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Author: Anthony Proffitt

Categories
Car Accidents

Seniors who are fall risks are more likely to crash

Many people in Knoxville are aware that seniors are at risk of fall accidents. There may be a link between older people who fall and car accidents. According to a study posted by the AAA Newsroom, seniors who are at risk of crashing their vehicles “can be identified by their fall histories.” 

Older people are exceptionally vulnerable to injuries. Their health, medications and other age-related factors can affect their ability to identify hazardous conditions that could cause them to slip and fall. They may also have limited which can make it more challenging for them to avoid hazards and increase the likelihood of them sustaining serious injuries. Their age and health can also limit their ability to recover from their injuries. 

The correlation between car and fall accidents 

Many of the same factors that result in fall accidents can lead to car accidents. More than 400,000 motor vehicle wrecks are caused by motorists who are 60 years old and older, states the New York Daily News. Common factors that increase the risk of senior car accidents are coordination issues, medication side effects, vision changes, new driving rules and car technology. 

Some older individuals may be more likely to crash their vehicles if they are a fall risk or have a history of falling. But they are not the most dangerous group of drivers on the roads. Seniors can lower the chances of them becoming motor vehicle wreck victims by taking driving classes to stay informed on the latest traffic rules and car technology. They should also assess their health and take measures to improve it to avoid fall accidents.

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Hit-and-run driver kills one and leaves another severely injured

Car accidents are so common in Knoxville that it may seem odd for a day to go by without you hearing about one. Hit-and-run accidents are often more unsettling to hear about because there is usually tragedy involved. As disturbing and life-changing as motor vehicle collisions can be for the victims, their family members are often left mourning the untimely loss of their loved ones. Victims who survive often have to spend the rest of their lives dealing with the consequences of someone else’s negligent behavior. 

A Knoxville family recently lost a relative in a fatal hit-and-run accident. The 29-year old male victim was on the side of the road on Gay Street with a female companion when a sports utility vehicle struck them. The accident shut down the area for approximately three hours while officials investigated the scene. The female victim is currently listed in serious condition at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. She is 24 years old. 

The driver of the SUV is a 23-year old woman who is currently facing fatal hit-and-run charges and may receive additional charges after further investigation. She was apprehended by law enforcement in the evening, although the incident occurred during the early morning hours on Sunday. Currently, there is no information on if drugs or alcohol were contributing factors. 

Hit-and-run accidents are preventable. Drivers have a duty to other motorists to operate their vehicles safely. They should never leave the scene of an accident. When they fail to honor that obligation and break the law by fleeing an accident scene, lives can be irrevocably changed forever.

Source: WATE.com, Knoxville woman charged in fatal hit-and run,” Madisen Keavy, Sept. 20, 2017

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Fall motorcycle hazards

The days are getting shorter, colder and the leaves are starting to change color. Although summer is coming to an end, there are still plenty of riding days left for motorcyclists in Knoxville. With the changing seasons comes new hazards and road conditions that bikers should be aware of. 

According to Consumer Reports, in 2015, the number of motorcycle fatalities on the roads across the country was more than 5,000. These accidents were caused by many factors, such as alcohol, reckless behavior, inexperience, driving errors, other motorists and seasonal road conditions. There is no perfect time of year for bikers to ride. However, any motorcyclists who plan to enjoy the fall scenery while they cruise the roads should heed the following safety suggestions. 

Increase visibility 

Now that the days are not as long as they were during the summer, some bikers may find themselves riding when it is dark out. Although their vehicles are equipped with lights, they may not be enough to make them visible enough for other motorists to see them and for them to see in areas where there is reduced visibility. Bikers should wear high-visibility clothing and safety gear. They should also inspect their vehicles regularly to ensure that all headlights, turn signals and brake lights work. 

Avoid piles of leaves 

Many bikers do not realize how much of a hazard falling leaves can be. Once they accumulate on the roads, they hide potholes, uneven surfaces and other hazardous conditions, states LizJansen.com. When the weather is wet, and there is moisture on the roads, leaves can become slippery and create slick traveling conditions that can cause bikers to fall off and crash their vehicles. Motorcyclists should avoid riding through piles of leaves whenever possible. 

The fall season is a beautiful time of year to ride. Bikers should remind themselves of the above seasonal hazards so they can take measures to stay safe and avoid accidents.

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

How can parents protect their kids from car accidents?

Many parents feel their children are safest when they are with them, especially when they are transporting them around the Knoxville area. However, car accidents kill more children each year than any other cause in the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014 alone, more than “121,350 kids were injured in vehicle collisions.” 

Some parents drive so much that it feels like second nature to them. They become so used to navigating the streets while distracted and driving recklessly alone, that when their children are with them, they forget to readjust their driving behaviors to protect them. There are many variables that create hazardous conditions that are ripe for car accidents. Alcohol, drugs, distractions, inexperience and recklessness are just a few factors that parents should keep in mind about other drivers. 

Parents themselves should consider the following actions to protect their kids’ health and lives while they are in their vehicles. 

Use proper car seats and installation techniques – Car seats should be properly secured and installed to keep kids from becoming airborne during collisions. Parents should check the belts and straps on their kids’ car seats before they place their children in them to prevent issues that can affect their safety. They should also review local child car seat laws and stop by their local fire or law enforcement agency to have their car and booster seat installation inspected. 

Inspect their vehicles for defects – Some car accidents that cause major injury and death happen when there are repair and maintenance issues and vehicle defects. Parents should not drive their kids around in vehicles that are not up-to-date on service and repairs. They should inspect their cars before each trip to ensure that all functions and features are working properly. 

Keep children out of the front seat – Many parents believe that when their kids appear to be too big for car seats they are large enough to ride in the front of their cars. However, children who are under the age of 12 are safest when they ride in the back seat. 

Drive safely – Parents and guardians should reevaluate their driving behaviors. They should leave all distractions alone while they are driving. They should also pay close attention to other motorists and the streets so they can avoid dangerous drivers and conditions. 

Children are smaller than adults. Their bodies are not made to withstand car accidents. There are safety features, car seats and other things parents can do to avoid accidents while their kids are in their cars. Parents and guardians should review the above safety suggestions often to keep their kids from becoming injured and killed in motor vehicle wrecks.

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

What are 2 main causes of motorcycle accidents?

One thing that motorcyclists should do before hitting the roads in Knoxville this season is to learn about two main causes of accidents. The number of motorcycle crashes that occur is increasing. According to the Insurance Information Institute, riders have a 29 percent higher chance of dying in collisions. They are also more likely to suffer serious injuries than other types of vehicle operators. 

When accidents happen, it is easy for uninvolved people to point the blame on rider behavior. However, some accident causing factors are beyond their control. Here is a brief overview of two major causes of motorcycle accidents. 

Motorists do not see them 

Motorcycles are much smaller than cars. It is hard for motorists to see bikers when they are in between their vehicles, in their blind spots and riding in their lanes. Drivers also have a tough time seeing motorcyclists when they are in areas where they least expect to see them. All motorists must watch the roads for the presence of other vehicles. When they do not, the risk of accidents and fatality increases substantially for bikers. 

Left turns 

Many motorcycle accidents happen at left turn intersections. Vehicle operators may not see motorcyclists coming through intersections or passing up other cars at the same time they are making left turns. This often results in head-on collisions which are often fatal when there are high speeds. Motorcycle riders do not have any structures to shield them from oncoming vehicles and the road during impact. 

Motorcyclists and motorists can do many things to make the roads safer for everyone. They should learn to share the roads. They should also pay full attention to operating their vehicles safely and to their surroundings so they can avoid hazardous conditions, make fewer errors and stay clear of reckless and unsafe motorists.

Categories
Car Accidents

What kind of injuries can occur in car accidents?

Many people in Knoxville who have never been involved in car accidents before believe that the most important thing they should worry about is property damage. However, car accidents can be very serious and often end with someone becoming injured. It is not uncommon for some individuals to suffer serious injuries in car accidents where there is minimal impact. It is also very common for some people not to show signs of their injuries immediately after them. 

As brief as motor vehicle collisions are, many people end up with long-term pain and suffering. Their injuries are often so severe that there is little chance of them making full recoveries. Anyone who has never been in a car accident before should take some time to learn about two types of injuries they are at risk of sustaining. 

Broken bones and fractures 

Broken bones and fractures make it hard for victims to return to normal after their accidents. They take a long time to heal. Some victims who suffer broken bones or fractures may need to undergo physical therapy for weeks or months after their bones mend. Individuals with multiple broken bones and fractures may need surgery before they can make a complete recovery, states MyPhysiciansNow.com. 

Spinal and brain trauma 

Some people end up with spinal cord damage and brain injuries after being flung back and forth in their vehicles during collisions. They may also suffer open wounds and penetration injuries when objects impale their heads and skulls. Brain injuries are also common when their heads are slammed against the sides and windshield of their vehicles and ground after becoming airborne. 

It is recommended for anyone who finds themselves in a motor vehicle collision to seek out immediate medical treatment. They may have injuries that they do not show any outward symptoms of. They should also get medical care in the weeks after their accidents to rule out the presence of delayed wounds.

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

The details of drunk driving accidents

Every state contains its own set of drunk driving laws to protect all drivers on the road, and the details of each penalty can be complex and demanding. Tennessee’s laws regarding driving while under the influence vary depending on the number of offenses, existence of injuries and fatalities. Even a first-time offense can come with incredibly damaging consequences.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides statistical data of accidents in the state, as well as the percentage of those accidents that occur as a result of alcohol impairment. According to the NHTSA’s 2015 report, 31 percent of Tennessee’s 958 fatal motor vehicle traffic accidents involved alcohol at the blood alcohol concentration level of .01 percent. 26 percent of Tennessee’s fatal crashes were due to BAC levels of .08 percent. However, law enforcement considers drivers to be alcohol-impaired when their BAC levels .08 grams per deciliter or higher. This policy also applies to motorcyclists, and the term “alcohol-impaired” does not imply that a crash or a fatality was caused by alcohol impairment.

When it comes to the penalties for drunk driving accidents, the financial and legal costs can be overwhelming. The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security lists the types of offenses related to drunk driving and the according penalties, stating that in the case of vehicular assault, a driver may face a Class D felony. Other penalties that can arise from a serious injury to another person by a DUI driver are license revocation from one to five years according to the number of prior offenses, jail time from two to twelve years and fines and court costs. Accidents involving vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault while driving intoxicated come with additional, often more pressing penalties.     

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

The breakdown of Tennessee’s helmet law

Motorcycling in most parts of Tennessee can be a true thrill. With the state’s beautiful valleys and scenic drives, it comes as no surprise that thousands of motorcyclists hit highways and interstates every day. Yet in addition to the undoubtedly carefree lifestyle that largely characterizes motorcycling, there also exists a significant number of motorcycle accidents each year. Yet many ask, who should call the verdict on helmet use, and should motorcyclists have the freedom to ride helmetless? 

The Times Free Press reported on an apparent rise in motorcycle accidents in Tennessee in recent years, but also provides state research findings that helmets are 37 percent effective at preventing fatal injuries to drivers. To spread information on motorcycle safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration hands out grants to states for motorcyclist training and motorist awareness. According to Times Free Press, the Government Accountability Office stressed that the grant money could be better spent if Congress relaxed guidelines and allowed states to have more flexibility regarding motorcycling laws. Such flexibility could open doors for new ways to increase helmet use, educate police and increase motorcycle safety awareness.  

More recently, WKRN News pointed out that Tennessee lawmakers have been reconsidering helmet laws in the state. However, despite the warnings of health and safety experts, many speak out against tightening the grip on helmet laws. The proposed bill does not specify the areas where motorcyclists will have the freedom to ride without helmets, but many riders stress the importance of individual choice. Although the bill has not yet passed, lawmakers still grapple with the difficult topic of motorcycle accidents and the government’s role in enforcing helmet use.    

Categories
Truck Accidents

Common truck tire issues that lead to accidents

When it comes to truck accidents, many people in the Knoxville area believe that they are caused by distracted, fatigued and speeding truckers. Many of them do not realize that distractions and fatigue are not the only reasons commercial vehicle operators crash. Some accidents are the result of maintenance issues. In 2015, there were 3,852 truck accident fatalities, states the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. 

Truckers are required to inspect their vehicles before and after each delivery. Their management companies must service their vehicles regularly to ensure they comply with the standards and regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration When they overlook or ignore faulty equipment and issues that can affect their vehicles’ normal operations, they make the roads more dangerous. Here are two common truck maintenance problems that motorists should learn about. 

Excessive speeds

It is not uncommon for drivers to see pieces of blown out truck tires on the roads. Commercial vehicles are much heavier and larger than other vehicles. They use different tires which are larger and designed to provide sufficient support and traction when operators travel at certain speeds. When truckers exceed those speeds, their tires have less contact with the roads and may not stay intact. According to CBSNews.com, the maximum safe speed for commercial vehicle wheels is under 75 miles per hour.

Underinflated tires

When truck tires are underinflated, they cannot keep vehicle weight evenly distributed to proper support. Instead, they give way and explode, compromising the safety of the truck, trucker and every motorist in the vicinity. Truckers should inspect their tires before each trip to ensure they have sufficient tread, proper air pressure and are on the correct axles. 

Motorists may not be able to tell when they are driving near commercial vehicles with tire and wheel issues. They can avoid accidents with trucks by staying clear of them. They should follow all traffic rules, courtesies and avoid driving in their blind spots.

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

A couple of motorcycle safety myths to ignore

Every day, there are motorcycle accidents on the roads of Knoxville. Many of them are the result of rider error and misinformation. Some bikers are not aware that some of the information they hear and believe about riding is false. Although these myths are meant to educate and inspire them to stay safe while they are out riding on the roads, they do the opposite. 

Motorcycle crashes make up 14 percent of all vehicle accidents, states the Insurance Information Institute. Riders who are not properly informed about what is truth and fiction may find themselves in danger of getting hurt. Motorcyclists should make themselves aware of the following biker myths and their truths so they can take measures to improve their safety. 

Helmets reduce visibility 

Bikers in Tennessee must wear helmets when they ride. However, many of them do not because they do not believe in their effectiveness. There is also a common belief that helmets reduce visibility, hearing and are unattractive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bikers who wear helmets are 67 percent less likely to sustain head injuries. Bikers should follow the law and wear their helmets. They do not impact visibility or hearing and can help keep them from suffering serious, debilitating injuries and death. 

Underinflating new tires 

Some motorcyclists believe they do not have to break in new tires if they under inflate them. However, most motorcycle tire manufacturers recommend for bikers to break them in first. Many riders find that new tires are slick and slippery. Breaking them in gets rid of the slipperiness and increases their grip. Underinflating tires is a dangerous practice that reduces road traction, making it easier for riders to lose control of and fall off their vehicles. 

With the risk of accidents increasing every day, bikers should assess their riding knowledge and behaviors and wear the right riding gear. They should also take refresher riding courses and review proper safety procedures so they can protect themselves and other motorists on the streets.