[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Many residents of West Palm Beach who head out on the road during the early mornings or late afternoons find themselves unprepared to face the bright sunlight. This is dangerous; bright sunlight can increase the chances of a life-threatening car crash by 16 percent because of the visual illusions it can create and the harm it can do to one’s eyes.

The following are some safety tips for those who drive in direct sunlight. One tip is to avoid driving in such conditions or, if that’s not possible, to wait until the sun has risen or set below the horizon. Inside the vehicle, drivers should always keep a pair of sunglasses ready because these can reduce brightness and guard the eyes from harmful UV rays. Drivers can also use their sun visors, which are all designed not to hinder visibility.

On the road, drivers are encouraged to keep a distance greater than usual from the vehicles in front because bright sunlight can slow down reaction times. They should exit the road if the rays hurt their eyes; the sun will reposition after 10 or 15 minutes.

Window tinting is effective, too, and any specialty auto repair shop can install it for a few hundred dollars. Drivers should note that having overly darkened windows could result in a traffic citation, so it is important to follow the legal requirements for tinting.

Those who fail to make provisions for the sunlight and collide with another vehicle could be held liable. Those who incur a personal injury might want to ask a lawyer about whether they should file a claim. In this state, victims have their damages reduced based on the percentage to which they themselves were negligent. A lawyer might hire investigators and other third parties to ensure a strong case and a reasonable settlement. If a settlement cannot be negotiated, the victim may choose to litigate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Sharing the road with a semi or large truck is not uncommon, especially if you are on the highway. While you may think nothing of it, large trucks can cause serious car accidents.

There were nearly 300 fatalities involving large trucks in 2017, which does not count crashes that did not result in death. What do you need to know about large truck accidents in Florida?

Types of accidents

Just like car-car accidents, there are many ways that large truck-car accidents can occur. Some common ones include:

• Rear-end accident: If the car in front of a large truck slams on the brakes or the truck driver does not see a car slowing down in front of them, a rear-end accident may occur. It takes a lot of time and space for a large truck to come to a complete stop.
• Blind spot accident: Unlike typical cars, large trucks have blind spots on all sides. If they do not see a car when they are merging, the results could be disastrous.
• Jackknife accident: This type of accident happens when the trailer swings out to the side of the main part of the large truck. It can occur due to weather or the speed of the truck. However, it is almost impossible to control the truck once the trailer is swinging.
• Rollover accident: Sometimes, trucks can roll over, which can be dangerous for any vehicle in its path. Often this happens when trucks take tight turns and the force of the turn tips the vehicle, making it roll.

Effects of accidents

Often, the result of a large truck accident is death. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, these types of accidents cause one in ten highway deaths. Due to the size and weight of large trucks, the effects of an accident on individuals in a smaller car can be devastating. Catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are unfortunately common.

How to avoid an accident

While not all accidents are unavoidable, there are some things you can do to stay safe and avoid a crash.

• Stay out of the blind spots
• Do not cut off or tailgate
• Keep your distance from the truck and trailer
• Try not to stop suddenly when you are in front

Thinking about getting into an accident with a large truck or semi is terrifying, but knowing that there are ways to avoid them is helpful.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Florida residents who will be partying on Halloween or sending their children off to trick-or-treat should know of the real dangers that arise during that night, especially those posed by drunk and reckless drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that most people are killed in drunk-driving crashes between 6 p.m. on Oct. 31 and 6 a.m. on Nov. 1.

Between 2012 and 2016, 44 percent of all fatal traffic crashes that occurred within this 12-hour period involved at least one drunk driver. On Halloween night 2016, nearly half of the drunk drivers who caused a crash were between the ages of 21 and 34. To address this risk, the northeast chapter of AAA has offered up some effective safety tips.

For example, AAA suggests that those who drink even one alcoholic beverage will want to designate a sober driver to take them home. Other options are to use public transportation or call up a ride-hailing service. If a friend is drunk, others should take the car keys and arrange for safe transportation home. When driving, it’s important to slow down.

Parents should ensure that their children’s costumes are easy to see at night. If possible, one could make a costume more visible with reflective material and equip children with flashlights. Also, it’s wise to plan a trick-or-treating route. Children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Someone who incurs a personal injury through no fault of their own may be eligible for compensation. A personal injury claim could cover losses like medical bills. If the other side was drunk or reckless, the victim could also sue for punitive damages. Auto insurance companies are aggressive in denying payment, though, so a victim (or their parents if they are children) may want to retain a lawyer. The lawyer can negotiate for a settlement and litigate as a last resort.

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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Distractions are an everyday occurrence and point of concern for anyone behind the wheel or on the road. While driving under the influence still tops the list of contributing factors to car accidents, distracted driving is another point of serious concern for travelers, commuters and passengers in Florida.

Thousands of people die in car accidents due to some form of distraction every year, with hundreds of thousands more impacted by these collisions. What is the solution to these entirely preventable accidents, injuries and deaths? To start, every person on the road needs to know the likely risk factors that can lead to a distracted driving accident as well as some useful reminders to help mitigate these risks.

Common distractions while driving

Perhaps the most obvious and common driving distraction is a cell phone. Most distracted driving accidents involve cell phone use across the board. Distracted driving collisions killed more than 200 people in Florida in 2017, with at least half attributable to cell phone use.

To cut down on cell phone use as a distraction behind the wheel, drivers should consider utilizing a few tips and tools at their disposal. Docking your phone on a dashboard mount can prevent you from becoming distracted by trying to find or hold the device.

Another easy solution is to silence the device or set it to Do Not Disturb mode while operating a vehicle. Apple iPhones come pre-loaded with a Do Not Disturb While Driving feature and users can personalize its settings to fit their everyday needs. Android users can download apps or simply silence a device while driving.

Distractions other than devices

Beyond cell phone use, other major distractions include interacting with passengers, eating, drinking, applying makeup, adjusting the car’s controls and noticing something happening outside the vehicle. While roadway incursions are largely unavoidable, the other factors have simple solutions. Adjust your controls before driving and ask passengers not to disrupt your focus while driving.

It can be difficult to cut out all distractions while driving, but every person can do their part to mitigate the risks of distracted driving accidents. Take precautions and prioritize your focus while behind the wheel.

Accidents involving distracted driving continue to cause life-changing, devastating consequences on the roads in Florida. Victims of these accidents can find justice in pursuing the negligence of a distracted driver as cause for their injuries and distress. As long as drivers continue to let distractions disrupt their driving, these preventable accidents will continue happening.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]