driving by:
When teenagers, law enforcement and parents work together, the roads will be a safer place for all Georgians.
Source: Georgia Department of Transportation, "Teen Driving Laws & Education."
]]>According to a new study by the Society of Automotive Engineers, almost half of us are getting that first step wrong. It found that, when changing lanes, 48 percent of drivers either fail to engage their turn signals or forget to turn them off. When turning, drivers make signal mistakes approximately 25 percent of the time.
Whatever this is - forgetfulness, laziness or something else - it's having a major impact on driving safety. All told, improper blinker use causes about 2 million traffic accidents every year. By comparison, distracted driving causes around 950,000 crashes each year.
]]> Drivers who fail to use their turn signals might not think their omission is a big deal, but it puts everyone else on the road at risk. Even if an accident doesn't happen, drivers could still run into trouble with the law - failing to signal a turn or a lane change is a crime, just like speeding or running a red light.Is the 'Smart Turn Signal' the Answer?
The researchers at the Society of Automotive Engineers have come up with a potential solution to the problem. They call it the "Smart Turn Signal," and say it will go a long way toward reducing the rate of multi-vehicle car accidents.
The device would automatically shut off a turn signal once a certain amount of time had passed. Alternatively, it could be designed to automatically turn off after detecting a lane change, much like what happens now after a driver makes a turn.
In addition, the Smart Turn Signal would be able to recognize when drivers have been making a habit of ignoring their turn signals. In those cases, it would flash a "reminder" light, similar to the one that engages when drivers aren't wearing their seatbelts.
Right now, this device is still in development. In the meantime, all drivers would be wise to focus on proper turn signal use.
Source: MSNBC, "Turn Signal Neglect a Real Danger, Study Shows," Paul A. Eisenstein, May 1, 2012.
]]>Unfortunately, some troopers are driving in a way that puts others at risk. According to an investigation by Channel 2 Action News, GSP troopers were at-fault in causing at least 99 motor vehicle accidents in the last year. On average, GSP troopers cause one accident every four days.
]]> The issue came to the public forefront this winter, after the wife of Atlanta Braves head trainer Jeff Porter was killed in a collision with a GSP trooper. The officer was trying to catch up to a police chase. In doing so, he flew through a red light and broadsided the Porters' vehicle.The trooper who caused that accident had been at-fault in four prior car accidents since 2008.
Preventing Highway Patrol Accidents
Much of the danger presents itself when troopers are responding to calls or emergency situations. Often, they are driving at very high speeds. Just one small error could lead to a catastrophic wreck.
All GSP troopers participate in in-depth driving courses before leaving trooper school. Those courses are designed to expose troopers to a variety of different emergency situations so that they will be prepared to react appropriately when they go out on duty. All told, troopers put in more than 100 hours of behind-the-wheel training before graduation.
Unfortunately, troopers don't always fall back on this training when emergencies arise. In the wake of the high number of recent crashes, GSP leadership is working on ways to further train officers to make sure that they stay focused on their main task - making Georgia's highways safer for all drivers.
Source: WSBTV, "2 Investigates: GSP Troopers At Fault in 99 Wrecks Last Year," April 26, 2012.
]]>Every year, a striking number of trucking companies are shut down for safety violations and simply reopen under a new name. For example, in 2010, carrier Hester Inc. was put out-of-service for failing a compliance review. The president of the company signed a new operating application for different carrier, on which he stated that he had no previous association with a motor carrier. He was not detected.
]]> As of 2010, there were more than 500,000 active commercial carriers in the United States, and thousands more applicants. A recent study by the General Accounting Office found that an increasing number of carriers are illustrating "chameleon" characteristics. In fact, the number has nearly doubled in five years from almost 800 in 200 to nearly 1,200 in 2010.Source: The Trucker, "Show Me the Money: FMCSA Could Get Green to Catch Chameleon Carriers," Lyndon Finney, April 10, 2012.
]]>Many people think of road rash as a minor injury that will heal on its own over time. While this is certainly true in some cases, road rash can also lead to permanent injuries and very costly medical treatment.
The severity of a road rash injury depends on two main factors: the size and the depth of the abrasion. Large abrasions can sometimes result in disfigurement and permanent scarring. Deep abrasions can take a long time to heal and are especially susceptible to infection.
]]> The size and depth of a road rash injury can often be traced to the force and the mechanics of a crash. Road rash happens when layers of skin are worn away by friction. The greater the friction, the deeper the abrasion is likely to be.Preventing and Treating Road Rash
Bicyclists and motorcycle riders can help protect themselves against road rash by wearing appropriate protective clothing. Motorcyclists, especially, are encouraged to wear leathers or other protective clothing since the risk of injury is particularly acute in a high speed crash.
However, wearing protective clothing may not always be practical. For example, many long-distance bike riders must, out of necessity, limit themselves to shorts and a jersey.
Individuals who do experience road rash in an Atlanta bicycle accident or motorcycle crash can minimize the risk of scarring or complication by treating the injury appropriately. Minor abrasions should be flushed out with water and then washed with sodium chloride and covered with a semi-permeable bandage. It is important that all of the debris is removed from the wound before it is covered.
More serious injuries should be treated by a physician. See a doctor right away if it appears that the damage extends past the first layer of skin, if the wound does not stop bleeding after 15 minutes or if it appears that any of the cuts may require stitches.
Source: About.com, "How to Treat Skin Abrasions and Road Rash," Elizabeth Quinn, March 4, 2012.
]]>OSHA found that the truck wash operators failed to identify permit-required confined spaces where workers could safely clean out chemical tanks. The truck wash was also cited for failing to provide hazard training regarding exposure to corrosive chemicals. In addition, OSHA found that the operators had failed to provide appropriate respirator protection programs.
]]> The business was also cited for a number of non-exposure related violations including ceiling leaks in the chemical room, tripping hazards and electrical violations. The violations carry potential penalties totaling $57,600.William Fulcher, the director of the Atlanta-East Area OSHA Office, noted that these chemical exposures could put workers at risk of significant harm. He explained, stating that "the very same chemicals that do a great job cleaning metal can be dangerous to workers if used without the proper protections."
Georgia Toxic Exposure Injuries
Indeed, exposure to toxic chemicals puts workers at significant risk of injury and occupational disease, especially when the exposure takes place over an extended period of time.
In some cases, long-term toxic exposure can cause cancer and other serious illnesses. In other cases, the inhalation of hazardous substances may lead to lung injuries such as chemical burns, Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome, silicosis or asbestosis.
In many cases, workers who suffer injuries related to toxic exposure may be entitled to third-party recovery in addition to workers' compensation benefits.
Source: Occupational Health & Safety, "OSHA Soaks Truck Wash in Fines for 14 Safety Violations," April 7, 2012.
]]>The Atlanta car accident occurred after a teenage driver lost control of her vehicle and crashed into the teachers' car. The force of the collision caused the teachers' vehicle to spin across the median. It was then struck by an oncoming tractor-trailer.
]]> The teacher who was killed was a math teacher who had recently moved to the Atlanta area from New York. A fellow math teacher and her husband were critically injured in the crash.The teenager who caused the fatal accident is facing a number of charges including failure to maintain her line and driving with a restricted license and suspended registration. In addition, both the teenager and her mother could be charged with vehicular homicide. The teen had a provisional license that required an adult in the car, but no such adult was present.
The driver who caused the accident was not injured, nor was her teenaged passenger.
Georgia Teen Driving Laws
The accident is an unfortunate reminder of how important it is for Georgia teens to adhere to the provisions of the state's graduated driver's license program. Although teens may balk at the restrictions, they serve a very important purpose.
Nearly 25 percent of teen drivers either receive a ticket or are involved in an accident during their first year of driving. Graduated license programs are designed to minimize this risk by providing a controlled introduction to the responsibilities of driving.
Parents need to do their part to ensure that teens are safe and responsible drivers. The graduated license rules will mean little unless the teen knows that there are consequences for violating them.
Source: 11 Alive, "Sandtown Middle School Teacher Killed and 2 Other Injured After Car Crashed Into Tractor-Trailer," March 21, 2012.
]]>The grandmother was driving a Honda Civic with one child in the front passenger seat and two in the back seat. As she attempted to turn on to Highway 54, the vehicle was t-boned by a pickup truck.
Witnesses on the scene said that the force of the collision was enough to send the Civic flying through the air. Both side airbags deployed, and the vehicle ended up far off the roadway.
]]> The damage was so great that the grandmother and the 7-year-old child sitting behind her became entrapped in the vehicle. It took rescue workers 15 minutes to free them from the wreckage. Both were airlifted to Atlanta-area trauma centers.An 11-year-old boy sitting in the front seat was able exit the vehicle on his own. There was also another child sitting in a car seat in the back. Both were injured and taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the accident and has not yet commented publicly on the crash.
Georgia Car Accident Injuries
Serious car accidents can leave victims with life-long injuries. Even after the cuts heal and the bruises fade, victims are often left with physical pain that does not go away. In other cases, the effects of a traumatic brain injury can linger on, causing difficulty with work, school and relationships.
The impacts of serious injury can be especially acute in children, who may not be able to understand why they are in pain and cannot keep up with their friends.
If you or your child has been injured in a Georgia car accident, it is important to seek out quality medical care. Then, talk to a personal injury attorney who can help you seek just compensation for your injuries.
Source: The Newman Times-Herald, "Grandmother, Three Children Injured in Crash on Hwy. 54," John Winters, March 25, 2012.
]]>Last year, the Georgia Legislature passed a law intended to help reverse this dubious distinction. It allows for the installation of "stop-arm cameras" that record the license plate information of drivers who illegally pass school buses. Most school-bus related fatal accidents happen when drivers ignore the stop arm and strike children who are unloading from the bus.
At the beginning of the school year, both Cobb County and Fayette County schools were using the cameras. Since then, a number of other Metro Atlanta districts have taken up the issue. This week, the Newton County School Board will decide whether to install stop-arm cameras on about 10 percent of its fleet.
]]> The cameras could go a long way toward improving safety. School buses are the safest way to get to and from school, but students are at risk during loading and unloading if other drivers don't follow the law. By all accounts, many choose to ignore their duty to stop; during a study in May 2011, Newton County officials recorded 92 violations in a single day.In the past, school bus drivers have had to manually record the license plate information of drivers who pass illegally. This was often a burdensome task for drivers concerned with staying on schedule and keeping students safe.
The cameras record the license plate numbers of vehicles that pass a school bus when the stop arm is extended. The video recording is then used to send tickets by mail. The fines are steep - drivers can expect to pay $300 for a first offense, $750 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense.
We all need to do our part to help keep Georgia's schoolchildren safe. Drivers should never pass a school bus when the stop arm is extended, even if it doesn't seem like the students are planning to cross the street.
Source: Covington News, "Stop Arm Cameras on Buses in the Works," Amber Pittman, March 17, 2012.
]]>The Hall County Sheriff's Office is well aware of the stretch of GA 365 where the crash occurred. It does a substantial amount of patrolling for speeding vehicles along that roadway. Sergeant Stephen Wilbanks, spokesman for the Hall County Sheriff's Office, noted ""It is known for a higher number of serious crashes including fatalities."
]]> But, other than stepped-up radar monitoring and speed limit enforcement, the Georgia Department of Transportation has no major plans for safety changes to the roadway. Speed, officials believe, is one of the main contributing factors to crashes on GA 365.This particular stretch of Georgia 365 has a posted 65 mph speed limit. Many of the serious crashes that happen in this area involve drivers turning left off the highway or drivers trying to cross the highway entirely. A memorial still stands from a fatal 2009 crash that took the life of a driver trying to make a left turn. He pulled out in front of another pickup and was killed in the collision.
In 2011, 232 motor vehicle crashes on I-985/GA 365 were investigated by the Georgia State Patrol. There may have been additional wrecks; the numbers don't include accidents investigated by local law enforcement.
Source: Gainesville Times, "Ga. 365 wreck brings safety concerns to forefront," Aaron Hale, March 11, 2012
]]>Another woman was also forcefully rear-ended in the Marietta car accident. Three children were with her at the time and were taken to Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta by ambulance for treatment.
The force of the three-car crash turned both women's cars completely around in the roadway. The Marietta Highway was blocked for a short period as fire, police and ambulance crews attended to the scene. Investigators are still trying to determine what went wrong in the fatal Georgia motor vehicle accident.
]]> Fatal Car Crashes in Georgia: One Every 7 HoursThe recently released 2011 Georgia Crash Analysis and Statistics Information report from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety noted that there were over 1100 fatal crashes in Georgia in 2010. Over 1200 people were killed in those accidents.
The good news is that the number of fatal crashes has been decreasing over the last few years, down 4 percent from 2009 and 17 percent from 2008. Unfortunately the bad news is that these types of car accidents continue to happen and continue to deeply affect Georgia families. There is certainly room for improvement.
Statewide, Georgia loses 3 people per day, up to 25 per week, to a fatal motor vehicle accident. That means that every seven hours, someone is killed on a Georgia roadway. As in the Marietta Bridge crash, individuals between the ages of 25 and 34 are most likely to be involved in a fatal crash, whether as a driver or passenger.
Source: CBS Atlanta, "One dead in accident on Marietta Highway in Canton," Elizabeth Klynstra, March 2, 2012
]]>Georgia is among the half of states that have not yet adopted a complete streets policy, although some cities have used the policy to model their own community transportation plans. Aimed at minimizing bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents, a complete street is one that is safe for all modes of transportation - not just those on four or more wheels and motorized.
]]> According to the Complete Streets Coalition, there are many benefits to implementing a complete streets policy, including:As gas prices continue to rise, a focus on sustainable transportation that is safe for those who utilize it should be part of a successful plan for the future. Adding dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian safe walkways and intersections can go a long way toward protecting those in Atlanta from suffering a serious injury in a pedestrian or bicycle accident.
Source: Alliance for Biking & Walking, "2010 Benchmarking Report,"
]]>The truck driver reported hitting a bump in the road before hitting an interstate guardrail and turning over the rear bed of the double-trailer truck, causing the formaldehyde spill. The Georgia trucking accident may have caused at least two additional motor vehicle accidents; one person was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.
]]> A double-trailer truck is a clear example of trucks getting bigger and getting heavier as they travel the Georgia roadways. Congress is even considering an increase of 17,000 pounds to the maximum weight a truck can carry, which would bring the total legal cargo weight up to 97,000 pounds.But, opponents of the increase warn that bigger trucks just mean bigger accidents. According to Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (AHAS), an 80,000 pound truck takes nearly the full length of a football field, approximately 355 feet, to come to a stop. An addtional 25,000 pounds would increase the necessary stopping distance for a semi-truck by 25 percent.
It's no surprise that consumer vehicles don't stand much of a chance when they're involved in a truck accident. AHAS reports that 97 percent of fatalities in truck-car crashes were the driver or passengers in the car, rather than the semi-truck.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Semi wrecks, spilling chemicals on Ga.interstate," February 16, 2012
]]>Many may wonder, however, what exactly the ban prohibits. Specifically, the use of a hand-held cell phone is no longer allowed. A hands-free device, however, is still allowed, which may include an earpiece for the driver or use of the phone's speakerphone capabilities. The tricky piece with the hands-free device is that a driver cannot touch or handle the phone while behind the wheel, including dialing a number to place a call.
The FMCSA specifically describes what a truck or bus driver can do while behind the wheel as follows, "A driver can initiate, answer, or terminate a call by touching a single button on a mobile telephone, earpiece, steering wheel, or instrument panel - comparable to using vehicle controls or instrument panel functions, such as the radio or climate control system."
]]> The same is true for push-to-talk features. They may still be used while behind the wheel, but only if the driver is not actually handling the phone while driving. The FMCSA suggests that a mounted phone that is within reach of the truck driver would be acceptable because the push-to-talk feature doesn't usually require a driver to take his or her eyes off the road.To stay in compliance with the cell phone ban, a truck driver should never reach for his or her phone. In order to use a phone, it must be mounted or located in a place where the truck driver does not have to move from his or her spot behind the wheel nor take of his or her seatbelt.
The ban on hand-held phone use applies only to a commercial driver when he or she is in driving a commercial vehicle. While you are in your own personal vehicle, the new hand-held cell phone ban does not apply. But, beware. There may be state law prohibitions against using a cell phone to talk or text while behind the wheel as well.
The FMCSA cautions that the ban also applies to tow truck drivers unless they are responding to a police emergency.
Source: FMSCA.dot.gov, "Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Ban on Hand Held Cellular Phones"
]]>One person involved in the Atlanta truck accident was injured. Emergency crews on the scene spent most of their time securing the load of the overturned truck; it was carrying almost 9,000 pounds of propane.
As the Georgia weather continues to change, drivers of all types of motor vehicles should be aware of the warning signs, weather conditions related to and dangers of hydroplaning. Regardless of the road conditions, all drivers are expected to remain in control of their car at all times. Failing to do so can cause serious injury in a related motor vehicle crash.
]]> Information on Hydroplaning for Atlanta DriversA car can hydroplane on any wet surface. If the tire is unable to channel water away out from beneath the tire, a thin film of water may separate the tire tread from the roadway. Hydroplaning can occur at anytime, but is more likely during the first 10 minutes of a rain shower.
When a car is hydroplaning, it essentially is riding on top of the water on the road. The tires of the car are not in contact with the road's surface. Hydroplaning all but eliminates a driver's ability to control a car because the steering and braking response of the car is diminished. Drivers may notice the lack of control as an indication that they are hydroplaning or may notice the slight tug of the tires contacting the road surface once the hydroplaning has stopped.
There are a few basic ways to avoid hydroplaning and related motor vehicle accidents like the multi-car-truck crash on I-75. Good tire maintenance -- keeping your tires properly inflated and rotating and replacing tires on a timely basis -- can decrease the likelihood of hydroplaning. Avoid standing water or lanes where water seems to be accumulating. If possible, driving in the tire tracks of the car in front of you can help as well.
Most importantly, if road or weather conditions do not appear safe, or you do not feel comfortable driving in them, stay home or find alternate transportation.
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "I-75 re-opens in Cobb County," 23 January 2012
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