New Trucking Industry Rules Increase Fatigue Among Drivers

The recent rule changes for truckers are causing disruption among drivers.  The new rules, which took effect in July, shorten the average workweek to 70 hours a week from 82, and require an electronic device that caps the vehicles' speed. The time between workweeks now must extend over two nights, including the hours between 1:00 and 5:00 a.m.

Although the new rules were promulgated to reduce fatigue and related crashes, the trucking industry research institute has found that the new rules limiting driving hours have actually increased fatigue for more than 66% of the drivers surveyed.  The findings are the latest salvo in the battle over the hours-of-service rules among safety advocates, regulators and the trucking industry. The industry says the rule is too costly and possibly even dangerous because they put more trucks on the road during rush hour and drivers on the road when they are tired.

Fatalities in large truck crashes declined 26% in the decade ending in 2011, but according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, that is still too high. The agency analysis shows the change should prevent about 560 injuries and save 19 lives a year.  While it seems that the trucking industry has a point, surely we can find a way to reduce trucking accidents

If you have been injured in an accident with a large truck, you need to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney.  Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger P.C., at (303) 279-0221 or visit our website at www.paysingerlaw.com. We help injured people, it's all we do!

Source:http://online.wsj.com

Bus Driver Cited in Yuma County

Six people were injured in a crash in south of Wray in Yuma County Monday afternoon.  The accident occurred between a Chevy Silverado and a school bus.  Four students were taken to Wray Community Hospital after the school bus rolled.

One child was retained for a possible head injury, three other boys ages six to eight were treated for minor injuries and released.

The bus driver and the woman who was driving the truck were also taken to the hospital with serious injuries.  The woman driving the truck was still in the hospital on Tuesday in stable condition.  There were no stop lights or signs at the intersection.  After investigation the Colorado State Patrol cited the bus driver, Jennine Witte for careless driving causing injury.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.  Call The Law Office of Robert Paysinger, P.C. today or visit our website at www.paysingerlaw.com
Source:  www.denverpost.com

New Marijuana Laws Increase Likelihood of Auto Accidents

Yesterday voters in Colorado approved new taxes on the sale of recreational marijuana.  These taxes are designed to cover expenses for regulation and enforcement of the new laws, as well as education for the health and public safety impact of marijuana use.  Increased public awareness must be expanded on the danger of the combination of alcohol and marijuana use and its effect on impairment.  

There is a growing attitude that marijuana is a safe drug, at least compared to other illegal drugs and alcohol.  A drunk driver is 11 times more likely to be involved in a fatal car accident, while a stoned driver is twice as likely to cause an accident compared to a sober driver  Research indicates that drivers who are high are typically able to compensate by driving more slowly.  However, the combination of alcohol and THC can increase impairment to a greater level than either drug alone. It is anticipated that with greater availability that there may be up to 67.5 million instances of intoxication from marijuana in 2014 in Colorado.

There are no estimates of how many people will get behind the wheel and drive, or how many might combine drugs for a potentially lethal dose.  Because Colorado is on the forefront of the legalization wave, we must be thoughtful and progressive on how we educate the population on this serious issue.

 If you have been injured in a car accident, you should speak to an experienced personal injury attorney. Call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. at (303) 279-0221. We help injured people - it's all we do!

Source: http://www.denverpost.com