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

_______________________________
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

Citizens Come Together to Make Positive Difference after Local Accident

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

Over 200 people gathered for a candlelight vigil and balloon release on Friday, January 20, in the town of Union. The vigil was held after two young boys died in a car crash earlier this month. Picture courtesy of the Press and Sun Bulletin in Binghamton.

As a parent of a young child myself, I could not help but feel emotional when I read about the January 7 car crash in Binghamton that killed four people, including a 7-year-old and a 6-year-old.

Joseph M. Plevinsky was driving three of his grandchildren to soccer practice at the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex on Airport Road, and his minivan swerved into an opposing lane of traffic and hit the car of 56-year-old Rose Kozlowski. Mr. Plevinsky, Ms. Kozlowski, 7-year-old Joshua Henry, and 6-year-old Tyler Houghton all died as a result of the crash. The only survivor is 8-year-old Nataya Henry, who was injured and taken to Wilson Regional Medical Center in Johnson City.

Despite the incredible tragedy of this crash, something truly admirable has come out of such horror and sadness: citizens of Binghamton and the surrounding area have come together. According to the Press and Sun Bulletin in Binghamton, more than 200 people braved the cold and attended a vigil for the boys who died in the accident. Also, a fundraiser held in the Maine-Endwell school system included a pasta dinner and a basket raffle that helped to raise money to help support the surviving Henry and Houghton children and plant a tree in memory of Joshua and Tyler.

These recent headlines about people coming together to grieve and help in a time of need are a reminder of the human impact that is felt by every accident. The effects of an accident only begin at the accident scene, and it is important to be reminded of just how deep loss can be felt and just how powerful holding a candlelight vigil or hosting a pasta dinner can be.

As an attorney, I am proud to work for justice for my clients every day. The citizens of Binghamton and the surrounding area, however, demonstrate a different definition of justice and righteousness, and I applaud you for making a positive difference and teaching us all that goodness and kindness really can come out of tragedy.

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

Pedestrian Safety Tips to Prevent what Elmira Police Chief Calls “Preventable Accidents”

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

Jim Reed wrote a blog post on Wednesday about two pedestrian accidents on Clemens Center Parkway in Elmira. His post underscores a message from Elmira Police Chief Michael Robertson who, in WETM TV coverage said, “These accidents are preventable. Every one of them is preventable. People need to take time to stop, look, and listen.”

While Jim’s post emphasized the importance of not driving distracted, what are measures that pedestrians can take to avoid accidents?

Here are some standard tips for pedestrians to avoid accidents:

Just like drivers, don’t walk or bike distracted! Talking on a cell phone will only distract you if cars come speeding toward you or if a traffic signal changes.
Take your time. I know this is easier said than done, but studies have shown that most pedestrian accidents occur simply because the pedestrian was in a hurry to cross the road. Taking your time and waiting until the road is absolutely clear could literally save your life.
Stay visible. If walking or biking at night, be sure to wear reflective gear.
If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. Try to cross at crosswalks or marked walkways.
When walking on sidewalks, remember to watch out for cars backing out of driveways.
Always double check the road before crossing. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing a street to ensure they stop.

Over 5,000 pedestrians die each year in the U.S. because they are hit by cars or bikes. Most of the victims are children, so the importance of sharing these simple tips with your kids and teaching them basic safety tips cannot be understated.

We have all seen pedestrians breaking traffic rules or putting themselves in dangerous positions on the roads. The recent pedestrian accidents on Clemens Center Parkway, however, show that many people drive distracted and it is important for both drivers and pedestrians to, in the words of Elmira Police Chief Michael Robertson, “stop, look, and listen.” Even though pedestrians have the right of way, you can never be too careful!

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

UPDATE: More Elmira Pedestrian Accidents …. It’s Time for Drivers to Wake Up and Watch Out for Walkers and Bicyclists

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Jim Reed

Two accidents involving pedestrians in the last 24 hours in Elmira serve as a stark reminder of the dangers facing pedestrians from inattentive or distracted drivers!

First, a mother and her 1-year-old child were injured, then a 17-year-old girl was struck 45 minutes later!

In the Elmira/Corning area where I live, there seems to be a growing trend of cars and trucks hitting pedestrians and bicyclists. I think this is a combination of more walkers/bikers and more cars/trucks sharing the roads together with a huge increase in the number of distracted drivers on the road.

These drivers are distracted by phones, radios, texting — or they are simply not paying attention.

In both Elmira pedestrian injury cases, the pedestrians were crossing the four-lane Clemens Center Parkway, which is a nightmare for pedestrians because they have to move quickly to get across safely before the light changes.

How many times have we seen pedestrians stranded unsafely in the middle of an intersection, waiting for the light to change again? This problem is especially obvious on a road like the Clemens Center Parkway, where the road is four lanes wide and there is a higher speed limit.

BUT REMEMBER: NY LAW REQUIRES A MOTOR VEHICLE TO YIELD TO A PEDESTRIAN! So regardless of the color of the light, if you see a pedestrian on the road, follow the law and give them a safe distance.

In one of the accidents, a mother and her 1-year-old child in a stroller were struck. They suffered minor injuries, police said.

According to news reports, the first accident occurred at about 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Clemens Center Parkway and East Fifth Street, Elmira, NY. The mother and child were transported to Arnot Ogden Medical Center and the driver of the pickup truck accused of striking them, Clayton Stevens of Lowman, was charged with Failing to Yield and Driving with a Suspended License.

A 17-year-old girl was hospitalized with internal injuries and possible broken bones after a second accident 45 minutes later involving a pedestrian at the Clemens Center Parkway and South Avenue on Elmira’s Southside. She is being treated at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre. Police said the investigation continues.

See the news reports from WETM-TV and the Star-Gazette.

Remember the 17-year-old girl, and the mother and her 1-year-old child, the next time you’re driving on Clemens Center Parkway and SLOW DOWN. As you approach intersections, even if you have a green light, scan both sides of the road for pedestrians. Remember there may be people still trying to cross the road!

Finally, FOCUS ON THE ROAD — not your text messages or your missed phone calls or talk radio or talking with your passengers.

Someone else’s life may depend on you paying attention to the road!

Thanks for reading.

Thanks, Jim

_________________________________

James B. Reed
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
Mailto: jreed@zifflaw.com
Office: (607)733-8866
Toll-Free: 800-ZIFFLAW (943-3529)
Web: www.zifflaw.com
Blogs: NYInjuryLawBlog.com and
NYBikeAccidentBlog.com

NY Attorney Offers 5 Great Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Christina Sonsire

While we have been enjoying some warm weather lately here in the Twin Tiers, weather advisories and recent headlines detailing local car accidents serve as reminders of the importance of safe driving. So, as temperatures drop and the danger on the roads increases, here are some top tips for safe driving this winter:

Make sure your car is winter ready- Before the biggest winter storms hit, make sure that your tires have plenty of tread, your windshield washer fluid is of a no-freeze variety, your wipers work properly, your oil is changed, and your coolant is topped off and ready for Elmira weather.
Keep a well-charged cell phone with you when you travel- It is always a good idea to take this precaution. While we know it is dangerous to text and drive, in the event of an accident, a cell phone could just be the thing that saves your life.
Leave early and give yourself room on the road- While this may seem like common sense, I know how tempting it can be when you are running late and want to speed to go to your destination faster. It never hurts to leave extra room between you and the cars around you and to drive slowly- even if it means you get to your destination a few minutes later.
Don’t drive distracted- While this is definitely an important driving point all year round, it never hurts to be reminded to always keep both eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel. Driving with your headlights on and your mind focused on the present are especially important in winter driving.
Have an emergency kit in your car- There is an old saying that says, “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst.” This holds true when traveling in inclement weather. Having supplies such as jumper cables, an ice scraper, a flashlight with extra batteries, a blanket, extra warm clothing, water, matches or a lighter, a first aid kit, basic tools, and flares are a great idea. In fact, many local stores sell kits or winter-ready variations of these supplies, such as mini flashlights or travel radios. You can also put non-perishable food in your kit, such as energy bars, candy bars, hard candies, dried fruit, jerky, and granola bars, but you may have to resist temptation of qualifying that hunger on the way home from work as a call for the emergency food kit!

Dealing with so many accident cases and reading tragic recent headlines about such people as 10-year-old Taylor Estrella of Maine, NY, who passed away when her grandmother’s car hit a recycling truck and David Wilkins, an Elmira man who died in a crash on Route 13, are reminders of the dangers that we all face when we pick up the keys and get into our cars in the winter. No matter what your top driving precautions are this winter, I hope these friendly tips can help to keep you and your loved ones safe this season.

Thanks, Christina

Appeals Court, CPSC Urge Wider Use Of SawStop Technology, Says NY Woodworking Attorney

Posted on December 14, 2011 by Jim Reed

SawStop Technology Can Save Your Fingers!

Tablesaw safety continues to make headlines and woodworkers fearing injuries should take note about the latest legal and government developments.

The question that is being asked, and I think it is a good question, is whether the government should REQUIRE tablesaw manufacturers to use safer technology when that technology is available and feasible?

Many of my friends answer “Hell no, keep guv’mint out of my business” while other friends answer “Hell yes, this is the perfect role of government to enforce safety standards to protect people”.

I have to confess that I am in the “Hell Yes” camp because unfortunately tablesaw manufacturers have historically demonstrated that they will NOT voluntarily adopt the safest technology. Because of that, and because I see first-hand the devastating effects of bad injuries, I tend to support anything that results in fewer innocent people getting hurt.

That’s why I support past safety regulations that have resulted in much greater public safety. Things like seatbelts and airbags in cars have resulted in fewer deaths and less catastrophic injuries. Years ago, seatbelts were non-existent, then a rare exception. But it wasn’t until seatbelts were REQUIRED that we widespread adoption of this safety device. No one today would argue that requiring seatbelts was a bad thing.

And that’s why I am in favor of the government requiring all saw manufacturers to adopt SawStop (or something equivalent) safety technology.

In a perfect world, these tablesaw manufacturers would build safer saws because they can and because they truly care about the safety of their customers. However, we don’t live in a perfect world and corporate design decisions often come down to profits and the least expensive way to build a product. Unfortunately, touting your saw as the safer saw isn’t nearly as touting your saw as being cheaper than your competition’s product.

Normally, one place where manufacturers end up paying for their decision to build an unsafe product is in the courtroom. In the courtroom, a manufacturer who builds an unsafe product when there are safer, feasible alternatives, can be required to pay substantial verdicts.

Historically, tablesaw manufacturers have avoided liability because they have all built their saws in essentially the same way and have then banded together in the courtroom to say the way they build their saws is to the “industry standard”. They essentially claim that this industry standard is “the best we can do because everyone in the industry does it that way”. They then claim other designs are not feasible, or not practical, or more expensive…..

For years, the conspiracy of the table-saw manufacturers was successful in avoid liability but recently the tide turned in a very important table-saw case.

A federal appeals court in Massachusetts has upheld $1.5 million in damages to an insurance company so it could recover expenses from Ryobi’s parent company in the case of Carlos Osorio, a flooring installer who suffered a hand injury in 2005 while using a Ryobi table saw, according to Fine Woodworking magazine.

Dr. Stephen Gass, the inventor of SawStop, testified on Osorio’s behalf in the lawsuit against Ryobi, saying none of the major table saw manufacturers, including Ryobi, had adopted his safety technology. With SawStop, the blade instantly senses when it comes in contact with skin and the blade snaps out of sight before any serious damage can be done to a person’s body.

Osorio’s table saw did not have the SawStop technology and the district court, citing safety concerns, ruled in his favor based on Gass’s testimony.

The federal appeals court’s October ruling supporting the district court can be found here.

An interview with Stephen Gass, the inventor of SawStop, is here.

Also in October, the Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously to propose new table saw safety standards. Read a news story about that decision here. And the actual CPSC decision is here.

I recently wrote about my experience in buying a SawStop table saw. Yes, they are more expensive, but itsn’t the safety of the woodworkers in your family worth it?

SawStop works. As I said in my last post, I encourage all of my woodworking friends in Elmira, Corning and the Twin Tiers to check out the latest in safety technology.

Please, be safe out there. Always put safety first, even if it costs you more than you wanted to spend.

Thanks for reading.

Thanks, Jim

_________________________________

James B. Reed

NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer

Ziff Law Firm, LLP

Mailto: jreed@zifflaw.com

Office: (607)733-8866

Toll-Free: 800-ZIFFLAW (943-3529)

Web: www.zifflaw.com

Blogs: NYInjuryLawBlog.com and

NYBikeAccidentBlog.com

Consumer agency pushes for safety rules for table saws (usatoday.com)
Govt looks for ways to reduce table saw injuries (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

Maps Of Road Fatalities A Reminder Of Toll Of Distracted Driving, Says NY and PA Accident Lawyer

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Jim Reed

Check out where fatal accidents have occurred in your community in recent years.

A United Kingdom transportation company has created a website that allows anyone to track road fatalities in the United States by location, including in Elmira, Corning and the Twin Tiers.

You can find the exact scene of an accident that led to a death between 2001 and 2009. I drilled down to the local fatalities in Elmira, Horseheads, and Corning and learned that I handled a large number of the wrongful death cases displayed on the local map.

I have worked on many cases in the last 26 years, and each of the little dots is a reminder of what I know to be devastated family and friends. … The 14-year-old cyclist mowed down by a hit-and-run driver, the elderly pedestrian hit by a driver who admitted she was busy adjusting her radio and on and on ….

It’s very unsettling and sad.

But it’s important that everyone take a look at the map of their community. Notice where people died when you look at the map of Chemung County — Lower Maple Avenue in Elmira, County Route 64 in Big Flats, Interstate 86 and the Miracle Mile (Corning Road) in Horseheads. Look at the grouping of fatalities, on I-86, Route 352 and Route 64. Those are high-traffic areas where everyone should be their most vigilant. Those should be no-distraction zones, and that means turning the radio or CD down, too!

Some of the fatalities were pedestrians, some were drivers or their passengers, and some were on motorcycles or bikes. Yes, it’s important to know where the most dangerous spots are in Watkins Glen and Southport and Pine City, then south to Towanda, Sayre and Athens, Wellsboro and Mansfield.

But there is a larger lesson here.

The maps serve as a stark reminder to all of us to SLOW DOWN and PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD. Shut off the cell phone. Cut down the chatter. Be vigilant. Live in the present.

Respect the lives of others, and be mindful of the dangers around you. Distracted driving kills. Next time you’re on the road, think of the people lost in accidents on that map.

Please have a safe and joyous holiday season free of heartbreaking accidents.

Thanks for reading.

Thanks, Jim

_________________________________

James B. Reed
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
Mail to: jreed@zifflaw.com
Office: (607)733-8866
Toll-Free: 800-ZIFFLAW (943-3529)
Web: www.zifflaw.com
Blogs: NYInjuryLawBlog.com and
NYBikeAccidentBlog.com

Easy Way To Save 10% On Your Car Insurance, Says NY Accident Attorney

Posted on October 19, 2011 by Jim Reed

An online driving course in New York State offers motorists many benefits.

Online driving courses make sense for all motorists. Successfully completing a course (on your schedule) in New York State will lower your insurance premiums a minimum of 10 percent for three years, may reduce four points on your license (if you have violations) and will refresh your skills.

Like most people, I took the online course to lower my insurance premiums, but I found the course very informative and educational.

Insurance.com says that if you’re between 16 and 25, you can save about 15 percent each year on your auto insurance for taking a defensive driving class, and those over the age of 55 can get a discount of 5 percent.

According to the blog Lifehacker, online courses are about $35, depending on the type of class you have to take, and they usually take four to eight hours. They often give you several weeks to finish the course. Each time you sign in, you’re returned to where you last worked.

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles has a great website about its Point & Insurance Reduction Program. Please check it out.

Also check out the state’s list of approved courses.

Drivers in Elmira, Corning and the Twin Tiers can save some money – and make our roads safer for everyone – by taking an online course. It’s that easy. Save money and save lives. That’s a great combination!

Have you taken an online driving course? What tips do you have for my readers? Did you find the course challenging? Please share your thoughts with your neighbors!

Thanks for reading.

Jim
__________________________________________

James B. Reed
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
Mailto: jreed@zifflaw.com
Office: (607) 733-8866
Toll-Free: 800-ZIFFLAW (943-3529)
Web: www.zifflaw.com
Blogs: NYInjuryLawBlog.com and
NYBikeAccidentBlog.com

UPDATE: NY Clearly Sees Its Error, Resumes Drivers’ Eye Tests!

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Adam Gee

Image via Wikipedia

Just days after announcing that it would allow drivers to “self-certify” that their vision is good enough to drive, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles hit the brakes on that policy thanks to the outcry from across the state!

As Jim Reed said a few days ago it was a foolish idea, and I am relieved to see that the state is reversing this dangerous decision!

DMV Commissioner Barbara Fiala announced the reversal on Sept. 30 after residents, law enforcement, medical professionals and county clerks across the state said waiving the eye test in DMV offices is a threat to anyone in a vehicle, on a motorcycle or bicycle, and pedestrians.

The state has formed a panel of health, safety and transportation officials to determine the best way to check drivers’ vision, Fiala told the news media.

“I have asked the medical organizations prominent in the vision health field, AAA New York State and AARP to review the best alternatives for a system that receives more than 2.4 million driver license renewal applications each year,” Fiala said.

On Sept. 26, the DMV announced it was waiving the required in-office test so motorists could renew licenses online. The new policy took effect Sept. 28 and was suspended on Sept. 30.

Since 2000, New York state drivers had to read a line of an eye chart at the DMV as a requirement for a new license or provide medical certification.

Unfortunately, Pennsylvania is one of six states that does not require eye exams!

To read news reports about the reversal, go here and here and here.

How do you think New York state should check drivers’ eyesight? Please comment below and I will share your best ideas with our state lawmakers!

Thanks for reading.

Adam
__________________________________________

Adam M. Gee
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
Mailto: jreed@zifflaw.com
Office: (607) 733-8866
Toll-Free: 800-ZIFFLAW (943-3529)
Web: www.zifflaw.com
Blogs: NYInjuryLawBlog.com and
NYBikerLawBlog.com

Lawsuit Pierces Medical Code of Silence, Says NY Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Jim Reed

Speak No Evil says the Medical Community!

As a NY medical malpractice lawyer for more than 25 years, I am well aware of the “white-coat conspiracy of silence.”

This is an unwritten but well-known code of conduct that is routinely followed by doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, etc., that says:

“No matter what … never, ever, EVER … admit that one of your medical colleagues did anything wrong.”

A recent NY case against a Manhattan hospital turned that Code of Silence upside down when it ordered a doctor to turn over an email that he had written that was critical of the medical care provided to a patient. Needless to say, defense lawyers for the hospital who were claiming the medical care was OK screamed bloody murder and tried everything in their power to suppress this email so it would never see the light of day.

Here is a quick summary of the lawsuit, from a New York Law Journal article:

Rose Lowenthal, 89, died from post-operative developments two days after successful hip surgery at New York Downtown Hospital in December 2008.

Her surgeon, upset by her death, wrote an email to the chief of the hospital’s surgery department, criticizing Mrs. Lowenthal’s post-operative care.

Mrs. Lowenthal’s son filed suit in 2009 and the hospital refused to turn over the email, saying it was confidential because it was turned over to the hospital’s Quality Assurance Committee.

But a Manhattan Supreme Court justice rejected that argument, telling the hospital to turn over the email in the lawsuit because the hospital had not proved the email was written for the committee.

In an affidavit, the surgeon said he wrote the email on his own, and added that he was not invited to participate in the committee’s meeting or the morbidity and mortality meeting in Mrs. Lowenthal’s case.

The family’s lawyer, Scott Rubin of Levine and Grossman in Mineola, said the doctor’s unsolicited critical letter was the first of its kind he’d seen in more than 30 years of practice.

“Usually doctors don’t send letters excoriating departments or other doctors,” he said, adding with great understatement that the email “could be quite helpful to me.”

Why would the hospital’s lawyers be so upset by the disclosure of this email? Wouldn’t they want the truth to emerge? Wouldn’t they want to improve the medical care provided by the hospital?

Well, you would think so, but the reality of it is that these lawyers don’t want any doctor’s criticism of another doctor or medical provider to EVER see the light of day ….

I am glad the judge disagreed and ordered them to turn over the email!

Thanks for reading.

Jim
__________________________________________

James B. Reed
NY & PA Injury & Malpractice Lawyer
Ziff Law Firm, LLP
Mailto: jreed@zifflaw.com
Office: (607) 733-8866
Toll-Free: 800-ZIFFLAW (943-3529)
Web: www.zifflaw.com
Blogs: NYInjuryLawBlog.com and
NYBikeAccidentBlog.com

Category Archives: Keeping Your Family Safe

Identifying Drugged Drivers- and Saving Lives

Citizens Come Together to Make Positive Difference after Local Accident

Pedestrian Safety Tips to Prevent what Elmira Police Chief Calls “Preventable Accidents”

UPDATE: More Elmira Pedestrian Accidents …. It’s Time for Drivers to Wake Up and Watch Out for Walkers and Bicyclists

In the Elmira/Corning area where I live, there seems to be a growing trend of cars and trucks hitting pedestrians and bicyclists. I think this is a combination of more walkers/bikers and more cars/trucks sharing the roads together with a huge increase in the number of distracted drivers on the road.

These drivers are distracted by phones, radios, texting — or they are simply not paying attention.

BUT REMEMBER: NY LAW REQUIRES A MOTOR VEHICLE TO YIELD TO A PEDESTRIAN! So regardless of the color of the light, if you see a pedestrian on the road, follow the law and give them a safe distance.

Finally, FOCUS ON THE ROAD — not your text messages or your missed phone calls or talk radio or talking with your passengers.

Someone else’s life may depend on you paying attention to the road!

NY Attorney Offers 5 Great Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Appeals Court, CPSC Urge Wider Use Of SawStop Technology, Says NY Woodworking Attorney

SawStop works. As I said in my last post, I encourage all of my woodworking friends in Elmira, Corning and the Twin Tiers to check out the latest in safety technology.

Please, be safe out there. Always put safety first, even if it costs you more than you wanted to spend.

Related articles

Maps Of Road Fatalities A Reminder Of Toll Of Distracted Driving, Says NY and PA Accident Lawyer

The maps serve as a stark reminder to all of us to SLOW DOWN and PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD. Shut off the cell phone. Cut down the chatter. Be vigilant. Live in the present.

Respect the lives of others, and be mindful of the dangers around you. Distracted driving kills. Next time you’re on the road, think of the people lost in accidents on that map.

Easy Way To Save 10% On Your Car Insurance, Says NY Accident Attorney

Have you taken an online driving course? What tips do you have for my readers? Did you find the course challenging? Please share your thoughts with your neighbors!

UPDATE: NY Clearly Sees Its Error, Resumes Drivers’ Eye Tests!

How do you think New York state should check drivers’ eyesight? Please comment below and I will share your best ideas with our state lawmakers!

Lawsuit Pierces Medical Code of Silence, Says NY Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Why would the hospital’s lawyers be so upset by the disclosure of this email? Wouldn’t they want the truth to emerge? Wouldn’t they want to improve the medical care provided by the hospital?

Well, you would think so, but the reality of it is that these lawyers don’t want any doctor’s criticism of another doctor or medical provider to EVER see the light of day ….

I am glad the judge disagreed and ordered them to turn over the email!