May 29th, 2013
Earlier this month, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommended that each of the fifty states lower the current 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC) definition for drunk driving to 0.05% BAC. The government argues that fewer drunk driving crashes will occur and that lives will be saved. The move is not unprecedented. Many European countries, South American countries, Russia and Australia already define drunk driving as having a blood alcohol content at or above 0.05%.
The NTSB Drunk Driving Recommendation Was Not Met With Universal Approval
You might not be surprised to hear that some groups, such as restaurant trade groups, have come out against the recommendation. They argue that lowering the BAC will criminalize responsible behavior, that it is unnecessary, and that it will not address the problem of truly dangerous drunk drivers.
You may be more surprised to hear that Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), AAA, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Board all stopped short of endorsing the NTSB proposal. While these groups do not oppose the suggestion in theory, they argue that it will be difficult to get states to agree to lower the limit and that there may be more effective ways to prevent drunk driving.
What do you think? Please leave a comment and share your thoughts on the NTSB recommendation with our accident and injury lawyers.
Posted in Drunk Driving
May 27th, 2013
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month may be more important than ever with the number of registered motorcycle drivers rising in Pennsylvania. Over the past decade, the number of motorcyclists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has increased by more than 50%. From 2011 to 2012 the number increased more than 10%. Last year, there were 854,493 registered motorcyclists in the state. There were also approximately 4,000 crashes and more than 200 Pennsylvania motorcycle accident fatalities last year.
Accordingly, Governor Corbett proclaimed May 2013 to be Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. During this month, Governor Corbett encourages motorcyclist and other motorists to learn what they can do to avoid a serious motorcycle crash this year. Specifically, the governor encourages, “all motorcyclists to continue their efforts to promote safety and motorcycle awareness and all drivers to share the road and respect the unique safety needs of motorcyclists.” Our Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyers join Governor Corbett in this sentiment and extend our best wishes to all Pennsylvania motorcyclists for a safe 2013 riding season.
Posted in Legal Comments
May 21st, 2013
There may not be a crying baby in the back of the car and drivers may not be checking their smartphones to see if their bosses need them urgently. However, there is an important distraction that a new study says could be putting drivers over the age of 70 at risk. Specifically, older drivers may be at risk if the regularly drive with pets in the car.
What the Study Found
The first of its kind study from the University of Alabama found that drivers over the age of 70 who always drove with a pet in the car had double the risk of being in an accident when compared to drivers who never drove with a pet in the car. The study was published in the journal Accident Analysis and Prevention.
If you have been hurt in a Pennsylvania accident and you noticed a dog, cat, or other pet in the other vehicle then it is important to mention that fact to your accident and injury lawyers so that your attorney can investigate whether the pet contributed to the other driver’s distraction, to your collision, and ultimately to your injuries.
Posted in Accident News
May 15th, 2013
72 adults from Bradford County, Pennsylvania recently participated in an important fracking study. The study, which was presented at the American Occupational Health Conference in Orlando, found that people who live near fracking sites are concerned that their health problems are related to fracking.
Specifically, the study asked 29 questions of the 72 adults who had all visited their primary care doctors with concerns about their health. Nearly one quarter of the adults believe that fracking is a cause of their current health concerns or could be a cause of future health problems.
According to the principal investigator in this study, “What is significant about this study is that the prevalence of impressions about medical symptoms attributed to natural gas operations had not been previously solicited in Pennsylvania. This survey indicates that there is a larger group of people with health concerns than originally assumed…” The most common health problems included sinus problems, sleeping problems, and gastrointestinal problems.
It is hoped that this pilot study will lead to further studies that look further into whether Pennsylvania fracking presents any safety and health problems. If you believe that your health problems have been caused by fracking in your community then you do not need to wait for the results of any more studies. Instead, we encourage you to contact a Pennsylvania fracking lawyer today to discuss your legal options.
Posted in Fracking Accident Lawsuits
May 13th, 2013
The days are longer, the temperatures are warmer, and the warm weather attractions are beginning to open in our region. As the Pennsylvania amusement parks and mobile carnivals begin to open, it is important to be aware not only of the fun your child might have and the price of souvenirs, but also of the potential risks.
A new study published in the journal Clinical Pediatrics has found that approximately 4,400 children are injured on amusement rides every year. Approximately 70% of these injuries occur during the summer months. On an average summer day, more than 20 kids get hurt on amusement rides.
The most common injuries include injuries to the:
• Head or neck (28%).
• Arms (24%).
• Face (18%).
• Legs (17%).
The most common types of injuries include:
• Soft tissue injuries (29%).
• Strains and sprains (21%).
• Cutes (20%).
• Broken bones (10%).
The most common reasons for injuries include:
• Falls (32%).
• Hitting a body part or getting hit by something while on a ride (18%).
If your child suffers an injury at a Pennsylvania amusement park, carnival or anywhere else where there is a ride this summer then we encourage you to contact an experienced Pennsylvania amusement park injury lawyer today for more information about your rights.
Posted in Accident News
