Posted by rozeklawoffice on January 26, 2010 under Avoiding Car Accidents, Drunk Driving, General, Pedestrian Accidents | 
Pedestrian accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable because they do not benefit from the protection of an automobile. Each year in the United States there are approximately 5,000 pedestrian accidents that result in death. In Wisconsin, there are approximately 50 deaths every year attributable to pedestrian vs. automobile accidents.
Did you know?……
*Pedestrian fatalities account for more 10% of all motor vehicle related deaths.
*More than 20% of pedestrians who are killed by a motor vehicle were legally intoxicated and in about 50% of fatalities either the driver or the pedestrian had a measurable blood alcohol level.
* Elderly adults of 70 years and older comprise less than 10% of the population but account for almost 20% of all pedestrian fatalities – the death rate for this group is the highest of any age group.
* Pedestrian fatality rate for males was more than twice that for females. Non-fatal injury rates for male pedestrians were 50% higher than for females
* 70% of pedestrian accidents happen in urban areas however deaths due to pedestrian accidents are much higher in rural areas. These higher fatality rates would probably be down to higher driving speed and less convenient access to medical care.
Wisconsin requires pedestrians to obey the Rules of the Road, just as automobile operators. Pedestrians must yield to automobiles when crossing a road if there is no intersection or crosswalk, or if the pedestrian does not have a green or “walk” signal and where the automobiles do have a green signal. Pedestrians must also walk on a sidewalk if one is available. If no sidewalk is available, then pedestrians must walk on and along the left side of a highway.
Most pedestrian accidents involve being hit by a moving vehicle when walking along the pavement or crossing the road at the intersection or mid-point. However, pedestrian accidents sometimes do not involve any vehicles and are rather caused by poor maintenance of roads and pavements including potholes construction and debris.
Either way, it is important for everyone on the road to remember that pedestrians have a right to use the sidewalk and street when following the rules of the road. Drinking, whether walking or driving, is dangerous. Always watch where you are going and be aware of others in the right of way.
For more information on Pedestrian Accidents.
Posted by rozeklawoffice on January 21, 2010 under Avoiding Car Accidents, Drunk Driving |
Driving and medicating are not meant to go together. Thanks to all of the past and current education campaigns about that dangers of drinking and driving, people are generally aware that driving while intoxicated is a hazard to themselves and others on the road. However, most do not realize that driving while on prescription medication, over-the-counter medication and/or herbal remedies is just as dangerous.
Driving while on medication is most prevalent in our elderly generation. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reported that 78% of drivers older than 55 take medications but only 1 in 4 understands how the medication can impair their driving ability.
Similar to alcohol, drugs can cause side effects such as sleepiness, slowed reaction time, blurred vision, dizziness, and inability to focus or pay attention. Worse yet is the combination of drinking, medication and driving. If you have been prescribed new medication by your doctor or are trying new herbal remedies, always ask about the effects that the medication could have on your driving ability.
For more information on Drunk or Drugged Driving
Posted by rozeklawoffice on January 19, 2010 under Drunk Driving, General, Wisconsin Law |
According to AAA, the State of Wisconsin reported that more than 42,000 Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) convictions in 2008. Research demonstrates that 75% of alcohol related crashes are caused by first time offenders.
Although Wisconsin has the highest rate of drunken driving in the nation, the State (unlike all 49 other states) does not consider the first OWI offense a misdemeanor, criminal charge.
Because impaired driving causes a significant threat to the safety for all drivers and pedestrians alike, the state senate finally approved a bill that makes the first OWI offense a misdemeanor crime if children under the age of 16 are in the vehicle.
Rozek Law Offices recommends you call your local legislator and urge them to pass this senate approved bill to help keep our roadways safe.
For more information about Wisconsin Drunk Driving Law and Accidents
Posted by rozeklawoffice on January 16, 2010 under Drunk Driving, General, Wisconsin Law |
Its snowmobile season and that means outdoor sportsters need to take extra caution. In Wisconsin this year, there have already been 11 snow mobile deaths. Out of these, 5 have been related to drinking while driving the sporting vehicle.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural resources is one of the leading agencies that is endorsing a new international Zero Alcohol campaign- urging every snowmobiler to take personal responsibility for reducing alcohol-related crashes.
Although a zero percent alcohol level is not the law, the campaign is hoping peer pressure alone will make a difference. You may be noticing bumper stickers appearing on snowmobiles advertising this limit soon.
Snowmobile drivers need to understand the danger that drinking while driving the sporting vehicle creates., not only for themselves or their passengers but for pedestrians alike. Responsibility is key for this winter sport.
For more information on Wisconsin Accidents.
