By putting together an emergency kit and keeping it in your car, you will have a much better chance of surviving a Daytona Beach car crash.

A well-stocked emergency kit should include:

• Paper work, spares and tools. You should always have a well-inflated spare tire in your vehicle, plus a basic tool kit. Store an up-to-date copy of your insurance policy and a current proof of insurance in your glove box, along with your maps, pens, blank paper and markers.
• First-aid kit. A well-stocked first-aid kit can be invaluable whether you’re waiting for an ambulance or tending to a headache. Your kid should have pain-reliever, burn cream, band-aids, gauze, medical tape and scissors, and any special medications your family may need in an emergency.
• Let there be light.  A good flashlight can really help during night accidents with tire changes, damage inspections and alerting other drivers to your distress. Store flashlight batteries separately to prevent draining them when not in use. Use flare sticks in the area around your car to help other drivers avoid your vehicle.
• Battery cables and bungee cords. These can be very helpful in minor crashes, or even to assist other stranded motorists.
• Bottled water. It’s not just for drinking. Water can be used to pour on an overheated engine, put out low-level fires or wash wounds before dressing.
• Disposable camera. Use this camera or your smart phone to take photos of the car damage after an accident, no matter who was at fault.
• Car fluids. If your car is overheated or leaking, a bottle of engine coolant, antifreeze or a quart of oil can help you make it to the next interstate exit.
• Accident checklist. Many drivers have trouble filing out an insurance claim because they did not get information at the accident scene. By keeping a simple fill-in form that you created in advance, you’ll be able to get all the facts, even if you are panicked or not thinking clearly. Your checklist should include names, license plate numbers, date, time, location of the accident, and contact information of witnesses.

For more on car safety, see the library of articles by Daytona Beach car accident attorney.

But there’s something else that can help lower the number of bicycle injuries and fatalities on Florida roads. More bicycling.

While it may seem counterintuitive, a new report reveals that countries where more people regularly ride bicycles have lower fatality rates than those with fewer bicyclists.

According to the report by the European Commission, Directorate-General of Transport and Energy, the crash rate is directly impacted by the amount of cycling per bicyclist, with the death rate for cyclists inversely related to the how much cycling is done by each bicyclist.

The report offers various reasons for the decline in fatal bicycle accidents:

• The more a bicyclist rides, the more experience he or she gains in handling the bike in traffic;
• As drivers get used to having to share the roads with bicycles, they become more aware of  the need to avoid collisions with them and behave more considerately;
• When more of the population relies on bicycling, governments will often  provide safer and better cycling facilities.

From a health standpoint, the benefits of bicycling far outweigh the dangers. In a study of 9,400 male government employees in sedentary occupations, 70 percent bicycled at least an hour a week to work or did 25 miles or more of other cycling each week. They were found to have a lower incidence of coronary heart disease,  2.5 per 1000 man years, compared with 5.6 incidents per 1000 for those who did not cycle.

So while we will continue our efforts to inform the public about bicycling accidents, safety tips and Florida drivers’ responsibility to share the road, we at Zimmet & Quarles also want to encourage people to get out and ride your bicycles. Know the rules of the road, make yourself visible and always wear a helmet for a happy and safe cycling experience.

For more on bicycling safety, see the library of articles by Daytona Beach car accident attorney.

Serious Florida car accidents in which the victim sustains traumatic injuries can be physically debilitating, as well as financially and emotionally devastating. You may be worried about how you are going to pay for extensive medical bills since you may be receiving lower paychecks due to time out of work.

If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury due to a DeLand car accident, it is important to contact an experienced DeLand car accident attorney.

Common Symptoms of a Serious Back Injury Due to a DeLand Car Accident:

• Pain that is consistent, chronic
• Intense, acute pain
• Mechanical pain that worsens with activity or prevents activity

Common Treatments for Back Injuries May Include:

• Plenty of bed rest
• Ice and heat
• Various medications: over the counter analgesics, Opiods for pain relief (such as codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone, and morphine), and Anticonvulsants
• Traction
• Interventional therapy

In some cases, back injuries may even require surgery. And recovery from such injuries can be uncertain. Don’t deal with a serious back injury from a Florida car accident alone. Contact an experienced DeLand car accident attorney at Zimmet & Quarles.

The overall fatality rate dropped to 1.25 deaths for every 100 million miles vehicles traveled in 2010 while the total number of statewide traffic deaths decreased 4.6 percent from 2,565 in 2009 to 2,444 in 2010. That is a 30.8 percent decline since 2005.

Other good news from the report: teen deaths, bicyclist deaths and passengers deaths are all down. Motorcyclist and passenger fatalities dropped 4.7 percent between 2009 and 2010 from 402 to 383 respectively. And bicyclist and passenger deaths dropped 24 percent  between 2009 and 2010, from 99 to 76.

Unfortunately, pedestrian deaths in Florida increased 3.5 percent, from 482 in 2009 to 499 in 2010.

“While much of the news is encouraging, there is still much to be done,” said Julie Jones, executive director of Florida‘s  Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in a news release. “Traffic crashes are largely avoidable, and those that result in personal injury or loss of life are too often the unacceptable results of poor preparation and decision making.”

Daytona Beach personal injury attorney Ron Zimmet is particularly concerned about the rise in the number of pedestrian deaths in Florida, and is committed to seeing that drivers are held responsible for their negligence when these deaths occur. If you or someone you know has been injured due to the careless act of a driver, contact Zimmet & Quarles law firm.

Many of these laws or rules are in place to avoid Florida car accidents (such as age restrictions and drunk driving laws), or to reduce the injuries and deaths associated with accidents (speed and seat belt laws).

Whether you agree with them or not, it is still important to obey all state traffic laws while driving in Florida.

Here are a few common misconceptions about what’s legal for Florida drivers:

Alcohol and Driving:

• No open containers are allowed inside a vehicle while driving.
• Those arrested for drunk driving could face 50 hours of community service plus fines up to $1,000.
• The license of  a drunk driver will be revoked for at least 6 months.

Automobiles:

• Legally, you must give right of way to emergency and police vehicles.
• Everyone in the vehicle is required to wear seatbelts while in motion.
• All drivers are required to have proof of insurance in Florida.

Motorcyclists:

• Must be 16 to operate a motorcycle in Florida.
• All motorcyclists 20 and under must wear a helmet.
• Drivers and riders must wear eye protection while motorcycling.

Towing and Transporting:

• Florida drivers can only tow one trailer behind their vehicle.
• Florida residents don’t need a license to possess and transport firearms, but you are legally required to inform the officer of any concealed weapons and surrender them if you are pulled over.
• It is illegal for anyone under 18 to ride in the bed of a truck and illegal for anyone to ride in a camper or travel trailer while the towing vehicle is in motion.

Whether you are a longtime resident or just visiting, Florida drivers have a responsibility to those around them. Truck drivers, bikers, even pedestrians must be aware of the state’s traffic laws to avoid an accident.

If someone caused your injury by putting their speed above your safety, get advice from an experienced Daytona Beach car accident lawyer. Call Zimmet & Quarles today for a free consultation.

Car accidents seem to be on the rise in many states, and there are countless reasons for this. One of the biggest problems that people face on the roadways is distracted driving. Even though you might be a conscientious driver, countless others on the road are driving without paying full attention to their surroundings. Perhaps you believe that you are a great driver – and maybe you are – but you have to consider all of the little things that might be distracting you from your drive. The following are some of the most common things that could distract you while you are behind the wheel.

Cell phones are one of the biggest reasons that people aren’t paying attention to the road. With all of the technology and features that the phones of today are able to offer, it’s easy to see how people might be distracted. When you are driving, you should always put the phone away. If you have an important call to make, or you just need to finish your game, pull off the road and find a safe place to part. It’s far better than getting into an accident. I personally began restricting my texting to times when my car was completely stopped at a red light. It was amazing to see how little time we all spend at red lights.

Another one of the technological wonders that can cause some people to drive distracted is the GPS units that so many have in their vehicles. These devices are very handy, and they can make sure that you are never lost. However, they can be quite a distraction as well. Follow the directions of the GPS when they make sense, but do not follow them blindly. Stories of people driving off the road, and even into lakes, are in the news from time to time. It sounds unbelievable, but people blame the GPS for telling them to make a turn that ends up with them in the water!

Of course, technology isn’t the only cause of distracted drivers out there. If you have pets loose in the car, if you are eating, or if you are arguing with someone in the vehicle, you aren’t giving the road all of your attention. It takes only a second or two of distraction to cause an accident. Make sure you pay attention in your own vehicle and keep your eyes open for others who might be driving distracted.

Read more about distracted driving and valuable safety tips to protect yourself and others in our Daytona Beach personal injury lawyer library.

Car accidents are a daily occurrence, but many people believe it could never happen to them. No one goes out in the morning with thoughts of getting into an accident running through their mind. However, accidents can and do happen all the time, and that means that you have to pay extra attention when you are on the road. Negligence is one of the primary causes of accidents on the roads and highways today, and if people only paid a bit more attention, it could cut down on the number of injuries and fatalities.

Negligence can rear its head in many forms, and you’ve probably seen plenty of dazed and negligent drivers on the road in your life. Eating in the car, talking on the phone or texting, picking something up off the floor, and fiddling with the radio or the GPS are all issues that could cause people to have an accident. You will even find some people who shave or do their makeup in the vehicle. All of these things can cause an accident.

Of course, other things can make people negligent on the roadways too. Road rage is all too common on the freeways, and when you are driving angry, you are driving dangerously. Unsafe lane changes, increased speed, and only paying attention to the car that angered them are all issues that can cause a driver to have an accident. Quite a few accidents happen at stoplights and stop signs. The driver doesn’t pay attention to the vehicles in front, and they rear end a car. While those types of accidents might seem minor at lower speeds, they can still cause some very serious injuries.

Anyone who has had to suffer through an accident knows that it can take a toll financially and physically. The cost of medical bills today is higher than ever, and even if you have good insurance, it might not cover all of the costs. The pain and suffering caused by these accidents can take a toll on your work life as well as your personal life, and you might find that you are out of work for a few weeks or longer.

If you’ve been in an auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence, it’s time that you contact an attorney. The attorney will let you know if you have a good case against the other driver, and you might be able to receive damages.

Visit our Daytona Beach personal injury attorney accident library for valuable tips and articles if you have been involved in a motor vehicle crash.

Senior drivers are at increased risk for daytime accidents. While elderly drivers typically avoid the interstate because they fear high speeds, all too often they are the cause of accidents on city streets. Unfortunately, due to their advanced age, elderly drivers are not only more likely to cause a Palm Coast car accident, but are also more likely to die as a result.

So how can you reduce the risk of a Palm Coast accident with a senior driver?

• Begin with your own family. Take the initiative if your grandparent or parent is showing signs of decreased driving ability. Be sure they go  for a medical screening, including reaction and vision tests, before allowing them back behind the wheel. Remember that good driving not only protects others on the road, but also helps to ensure your loved one’s safety.
• Give them a ride. Many people are afraid to have a conversation with their elderly parents about their driving. At some point you will need to intervene, but you may be able to ease them into giving up their keys by offering to drive. As a bonus, they typically will enjoy spending more time with you.
• Be cautious at intersections. City streets may seem safer than the interstate or highways, but many of Florida’s elderly drivers typically have trouble at intersections. Be sure to leave extra following distance behind senior drivers, especially when turning.
• Know your own limits. If you are over 65 and have been cleared to drive, being aware of  dangerous conditions can help reduce your chances of an accident. If you feel unsafe on speeding highways, driving in the rain or at night, don’t do it. Find an alternate mode of transportation, such as the bus, train, a relative or friend..
• Report suspicious driving. If you observe any driver showing poor judgment such as weaving between lanes, sudden braking, or other “close calls,” you should call the police or highway patrol immediately.

As trusted Palm Coast car accident attorneys, we know that safety is the responsibility of every driver. Any unfit driver, whatever their age, should be taken off the road before they cause more accidents and harm. If you or someone in your family was injured as a result of a senior driver, call Zimmet & Quarles today.

For more on traffic safety issues, see the library of articles by Palm Coast car accident attorney.

“It is time for all of us to stand up for safety by turning off electronic devices when driving,” NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman said last week during a hearing on a multi-vehicle wreck that occurred in 2010. “How many more lives will be lost before we, as a society, change our attitudes about the deadliness of distractions?”

NTSB board members called electronic distracted driving  the new DUI and said it’s fast becoming an epidemic.

An estimated 13.5 million drivers are on their cell phones at any moment during daylight hours, according to a report released earlier this month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One in 100 drivers are texting, making phone calls or using the Internet at any given moment, according to the report.

And 3,092 people died in 2010 in accidents liked to distracted driving, according to the U.S. Transportation Department. The DOT  banned the use of handheld cell phones by interstate truck and bus drivers on Nov. 23

For this new ban to take effect, states would have to agree to this plan by the NTSB, and that‘s not a given. There are still 17 states that have yet to outlaw all text messaging while driving, including Florida, South Carolina and Ohio. No state has yet to ban all cell phone use by drivers, although some state legislatures have considered it.

Those state legislatures that currently have cell phone bans for drivers have exempted devices with hands-free accessories such as Bluetooth headsets. The new NTSB recommendation goes a step further, asking for a ban on non-emergency use of all cell phones, smart phones, text messaging devices, and other portable electronic devices that are not related to operating the vehicle. The recommendation by the board was unanimous.

The NHTSA board called for campaigns to inform motorists of the new law and highly-visible enforcement to support distracted driving. During the hearing the board noted that Missouri’s State Highway Patrol issued only 120 citations for texting by drivers under 21 over a recent two-year period.

The findings that spurred this new recommendation were the result of a probe of a 2010 accident in Gray Summit, Mo., that killed two and injured 38. Daniel A. Schatz of Sullivan, driver of a pickup truck, rammed a truck-tractor after receiving and sending 11 texts in the 11 minutes before the wreck, the last received just moments before the collision. The pickup truck was rear-ended by one school bus, which was hit by another school bus. Two died, including Schatz.

“Driving was not (Schatz’s) only priority,” Hersman said. “No call, no text, no update is worth a human life.”

Other highly publicized distracted driving accidents cited by the NTSB report include:

• A commuter crash in Chatsworth, Calif., in 2008, caused by a texting operator, that killed 25 people and injured dozens.
• The 2010 crash near Munfordville, Ky, caused by a tractor-trailer driver using his cell phone, in which 11 people died.
• An airline incident from 2010 in which two pilots said their distracting laptops were the cause for their one-hour overshoot of the Minneapolis airport.
• The NTSB’s very first electronic distracted driving crash investigation from 2002, in which a novice driver on a cell phone left the roadway in Largo, Md., crossed the median and flipped the car over, killing five people.

For more on safe driving issues, see the library of articles by Daytona Beach car accident attorney.

Not far behind was texting while driving. Together, text messaging and cell phoning drew almost 40 percent of the responses.

Separately, both problems outweighed last year’s main concern, which was speeding and aggressive driving, according to the second-annual survey by the California Office of Traffic Safety. And texting soared upward as the biggest danger, going from last year’s 2 percent to 18 percent.

When asked to name the most serious distraction for drivers, 56 percent of respondents said cell phone use and 27 percent said texting while driving. No other distracted activity, such as grooming, eating, etc., was cited in more than 2 percent of the responses.

Texting gained ground as a concern, going from about 13 percent  in 2010 to 27 percent this year. Cell phone use – both handheld or hands-free – actually dropped 6 percent, presumably  with many of those mentions rerouted to texting.

The current survey questioned 1,801 drivers, over age 18, at gas stations all over California.

The survey shows drivers are getting the message about distracted driving: When they were asked how often they had talked on a handheld cell phone in the past 30 days, more than 10 percent said “regularly” — a drop from 14 percent in 2010. A majority of the drivers said they “never” did it.

When asked the same question about text messaging while driving, 6 percent said they did it regularly, down from 9 percent in 2010, and 72 percent said never. More drivers in the 18-24 age group cited texting as the most dangerous, yet they were more likely to text message while behind the wheel.

Other responses from the traffic safety survey:

• Forty percent of drivers said they used cell phone less because of California’s handheld law.
• Seventy percent said hands-free cell phone use was more safe than handheld use.
• Sixty percent said they had been hit or almost hit by a driver talking on a cell phone, up slightly from 2010.

For more on traffic safety issues, see the library of articles by Daytona Beach car accident attorney.