Cops are driving distracted – and it’s really dangerous
At any giving time, a police officer could be responding to a call, checking the in-dash computer – and driving a car. Officers are trained to multitask behind the wheel, but how well does that work? Washington State Distracted Driving Simulator Washington State University in Spokane set up a distracted driving simulation for police officers....
Cops are driving distracted – and it’s really dangerous Continue reading…The very first self-driving semi truck to hit the road
The first self-driving semi truck in the U.S. is officially on the road in Nevada. Freightliner, the creator of the autonomous commercial truck, compares the Highway Pilot system to the autopilot on commercial airplanes. The semi-truck can be switched to autonomous autopilot on the highway, and it uses stereoscopic cameras and radar sensors. The truck can steer...
The very first self-driving semi truck to hit the road Continue reading…Here’s why an oversized truck needs a permit in Seattle
It could have been much, much worse. Last week, an oversized load on a flatbed semi-truck struck a bridge in Seattle. The truck was on bottom ramp, heading south on the Alaskan Way Viaduct. If you’re not familiar with the Viaduct, here’s what it looks like from the side. The oversized load was on the...
Here’s why an oversized truck needs a permit in Seattle Continue reading…Why the Washington State speed limit (probably) isn’t going to change
A quick breakdown of our Washington state speed limits; remember, these are just guidelines—always pay attention to road signs. Unless there are signs stating otherwise, the default maximum speed limits are as follows. 60 mph on state highways; 50 mph on county roads; 25 mph on city and town streets. "State highways" means any roadway...
Why the Washington State speed limit (probably) isn’t going to change Continue reading…Multi-tasking drivers cause car crashes.
Each day, more than 9 people are killed and more than 1,153 people are injured in crashes involving distracted driving. Distracted driving has no boundaries. New drivers, experienced drivers, teen drivers and elderly drivers are all equally likely to be involved in distracted driving car crashes. Why do so many drivers think that safety operating...
Multi-tasking drivers cause car crashes. Continue reading…It’s time for better drug tests for truckers
Trucking companies must drug-test all applicants when hiring truck drivers. A driver must be tested again if he or she is involved in a truck accident crash that results in a serious injury or fatality. Those results are shared with The Department of Transportation (DOT), which regulates the trucking industry. Currently, The Department of Transportation...
It’s time for better drug tests for truckers Continue reading…The X Factor in Brain Injury Recovery
Tessa Venell was in a serious car accident and hit her head on the car’s windshield. Most people with severe head injuries like hers do not survive. So far, Tessa’s made an amazing recovery. A short video of Tessa's story: Then and Now How did Tessa make such a complete and unexpected recovery? She credits...
The X Factor in Brain Injury Recovery Continue reading…The inspiring resilience of a young burn injury survivor
In the last 30 years, I’ve worked with thousands of injured people. I have seen the aftermath of massive truck crashes, of pedestrian fatalities and of tragic accidents that have destroyed lives. But the incredible pain of a burn injury stands out as particularly devastating. Burn wounds are not only physical, but also psychological: visible...
The inspiring resilience of a young burn injury survivor Continue reading…How to avoid car fire burn injuries
My office has been working with several clients who have sustained severe car fire burn injuries. These are some of the most traumatic injuries I have seen in 30+ years of representing injured people. During National Burn Awareness Week, I was thinking about car fire burn injury victims, and how these horrible wounds could be prevented....
How to avoid car fire burn injuries Continue reading…Jackknifed semi-truck on black ice causes massive crash on I-84
The images are shocking. The first collision was between a jackknifed semi-truck, and a passenger truck driven by Kaleb Whitby. His vehicle spun around and flipped upon hitting the semi-truck, and he could see another tractor-trailer coming directly at him. Saturday’s semi-truck pile-up in Eastern Oregon involved between 50 and 70 cars, according to Oregon...
Jackknifed semi-truck on black ice causes massive crash on I-84 Continue reading…Black ice and a jackknifed semi-truck cause massive crash on I-84
The images are shocking. The first collision was between a jackknifed semi-truck, and a passenger truck driven by Kaleb Whitby. His vehicle spun around and flipped upon hitting the semi-truck, and he could see another tractor-trailer coming directly at him. Saturday’s semi-truck pile-up in Eastern Oregon involved between 50 and 70 cars, according to Oregon State...
Black ice and a jackknifed semi-truck cause massive crash on I-84 Continue reading…Sleepy truckers putting everyone on the road at risk
Commercial truckers who admitted to falling asleep while driving are believed to cause more than 750 fatalities and 20,000 injuries every year. In truth, that estimate is likely quite low. It’s almost impossible to know how many truck accidents crashes sleepy truckers cause. The same is true for car accidents crashes: very few drivers admit to falling asleep at the wheel...
Sleepy truckers putting everyone on the road at risk Continue reading…