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The fundamental flaw in self-driving vehicles
Car manufacturers are creating technology that allows vehicles to drive without human engagement. While the thought of this is futuristic and somewhat appealing to many, to others, it is a recipe for disaster.
In the years since self-driving cars debuted, automated driving presents a plethora of challenges for other vehicles out on the road. Discover why this newest driving advance may need to take a backseat for a few years.
Making split-second decisions
Cars with automatic braking have become a popular option. A car that stops itself faster when an unexpected barrier presents itself is appealing. This is not self-driving, but defensive maneuvering that only engages should front cameras and sensors flag an object too close for the current speed. While this same technology is in self-driving vehicles, it is there for a very different purpose: The driver is not actively driving, and therefore, will not brake. In this scenario, it becomes less about getting a split-second head start and more about necessity in stopping a serious crash.
Can technology prevent single-vehicle motorcycle crashes?
Many motorcycle riders are out and about in Virginia, especially with the advent of pleasant summer weather. Unfortunately, motorcyclists are vulnerable to accidents.
Often the fault for a crash rests with the motorist involved, but sometimes single-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur. Safety innovators are working with new technology to help prevent such accidents.
Case in point
On June 3, 2019, at about 11 p.m., a Navy petty officer was riding his motorcycle along Campostella Road in Chesapeake, VA, when he ran off the road. He crashed into a utility pole and died at the scene. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the accident.
A study proposes technology help
The goal of a 2018 National Transportation Safety Board study was to examine risk factors leading to motorcycle crashes and recommend strategies to prevent accidents. After analyzing federal crash data, the NTSB researchers determined that certain safety innovations could reduce the number of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes. Their findings indicated that motorcycles with state-of-the-art stability control systems can mitigate the loss of control that precedes this kind of crash. Consequently, this safety technology could reduce the number of riders who become injured or die by running into a fixed object, such as a tree, a guardrail or a utility pole, as was the case with the Navy petty officer.
Are you aware of these risk factors for motorcycle accidents?
Now that spring is here, motorcycle riding season is back. There are plenty of scenic rides in the area to enjoy. But remember that as fun as riding is, it also comes with more than its fair share of danger. In fact, data from the Insurance Institute for Highways Safety reveal that 14 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities involved bikers.
You are probably already aware of common safety practices such as wearing protective gear and visible clothing, checking for driver blind spots before changing lanes, and slowing down in unfavorable weather. However, are you aware of the following risk factors and how to avoid them?
Impairment
As much as passenger cars are to blame for many motorcycle accidents, unfortunately, bikers are sometimes at fault as well. One of the biggest contributors is impairment from alcohol or drugs. The aforementioned IIHS report shows that the BAC of 28 percent of bikers who died in 2017 was at or above the legal limit. The number rose to 49 percent when just looking at nighttime fatalities.
Common cashier injury risks
There are a lot of industries that utilize cashiers, such as retail stores, banks, supermarkets, coffee shops, restaurants and more. If you are a cashier, you may not think your job is a big deal. However, your occupation is necessary for many places to stay in business. Additionally, you may not believe cashiering is a dangerous job, but there are many risks you face every day.
Here is a look at some ways you can sustain an injury as a cashier.
Repetitive stress
Scanning items may seem like a mundane and simple task. But when you scan thousands of items for eight hours straight, it can begin to take a toll on your physical health. These repetitive movements can cause damage to your arms, wrists, elbows and shoulders. Common injuries that may develop because of repetitive motions include carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger and rotator cuff injuries. You can avoid these injuries by taking frequent breaks and performing stretches.
Back problems
When you stand all day and bend slightly, this puts a lot of pressure on the muscles, discs and bones in your back, resulting in pain, stiffness and nerve damage. You may also suffer back injuries from lifting heavy bags or objects. Taking breaks and standing straight can help you reduce back pain.
Dealing with post-collision road rage
When car accidents happen, many people are so caught up in the incident that they never consider their personal safety until another event occurs that causes them new and further injury. In the middle of traffic is not the only time motorists should be on guard against aggressive behavior and rage. They should also watch for them after car accidents in Winchester. Not all crash victims end up with life-threatening and debilitating injuries. Some individuals emerge just fine from the wreckage only to sustain injuries from the possibly at-fault party.
Car accidents can cause people to feel many different emotions. It is not uncommon for people to become angry when the reality of their predicament hits them. They become overly aggressive and attack the parties they feel are responsible for the collisions, causing new or further injury to accident victims. Consider the following pointer about post-collision road rage:
Play it safe
Your first reaction may be to jump out of your vehicle to inspect the damage. Squelch the urge and assess the scene and all individuals before getting out of your car. If the other driver is screaming and acting/advancing aggressively towards you, stay in your vehicle and lock the doors (only if it is safe to do so). Contact the police and let them know that in addition to reporting the accident, you feel you are danger from the other person.
Staying safe on Northern Virginia roads
Driving in Northern Virginia presents a variety of hazards. It is important to ensure you follow safe driving tips and obey the rules of the road so you can avoid dangerous and harmful motor vehicle accidents.
Accidents are prevalent on Northern Virginia roads, and the state even has a specific program, the Northern Virginia Traffic Management program, to help ensure improved safety in this area of the state. Here are some tips for safer driving and information about what you can do if you have a car crash:
Staying safe on Virginia roads
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Safety Service Patrol (SSP) is a program that began in the late 1960s and helps with incident management and emergency response. The SSP responds to approximately 147,000 incidents per year in Virginia. It helps move debris and hazards out of the way when accidents occur. It also provides assistance to motorists for less-critical incidents, such as tire changes, jump starts, fuel to get to the closest station and phone access to call a tow truck. Despite the efforts of state programs such as the SSP, VDOT reported that there were 121,763 crashes in 2017.
Winchester vehicle accidents from speeding and aggressive driving
Any size community is susceptible to serious motor vehicle accidents. The reasons for crashes are numerous, from distracted driving to impaired driving due to alcohol, but some of the most frequent crashes come from reckless driving including aggression and speeding.
Speeding and aggressive driving can cause accidents that result in catastrophic injury. People who have suffered a serious injury in a motor vehicle accident in Winchester should be aware of their rights and to pursue compensation if someone else was negligent in causing the accident.
Speeding and aggressive driving
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, the risk of death or serious injury increases as speed increases. The effectiveness of safety devices such as airbags and seat belts decreases at higher speeds. Speeding is hazardous for a number of reasons, including decreased reaction time and stopping time, as well as affecting pedestrians’ and other drivers’ ability to accurately estimate the speeding driver’s actual speed.
3 steps to immediately take after an auto accident
Car accidents are far too common in the state of Virginia. According to an official report, 65,029 people suffered car accident injuries in the state in 2015, which was a 2.6 percent increase from the previous year.
From handling an insurance claim to potentially taking the other driver to court, there are many things that may arise from a collision. You want all of this to go as smoothly as possible, so you need to take the right actions from the start. In the event you ever find yourself part of a motor vehicle accident, here are the things to do right away.
Call 911
In the state of Virginia, the law requires people involved in car crashes to contact the police if resulting damage exceeds $1,000, if anyone suffered an injury or if there was a fatality. Additionally, a police report will help tremendously with your insurance claim. Calling 911 is also good for getting an ambulance out to the scene right away. You should check on your passengers and the people in the other car to see that everyone is okay. Even though all parties involved may seem fine, it is still good to receive an examination from a doctor.
Factors that aid in an auto accident claim
There are a few steps to take after an auto accident if you desire to build a claim against the party responsible for your injuries. Along with these general steps, it may also be helpful for you to understand the claim process.
Filing a claim requires extensive information and proof. Take some time to review a few key things that aid in the process of a personal injury claim after an accident.
Medical records
The DMV provides insight on the claim process after an auto accident. One of the key factors that may affect a claim is the claimant’s medical records. The courts consider how quickly the individual seeks medical aid after an accident, along with the actual diagnosis and cost of treatment. Patients have the right to obtain a copy of their medical records, which they may request from the doctor or medical facility. However, the physician and facility may be able to deny the patients’ requests under certain circumstances. In such instances, it may be helpful to consult a knowledgeable attorney and begin the appeal process.
Trying to self-treat an injury could cost you more
Not everyone has a ton of money at their disposal, nor does everyone have generous health insurance plans. So, it makes sense when people try to self-treat injuries sustained in car accidents and in other personal injury matters such as sliding on ice and banging up your head.
However, the reality is that self-diagnosing and self-treating injuries can end up being extremely costly. For example, head injuries may not be immediately apparent, and by the time you realize the severity of your injury and that you need extensive treatment rather than a few visits to the doctor, you may have accepted a lowball offer from your insurance company.
Could hinder compensation efforts
Head injuries and injuries such as whiplash or skier’s thumb can get worse over time. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible helps you set up a medical paper trail and track records that aid any compensation efforts you may seek. For example, say you went to the doctor after being in a car accident and the doctor gave a prognosis that has you functioning at about half your capacity for a year.
Our law firm has offices in Winchester and Manassas, and we provide legal services to clients throughout Virginia, including Prince William County, Woodbridge, Haymarket, Gainesville, Front Royal, Berryville, Boyce, Fairfax, Strasburg, Woodstock, and Warrenton.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
