Are you feeling sleepy today? Perhaps ready for a little nap? Now, if you’re reading this on your iPad while riding the bus, look at your driver. Does he or she look sleepy? Perhaps ready to take a nap as well? Chances are, he has a sleeping condition. Trucking accidents and accidents caused by professional drivers due to sleep deprivation have become a serious problem.

This is a serious issue recently addressed at a conference in Gothenburg, Sweden. Through a study conducted by the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, researchers discovered that a quarter of bus and tram drivers suffer from daytime sleepiness, a problem which could greatly affect rider safety.

The study was presented at the Swedish Sleep Medicine Congress by Mahssa Karimi, a doctoral student from the Center for Sleep and Vigilance Disorders. Her research project looked at the incidence of sleep disorders in 116 bus and tram drivers in Gothenburg. The study found:

• 23% have problems with pronounced daytime sleepiness;
• 28% have trouble getting to sleep;
• 29% suffer from restless legs; and
• 19% have sleep apnea (pauses in breathing while asleep which can result in tiredness
and difficulty concentrating during the day).

Following the study, help was provided particularly to the drivers suffering from sleep apnea, as their condition was the most serious. They were provided with a CPAP machine, a machine where a breathing mask is used at night to maintain a positive pressure in the airways. They are kept open and therefore prevent snoring and apnea while sleeping.

"The study showed that these drivers stopped having apnea episodes during the night and also had significantly lower blood pressure and, above all, greatly reduced daytime sleepiness," says Karimi.

The key is providing resources to these drivers without making them feel that it reflects poorly upon their job performance or makes them feel that they will be judged for treating what could become a very serious problem if they were to fall asleep, even for the smallest moment, behind the wheel.

If you’ve been in an accident involving a driver who fell asleep, make sure to protect yourself by enlisting the help of an attorney from the Christensen Law Firm. They have handled numerous cases resulting from drowsy drivers and ensure accident victims are fully compensated and protected. They offer free consultations, peace of mind, and excellent results. They also offer a free Utah Accident Book, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case. This book is packed with invaluable information that will educate and protect you after an accident. Contact them today at 801-506-0800.

A 25-year-old man from Salt Lake County died after his car smashed into the median on an Interstate 215 off-ramp August 15, 2010. What’s more surprising is that the victim is a member of the Utah Highway Patrol. Bryon Rokus was going to his aunt’s house in West Jordan after working a graveyard shift when he turned sharply across three lanes and then crashed with the center line. Troopers told investigators that the victim fell asleep behind the wheel.

Driver drowsiness does not choose its prey. Whether you have the highest of education or not, there is no excuse for driving tired. According to data provided by the National Sleep Foundation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there have been an estimated 100,000 car collisions in the United States because of driver drowsiness.

Sleep apnea and driver fatigue is a serious problem among professional truck drivers. In fact, a recent study of 1,391 commercial truck drivers found that 28% had obstructive sleep apnea, with more than one-third of the drivers’ symptoms categorized as moderate to severe. This is extremely serious, since professional truck drivers operate their trucks for longer distances than the average driver and operate heavy trucks that can more easily cause fatal accidents.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Utah caused by drowsy driving, do not hesitate to contact the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation. You can also obtain a free copy of our Utah Accident Report, 7 Biggest Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Utah Accident Case by visiting www.UtahAccidentBooks.com.

The Department of Transportation reports that in the United States more than half-a-million truck accidents occur annually. Of this number, 5,000 people die. Many of these accidents happen because truck drivers experience fatigue caused by lack of sleep and rest. Since monetary incentives entice them to work longer hours, some drivers forget the fact that their sleep deprivation leads to fatigue, which in turn may result in a collision with another vehicle.

Technology is being developed to avoid truck crashes. One particular innovation that appears to be promising is a device that can help alert truck drivers when they sense fatigue. Dashboard-mounted cameras measure driver's eyelid movement in order to detect fatigue. This technology seems promising, but is still in the development and research stage. Ample support from the government is needed to fully develop this system.

Like alcohol intoxication, fatigue can be a serious threat to a driver’s life. But what’s different is that there is no standard to measure the level of one’s fatigue. People need an average of 8 hours of sleep in order to produce enough energy for the day ahead. It is better to get some rest and be safe than earn a little more money and put other drivers in danger.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck or trailer-tractor accident having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Trucking companies and their drivers are only required to keep crucial evidence like log books for as a little as 30 days after an accident. An experienced Salt Lake City semi truck accident lawyer can help preserve this information. Get a free copy of our Utah Accident Book today or call 801-506-0800 for a free consultation.

5 year-old Yazlin Setino of Ogden was killed in a single car rollover accident on I-15 near Paragonah, Utah, in the early morning hours of Saturday, March 27, 2010. Utah Highway Patrol Troopers say the young child’s grandparent was driving a Toyota Tundra when the pickup hit a patch of ice, went off the road and rolled three times before landing upside down. Yazlin Setino was partially ejected from vehicle and died at the scene of the accident. Troopers confirm that the young girl was not in a booster seat or restrained properly. The three adult passengers suffered minor injuries and were transported to Valley View Medical Center in Cedar City.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family of the young Yazlin Setino for their sudden and tragic loss. As a parent of a toddler, I cannot imagine the amount of grief that this family is currently enduring. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time.

Liability Issues: Child Safety Seats are Required by Utah Law

One the most difficult aspects of this tragic fatal rollover accident is the fact that the child was not restrained properly in a booster seat which may have saved her young life. In May 2008, Utah legislation increased the requirement for children to use child safety seats and booster seats from four years of age to eight years of age.

Since the new Child Safety Restraint Legislation has taken affect, the Utah Department of Health estimates that booster seat use increased from 35% to 46%; however, that vast majority of Utah parents still do not properly restrain their children. As the tragic rollover accident demonstrates, Utah residents, who do not wear seatbelts or properly restrain their children in child designated safety seats, risk devastating and catastrophic consequences if they are involved in a Utah car accident.

Statistics on Child Restraint Use by Utah Residents

On February 8, 2010, the Utah Department of Health has released their annual Legislative Fact Sheet of Child Restraints in Motor Vehicles. The following statistics were taken from this report:

• 2008, there were 2,662 children ages 5-7 injured in Utah traffic accidents
• 2,604 or 98% of the children were passengers in the motor vehicles
• Unrestrained Children are 4 times more likely to suffer serious injury than children properly restrained in booster seats

For more information about motor vehicle safety, visit the Utah Department of Health Violence & Injury Prevention Program or our main website of The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, at www.utahpersonalinjurylawfirm.com. Please feel free to contact our skilled Utah accident attorneys if you have any questions about your Utah accident case at (801) 506.0800.

While most states have passed laws prohibiting texting while driving, the New York Times reports that Utah has the nation’s toughest law on texting while driving. Utah treats texting and driving as serious as it pursues drunk driving. More Utah residents are killed in motor vehicle crashes caused by texting than from car accidents caused by motorists driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. To date, Zero Fatalities reports there have been 23 fatalities on Utah roads.

Texting and Driving Kills Two Utah Scientists

Utah’s strict legislation against texting and driving is a result of a 2006 Logan, Utah, car accident that killed two scientists. Reggie Shaw, 19, was recklessly texting while driving when he inadvertently crossed the center lane and crashed into the vehicle carrying James Furaro, 38, and Keith P. O’Dell, 50. The two men died from the injuries they sustained in this tragic Utah texting car accident. Mr. Shaw is currently serving his prison sentence and is an advocate for the Utah’s Zero Fatalities Campaign to eliminate texting while driving in Utah.

Utah Law against Texting while Driving

Since the implementation of the new law in May of 2009, a police officer catches a motorist texting while driving, the motorist’s faces up to three months in jail, a $750 fine and a misdemeanor on their record. If this motorist causes an auto accident that result in the injury or death of another, the penalty is a felony charge, $10,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison.

Texting while Driving is a Criminal Offense in Utah

While drowsy driving and texting while driving are both considered forms of distracted driving, a Utah motor vehicle collision caused by texting while driving is considered a criminal offense and not an accident. “It’s a willful act,” said Lyle Hillyard, a Republican state senator stated in the NYT interview. “If you choose to drink and drive or if you choose to text and drive, you’re assuming the same risk.” If someone is killed in an accident caused by texting, the at-fault motorist will be charged with negligent homicide in the state of Utah as it is considered an inherent reckless decision to choose to text and drive.

A Skilled Salt Lake City Auto Accident Attorney Can Help

Attorney Kenneth L. Christensen and The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, know the laws relating to Utah personal injury. While we cannot undo the harm that’s been done, we can provide you and your family with a sense of security and comfort through compensation from the parties responsible for you loss. Of equal importance is the change that a suit can bring about. We are dedicated to ending the practice of texting while driving.

If you have lost a loved one or have been injured due to negligence of another, we urge you to contact us at (801) 506-0800.

As a parent of a teenager, you’re constantly on the lookout for possible dangers. Driving is both a rite of passage and a huge responsibility that Utah teenagers take on. Tragically, car accidents are the leading cause of death among Utah teenagers and teens nationwide.

On March 18, 2010, US News Media Group published its findings for teen driver safety in its report Best States for Teen Drivers, which will be featured in the April Issue of US News and World Report Magazine. US News gathered government statistics on the 11 variables that affect teen driving safety including safety belt use, teen DUI/DWI, distract driving, cell phone use, average vehicle miles traveled per teen and the number of teenagers that have a driver’s license in each state. The report also examined each state’s road safety conditions including driving laws, road conditions and weather.

The US News Best State for Teen Drivers is as follows:

1. District of Columbia
2. California
3. Colorado
4. Maryland
5. Illinois
6. New Jersey
7. Oregon
8. Minnesota
9. Utah
10. Washington

Statistics on Fatal Utah Motor Vehicle Crashes Involving Teenagers

The Violence, Injury Prevention Program (VIPP), of the Utah Department of Health, confirms that Utah automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for Utah teenagers ages 15-19 years old. Each year, Utah car crashes result in the deaths of 40 teens, 330 hospitalizations and 5,400 emergency department visits each year for Utah teenagers.

• Utah Teens account for only 7% of Utah Drives; however, they are involved in 27% of all motor vehicle crashes in Utah and 18% of all fatal Utah car accidents.

These grave statistics demonstrate the dire need for Utah residents to take action in solving why teenagers are disproportionately prone to being involved and even killed in car accidents. As skilled Utah personal injury and auto accident attorneys, we have seen the catastrophic effects of teenage car accidents on families and communities. According to a recent Allstate Foundation study, parents are the #1 most important driving influence on teenagers.

A Call to Action to Utah Parents

• Enforce Concept that Driving is a Privilege
-Studies show that teenagers obey and respect their parents when adequate rules and consequences are established. Parents have a huge influence on the safety of their children.
• Set Teen Driving Rules
-No Cell Phones. Period. Utah distracted driving accidents are preventable.
-Always wear seat belts. Passengers must always wear their seat belts too.
• Early Curfew-Drowsy Driving is a leading contributing factor to 80% of Utah Accidents.

Why You Need the Best Salt Lake City Car Accidents Lawyers

Dealing with insurance companies is frustrating and the consequences of the decisions you make will affect your child’s future. It is important for parents and guardians of injured teenagers to get legal guidance ASAP from experienced Salt Lake City Injury and Car Accident attorneys. If your child was injured in the State of Utah, you can turn to the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC.
Call today for a free consultation: (801)506-0800.

New information has become available on the Utah fuel tanker crash that occurred in the early morning hours of March 17, 2010 on Interstate 15 near Roy. According Deseret News reporters, the Utah Highway Patrol will be filing charges, with the Weber County Attorney’s office, against the semi truck driver that include possession of drug paraphernalia and lane travel violation. The UHP confirms that drowsy driving is the cause of this Utah semi truck accident. Authorities are waiting on the toxicology report to confirm whether the semi truck driver was high on drugs at the time of the accident. If positive, the truck driver will face criminal charges as the state of Utah aggressively pursues drug and alcohol laws especially when they deal with motorist safety.

According to the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration, driver drowsiness is the major contributing cause of 80% motor vehicle collisions nationwide.

Public Costs of Drowsy Driving

Drowsy driving substantially increases the risk of causing a catastrophic car accident. The damages that result are many. Most often the injuries that result from drowsy driving are catastrophic and even fatal. It is a miracle nobody else was hurt in yesterday’s semi truck accident in Utah. Also, road blocks and investigations are intensive for these kinds of Utah car accidents which cause traffic congestion or standstills for hours. Thirdly, Drowsy driving accidents usually involve one vehicle striking a median, guard rail, building or another vehicle which results in thousands of dollars in property damage. When large trucks are involved the damage can result in millions of dollars. UDOT spokesman Vic Saunders confirmed that in yesterday’s semi truck accident, a 25 feet long section of the freeway had to be replaced. “The asphalt tends to be eaten up by the diesel spill and now the road is unstable,” Saunders reported. This is not good news to Utah tax payers who are a main contributor to Utah’s road maintenance.

Utah Semi-Truck Fatal Accident Statistics

A special task force of the US Department of Transportation, The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), investigates and collects data on all trucking accidents nationwide. In their most recent trucking accident report, the FMCSA reported there were 133,719 large truck accidents nationwide, resulting in 71,329 injured persons and an additional 4,229 deaths. In 2008, there were 1,811 large truck accidents in Utah alone. 32 of those Utah semi truck accidents involved fatalities.

Semi Truckers Most Likely to be Guilty of Drowsy Driving

The American Trucking Association reported that 25% of their truck drivers suffer from sleep apnea and should not be driving due to intense fatigue syndrome. There is great difficulty in proving that the cause of a fatal Utah semi truck accident is due to drowsy driving unless several pieces of time sensitive information such as driving log, rest log, maintenance logs, are collected and preserved. These items are rarely obtainable without a legal injunction by a skilled Salt Lake City trucking Accident Injury attorney.

Time is NOT on Your Side in Utah Semi-Truck Accidents

Trucking accidents are not like typical Utah motor vehicle accidents. For one, insurance claims are complex as the truckers are most likely insured by national firms. Also, special rules and regulations apply to truckers and trucking companies. The damages caused by Utah tractor-trailer accidents can be devastating. Federal Law requirements are in place to protect victims; however, the large national trucking firms like Swift Trucking, destroy the federal mandated trucker tracking information under a policy called “document retention policy”. Legally, trucking companies have to keep the driver’s qualification file and other evidence for a short time period—often time the grace period is only 30 to 60 days—before they are allowed to purge files of old records. The elimination of evidence that would prove the semi truck driver was guilty of drowsy driving would be forever lost as well as the victim’s right to a fair and just settlement.
It is highly advised that if you are injured or someone you know has been injured or killed in a semi truck accident that you contact the skilled Salt Lake City Trucking Accident Injury attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm at (801) 506-0800.

Fiery Utah Tanker Crash Spills Thousands of Oil on I-15

St. Patrick’s Day did not begin well for Interstate 15 commuters near Roy who are in a traffic standstill this morning. Around 5 am on March 17, 2010, the 55-year-old driver of a semi pulling two fuel-filled tankers crashed into the median on the 5600 South overpass on I-15. The Salt Lake tanker accident spilled over 5 thousand gallons of oil and caught fire. Emergency crews quickly responded and put out the fire before any explosions. Fortunately, there were no other vehicles involved in this potentially catastrophic Salt Lake semi truck accident. The driver of the semi has been treated minor injuries.

Drowsy Driving Caused this Utah Semi Truck Accident

Although the Utah Highway Patrol has administered a blood test to the driver of the semi in order to find out if this Salt Lake City semi truck accident case is alcohol related, ABC news reports that the driver of the semi has admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel when the Utah Tanker accident occurred.

Utah Statistics on Drowsy Driving Fatalities

Data from the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) demonstrates that Utah has averaged 1,200 crashes and 32 deaths per year that are caused by drowsy driving. Nationally, each year 100,000 motor vehicle crashes are caused by fatigued drivers—killing more than 1,500 Americans and injury another 71,000 Americans.

UHP officer Lee Perry stated in a recent KSL interview, “Being a drowsy driver, being a tired driver, is a dangerous driver. You’re just as dangerous as any drunk driver we’re ever going to see out there and we’ve got to stop people from driving that way.”

Sleep Smart Drive Smart Campaign provides an interesting fact: Being awake for 20 hours strait is equal to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% which is legally drunk and leaves you at risk for a crash.

If you or a loved one has become a victim of a semi truck or big rig accident, it is well advised to contact a skilled Salt Lake City trucking accident attorney that can advise you of your legal rights and benefits. Feel free to contact The Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, at (801) 506-0800.

Fatal Rollover Accident Details

On the morning of Monday March 1, 2010, 17-year-old Eaity Emich of Utah died after being involved in a fatal rollover accident on I-84 in Idaho. The driver, 20-year-old Rex Sanasan of Clinton, Utah, had fallen asleep at the wheel, which caused the vehicle to veer off the road. Mr. Sanasan awoke and overcorrected, which caused the vehicle to roll several times. The three passengers, Eaity, Bennett Barry, 22, and 9 –year-old Keio Takky, who were not wearing their seatbelts, were ejected and sustained critical injuries. Bennett and Keio remain in serious condition at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise. Mr. Sanasan and his front-seat Passenger Kevin Elimo were wearing their seat-belts on this fatal car accident and have been treated at Twin Falls Hospital for non-critical injuries. The Deseret News reports that alcohol was not a factor in this tragic rollover accident that killed one Utah teenager.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Eaity Emich for their tragic and devastating loss. My heart goes how to the driver Mr. Sanasan and his injured passengers for the difficult times that lie ahead. I hope they all will heal emotionally and physically from this catastrophic event. Please keep them in your prayers.

Drowsy Driving Kills

Fatigued or drowsy driving is just as dangerous as being an intoxicated or impaired driver. If you are tired and in danger of falling asleep, your reaction time to avoiding collisions or potential road hazards is significantly reduced. If you fall asleep, you lose that ability to react completely and will most likely overcorrect your vehicle while in panic mode when you are awakened. If you are tired its best to pull over—it’s impossible to predict when you may accidentally doze off. The lives and safety of yourself, your passengers and other motorists are threatened when you engage in drowsy driving.

How do you know if You are a Drowsy Driver?

• You can’t stop yawning.
• You drift out of the lane or hit a rumble strip.
• You don’t keep a constant speed—you slow down or speed up frequently.
• You don’t remember the last few miles you have driven.
• You have “monkey mind” or wondering thoughts.
• You can focus or keep your eyes open.

National Statistics

The National Security Council predicts that these figures are a far below the actual numbers of accident caused by drowsy drivers each year due to the difficulty to prove that the motorist fell asleep or was falling asleep at the wheel when the accident occurred.

• Each year 100,000 reported car crashes are directly caused by drowsy drivers
• 72% of adult American men surveyed admitted to drowsy driving in the last year
• 54% of adult American women surveyed admitted to drowsy driving in the last year
• 37% of adults have report to having “dozed off” for a short time last year

The Importance of Contacting an Experienced Utah Auto Accident Lawyer

The time to file a car accident claim is limited, which makes contacting a skilled Utah Car Accident Lawyer as soon as possible of vital importance. Attorney Kenneth L. Christensen and the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, know the Utah laws relating to personal injury and wrongful death as they deal with particularly auto accident claims. We see far too many victims who are forced to bear the financial burdens of an automobile accident or wrongful death claim because the time has lapsed for them to receive benefits that are available now. Protect yourself by speaking to a qualified Utah personal injury lawyer.

If you or someone you love has suffered through an auto accident injury and you feel it is the result of the negligence of another we urge you to contact us online or call us at 801.506.0800 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.

Tragedy strikes the small town of Wellsville, Utah, near Sardine Canyon early this morning of February 2, 2010. A four vehicle car crash resulted in the death of 54 year old Robert Smith. Mr. Smith was declared dead at the scene of the Utah car accident.

How did this car accident occur?

Witnesses say a Ryder rental truck crossed the center line into oncoming traffic. The truck hit the small sedan Mr. Smith was driving in head on. Two seventeen year olds were critically injured and taken to the hospital. The driver of the truck only suffered minor injuries. The Utah Highway Patrol is investigating whether drowsy driving caused the truck driver to lose control of his vehicle.

My heart goes out to the family and people who knew and loved Mr. Robert Smith. My prayers go out to them as they face a difficult road of losing a loved one in an instant due to the negligence of another person. My thoughts and prayers also go out to the young teenagers who seriously injured in this car accident. I hope they make a complete recovery.

Icy Canyon becomes Death Trap

Witnesses at the crash, most of them morning commuters, stated that the cold weather and icy road create a “death trap” for motorists that are not familiar with the curves and windy Sardine Canyon. One witness, Matt, stated how many times he has seen a reckless motorist speeding through the canyon on his way to work in Brigham City. Matt was one of the commuters who waited hours after the fatal crash this morning. He stated that the wreckage was so bad that he is surprised anyone survived at all. The Audi and the yellow sedan were completely demolished.

Contacting an Experienced Utah Personal Injury Lawyer

I would urge the family members of the deceased victim and the injured victims in this case to get in touch with an experienced Utah personal injury lawyer who has successfully represented victims injured in multi-vehicle accidents. A skilled injury lawyer will also be able to explain to victims how their car insurance policy applies to an accident involving multiple parties as there is a cap or policy limit coverage on the insurance purchased by the driver of the Ryder Truck. This is assuming the individual who rented the truck had purchased car insurance. There are many factors in this case that can become confusing especially during this already difficult time.

We invite you to call the Christensen Law Firm and set up a no obligation free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. This will provide you with an opportunity to ask all your questions and to learn about the legal rights and options you that are available to you after you have been in a Utah car accident or wrongful death accident. We can be reached at 801.506.0800.

Draper has the Highest Rate of Car Accident Fatalities

National traffic statistics routinely report that Utah is one of the relatively safest states in the country. In fact, Utah has the lowest rank of fatalities due to alcohol related car crashes nationwide. It is surprising then to discover that Draper, a beautiful suburb located near the Point of the Mountain, statistically is the most dangerous city in Utah.

Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) released an in-depth report of the accident trends of each city in the State of Utah for the past twenty years. The report demonstrated that the State of Utah has pretty much consistently remained at 1.6-3.2 car accident fatalities per 100,000 persons. Draper on the other hand has seen a much higher increase in car accidents that resulted in deaths over the past decade. Draper had a record high rate of 9 deaths due to motor vehicle accidents per 100,000 persons in 2002. In 2003, Draper authorities reported 8 car accident fatalities per 100,000 persons while the nearby city of Sandy had only 2 fatalities that same year. During 2000-2003, Sandy City, a much larger and heavily populated city, did not have any fatalities caused by drunk drivers. National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number one cause of death between the ages of 2-30 are traffic accidents. The main causes of these tragic car accidents include:

• Distracted Driving
• Speeding
• Drunk Driving
• Driver Fatigue
• Inclement weather conditions
• Aggressive Driving

Why Draper Residents are Prone to be involved in a Utah Car Accident

Mounting concern for the safety of Draper residents is justified. Most car crashes involving personal injury occur 3-5 miles from your home. The number of deaths resulting from motor vehicle accidents undoubtedly has had a great affect on the tight knit communities of Draper City.

According to their research results, the National Highway Traffic Administration ( NHTSA) has provided a list of the main causes of motor vehicle accidents. Driving around Draper City one afternoon, it was plan to see that Draper residents are prone committing several of these mistakes that cause fatal car crashes in Utah.

Distracting Passengers Cause Fatal Accidents

9% of motorists who have been involved in a fatal car accident admit that their passengers had distracted them. In Draper, where 65% of the population is under 18, parents have the added responsibility of taking their children with them as they go about their daily lives. Children innocently cause the majority of these distractions. When one has multiple kids, the number of distractions and driving mishaps increases substantially! The common stereotype of the suburban housewife driving minivan filled with children while weaving in and out of traffic; tragically, has become an all too real phenomenon. A social phenomenon that has knowingly caused catastrophic accidents and personal injury. According to traffic authorities, when a driver is distracted he or she will increasingly drive erratically, speed, fail to yield and fail to properly use turning signals. Driving faster or slower than the flow of traffic has strongly been demonstrated to increase the likelihood and severity of crashes.

As a parent and a Utah personal injury attorney, I have been in the position of counseling families whose children have been victims of preventable car accidents. I know of almost nothing as tragic as having to deal with the challenge of losing a child due to a parent’s own distracted driving. Please remember these helpful guidelines when driving with passengers:

• Focus on the Road. Always. While your child may be frustrating, he or she is safer when
your attention remains on driving.
• Pull over in a calm and safe manner to address the issue at hand.
• Implement a reward system for kids who get fussy when driving.
• Don’t talk on your cell phone while driving. Increasingly, children compete for attention
when parents are talking on cell phones. This usually results in a child throwing a tantrum.
• Distract your child not yourself! Children love listening to music and reading while driving.

Around three am on January 7, 2010, a semi-truck hauling 50,000 gallons of crude oil was involved in a single vehicle rollover right outside of Heber City on U.S. 40. The truck accident resulted in an oil spill that required the Utah High Patrol to stop westbound traffic until the Utah Health Department could send the hazardous material cleanup crew. Fortunately, nobody was injured in the trucking accident and the cleanup was completed in a couple of hours.

The second large truck accident this morning occurred on eastbound Interstate 80 when the driver of a dump truck lost control and rolled. The Deseret News reports that the driver sustained multiple injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Luckily, no other vehicles were involved and there were no other reported injuries. However, traffic was affected—during rush hour. Authorities are not sure why these truck drivers lost control of their vehicles and caused significant accidents on Utah roads. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the drivers were driving impaired by driver fatigue or inattentiveness. They have not ruled out whether the trucks mechanically malfunctioned.

Most people agree that they would rather have semi-truck operatives travel at night or early morning to avoid driving with the average commuters. However, some people are beginning to question whether the odd driving hours present a safety hazard. They wonder how successful long haul drivers are with coping with drowsy driving especially when traveling in the dark. Others question whether semi-truck operatives follow the speed limit during their long hauls.

National Statistics on Big Rig Accidents in Utah

Authorities report that large truck operators have several unique obstacles when driving across the country these include:

• Unfamiliarity with the roadway
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Maneuvering truck in a manner not designed for the weight or load
(which can off balance the entire truck and its load)
• Inattention
• Fatigue
• Illness
• Distraction by passengers
• Low visibility of smaller vehicles

Statistics from Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) and the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) report that an average of 5,000 large trucks are involved in fatal traffic accidents each year. Tractors pulling one semitrailer are the most common truck involved in a fatal trucking accident. MCMIS also reports that around 136,438 large trucks were involved in non-fatal crashes. From these statistics, it is obvious that motorists must be extra cautious when driving near semi-trucks and other large trucks. Even if a truck does not hit another vehicle, it can still be a lethal instrument. For instance, a trailer could jackknife across a highway, obscure other drivers’ sightlines, or push cars out of lanes.

The laws for dealing with the aftermath of truck accidents can get quite complex. Fortunately, if you’ve been injured in a truck accident around Salt Lake City, Orem, Bountiful, or Draper Utah, you can rely on the time-tested attorneys at Christensen Law Firm, PLLC. Dial us at (801) 506-0800 or contact us at UtahPersonalInjuryLawFirm.com to find out more about our unique practice and to explore setting up a free consultation with our team.

A Kearns woman is in critical condition after she lost control of her vehicle on Interstate 15 near St. George early in the morning of January 4, 2010. Witnesses stated that the woman hit the median, overcorrected and drove through all lanes of traffic before rolling her vehicle. Fortunately, no other cars were hit. Utah Highway Patrol Lieutenant Shawn Hinton confirmed that the two passengers in the woman’s car, a seventeen year old and a nine year old, are in good condition. The woman; however, sustained multiple serious injuries and was airlifted to Salt Lake City for emergency medical treatment.

It is unknown why the critically injured woman was driving erratically. Witnesses did not believe drugs or alcohol was involved. My heart goes out to the injured victims and their families. We hope they each make a speedy and full recovery.

Continue reading "Utah Rollover Car Accident Leaves Kearns Women Critically Injured" »

Over the past several years, there has been a steady decline of fatalities on Utah roads. According to the Utah Department of Transportation, UDOT, there were 238 Utah traffic fatalities in 2009. This is down from a reported 276 fatalities in 2008 and 299 fatalities in 2007. Tragically, several hundred car accidents and three of the fatalities on Utah highways were caused by the two day snow storm that hit the Salt Lake Valley last week. While UDOT attributes this decline of car accident related deaths to increased driver education and the Utah Zero Fatalities campaign. However, authorities also stress that many of these motor vehicle accidents were preventable if drivers were more conscious of the weather conditions that affect Utah roads. This means slowing down when the road are wet or icy. Also, be sure to switch your vehicle’s tires to snow tires which are less susceptible to slipping or locking in Utah’s winter weather conditions.

Zero Fatalities reports that the major causes of Utah fatal car accidents in 2009 were:

• Improper Restraint Despite the Utah Law which stipulates that Utah drivers must buckle up, many drivers continue to not wear their seat belts. Another common problem is that parents fail to properly install their child’s car seat.
• Drowsy Driving Many drivers are unaware that drowsy driving is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Aggressive Driving It is important to drive in manner that is mindful of other drivers and pedestrians.
• Distracted Driving Texting, music and talking while driving can take your attention off the road and increase your risk of being in an automobile accident.
• Impaired Driving Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a crime as well as a major cause of car accident deaths.

While it is good news to see the number of car accident fatalities is in decline, we think with increased diligence while driving, we can reach the initiative of Zero Fatalities in Utah.

Large trucks such as 18 wheelers and tractor trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, posing a serious threat to other vehicles on the road. Truck drivers have enormous responsibility of driving cautiously with such a powerful, and potentially lethal, vehicle under their control. Yet almost one in every four fatalities resulting from a multi-vehicle collision involves a large truck. According to SafeRoads.org, one of the most common causes of Utah trucking accidents is truck driver fatigue. Truckers often drive long, consecutive hours without necessary breaks. This leads to reduced reaction time, nodding off, or even falling asleep at the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates fatigued truck drivers cause 750 deaths and 20,000 injuries every year. Here are some more shocking facts about fatigue and commercial vehicle drivers:

• In 1999, large trucks represented only 3% of the nation’s registered vehicles, but account for 13% of all passenger vehicle deaths.
• Driver fatigue is a factor in almost 40% of all large truck crashes.
• According to recent international research, one in every five truck driving crashes results from drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
• A poll conducted in 2000 found that 68% of Americans would willingly pay more for goods and shipping if it meant that truckers would work no more than 12 hours per day.

For more statistics and information concerning large truck accidents, read the article “Large Truck and Bus Crash Statistics” in the Christensen Law Firm’s online library. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Utah large truck accident, contact the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation at 801.506.0800. Our Utah injury attorneys are well-versed in commercial trucking laws and will diligently work to ensure you receive the settlement you deserve.

Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving and text-messaging while driving. New research has discovered that 44% of Utah drivers admitted to falling asleep at the wheel. KSL News reports that this finding and others have prompted a campaign to enlighten Utahns about the dangers of drowsy driving. Safety groups are hoping to increase citizens’ awareness that drunk driving and drowsy driving are equally fatal. What makes drowsy driving especially dangerous is that it is not limited to nighttime: 3:00 pm is considered the most dangerous hour for drowsy driving. Sleepy drivers often crack the window or turn the radio up to avoid falling asleep. However, this only works for a few minutes and often worsens the situation. Doctors say this is because the driver is stimulating his/her adrenaline but the adrenaline quickly wears out. Once the adrenaline subsides, the driver is worse off than before. Utah police have begun cracking down on drivers who are falling asleep by issuing tickets and not warnings. Safety experts recommend switching drivers or taking a short nap if you become drowsy while behind the wheel. To learn more about the Sleep Smart, Drive Smart campaign, visit their website at www.sleepsmartdrivesmart.com.

If you have been injured in a Utah drowsy driving accident, be sure to contact the Utah Personal Injury Law Firm specializing in drowsy driving accidents at the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC.

We often hear about the dangers of drunk driving and distracted driving, but what about fatigued driving? Feeling drowsy and sleepy behind the wheel can lead to serious consequences. While a person who has had a few drinks will likely avoid driving, sleepy individuals will still get behind the wheel without a second thought. Nearly 51% of drivers in America, roughly 100 million people, admitted to feeling drowsy while behind the wheel, according to a poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation. The same poll found that an astonishing 2 out of 10 of those drivers have actually fallen asleep while driving!

It is difficult to determine accurate statistics for drowsy driving, as there is no method for testing or proving it. As such, many reports and statistical gatherings are considered to be relatively conservative estimates. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 100,000 police-reported accidents each year are due to drowsy driving, resulting in 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries.

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