Currently, the driving limit in Iowa -- and the other 49 states -- is 0.08. Under the NTSB proposal, the driving limit would be reduced to 0.05 percent. This would fall more in-line with most of the rest of the industrialized world where the legal driving limit is lower. In turn, the board states these foreign countries with stricter standards also have fewer fatal accidents involving drunk drivers.
]]> In addition to a reduced legal driving limit, other NTSB recommendations include requiring interlock devices in the cars of all convicted drunk drivers. The idea is this will stop repeat offenders and heavier drinkers from continuing to get behind the wheel time and time again after drinking, which is a behavior that puts other innocent people in danger.
Overall, in the past two decades there has been a significant decrease in the number of fatal drunk driving accidents on U.S. roadways. In looking at why, during this time the legal limit was reduced to 0.08 percent and car technology and safety attitudes changed with better vehicle design and more seat belt use among drivers and passengers. The highways have also gotten substantially better.
However, even though the decrease is good, the fact that 10,000 people are killed every year in drunk driving-related accidents is still alarming and enough of a reason to look into making changes.
But as an Iowa driver, what do you think of the proposed change to make the legal driving limit a little more stricter? Will reducing the driving limit to 0.05 percent make a huge difference?
Source: The New York Times, “Safety Board Considers Lowering of Legal Limit for Drunken Driving,” Matthew L. Wald, May 14, 2013
]]>In these situations, many Iowans might be surprised to learn the state does not require ambulance drivers to obtain special licenses in order to be able to operate ambulances. Rather, ambulance drivers only need a standard chauffer’s license and a certification in emergency medical care. Those who are volunteering do not even need the chauffer’s license.
]]> In the past four years there have been three fatal accidents in Iowa where the ambulance driver was later ticketed.The most recent one was several years ago. The ambulance driver was rushing a patient to a Des Moines hospital. Two paramedics were also in the ambulance as it approached a semitrailer that was getting ready to make a left turn. However, when the truck driver saw the ambulance, the driver moved to the right lane in an attempt to let the ambulance pass.
However, at the same time the truck was moving over to the right, the ambulance was attempting to pass on the right. The two collided and the patient and a paramedic were killed in the crash. The ambulance driver was later found guilty for failing to use caution as an emergency driver and passing another vehicle too close to an intersection.
The driver was sentenced to probation, and after making an appeal regarding the state’s intention to revoke his paramedic certification, it was agreed he would not be allowed to drive an ambulance for six months. At this point, his paramedic’s license is on a probationary status.
In general, for many drivers on Iowa roadways, realizing these ambulance drivers are traveling at such high speeds without any specialty emergency driver licensing may be frightening. However, keep in mind that Iowa does insist ambulance drivers go through in-house training. This training requires practice actually driving the ambulance and a review of laws pertaining to emergency vehicles. Iowa is one of 11 states that require specialized training for ambulance drivers.
Additionally, in cases where there are accidents, there may be legal avenues available to hold those drivers accountable.
Source: Des Moines Register, “Iowa ambulance drivers cited for fatal crashes,” Clark Kauffman, April 6, 2013
]]>Recently the results of a survey conducted by Liberty Mutual and Students Against Destructive Decisions, commonly known as SADD, was released. In that survey, 23 percent of teens admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or prescription drugs. In these cases the prescription drugs were not taken legally.
]]> The study went on to ask teens about their attitudes on driving under the influence. From these questions it was discovered that many of those who do drive under the influence do not consider it dangerous. In fact, 20 percent of those who drink and drive think the alcohol makes them better drivers. Of those who drive while under the influence of marijuana, 34 percent believe the drug improves their driving abilities.Understandably, hearing these statistics is scary for parents and other motorists on the Iowa roads and highways. Considering the fact that 40 percent of fatalities and serious injuries in Iowa involve teens and young adults, knowing many teens are engaging in extremely risky driving behaviors without even realizing the dangers is enough to make anyone feel uneasy.
The hope though is that many of the programs, like the mock crashes put on by the Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Board or the 3-D simulator that imitates high-risk driving situations, will continue to enforce the message that driving under the influence is dangerous.
Additionally, even though parents may believe their teenage sons and daughters are being told not to drink and drive at school, it should still be re-enforced at home to really drive the message home. Especially with prom, graduation and summer break right around the corner, now is the time to talk about the very real dangers of impaired driving.
Source: Iowa City Press Citizen, "Survey: 23% of teenagers drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs," Sharyn Jackson, April 24, 2013
]]>Right now it still appears to be up in the air whether it was negligence or a mechanical issue that caused an accident earlier this month in Ames, Illinois. Four vehicles were involved and the driver who was cited after the crash for failure to stop at a safe and sure distance injured her leg.
]]> At the time of the accident, a prospective college student was on Lincoln Way near Iowa State's Memorial Union when another car slammed into the back of the vehicle he was driving. Unsure with exactly what was happening, the prospective student moved over to the left lane. The car that originally slammed into his vehicle continued forward, hitting two other vehicles.The prospective student said it looked like the car was accelerating.
After hitting a total of three vehicles, the car jumped a curb and crashed into a light-post.
The driver being held responsible for the crash said that there was some kind of a mechanical issue. Going by the account of the first driver to be hit, there could have been something going on that made the pedal get stuck and accelerate.
At this point though there is just speculation when it comes to what happened. However, the fact that it may have been a mechanical issue brings up the role that auto defects can play when it comes to accidents.
Source: Iowa State Daily, "Four-vehicle accident occurs on Lincoln Way," Lissandra Villa, April 7, 2013
At this point, a Des Moines woman is facing criminal charges in relation to a pedestrian accident where she is accused of striking a man who was crossing the street. The pedestrian, a 58-year-old, died the day after being struck.
]]> In looking at the crash, the 58-year-old was crossing the street on March 16 when he was hit by a vehicle. After the accident the vehicle left the scene and investigators started looking for the driver of a white Jeep Cherokee that was seen on a surveillance video near the accident.Tips started to come into the Des Moines Police Department, which led officials to the 26-year-old. She is now facing a number of charges, including driving while barred and failure to render aid causing death.
In looking at this case, while she is already facing criminal charges, there is the chance the family of the 58-year-old will also file a wrongful death lawsuit in an attempt to hold her accountable for any negligence on her part that led to the crash.
In general, when it comes to wrongful death lawsuits, while the lawsuit cannot change what happened, some do find peace of mind in holding a negligent driver accountable. It also sends a message and perhaps prevents the driver from causing similar accidents again in the future.
Source: Quad-City Times, "Iowa woman charged in fatal hit-and-run accident," April 2, 2013
The accident happened on Interstate 29 in Iowa on Monday around 10:15 p.m. Two women -- a 76-year-old driver and an 18-year-old passenger -- were traveling southbound in a car when a tractor-trailer started to merge into their vehicle.
]]> The force of the tractor-trailer pushing into the passenger vehicle set the car spinning. The car ended up hitting a guardrail before crossing the interstate. The car came to a stop in a ditch.Both the driver and passenger were transported to the hospital with injuries, while the 32-year-old truck driver reportedly suffered from no injuries.
This recent crash is a perfect example of just how quickly an accident can happen. In this case, all it took was for a truck driver to merge into another lane. However, when a truck driver is speeding, tailgating or driving aggressively, an accident can happen just as quickly.
Of course though, proving an accident was caused by a negligent truck driver can often be difficult. These are drivers who have a commercial driver's license and should have gone through proper training on trucking regulations and safety operations. The idea is that these truck drivers should clearly know what they are doing.
However, the truth is that even the most experienced truck driver can still be careless. This is when an attorney with experience handling truck accident cases can step in to investigate the facts.
Source: Omaha World-Herald, "2 Nebraska women injured in I-29 crash," April 9, 2013
In looking at what happened, the night of the fatal crash there were actually two accidents. In the first one, the Iowa State student was driving a pickup truck and merging onto an interstate when the truck collided with another car. This caused the second car to rollover.
]]> The Iowa State student and a witness to the crash went to go help the driver in the rolled over vehicle. However, while helping -- even though a number of vehicles were reportedly pulled over to the side with their flashers on -- the 62-year-old driver somehow did not see them and crashed into the three.The Iowa State student was instantly killed. The two others were severely injured, both requiring amputations.
However, since the 62-year-old driver supposedly thought he had just hit a bumper from the first accident, he continued driving on after the crash. He did stop to check his vehicle shortly up the road, but then drove the rest of the way home.
In looking at this case, for one student to die and two others to have their lives changed forever is surely devastating. And to learn the driver was allegedly under the influence only makes this story that much more difficult to comprehend, as it could have possibly been avoided had alcohol not played a role.
Source: CBS, "Guilty Plea In Hit-&-Run Crash That Killed 1, Severely Injured 2," April 4, 2013
A truck accident on Highway 9 in Iowa recently killed a driver and his passenger.
]]> In looking at what happened, the driver and passenger were riding in a GMC Yukon and heading southbound on Highway 9. A semi tractor-trailer, which was carrying a load of pigs, was heading northbound on the same highway. The tractor-trailer ended up hitting the SUV, which sent the SUV and the truck into a ditch.Both the driver and passenger of the SUV were pronounced dead on the scene. The truck driver was uninjured.
Looking at this recent fatal truck accident, while many of the details leading up to the crash are yet to be released, one has to wonder why the truck driver was unable to stop in time. Was the driver not paying attention? Had the driver been on the road for hours? Was there something wrong with the truck to stop it from braking?
Depending on the cause of the accident, there is always the possibility the family of those killed in this crash will file a lawsuit in an attempt to hold the truck driver or the trucking company he works for accountable.
Of course though, filing a lawsuit is easier said than done. This is why any time there is an accident that results in injuries or fatalities, an attorney with experience handling truck accidents should be contacted in order to learn more about possible legal options.
Source: Sioux Falls Argus Leader, "Crash kills two near Iowa casino," Michael Klinski and Jon Walker, March 15, 2013
]]>Among the guideline, information related to those most at risk is included. Overall, those playing football and rugby have the highest risk of concussion, while female athletes playing soccer and basketball run the highest concussion risks. Those who have a history of one or more concussions are also more likely to end up being diagnosed with yet another one.
]]> Additionally, younger athletes with concussions take a longer time to recover, which is why it is especially important they receive the treatment necessary following a hit to the head.However, out of all of the guideline, the No. 1 most important change is the recommendation for athletes to be taken out of a game as soon as it is suspected they have suffered from a concussion. Before returning to play, the athlete should also be checked out and assessed by a licensed health care professional who is trained in concussion-related incidents. Once all symptoms associated with the concussion have disappeared, then and only then should the athlete return to the game.
Looking to the future, the hope is that these types of guidelines will encourage coaches to take concussions more seriously. This in turn could result in athletes receiving proper and prompt medical treatment to hopefully reduce the chance of further complications.
Source: medicalxpress.com, "American Academy of Neurology issues updated sports concussion guideline," March 18, 2013
]]>Recently, a lawsuit was filed against comedian Russell Brand. This was the second lawsuit filed following the January 2012 pedestrian accident. This most recently filed lawsuit is seeking substantially more in damages.
]]> The pedestrian is seeking $185,000 in damages, citing injuries to his hand, arm and hip. In his first lawsuit, which was filed in October 2012, the pedestrian was seeking $25,000. It is possible that after incurring more medical costs or continuing to experience discomfort well after the accident that the pedestrian decided to up the amount he is seeking in the lawsuit.After the first lawsuit was filed, Brand responded by saying that the injuries that man suffers from are due to his own "physical bodily condition and constitutional composition." Essentially, Brand is trying to claim the man's injuries are not related to being hit by a car.
As this case goes to show, pedestrian accidents can become quite complex. There can be liability issues, on top of insurance issues. Drivers and pedestrians can also have their own accounts of what happened, which only further confuses the entire issue.
This is why those who are hit by cars in Iowa are encouraged to seek out legal representation in order to ensure that if they are entitled to any compensation, they receive that compensation.
Source: The Huffington Post, "Russell Brand Lawsuit: Pedestrian In Car Accident Asking For $185,000 In Damages," March 11, 2013
]]>Recently, there was an accident between a car and a school bus on U.S. Highway 61 in Louisa County, Iowa. Three people were killed and one was transported to the Trinity Muscatine Hospital with injuries. No students were on the bus at the time of the crash. Rather, the bus was making its morning route to go pick up the students. It was the bus driver who was injured in the wreck.
]]> In looking at what caused the accident, according to the Iowa State Patrol, three people were in a car traveling northbound on the highway when the driver lost control. The road was icy at the time. Losing control, the driver ended up crossing the center line and colliding head-on with a school bus traveling in the opposite direction.A 78-year-old, 75-year-old and 50-year-old -- who were all in the car -- ended up dying from the injuries sustained in the crash. All three were from Burlington, Iowa.
What this tragic accident highlights is just how important it is for drivers to be exhibiting safe driving behaviors in the winter. For while luckily no students were injured in this crash, the accident itself does show how quickly a driver can lose control of a vehicle and the damage this can cause.
In general, even when the roads are bad, keep in mind that what may seem like a weather-related accident can still be a case of driver negligence. This is why it is important to always talk with an attorney after an accident in order to see if there are any legal options available.
Source: Quad-City Times, "3 dead in car, school bus crash near Louisiana-Muscatine High School," Cynthia Beaudette and Joe Jarosz, March 1, 2013
However, as two recent recalls go to show, tainted food products can find their way onto store shelves. Many times, these products are also not recalled until some becomes ill or injured.
]]> In looking at these recent recalls, the first came earlier this month. Nestle Prepared Foods recalled Lean Cuisine mushroom ravioli meals due to possible shards of glass being inside of the food.But the glass scare was not over. This was proven last week as boxes of the popular Kellogg's brand Special K Red Berries cereal was also recalled for the exact same reason: the possibility of shards of glass in the cereal.
Recalls like this are a real reminder to consumers in Iowa that just because something is in on the shelves, even a product they have purchased many times in the past, it can still be dangerous.
In these cases, luckily there was a recall. However, there are plenty if times when a person is injured due to a dangerous or defective product that was not recalled.
In either case, if it is believed a dangerous product led to an injury, there could be reason to file a products liability lawsuit. An attorney with experience handling these types of personal injury lawsuits can provide more insight and information.
Source: CBS News, "Kellogg's Special K Red Berries recalled for glass fragments," Ryan Jaslow, Feb. 20. 2013
According to an AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, what is even more frightening is that many drivers who use their phones also tend to engage in other risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, driving tired and not wearing a seatbelt. A number of drivers who talk on their cellphones also text or send emails while driving.
]]> The study found that among those who admitted to "fairly often or regularly" using their cellphones while driving in the past 30 days, 65 percent also admitted to speeding. Another 44 percent said they had driven while drowsy and 29 percent said they drove without a seat belt on. Another 53 percent also said that in the past month, aside from talking on a cellphone, they had sent a text or email while driving.When looking at why, it appears that part of the issue is that those who talk on a cellphone while driving quite frequently believe they are better at multitasking than other drivers on the road. These drivers also tend to be the ones to think that it is the other drivers talking or texting that is a direct threat to their safety, yet fail to see they are doing the exact same thing.
In Illinois, while texting and driving is against the law, there are many drivers who still attempt to read or send off a quick message while behind the wheel. In cases where it is believed that texting while driving led to an accident, this level of negligence can be brought up while pursing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: MSN Autos, "Drivers on cellphones prone to other dangerous behaviors, AAA says," Douglas Newcomb, Jan. 28, 2013
The Iowa pileup is the worst of the car accidents reported during the "Draco" snowstorm and blizzard. Due to the large number of accidents, I-80 and I-35 are blocked in multiple places and there are numerous reports of jack-knifed trailers and spinouts.
]]> Liability during weather-related car accidentsLiability can be difficult to prove in car accidents caused by blizzards and other weather conditions. When blowing snow prevents drivers from seeing the road in front of them, even cars travelling far under the speed limit may not have time to stop. Snow and ice on the road can also contribute to the severity of a car accident.
Authorities are on the scene of the I-35 accident and will continue to investigate the cause and damage. In the meantime, victims should seek medical help and only give insurance companies facts -- not opinions -- about the accident.
Then, whether you were injured in this accident or another blizzard-related accident, an Iowa car accident lawyer can help you piece together the information you need to recover fair compensation for your past and future medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Our hearts go out to those injured in the blizzard. Please drive safely and stay off the roads whenever possible.
Source: Kare 11, "One dead after 25-car pileup on I-35 near Des Moines," Des Moines Register, Dec. 20, 2012
Were you injured in a car crash? Please visit our pages on Des Moines car accidents to learn about your options for recovering compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
]]>According to their analysis, overall traffic fatalities are down 1.9 percent from last year. In fact, there were only 1.10 deaths per 100 miles driven, which is the United State's lowest fatality rate since it started recording these numbers decades ago.
Progress comes at a cost, however. While the number of car accident fatalities has dropped, the number of bicycle accident fatalities has skyrocketed -- up 8.7 percent from last year. More shocking yet is the number of truck occupant fatalities, which increased 20 percent between 2010 and 2011.
]]> Why the disparity?It shouldn't be surprising that the first thing the NHTSA did was to question these statistics. Why was there such a dramatic increase in two areas when there was an overall increase in safety? Possible reasoning for the increase in bicycle accident deaths is a change in culture, "away from driving and toward healthier and greener modes of transportation," the deputy executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association said.
Yet, there is no similar explanation for trucks. The NHTSA has already begun to work with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to find out what could have caused the increase. Note: the increase in truck accident fatalities applies to the occupants of the trucks themselves, not to occupants of other vehicles hit by trucks.
Whatever the cause, it is obvious the U.S. has some work to do. Trucks are some of the largest vehicles on our roads, yet they are in a significant number of accidents every year, many caused by the way the trucks are designed and the way they are driven. And we will see more trucks on the road as the economy improves.
The number of bicycles on the road is also increasing. While some cities have created safe biking initiatives, others do not have any safe means for bicyclists to commute. More must be done to increase bicycle safety and driver awareness. This is a recurring problem seen in the number of bicyclists and motorcyclists injured every year (there has also been an increase in motorcycle accidents).
Perhaps the 2011 fatality statistics will convince local, state and national governments to act on improving safety for bicyclists and truckers. We can hope that in future years, studies will show a drop in all forms of fatal accidents.
Source: The Washington Post, "Bicycle, large truck deaths rose sharply last year even as total traffic fatalities dropped," Associated Press, Dec. 10, 2012
Did you lose a loved one in a bicycle or truck accident? Please visit our pages on motor vehicle accidents.
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