Collisions between big rigs and passenger vehicles are all too common in North Carolina, and their causes can be divided roughly into five categories. The first and most widespread is, of course, driver error. Both truckers and passenger vehicle drivers can cause a crash by being drowsy, drunk, drugged or distracted behind the wheel. However, 81% of truck crashes involving driver error are caused by passenger vehicle drivers.
How North Carolina drivers can avoid a crash in winter
Winter driving is dangerous, what with the sleet and ice and snow that can cover the roads and make them slippery. By considering the following tips, though, drivers can keep safe and reduce the risk for an accident. First, they should head out on the road only when necessary (work, errands etc.). Once on the road, they should keep their speed down and maintain a distance of at least five or six seconds from the car in front.
Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving
Most North Carolina motorists understand that driving under the influence is dangerous and illegal. However, many people don't realize that driving while sleepy is just as hazardous. Worse, almost everyone does it at some point in their lives.
Bill proposes automatic emergency braking for all CMVs
North Carolina residents in the trucking industry may be interested to hear that a bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 16 that would require automatic emergency braking on all new CMVs. The bill is likely to create controversy among truck fleet owners, especially those who may not be able to pay $500 for every AEB system they need.
DOT preparing to relax hours-of-duty regulations
Hours-of-service regulations limit the amount of time that truck drivers in North Carolina and around the country can remain behind the wheel. The rules are designed to prevent drowsy driving accidents, but industry groups claim that they are too restrictive. The Trump administration may have been swayed by this argument as recent media reports suggest that the Department of Transportation is planning to relax hours-of-service rules.
Negligence explained as it applies to car accidents
"Negligence" is a term most people in North Carolina have probably heard at one time or another. However, in the legal world, it has a very specific definition when it's used in reference to a motor vehicle accident. Drivers with a better understanding of this term may have more an incentive to be safer while behind the wheel.
CVSA cracks down on speeding with Operation Safe Driver Week
According to the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, speeding accounts for more than 25% of all the car crash deaths that have occurred since 2008. The organization also reported that 94% of the traffic crashes in 2015 involved speeding. Drivers of both passenger and commercial vehicles in North Carolina should know, though, that something is being done to reduce car crash numbers, especially speeding-related ones.
New technology to monitor driver behavior
Starting in 2020, North Carolina motorists will be able to purchase Volvos that will not exceed a speed of 112 miles per hour. By the early 2020s, the company will begin rolling out safety features that detect certain driver behaviors. These are part of an overall effort by the company to cut down on accidents caused by drunk driving.
Why are deadly car accidents increasing?
Over the past several years, traffic fatalities have been on the rise in North Carolina and across the United States. In fact, according to the National Safety Council, car accident deaths rose approximately 13 percent between 2014 and 2016.
Personal injuries: challenges, remedies and victims’ empowerment
North Carolina personal injury victims and their families often feel as though their lives have been turned upside down when they suffer harm caused by third-party negligence. They often – and understandably -- feel vulnerable and even helpless in the wake of an accident or injury that would have been entirely preventable had another person simply acted with due care.
