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.

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.

The consequences of drinking and driving are serious. Every time a drunk driver is on the road he not only puts his or her own life in jeopardy, he puts everyone around him in jeopardy.

High schools, alarmed by the said scenario, are now acting on ways to address the matter. One way that has been found effective is stirring the consciences of teen drivers by inviting victims of drunk-driving accidents and their families to share their stories. This method generally puts emotions high. Some students even walk out because they’re unable to bear the impact these stories have on them.

Aside from programs like these organized by schools, family’s can confront the drunk driving problem and contribute to shaping teens’ perspective on alcoholism and responsible driving. EHow.com recommends parent's should start conversations in a casual tone. Letting your teenager know driving drunk is something worth discussing will create a serious mood. Then educate your teen on underage drinking. Share facts with them like, "Drunk driving is a worse killer than drugs," or "that 100,000 emergency room cases are caused by teenage drinking yearly," and hopefully these facts and your concern will put the seriousness of this problem into perspective. However, don’t forget to assure your teen that you trust his or her judgment and knowledge.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a drunk-driving accident you know how difficult it can be to cope, heal, and deal with adjusters and medical bills. You may need an attorney to help guide you through the process and remove the pressure so that you can focus on healing. Attorney Kenneth L. Christensen focuses his practice on representing people that are injured in car accidents caused by a drunk driver. To schedule a free consultation contact us today at 801-506-0800.

Ground breaking research recently published by the professors at the University Of Utah through measurable data extracted from a test simulation solidified the truth of these statistics. University Research says, “In the text-messaging [experiment] participants displayed no impairment during the times when not interacting with their cell phone, but later demonstrated clear impairments in driving performance when interacting with their cell phone.” The numbers show that the risk of getting into an accident while texting and driving increases to 45% as opposed to 9% while driving and talking on a phone.

This alarming research has not fallen on deaf ears. Today a Georgia company announced a partnership with an Irving, Texas, firm to provide software to government agencies and businesses that disables the texting, e-mailing, and web-browsing functions of a wireless phone in moving vehicles. CEO Rowland Day says, “We believe that employers are becoming fully aware of the extension of liability for crashes caused by employees texting while driving.” The software uses the GPS system in cell phone to determine if the vehicle is moving more than 5-10mph and then disables the phones text function. Ford recently announced that some of its 2011 vehicles will be equipped with a “Do Not Disturb” button to block incoming calls and text messages. With this kind of new technology the age of texting and driving may end as we know it.

About 75% (or three out of four) of rollover fatalities are not wearing seat belts, and alcohol consumption is also a prime factor. Turning too sharply and driving over the speed limit are the most frequent causes for rollover accidents. NHSTA's study identifies males under 25 as the most susceptible to experience rollovers. Sadly 600 to 800 people are killed annually because of rollovers.

Based on the alarming rate of rollovers, measures have been taken by car manufacturers to curtail incidents. Car developers unified the special characteristics of a car and a sports utility vehicle, in view of the fact that as an SUV becomes closer to the ground it is considerably safer. This development agreement made by car companies in 2009 hopes to save thousands of lives by producing vehicles that don't include some of the physical factors that contribute to this kind of accident.

It can be difficult dealing with grief from the weakened health or death of a parent. If a parent is lost during childhood or teenage years, pain's scar can be felt until the moment of forgetting and moving on is reached. Even when death is expected, grief can seriously impact those left behind. Death is still death, and a parent or loved one has been lost.

In Washington County, just this July 18th, Russell and Emelda Welsh, a couple from Pennsylvania were killed in a crash on Interstate 15. Based on the news provided by KSL.com, a Kia SUV approached an area where traffic was backed up due to construction and a lane closure. Because of the victim's fast driving, he lost control making a semitrailer heading north near Pintura turn sharply into the southbound lanes and hit them head on.

Untimely accidents like these happen and children suffer the most because they grow up dealing with the grief and memory of their parents' death. However, focusing on the grief may only make things worse. The person-at-grief needs to find healthy outlets to deal with stress and emotional attachments. Talking about the problem, learning how to identify and explain your feelings, changing situations or events that activate feelings of depression and stress, proper exercise and diet are all significant actions you can take to deal with these feeling in a healthy way.

When a loved one is lost relatives need to support orphaned children for them to be able cope with the difficulties created by losing a parent. Family members should be on the lookout for depression or trauma symptoms created by the sudden loss of loved ones. A trained grief therapist can help a family with their new responsibilities and relationships after a parent has died.

Before hitting the road on holidays, it is important to plan ahead to avoid road congestion. According to the Washington University in Saint Louis (WUStL), holiday weekends are considered the heaviest times for driving so it is important to prepare for bad traffic. The holiday season also makes people apprehensive and preoccupied so drivers should be more vigilant by giving people more distance and be forgiving when someone does something irritating or absent-minded. Internal uneasiness of a driver is proven to cause serious accidents on the road.

Also, be sure to have your vehicle checked so you won’t be upset by unplanned repairs on the road. Check your engine performance, windshield wipers, oil, brakes, air filter, belts, battery, lights, fluids, tires. Examine tires for remaining tread life. Replace old windshield wipers.

Once you get on the road, drive safely. Since you have your teens or toddlers in the car, it is very obvious that they are the most vulnerable in case of an accident. So avoid risks by shunning drinking before driving. Enjoy your weekend by driving safely and carefully.

Texting motorists aren’t the only problem
The same study found that pedestrians may also find themselves in dangerous situations when they are texting. The study revealed that one in six adults who own cell phones have physically run into another person or object while texting. While an accidental bump might not lead to serious injuries, consider the dangers of focusing on text message while walking in a busy urban environment. Pedestrians engrossed in a text are far less aware of their surroundings, which can prove fatal in cities with heavy auto traffic. A recent article in Time Magazine reports on the hazards of pedestrians texting in urban areas.

Texting is one of the most dangerous distractions to motorists
Several studies in recent years have reinforced the fact that texting is one of the most dangerous hazards on the road. A study conducted by Virginia Tech found that drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a car accident than drivers who refrain from texting. In some ways, texting is just as dangerous as drunk driving. Studies have found that drivers have a reduced reaction time of 35% while text-messaging. This is more than double the 12% reduced reaction time of drunk drivers. Texting and driving is always a dangerous mix, no matter the street, time of day, or speed of the vehicle. If you are behind the wheel, texting is never safe.

Remember that this construction can lead to delays, especially during peak driving hours. If you are going to be driving through the construction zone, give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination so you do not feel the need to drive over the speed limit and endanger those around you.

Speeding is a major factor in traffic accidents.
As any seasoned driver knows, it becomes more difficult to control a vehicle the faster it is going. Furthermore, victims in high-speed accidents are much more likely to suffer serious injuries than victims in accidents at lower speeds. Over the years, state and federal officials have placed speed limits in accordance with research and data to help protect the safety of commuters.

Teenagers’ biological clocks work differently than adults’
Dr. Barbara Phillips, of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, agrees with Dr. Vorona’s recommendations. Dr. Phillips asserts that teenagers tend to go to bed later than adults no matter how early they woke up. She stated that teenagers are biologically programmed to wake up and become sleepy later than adults. This makes waking up at 7:30 AM to get to class on time extremely difficult. Consequently, their alertness and reaction speed while behind the wheel is severely hampered.

The rate of rollover accidents is increasing
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 1991 to 2001, the rate of rollover fatalities increased by 10%. Although rollover accidents are generally rare, accounting for 3% of passenger vehicle accidents, they account for almost one-third of all accident fatalities every year. In 2001, over 10,000 people died in rollover vehicles, accounting for 32% of all traffic accident fatalities.

A thorough analysis of traffic safety statistics reveals that SUVs are more prone to rollovers. According to the NHTSA “fatalities in rollover crashes accounted for 82% of the total fatality increase in 2002.” Furthermore, 61% of all SUV fatalities in 2002 involved a rollover.

“The sorrow and pain we are feeling right now, we cannot find words to describe it,” said Terry and Rebecca Ewell, Macala’s parents. “Our hearts are breaking – it hurts something fierce. We look at all the things she is going to miss out on. It is not fair; parents should not have to bury their children.”

Utah wrongful death attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm are helping Macala's family through the legal steps of a wrongful death claim, but the medical bills and other expenses associated with this case far exceed the driver's car insurance limits. To help with these expenses, Zions Bank set up a charitable fund to assist in paying for Macala’s funeral expenses. Donations can be made at any Zions Bank branch in the name of Macala Holloway.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Terry and Rebecca Ewell as they mourn Macala’s passing. They are amazing parents and have been perfect examples on how to handle such difficult circumstances.

A tragic accident claims a mother’s life
Last week, Lindy Ross was driving through Tremonton in northern Utah with her three children safely secured in their car seats. Ross had always been faithful about wearing a seat belt, but had briefly taken it off to reach for something for the children. In this short timeframe, she lost control of the car and crashed. She did not survive the accident.

Ross’s nearest relative was out of state and was not be able to arrive at the scene of the crash for several hours. Lee Perry, a Utah Highway Patrol trooper, responded to the accident and was devastated at the scene. He felt an obligation as a husband and a father to make sure the children were in good care. He brought them dinner and took them to his home until their relatives arrived.

"Drugged Driving" Causing Car Accidents

On April 24, 2010, my clients, Marcy and her husband, Steve, were driving home on Interstate-15 near Sandy when they were involved in a rear-end car accident caused by a woman traveling at speeds over 80 mph! The at-fault driver was obviously impaired as she attempted to flee the scene. Fortunately, several other motorists who had witnessed the accident were successful in detaining her until the Utah Highway Patrol officers arrived. The 23-year-old woman admitted to taking prescription drugs that she was not prescribed as well as excessively drinking at a party she had just left. This woman was arrested for a DUI, DWI and she was cited for following to close.

Marcy and Steve were taken via ambulance to a local hospital. Marcy sustained serious neck and spinal injuries. She is currently treating for this pain and for continued tingling and numbness in her fingers tips. In addition to his spinal injury, Steve, who was the front seat passenger, sustained several facial lacerations from the glass of the broken windshield. With therapy and continued treatment, I am happy to report that this young couple will recover fully from the injuries they sustained in this drunk and drugged driving accident. This accident could have been much worse—especially with the excessive speeding factor.

Drugged Driving on the Rise in Utah

In a 2006 study conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services showed that Utah has the highest rate in the country for nonmedical use of prescription pain relievers.

Prescription drug deaths are the leading cause of injury deaths in the state of Utah. When someone who has abused this medication or consumed a prescribed dosage that is too much for their body to handle, gets behind the wheel of a vehicle, this individual suddenly becomes a serious hazard to other commuters and themselves. The level of impairment varies with the drug amount and type, but a “drugged driver” commonly displays the following symptoms:

• Reduced reaction time and brain control
• Delayed body movement
• Limited control of balance, coordination, memory, judgment and sensation
• Reduced attentiveness, perception of time and speed

Driving under the influence of drugs is an unspoken danger on Utah roads. Until their tragic accident, my clients had no idea that “drugged driving” is a substantial problem. Another common misconception is that DUIs are limited to illegal drug use. However, it is prescription drug abuse and problems with the actual amounts prescribed by medical doctors are on the rise in Utah. 10.2 million Americans admitted to driving when impaired by drugs in a survey conducted by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This number includes both those who abuse prescription drugs, those take the prescribed dosages correctly but find that they are impaired while driving and those who use illicit drugs. This number also reflects individuals who consciously choose to get behind the wheel when they know they are impaired and unfit for the responsibility of driving. The risk of causing a car accident with injuries or even fatalities is increased substantially. This is a preventable crisis that clearly needs to be eliminated; unfortunately, it currently is a rising problem in Utah.

Utah Statistics on Prescription Drug Abuse

• Since 2000, Utah had a 400% increase in prescription drug deaths.
• In 2008, 277 Utahns died of non illicit drug overdoses.
• In 2009, 310 Utahns died of non-illicit drug overdoses.

How to Hire the Best Auto Accident Attorney for Your Needs

If you have been seriously injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver or by a drugged driver, you will need the experience and skill of the best Utah personal injury and auto accident attorneys. The personal injury lawyers of the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, will work aggressively to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the best possible settlement for your specific case. By taking legal action you also ensure that the wrongdoer is punished so that future DUI accidents may be avoided.

To schedule a FREE no obligation consultation with one of our highly skilled Utah persona injury and auto accident attorneys, contact Cara by calling 801.0800.