March 8 – 12 is vehicle safety recall week. According to NHTSA a vehicle recall is, “when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle, equipment, car seat, or tire creates an unreasonable safety risk or fails to meet minimum safety standards. Manufacturers are required to fix the problem by repairing it, replacing it, offering a refund, or in rare cases repurchasing the vehicle”.

A vehicle safety recall is serious and should be treated as so to avoid accidents or injury. “NHTSA administered nearly 900 safety recalls affecting more than 55 million vehicles and other equipment in 2020. Yet only about 75% of vehicles recalled in a given year are ever fixed. Being part of that other 25% puts you, your passengers, and others on the road at risk.”

How to find out about your recall:

The NHTSA states that a manufacturer must attempt to let the owners or buyers know within 60 days by mail. The letter should entail, “how to get the issue fixed, the time frame for when the fix will be available, how long the repair should take and whom to contact if there is an issue getting the repair made”

The NHTSA also offers an online tool for owners to look up vehicle recalls. Follow this link, https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls. Then, plug in your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The website will let you know if there has been any safety recall on your vehicle. You will then be prompted on what to do next to get your vehicle repaired. 

What to do after a recall:

What to do after a vehicle safety recall:

After finding out your vehicle or a part of your vehicle has been recalled contact your manufacturer and remember that the manufacturer must choose to either repair the vehicle or part, replace the vehicle or part or to refund the purchase.

Contact: Glisson Law

Did you know driving is probably the most dangerous thing you do in a day? According to defensive driving, “Every year there are more than 5 million car accidents on U.S. roads”. Although you cannot control other drivers on the road there are things you can do to try and protect yourself on the road.

A term you should be familiar with in order to protect yourself better is defensive driving. Safe Motorist describes defensive driving as, “Defensive Driving is essentially driving in a manner that utilizes safe driving strategies to enables motorists to address identified hazards in a predictable manner”.

So what actions does defensive driving entail?

How to Drive Defensively:

1. No distractions

Focus on what is in front of you—the road. Put the cellphones down, turn the radio lower, save arguments for later. It is important that you are alert incase you need to react quickly.

2. Don’t assume anything from other drivers

Expect them to make mistakes—it happens. Don’t assume they will do what you think they should do.

3. Respect other drivers

All drivers are going to make mistakes at times. Those on the road must have mutual respect and remain patient with eachother.

4. Look ahead

Look farther than what is just in front of you. If you do so you will be able to anticipate problems and have much more time to react to them. 

5. Slow down

Speeding is a huge issue. Arriving sooner is never as important as arriving in one piece. Leave earlier, allow for more time to get to your destination and never rush.

6. When in doubt—yield

Even if they know the rules of the road, not everyone will follow them. Don’t expect a driver to yield for you.

7. Adjust for weather 

Driving in the winter with ice and snow doesn’t look the same as driving in a warm summer month. Make the proper changes in your driving behavior to accommodate for weather changes.

8. Use safety devices if your car is equip with them

Many cars now have safety features that you should take advantage of. And of course as always everyone should be wearing their seatbelt

Driving defensive can save you from an accident, try and do so at all times when behind the wheel. 

Contact: Glisson Law

Although ride sharing is relatively new, it is now extremely common in todays society. Ride sharing is when a passenger pays for a ride driven by a driver through an app. The most common ride sharing apps are Uber and Lyft. These are incredibly useful, convenient and especially helpful at preventing drinking and driving. However, before using these services it is important that you think through the safety protocols that should take place. 

Here is a list of tips that can help keep riders safe:

Order your ride and wait for your ride in a safe space

• If possible remain inside until your driver arrives to your location.

Ask the driver to confirm your name

• There have been instances of people posing as drivers. To avoid this all together be sure to confirm your driver by asking a simple question such as, “Who are you here to pick up?” Or “What is my name?” As your name should be on the screen of their device.

Check the drivers license plate

• As another cautionary tip on assuring the driver is the one you ordered match the drivers license from the car to the one displayed on your app screen. 

Check your driver’s rating

• Uber and Lyft allow for you to check drivers ratings. So, keep an eye on that when ordering your car.

Ride with a friend

• If possible don’t ride alone. It is always safer to be with a friend or family member!

Share your trip

• If you do have to ride alone make sure to share your trip with a friend which, according to Uber, “will share your driver’s name, photo, license plate, and location with a friend or family member.”.

Sit in the back seat

• It is safer to sit in the back seat of the car as it offers two exits for the rider and allows for space between the rider and the driver. 

Do your part

• As always, wear your seatbelt, bring a mask and do your best not to distract the driver.

Trust your Instincts

• If something feels wrong trust yourself. Say something, end the ride or exit when able to do so safely. There is an emergency button that can be accessed on the app. When pressed it will dial 911. When used the app allows you to provide your location and trip details.

Contact: Glisson Law

Rear end collisions are the most common types of accidents by far. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration they account for about 29% of car accidents. So, how can we decrease our chances of getting in this type of accident? One major rule may help. It is called the three second rule.

This is when you leave a three second distance between your car and the car in front of you. You need this space to be able to react to things on the road safely and with enough time to avoid an accident. 

How to test the three second rule:

To test how many seconds are in between you and that car, follow these simple steps:

• Pick a marker on the road such as a sign, tree, etc.
• Note when the vehicle ahead of you passes that marker 
• Then count see how many seconds it takes (count 1-1,000; 2-1,000; 3-1,000) for you to pass the same spot

         If you count less than three seconds, the distance between you and that car is not enough. You should slow down and increase the space.

It is also important to keep in mind the road conditions. The three second rule is meant for ideal road conditions. If the conditions are poor for example there is rain, snow ice, or poor visibility you will most definitely need to slow down and increase the distance between you and that car in front of you to maybe even double the seconds to ensure a safe distance. 

For larger vehicles such as trucks or busses the distance needed is even greater. It takes much longer for a semi-truck to stop than a normal vehicle.

Remember the three second rule is only effective if you drive distraction free! Keep cellphones down and eyes on the road. 

Contact: Glisson Law

As we talked about in our last blog, night time can be the most dangerous time to be on the road. We’re going to take each of those reasons that make it so dangerous and give tips on how to try and combat those dangers.

Issue: Compromised Night Vision

As we age our ability to see well especially in low-light diminishes.

Our tip:

• Be sure your windshield is clear
• Be sure your lights are on and angled correctly 
• Remember to attend annual vision exams
• Drive at a slower speed
• Minimize all distractions
• If needed and possible, drive only during the daylight

Issue: Fatigue

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Drowsy-driving crashes are most likely to happen between midnight and 6 a.m.” This makes drowsy driving a big night time driving issue.

Our tip:

• Be sure you’re well rested before getting on the road
• Travel at times that you are used to being awake
• Have caffeine if it will help to stay awake
• Find a safe spot to rest if you’re feeling fatigued
• Never try and push through the fatigue

Issue: Rush Hour

Rush hour means crowded roads between the times of 4 and 7 pm added on to the dangers of it being dark.

Our tip: 

• Remember to stay patient
• Don’t react to poorly to other’s on the road
• Stay alert
• Slow down and increase distance between you and other cars

Issue: Impaired Drivers

According to the National Safety Council and the CDC, “Nearly 30 people die every day in crashes that involve a driver impaired by alcohol”. And the NHTSA, “has found that the rate of fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment is almost four times higher at night than during the day”. 

Our tip:

• Never drive under the influence
• Drive defensively 
• Watch for signs of impaired drivers
• Give all your attention to the road

Keep this tips in the back of your mind when having to travel at night and stay safe as always!

Contact: Glisson Law

Driving at night is dangerous and can be scary. Unfortunately during the winter months are days are shorter and that means less daylight to travel in. We don’t recommend driving at night because in reality it is the most dangerous time to drive. However, if you have no other option there are things you can do to try and make it a bit safer. 

But before we get to that we have to understand: What exactly makes driving at night so much more dangerous? The National Safety Council shared a few of these reasons: 

What makes driving at night dangerous?

Compromised Night Vision 

It already is hard to see at night and as you get older that ability to see at night lessens even more. According to NSC, “50-year-old driver may need twice as much light to see as well as a 30-year-old”. You need to be able to see clearly to navigate the road safely.

Fatigue

Driving while drowsy is terribly dangerous and endangers the driver, passengers and everyone else on the road. “A National Sleep Foundation poll says 60% of adults have driven while they were tired, and another 37%, or 103 million people, have fallen asleep at the wheel.” It was also noted that, “Most crashes or near-misses happen at the times you would expect drivers to be tired: 4 to 6 a.m., midnight to 2 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m., according to NSF”.

Rush Hour

Driving during rush hour which is between the times of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays is always more dangerous. This is because the roads are packed and drivers are impatient to get home from a long day at work. During the winter by the time rush hour comes around it is already dark outside which makes for an even more dangerous situation. 

Impaired Drivers

We all know how dangerous driving under the influence is. This does not just mean drunk driving. This includes driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and also certain prescription medicines. This should avoided at all costs. When driving out at night there is a much higher chance you are going to encounter an impaired driver than during the day, “particularly between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. on weekends…While drunk driving has declined by about one-third since 2007, the number of drivers under the influence of drugs has increased. Between 2013 and 2014, 22% of drivers tested positive for a drug that would cause impairment”. So, stay off the roads at night and specifically between those midnight and 3 a.m. if possible.

Next week we will talk a bit on what we can do to try and combat these reasons that make night driving so dangerous, stay tuned and stay safe!

Contact: Glisson Law

Happy New Year from us here at Glisson Law! We are hoping the holidays went well and that you are looking forward to 2021. 

The new year is here and along with it a fresh start. Millions of people are making their resolutions and working to stick to them. The type of resolutions typically made are about health and lifestyle such as to work out more, get organized, learn something new, be more successful in work. We have a new resolution we think everyone should be working on: better driving skills!

 Better driving skills are not a typical New Years resolution but this is why we think they should be: Americans spend around 18 days driving per year. That is a lot of time meaning a lot more time for error. Driving has become routine for most people but in fact driving can be quite dangerous. According to the CDC, “Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death in the U.S.”. This year let’s make a resolutions to be better and more responsible drivers.

Here are 9 ways to become a better, more responsible driver this year:

1. Commit to driving without distractions. Commit to keeping the phone down and away.
2. Never get behind the wheel while under the influence
3. Commit to always following road signs and signals
4. Always model good driving behavior in front of your children
5. Use your seatbelt at all times no matter how short the drive may be
6. Commit to regular and proper vehicle maintenance
7. Remember to continue driving defensively
8. Commit to driving the speed limit and remaining patient behind the wheel
9. Commit to being sure the weather is safe before getting behind the wheel 

Happy New year and we hope you have a safe and successful 2021

As always, contact us at Glisson Law for a consultation.

New Years Eve is a fun time to celebrate the beginning of a new year.  However, after midnight millions take to transportation to get home from their celebrations. The American Safety Council stated that, “The combination of sheer number of travelers plus the inevitability of irresponsibly impaired drivers makes for a dangerous evening on the roads and one of the most deadliest days for drunk driving in our nation. Over 50% of accidents on New Years Day involve high blood alcohol concentration. “

The national highway traffic safety administration is once again promoting their campaign of “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” this holiday season to educate/inform and cut down on drunk driving accidents this year. 

We wanted to share a few tips on how to keep this holiday a safe one free from health and safety accidents:

Tips for a safe New Years Eve:

1. Practice COVID safety

We all know this year is a bit different. Amongst the celebration of entering a new year we have to remember to keep ourselves and those around us safe. Practice COVID safety!

2. Plan Accordingly

Make smart choices and know how you will get home safely at the end of the night

Communicate your whereabouts

Be sure your phone is fully charged 

Be aware of your surroundings

3. Drink Responsibly

Never set your drink down unattended

Know your limits

Hydrate in between drinks

4. Avoid Driving

Even if you’re being responsible and driving sober, you never know who else could be on the road or what condition they may be in. The roads are particularly dangerous on NYE. So, Avoid driving all together this night. If you must drive do so responsibly and also remember it’s a cold winter month which means roads can be icy, snowy and dangerous. This means you need to drive extra carefully.

3. Celebrate safely

We all want to have fun on this memorable holiday, so lets do is and at the same time be sure we are bringing in the New Year right and safely.

Contact: Glisson Law

The cold weather is here and that means so is snow and ice. We have talked about safety precautions while driving in these conditions but wanted to talk about safety precautions while walking as well to decrease the number of slip and falls this winter. 

Living in the midwest means you know what it is like to walk down an icy pave way or snow packed street. Whether you’re on a walk or just stepping out of the car if its icy outside—slipping is common.

More people than you think are treated for a slip and fall. In fact, “About 9.2 million people were treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries in 2016”. Winter weather just increases the chance of these incidents. 

Tips to avoid slip and falls:

Princeton University’s Office of Environmental Safety and Pedestrian Safety Committee shared a list of tips for avoiding slip and falls in winter conditions:

• Select appropriate footwear.  There is no single shoe sole material that is perfect under all conditions; however, footwear with rubber or neoprene composite soles provides better traction on ice and snow than leather or plastic.
• Think about the best route to your destination and plan on a little extra time to get there.  Avoid rushing, taking shortcuts over snow piles or traversing areas where snow or ice removal is incomplete.
• If you have no choice but to walk on a slippery surface, bend slightly forward and shorten your stride or shuffle your feet for better stability.
• Many slips and falls occur during entry or exit from vehicles.  Be particularly careful and hold on to the vehicle for support.
• Observe caution when walking or driving around snow removal equipment.  They often come to sudden stops and the operator may have limited visibility.

When entering a building, be sure to:

• Take advantage of floor mats to remove moisture from the soles of your shoes.  This will help protect you, as well as others who follow, from having to walk on wet or slippery surfaces.
• Avoid walking on wet or slippery areas if possible.
• Take responsibility for immediately reporting slippery conditions and fall hazards.

If you are injured in a slip and fall caused by winter conditions and a negligent property owner feel free to call us here at Glisson Law for a consultation. Stay safe this winter season!

This past week was an awareness week for older drivers with the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration.

“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there were more than 42 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older in 2016, representing a 56 percent increase from 1999” (PENN Medicine).

Many drivers are safe on the road into their 80’s and sometimes beyond. However, it’s important to note that there are physical changes that come with age. These changes can include a decline in eyesight, or the start of a tremor which could interfere with driving. These drivers and their loved ones need to pay attention to these things to be sure they can continue driving safely.

Another thing to keep in mind is that older people take more medications some of which can impair the driver or decrease awareness.  

Questions to ask older drivers

Here is a list of questions by NHTSA to ask yourself or your elderly loved one to find out if they are still able to safely be on the road:

• Are they getting lost on routes that should be familiar?
• Have you noticed new dents or scratches to the vehicle?
• Have they received a ticket for a driving violation?
• Are they overwhelmed by road signs and markings while driving?
• Have they experienced a near-miss or crash recently?
• Have they been advised to limit/stop driving due to a health reason?
• Are they taking any medication that might affect driving safely?
• Have they received a ticket for impaired driving?
• Have you noticed them speeding or driving too slowly for no reason?
• Are they suffering from any illnesses that may affect driving skill

Be sure to be gentle in these conversations as driving can be seen as a form of independence for a lot of these elderly drivers. 

There are fortunately technologies that can be used to assist those older drivers including: 

Adaptive vehicles: modifying a vehicle to accommodate these specific driver’s needs

Driver assistance technologies: New features in vehicles to reduce crashes and keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Some of these new features include collision warnings, back up cameras, automatic crash notifications, self parking and navigation assistance. 

These new adaptations are great for improving safety but shouldn’t be 100% relied on. If you’re an older driver or you have a loved one who is an older driver be sure they are still able to do so safely or start to talk about alternatives!

Contact: Glisson Law