NY Accident Attorney Comments on Rising Rate of Teen Driving Deaths

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

According to USA Today, a recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows that teen road deaths in the first 6 months of 2011 went up 11%, marking an increase for the first time in 8 years.

Experts attribute this increase to two main factors:

1.) The improving economy means that more drivers—including teens— are hitting the roads

2.) The effect of graduated driver licensing programs, or GDLs, is leveling off

So, given these factors, what can be done to combat the rate of teen driving accidents? While a wide variety of factors go into safety, I was struck by a recent AAA study saying that the average parent spends less than 2 hours per week in the car with their teen while he or she is learning how to drive. Most of those hours include little practice in more difficult driving conditions, like inclement weather or darkness.

While both teens and parents are incredibly busy, the importance of a teen having driving experience with a parent cannot be overstated. If parents spent more time in the car with their teens, the rate of teen driving deaths would be far more likely to decrease.

NBC Nightly News, the source that featured information about the AAA study, also showed footage of accidents avoided when a parent drove with their child.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers. 16 teens per day die in car accidents, making a startling 6,000 deaths per year. Parents can help decrease this number just by sitting in the front seat.

This experience is especially important when teens get behind the wheel by themselves. Teens are 50% more likely to crash in the first month of driving than at any other time. Parents should try to ride along with teens when possible—even after an official license is issued.

There are so many factors that go into dangers on the road. The best thing that parents can give a child when they hand over the keys is the gift of experience with a practiced, trusted driver. It could save your teen’s life.

Thanks, Christina

_________________________________
Christina Bruner Sonsire, Esq.
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, New York 14902-1338
csonsire@zifflaw.com
Office: 607.733.8866
Toll-Free: 800.ZIFFLAW (943.3529)
Web:zifflaw.com
Blog: NYInjuryLawBlog.com

Elmira Car Crash Results in Minor Injuries? It’s Too Soon to Tell says NY and PA Accident Lawyer

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Adam Gee

Elmira police said an accident Thursday morning involved just minor injuries, but accident victims should always be checked my medical professionals to be sure their injuries are not serious.

A hit-and-run accident Thursday morning on Elmira’s east side has the Elmira Police Department looking for witnesses after receiving conflicting information about the color of the fleeing vehicle.

Police also said there were apparently just minor injuries suffered in the accident, and that phrase “apparent minor injuries” always worries me.

The accident occurred Thursday morning at East Church Street and Madison Avenue, not far from our office at 303 William St.

Police told the Star-Gazette that an eastbound vehicle was struck from behind, and the striking vehicle fled the scene. The police added that it appeared that there were just minor injuries, but there were several ambulances on the scene, so it’s premature to say that the injuries were not serious!

Please remember this if you are ever involved in a motor vehicle accident:

As an experienced accident lawyer, I can tell you that sometimes minor injuries suffered in car accidents can develop into serious injuries. If you are injured in an accident, always get checked by an emergency room doctor of your personal doctor. What appears to be minor at that moment may take your life later!

Police said they received conflicting information from the scene about the color of the striking vehicle. Anyone with information about the striking vehicle should call the Elmira Police tip line at 607-271-HALT.

Thanks for reading.

Adam
__________________________________________

Adam M. Gee, Esq.
NY and PA Car Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: agee@zifflaw.com

NY Accident Attorney Discusses Ideas to Prevent Accidents among Elderly Drivers

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

NBC Nightly News recently featured a story highlighting accident rates among elderly drivers.

It is something with which so many of us can identify: the independence that comes with driving a car. It is this feeling of freedom, however, that can often be the cause of safety concerns among elderly drivers.

NBC Nightly News broadcast a report last week entitled, “Too Old to Drive?” The segment featured some alarming statistics: according to the most recent studies, 600 drivers over age 65 are involved in an accident every day in the United States. Nine of those drivers die.

In a world in which drivers aged 65 and older are one and a half times more likely to get into an accident than middle-aged drivers, it is time to acknowledge the gravity of these facts and work to take action to prevent accidents. Americans aged 65 and over are the fastest growing age group in the country. By 2030, these citizens are expected to be 25% of the driving population. In his or her own small way, each person can work to ensure that this 25% is responsible and safe.

It is important to acknowledge that I want to avoid blanket statements; not all elderly drivers are inherently unsafe. It can be challenging, however, to gauge when and if the time comes to surrender the keys to a car— and the freedom and confidence that comes with it.

It is important to take precautions: if you have a loved one whose driving concerns you, ride along with them. Look for a slow reaction time, the driver getting lost, or trouble merging. This can help you to engage in an honest, open discussion.

Another great way to better ensure safety is stricter state restrictions in regard to elderly drivers. 33 states, including Pennsylvania, have enacted tougher driving requirements for elderly drivers. By giving a basic driving test or having people answer simple health questions, an objective, official opinion can be brought into a family’s discussion about safe driving. This is a great step to avoid accidents, and I hope that New York follows Pennsylvania’s example.

The topic of when to take the keys away is incredibly difficult. It involves so many emotions and a sense of pride and independence. I can certainly empathize with this, but I hope that the above statistics are a wake-up call and a reminder of what is truly at stake when a driver of any age gets behind a wheel. Discussing driving with an elderly loved one may be hard now, but I sincerely believe that it can save lives.

Thanks, Christina

NY Attorney Comments on Startling Accident on Market Street

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

A car is visible inside a Market Street storefront in Corning on Tuesday morning.

A car crash took place in the Market Street storefront of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes this morning. Photo courtesy of the Elmira Star-Gazette.

As an accident attorney, I have become accustomed to seeing a wide range of accident scenes and scenarios. Today, however, I was nevertheless surprised to hear about a car crashing through a Market Street storefront.

86-year-old Rosario Miller crashed his car into the storefront of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes. Luckily, neither the female passenger in the car nor the four employees working inside the office at the time were injured. Mr. Miller was taken to various local hospitals for treatment, and our thoughts and prayers are certainly with him.

What struck me most about this story- and, judging from the readers’ comments on the story in the Elmira Star-Gazette and the Corning Leader- was how such an accident can occur in a time and place when we least expect it. As trite and cliché as that sounds, 10:30 A.M. on Valentine’s Day on a popular street known for pedestrian traffic and quaint storefronts, is a startling reminder of the abrupt and shattering nature of accident scenes.

Hopefully, this story will serve as a reminder to stay alert both on the roads and while walking on sidewalks. Who knows? You could be strolling along Market Street, focusing simply on finding a card on Valentine’s Day, and an accident could occur right in front of you!

Hope everyone is having an enjoyable- and safe- Valentine’s Day!

Thanks, Christina

With Tougher Penalties for Distracted Driving, a Greater Chance for Safety

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

A new New York State law with harsher penalties for texting while driving could help to increase safety on the roads.

A recent front-page article in the Elmira Star-Gazette delivered some excellent news; in fact, the headline says it all: “Tickets for Texting Soar.” Indeed, under a recent law, drivers caught using electronic devices while driving could face a $150 fine and three points on their driver’s licenses.

In the article, Barbara Fiala, commissioner of the state Department of Motor Vehicles, said, “We currently have one of the strongest anti-distracted-driving laws in the country.” Last July, a state law made texting a primary offense, meaning that a police officer could pull someone over if the officer suspected texting behind the wheel. And in a state where more than 570 tickets were issued in Chemung and Steuben County alone for cell phone and texting violations over the past 7 months, taking even greater measures to crack down on distracted driving will, true to Ms. Fiala’s words, help to better ensure our local status as having one of the “strongest”- and safest- “anti-distracted-driving laws in the country.”

As an accident attorney, I could not support this new law more. Cell phones- and the temptation to use them while driving- are a prevalent part of everyday life. This legislation and the penalties it will inflict are a wonderful reminder of just how important it is to drive safely and just how much one can stand to lose by driving distracted (and, as I see on a regular basis, it is a lot more than a $150 fine!).

The article included an especially poignant statistic: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 5,400 people were killed and almost 450, 000 were injured nationwide in crashes involving distracted-driving in 2009. What these incredible statistics may not portray, however, is the depth of the suffering for those involved. The legislators behind the new texting and driving law made their decision about the specifics for the new law after hearing testimony from local officials and residents, including Jacy Good. Miss Good, of White Plains, lost her parents and the use of one arm in a 2008 Pennsylvania distracted driving crash. She missed her parents’ funeral because she was in a coma.

Please learn from Miss Good’s story. If hearing about the suffering of distracted driving accident victims is not enough, instead take heed from the potential penalties of this new law. It will save lives- and hopefully bring a sense of justice to people like Jacy Good.

Thanks, Christina

NY Attorney Comments on Local Dog Bites and Dog Attacks

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

On a beautiful afternoon, like many in the Twin Tiers, I can certainly see the appeal of wandering around downtown Ithaca and shopping in The Commons. What I often do not factor into this idyllic scene, however, is the danger of dogs.

Authorities in Ithaca are seeking a puppy after it bit a man in the Ithaca Commons. What is especially amazing to me about this incident is that the dog was on a leash and with its owner. The victim reached down to pet the dog and was then bitten.

This incident is only one of several recent dog bites in Ithaca, including incidents in October and December.

Our firm has represented many victims of dog attack and bite cases, so we know the permanent physical and emotional scars that can be left after these frightening incidents.

In a world in which half a million people bit by dogs last year required hospitalization, these bites are a reminder of the dangers that even friendly-looking dogs can pose.

These bites are also a reminder to socialize your dogs, especially when they are between the ages of 8-12 weeks. While many of us at Ziff love animals ourselves, it is important to stay safe and recognize the potentially dangerous nature of dogs.

If you or someone you know has a question about dog attacks or bites, please call us at 1-800-ZIFFLAW or email us at info@zifflaw.com. We would be happy to talk to you about your legal rights and options and try to answer your questions.

Thanks, Christina

______________________________
Christina Bruner Sonsire, Esq.
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, New York 14902-1338
csonsire@zifflaw.com
Office: 607.733.8866
Toll-Free: 800.ZIFFLAW (943.3529)
Web:zifflaw.com
Blog: NYInjuryLawBlog.com

NY Attorney Offers Advice on Technology that Helps Keep Teens Safe While Driving

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

As an accident attorney, I could not help but laugh when I saw this Close to Home comic. Throughout my daily work, I meet many teenage victims of accident cases, so I understand the importance of not driving distracted. Therefore, while this comic is funny, it also got me thinking: is there a better way for parents to ensure the safety of their teen drivers— without going to the extremes of this mother and her driving gloves?

Recently, I have come to find a surprising source of comfort for the anxiety that having a teenage driver may provoke: technology. Indeed, those same cell phones that can cause so much potential for reckless and distracted driving can also be a powerful tool that can help keep young adults safe and accident-free.

Last November, my colleague Jim Reed wrote a blog post, which can be seen here, praising the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for banning texting while driving. Like Jim, as an accident attorney, I cannot say enough how much I agree with that decision. I am, however, also realistic in realizing that, like so many adults, teens are often glued to their cell phones. Even though there are laws in place banning texting and driving, the temptation is still there. That is why many parents may find a recent USA Today article, entitled “Devices Target Distracted Driving,” interesting; it cites cell phone apps or other forms of technology that can allow parents to stop their teen from texting, surfing the Internet, or even talking on their cell phones while they are driving.

Inspired by the USA Today article, here are three tools that can help keep your teens safe:

1. Cellcontrol- available for $7.95 a month for up to six phones, this in-car port stops drivers from gaming, searching the Internet, and receiving texts and phone calls while driving. You can see a video of how Cellcontrol works here.

2. iZup- a cheaper alternative to Cellcontrol, costing $20 annually, this blocks cell phone use while a car is moving, even disabling it at stop signs and red lights, often taking several minutes to disable after a car stops moving.

3. iCar Black Box App- In the event of an accident, this 99 cent app acts as a black box, recording a video during the accident that you can then access later.

Indeed, today the phase “There’s an app for that” can apply to so many varied topics, including everything from pet first aid to emergency flashlights when it comes to accident scenes. I deal with many families with teens who have been deeply affected by the terrible physical and emotional pain that car accidents can cause, and I can only hope that new technology can help prevent similar trauma in the future.

Even if these tools do not work best for you and your family, I encourage everyone with teenage drivers to stay safe, talk to your kids about their driving habits, and keep up to date with New York State teen driving laws.

No matter how you choose to protect your family while they drive, I hope that everyone stays safe this winter— preferably without having to wear “no-text driving gloves”!

Thanks, Christina

_______________________________
Christina Bruner Sonsire, Esq.
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, New York 14902-1338
csonsire@zifflaw.com
Office: 607.733.8866
Toll-Free: 800.ZIFFLAW (943.3529)
Web:zifflaw.com
Blog: NYInjuryLawBlog.com

Identifying Drugged Drivers- and Saving Lives

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

The car above is a result of a druuged driving accident. Giving police the tools they need to learn how to identify drugged drivers could save lives by helping to avoid accidents.

A recent article by Michael Gormley in Binghamton’s Press & Sun Bulletin details efforts by Senators Charles Schumer (NY) and Mark Pryor (AR) to create federal funding to train police officers to identify drugged drivers.

What is Schumer’s reasoning for this measure? In the article, he says, “With the explosive growth of prescription drug abuse, it’s vital that local law enforcement have the tools and training they need to identify those driving under the influence of narcotics to get them off the road.” Indeed, a 2009 report showed that 10.5 million Americans acknowledged that they had driven under the influence of drugs. Drugged driving arrests have risen 35 percent inNew York since 2001. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that in a 2009 test, a third of over 12,000 drivers who died in car crashes had used drugs.

These startling facts from the Press & Sun Bulletin article show the widespread dangers of drugged driving. Perhaps an even more alarming part of the article, however, is the fact that police have no approved equipment to help identify drugged drivers. This is a problem that desperately needs to be addressed, and I commend Senators Schumer and Pryor for working on it.

I could not agree more with the work that Senators Schumer and Pryor are doing to try to give police the training they need to detect drugged drivers. It may cost money now, but it will save countless lives later. I work with many accident victims, and it pains me to think that their pain and suffering may have been alleviated if there was a better system in place for apprehending drugged drivers. This measure, if passed, is a great step in the right direction.

So, whether it is cocaine or cough syrup, drugged drivers beware- measures are finally being taken to better allow safety to rule the roads.

Thanks, Christina