Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

After an extensive investigation, a Peabody teenager whose car crashed into a house last month has recently been arraigned for driving under the influence of alcohol. As reported in Peabody Teenager Survives After Crashing into House and Catching Fire, Robert Habeeb, Jr.’s car exploded into flames after it crashed into a house . Firefighters were able to pull him from the burning sedan at approximately 2:30 a.m. on December 11. Habeeb was not seriously injured in the crash despite the crashes´ severity. He has pleaded not guilty to five charges, including operating under the influence of alcohol and reckless operation of a motor vehicle in the Peabody District Court. The 18-year-old Peabody High senior was additionally charged with negligent operation of a motor vehicle, failure to yield, and failure to have an inspection sticker.

According to papers that were filed in court, a blood sample taken in the hospital after the crash revealed that Habeeb’s blood alcohol level was two-and-a-half times the legal limit. The State Police Lab sent the blood results to the Peabody Police Department last Wednesday. Before this more serious finding, Habeeb was issued a criminal motor vehicle citation after the accident for operating a motor vehicle recklessly so as to endanger. The records also revealed that Habeeb was traveling 109 miles per hour five seconds before the crash.

Peabody Police formally summonsed Habeeb with the charges filed against him this week while he was at school, including the operating under the influence of alcohol charge. Richard Chambers, Jr., Habeeb´s Lynnfield-based attorney, said that defendants are usually sent a summons in the mail at least two weeks in advance. Both Habeeb and his lawyer declined to say if he drinking or what his activities were on the night of the crash. He was not given a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer test on the night of the crash.

A spokeswoman for Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office, Carrie Kimball Monahan, said that there is not a standard procedure to summon a defendant to court in Essex County. She said, “In this case charges were sought yesterday and the clerk issued an arraignment for today so he was served…It had to be done.”

Peabody Police spokesman Michael Crane said “An extensive investigation was conducted, the charges were filed accordingly based on the investigation.” He said that the Peabody Police led the investigation and worked together with members of the Massachusetts State Police Accident Reconstruction Team.

In a separate hearing after the arraignment, Judge Richard Mori ordered Habeeb not to consume any alcohol while the case is pending and he must take random alcohol tests. He must also adhere to an 8 p.m. curfew while the case is pending. Mori also ordered him to turn in his license to the court despite the fact that the Registry of Motor Vehicles has already suspended Habeeb’s driver’s license.

If you have been involved in a road accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Source:

Peabody teen charged with OUI in crash at Herrick Road home , www.boston.com, January 11, 2012

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Continue reading "Peabody Teenager Charged With OUI After Crashing Into House" »

Recent car crashes in December involving drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts has resulted in a strong response from seatbelt advocates. Advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of the state’s seat belt law after these car crashes, many of which ended fatally. They are arguing that this is more than enough evidence that seatbelts save lives and they are calling on lawmakers to act in the New Year.

Massachusetts law already requires drivers and passengers to wear seat belts; however, police can only enforce the rule if they have stopped the vehicle for another violation, such as running a red light or speeding. Senator Patricia Jehlen, D-Somerville, and Representative Patricia Haddad, D-Somerset, are the chief sponsors of a bill that would make Massachusetts the 32nd state in the nation to let police pull over drivers for seat belt violations.

A recent UMass-Amherst study found that approximately 73 percent of Massachusetts drivers use seat belts, which is the lowest seatbelt usage rate in the United States and has thus sparked this debate. This number is also slightly lower than last year´s percentage of seatbelt users. All of the accident victims of the four accidents that occurred in December were young adults. Deborah Pentecost, a trauma program manager at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, witnesses the flux of young victims entered into the emergency room who were not wearing seatbelts and believes that the message must also come from education. She commented “It’s the younger population that takes the risks…I think we’ve gotten the message to adults that have kids…and the population over 50.”

Mary Maguire, a spokeswoman for AAA Southern New England and co-chairwoman of Belts Ensure a Safer Tomorrow (BEST), a coalition of about 60 health, law enforcement and driver-safety groups, said “When there’s stronger, more effective enforcement, compliance increases.” BEST estimates that a stricter seat belt law could save Massachusetts approximately $1 billion over six years, because of avoided hospital bills, lower insurance premiums, and eligibility for federal grants.

The legislation to update the seatbelt law died in a tie vote in the House in 2004. In 2006, a similar bill passed both chambers in 2006, but was later shot down in a procedural vote in the House when three representatives changed their votes. Robert Fitzpatrick, Senator Jehlen’s chief of staff, said “We think we have the votes in the Senate…(In the House) it’s hard to know.”

Opponents to the bill, such as civil liberty groups, argue that the stricter seat belt law could give the opportunity to police to easily abuse the law by making unnecessary traffic stops or as an excuse for racial profiling.

If you have been involved in a road accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Sources:

Groups calling for tougher seat belt laws, Taunton Daily Gazette, January 5, 2012

Update sought on Massachusetts seat belt law, The Patriot Ledger, January 3, 2012

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Continue reading "Recent Accidents Spark Seatbelt Enforcement Debate in Massachusetts" »

After a teenage driver crashed his vehicle into a Peabody home last week, the car flipped onto its side, burst into flames, and the engine detached onto the front lawn. Robert Habeeb, Jr. 18, of Peabody, was reportedly returning home from hanging out with his peers at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Sunday morning when the accident occurred. The vehicle first hit a tree stump, then a stone wall which sent the car into the air, and then into a house on Herrick Road, which caused both the car and house to catch fire. The owners of the house were not home when the accident occured but the damage to the house has been estimated at approximately $50,000.
Firefighters were said to have had to climb on top of the overturned vehicle as it was still burning to look for the driver. He was released from Massachusetts General Hospital with only relatively minor injuries including a bruised pelvis, back pain, a bump on his head, and burns on his knuckles.

The teenager´s father, Robert Habeeb said, "He fell asleep driving home…He doesn't remember anything…I just want to thank the Peabody Fire Department and Police Department for finding Robert and pulling him out of the car and saving his life…When I think of what might have happened if they'd come a minute later ..."

Peabody fire Capt. Dale Kimball recalled the scene of the accident as the most horrible he'd ever seen in more than a decade as a firefighter. A witness, neighbor Charles Annino, called his mere survival a miracle. The teenager´s father agreed and said "If you saw the car, you would think that, too…The tow-truck people said it was the worst wreck they'd ever picked up." Family members have mentioned that the teen is looking forward to thanking the firefighters who rescued him.

Police Spokesman Michael Crane said that the investigation is open but they had not filed charges against Habeeb. Crane did not confirm if chargers could be filed at a later date. Peabody police have not involved the state police accident reconstruction team.

If you have been involved in a road accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Sources:

Driver saved from burning car is home from hospital, The Salem News, December 13, 2011

Peabody teen whose car hit house released from hospital
, www.boston.com, December 13, 2011

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After a series of deaths in which drivers have stepped out of their vehicles on Massachusetts highways, Massachusetts State Police are reminding drivers to always remain in their vehicles after an accident until police arrive. After these three recent accidents, all of which appear to have initially been minor auto accidents, three people have died as a result of exiting their vehicles and stepping out into traffic. The first of these three incidents occurred on Friday morning, when a 75-year-old Somerville man was struck and killed in the Tip O'Neill Tunnel in Boston. Before hit by oncoming traffic, David Dang was reportedly standing in the traffic lane when he got out of his car after what seems to have been a minor car accident.

Just a few hours later, two other motorists were hit after getting out of their car in Lynnfield, just fifteen miles north of Boston. State Police report that a 2000 Saturn SL2 sedan had halted in the median on the southbound side of Route 128, at approximately 11:45 p.m. Two of the four occupants of the vehicle then exited the car and were standing in the travel lane when they were both hit by a vehicle. Police said Conner Toscano, 18, of Billerica was pronounced dead at the scene and 17-year-old Billerica woman was severely injured. She was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

At approximately 1:15 a.m. on Saturday morning, Massachusetts State Police responded to yet another similar accident in Lancaster. On Route 190 northbound, just north of Exit 7, authorities reported that a 2005 Toyota Camry had hit the guardrail and was disabled in the median. The driver, Scott Symonds, 38, of West Boylston, then exited his vehicle and was hit by a 2006 Ford pickup truck driven by Eric Sifert, 42, of Westminster. Symonds was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

David Procopio, spokesperson for the state police, said "The crash remains under investigation to determine if any charges are warranted…The investigation is being conducted by Troop C of the Massachusetts State Police, along with the State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section."

Each of these highway-related fatalities involving people getting out of vehicles remain under investigation by Massachusetts State Police. State police are reminding motorists in disabled cars to try to get their vehicles out of the road immediately following an accident and to stay in their cars until police arrive at the scene of a reported crash.

If you have been involved in a Massachusetts car accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced a Massachusetts car accident lawyer.

Sources:

2 Killed Standing On Highways, www.thebostonchannel.com, November 27, 2011

Massachusetts man killed on highway after exiting vehicle following minor crash, www.MassLive.com, November 26, 2011

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General Motors Company has recently announced that they are developing a way to discharge the battery in Chevrolet Volts to prevent the battery from causing car fires after car crashes. This announcement comes after the Volt was crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and subsequently caught fire three weeks later, causing skepticism over safety of the electric vehicle.

Rob Peterson, a GM spokesman, said that GM is currently working with the NHTSA and will announce their safety procedures as soon as they are finished. Peterson said “We had a process internally but I don’t believe it was shared with anyone…The incident with NHTSA raised awareness that we had to develop a procedure and alert all stakeholders.” The executive director of the Center for Auto Safety in Washington, Clarence Ditlow, said “I can’t conceive that they didn’t have a standard operating procedure in place for handling a wrecked vehicle before the car went on sale…NHTSA and GM should have established protocols in place before it went on sale.” Although The Volt´s counterpart, the Nissan Leaf, had already developed and established a safety plan by the time both cars were released for sale in December 2010. Additionally, Nissan´s Leaf has a protective steel case around its battery to protect the battery from puncture, unlike the Volt.

GM believes that a coolant leak carried an electrical charge to a flammable material inside the battery. When a lithium battery is punctured by steel, a chemical reaction will raise the temperature and could potentially cause a fire. GM’s chief engineer for electric cars, Jim Federico, said that GM´s new technology reduces power in the battery so it won’t catch on fire after a collision. He said “The fire occurred because the battery wasn’t completely discharged after the test…GM developed its battery depowering process for the Volt after NHTSA’s test.”
GM previously had a process to discharge the Volt batteries but the automaker did not distribute the training to tow truck drivers, body shops, salvage yards and others who may handle or be in contact with the car after emergency personnel had finished working at the scene of an accident. The company was individually sending out engineers to check any Volt that got in an accident. If it was necessary, they would discharge the battery.

Although the NHTSA confirmed that it did not believe the Volt or any other electric vehicles are at higher risk for fires than gasoline engines, the NHTSA is currently examining the safety of lithium-ion batteries that power all electric vehicles. NHTSA is asking all automakers that sell lithium-ion powered vehicles or will sell in the future, about the batteries´ safety and potential fire risk.

If you have been involved in a Massachusetts car accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced a Massachusetts car accident lawyer.

Sources:

U.S. probes EV batteries after Chevy Volt fire, Reuters, November 11, 2011

GM Seeks Ways to Discharge Volt Batteries Following Car Crashes, Bloomberg News, November 17, 2011

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Massachusetts and Connecticut police report that three teens have been hospitalized and remain in serious condition after they stole a car from Connecticut and crashed in Massachusetts. Early Friday morning, the three teenagers stole a gray Dodge Sebring from Grosvenor Dale, Connecticut. Connecticut State Police notified Massachusetts State Police that they were chasing the stolen vehicle on Route 395 North near the Massachusetts state line in Webster. A Massachusetts police officer, Ronald Tetreau Jr., was parked on the side of the road, and soon saw the car speeding over 100 miles per hour in Douglas. The officer attempted to follow the vehicle but temporary lost sight of the speeding vehicle. Officer Tetreau then came upon the vehicle´s debris on Webster Street, also known as Route 16. The vehicle had hit a fence, a utility pole, and rolled over several times.

The two occupants who were seated in the front of the car had been thrown from the vehicle. A 15-year-old from Putnam, Connecticut, was driving, police said. A 16-year-boy from Dudley, Massachusetts was in the front passenger and was also seriously injured. A 16-year-old female passenger was sitting in the back seat and had to be extricated from the vehicle. Police have identified the female passenger as Skyelynn Mathieu of Ware, Massachusetts, but have not released the identities of the two males in the vehicle. All three victims were taken to University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, University Campus in Worcester, where they remain in critical condition.

Authorities found stolen property in the vehicle and charges could potentially be filed when the investigation is complete.

Police Chief Patrick T. Foley said that the crash is under investigation. Douglas Police are working with Connecticut State Police, and the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council Crash Reconstruction Unit and the District Attorney’s Office are also investigating.

If you have been involved in a car accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Sources:

Teens remain hospitalized from stolen car crash, Worcester Telegram, November 14, 2011

3 Teens Hurt in 100 MPH Crash, NBC Connecticut, November 11, 2011

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New wireless technology enables communication between vehicles that has the potential to improve safety and to help drivers avoid car accidents. At a recent research clinic hosted by the Department of Transportation at Walt Disney World® SPEEDWAY in Orlando last week, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, "Thanks to the efforts of automakers and the safety community traffic fatalities have reached historic lows. Despite these great strides though, more than 32,000 people are still killed on our nation's roads every year. That's why we must remain vigilant in our effort to improve safety…This research should bring us a step closer to what could be the next major safety breakthrough."

Research by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that connected vehicle technology could potentially decrease approximately 80 percent of vehicle crashes involving non-impaired drivers. The research shows that such technology could help to prevent many types of crashes that typically occur in the real world such as crashes at intersections or during lanes changes.
The "Driver Acceptance Clinic" is one of many that will eventually be held across the nation in order to evaluate cars equipped with vehicle-to-vehicle communications systems in a controlled environment where researchers can observe drivers' responses to audible warnings. The in-car collision warnings for the drivers include messages such as "do not pass", alerts that a vehicle has suddenly stopped ahead, and other similar safety warnings.

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said, "With its potential to save lives and prevent injuries, connected vehicle technology could be a real game-changer for vehicle safety…These clinics are vital to understanding how drivers will respond to the technology and how connected vehicles communicate in real world scenarios."

These driver clinics are the first of a two-phased research program jointly developed by the Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Research, the Innovative Technology Administration (RITA), and the U.S. Department of Transportation. Driver response clinics have already been held in Michigan and Minnesota. Future clinics are planned for Virginia, California, and Texas before January 2012. Following the driver clinic programs, the Department of Transportation will launch 3,000 vehicles with communication technology to continue testing from the summer of 2012 through the summer of 2013. These vehicles will operate on roads in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and will test a limited number of vehicle-to-infrastructure applications in addition to continuing the research on vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems.

The information collected from both phases of the research will be used by NHTSA to determine by 2013 whether to continue with additional vehicle-to-vehicle communications and to determine possible future laws.

Although this is an important step for the future, car accidents still happen today. If you have been involved in a Massachusetts car accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced a Massachusetts car accident lawyer.

Source:

U.S. Department of Transportation Hosts Research Clinic to Test 'Connected Vehicle Technology' , NHTSA Press Release, October 19, 2011

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Two young men were killed early on Sunday morning in a Worcester car accident when another vehicle slammed into them. Robert J. Curran, 22, was allegedly driving between 80 to 100 mph at approximately 2 a.m. when he crashed his vehicle into a 2005 blue Acura driven by 18-year-old Andres Guzman. Both Guzman and his passenger, 19-year-old Joel Rodriguez, died at the scene of the accident. Jesus Molina, 19, another passenger in Guzman’s car, was seriously injured and remains in critical condition at UMass Memorial Medical Center — University Campus. The identity and condition of a male passenger in Curran's car was not released.

According to State Registry of Motor Vehicle records, Curran has had a number of driving offenses since 2005 and his license was suspended at the time of the accident.

Curran also allegedly left the scene of the accident after briefly speaking to a paramedic about chest pain. The paramedic reportedly briefly helped another accident victim, and turned back to Curran but he was gone. The paramedic was later able to identify Curran at a police station from an array of photos. According to court records, Curran first went to Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard in Webster where he told hospital staff that he was hurt in a bar fight. He was later transferred to UMass Memorial Medical Center—University Campus where he is currently being treated for his injuries.

During his arraignment this week at the hospital, Assistant District Attorney Brett F. Dillon detailed the allegations and asked that Curran be held on $100,000 cash bail. Dillon said, “Mr. Curran's operation of that vehicle was reckless to say the least…Witnesses have him going between 80 to 100 miles per hour and colliding with these young men.”

Andrea Levy, Defense lawyer for Curran, said her client has no convictions on his record and asked that her client be released on personal recognizance.

Judge Margaret Guzman ordered that Curran be held on $20,000 cash bail and continued his case to November 8. She charged him with two counts of motor vehicle homicide by negligent driving, two counts of leaving the scene of an accident after causing death, negligent driving, leaving the scene of an accident causing personal injury, speeding, leaving the scene after causing property damage and driving with a suspended license. Curran pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him.

If you have been involved in a road accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Source:

Driver in double fatality is held on $20,000 bail, www.Telegram.com, October 11, 2011

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Danielle Morin, a 23-year-old woman, was given a suspended jail sentence and probation after pleading guilty to causing a March head-on collision in Attleboro. In the Attleboro District Court, Morin was given a two-year jail sentence, which was suspended for two years with probation by Judge Daniel O'Shea after she had pleaded guilty to driving to endanger.

The March 5 head-on collision occurred around 9:30 p.m., when a passenger in the rear seat of Morin's car allegedly put her hands over Morin's eyes, which caused her to lose control of the car and crash into an oncoming car. The passenger, Latoya Garnes, 26, who allegedly covered Morin's eyes, is scheduled to face trial on October 5. She pleaded innocent to assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, being disorderly, possession of an open container of alcohol and malicious damage. Police found a bottle of vodka, an open bottle of whiskey and a can of beer in the back seat of the vehicle. Morin, the driver, did not have alcohol on her breath and was not charged with drunken driving, according to court records. Morin was found responsible on civil charges of failing to drive within marked lanes and driving with an open container of alcohol, which were filed by the court.

O'Shea additionally ordered Morin to attend the Brains at Risk Program, which is a program to promote awareness about traumatic brain injuries and promote responsible driving. The Brian Injury Association of Massachusetts uses video, graphics, and group discussions as learning tools to demonstrate the importance of choices made by drivers and the potential impact of irresponsible driving.

The accident injured all three people in the other car. Jessica Coburn, 32, of Attleboro, and her 13-year-old daughter Janessa suffered from serious injuries while Scott Wilkins, 38, of Attleboro, had an arm injury. Coburn spent approximately a month in the hospital and another three months in a wheelchair from hip, leg and chest injuries.

If you have been involved in a road accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Source:

Driver pleads guilty to causing head-on crash, The Sun Chronicle, September 28, 2011

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The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that prosecutors no longer have to ask a technician to testify that the breathalyzer machine was functioning correctly in drinking and driving cases. In the Commonwealth v. Zoanne Zeininger, SJC-10758, the state’s highest court refuted claims by Zoanne Zeininger, who had a breathalyzer test administered and was then convicted of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, that the certification of the machine and maintenance records was testimony and thus the technician who had prepared them should be cross-examined by her defense.

Zeininger´s defense argued that the Constitution´s Sixth Amendment gives people the right to cross-examine the witnesses against them and also referred to a United States Supreme Court case, Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts, 129 S.Ct. 2527 (2009), in which justices ruled that drug lab experts should testify because drug analysis certificates were used as testimony. The Court resolved that it was a violation of the Sixth Amendment right of confrontation for a prosecutor to submit a drug test report without the lab technician´s testimony.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court also referred to a section of the Melendez-Diaz case in which it admitted that “documents prepared in the regular course of equipment maintenance may well qualify as nontestimonial records.” Thus, as written by Justice Robert Cordy, in Commonwealth v. Zoanne Zeininger, the court ruled that the “records are non-testimonial, and their admission without the live testimony of the technician who prepared them did not violate the confrontation clause of the Sixth Amendment.” They also noted that such machine and maintenance records were solely office records, in order to “guarantee, internally, as a matter of course, and when necessary, in court, the accuracy and standardization of all breathalyzer testing across the various police departments of the Commonwealth.”

David E. Sullivan, Northwestern District Attorney, commented "I am very pleased that the SJC accepted our argument that requiring breathalyzer technicians to testify in every OUI trial is wholly unnecessary."

If you have been in a Massachusetts car accident involving drinking and driving, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced a Massachusetts car accident lawyer.

Source:

SJC rejects challenge to breathalyzer test certification, Boston Globe, May 24, 2011

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May is National Bike Safety Month. Bike fatalities and bike accidents with other vehicles plague the whole of Massachusetts in cities, on college campuses, and in rural areas alike. Because bicyclists have very little protection against cars or other large vehicles, the effects are more often than not, very severe. Unlike riding in a car, where the driver and passengers have protection such as seat belts, airbags, and other protection, bicyclists´ only protection is a helmet.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2009 alone, 630 cyclists were killed in the United States. In addition to this, 51,000 were injured in motor vehicle traffic accidents. Cyclist deaths thus made up 2% of all motor vehicle accident fatalities. Approximately 70% of all bicycle fatalities happen in urban centers where there are more cars and bikes on the road. The NHTSA also reports that bicycle helmets are 85% to 88% effective at preventing head injuries and death. However, the statistics show that less than 25% of all bicyclists wear a helmet.

Here in Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) have joined forces during National Bicycle Month to create Bay State Bike Week, from May 14th to 20th. Throughout the week, statewide events will be held to celebrate bicycle transportation and to promote bike safety.

In order to ensure a safe ride and to help prevent collisions with cars, here are some valuable safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Know the rules: just like motor vehicles, bikes must stop at stop signs and red lights, and only proceed when the light is green.
• Make sure your bike is in good condition before riding, especially if it has been neglected during the winter. Check the brakes, wheels, and tires.
• Always keep an eye out for open car doors, especially on narrow or busy streets.

If you have been involved or injured in a bicycle accident in Massachusetts, it is in your best interest to contact a Massachusetts bicycle accident lawyer.

Sources:

Bay State Bike Week, Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Bicycles, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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A serious single-car rollover accident on I-290 in Northborough is under investigation. Massachusetts State Police reported that around 1 p.m. on Saturday, a Mazda rolled over in the median between the east and west-bound lanes. The female driver and the male passenger have been taken to the Worcester UMass Memorial Medical Center. Although their names have not yet been released, police confirmed that the passenger´s injuries were very severe.

Data produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that approximately 85% of rollover fatalities are the result of single-vehicle crashes. Most rollover accidents do not involve another vehicle and thus the status of the driver at the time of the crash is a key factor in the crash.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation reports that 15% of vehicles involved in Massachusetts fatal crashes were rollovers in 2006.

Driving while exhausted, distracted, and under the influence can lead to a higher chance of rollover accidents. Properly inflated tires and ensuring that your cargo weight is not too heavy for your vehicle can also increase your ability to maintain vehicle control.

A tripped rollover, or a rollover caused by the tires digging into soft soil or hitting an object, can occur due to any of the following circumstances:

• Soft soil
• Guardrail
• Another vehicle
• Steep slope

When involved in a Massachusetts car accident, it is advised that you contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer.

Sources:

Single-car rollover accident on I-290 seriously injures one, TheDailyNorthborough.com, May 07, 2011

Roadway Safety Tips, Massachusetts Department of Transportation

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A severe two-car accident on the Boston Turnpike/Route 9 in Shrewsbury yesterday resulted in an overturned vehicle and the temporary closure of Route 9 Eastbound. A 2008 Subaru Forester, driven by Antonia Cappuccio who is 61 and from Jefferson, rolled over when she was hit by a 1995 Lincoln Continental driven by Mary Iannotti, age 84, from Worcester. Cappuccio and Iannotti both hit the center divide and the Subaru continued to rollover. The Lincoln drove off of the road to the right.

Each driver suffered injuries and were both taken to UMass Medical Center in Worcester. The two passengers in the Subaru were also taken to the hospital, one of which was a young child
who was taken to be evaluated.

The cause of this accident continues to be under investigation by an accident reconstruction team and the Shrewsbury Police.

Rollover accidents can occur in many different circumstances. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that there is a greater rollover risk if:

• The driver is inexperienced or fatigued
• The driver is distracted
• The tires are not the correct size for the vehicle
• The tires are improperly inflated
• Cargo or passenger weight surpasses the recommended weight found in the vehicle´s user manual.

If you have been involved in a Massachusetts car accident, it is advised that you contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer.

Source:

Major accident snarls Route 9 in Shrewsbury, The Shrewsbury Lantern, May 3, 2011

Rollover, safecar.gov

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SUV Rollover Accident in Sandisfield

Continue reading "Vehicle Hit and Rolls Over on Route 9 " »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recently reported on odometer fraud and the importance of thoroughly inspecting a used car before purchasing it. When purchasing a used car, buyers usually inspect seatbelts, brakes, and air bags. However, the NHTSA’s Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations, is urging used-car buyers to also now consider odometers in order to prevent possible car accidents and ensure a safe drive.

The Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations (OFI) advises used-car buyers to be exceedingly scrupulous in order to guarantee that a car’s safety features have not been tampered with or that a seller has not rolled back the odometer. Because car professionals and automakers recommend part replacements, tune-ups, and oil-changes based on a car's mileage, a faulty odometer reading can jeopardize the overall safety of a vehicle and result in a car accident. OFI reports that even a newer car’s odometer can be tampered with, leading one to believe that a car is safer and more valuable than it actually is.

Under Federal law, the odometer law (49 U.S.C. Chapter 327/Public Law 103-272) prohibits the disconnection, resetting, or alteration of a car's odometer with intention of changing its number of miles.

When inspecting the safety features of a vehicle, some key items to help determine whether or not an odometer has been tampered with are:

• The overall performance and condition of the vehicle
• Statements from previous owner, repair receipts, service stickers, or any other document that shows a mileage discrepancy
• If previously owned, you can contact your state motor vehicle titling and registration office to obtain title and title transfer documents pertaining to your vehicle.

The OFI has convicted over 240 criminals in over than 30 states and has reimbursed over $10 million in court orders. Prison sentences for tampering with an odometer range from one month to eight years.

If you or your loved one has been injured in a car accident in which you suspect faulty parts or odometer fraud, it is advised that you contact an experienced Massachusetts car accident lawyer.

Sources:

Vehicle odometer fraud jeopardizes safety...and pocketbooks, Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, April 19, 2011

Office of Odometer Fraud Investigations, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Continue reading "National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Warns of Vehicle Safety and Odometer Fraud" »

A teenager from Ipswich faces charges for breaking the Massachusetts junior drivers’ license law by driving after midnight. Drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to drive between 12:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. After speeding and crashing his car in Gloucester around 1:30 a.m. on Friday morning, 17-year-old Alden Burnham told police that he had slid on snow and into a rock. Police have reported that when they arrived at the scene, there were approximately 40 feet of skid marks on about 4 inches of snow on the unplowed road. Burnham was not injured in this accident.

Such charges are very common amongst young drivers. In an effort to minimize teen accidents and teen driving fatalities, the state has adopted and implemented rules for junior drivers. Because car accidents are the most prominent killer of teens in the nation and young drivers are four times more likely to be killed and 14 times more likely to be injured than any other age group, the state has recently revised and toughened its junior driving law. Drivers under the age of 18 in Massachusetts can now expect to face multiple charges or license restrictions if they violate any of the following state laws:

• Not allowed to carry passengers for first 6 months (other than parents)
• Time Restriction Violation, 12:30 a.m. – 5 a.m.
• Operating to Endanger/Recklessly or Negligent
• Drag-Racing not permitted
• Speeding not permitte
• Conviction for the use of a mobile electronic device (text or phone)
• Negligent operation and injury from mobile phone use

The first-offense charges for violating the time restriction is a 60-day license suspension and a $100 reinstatement fee.

If you or your loved one has been involved in a car accident, contact on of our experienced Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyers for a free consultation.

Sources:

Ipswich teen charged in Gloucester accident, The Salem News, April 2, 2011

Junior Operator License, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, mass.gov

Continue reading "Ipswich Teenager Faces Charges for Breaking Massachusetts Junior Drivers’ License Law" »

In Sandisfield, Southern Berkshire County, a woman driving an SUV has been severely injured after her vehicle flipped over in a single-car accident. Massachusetts State Police have reported that Jazmine Solero, 33, of New York, was driving four passengers on Route 8 in an Isuzu Rodeo. Because of ice and snow, Solero lost control and veered off of the road into an embankment. Her vehicle then crashed into a telephone pole and flipped over. Solero was trapped inside until the emergency crew pulled her from the wreck. All four passengers, two in their twenties and two teenagers, are reported to have potentially serious injuries but the extent of which is unknown. Police have confirmed that Solero was not speeding when the accident occurred.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates the Isuzu Rodeo with an average of three out five stars for rollover safety on models made between 1990 and 2010. They also explain that rollover accidents have a higher fatality rate than other types of crashes and are most likely to happen on rural roads as almost 75% of all rollover accidents occur on rural roads. As a precaution for drivers, the NHTSA provides these safety tips on how to prevent a rollover accident:

• Use extra caution on rural roads and highways, especially on undivided two-way roads. Soft shoulders or embankments can increase chances of flipping.
• Avoid panicked or quick steering; quickly overcorrecting steering at high speeds can result in loss of control and rolling over.
• Maintain tires with the correct amount of air. This will help the driver to control the vehicle and prevent a vehicle from sliding on wet or icy pavement.
• Know your vehicle’s weight limit. Find your car’s suggested weight limit in your car’s owner manual to ensure that the vehicle load does not exceed the suggested safe load.

If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident, please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Massachusetts Car Accident Lawyers for advice and a free consultation.

Sources:

Five injured in Sandisfield SUV crash, 22News, wwlp.com, March 22, 2011

5-Star Safety Ratings, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Continue reading "SUV Rollover Accident in Sandisfield" »

A Massachusetts man suffered critical head and face trauma after chunks of ice fell off of a passing truck trailer on Route 31 in New Hampshire. Stanley Raczelowski, of Westford, Massachusetts, was driving northbound when the ice fell from a truck heading southbound near the town of Mason, New Hampshire. There are no witnesses of this single-car accident. Although it is possible that the driver was unaware of ice falling off of his or her vehicle, the driver, owner, or company of the truck, have not yet been found or identified.

Police reported that Raczelowski was first taken to Monadnock Regional Hospital and then transferred to a Worcester, Massachusetts, hospital for more treatment.

In New Hampshire, drivers who do not clear ice off of their vehicle can be charged with $250 to $500 and negligent driving. Known as “Jessica’s Law”, this legislation was passed after Jessica Smith was killed in 1999 in an accident in which the driver of a state truck lost control and crashed into her vehicle after he was struck by a 9-foot piece of ice that flew off of a passing trailer truck.

In Massachusetts, State Representative Cleon Turner is currently pushing for this same type of law. Turner argues “I’m…concerned about having legislation there or a statute there eventually that will give police the tools they need to stop a vehicle and say, ‘Look. You need to clean the snow off your vehicle because it’s dangerous.’” He said that the amount of the fine is negotiable but the concept that drivers should completely clear the snow off of their cars should be mandatory for the safety of other drivers.

If you have been involved in a car accident and would like a free consultation, please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced lawyers.

Sources:

Flying ice causes Greenville accident, The Telegraph and NashuaTelegraph.com, March 4, 2011

Lawmaker proposes fine for not clearing snow off cars, 7-News whdh.com, February 4, 2011

Continue reading "Massachusetts Man Injured With Head and Face Trauma after Struck by Ice From Passing Truck" »

A two-car crash in Revere yesterday is under investigation. The driver of a Volkswagen was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital after he was hit by a drunk driver in a Lincoln. Both the driver and passenger of the Lincoln were reported to be drunk but only one of them was arrested as the other fled the scene. The extent of the injured man’s condition is unknown but the jaws of life were needed to extricate him from his vehicle.

Drinking and driving, as well as fleeing the scene of an accident, is illegal and can result in arrest, fines and/or imprisonment. Although it is sometimes impossible to prevent an accident from happening, especially when a drunk driver is involved, it is important to take caution and be a defensive driver. In order to protect yourself from drunk drivers on the road, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Always wear your seatbelt and make sure your passengers do the same.

• Be an alert driver and try to stay away from other drivers who appear to be intoxicated or distracted and/or are swerving.

• Stop driving if you are tired or weary. This not only causes you to be a potentially unsafe driver, but you also might not notice drunk drivers around you.

• Make sure your car’s safety features have recently been inspected and are fully functioning.

• Be aware of what time you are driving. In 2004, 39.6% of drunk driving accidents happened between 10pm and 2am, and 37.5% of drunk driving accidents happened on Friday or Saturday nights.

Our lawyers have over 25 years of experience representing car accident victims throughout Massachusetts. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a question on a case or would like a free consultation.

Sources:

Drunk driving likely cause of 2-car crash in Revere, 7-News whdh.com, March 1, 2011

How to Protect Yourself from Drunk Drivers, DrunkDriving.com

Continue reading "Revere Accident Caused By Drunk Driver" »

QinetiQ North America, a research and development company based in Waltham, is developing a system that can sense a driver’s blood alcohol level and prevent the car from moving if the driver’s alcohol content is at or above the .08 legal limit. The system, the Driver Alcohol Detection Systems for Safety, will use sensors on the steering wheel and door locks to determine the driver’s blood alcohol level via skin contact.

David Strickland, the director of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), said that the technology could prevent as many as 9,000 fatal alcohol-related crashes a year in the United States. In 2008 alone, 42% of Massachusetts driving fatalities were the result of drinking and driving. Alcohol-related accidents continue to plague the state.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently visited the Waltham facility for a public demonstration of the system, during which the system was tested and displayed. Strickland, who was also at the demonstration, said that although the device is in the early stages of development and that it will not be available for another few years, he emphasized that it will not be released until it is "seamless, unobtrusive and unfailingly accurate." LaHood said that the alcohol detection system is "another arrow in our automotive safety quiver," as it is envisioned to deter drinking and driving for the future.

Our experienced lawyers represent clients throughout Massachusetts who have been in alcohol-related accidents. If you have a question in regards to a case and would like a free consultation, please feel free to contact us.

Source:

In Future, Cars Might Decide If Driver Is Drunk,National Public Radio, The Associated Press, January 29, 2011

Continue reading "Alcohol Detection System Being Developed to Promote Safe Driving" »

A new study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that Massachusetts is one of the safest states to drive in the nation, second only to Washington, D.C. Among the most dangerous: Montana, Wyoming, Louisiana and Mississippi. The primary reason for the difference: Urban roads are safer than rural roads.

Even in states with low overall road death rates, rural areas often have rates twice as high as urban ones. That's because urban areas usually have roads with lower speed limits, more safety engineering features such as divided highways and faster access to emergency medical care than rural routes. Many rural deaths occur when vehicles leave the road and crash into trees or other obstructions.

"An urban state in the Northeast is going to have a much lower fatality rate than a rural Western state with a lot of high-speed, two-lane rural roads, where serious crashes are more likely to happen," says Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Source:
Study: Roads are safer in urban areas, USA TODAY, January 25, 2011

Continue reading "Study Names Massachusetts as Second Safest Place to Drive in USA" »

A 28-year-old New Bedford man was killed in a Taunton car crash today. State police say the accident occurred when an 81-year-old Rhode Island woman lost control of her Buick Century while exiting Route 24 onto Route 140 north. They say she drove across a median and slammed into the driver’s side door of the man’s Oldsmobile Bravada SUV, causing a rollover. The man was ejected from the vehicle. He was not wearing a seatbelt. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Providence’s Rhode Island Hospital, and the woman suffered serious injuries. No one is facing civil or criminal consequences yet, but the investigation continues.

This is the second Massachusetts fatal car accident in weeks involving an elderly driver. About 8 percent of fatal crashes in our state involve a driver over the age of 75. Of course, this may be because elderly persons are less likely to survive a crash than younger individuals. Still, some may be alarmed by the fact that drivers age 75 or older account for 7 percent of license holders and 3.6 percent of all crashes in our state.

There are many possible factors that contribute to the frequency of older-driver accidents. As we age, it may become more difficult to see or read signs, navigate complex intersections and stay alert. Health conditions such as hearing and vision loss, dementia, and decreased reaction time (as well as taking medications to treat medical conditions) can cause elderly-driver crashes.

No matter our ages, we can all decrease dangers to others and ourselves by making sure that we are able to drive safely before we get on the road.

Sources:
Wickedlocal.com, New Bedford man dies after Route 24 on-ramp crash in Taunton

The Boston Globe, New Bedford man killed in Route 24 crash in Taunton, State Police say

Continue reading "Crash on Route 24 in Taunton Leaves a New Bedford Man Dead" »

According to federal data released earlier this year, the number of teens applying for driver’s licenses nationwide is on the decline. While 44.7% of 16-year-olds got their driver’s license in 1988, that number had dropped to 30.7% in 2008.

Safety experts say there are several factors involved in this trend. One of them may be the rise of Facebook and other social networking sites that allow teens to stay in touch with friends without hanging out in person. The economy and the high cost of insuring teen drivers is thought to be another factor. A report from the U.S. Department Transportation shows that teens have the highest fatal crash rate of any age group, so safety concerns (both among parents and teens) could be playing a role in delaying applications for driver’s licenses.

Here in Massachusetts, teens are eligible to apply for a learner’s permit at age 16. In order to receive a Junior Operator License, the driver must be at least 16 and a half years old and have held a learner’s permit for at least six months. Junior Operators must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian when driving between the hours of 12:30am and 5am. Massachusetts teen drivers may not use cell phones while driving at any time day or night.

Source: Fewer 16-year-olds applying for driver's license, South Florida Suntinel, November 30, 2010

Continue reading "Fewer Teens Applying for Driver’s Licenses Across the Country" »

The long Thanksgiving weekend is about to begin, and people are starting to hit the road. Major highways are seeing heavy traffic as people begin to travel to their Thanksgiving destinations, but so far there have been no serious car accidents, the Boston Globe reported. The Southeast Expressway, I-93, and tunnels are experiencing slowdowns as low as 20 mph.

The holidays are always challenging as far as travel goes, and 90 percent of Thanksgiving travelling is done by car. As a result, car accidents are usually on rise during this season.
The holidays should be a time to enjoy with family and friends, and suffering a personal injury during this time can be particularly difficult. The following are holiday travel tips to help protect you and your family from a devastating personal injury:

• Drive more slowly than usual and leave room for sudden breaking.
• Check the weather and try to avoid driving during storms and dangerous road conditions.
• Although the holidays are a time for parties and festivities, don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver when you are planning to drink.
• The holidays can be exhausting, but don’t get behind the wheel when you feel too tired. Of all crashes that result in hospitalization, 12.5% are caused by fatigue.
• Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination so that you don’t feel the urge to speed.
• Always wear your seatbelt.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving Driving Safety" »

Earlier this year, the Massachusetts General Assembly voted to raise the minimum age of All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) riders to 14 years of age. The minimum age had been 10 years with adult supervision on a parent’s land for those between 10 and 12 or 12-14 for those supervised by an adult over 18. Safety advocates and trauma surgeons urged legislators to raise the minimum rider age and prevent ATV accidents.

The state Senate passed similar legislation in January but included a provision for younger riders in a sanctioned with adult supervision. Before the bill becomes a law, Massachusetts lawmakers must find compromise language.

According to ATVSafety.gov, there were 17 reported deaths in Massachusetts from ATV accidents for children under 16 between 1982 and 2005. The total reported ATV deaths in Massachusetts during that same time period was 66. All ATV riders are required to wear a helmet.

Source: Massachusetts’ House Raises Age of ATV Riders, The Safety Record, June, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Votes to Raise Minimum Age of All-Terrain Vehicle Riders" »

One person was injured on Thursday when a driver went down the wrong side of Commonwealth Avenue near Fenway and sideswiped between 5 and 10 cars, according to the Boston Globe. Citizens detained the driver until police arrived. A spokesperson for the Boston Police Department said that she was not sure if the driver was arrested. The accident is still being investigated.

Car crashes can involve very serious injuries, and the resulting medical costs can considerably exceed Personal Injury Protection insurance and the coverage that your own medical insurance provides.

Persons injured in crashes could be entitled to compensation from any and all negligent parties. To determine who the negligent parties may be, the best approach is to investigate the scene, retain car accident and medical experts, and examine all of the evidence. Therefore, it is important to call a personal injury attorney right away.

Continue reading "Driver Sideswipes Cars on Commonwealth Ave.; 1 Injured" »

Two individuals were rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital following a car accident in Arlington. The accident occurred on Milford Road near Mystic Valley Parkway at approximately 7 a.m. Monday morning. Arlington firefighters arrived at the scene to find a 2001 Ford Crown Victoria taxi cab in a wooded area off of the road. The taxi cab was on fire and the flames were beginning to spread to the surrounding trees and bushes.

According to the Massachusetts State Police, the cab driver was traveling at a high rate of speed when his vehicle went off the road. The cab driver then struck another vehicle, a Toyota Camry, in the rear before completely losing control of the cab.

There was a passenger inside of the cab at the time of the accident. The passenger was thrown forward into the front seat of the cab and was inside of the vehicle when it caught fire. Luckily, an MBTA Green Line instructor saw the vehicle and pulled the passenger from the flame engulfed taxi cab. The cab driver was found lying by the side of Mystic River and was suffering from serious injuries.

Continue reading "Two Injured in Arlington Car Accident Involving a Taxi Cab" »

The new texting ban goes into effect the end of this month, and local police groups say they anticipate it could be difficult to enforce. Lack of training and the difficulty in determining whether a Massachusetts motorist is dialing the phone or sending a text message were cited as the key challenges.

Police also say they will be hard-pressed to testify in these cases about exactly what they saw. However, that doesn’t mean the driver is off the hook, because in an alleged text messaging car accident, police can obtains records from the cell phone carrier to prove whether the person was texting or calling.

Those who violate the texting ban will pay a $100 fine for the first offense, $250 for the second infraction, and $500 for each subsequent offense. Enforcement might be easier if all handheld devices were banned on the road, so that may be the next step for legislators.

Source: Police see problems enforcing texting ban, WickedLocal.com, September 13, 2010

Have you been injured on the road? Contact our Massachusetts auto accident attorneys for a free initial case evaluation.

According to a study commissioned by Allstate Insurance, Washington, DC is home to the least safe drivers in the country. The study looked at claims data for 2007 and 2008, and did not include Massachusetts drivers, since Allstate did not sell insurance in the Commonwealth during that the period.

The claims data showed that DC drivers are on average involved in an accident every 5.1 years, which means that motorists in our country’s capital are 96% more likely to get into an auto accident than drivers elsewhere. In Baltimore, Maryland, the second most dangerous area, that figure is an accident every 5.6 years.

Fort Collins, Colorado topped the list of safe drivers with an average of 14.5 years between collisions.

Source: Nation's Capital Has Worst Drivers In U.S., MyStateLine, September 3, 2010

The Boston car accident lawyers at Altman & Altman can assist you if you have been involved in an accident. Contact us for a free initial case evaluation.

An 81-year-old Beverly Farms woman operating a Honda Civic collided with a 14-wheel trash truck around noon yesterday afternoon. The operator of the Honda crossed the center line on Hart Street in Beverly and was struck by the truck as a result.

The local authorities have stated the victim of the crash lost consciousness following the accident and was taken by ambulance to Beverly hospital following the administration of CPR by firefighters at the scene of the crash.

According to the Beverly Police Department, the operator of the Honda was conscious and talking to rescue workers immediately after the crash, but lost consciousness moments after the firefighters arrived. The rescue workers utilized a portable defibrillator to try and revive the woman. Beverly Hospital reported that the 81-year-old woman passed away yesterday afternoon as a result of the injuries which she sustained in the crash.

The trash truck was being operated by a 47-year-old Rockport man when the accident occurred. The driver of the trash truck sustained a minor wrist injury in the collision. The truck belongs to a Peabody hauling and recycling company.

Continue reading "14 -wheel Trash Truck Collides with Honda Civic in Beverly, Killing the Driver" »

This past week, a four vehicle car accident occurred on Route 2 in Lexington. The accident occurred around 2:30 p.m., when a vehicle headed eastbound crossed over the median into oncoming westbound traffic.

The vehicle then collided head –on with three automobiles driving in the westbound lanes on Route 2. The accident occurred at a high rate of speed. The driver of the vehicle which crossed the median and struck the other cars was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to state police, another individual involved in the accident was in “very bad shape” and was transported to the hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained in the collision. Reportedly, all but one of the people involved in the four-car accident were transported to the hospital. The one individual that was not taken to the hospital was able to walk and was treated at the scene.

Continue reading "Several Injured and One Killed Following a Four Vehicle Car Crash in Lexington " »

Last Friday afternoon, a man driving a blue Buick sedan rear-ended a couple driving in a Toyota as they were making a left turn onto Tisdale Street in Leominster. Two of the individuals were rushed to UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester with life threatening injuries. The third individual involved in the accident was taken to HealthAliiance Hospital in Leominster for treatment.

The local fire department used the Jaws of Life to rescue the couple trapped inside of the Toyota. Unfortunately, the couple was unable to be airlifted from the scene since all of the helicopters operating out of surrounding Worcester and Boston were tied up. As a result, the injured couple was transported to UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester by ambulance.

Police stated that the driver of the blue Buick sedan will be charged with operating under the influence of liquor, operating a motor vehicle negligently, a marked lanes violation and speeding.

Continue reading "Three Injured in Leominster Car Accident " »

It's a dubious honor, but Massachusetts recently made #10 on Driverside.com's list of Top 10 Speediest States. The list compares the number of tickets to the state's population to ensure that even small states received equal consideration.

According to the list, law enforcement officials doled out over 300,000 tickets to Massachusetts drivers last year with Delaware and South Carolina close behind. The District of Columbia snagged the top spot with 434,301 tickets. Interesting, DC only has just over a half million residents, so it works out to roughly 78.5% of the population. Our guess is that some of those tickets went to commuters or tourists from neighboring states.

Since speed is a factor in many car accidents resulting in death or serious injury, we urge you to exercise caution and obey speed limits on the roads.

Source: Top 10 Speediest States, DriverSide.com, April 2, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Makes List of Top 10 States for Speeding Tickets" »

Since Toyota recalled more than 8 million vehicles last October, drivers have flocked to Toyota dealers to have their cars fixed. However, at least 15 drivers who supposedly had their sticky gas pedals or floor mats fixed have complained that their vehicles sped up by themselves.

According to a Massachusetts-based car safety and advocacy organization, Toyota's issues may extend beyond sticky pedals or floor mat issues. In fact, some experts believe the problem may be electronic in nature and they say Toyota has not examined this possible cause.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 52 people have died in car crashes associated with Toyota's acceleration issues. The agency is investigating Toyota's safety issues and said it wants to hear from more drivers, if they are experiencing similar problems.

Source: Drivers complain that Toyota's fixes didn't work, Associated Press, March 3, 2010

Continue reading "Some Toyota Drivers Say Recall Fixes Didn't Work" »

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Senate approved legislation that will ban text messaging behind the wheel and require cognitive and physical screenings for older drivers in Massachusetts. Drivers between the ages of 75 and 80 will have to pass the tests to renew their licenses, and drivers over 80 will have to pass the tests every three years. Though the bill initially required drivers to get tested at the Registry of Motor Vehicles, legislators opted to create a form and allow doctors to perform the tests. This legislation comes in response to several fatal car crashes involving older drivers.

The House had approved a plan that would have require drivers to use hands-free cell phone models with voice-activated dialing and would make text messaging a secondary offense, but that plan was rejected by the Senate. Instead, the Senate agreed to make text messaging a primary offense. Police will be allowed to stop and city Massachusetts drivers caught text messaging on the road.

Legislators are also considering a bill that would prohibit school bus drivers from using cell phones and another bill that would allow health care providers to report the names of patients they could be an endangerment to themselves and others on the road.

Source: Senate approves elderly driving bill, texting ban, Boston Herald, March 2, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Senate Votes to Texting Behind the Wheel" »

On Tuesday, the Massachusetts Senate will formally debate a bill that would ban text-messaging while driving. That same bill would require Massachusetts drivers age 75 and older to pass cognitive and physical screenings every three years. The bill comes after several auto accidents that involved older drivers or text-messaging behind the wheel.

Several of the bill's provisions, including the text-messaging ban, have already been green-lighted by the House. While some have proposed legislation that would require drivers to use hands-free devices while talking on a mobile phone, that requirement is not part of the Senate bill.

Once the Senate reaches a decision, the bills would be merged in a conference committee. A final debate and vote will follow.

Source: Mass. Senate set to debate driver texting ban, Boston Herald, February 27, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Text-Messaging Ban Goes to the Senate" »

On Wednesday, Toyota announced a deal that will help the more than 500,000 owners of recalled vehicles in New York state. The recall was prompted by a car accident last year that killed a highway patrol officer and three of his family members when the accelerator pedal got stuck and the vehicle hurtled ahead at more than 100 mph. The carmaker has since recalled more than 8.5 million cars worldwide due to issues like unintended acceleration and brake issues.

In light of the recall, Toyota has promised to pick and return vehicles scheduled for repair in New York state. They will also provide alternative transportation while owners are "unable or unwilling" to drive their cars, and arrange to transport owners to their dealerships or workplaces. These special arrangements will be provide to drivers at no cost.

At least four other states, including Massachusetts, have contacted Toyota to request similar arrangements.

Sources: Toyota recall pact with NY sought by other states, Reuters, February 24, 2010

New details in crash that prompted Toyota recall, LA Times, October 25, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Seeks Recall Pact for Toyota Drivers" »

Legislators here in Massachusetts recently passed a bill that would ban drivers from texting messaging while on the road. The bill will be passed along to the Senate. But an article in the Boston Globe points out that enforcing this ban could be tricky. Since the ban would not outlaw dialing phone numbers, how could police officers really know if a driver is texting or dialing? And if you plug an iPod into your car's stereo system, could you get nabbed for messing with your music rather than texting?

The technology is no new that these questions are tough to answer.

In fact, a spokesman for the Governor Highway Safety Association admitted that they don't yet have a good way to enforce texting bans. It's much easier for officers to spot a driver talking on a cell phone than texting on a cell phone, because texting can be done covertly under the window. However, advocates for the bill are quick to point out that distracted driving is a major factor in countless car accidents, causing numerous fatalities and serious injuries.

Source: Texting bans raise questions of enforcement, Boston Globe, February 7, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Considers How to Enforce Driving & Texting Ban" »

Here in Massachusetts, the debate over drivers and cell phones continues. Earlier today, the House debated a bill that would ban text messaging while driving. It would also ban junior drivers from using cell phones at all and require drivers over the age of 75 to renew their license in person every five years. Currently, they must renew their license every ten years. These new rules were prompted by several high-profile car crashes last year involving older drivers.

During the early part of the bill, members voted 93-66 to make the bill even tougher, requiring all Massachusetts drivers to use hands-free devices when they make cell phone calls. Though the House has previously voted to require hands-free devices in 2008, the law was later killed by the Senate.

Members of the House hope that the bill would reduce the risk of auto accidents in Massachusetts. Assuming the legislation passes today, it will continue to the Senate.

Source: House bill would require drivers making calls to go hands-free, Boston Globe, February 4, 2010

Continue reading "House Considering Bill That Would Restrict Cell Phone Use on the Road" »

In addition to the text messaging ban for truckers and bus drivers announced by the Transportation Department last week, Massachusetts may soon join the 19 states that have outlawed text messaging behind the wheel for all drivers. The Boston Globe reports that a key legislative committee unanimously approved a bill last Thursday and it could reach the House floor within weeks.

If the bill passes, it would prohibit operators of a motor vehicle from using a cell phone or other electronic device from writing, sending, or reading a text message while driving. Fines would start at $100 for the first offense and range up to $500 for the third offense. If a driver is found to have been text messaging when they caused a car crash, the law would treat is as reckless driving and the offender would be subject to up to two years in jail.

The House approved a text messaging while driving ban in 2008, but the bill died before it reached the governor’s desk. Governor Deval Patrick and US secretary of transportation Ray LaHood both support a ban on text messaging while driving.

Source: State inches ahead on banning texting while driving, Boston Globe, January 29, 2010

Continue reading "Massachusetts Legislative Committee Approves Texting Messaging Ban for Drivers" »

Our Massachusetts motor vehicle crash lawyers would like to remind drivers to take extra care on wet or icy roads. The Union Leader reports that advisory speeds are down to 45 for state highways from Concord, New Hampshire south to the Massachusetts border. There are apparently reports of cars off the road near the Massachusetts border.

Areas that have seen car crashes may be backed up, so please allow extra time. One of those areas is where four vehicles collided this morning at the junction of I-89 and I-93 North in Bow.

Meteorologists do not expect significant accumulations of snow today. However, much of yesterday's snow remains and parts of New England may get another inch or two of snow on Wednesday evening.

Source: Take it easy on those slick roads, New Hampshire Union Leader, January 19, 2010

Continue reading "Weather Advisory for New England Drivers " »

MIT and Ford Motor Company are beginning research on driver workload and stress. The goal of this new study is to identify ways that in-vehicle technology can reduce driver stress, thus improving safety on the road.

The six-month long project is a continuation of a partnership between Ford and MIT's AgeLab that began in 2004. They have been working on development for vehicle systems that detect that the state of drivers and can ultimately reduce those drivers' stress levels. Looking at biometrics like heart rate, eye movement, and skin conductivity, MIT researchers are working on a system that will be part of future Ford vehicles.

Ford hopes that these innovations will become part of driver's overall wellness plans.

Source: Ford and MIT Team Up To Improve Safety by Reducing Driver Stress, PRNewswire.com, December 30, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Institute of Technology Teams Up With Ford to Research Driver Stress" »

A joint investigation between Brockton police and state Department of Transportation authorities revealed serious violations among Massachusetts drivers of vans and station wagons transporting students to elementary schools and day care centers. Dozens of drivers received citations for violations including driving without a license, overloading vehicles, and bald tires.

The crackdown, dubbed Operation Clean Sweep, involved a dozen surprise checkpoints. Of the 85 transport vehicles investigated, there were 52 violations discovered. One company actually faces a criminal complaint for overloading vehicles with too many children, because not securing children in a car sweat or making sure that they wear seat belts significantly increases the rick of fatality in the event of a motor vehicle collision.

Another concern was that not all of the drivers had a 7-D license, which signifies that the driver has undergone a criminal background check to ensure that they qualified to transport Massachusetts students. The holder of a 7-D license is also required to pass inspections twice a year to ensure vehicle safety.

Source: Drivers of students cited after inspections, Boston Globe, December 21, 2009

Continue reading "Surprise Inspections Uncover Safety Violations in Brockton" »

A bill filed by Senator Robert L. Hedlund of Weymouth would make interlock safety devices mandatory for those convicted of drunk driving in Massachusetts. Currently, Melanie’s Law requires the devices for repeat drunk drivers.

The device works like an in-car breathalyzer test so that the driver must blow into a tube to analyze the driver’s blood alcohol content. The car will not start if the reading is .02 percent or higher.

Jill O’Bryan, a 25-year-old from Rockland, was injured by a repeat drunk driver in 2005 and has had more than two dozen surgeries as a result of injuries she sustained during the car accident. O’Bryan will attend an event in support of bill.

Hingham police will also demonstrate the interlock safety device and promote their 7th annual Designated Driver Program.

Source: Hingham police show anti-drunk driving unit, Boston Globe, November 19, 2009

Continue reading "Bill Would Require Massachusetts Drunk Drivers to Use Interlock Safety Device" »

Earlier this year, a report released by the Massachusetts Highway Department revealed that intersections in Boston, Brockon, Stoughton, Quincy, Braintree, and Abington are among the most dangerous in the state. The report was based on data compiled by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and covered motor vehicle accidents that occurred at intersections between 2005 and 2007.

State officials hope the information will help them plan construction projects and improve safety of Massachusetts roads. Some of the possible measures include widening certain roadways, adding turning lanes or additional traffic lights, or timing traffic signals differently.

While state officials say the report contains some inconsisencies due to communities reporting car crashes differently, the report gives them an overview of where accidents are occurring to help improve traffic safety.

Sources: Accidents waiting to happen, Boston Globe, November 15, 2009

Report: 2007 TOP CRASH LOCATIONS REPORT, Massachusetts Highway Department

Continue reading "Massachusetts Highway Department Releases List of State's Most Dangerous Intersections" »

Critics say that using cameras to fine drivers who run red lights is an attempt to raise revenue, rather than improve safety, but the Boston Globe and other media outlets report that Governor Deval Patrick is pushing to make Massachusetts the 25th state to adopt such a measure. Many mayors and police chiefs have been wanting the cameras for years.

If passed, the state law would allow cities and towns to fine drivers up to $100 if their traffic violation is caught on camera. The fine would not subject the owners of the vehicle to insurance surcharges and would require signs warning drivers that their cars and license plates are being photographed. Such signs have been shown in some studies to actually cause more rear-end car crashes, perhaps because motorists slam on the brakes when they notice the signs.

However, federal studies show that the cameras do lower the number of right-angle auto collisions in the middle of intersections, which can be even more hazardous than rear-end collisions. The Federal Highway Administration says the cameras should be used for safety purposes, not as a way to generate more revenue.

Source: Patrick pushes for cameras to catch red-light violators, Boston Globe, November 13, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Governor Supports Traffic Cameras, Despite Criticism" »

According to stats from the United States Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than half of the passenger vehicle occupants who died in Massachusetts motor vehicle accidents last year were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident. That rate was nine percent higher than the national average.

In response to these sobering statistics, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) has teamed up with State Police and other local law enforcement agencies to launch a special statewide Click It or Ticket campaign. Starting on November 12, the special crackdown is designed to lower the number of fatal car accidents and increase the use of seat belts.

Throughout the month of November, Massachusetts drivers who are pulled over for traffic violations will also be subject to fines if they or their passengers fail to wear a seatbelt.

Source: Dedham Police Department launches special statewide Click It or Ticket Enforcement effort, Dedham Transcript, November 9, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Rolls Out Statewide Click It Or Ticket Crackdown" »

Several Massachusetts car accidents earlier this year have highlighted the controversial issue of whether senior citizens should be subject to extra scrutiny when renewing their driver's licenses. While AARP has sponsored a driver safety refresher course for the past thirty years, Massachusetts seniors are not enrolling in the course at the same rate as their counterparts in other New England states. Between January 1 and September 30, less than a thousand senior citizens opted to take the refresher class. According to AARP Massachusetts, enrollment in Massachusetts was 11,000 less than in Connecticut.

One explanation for this discrepancy is that insurance companies in Connecticut, Maine, and Rhode Island offer discounts to drivers who complete the course, while Massachusetts does not.

Taught by AARP volunteers, the four-hour refresher course covers basics like hearing, vision, and flexibility changes in older drivers, driving alongside bigger vehicles, and driving or braking in inclement weather. Participants receive a 121-page driver's manual with visual aids, instructions, and quizzes. Lawmakers on Beacon Hill are considering a bill that would require Massachusetts drivers over the age of 75 to retake road and visions tests every five years.

Source: Course puts elder drivers on road to safer driving, Boston Herald, November 8, 2009

Continue reading "Fewer Massachusetts Seniors Enrolling in AARP Driver Safety Course Than Other States" »

Drivers may soon have a new navigational system that is even more advanced than GPS. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has teamed up with Volkswagen to create AIDA (Affective Intelligent Driving Agent), a robot device will be mounted on the dashboard and will synthesize information to help motorists avoid running out of gas, navigate around traffic jams, and plan their travel routes.

AIDA will not control the car, but it will be able to suggest alternate routes when there is a traffic jam or remind you to fill up on gas when your tank is running glow. It will also reportedly help "achieve more energy efficient and safer behavior." AIDA analyses the driver's patterns and keeps track of favorite routes and destinations like home or work.

A release date for AIDA has yet to be announced. At least one other car company is working on developing a similar product.

Volkswagen, MIT Develop In-Car Robot, US News & World Reports, November 2, 2009

AIDA: It's more than an opera, Los Angeles Times, October 29, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Volkswagen Developing In-Car Robot" »

Last week, police and registry inspectors caught at least 76 Massachusetts drivers for allegedly failing to stop for school buses picking up or dropping off student passengers. The annual event has been called "Operation Yellow Blitz" and is aimed at reminding those drivers that they must stop when a bus's flashing red light goes on.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles fields thousands of complaints from police, school bus drivers, and parents about drivers who fail to stop for a school bus, creating a safety issue on the road. First-time offenders face a $250 citation. Those who receive a second violation within two years face a $1,000 fine and a six-month driver's license suspension.

Last year, 60 Massachusetts communities set up surveillance teams for Operation Yellow Blitz, resulting in citations for 69 drivers.

Registry sting nabs alleged stop-light violators, Boston Herald, October 21, 2009

Continue reading ""Operation Yellow Blitz" Nabs 76 Massachusetts Drivers " »

Earlier this week, Chelmsford's police chief told the Board of Selectmen that a traffic safety bill being considered on Beacon Hill is gaining support. Chelmsford selectmen and law enforcement officials say they support the bill, which would allow the Massachusetts town to install cameras at intersections in the hopes of catching drivers who run red lights.

The bill was filed in Massachusetts' house and senate and would allow for cameras to take a digital photo of the rear end of a vehicle after it drives through a red light. Drivers would receive a time-stamped copy of the picture and a traffic ticket in the mail. Chelmsford's police chief says the addition to cameras would improve the flow of traffic and increase safety on the road.

Some worry that the cameras could pose an invasion of privacy. However, violators of the red light law will not receive any merit rating surcharges nor will the ticket count against their driving record.

Chelmsford chief backs redlight camera bill, GateHouse News Service, October 27, 2009

Continue reading "Chelmsford Officials Supporting Red Light Camera Bill " »

Last December, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) stopped sending paper reminders about driver's license renewals to save money. Now Massachusetts drivers can sign up for a free service that allows the RMV to notify them by email or phone or text message when their driver's license is about to expire.

A statement from Registrar Rachel Kaprielian said "we saved nearly $800,000 a year by eliminating paper courtesy mailings to our customers." Massachusetts-based Senza Inc. is handing the new notification service, is free to the RMV, because businesses will buy advertising that accompanies the reminder messages.

In order to receive the notification, users must sign up at least 45 days before their driver's license or ID expires. They can sign up online at www.mass.gov/rmv and will receive an electronic message at least 30 days before the expiration date telling them whether they should renew online or in person and whether their license can't be renewed at all due to outstanding excise taxes or parking tickets.

You’ve got e-mail -- and you’d better renew your license, Boston Globe, October 7, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts RMV Now Offering Driver's License Renewal Reminders Via Email" »

This week, members of Massachusetts' Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony about two bills that relate to traffic safety. The first, dubbed Ryan's Bill after a 16-year-old who died in a motorcycle accident, would require driver's education for motorcyclists between the ages of 16 and 18. Currently, Massachusetts law does not require Class M permit applicants to pass a riding test or undergo lessons, which some consider "ludicrous" given that motorcycles can travel up to 100 miles per hour.

Ryan's father, Brockton Fire Lieutenant Roger Orcutt, hopes that the bill will prevent other teens from getting into a dangerous motorcycle accident. State Senator Stephen M. Brewer urged the Joint Committee to pass the bill, so "Ryan's death will not be in vain."

The committee also heard testimony surrounding a bill that would require paratransit vehicles to have an up-to-date wheelchair tie-down and safety belt system. In addition, the bill would require a training course for employees and volunteers who transport wheelchair-seated passengers. Among those testifying in favor of the bill were Kenny Cieplik, a 34-year-old man from Middleborough who sustained serious injuries in a van crash last May when the seatbelts tying down his wheelchair broke.

Bill aims to toughen license laws, Boston Globe, October 7, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Lawmakers Weigh Bills on Teen Motorcyclists, Wheelchair Seatbelts " »

According to a recent study, hybrid cars are a greater risk to pedestrians than vehicles with internal combustion engines because of their quieter engines. Blind pedestrians are especially at risk, because they rely more heavily on auditory cues. In fact, a blind woman in Kansas City last year had her cane run over and broken by what she suspects was a hybrid vehicle.

Because of this heightened risk of a pedestrian accident, automakers are exploring ways to create noise and warn pedestrians, especially when a vehicle is driving under 10 miles per hour, when tires on pavement and other road noises are barely audible.

Congress also passed the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act, which ordered a federal agency to examine the issue and potentially recommend a minimum amount of sound. Already, American drivers kill approximately 4,500 pedestrian and injure 70,000 others each year. And as hybrid cars gain in popularity, the issue of safety becomes even more important.

Safety experts fear electric cars too quiet, KansasCity.com, September 26, 2009

Continue reading "Hybrid Vehicles Pose Safety Risk to Pedestrians" »

With students heading back to school, AAA Southern New England is urging drivers to take extra care to prevent car accidents involving children. As part of their Drive Carefully Campaign, AAA is offering 10 key tips for motorists:

1. Slow Down: Because of increased foot traffic in school zones and residential areas, drivers should maintain a low speed and be ready to stop quickly if needed.

2. Obey Traffic Signs: This is an important rule to obey in any driving situation, but a national observational survey found that many drivers violate stop signs in school zones and residential neighborhoods.

3. Stay Alert: Avoid texting, talking on a cell phone, or adjusting the radio, because these activities can take your focus off the road and potentially lead to auto accidents.

4. Scan Between Parked Cars: Almost 40% of child pedestrian deaths occur between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m., mostly at non-intersection locations. Pay attention to parked cars, especially when children might be present.

5. Look for Clues: Keep an eye out for clues that children are likely nearby. Signs could include AAA School Safety Patrol members, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds.

6. Always Stop for School Buses: Twenty-three million students ride school buses, but the greatest risk is as they entering or exiting the bus. Watch for flashing yellow lights to indicate the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate the bus has stopped, and children are getting on and off.

Continue reading AAA's safety tips : AAA: Drive With Care as School Year Begins, iBerkshires.com, September 1, 2009

Continue reading "AAA Urges Motorists to Drive Safety, Especially in School Zones" »

A study funded by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security discovered that the number of people in Massachusetts wearing seat belts increased from 67% in 2008 to 74% this year. State officials announced this finding yesterday. Massachusetts' director of highway safety for the executive office cites enforcement efforts by police as well as education and media campaigns on seat belt usage for the increase among Massachusetts drivers and passengers.

Currently, Massachusetts law makes failure to wear a seat belt a secondary offense, meaning police officers can only issue a ticket for not wearing a seat belt after they pull over the driver for some other reason. The exception is if the officer sees a child under the age of 12 not strapped in.

However, some legislators are pushing for tougher seat belt laws that would allow officers to stop drivers simply for not wearing a seat belt. They cite the correlation between seat belt usage and lower risk of serious injury in a car accident as the reason for stricter seat belt legislation.

More Bay State residents are buckling up, Boston Globe, August 11, 2009

Continue reading "In Massachusetts, Seat Belt Use Is on the Rise" »

This may come as no surprise to most drivers in Massachusetts, but a recent survey conducted by the Concord-based TomTom Inc. found that Boston motorists are the most likely to use their horns when someone cuts them off.

TomTom studied drivers in seven American cities to find out the "driving personality" of each city, and Boston's personality was the "courageous commuter."

According to TomTom's findings, this driving personality applies to "bold drivers who do what it takes to overcome the obstacles and complexities of daily driving." Yes, that definitely sounds like it applies to Boston!

Drivers in Atlanta and Minneapolis also fall under the category of "courageous commuters," while LA and Houston drivers were classified as "diligent drivers" and those in Chicago and New York were dubbed "neutral navigators."

Survey: Boston drivers are "courageous commuters," Boston Globe, July 17, 2009

Continue reading "Survey Finds Boston Drivers Are "Courageous Commuters"" »

Yesterday, Massachusetts legislators vowed to "fast track" legislation regarding older drivers in light of several recent auto accidents involving older motorists. Senator Brian A. Joyce has twice introduced legislation that would put greater scrutiny on older drivers. His proposal mandates vision and road tests every five years for all drivers 85 and older. Joyce said he hopes that the recent car crashes would provide the impetus for the Legislature to act.

Among those present at a State House hearing yesterday were Nihan Patel, the relative of a 4-year-old who died a day after being hit by a car driven by an 86-year-old woman. The Registry of Motor Vehicles suspended the driver's license, and Stoughton police cited her for motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation.

During yesterday's hearing, a 78-year-old Woburn woman was hit "nearly head-on" by an 83-year-old driver. She sustained life-threatening injuries and was in critical condition at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Another bill calls for changes in the licensing of all drivers, not limiting the restrictions to drivers of a certain age.

Lawmakers vow to ‘fast track’ elderly driver legislation, Boston Globe, July 1, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Legislators Considering New Laws on Driver Licensing " »

Like many other states, Massachusetts does not mandate testing for older drivers aside from eye tests, which are required every ten years for all drivers. However, two recent Massachusetts car crashes involving elderly drivers have highlighted the issue of retesting older drivers and lawmakers are now under increased pressure to pass legislation that would monitor elderly drivers more carefully.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers over age 65 will make up a quarter of all drivers by 2025. Other researchers say that drivers pose a greater risk of causing a car accident around age 70 and that risk increases dramatically after age 80. Older drivers are also more likely to be involved in fatal accidents. However, some advocates for the elderly oppose testing targeted at senior citizens because they fear the measure may be discriminatory.

Last week, Governor Deval Patrick supported legislation that would require drivers age 85 and older to pass a road test and eye test every five years in order to renew their driver's licenses.

Pressure mounts to test elder drivers, Boston Globe, June 8, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Lawmakers Under Pressure to Test Older Drivers" »

According to a recent study, one-fifth of drivers between 16 and 61 who own cell phones send or receive text messages while driving and four-fifths make calls, yet 98 percent of American drivers say they are "safe" drivers. Not so, says Nationwide Insurance, which found that almost half of drivers say they've been hit or almost hit by a driver using a cell phone.

In light of the connection between distracted driving and motor vehicle accidents, as well as the recent subway crash involving a driver who was texting his girlfriend, more and more companies are imposing cell phone bans on their employees.

When AMEC banned its employees from using cellphones while driving on company time in 2005, the ban was met with cynicism. Now AMEC is leading the way for many more companies to do the same, according to reports in the Boston Globe. Some companies are even taking it a step further and banning all electronic devices while driving. While AMEC doesn't have any stats on whether car accident rates have decreased, over three-quarters of employees say they have cut back on using cell phones while driving in their personal life.

'Can't Talk Now,' Boston Globe, May 31, 2009

Continue reading "More Companies Banning Cell Phones While Driving " »

According to a survey released last week by GMAC Insurance, Massachusetts drivers ranked 44rd out of 50 states and the District of Columbia on a test of basic driving knowledge like the definition of a flashing red light or when to stop for a school bus.

The test required a 70 to pass and Massachusetts motorists earned an average score of 73.8, just squeaking by and passing the test. Massachusetts drivers also scored last on a seat belt use study conducted last year by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

However, poor driving test scores don't necessarily mean a higher rate of fatal car accidents. In fact, data from the NHTSA show that Massachusetts had the lowest fatality-per-person rate of any state in 2007. While Idaho drivers scored highest on the driving test, it had a fatality-per-person rate that was about three times as high as Massachusetts!

The GMAC survey also discovered that drivers over age 35 performed better on the driving test than younger drivers and that men generally scored higher than women.

LOOK OUT! Mass. drivers behind the curve, HeraldNews.com, May 21, 2009

Continue reading "Study Finds Massachusetts Drivers Not the Most Knowledgeable" »

This time of year means high school prom and graduation, which also means that teens experience extra pressure to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, raising their car accident risk. According to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, 21 Massachusetts teens died in motor vehicle-related crashes during May and June alone from 2004 to 2007.

Teen drivers are already three times as likely to be involved in a fatal car crash compared to other age drivers. The Centers for Disease Control rank motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for teenagers nationwide.

The added temptation of post-prom parties and graduation celebrations underscore the importance of making safe decisions. Just last week, a teen driver killed a pedestrian while driving home from a prom after party in Boston.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security along with AAA Southern New England recommend that parents of teens teach by example (wear a seat belt), ask teens where they are going and how they are getting home, and remind teens of the high cost of getting convicted of impaired driving.

Keeping teen drivers safe, WickedLocal.com, May 19, 2009

Continue reading "Safe Driving More Crucial Than Ever for Massachusetts Teens" »

The Registry of Motor Vehicles recently announced that Massachusetts drivers can view their driving record online and download or request a certified copy. The new web options are designed to alleviate the burden on RMV employees. Last year, the RMV received more than 57,000 requests for driver records.

Driving records are sometimes required as a condition of employment or if the driver is summoned to court for a motor vehicle violation. Drivers have the option of ordering certified or unattested copies of these documents. An unattested driving record can be viewed online and downloaded, saved, and/or printed for $6. Drivers can also request a certified copy of their record, with the Registrars signature, for $20. The certified copy is mailed to the driver's address on record.

In addition to accessing driving records, Massachusetts drivers can also view registrations, titles, and driver education certificates, renew Massachusetts ID's, determine when their license will expire, and register as an organ and tissue donor.

MA drivers can access RMV records online, Milford Daily News, April 14, 2009

Continue reading "RMV Offers Massachusetts Drivers Online Record Option" »

Studies show that 45 percent of those who die in a highway accident would have lived in they had been wearing a seat belt. Massachusetts, Maine, and dozens of other states around the country already have laws requiring adults to buckle up. If a new bill headed for the state Senate passes, then New Hampshire will become the 50th state to pass seat belt legislation.

The Transportation Committee changed the original bill from a primary to a secondary offense, meaning that police officers can only issue a ticket if the officer stops for the driver for a separate traffic violation. Roughly half of the states have primary seat-belt laws. Maine is among them, and the state's commissioner of public safety saws the law resulted in 32 fewer highway deaths.

Massachusetts' seat-belt law makes not wearing a seat belt a secondary offense. Police officers point out that since it can be difficult to see if drivers are wearing a seat belt, the enforcement often makes it a secondary offense anyway.

NH may become 50th state with seat belt law, Eagle Tribune, April 27, 2009

Continue reading "Seat Belt Laws Reduce Deaths from Car Crashes" »

According to Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley, Occidental Fire and Casualty Insurance Company has been charging Boston drivers excessive rates on their car insurance. On Monday, the company was barred from practicing a slew of alleged illegal rating practices.

The AG’s office used its authority under the Consumer Protection Act to stop what it deems to be illegal practices. Coakley says the proposed rates were not justified and violated several Massachusetts statutes.

The company will be able to begin writing policies on April 1 and a hearing is set for April 30.

AG: Urban Drivers Targeted By Insurance Co., The Boston Channel, March 31, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Attorney General Accuses Auto Insurance Company of Overcharging Drivers" »

Last week, Massachusetts Insurance Commissioner Nonnie S. Burnes announced that the state will retain the board that allows drivers to appeal auto insurance surcharges. According to the legislators who sponsored the bills, there was support for retaining the board in both the Senate and the House.

When a driver is involved with a motor vehicle accident, their insurance company assesses a surcharge on the driver’s premiums if the company determines that the driver was at fault in the accident. Surcharges can be as high as half the premium, adding hundreds of dollars to the driver’s auto insurance costs.

Consumer advocates argued that insurance companies were not likely to give motorists a fair hearing, since they have a financial incentive to charging the driver a surcharge and collecting additional revenue by deeming the driver at fault. The appeal’s board charges $50 to apply for a hearing and takes approximately six months to hear a case. Each year, about half the cases are determined in favor of drivers.

“The Board of Appeals is an important safeguard to ensure that consumers are protected against decisions by insurance companies that can result in significantly higher premiums,” said Deirdre Cummings, legislative director of the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group.

State to keep car insurance appeal board, Boston Globe, March 19, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts to Keep Car Insurance Appeal Board" »

In February, a state trooper responding to a motor vehicle accident was seriously injured by a car that spun out of control and hit him. State police have experienced several instances where troopers sustained injuries due to a motor vehicle moving at excessive speeds.

They are hoping that a new law, “Slow Down, Move Over,” which goes into effect on Sunday will reduce the number of fatalities and injuries in among emergency medical personnel, highway workers, police officers, and other responding to an a car accident, traffic violation, or emergency.

State legislature passed the “Slow Down, Move Over” law on December 22, and the new legislation requires drivers to slow down as they pass an emergency situation and to leave the lane closet to the auto accident if possible. There is no specified speed limit, but drivers up to a $100 fine for failing to comply.

Rhode Island already enacted similar legislation last July and 42 other states have a “Move Over Law” in place.

Law makes drivers move over, slow down for roadside emergencies, Boston Globe, March 18, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts’ Slow Down, Move Over Law Takes Effect This Weekend" »

According to a 2001 study conducted by AAA, drivers over age 65 are 25 percent more likely to get into a car accident than middle-aged drivers. Those over 85 are 50 percent more likely to get into a car crash during a left-hand turn. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that drivers 75 and older are second only to teenagers in terms of fatalities per 100 miles driven.

These statistics are the reason why Senator Brian A. Joyce is pushing for stricter standards for seniors who retain a driver’s license.

An editorial printed in the Milford Daily News points out that a majority of states already have laws that require older drivers to take more vision and road tests. Some states also require mandatory vision tests when drivers go to renew. In Massachusetts, drivers’ vision is tested once every ten years.

Although it may seem arbitrary to single out drivers over a certain age, the bill could potentially reduce the number of car accidents in Massachusetts.

Editorial: Eye tests for older drivers, Milford Daily News, March 16, 2009

Continue reading "Massachusetts Senator Pushing for Stricter Vision Standards for Older Drivers" »

Reuters reports that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released new statistics on traffic deaths in the United States. The study listed Massachusetts as the safest state in the nation. Mississippi had the highest rate of deaths on the road with four times as many as Massachusetts.

Between 1999 and 2005, the Northeast had 9.8 motor vehicle-related deaths per 100,000 population, while the Midwest had 14.7, the South had 19.5, and the West had 14.2.

Though the report does not speculate on why these statistics vary so widely by region, CDC team points out that drivers in rural areas of the South may drive more miles and increase their risk of serious collision as a result. Another factor may be that inclement weather in the North forces drivers to be more careful on the road or forego driving altogether.

The survey also found that men were twice as likely as women to die from a motor vehicle accident. Over 213,000 men were killed on the road compared with 98,000 women.

South leads U.S. in traffic deaths, CDC finds, Reuters, February 26, 2009

Continue reading "New Stats Show Massachusetts is Safest State for Drivers" »

Data from the National Highway Safety Administration show that over three quarters of motor vehicle accidents are caused by driver inattention, and cell phone use is the number one cause of inattention on the road.

In January, the National Safety Council called for states to ban cell phone use while driving, even going as far as banning hands-free devices. According to the Safety Council, the level of distraction while talking on a hands-free device is no different from talking on a headset. In fact, it’s not the act of holding a cell phone that is distracting – it’s having a conversation with someone who’s not in the car.

Several states enforce hefty fines for drivers using cell phones on the road. In fact, Chicago Police have issued over 40,000 tickets to drivers who violated the cell phone ban. Last week, the fine increased from $75 to $100, but some are concerned that this still may not deter drivers from using cell phones.

Time to Hang It Up: New Cell Fine May Not Help, Chicago Sun-Times, February 16, 2009

Continue reading "Safety Council Calls for Cell Phone Ban on the Road " »

The Insurance Research Council (IRC) predicts that nearly one in six drivers will be uninsured by next year, an increase of 3 million uninsured drivers compared to five years ago. Some experts say that higher rates of uninsured drivers correlate with higher rates of unemployment and increased stress on budgets.

According to IRC’s vice president, David Corum, the percentage of uninsured motorists increases three-quarters of a percentage point for every one percent increase in unemployment. Insurance companies warn against cutting car insurance to cut costs, because an auto accident could financially ruin an uninsured driver if there is damage to property or injury to others involved with the car accident.

According to IRC, the average payment on claims involving a driver without insurance is around $11,000. Some states will take license plates or impound vehicles of a motorist who drives without insurance. Some even jail those who do not comply with the law.

Several states have reached rates of uninsured drivers as high as quarter of the population. However, as of 2007, Massachusetts had the lowest of uninsured drivers, with about one percent.

Road hazard: uninsured driver rates climb, Associated Press, February 6, 2009

Continue reading "Amidst Increasing Rates of Uninsured Drivers, Massachusetts Boasts Lowest Percentage in the Country " »

The Boston Globe recently reported on so-called safekeeping towing practices in which officers tow vandalized cars to protect them from further damage or theft.

It happened recently to Ashley Bitar, when her 2009 Mazda was vandalized outside her apartment in South Boston. The pharmaceutical sales rep had to go on her morning sales calls, so she taped up the broken window and drove off. But several hours later, she discovered that her car had disappeared outside of a client’s office on Massachusetts Avenue.

Police told her the car had been towed for “safekeeping,” but she would have to pay a towing bill and storage fee amounting to $132. Boston police said they are not at liberty to reduce or waive towing fees, because towing regulations treat car vandalism victims in the same manner as those drivers who break the law. Sometimes safekeeping tows are ordered to prevent a drunk driver from getting behind the wheel.

However, drivers can request reimbursement for towing fees from their insurance companies when they file a vandalism claim.

Towing for safety has its costs, Boston Globe, January 25, 2009

Continue reading "Boston Police Explain Safekeeping Towing" »

On Monday, the Massachusetts house and Senate approved a new bill that would penalize drivers who do not slow down or move over while driving past emergency vehicles providing roadside assistance. If passed, drivers will receive a $100 fine for failing to comply.

According to a spokesperson for AAA Southern New England, 44 states across the United States already have a similar bill in place. AAA began supporting the “move over bill” after two of its tow truck drivers died in a roadside accident on Route 495 in Norton.

The State Police Association of Massachusetts has also publicly supported the bill, in part because in the last two months five state troopers have been injured by cars as they provided assistance along the side of the road.

The legislation has been sent to Governor Deval Patrick, who must sign, veto, or amended the bill before Christmas Day.

Legislature gives final approval to 'Move Over' bill, WickedLocal.com, December 16, 2008

Continue reading "Massachusetts Legislature Approves "Move Over" Bill " »

With winter descending on New England along with the threat of weather-related auto crashes, some drivers are taking a proactive stance against the hazards of ice-covered roads by enrolling in driver skills development programs.

Programs like the In Control driving school, which offers classes in South Weymouth, North Andover, Seekonk, Worcester, and Cape Cod, teach experienced and beginning driver advanced accident avoidance techniques.

One way to lower the risk of a traffic accident during implement weather is to leave proper space between cars. Leaving one car length for every 10mph will, unfortunately, not allow enough space to prevent a car collision. Instead, instructors recommend that drivers notice when the vehicle ahead passes a landmark alongside the road and ensure that they take a minimum of three second to pass the same object.

This past weekend, under a light dusting of snow, a driver and a state trooper sustained injuries in unrelated car crashes, underscoring the importance of driver safety, particularly during the winter months.

Trooper, Driver Injured In Snowy Crashes, The Boston Channel, December 7, 2008

Continue reading "Drivers Enroll in Driver Skills Programs to Learn Accident Avoidance Strategies " »

A recent editorial in the Wakefield Observer by Colonel Mark F. Delaney, superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police emphasized the importance of wearing a seat belt. It cited the fact that although research shows that seat belts can avert severe injuries or death in a car crash, about a third of Massachusetts drivers don’t buckle up.

Another trend cited is the fact that teenagers are less likely to comply with seat belt laws. In fact, the article states that compliance among teenagers fell by 10% this year.

In order to combat this troubling trend, the Massachusetts State Police local police departments enforced seat belt usage during their “Click It or Ticket” campaign this past fall. As part of the program, the state police added 464 extra patrols throughout the state, and when officers pulled over drivers, they checked to see that all of the vehicle’s occupants were wearing seat belts.

Tackling seat belt safety, WickedLocal.com, December 6, 2008

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As the holidays approach, many drivers will be decking out their vehicles with Christmas trees, decorative reindeer antlers, or holiday wreaths. The Boston Globe recently reported on the safety and legality of such items.

According to their article, it is legal to strap a Christmas tree or other seasonal items (excluding lights) to the roof of your car. However, it cannot obstruct your view of the road or block headlights, turning lights, or brake lights, as such obstructions could potentially cause an auto accident. Drivers may be subject to a $35 fine for “impeded operation” of a car.

Massachusetts state law does restrict the height and width of all vehicles. The limit on vehicle height is 13 feet 6 inches and width is 8 feet 6 inches, which also applies to items lie mattresses, bicycles, furniture, and, in the case of hunters, game kill.

Loads may also extend up to 4 feet beyond the rear of a car. Drivers must attach a red light, cloth, or flag to the end of the load if it exceeds 4 feet. The article continues to describe the insurance implications if your load becomes unattached and causes a traffic accident.

Inside scoop on what can go outside, Boston Globe, November 23, 2008

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According to the Massachusetts’ Registry of Motor Vehicles, the number of registered motorcyclists increased by 12 percent in 2006 (the most recent year for which data is available). A state Department of Public Health report for 2006 released earlier this year states that 55 motorcyclists died in Massachusetts as the result of injuries suffered during a motorcycle accident.

In response to the increasing popularity of motorcycles in Massachusetts, the Rockport Ambulance Association is sponsoring an all-day training session on motorcycle safety. The November 16 course is free to the public and open to all Cape Ann residents. Emergency personnel who choose to complete the course will receive continuing education credits upon payment of $55.

The goal of this course is to reduce motorcyclist accident fatalities and the severity of injuries by teaching proper actions and reactions. Participants will learn how to secure a crash scene, how to assess the emergency medical safety factors, and how motorcyclists can protect themselves legally and financially. The course will also discuss injuries that are commonly associated with motorcycle accidents. Call 978-546-9589 to register for the “Crash Course for the Motorcyclist.”

Rise in riders prompts 'crash course for motorcyclists' in Rockport, Gloucester Times, October 31, 2008

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Officials are Lowell, Massachusetts are concerned about the number of traffic accidents at Lowell intersections and are looking for ways to fix the problem.

The Massachusetts Highway Department’s 2008 study of car accidents in Massachusetts found that Lowell has the number one and number three intersections with the most car crashes. It also has two more intersections that were listed in the top 20 and 10 that were listed in the top 200.

Between 2004 and 2006, Lowell had 1,1133 car accidents at its 14 most dangerous intersections, resulting in 328 injuries and three deaths. Lowell is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts with 100,000 people, so the volume of traffic it handles is another concern.

Over the next four years, MassHighway plans to spend $42 million on projects that will improve Lowell intersections. These projects include creating a pedestrian bridge over Thorndike Street, improving traffic signals, and bettering or replacing bridges. In addition, the Lowell police are ticketing drivers who rush into intersections and block oncoming traffic and setting up sobriety checkpoints in an effort to make sure that drivers to follow the law.

Lowell looks to put brakes on traffic accidents, Boston Globe, October 30, 2008

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Out of concern for police officers and tow truck drivers who have been injured or killed on the side of the highway, Massachusetts legislators have called for new legislation called the “Move Over Law.” Sponsored by State Representative Christine E. Canavan, of Brockton, the law would require highway drivers to move out of the right lane if emergency vehicle lights are flashing.

For instance, Massachusetts state trooper was hit by a 2008 Nissan Maxima while the trooper was stopped in a breakdown lane near Newton, Massachusetts, investigating a car crash. The impact of the collision sent the trooper through the windshield of the Nissan.

Fortunately, the trooper survived the car accident, but the incident does reinforce the need for legislation. A fatal breakdown lane accident occurred in 2004, when two tow truck drivers were hit and killed along Interstate 495 in Brockton.

According to Move Over America, a coalition of national law enforcement agencies who are favor of the new law, forty-three states have already passed similar legislation.

'Move Over Law' sought after trooper struck, Boston Globe, October 19, 2008

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Note: this post has been updated with information courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

The Boston Globe reports that Massachusetts launched a new vehicle inspection program this month, complete with a new logo, website, and toll-free hotline. The vehicle inspection program is expected to take less time and increase the number of car safety checks performed at local service stations. It will cost the same $29 per vehicle.

Owners of vehicles that fail the safety inspection will be required to get safety repairs done immediately and get their vehicles retested within 60 days. However, under the new program, owners with emission repairs that exceed specific cost thresholds are now able to apply for an economic hardship waiver. If granted, the waiver allows the owner to continue driving the vehicle for up to a year.

Vehicles built before 1996 will no longer be required to undergo emission testing, but vehicles with smoke coming out of tailpipes will be failed. Car models from 1996 and later will undergo yearly on-board diagnostic emissions testing.

The Registry of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Environmental Protection have hired Parsons Commercial Technology Group to manage the program and install equipment at 1,400 sites throughout Massachusetts.

New car inspection plan launches tomorrow statewide, Boston Globe, September 30, 2008

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A researcher at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst is about to publish two studies on driver distraction. Both will illuminate the hazards of drivers who spend too much time fussing with car gadgets and not enough time focusing on the road.

Donald L. Fisher, an engineer who runs the Human Performance Lab at UMass-Amherst, found that drivers who used an iPod while driving on a simulator looked away from the road for at last two full seconds, long enough to increase the risk of a car accident by a factor of three.

Another finding from the study was using a voice-activated system makes drivers less likely to take their eyes of the road for a dangerous period of time. The Boston Globe suggests that drivers can also decrease the risk of a car accident by presetting a song line-up so drivers don’t have to adjust iPods or letting the passengers handle the playlist.

Study points to hazard of driver iPods, Boston Globe, October 5, 2008

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