Houston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

The Department of Transportation has recently delayed implementing a rule, which would have required backup cameras in new cars and light trucks starting in 2014. The initial rule was to have come out this week and has been delayed probably until the end of the year.

Backup cameras have been instrumental in reducing accidents particularly among small children and pedestrians. Not only do estimates indicate that 300 lives a year could be saved through the backup camera rule, but a huge amount of money can be saved in reduced property damage claims for backing up accidents.

In 2007 a law was implemented that asked the DOT to increase visibility for drivers to see pedestrians behind their vehicle. The DOT has worked hard on the new regulations and should be applauded for their work. Although the delay is unfortunate, I believe the critical part is to get it right even if it takes more time.

There are many issues with respect to back up monitors including such factors as location, and size of the screen that can make a remarkable difference in whether or not the driver actually uses the backup monitor. Some backup monitors are so small that it makes it difficult for some to adequately utilize them.

For those driving older vehicles without a backup monitor the good news is that you can buy aftermarket backup cameras relatively inexpensively. A very good backup monitor can be purchased for less than $200 installed.

Another issue that is prevalent is how soon the images behind the vehicle should appear in the monitor. The shorter the time the better for the motoring public because many drivers particularly in a hurry to get to work or pick up the kids are not going to wait for a backup monitor to boot up before putting the car in reverse.

On balance, I believe the slight increase in the cost of the new vehicle will be more than offset by the reduced property damage claims alone.

Continue reading "Backup Monitors For All Cars Delayed" »

The circumstances surrounding two separate accidents in a neighboring state involving pedestrian fatalities could serve as a warning to walkers everywhere. In reports of one case a man was walking at night along a highway when he was struck.

The impact sent him flying into other lanes of the highway where he was struck several times more. He died instantly. In another report, a woman was crossing a six lane city road - at night - when she, too, was struck by a car and killed. In both cases the drivers of the vehicles stopped...and in both cases no one was ticketed. It was - for all practical purposes - an accident.

There has been a spate of accidents in the news recently - both here and in other locations around the country - involving pedestrians being struck and killed by motor vehicles. If you are a regular walker then consider the following information.

Last year alone nearly 4100 pedestrians were struck and killed by a vehicle in 2009. While that figure is down by 20% from a decade ago - it averages out to be about ELEVEN walkers each day killed somewhere in this country.

Experts are unable to assess with any accuracy whether or not the act of walking itself is becoming more dangerous simply because no one has recorded the number of miles the American population walks or how many of them are actually walking.

If you are a pedestrian then the following advice - although given on other occasions - may help you reach your destination safely.

First, try to avoid walking late at night because it is harder for drivers to see you. Wear reflective clothing but do not expect this alone to keep you safe. Walk against the traffic and always use sidewalks if there are any available; if not then walk as far away from the actual roadway as possible.

Walking at dusk and dawn are equally dangerous so if you are a dedicated walker who engages in the activity for sport - try to walk during the daylight hours.

Continue reading "Another Look at Pedestrian Accidents" »