Driving is a privilege, not a right. Most of the general public is aware of the hazards of drinking and driving, distracted driving, and reckless driving. Few are aware of other hazardous driving behaviors such as driving with a hazardous medical condition. For example, as evidenced by recent tragedies some motorists do not think twice about…
Every September the Bicycle Transportation Alliance hosts the Bike Commute Challenge to encourage bike commuting. Biking to work is a healthy and environmentally friendly alternative to driving, but it is not always the safest. Portland, Oregon claims the largest percentage of bike commuters of any large U.S. city and is one of America’s most bike…
As the school year begins, many high school teenagers eagerly anticipate taking Drivers Education. Learning to drive and obtaining a driver’s license is a rite of passage for many fifteen and sixteen year olds. Motor vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death for teenagers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, mile…
Motorists have long known that teens driving with a teen passenger face an increased risk of a fatal auto crash. A new study released by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety in May 2012 specifically quantifies the relationship between the number of and ages of, passengers relative to teen crash risk per mile. In doing so,…
A study just released by the National Coalition for Safer Roads suggests that Memorial Day weekend may be the most dangerous holiday weekend of all. Why? David Kelly of who heads the coalition believes travelers at summer’s start are simply extremely anxious to get to where they are going. That assessment is supported by statistics…
Your Portland car accident was unexpected. You still may not be aware of all injuries and damages. And, since the traffic collision was unexpected, you have no plan. You don’t know what to do. Oregon Law requires that persons involved in a motor vehicle accident: Stop in a safe area near the accident Help the injured Reveal…
Your car accident settlement offer depends on factors set in motion long before you ever see an attorney. Here is what you can do to maximize the traffic injury accident offer you get: Go to a doctor immediately: Insurers question auto injury claims which are not supported by contemporaneous medical chart notes. Even though chiropractors and naturopathic doctors often…
Businesses frequently communicate with employees—whether or not the employee is driving and whether or not the employee is using a hands free device. That may be changing. Since January 2012 federal law prohibits hands free mobile telephone use by “commercial motor vehicle” drivers. A commercial motor vehicle is defined to be a vehicle weighing over…
John Lee of the University of Wisconsin has recently co-authored “Scrolling While Driving”, a scholarly paper addressing the risks of driving while distracted. Lee and other experts at the recent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) day long forum on March 27, 2011 now credibly assert that even a two second distraction significantly increases the likelihood…
About three years ago, I attended a networking group breakfast my accountant invited me to. He introduced me around. I knew some folks in the crowd making sure to smile to new faces. We chatted and sipped coffee cheerfully getting to know one another. I introduced myself to a cheerful,attractive woman in her 40s. She…