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Author: Anthony Proffitt

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Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle awareness in the spotlight this month

Whether you ride a motorcycle or simply share the road with them in Tennessee, it is important to understand some of the safety issues that riders face. While cars’ bodies provide their drivers with protection, motorcycle riders do not have that same advantage. At Pryor Priest & Harber, we understand that accidents involving motorcycles are particularly serious and can result in grave injuries and even death.

That is why May has been designated Motorcycle Awareness Month, according to Ultimate Motorcycling. Of all the reported deadly motorcycle crashes each year, another vehicle is involved in 57 percent of them. By remaining aware of the motorcycles around them, car and truck drivers can help ensure everyone’s safety.

One of the biggest safety problems today is distracted driving. Phones especially serve to tempt drivers to take their eyes off of the road, which can be extremely dangerous. In addition, newer technologies do some of the work for drivers, leading some people to believe that they do not need to be as vigilant. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and harder to spot. Therefore, this important safety campaign reminds drivers to keep an eye out for motorcycles and to check carefully before changing lanes.

In part, May was chosen because the spring weather brings many riders onto the road. It is also important to bring these issues to people’s attention this time of year so that they will keep them in mind as the seasons change. For more information on dealing with a crash involving a motorcycle, please visit our web page.

Categories
Drunk Driving Accidents

Controversy surrounds drugged driving report

Every year, people in Tennessee are injured and killed by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving crashes can be devastating for victims and their families. However, until now not much attention has been given to accidents involving drugged drivers. A new study has not only looked at accident fatalities involving drugs but has come to some controversial conclusions.

According to CBS News, a recent report has found that of drivers involved in fatal crashes, 37 percent tested positive for alcohol, while 43 percent tested positive for drugs. Of the drugs found, marijuana was the most popular, followed by amphetamines.

While drug abuse is an important issue facing many communities, some are quick to point out the flaws of this study. Drug testing is not universally administered, nor were concentrations of the drugs taken into account. There is currently no equivalent test for drugs that compares to the testing conducted by law enforcement to determine a driver’s blood alcohol content.

In addition, some feel that the report’s conclusion may take away from the extremely important cause of preventing drunk driving. Mothers Against Drunk Driving points out that just because drugs were found to be in a person’s system at the time of a crash, it does not mean that the person was impaired by them. For instance, alcohol may be in a person’s system if he or she had one drink but that does not mean that the person’s ability to drive was impaired. Plus, since the testing for alcohol versus drugs is completely different, a direct comparison cannot be made.

Categories
Car Accidents

Distracted driving: How your actions affect other motorists

As a motorist who frequents the roads in Knoxville, you may feel so familiar with your route that you often resort to distractions to keep yourself from getting bored. Although you have managed to drive around without accidents thus far, you should know that distractions are one of the biggest causes of car accidents in the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents that involve distracted drivers injure at least 1,161 people a year. 

With the risk of accidents due to distractions increasing, you should make yourself aware of how your driving actions endanger everyone on the roads. 

Distractions prevent safe driving habits 

“Distractions that result in you taking your eyes off the roads for any length of time present the greatest risk of danger to motorists,” states CBSNews.com. When you text and drive, you are not looking at the roads. You cannot see what is going on around your vehicle. If a driver were to make a sudden stop, swerve in front of you or do some other dangerous driving maneuver, you would be unable to avoid them. When you cannot drive defensively enough to protect yourself and your passengers, other motorists cannot drive defensively to protect themselves from you. 

Car accidents can cause life-changing injuries 

Car accidents are not the only consequences that you face when you engage in distracted driving. Collisions with other vehicles can result in serious injuries that can result in temporary and permanent disabilities and death. 

Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. All it takes is just one unfortunate event to change your life forever. 

 

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

2 major hazards that motorcyclist should be aware of

Motorcycle accidents are on the rise in Knoxville. According to ConsumerReports.org, in 2014, 4,586 riders died in motorcycle accidents. The number of deaths increased by 10 percent in 2015. Many riders are so in love with the roads that they throw all caution to the wind and ride out. As exciting as riding can be, there are dangers on the roads that can affect their safety and ability to ride again in the future. With the risk of severe injury and possible death looming, many motorcyclists should become more cautious when they are riding with other motorists. They should also become more aware of the dangers they face so they can avoid them. 

Here is a brief rundown of the hazards that can affect motorcyclists. 

Distracted motorists 

Distracted drivers are a danger to everyone. They are not looking at the roads, nor the cars and motorcycles that are around them. Distracted motorists are unable to extend common road courtesies, such as allowing other vehicles to merge or safely pass them because they do not know what is going on and are not aware of the intent of other motorists. Motorcyclists are particularly at risk because their vehicles are much smaller. Drivers who are not paying attention or watching for bikers may drift into their lanes and clip them, causing them to fall off their bikes and be hit by oncoming traffic. According to The Cheat Sheet, even slight taps and bumps from cars can cause motorcyclists to fall. 

Adverse Weather Conditions 

Motorcyclists like the freedom of not driving around in cages. But those cages offer protection when inclement weather strikes. Bad weather can make the roads more challenging for everyone to navigate. Motorcyclists should avoid riding when the weather is bad out. They should also drive slower and pay more attention to the other motorists on the roads so they can protect themselves from collisions. 

Motorcycles may be fun and more appealing to drive than cars, but they are no less dangerous. Bikers should prepare themselves before taking to the roads so they can avoid the dangers. 

Categories
Car Accidents

Ways drivers can prepare for the roads this season

Now that spring is here, and summer is on its way, many motorists will be taking to the roads in Knoxville to travel. An increase in motorists means a higher risk of car accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, in 2015, approximately 958 fatal car crashes occurred in Tennessee.  884 victims from those accidents lost their lives. Many of those accidents happened while they were traveling with their friends and loved ones for vacation.

Motorists can take preventative measures to increase the chances of them making it safely to their destinations.

Pre-trip their vehicles

Drivers should thoroughly inspect their vehicles before they get on the roads. They should check their turn signals, wiper blades, fluid levels and brakes. It is also a good idea to have any neglected maintenance services performed before they start traveling.

Avoid distractions

Distractions were the cause of 420,000 injuries from car accidents in 2013, states CellControl.com. Being on the road requires motorists to remain attentive to them. Drivers should keep their cellphones where they cannot access them until they arrive at their destinations. They should also encourage their passengers to minimize the use of their mobile devices while they are driving. Other distracting behaviors motorists should avoid include eating and drinking while behind the wheel, conversations, grooming and adjusting their navigational and entertainment systems.

Remain mindful of road conditions

Warmer weather often brings about an increase in rain and wet road conditions. Motorists should check the weather before they leave for their destinations and adjust their driving behaviors. They should drive slower when the roads are wet to decrease the chances of them hydroplaning. Drivers should also pay attention to the speeds and actions of other motorists when there is inclement weather. They should steer clear of drivers who are driving recklessly.

Drivers can avoid many hazardous conditions on the roads with extra care and caution. Preparing their cars and themselves before they hit the streets can make the roads safer for everyone.

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle safety is a two-way street

Many motorcyclists think they own the roads in Knoxville. They are eager to speed on the roads and toss all caution to the wind, expecting other drivers to avoid them. However, bikers should keep in mind that safety is a two-way street. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were 8.6 million motorcyclists on the roads in 2015. 88,000 of them sustained injuries, and 4,976 of them died from crashing their bikes.

Motorcyclists must learn to share the roads with other drivers to keep them safe.

As the weather continues to heat up, more drivers and motorcyclists will be on the roads. Passenger vehicle and truck drivers should increase their following distances. Many bikers make sudden driving maneuvers that can make it harder for others to anticipate their positions. Motorcyclists should remain mindful of the other drivers on the roads. They should always use their turn signals, slow down instead of speeding and avoid cutting off other motorists.

Motorcyclists should take corners and intersections carefully. Many bikers turn into intersections and corners too fast. Some of them do not pay attention to what is in front of them and end up crashing or swerving and falling to avoid collisions. These factors can cause drivers behind them to crash into them.

Blind spots are a leading cause of motorcycle crashes, states EHS Today. Many bikers ride in the blind spots of vehicles not realizing that the drivers cannot see them. Motorists should check their blind spots and mirrors frequently so they can see any vehicle that is directly behind and on the side of them, in addition to using their turn signals.

With respect for all drivers and riders and good driving behavior, both motorcyclists and motorists can reduce the number of motorcycle and car accidents that occur.

Categories
Fatal Motor Vehicle Accidents

Common causes of teenage car accidents

The temperatures are heating up, and many motorists on the roads in Knoxville are newly licensed drivers. Teenagers face the highest risk of injury and death on the roads. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that drivers who are 20 years old and older are three times less likely to die in car crashes than teenage motorists, for every mile driven.

Knowing the factors that put them at risk for accidents can enable young drivers to avoid them.

Lack of experience

Many young drivers do not have much experience behind the wheel, especially if they have recently received their driver’s licenses. The time they spent in driving school and driving under the supervision of their parents is often not sufficient enough to expose them to the different kinds of situations they may encounter on the roads. Their limited driving experience leaves them with little to no knowledge on how to handle them, increasing the chances of them making critical errors.

Not wearing seatbelts

Many teenage drivers do not wear their seatbelts. According to DriversSource.org, 52 percent of teenage motorists who died in 2013 did not wear seatbelts. Some young adults do not wear them because they feel they are uncool, uncomfortable and do not help to prevent injuries and fatalities. Teenage drivers who avoid wearing their seatbelts may ignore other safety precautions that can help keep them safe on the roads.

Distractions

Teen drivers are more likely to drive while distracted than any other age group. They do not seem to understand the importance of giving the road their full attention. Many witness their parents driving while distracted and assume that it safe for them to do so too. Distractions come in many forms and are not limited to texting, surfing the web, posting on social media, talking to passengers, eating and drinking and horseplay.

Young adult motorists may lack experience, but there are ways they can reduce the number of car accidents they are in. Getting more practicing behind the wheel, learning what is safe and appropriate driving behavior and paying more attention to the roads are a few strategies that can make the roads safer for them and all other drivers.

Categories
Motorcycle Accidents

Springtime riding safety tips for motorcyclists

Warm weather means many riders in Knoxville are pulling their motorcycles out of storage. With more people out on the roads, the risk of accidents and serious injury for many bikers is high. In their haste to get on the roads, many bikers forgo their safety. According to Consumers Report, there were 10 percent more fatal motorcycle accidents in 2015 than there were in 2014. Lax helmet laws, alcohol and distractions are just a few of the contributing factors.

Bikers who want to enjoy the freedom and excitement of the ride should take some time to prepare themselves for the road.

Wear helmets

Bikers are not legally required to wear helmets while they are on the road, but doing so can help save their lives. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Data Loss Institute states that helmets are 67 percent effective in protecting bikers from sustaining traumatic brain injuries and 37 percent effective in preventing their deaths. Those who do not are gambling with their lives.

Wear leather protection

The weather may be warmer, but the roads are still dangerous to bikers. Riders are also at risk of sustaining skin abrasions and cuts and bruises. Bikers can avoid these types of injuries by wearing leather riding gear. The clothing provides a layer of protection for their skin that acts as a buffer when they fall and are dragged along the road in motorcycle accidents.

Respect other motorists

Some riders tend to move ride between other vehicles and make sudden driving maneuvers that put them at risk of colliding with other motorists. Sometimes passenger car drivers and truckers cannot see them and are unable to move their vehicles to safety to avoid them. Bikers can minimize the risk of motor vehicle accidents with other motorists by following all road rules and traffic signals and giving other motorists sufficient notice of their intent.

Most motorcycle accidents do not have to happen. Taking refresher courses, wearing safety gear and respecting other motorists are the first steps riders can take to avoid accidents and minimize their risk of injuries so they can live to ride again.

Categories
Car Accidents

Distracted Driving vs. Drunk Driving: Which is worse?

Each year, thousands of Knoxville motorists crash their vehicles. Whether these car accidents are the result of distractions, intoxication or something else altogether, they are all preventable. Many people are aware of the dangers that are involved when alcohol and distractions are factors. But, this knowledge does not prevent them from engaging in these behaviors.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 660,000 drivers use their cellphones while on the roads during the daytime. Distracted drivers exhibit many of the same characteristics as drunk motorists.They have slower reaction times and inadequate knowledge about what is happening around them. Drivers who text and use their mobile devices take their eyes off the roads and have a significantly higher chance of crashing their vehicles. Drunk motorists also share many of the same risks, but some them do try to compensate for their impairments.

The dangers increase drastically when distracted motorists are drunk. Distractions make it harder for intoxicated drivers to safely operate their vehicles, states Science Daily. Motorists who consume alcohol and drive with distractions do not necessarily need to be drunk to have a higher risk of accidents. Drivers who drink and text endanger everyone on the roads not just themselves.

In many cases, distracted driving is worse than drunk driving. There are not as many laws, regulations and prevention measures in place to prevent motorists from using their cellphones on the roads. Currently, suspected drunk drivers face jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension and other harsh penalties. Distracted motorists do not have as many consequences to worry about until they crash their cars.

Categories
Car Accidents

Helping teens drivers to avoid distractions

Teen drivers are one of the most vulnerable groups of motorists on the roads in Knoxville. When distractions are present, their risk of collisions and injuries increase substantially. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teenagers are more likely to die from motor vehicle accidents than any other cause of death. Parents should encourage their teens to learn how to avoid distractions while driving so they can reduce their risk of car accidents and fatal injuries.

Pre-trip preparation

Many teens do not inspect their vehicles before they get into them. They should adjust all mirrors, seats, climate controls and entertainment settings before hitting the roads. Adolescent drivers should also plan their routes and check weather conditions before they start driving.

Focus on the roads

When teens get behind the wheel, they should focus all of their attention on the roads. Driving is an activity that requires a great deal of focus. Teen motorists should actively scan the roads for pedestrians, traffic signs and signals and monitor their mirrors so they can avoid obstacles, vehicles and people.

Put away electronic distractions

It is no secret that many young adult drivers overestimate their driving abilities. They become super confident and think they can drive safely while doing other things like using their cellphones. Teens should refrain from suing their cellphones and electronics. Many newer vehicles are equipped with hands-free technology that can also lead to distractions. Teen motorists should only use their electronic devices in emergency situations.

Getting teens to avoid distractions while driving may seem challenging to some parents. CNN.com reports that “51 percent of teenagers witness their parents using their mobile devices while they operate their vehicles.” Teens tend to mimic their parents driving behaviors. Parents should practice what they preach, so their teens will become safer drivers.

Teenage car accidents are frequent occurrences. Many of those situations are preventable with the proper reinforcement of good and responsible driving habits.