Personal Injury

Automotive technology increase accidents?

Published on: March 26, 2012 | By The Law Office of Ruth E. Johnson, P.A.

Auto accidents are on the rise and lawmakers around the country are making efforts to increase driver safety by reducing distracted driving habits among drivers. and can certainly understand the call from Washington and state governments to eliminate distracted driving as much as possible. These efforts include bans on cell phone use while driving and, in certain parts of the nation, even eating.

In addition to cell phones, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other safety groups have endorsed bans on the use of hands-free devices for phone calls while driving as well.

In addition to cell phone technology, the NHTSA is also making efforts toward the banning of the moving map feature of GPS navigation devices. GPS stands for Global Positioning System and uses satellite technology to locate and direct drivers to their destination. These devices integrate a moving icon that shows drivers their exact location as they move on the roads. These devices update continuously so the driver can see where they are in relation to local streets and their destination.

Efforts for road safety for older drivers

Published on: February 22, 2012 | By The Law Office of Ruth E. Johnson, P.A.

Miami and the surrounding South Florida area have traditionally been a great destination for “snowbirds” and retired vacationers alike. It comes as now surprise, then, that Florida was ranked second, only to California, for the numbers of drivers over the age of 65. This is according to The Road Information Program also known as TRIP.

TRIP also reports that our state is number one in motor vehilce fatalities involving drivers 65 years and older. In 2011 it was reported that 503 auto accident deaths in Florida involved at least one driver over 65. This number, according to TRIP’s policy and research director, Frank Moretti, would have more than likely been higher had it not been for the Florida Department of Transportation’s efforts to improve road safety with older drivers in mind.The Florida DOT has taken steps towards improving road and lanes sizes and visibility of traffic signs.
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Miami area police officer injured in motorcyle accident

Published on: August 21, 2011 | By The Law Office of Ruth E. Johnson, P.A.

Saturday evening a local Miami area police officer was seriously injured in an auto accident while riding his motorcycle. The Doral police officer, who was on duty, was traveling on his motorcycle when the driver of a car made an illegal U-turn, hitting the officer and his bike.

The officer is 51 year old Rafael Cubelo. Reports state that the force of the impact sent this individual into the air several feet. He was then transported to the Ryder Trauma Center. We are wishing him a speedy and successful recovery.

Automobile drivers are often the cause of motorcycle accidents and resulting injuries. In this instance the driver of the car involved was cited for disobeying the traffic laws. Often the simplest offense can result in serious injury, especially when a motorcycle in involved.