Maine Injury Lawyer Blog

Get ready! Super Bowl Sunday is this weekend!

With the festivities revolving around the unofficial American holiday and our Patriots, drunk driving car accidents in Portland and elsewhere are sure to happen, unfortunately. That's why we're asking all football fans to go out with a plan. Make sure your party activities are planned out before kickoff to help avoid a drunk driving accident or arrest.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there will be more than 150 million football fans sitting in front of a television to catch the big game between the Patriots and the Giants. During this time, fans are expected to consume nearly 350 million gallons of beer. That's enough to fill about nearly 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Unfortunately, a lot of that booze will be consumed by fans who are planning on hopping behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after the game. And since the Patriots are in the big game, you can expect a lot of Maine residents to be a part of the celebrations.

Our Portland drunk driving accident attorneys understand that there were more than 10,000 people across the county who died in drunk driving-related traffic accidents in 2010. These types of accident fatalities accounted for nearly a third of all traffic fatalities. On Super Bowl Sunday -- ranked one of the most dangerous days of the year to be on the road -- about half of fatal accidents are the result of alcohol-impaired drivers. Football fans are reminded that officers will be out in full force over the weekend, combing the roadways for alcohol-impaired drivers. Do your part to cheer on our team responsibly by joining the 200,000 people who have already pledged to be a designated driver this season. These pledges were all made as a part of the "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" safety Campaign.

The "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" campaign coveys a message that responsibility has its rewards. Through this program, NFL teams constantly recognize those who have pledged to be a designated driver. That includes fans of the Patriots.

The Pledge Includes:

-Vowing to never drive drunk.

-Always find a designated driver when you go out drinking.

-Never offer alcohol to someone who is under the age of 21.

-Wear a seat belt during every car ride.

Maine's Bureau of Highway Safety encourages all football fans to have a safe and sober way to get home this Sunday. Those who are planning on drinking need to not plan on driving. A designated driver should be a part of everyone's plans who will be drinking, If for some reason a designated driver is not in your plans, we're hoping that a taxi, hotel or a friend's house are. We hope that everyone enjoys the big day and that the Patriots bring home a win!

Continue reading "Super Bowl Sunday Increasing Risks for Drunk Driving Car Accidents in Maine" »

We'd like to believe that everyone behind the wheel of a motor vehicle has the proper knowledge to operate the car, as well as the proper licensing and insurance to back it up. Unfortunately, a recent report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety concludes that's not always the case.
car accident in Bangor and elsewhere does not have a proper driver's license. The new study examined crash stats from 2007 all the way through 2009 to determine just how big of a problem improperly licensed driving is in the U.S.

Our Bangor car accident lawyers understand that nearly 90 percent of drivers who were involved in fatal accidents from 2007 to 2009 on U.S. roadways had a valid driver's license. Unfortunately, the rest did not. When the statistics are broken down, more than 6.5 percent of drivers had a driver's license that was either suspended or was revoked, more than 1 percent of drivers had a driver's license that was either canceled or denied and a whopping 5 percent of drivers were completely unlicensed. This means that nearly 20 percent of drivers who were involved in a car accident in which a life was lost from 2007 to 2009 were not even allowed to be driving in the first place.

Between 2007 and 2009, nearly 21,100 people died in accidents in which the driver wasn't properly licensed. Recent statistics illustrate that the number of unlicensed drivers' involvement has been reducing, if not reversing, since 2007. Researchers don't know if this is a long-term trend, and will be continuing to keep an eye on the numbers.

Through this study, researchers determined that a driver's age has to do with his or her licensing, as well as involvement in fatal crashes. As a matter of fact, drivers aged 21 to 34 are more likely than drivers in any other age group to not be legally licensed. Statistics concluded that about half of the fatal accidents with unlicensed drivers, the driver was in that age group.

Unlicensed drivers aren't only common in fatal accidents, but they pop up quite frequently in alcohol-related and drunk driving car accidents as well.

Unlicensed drivers don't like to stick around at the scene of an accident either. The AAA study revealed that more than 51 percent of the people who left the scene of a fatal car crash from 2007 to 2009 were unlicensed drivers. When an unlicensed driver leaves the scene of an accident, you can probably assume he or she wasn't insured either. Drivers who are unlicensed oftentimes lack the proper car insurance.

Continue reading "Improperly Licensed Drivers Showering Roadways Increasing Risks for Car Accidents in Maine, Nation" »

Officers are attributing road rage to a recent car accident in Bangor. The accident happened on Essex Street after a driver stopped for improperly passing and hitting another vehicle. The driver was cited for not having their current insurance card as well, according to the Bangor Daily News.

Officers report the driver said he felt a vehicle was following too closely, so he asked the female passenger to scream out of the window to get the driver to "back off." She did. The female driver being yelled at reportedly passed the vehicle to get away. As she passed the vehicle, she hit the side-view mirror and driver's side door.

Our Bangor car accident attorneys understand that we see aggressive and dangerous driving habits on our roadways every day. These incidents often result in road rage. According to recent studies, these occurrences have increased significantly over last year. Avoiding one of these incidents is quite simple if you're equipped with the proper safe-driving knowledge.

According to 2005 stats from the Status of Transportation Safety in Maine, aggressive driving has increased the total number of accidents and accounts for nearly 40 percent of accidents. These statistics indicate 2005 was the most dangerous year to date. Road rage incidents are often the result of unsafe lane changes, tailgating, traveling at unsafe speeds and improper passing.

According to recent statistics, aggressive driving leads for about 6 million accidents every year. Many of these accidents result in serious injury or even death. Officials believe that these statistics could even be much higher.

More studies on road rage and aggressive driving reveal that road rage accidents are up more than 50 percent in recent years, with nearly 65 percent of people driving less courteously and more dangerously and roughly 80 percent of drivers saying they are angry during most of their time behind the wheel.

Maine's Bureau of Highway Safety offers you some safety tips to help you avoid road rage. With these incidents so common on our roadways, you're urged to review the following tips and share them with your friends and family members.

Tips to Help Avoid Road Rage:

-Leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare to avoid rushing.

-Avoid traveling during rush hour and in congested areas.

-Keep an eye on your vehicle. Make sure the air conditioner and radio are working properly and that your seat is comfortable.

-If you're being hassled by another driver, do your best not to react.

-Keep your driving steady. Avoid braking, swerving or accelerating suddenly.

-If you think an aggressive driver is following you, drive to the closest police station for help.

-Get out of the way of aggressive drivers and allow them plenty of room to get around you. This can help you to avoid a potentially costly accident.

-If you're being challenged by another vehicle, do not insist on your right-of-way.

-Never tailgate.

-Use your vehicle's horn sparingly.

-Never block the passing lane.

-Refrain from using obscene gestures or expletives.

-Use your blinker to alert other drivers of your intended maneuvers

Continue reading "Road Rage Cited as Cause of Car Accident in Bangor" »

According to WMTW 8, there are 12 counties that, as of Friday the 13th, were under weather advisories, watches or severe weather warnings. During the same time, there were more than a dozen road closings and delays that had already been reported. During these wicked weather conditions, drivers are asked to be cautious and alert behind the wheel to help reduce the risks of a weather-related car accident in Portland and elsewhere.

Serious accidents are already plaguing the roadways. In Kennebunk, the Maine Turnpike was closed in the area after a tractor-trailer flipped over on the icy roadway. The tractor-trailer's fuel tank was ripped open in the accident, causing diesel fuel to pour all over the roadway. The speed limit on that roadway is 55 mph, but was reduced to 45 mph to accommodate snow removal equipment.

Our Maine car accident attorneys understand that the winter weather conditions that we're enduring are significantly increasing motorists' risks for traffic accidents. We're asking all motorists to be safe out there. We would like to remind you that safety doesn't happen by accident - it's planned. With the help of safercar.gov, we're here to offer you some simple winter weather driving tips to help keep you and your family safe out there.

Safe Winter Driving Tips:

-Get your car serviced now. To help to keep your car in good working condition and to help you to stay in control in these dangerous driving conditions, take your vehicle to get serviced. Ask you mechanic to provide your vehicle with a tune-up and other routine maintenance.

-Check the condition of your battery. You don't want to be left stranded with no power in the middle of a snowy storm.

-Be sure to fill your vehicle with an adequate amount of coolant. When coolant freezes, it expands. Make sure the coolant you use is designed to withstand the winter's cold temps.

-Make sure that your windshield wiper fluid is also no-freeze, high-quality fluid.

-Make sure your windshield wipers aren't worn.

-Be sure that your window's defrosters are working well.

-Check the condition of your tires. Bald, worn tires are a sure way to increase your risks of slipping and skidding around on the slick roadways.

-Make sure that you always have at least half a tank of gas.

-Slow it down. Speed limits are set to be adequate in ideal weather conditions. Slow it down to increase safety.

-Check the weather, road and traffic conditions in Maine before heading out.

-Leave for your destination with plenty of extra time to avoid rushing.

-Always keep a charged cell phone with you.

-Make sure you have an emergency kit in your car, including a first-aid kit, blankets, nonperishable food, bottled water, etc.

Continue reading "Wicked Winter Weather Increasing Risks for Car Accidents in Bangor and Elsewhere" »

As we recently reported on our Maine Injury Lawyer Blog, the dangers of distracted driving are raising concerns among safe driving advocates around the country. Distracted driving laws vary across the country from state to state. Many state's distracted driving laws are difficult to enforce, if they're even enforced at all. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were roughly 3,100 people who died on U.S. roadways because of car accidents involving distracted drivers in 2010.

To help reduce the risks of distraction-related car accidents in Portland and elsewhere, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recently stepped forward with a proposal for a nationwide ban on all portable electronic devices for drivers, according to My Fox Maine. The NTSB doesn't have the authority to make these kinds of laws, but previous recommendations from the Board have proven persuasive to lawmakers.

Our Maine car accident lawyers understand that our state has some pretty relaxed distracted driving laws. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, only drivers in the state who are under the age of 18 are prohibited from talking on a hand-held cell phone at the wheel. All drivers are prohibited from text messaging while driving. Current laws state there are 9 states banning all drivers from using hand-held cell phones and another 35 that ban drivers from texting at the wheel. Recent studies conclude that a distraction is a distraction, meaning that hands-free devices are just as dangerous as hand-held devices. The NTSB is looking to ban all of these dangerous activities.

"The data is clear; the time to act is now. How many more lives will be lost before we, as a society, change our attitudes about the deadliness of distractions?" said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.

According to CNN, a nationwide ban may not go over well with lawmakers, drivers and residents of the United States. Experts predict that elected legislators will have a tough time bringing up concerns about this ban in fear of upsetting constituents. Many believe that it would be tough to ban something that is already a part of nearly everyone's daily routine.

Studies conclude that talking on a cell phone makes someone nearly five times more likely to get into a serious traffic accidents. In fact, talking on a cell phone gives a driver the same reaction time as a driver who is legally drunk. Still, a majority of drivers admit to engaging in the dangerous behavior.

As we head into the New Year, drivers are asked to behave in the spirit of Maine's distracted driving laws. Although most of the drivers on our roadways aren't banned from talking on a hand-held phone, we're still asking driving to curb the distractions to increase road safety for everyone. Hands-free devices are no safer than hand-held devices and nothing is as safe as focused, distraction-free driving.

Continue reading "Tricky Maine Laws Contributing to Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere" »

With Maine's worst storms typically coming our way in December, we usually see a spike in the number of vehicle accidents during this time. This is because even some of our most experienced drivers seem to have "forgotten" how to drive in winter conditions. As the holidays approach, more and more motorists travel through the state to visit with friends and family. This increase in traffic causes a significant increase in your risks for a car accident in Portland.

Our Portland car accident lawyers understand that the winter serves as the most dangerous time on our roadways. Motorists are urged to be cautious behind the wheel when navigating through the congested holiday traffic. To help reduce the risks of an accident, the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) offers some important driving tips to keep you safe as the slow flies, through the holidays and through the entire winter season.

Safe Driving Tips from MaineDOT:

-Always drive slowly through ice and snow.

-Remember that stopping on ice without skidding takes time and distance. For this reason, you should never follow too closely to the vehicles around you, you should always drive under the posted speed limits and always keep all of your attention on the roadway. Skidding is common near bridges, off ramps and intersections as this is where black ice can form without ever being noticed.

-Don't turn your four-wheel drive vehicle into a true "off-road" vehicle!

-Keep in mind that four-wheel drive can help you to get going faster, but it really does nothing to help you to stop any faster or help you to keep better control of your vehicle once you've lost traction. Yes four-wheel-drive vehicles drivers need to be cautious, too!

-Never tailgate.

-Keep extra distance between you and other vehicles to avoid becoming a part of a chain-reaction accident.

-Don't take chances and pull out in front of oncoming vehicles.

-Remember that when the roadway is wet that you might not be able to slow down and that you're probably not able to accelerate as quickly either. Go easy on the pedals.

-Avoid using your cruise control in winter weather.

-Try to avoid any sudden or exaggerated steering, accelerating or braking.

-If you need to stop and you've got anti-lock brakes, push the brake pedal down firmly and hold it down. If you don't have these kinds of brakes, remember to pump the pedal when you need to stop quickly.

-Curb distractions, and stay alert and focused.

-Keep an eye on the vehicles ahead of you. They can help to locate problem spots on the road which may give you the split second you need to avoid an accident.

Motorists are asked to be extremely cautious on our roadways throughout the holiday season, regardless of the weather conditions. Please be safe and enjoy your holiday season.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere Spike through December, MaineDOT Says" »

According to Bangor Daily News, nearly 50 police agencies throughout Maine were granted federal funding to strengthen enforcement efforts against drunk drivers and alcohol-related car accidents in Bangor and elsewhere during the holiday season.

More than 40 police departments, five sheriffs' offices and the Maine State Police each received a share of the $200,000 that was distributed by the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. This money is being used to pay for the overtime OUI patrols through the rest of December.

Our Bangor drunk driving car accident attorneys understand that the number of alcohol-related car accidents is expected to increase as we head into the holiday season.

But police officers in Maine aren't the only ones making the effort to stop this problem. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has launched the fifth anniversary of its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. This campaign takes place every year right before the holiday season. Unfortunately, Christmas and New Year's brings out drunk drivers on roadways across the state. This year, MADD released a report that ranks every state in a one- to five-star type of system that rates the staes' efforts in combating drunk driving. The U.S. as a whole only ranked three out of five stars.

"While we have made great strides over the last 30 years, drunk driving is still the deadliest epidemic on America's roads, killing approximately 11,000 people every year," added U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Maine received four out of five stars in the new report. Our state was applauded for enacting an ignition interlock device law back in 2008, but scolded for penalizing only repeat offenders with the devices. The report suggests that Maine should consider requiring these devices for all offenders. MADD's report also applauded our state for beefing up the penalties for those who have been busted for driving under the influence of alcohol with a child present in the vehicle.

Maine Drunk Driving Facts, according to the Bureau of Highway Safety:

-Drivers who were arrested for OUIs had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) average of 0.15, which is twice the legal limit in the state.

-More than a third of college students admit to having driven while intoxicated at least once within the last year.

-More than a half of the people who are arrested for OUIs are repeat offenders.

An OUI is expensive too, assuming you haven't been in an accident. The average cost for an OUI in Maine is estimated to be about $7,000, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In the U.S., drunk-driving accidents ring up a total of more than $130 billion every year. Drivers are urged to be careful on our roadways through the holiday season and to never get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Continue reading "Officers on the Prowl for Intoxicated Drivers to Reduce Drunk-Driving Accidents in Maine through Holiday Season" »

Recently, law enforcement officers in Maine started enforcing a relatively new law - no texting behind the wheel, according to The Maine Public Broadcasting Network. This law was recently enacted as a primary offense, meaning that officers can pull over a driver for texting without witnessing any other traffic infraction first. The law allows officers to hand over a $100 fine for anyone who is writing or reading at the wheel, including texting, using Facebook, sending or reading e-mails and fiddling with music libraries. All of these behaviors greatly increase a driver's risk for a car accident in Portland.

"Really what we're trying to do here," said state police Col. Robert Williams, "is get voluntary compliance because in 2010 about 39 percent of the traffic crashes' ... contributed to some type of inattention or distraction."

Our Portland car accident lawyers understand that texting by teenage drivers in particular has become a problem throughout the U.S. To help fight the problem, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) launched a new public service announcement campaign called "OMG" to raise awareness about the dangers of texting behind the wheel. The campaign consists of two PSAs that will be shown at more than 525 Regal Cinema theaters, roughly 12,000 gas station pump-top screens nationwide and on the Distraction.gov website throughout December. The USDOT feels that these mediums will help reach a significant number of teenage drivers throughout the country.

As the holiday season draws near and Portland schools let out for winter break, teenage drivers will be setting out on our roadways to visit with friends and family members to enjoy some time away from class. To help spread the message about the potential consequences of texting while driving to teenagers, the USDOT has included popular texting lingo, like "LOL" and "L8R," in its "OMG" campaign.

Greg Dunn, the President and COO of Regal Entertainment Group, says that he and Regal Entertainment Group is pleased to join forces with the USDOT for this campaign. He says that the partnership can help to make a difference on roadways nationwide, especially during the busy travel season.

As of right now, there are 35 states have made it illegal for all drivers to text behind the wheel. Nine states, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia have made it illegal for drivers to talk on the phone.

Parents should talk with teenage drivers about the risks, dangers and consequences of distracted driving. You're talk can help your teen make smart and responsible decisions behind the wheel and to avoid a potentially fatal accident.

Continue reading "Officers Crackdown on Texting Teens to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Maine" »

An expected snow storm coming in Wednesday is sure to make Thanksgiving holiday travel throughout the Northeast a nightmare this weekend. The Portland Daily Sun reports that northern Maine could see up to 6 inches of snow if the storm develops as predicted and may cause traffic to come to a screeching halt on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Maine motorists traveling to see family for Thanksgiving are reminded to travel safely in order to avoid a car accident in Portland, Bangor or elsewhere.

American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that Thanksgiving weekend travel is expected to increase by 4 percent nationwide from last year. Despite the high gas prices, almost 50 cents higher when compared to last year, most families will be traveling in favor of automobile as opposed to airline. Airfares have risen sharply so traveling by car makes sense to most Americans wanting to spend time with family without draining the family budget.

Roughly 90 percent or 38.2 million holiday travelers nationwide will be taking to the roadways this weekend. Maine car accident attorneys realize that travelers in the Northeast must be prepared and patient if they want to get to their destination safely. Not only will traffic congestion be peaked but the stormy weather will make driving a challenge and slow the process of getting to loved ones in time for Thanksgiving Day dinner.

Holiday travel under normal circumstances comes with a certain amount of risks. The National Safety Council expects that 43,400 people will be injured and another 434 will die in traffic-related accidents during the 2011 Thanksgiving Day holiday period. The holiday period begins at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and ends on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. Projections like these are made without weather being a factor which makes it all the more important for motorists to use extra caution.

From 2004 to 2009, the average number of traffic fatalities reported during the Thanksgiving Day holiday period was 535. The high during that period was in 2006 with 623 reported traffic deaths. Though the total for 2009 was significantly lower than in recent previous years, it doesn't indicate that motorists are risk free especially since the number of travelers has been lower the last few years.

The Maine Department of Transportation wants everyone to reach their destination safely this holiday weekend. The department offers these winter and holiday travel trips to motorists:

-Check the winter storm forecast before you leave so you can know what to expect throughout your travel. If the heart of the storm is hitting during your anticipated travel time, stay home and call loved ones on the phone instead.

-Expect delays on major roadways throughout the weekend, not just during inclement weather.

-Slow down. Motorists tend to speed to avoid being late but aggressive driving leads to a high risk of injury in an accident.

-It is better to be safe than sorry so don't take risky chances.

-If snow trucks or emergency vehicles are out on roadways, move over and give them plenty of space to work.

Continue reading "Stormy Weather Poses Severe Risks for Maine Car Accidents During Thanksgiving Day Travel" »

During Drowsy Driving Prevention Week happening all this week, safe-driving advocates have been taking their message to streets in an effort to cut down on sleepy drivers who are causing traffic accidents in Maine and other states nationwide. My FOX Maine is reporting that more than 30 percent of drivers have admitted to driving while drowsy over a recent 30-day period, even though 95 percent of drivers surveyed said drowsy driving is unacceptable.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and the National Sleep Foundation are using the campaign to help raise awareness about drowsy driving car accidents in Portland and elsewhere. These accidents take the lives of about 1,550 people and injure another 70,000 every year, running up a tab of nearly $13 billion.

Our Maine car accident attorneys understand the risks and consequences that come with drowsy driving. Statistics reveal that drowsy drivers contribute to about one out of every six fatal accidents and about one in eight injury-resulting accidents. We invite you to join the prevention week's efforts and help educate your loved ones about the dangers and consequences of this dangerous driving habit. These accidents are 100 percent preventable.

"Drowsy driving kills, just as sure as drunk, drugged and distracted driving does," AAA Foundation president and CEO Peter Kissinger said in a foundation. "Drivers have a tendency to underestimate the impact being tired has on their driving ability."

How to tell if you're too drowsy to drive:

-Are you feeling irritable, aggressive or restless?

-Are you having trouble keeping your head up?

-Are you having trouble keeping your eyes open?

-Can you clearly remember the last few miles driven?

-Are you daydreaming?

-Are you yawning excessively?

-Are you blinking a lot?

-Are you overlooking traffic lights, road signs, exit or turns?

-Are you having a tough time focusing on the roadway?

-Are you swerving in and out of your lane?

To help reduce the risks of falling asleep at the wheel, you're urged to get at least seven hours of sleep before setting out on a long car ride. You should also ride with a passenger, make frequent stops to get out and stretch, and travel at times when you'd normally be awake.

If you fail to acknowledge the warning signs listed above, you're putting yourself and other drivers at risk for falling asleep at the wheel. Oftentimes sleepy drivers fall into 3- or 4-second periods of microsleep. This is time when drivers are actually asleep at the wheel. A vehicle can travel the length of a football field during this short amount of time and can wind up in a pretty messy accident.

"We need to change the culture so that drivers recognize the dangers, appreciate the consequences and most importantly, stop driving while sleepy," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.

Continue reading "Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Focuses on Car Accidents in Bangor and Elsewhere" »

Our late October snowstorm caught many in the Northeast by surprise, including us in Maine. As of Nov. 1, still more than a million homes along the East Coast were without power. The storm also canceled trick-or-treat adventures, caused rail-service disruptions and contributed to a number of car accidents in Maine and elsewhere.

The snowstorm dumped more than 30 inches of snow in some areas. Snowfall records from the National Weather Service were broken in areas from Virginia to Maine. News sources, including My FOX Philadelphia, are reporting that more than 20 people died because of the storm's effects.

Our Portland car accident attorneys understand that this first blast of winter weather serves as a warning for what we can expect in the coming months. Car accidents on our snowy and icy roadways were lethal in some cases. We urge residents to stay off the road when weather conditions are bad, unless you absolutely have to go somewhere.

Both western and southern Maine saw record snowfall. The most snow fell in Oxford and York counties along the New Hampshire border. More than 17 inches fell in Bridgton and about 20 inches made it in Acton. South Paris and Oxford both received about 15 inches of snow, while Springfield got about 11 inches. These are some of the highest amounts ever recorded in northern and eastern Maine, according to The Bangor Daily.

"This is an unprecedented storm because we've never had this much snow in October in one day," said Michael Sempa, a meteorologist based in Gray. "We've beaten the previous record for the whole month in some places."

You know the common saying about the weather here in New England -- "If you don't like it just wait a minute!" And that's exactly what the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) is recommending. Drivers shouldn't drive in poor conditions. Car accidents can be avoided if we all avoid these conditions, but sometimes this isn't realistic. For that reason, we're here to offer you with safe-driving tips for the wicked winter weather to help you get to and from your destinations safely.

Winter driving tips:

-Tune Up. Make sure you have your vehicle checked out. Be sure that tires, batteries and windshield wipers are in working condition, and that all fluids are topped off.

-Buckle Up. Always wear a seat belt. Seat belts may be your best defense against injury in the event of an accident.

-Slow Down. Remember that handling your vehicle is trickier on slick roadways, and that posted speed limits are the limits for normal, clear weather conditions.

-Pack Up. Make sure you've got an emergency kit in your vehicle. This kit should include water, nonperishable food, medications, a flashlight, extra batteries and warm clothing. Always travel with a mobile phone.

-Stay Alert. There's no time for distractions when you're driving down a snowy road. Keep all of your attention on the task at hand -- driving.

-Stay Informed. Check out MaineDOT's Travel Information Service or call 511 or 1-866-282-7578 to learn about possible delays resulting from weather conditions or traffic accidents.

Continue reading "Maine's First Taste of Winter Weather Boosts Car Accidents in Bangor" »

As all of the zombies, ghosts, goblins and mummies head out for some neighborhood trick-or-treating adventures, there's another scary monster lurking in the dark -- child injury in Portland, Maine. It's true. Halloween is one of the most dangerous times for children to be out and about. Their risks for a pedestrian accident are higher during this time that during any other time of the year.

Don't worry. The South Portland Police Department and our Bangor, Maine, personal injury attorneys are here to share some tips for parents and little monsters to remember while celebrating Halloween.

Parents who are supervising young trick-or-treaters and those who are able to roam the neighborhood alone should always plan their trip before heading door to door. Everyone should plan a route that is safe -- one that isn't along any major roadways, has sidewalks or safe shoulders, is well lighted and has safe crossing areas. Trick-or-treaters of all ages should have a curfew. The later it gets, the more dangers and risks we face for a pedestrian-car accident.

Tips to avoid a pedestrian accident this Halloween:

-Try to you make yourself and your little trick-or-treaters as visible to motorists as possible. You should wear reflective tape on your costume or carry a flashlight.

-Look left and right before and during your trip across a road. Although drivers should be on their best driving behavior, you must take it upon yourself to walk cautiously.

-Never trick-or-treat alone.

-Never go into a stranger's house or car.

-Suit your child in comfortable shoes and make sure that all costumes are short enough to prevent a trip and fall hazard.

-Do not trick-or-treat at houses with no lights on.

Candy rules:

-Never allow children to snack on candy as their trick-or-treating. Make sure they eat dinner before heading out so they're less tempted to snack.

-Examine all candy as soon as you get home. Make sure none of the candy has been opened or tampered with. If you see a piece in question, throw it away.

-Consider handing out non-food items like spider rings, bubbles, toothbrushes, etc.

Halloween at home:

-Make sure that all trip hazards are cleared from driveways, sidewalks and front porches.

-Be sure to wipe up any wet surfaces so that trick-or-treaters are less likely to slip and fall.

-Be sure that all lights are on and working proper outside the front of your house.

-Never leave a lighted pumpkin unattended.

We can all have a safe and fun Halloween if we follow these few safety rules. Motorists are urged as always to be cautious in residential areas, especially during dusk on the 31st. Be sure to keep a lookout for monsters on the roadway to prevent a scary car accident. Be safe and have a Happy Halloween!

Continue reading "South Portland Police and Our Bangor Personal Injury Attorneys Warn of Halloween Accidents" »

Maine is proudly participating in the 2011 National Teen Driver Safety Week, which is taking place this week through the 22nd, according to MarketWatch. During this time, parents are urged to talk with their newly-licensed drivers about safe-driving habits to help reduce their risks of a car accident in Portland, Maine, and elsewhere throughout the state.

Recently, the state was presented with thousands of dollars from the Ford DSFL grant to help to educate teen drivers about safe traveling habits. The funds will be used by state officials to conduct activities and events throughout the state this fall to help with the teen driver education process.

Our Maine car accident attorneys understand that teen driving habits are a frequent topic of conversation among safe-driving advocates nationwide. With inexperience comes a serious risk of injury or death on our roadways. To help our young drivers gain confidence and experience behind the wheel, parents are urged to ride along with teens even when they possess an unrestricted license. Positive reinforcement can help boost their skills behind the wheel, and more supervised driving time can help to keep them safe on our roadways.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety recently conducted and released its findings the risks that young drivers face.

The study concluded that teen drivers face the highest risks for an accident during their first 30 days of unrestricted driving. These risks are 50 percent higher than the risks they face during their first year of unrestricted driving, and about twice as high as the risks they face during their first two years of unrestricted driving.

Researchers conducted the study by installing cameras in the cars of teen drivers in North Carolina. About 60 percent of the accidents during a driver's first 30 days of unrestricted licensing that a teen was found to be partially at-fault were caused by speeding, failing to yield and driver inattention.

Researchers also discovered that the involvement of speed decreased as a driver's experience increased.

"We know that young drivers' crash rates decrease quickly as they gain experience," said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger.

Some researchers believe that teens are at such high risks during the first 30 days because of the way they were taught to drive. Many teens are allowed to drive only with parents through familiar roadways on routine trips in low-risk situations. None of this driving practice prepares them for what they will face on our roadways. Parents are urged to ride along with their teen driver in a number of scenarios, including nighttime driving, driving in the rain, driving in the snow, driving in heavy traffic, etc. This is the best way to help to prepare them for the real world of the road.

We urge that you use National Teen Driver Safety Week to talk with your teen driver about the importance of safe-driving habits and the consequences of bad ones. Unfortunately, car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for teenagers in the U.S. According to AAA, there were more than 730,000 drivers between the ages of 15 and 18 who were involved in police-reported accidents in 2009.

Go ahead and talk to your teen driver this week. Let them know about the importance of safe driving habits and about the consequences if they don't pay close attention at the wheel. Your talk about these habits could potentially save their life on our roadway.

Continue reading "National Teen Driver Safety Week and AAA Address Habits Causing Teen Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere" »

A Knoxville pedestrian recently defied all odds and walked away from a car accident in Waldo County. The accident happened when a vehicle swerved to avoid hitting a deer and ran right into the man walking along the side of the road. He was taken to Eastern Maine Medical Center with a broken neck, according to the Republican Journal. The vehicle was traveling so fast that when it hit the embankment, it went flying through the air and skidded for a couple hundred feet.

A second animal-related car accident in Maine turned fatal as an 18-year-old driver also tried to swerve to avoid hitting a deer. The accident happened in Harpswell when the young driver swerved to avoid contact with the animal. His vehicle was sent into trees lining the roadway. Upon striking the trees, the vehicle flipped.

Our Portland car accident attorneys would like to warn drivers about the increased risks we'll be facing over the next few months. According to State Farm, the largest insurer of U.S. private passenger auto, October through December are the most dangerous months on our roadways for deer-car accidents. From July of 2010 to June of 2011, there were more than a million car-deer accidents reported in the U.S. These accidents can cause damage in a number of ways, to your vehicle, to motorists and to your pocketbook. An animal-related car accident typically costs drivers more than $3,000. Injuries can be much more serious.

In 2009, these types of accidents cost drivers nearly $5 billion. More than $3.5 billion was handed over to repair vehicle damage and about $1 billion was used to cover medical payments and other out-of-pocket costs.

In our state, there are approximately 3,000 deer-car accidents every year. About 10 accidents are reported every day and they're reported throughout all areas of the state. In the last three years, there have been more than 9,000 accidents reported; killing two people and injuring nearly 400.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were nearly 200 fatalities because of animal-related accidents in 2009 in the U.S. These accidents resulted in another 10,000 motorist injuries.

The Maine Department of Transportation (MoDOT) offers you these tips to help avoid a deer-car accident:

-Turn on your high beams when there are no vehicles driving in front of you or any vehicles driving toward you. This will help to light up the road so that you're better able to see deer. The light will also reflect from their eyes, which helps to make them more visible.

-Make sure that you always travel at a safe speed so that you're able to stop quickly if you need to.

-Slow down when driving through fog and rain. Poor weather conditions reduce your ability to spot a deer.

-Always scan the roadside.

-If you see a deer cross the road, be cautious as there are probably more. Deer usually travel in groups.

-Always wear your seat belt.

-Be extra cautious during dawn and dusk. About 70 percent of these accident occurred when it was dark out.

In the last three years:

-Cumberland County experienced nearly 1,500 deer-related accidents.

-Penobscot County had more than 1,200 accidents.

-Kennebec County had more than 1,000 crashes.

Continue reading "October Kicks Off Season for Deer-Related Car Accidents in Maine" »

Distracted driving car accidents in Portland and elsewhere are becoming a top concern for officials as more drivers than ever are taking their eyes off the road. To help combat the problem and to save some lives along the way, the National Safety Council (NSC) has released a new video series, "Understanding Distracted Driving," to help drivers to fully understand the dangers and the consequences of the dangerous driving behavior.

Our Maine car accident attorneys understand that state officials have yet to enact a ban on cell phone use by drivers. Currently, novice drivers in Maine are the only ones who are covered under a ban of cell phone use for both hand-held and hands-free devices. As of September 28th, no driver in our state is allowed to text while operating a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, not all motorists will abide by these laws and will continue to put other driver's lives in danger.

Throughout the NSC's new video series, the Senior Director of Transportation Initiatives at the NSC, David Teater, addresses a dozen popular questions regarding the dangerous habit, including just how severe distractions can be, why cell phones prove to be such a dangerous distraction and how employers can create an effective and beneficial cell phone policy for all employees.

Teater has chosen to conduct these videos because he and the NSC saw him as a good fit. Teater lost his 12-year-old son in a motor-vehicle accident that involved a distracted driver in 2004.

"Cell phone use and driving are a dangerous, and oftentimes deadly, combination," Teater said.

The NSC isn't the only one targeting distracted drivers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is at it, too. The NTSB recently made a proposal to ban all commercial truck drivers from using a cell phone and texting while driving.

The most recent proposal comes after a hearing that addressed a driver that was involved in a fatal accident just seconds after hanging up his cell phone. The accident took the lives of 11 people and sent local shops crumbling to the ground, according to FOX News.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there is a rule in place that bans truck drivers in Maine and nationwide from using texting while driving. The NTSB is trying to build on this rule by asking that the ban cover both truck and bus drivers and to prohibit both cell phone use and texting by these drivers.

"This is the most comprehensive recommendation we've made," said the NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman.

The NTSB doesn't have the authority to make something like this a federal law, so the proposal has been sent to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and each of the 50 states. This ban could potentially regulate the driving habits of nearly 3 million truck drivers in the United States and help to save thousands of lives on our roadways.

Continue reading "Advocates Step Up to Help Curb Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Portland and Elsewhere" »