St. Louis Injury Lawyer Blog

We're getting weather in the 80s and as the heat increases, so do the risks for child injury in St. Louis and elsewhere throughout the state. For that very reason, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working diligently to get the word out to parents, caregivers, childcare providers and others who transport children -- the word about heatstroke and hyperthermia.

In 2011, there were more than 30 children who died after an adult left them in a vehicle alone. It's during the hotter weather that these risks increase. You may think it's okay to leave a kid in the car with the air conditioner on and the windows rolled down, but that's not the case. Children should never be left inside a vehicle unattended. These kinds of accidents are the number one cause of non-crash, auto-related deaths for this young age group and there's nothing these kids can do about it -- they rely on the responsibility and discipline of adults to keep them safe and injury free.

St. Louis personal injury attorneys understand that kids are getting out of school soon and will be taking more trips with mommy, daddy, daycare providers, babysitters and guardians. It's important that each of these people know to check the car before getting out and locking it up. This should be a habit and should be done every time an adult leaves a vehicle. That's where the NHTSA's campaign, "Where's baby? Look before you lock," comes in.

"This campaign is a call-to-action for parents and families, but also for everyone in every community that cares about the safety of children," said U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.

During the upcoming weeks, the NHTSA will be launching a number of advertisements, running both online and on the radio, to get parents, guardians and childcare providers to think twice before getting out of their vehicle. It's important to always check both the front and the back seats for children every time. You might think this could never happen to you, but most of the fatalities resulting from these scenarios in 2011 were in fact accidents. Drivers just forget.

Being left inside a vehicle has some serious repercussions. Some of the injuries that accompany these scenarios are various heatstroke-related symptoms, loss of hearing, loss of sight and even irreversible brain damage. It only takes a few seconds to prevent these kinds of accidents and these injuries. Be a responsible adult and check the car every time.

Precautions to help to prevent these kinds of incidents:

-Never leave a kid in a vehicle without supervision. Windows and a/c don't ensure safety from heatstroke, hyperthermia or other heat-related injuries.

-Always check your vehicle before you park it and leave it.

-Ask your childcare provider to alert you immediately if your child doesn't show up when expected.

-Leave a reminder in the front seat to make sure you check the back seat before exiting.

-Keep your briefcase, your purse or another important item in the back seat to make sure that you turn around and scan the backseat before departing every time.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in St. Louis and Elsewhere Increase with Heat: Children at Risk" »

More 16 and 17-year-old drivers are dying in car accidents in St. Louis and elsewhere throughout the state. According to a recent study from the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Missouri saw an increase in the number of deaths among these drivers during the first six months of 2011 in comparison to the stats from the year before. Missouri actually saw one of the most severe spikes in these kinds of deaths - more than 200 percent.

The state had three teen fatalities during the first six months of 2010, but saw 10 in the first six months of 2011. That is the second-highest increase in the country, only behind Illinois.

Nationwide, there was an 11 percent increase in the number of deaths among this young group of drivers. There were 190 teen deaths throughout the country during the first half of 2010, while there were 211 during the first half of 2011.

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys understand that there are a number of factors that affect teen's driving abilities behind the wheel. While teens are at their most vulnerable - in their first few months and years behind the wheel - they can be greatly impacted by the kind of Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program that is implemented in their state, as well as parental oversight.

In the state of Missouri, teens are allowed to get their learner's license once they've turned 15. During this time, they have to complete 40 hours of supervised driving, 10 of which need to be done at night. They have to hold this license for a minimum of 6 months. Once they turn 16 they can apply for a restricted driver's license. In this state, they are prohibited from driving between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. For the first six months of this license, they are not allowed to have more than one passenger in the vehicle who is under the age of 19. After the first 6 months, they can't have any more than three passengers under the age of 19. Nighttime restrictions and passenger restrictions are lifted after they turn 17 and after they've held the restricted driver's license for at least 11 months.

Parents are an important part of this learning process. Parents should help to enforce the state's GDL restrictions, along with any additional restrictions they feel necessary. Parents are some of the most influential people for these young drivers. Help to teach your teen safe driving habits as early as possible.

The recent study from the GHSA was led by Dr. Allan Williams, a former member of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). He released the findings of this report just as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its findings concluding that the number of these driver deaths actually decreased by less than one percent during the same time period.

The truth of the matter, according to Williams, is that 80 drivers who were 16 died during the first half of 2010, while 93 were killed during the same time in 2011. That's a 16 percent increase. There was an increase from 110 to 118 for the same time for 17-year-old drivers, illustrating a 7 percent increase.

"While it is not a surprise that these numbers are stabilizing or slightly increasing, states should not accept these deaths as something that cannot be prevented. More work can and should be done to save teen lives," said Williams.

Continue reading "Car Accidents in Missouri Increasing Teen Driver Fatalities" »

As we face our frigid winter weather, drivers will be facing increased dangers on the roadways and increased risks of car accidents in St. Louis. To help keep drivers safe, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has its crews read to roll.

Transportation efforts include about 3,000 employees and nearly 2,000 pieces of snow-removal equipment to tackle the 32,000-mile highway system in our state. In addition to this army of snow fighters, the MoDOT has the ability to hire emergency equipment operators to help fight off the remnants of our winter storms. When a storm blows through, transportation employees attack the main roadways that are most affected by the winter snow and ice.

These pieces of snow-removal equipment include salt spreaders, snow plows and other de-icing maters. Through these efforts, MoDOT hopes to reduce the risks of a weather-related car accident in St. Louis and elsewhere throughout the state.

Our St. Louis car accident lawyers ask that all motorists be extremely cautious when traveling on our roadways when the winter weather comes hauling in. The snow and icy layering our roadways during this time of year can serve as a catalyst for a fatal traffic accident. Please be careful on our roadways to help you and your passengers to get to your destination safely. Alertness and caution may be your best defense against an accident during this time.

Before heading out, you are urged to check out the MoDOT's Traveler Information Map for the latest roadway conditions. This map offers travelers with information regarding closed roadway, traffic delays, road work and current conditions. You can also call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636) to get this roadway information.

Drivers are urged to be cautious when driving on icy or snowy roadways. Be cautious and alert. There are a few safety tips, from MoDOT, that can help to keep you safe on our roadways through the dangerous winter weather.

Winter Driving Safety Tips:

-Inspect your vehicle. Make sure that your car's battery is working properly, that the antifreeze is full and fresh, that your exhaust system is working properly and that your car's oil can withstand the rigors of cold weather.

-You should ultimately avoid driving when weather road conditions are icy and snowy.

-Be sure to always keep a first-aid kit in your vehicle.

-You should also keep a flashlight, extra batteries, extra clothes, blankets, nonperishable snack, water, booster cables, etc. in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

-Always obey the posted speed limit. Your best bet is to slow down your speed when driving through snow and ice. Be sure to adjust your speed to accommodate the current weather conditions.

-Always give snowplows plenty of room. Never travel too closely to a snowplow.

-Always keep your tank at least half full.

-If you don't feel comfortable driving, pull over until the weather conditions clear.

Continue reading "Winter Weather Increasing Risks for Car Accidents in St. Louis" »

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released earlier a new recommendation for a federal ban against the use of portable electronic devices for drivers on U.S. roadways, according to CBS St. Louis. The meeting in which this recommendation was reached was used to discuss the 2010 car accident in Missouri that happened in Gray Summit in which two people were killed and another 38 were injured. The young driver who was blamed was disobeying the state's distraction-relating road laws. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, the law prohibits drivers under the age of 21 from texting at the wheel. Everyone else is free to do as they wish.

"No call, no text, no update is worth a human life," said NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman.

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys understand that Missouri has some of the most relaxed laws in the country regarding driver distractions. Most drivers can engage in whichever distractions they would like while operating a motor vehicle. Only drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from text messaging at the wheel. Still, officers have a tough time enforcing this law because they're unable to tell if a young driver was dialing a phone number or composing a text. A federal ban may be the only effective way to get drivers to curb the distractions and for enforcement officers to effectively target disobeying drivers.

Under the new recommendation, drivers would still be able to use portable devices that aid driving safety and use them in emergency situations.

Officials are noticing more and more drivers on our roadways engaging in this dangerous behavior. Last year, there were over 1 million accidents that were caused by a distracted driver. These incidents accounted for roughly 25 percent of all traffic accidents during that year.

"This (distracted driving) is becoming the new DUI. It's becoming epidemic," said NTSB member Robert Sumwalt.

The National Safety Council (NSC) is strongly supporting the NTSB's recommendation to make portable electronic devices illegal for drivers across the country. The NSC recognizes the difficulty that officers have enforcing these scattered laws. Distraction-related laws in each state vary and are difficult to enforce. One full ban across the nation would help to eliminate that confusions and get drivers on the road to safer roads. In 2010, there were roughly 3,100 people in the country who were killed because of accidents that involved a distracted driver.

While a federal ban may be one of the most effective ways to help ensure that all drivers are placing their full attention on the roadway, we still ask all drivers to practice responsible driving habits until then. Safe and alert driving habits may be the best way to ensure roadway safety. As holiday traffic picks up, with Christmas and New Year's right around the corner, please be safe on our roadways and voluntarily curb distractions at the wheel.

Continue reading "Missouri Car Accident Influences Officials to Recommend Full Ban on Cell Phones at the Wheel" »

Halloween is right around the corner, and with the spooky holiday comes serious risks for child injury in St. Louis . As our little ghosts and goblins suit up for some trick-or-treat fun, we urge parents and guardians to take a timeout and review some simple Halloween safety tips to help ensure the safety of everyone.

"The single most important thing is for kids to wear costumes that can be easily seen by drivers," says Dr. Joseph Gunn of the St. Louis Children's Hospital, "and be very careful about obeying the rules of crossing the streets."

Our St. Louis, MO, car accident attorneys ask that everyone be on the lookout for one another on our roadways this Halloween. Motorists are asked to be extra careful and cautious when driving in or near residential neighborhoods as excited children will be jetting about from house to house gathering treats.

If you're heading out on Halloween with trick-or-treaters, here are some safety tips from Hopkins-St.Louis Park:

-Make sure that all young trick-or-treaters are under parental supervision.

-Everyone should either have reflective tape on their costume or a flashlight in their hand to be more visible to motorists.

-All walkers should be wearing comfortable shoes.

-Be sure that all costumes are short enough to help prevent a trip and fall hazard.

-Feed young ones dinner before heading out so that they're less likely to snack on candy throughout their journey.

Trick-or-treaters old enough to travel about without supervision:

-Make sure you're with a friend. Don't trick-or-treat alone.

-Make sure you have a planned route. It's important to pick a path that is away from busy roads and has sidewalks or safe walkways.

-Trick-or-treaters should never go up to a house that doesn't have any lights on. You should only approach houses that are well-lit.

-Wear a comfortable costume.

-Always carry a cellphone for emergencies.

-Wear reflective tape on your costume or carry a flashlight to help ensure that motorists see you.

-Keep an eye out for vehicles that are pulling into or backing out of driveways. Children are oftentimes overlooked in these scenarios.

-Never dart out from behind a parked car.

-Look both ways before and during your trek across a road.

-Never walk across someone's lawn.

-Accept treats only at the door.

-Never get into the car or go in the house of a stranger.

Halloween at your house:

-Make sure your driveway, sidewalk and front porch are clear of debris.

-Wipe up all surfaces that may be wet.

-Make sure all of your lights are on and working.

-Never leave candles or lit jack-o-lanterns unattended.

-Keep candy away from pets and keep pets away from the front door as many are overwhelmed by the doorbell and young trick-or-treaters.

We know it's supposed to be a night of fright, but there's no room for injuries. Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Continue reading "Our St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyers Wish You a Safe and Happy Halloween!" »

Chuggington is here to teach your kids some important pedestrian, school bus, bicycling and vehicle safety tips to help prevent child injury in Missouri and elsewhere.

Chuggington is an animated series that has partnered up with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to teach children to always be safe around cars.

The campaign is geared towards children under the age of 7. The series also comes with a number of downloadable safety tips, a kid-focused safety pledge and a number of games and activities that parents and guardians can do with their children to help promote the safe traveling habits.

"This exciting partnership with Chuggington will help us bring our traffic safety message to young children and parents alike," said Ray LaHood, the Secretary for the U.S. Transportation.

Our St. Louis injury attorneys understand that this kind of campaign is an extremely effective way to teach children safe habits, including buckling up in a vehicle, how to safely cross the street and to always wear a bicycle helmet. Parents are urged to sit down and enjoy the animated series to teach children about these safe habits. Educating children at an early age may be one of the best ways to help to ensure their safety.

Currently, car accidents are the leading cause of death for children who are 14-years-old and younger. In 2009, these types of accidents took the lives of approximately 1,300 children and injured another 179,000. Child pedestrians are also at a high risk for injury on our roadways. In 2007, there were about 260 child pedestrian fatalities and another 115,000 injuries to children of the same age group.

The partnership between the NHTSA and the Chuggington series is being used to help to teach children about important lessons that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives. During each of the episodes, the characters on the series will be rewarded for good behavior with "The 'Think Safe, Ride Safe, Be Safe!' badges. They will also be encouraged to join the traffic safety pledge. Parents are encouraged to teach children this message and make sure that they remember it. It's a quick little saying that will help to keep them safe.

The campaign was released just in time to coincide with National Child Passenger Safety Week. This is a week that was created by the NHTSA that urges parents to visit a child seat inspection location in Missouri to ensure that their child's car seat is properly installed into their vehicle.

It is estimated that approximated 75 percent of all child car seats are installed improperly in the U.S. At these inspection stations, experts will be on hand to look over your car seat and to provide you with instruction and tips to ensure that your seat will be properly installed during each and every car ride.

It's a known fact that car seats save children's lives, but it is up to the parent and other adults who may be transporting children to know how to properly install them and to make sure that children are buckled in every time.

Parents are urged to check out the fun, new series and to enjoy it with you child. Teach your kid safe traveling habits at a young age so that they're better protected near our busy roadways.

Continue reading "NHTSA Recruits Chuggington to Help Prevent Child Injury in St. Louis" »

The St. Louis County Police Department could make history, as it could be the first department in the U.S. to allow voters to determine when officers can pursue vehicles. Current policy only allows officers to pursue a vehicle that is the suspect of a crime in which deadly force was involved. Under this policy, only about a dozen police chases are administered each year.

Unfortunately, many of these high-speed police chases end with serious car accidents in St. Louis and elsewhere throughout Missouri. Since officers can best analyze a situation to determine when a chase should begin, voter's opinions will only be taken into consideration when constructing the new policy, according to St. Louis Today.

Our Missouri car accident attorneys understand that Tim Fitch, the St. Louis County Police Chief, is looking to get approval from police commissioners by the start of next year. He is hoping they approve a new policy that allows his officers to pursue those involved in first-degree burglary cases and drunken driving suspects.

"People are tired of being victims and say, 'What do you mean you let them go?'" Fitch said.

Some remain opposed to the change, saying that a significant amount of research needs to be completed before this change takes effect as it could pose serious liability risks to innocent motorists and residents in the area.

Ironically, members of the public voiced their concerns about when officers recently neglected to pursue a number of car break-ins and the suspects in the copper-theft ring that took place in Pasadena Hills. After concerns from local residents, Fitch recruited the help of Mark DeBarr and Timothy Maher from the University of Missouri-St. Louis to conduct a survey to hear what the residents had to say about the policy. About half of the participants said that they would like officers to pursue those who are suspects of all property crimes. Fitch disagrees with these findings, but sympathizes with the frustration of residents.

One finding of the study pointed out that about 80 percent of residents were in support of chasing drunk drivers, but only as fast as the speed limit allows.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 400 people are killed in the U.S. every year as a result of police chases.

Fitch says that a great majority of the public supports all types of police chases no matter what speeds are required. He also says that the department's top concern is to keep everyone safe on our roadways. He doesn't want the chases to create any more of a dangerous situation.

Current rules allow an officer to pull behind a driver that they expect to be impaired, flash the vehicle's warning light and set off the siren. If the vehicle doesn't pull over, officers are alerted to terminate the pursuit.

Speed will not necessarily be a factor in the cases or will be limited to a first-degree burglary. Officers would like to pursue those who they feel are guilty of a crime that is bold enough to be considered dangerous.

Continue reading "Police Department Reevaluates Police Chases and Causes of High-Speed Car Accidents in St. Louis" »