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Most Drivers Regularly Engage in Reckless Driving Habits

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
reckless-driving-habits-speedingA recent study by the Automobile Association of America (AAA) Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals that 87 percent of drivers participated in reckless driving habits while behind the wheel during the previous month. In an attempt to analyze and bring awareness to road safety issues, AAA examined dangerous driving behaviors including failure to wear seat belts, speeding, impaired driving and running red lights. These unsafe practices were exposed at the same time that preliminary collision estimates anticipated a nine percent increase in fatalities for the year 2015. According to Peter Kissinger, CEO and President of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a culture of indifference persists regarding road safety. Because of safety concerns, AAA is asking motorists to make highways safer by engaging in responsible choices. Reckless driving may take different forms. Following are five common reckless driving behaviors identified by AAA: Running through red lights Failing to stop at a red light risks the life of the driver, any passengers and the other motorists on the road. Yet, more than one in three drivers said they went through a red light when they had enough time to stop. Driving while impaired More than one in eight drivers said they drove while under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the previous month. Over the past year, nine percent of drivers said they did this more than one time. Speeding Almost half of all drivers drove 15 miles per hour over the speed limit within the past 30 days. Fifteen percent said they do so often. No seatbelts Within the last month, about one in five drivers said they drove without wearing a seatbelt. Driving while drowsy Approximately one in three drivers stated they drove while extremely tired during the last 30 days. If you were injured because of another driver’s reckless driving habits, a Sacramento car accident attorney at the Arnold Law Firm today can help to find out if you have a claim. We offer free case reviews, and your information remains completely confidential.

Call an experienced Sacramento personal injury lawyer at (916) 777-7777 or fill out a FREE Case Review to get started.

 

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.