Distracted Driving

2017 #SafetySaturday Recap

Posted on Tuesday, December 12th, 2017 at 10:00 am    

And just like that another year has gone. It is our goal to keep you as safe as possible, therefore we have been diligently offering up tips every Saturday, from swimming in open water, to safely sharing the trail with wheelchair users. As we bring 2017 to a close, we are offering you a recap of our articles from earliest to most recent. Thanks for reading!

Click each photo for its article to enjoy…and remember…

If you’re in need of a lawyer, call Nelson Boyd at 206-971-7601.


Safety Tips for Driving Near Pedestrians

Posted on Thursday, May 18th, 2017 at 9:45 pm    

Driving in Seattle (or any big city) can be frustrating, especially when there are lots of pedestrians and bicycles.  BUT, if you hit a pedestrian, you will cause problems for yourself, as well as them.  Follow these safety tips to keep both of you safe:

  • NEVER drive distracted – ALWAYS pay attention to your surroundings
  • NEVER drive if there are any visual impairments or things blocking your view
    • These can include lapdogs on drivers or massive decorations hanging from your rear view mirror
  • Watch out for pedestrians who jaywalk
  • Watch out for pedestrians who cross just before the light changes
  • ALWAYS look ahead to where you are going – there may be pedestrians there
  • Use extra care when turning left – pedestrians may have the “Walk” light, even though you have a green light
  • Drive slower and be extra careful when it is dark or raining
  • DON’T be in a hurry – take your time and be safe

If you’re in need of a lawyer, call Nelson Boyd at 206-971-7601.


What do Seattle’s White Silhouettes Represent?

Posted on Saturday, February 25th, 2017 at 8:14 pm    

You may have noticed white, human-shaped silhouettes throughout Seattle.

Over 234 of these memorials were installed on November 20, 2016 to commemorate World Day of Remembrance, a day that honors and remembers the victims of fatal traffic collisions. That’s right – 234 people were killed in the last decade in Seattle alone (as of November). The map below shows the number, as well as locations of these tragic deaths over the last 10 years in Seattle.

These victims were cyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and passengers, but more importantly, they were parents, siblings, grandparents, humans. They were on their way somewhere when suddenly, without warning, something preventable happened to them, often as the result of someone else’s careless choice.  Make no mistake – these are NOT “accidents.” Accidents are not preventable; traffic collisions are.

You may still see them around the city. We must remember that they are so much more than cardboard cutouts – they are a beautiful ode to the memory of that individual. Next time you spot one on the side of the road, take a moment to reflect on the meaning – that another human lost their life in that spot; and what actions can you and your community take to help prevent further pointless losses in our city.

Seattle Neighborhood Greenways coordinated the posting of the silhouettes along with 20 community groups. Event co-sponsors include Vision Zero Seattle, Seattle Neighborhood Greenways, Cascade Bicycle Club, Seattle Department of Transportation, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Washington Bike Law.

This year, World Day of Remembrance is November 19th.

We suggest discussing the following with other drivers/cyclists/pedestrians in your family:

As a driver:

  • Make sure you are fit to be behind the wheel:    
    • Awake
    • Sober
    • Not distracted
  • Always wear your seatbelt
  • Do NOT use your phone
  • Scan your area constantly for potential hazards
  • Be aware of one-way roads
  • Follow traffic laws and drive defensively

5 Tips for Safe Night Driving

Would you Drive Blindfolded?

8 Quick Bicycle Safety Tips for Motorists

As a passenger:

  • Always wear your seatbelt
  • Do not distract the driver
  • Keep an eye out and alert your driver to any hazards you notice
  • Take over reading directions, changing the music, and using the phone from your driver

As a cyclist:

  • Make sure your helmet is secure
  • Wear bright, reflective clothing
  • Use lights on both the front and back of the bike
  • Learn and utilize the proper hand signals to alert nearby drivers where you are going
  • Do not ride with headphones in!

Bicycle Safety Tips for Cyclists

As a pedestrian:

  • Always look both ways and make sure traffic is fully stopped before crossing intersection, even if the walk signal is on
  • If using headphones, make sure you can hear traffic over the music

Are you a Safe Pedestrian?

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s actions, call Nelson Boyd today at (206) 971-7601. We Care. We Can Help.


You are Driving Distracted

Posted on Friday, January 13th, 2017 at 10:37 pm    

…and probably don’t even know.

When people hear the term, “distracted driver,” they often assume that if they are not using their cell phone, they are not “distracted.”

This is not the case – there are dozens of distractions that can cause a crash resulting in injury to you or others.  

Being tired

The effects of driving sleepy have recently been compared to those of driving while intoxicated. Falling asleep at the wheel is a sure way to cause a crash. Sleepy driving tips:

    1. Do not drive when you are too tired!  If you are tired when you start your journey, you will become even more tired during the journey; endangering yourself and others.  Don’t do it!
    2. Down some caffeine – have a cup or two of your favorite brew
    3. Keep it cool – if it’s winter, crack the window and let the cool air keep you from getting overly comfortable, in the summertime, turn up the AC
    4. Buddy system – if possible, drive with a passenger who can engage you in conversation to keep your mind stimulated

GPS

Directions are a great way to get to your destination, but not if the driver is constantly referring to a screen instead of the road. GPS tips:

    1. Co-pilot – if you have one, delegate navigational responsibilities to your passenger
    2. Set it and forget it – set your route ahead of time, before hitting the road. If you need to change anything, pull over and adjust your information rather than attempt the risk of doing it while driving
    3. Old school – as hard as it is for us to let go of our technology, busy roads and highways are still full of signage, dictating which lanes and routes necessary to reach popular towns

Music

Music is a wonderful accompaniment to a long drive, or a busy traffic jam, but remember, anytime your focus is taken off of the road, you are by definition, distracted; even if you’re just quickly searching for your favorite radio station. If your steering wheel has the controls, use them, otherwise resist the temptation to channel surf while driving.  Also keep in mind that if your music is too loud, you won’t be able to perceive problems on the road or sirens near you.

Window Shopping

This could mean literal window shopping as you drive through a busy boutique-lined city, or even just trying to see what’s going on at the rally on the corner, or craning your neck to check on the car wreck you just passed. Of course it’s tempting – our eyes are drawn to bright colors and flashing lights, but do try to avoid this nasty habit – causing a crash of your own is not worth it to temporarily satisfy your curiosity.

In a Rush

Although it may be hard to recognize, being in a rush can distract a driver. Their mind is no longer just on the road, but perhaps is focused on the side-effects of their tardiness, keeping their mind from focusing on the present task of safe driving. Set out early enough to avoid this risk.

Remember, being late is better than being rushed to the ER for causing a wreck.

Eating

Eating while driving is okay, as long as both hands are on the wheel and your attention is focused on the road and your surroundings.  A potato chip or two is probably fine, but a burrito is not.  Use common sense and avoid the distractions (and mess) that accompany driving and eating.

Children

Kids tend to be distracting anyway, but be sure to use extra caution when driving with children.  Turning around to answer a question or discipline a child can take your eyes and attention off the road and your surroundings before you know it!

Remember, you’re not the only one out there on the road.

Please make wise driving decisions for yourself and others.

If you’re in need of a lawyer, call Nelson Boyd at 206-971-7601.


Would You Drive Blindfolded?

Posted on Saturday, September 10th, 2016 at 10:17 am    

Another cyclist died. Killed by a car. This cyclist was a brilliant 25-year-old teacher who led a group of cyclists on a cross-country trip to raise money for affordable housing projects. It happened on a Thursday morning in Oklahoma. The driver apparently reported to police that she had been looking down at her cell phone when she struck two cyclists, killing one.

Two years ago, on a Tuesday in Arkansas, a recent high school graduate was killed while she rode her bike across the U.S. The driver, who plowed into a group of cyclists, hit them because he was distracted while driving.

These are just two stories. There are many, many, many more.

So, would YOU drive blindfolded? Of course not! What a silly idea. And, yet, far too many drivers do drive blindfolded – or the close equivalent. They drive distracted – look down at their cell phones, texting, talking on the phone, checking emails. Some engage in non-tech based distractions such as eating, talking to their kids in the back seat, or putting on make up. Regardless of the distraction, it is just as dangerous as driving with a blindfold on!!

People refer to these tragic episodes as “accidents,” perhaps because they know the people who caused the deaths of these precious people didn’t intend the result and perhaps because it is just too painful to believe that a person who is in a place they are lawfully allowed to be in, doing something they are lawfully allowed to do, could be needlessly killed, due to no fault of their own. The world is cruel and it is painful to think of such things. But these tragedies are not “accidents.” They don’t “just happen.” They don’t “have to happen.” And, yet, they do.

These tragedies occur because the drivers of these cars – a deadly machine if used improperly – chose to drive with a blindfold on. At that moment in time, for whatever reason, that driver chose not to control the potentially deadly machine they were operating and, instead, chose to take control of their cell phone. They made a choice to engage in reckless, deadly behavior and, as a result, an innocent person died. These tragedies are not “accidents,” they are the predictable result of reckless behavior. If you have checked your email, texted, or been distracted while driving, it doesn’t mean you are a highly skilled distracted driver – it just means you have been lucky. And the people that you drove by have been lucky, too. But, luck isn’t enough to save a life.

I am absolutely sure that the drivers who killed these precious cyclists, just like the drivers who have killed other cyclists, runners, pedestrians, passengers, and drivers, wish they could take back what they’ve done. I’m sure it changed their lives immeasurably, too, and that this is a shame they will carry with them forever.

We honor all the lives impacted by distracted driving when we acknowledge that we could just as easily be the driver as the cyclist and we vow not to drive blindfolded.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s actions, call Nelson Boyd today at (206) 971-7601.  We Care.  We Can Help.


Take the Safe Driving Policy Pledge

Posted on Friday, January 16th, 2015 at 5:48 pm    

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Safe Driving Policy