Driver Safety

June 12, 2013

Seatbelts Could Have Saved 3 BU Students in New Zealand Car Accident, Officials Say

The three Boston University students killed last May when their minivan flipped on a rural New Zealand road, could have survived had they been wearing seatbelts, officials said.

Rotorua, New Zealand Constable Tina Mitchell-Ellis, said that the three students who died, and a fourth who suffered severe brain trauma, were not wearing seatbelts and were thrown from the van. The four other passengers in the van who were wearing seatbelts survived and sustained only minor injuries.

The students had all been a part of a study-abroad program in New Zealand and were driving in a rural part New Zealand to begin a scenic hike. According to reports, the driver of the van, Stephen Houseman, became distracted while driving and drove onto the side of the road before over-correcting and flipping the van four times.

Neither drugs nor alcohol were involved in the accident, and police did not suspect Houseman was speeding before the accident. Officials believe that inexperience with driving a van and being unfamiliar with the roads contributed to the accident. Houseman pled guilty to careless driving and had his license suspended for six months.

This tragic accident involving Massachusetts college students is a stark reminder of the dangers of operating a motor vehicle or being a passenger in a motor vehicle, and not wearing a seatbelt. According to both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Safety Council, seatbelts are the most effective safety device for preventing serious injury or death in the event of a car accident. In fact, wearing a safety belt can reduce the risk of serious injury during an accident by more than 50%.

In a study done by the NHTSA, 42% of motor vehicle passengers who were killed in accidents were not wearing a seatbelt. Under Massachusetts law, seatbelt violations fall under secondary enforcement laws; meaning that a driver can be ticketed by an officer for not wearing a seatbelt only if he or she has committed another traffic violation. The seatbelt usage rate in Massachusetts is estimated to be around 74%, which is lower than the National average (88%). However, the NHTSA estimates that over 1,600 lives could be saved and 22,000 injuries prevented each year if seatbelt usage was at 90% in every state.
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May 28, 2013

Police Investigate Memorial Day Motorcycle Accident in Holliston, MA

by Altman & Altman

A motorcyclist was flown to Brigham and Women’s Hospital yesterday after being critically injured in a crash in Holliston, Massachusetts.

The male motorcyclist was the only person involved in the single-vehicle accident which occurred on Brook Street around 2:30 p.m. Monday. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated approximately 81,000 people were injured and 4,612 were killed in motorcycle accidents in 2011 in the United States; a 2% increase from the number in 2010 and a 41% increase from 2002. Motorcycle accidents accounted for 14% of the total number of motor-vehicle crashes in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that per every vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are 30 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in an accident, and 5 times more likely to be injured during an accident.

The NHTSA stated that 49% of fatal motorcycle crashes involved collisions with other motor vehicles; 75% occurred with the motor vehicle in front of the motorcycle. Fatal motorcycle accidents were most likely to occur with fixed objects, rather than collisions with other motor vehicles.

Speeding, rider inexperience, and alcohol use are the three main factors that contribute to the high risk of accident on a motorcycle. According to the NHTSA, 35% of all motorcyclists involved in accidents in 2011 had been speeding before the crash. Inexperienced and un-licensed individuals made up 14% of those injured or killed in motorcycle accidents, and individuals who had had their licensed suspended previously were 1.4 times more likely to get into an accident compared to those with a passenger vehicle license revocation. Alcohol use is also a risk factor for fatal motor cycle accidents. The NHTSA estimated that about 29% of all motorcyclists were impaired by alcohol at the time of an accident. Riders aged 40-44 made up 38% of that group, respectively, followed by individuals ages 45-49 and 35-39 at 37%.
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May 20, 2013

Investigation Continues in Fatal Boston Hit-and-Run Accident Involving MIT Professor

by Altman & Altman

Police are still investigating a hit-and-run bicycle accident near Kenmore Square that killed an MIT professor this weekend.

Kanako Miura, 36, a native from Japan and visiting professor at MIT since 2012, was struck and killed by a truck while riding her bike at the intersection of Beacon Street and Baystate Road around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The truck fled the scene. Police say they are looking for a garbage truck that was possibly involved in the accident.

Bikes are considered a way of life in the city, but residents say that the area around Boston University is especially dangerous for anyone including cars and pedestrians, with accidents occurring at an average rate of two to three times per week.

Since 2007, Mayor Thomas Menino has strove to make Boston a more bike-friendly city by implementing more infrastructures such as bike lanes and bike paths to support more cyclists as well as installing the Hubway bike share program. In 2011, Boston was rated one of the safest cities to ride in in the United States, and this year, Cambridge received a Gold-Level rating for being one of the most bicycle-friendly communities in the nation.

Still, with more riders on the road today than ever before, the city is faced with the challenge of how to prevent more accidents from occurring. In a report published by the City of Boston in correspondence to Bike Safety Month, the Boston Police Department reported a bike ridership increase of 28% (56,000 trips per day) as well as a 2% increase in accidents (488 in 2012) since 2010. In more than half of the bike accidents reported, the cyclist was not wearing a helmet.
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May 14, 2013

League of American Bicyclists Recognizes Cambridge, MA as Gold-Level Bicycle Community

by Altman & Altman

On Monday, the city of Cambridge was named a Gold-level bicycle friendly community by The League of American Bicyclists, making it the highest rated city to bicycle in on the East coast. The recognition and ceremony comes in observance of National Bike Safety Month.

Cambridge, which is only one of 18 cities nationwide that has received this award, was recognized on its bicycle friendliness, infrastructure, and its investment into bicycle promotion with the establishment of the Hubway share program.

According to city officials, there are three times as many bikers on Cambridge and Boston roads today, than there were only a decade ago. Many bikers cite traffic congestion and the “Green” lifestyle appeal as their reasons for switching to two wheels.

State leaders have shown their enthusiasm for the shift in bike riding, and last fall, the Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced that by 2030, it wanted to triple the rate of biking, walking, and public transit. Currently over 22,000 people regularly cycle to work around the entire commonwealth. The biggest challenge MassDOT faces is the process it will take to educate people about the rules of the road, and the development of necessary infrastructure to encourage and accommodate more cyclists.

Advocates are pushing for more improvements on safety before encouraging more cyclists onto the roads, based on the rates of bicycle accidents around the city-especially those involving collisions with motor vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 39 cyclists were killed and 2,100 people sustained non-fatal injuries between 2007 and 2011 in Massachusetts. Five cyclists have already been killed this year.
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April 25, 2013

Fatigued Driving in Massachusetts: As Dangerous as Driving Drunk

by Altman & Altman

Fatigued driving is probably familiar to every driver, especially early morning commuters and those driving late at night. While some may think that getting behind the wheel fatigued can be harmless, it is actually quite dangerous. In fact some studies suggest that drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
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Causes of Drowsiness

There are many risk factors associated with drowsiness, such as chronic sleepiness caused by frequent lack of sleep, acute sleep loss, and work shifts. A variety of circumstances can account for acute sleep loss like taking care of children, vacations, short-term work demands, and social events. Irregular work schedules, late night or overtime shifts may throw off a person’s internal clock and lead to increased sleepiness. The amount of time a person spends behind the wheel can also contribute to their level of fatigued. Tractor trailer drivers, for example, often experience fatigue because of the many hours they spend on the road.

Lack of sleep is not the only reason for drowsiness. Potent medications like sedatives, antidepressants or antihistamines used to treat allergies and colds, and even alcohol consumption can influence levels of tiredness.

The Dangers and Warning Signs of Drowsy Driving

Boston is surrounded by major highways and interstates like the Mass Pike, Routes 128, 495, 93 and 95. It is important to be vigilant of dangerous drivers and be aware of your own driving habits. According to a study by AAA, drowsy driving accounts for 17% of all motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Unlike drunk driving accidents, where a driver’s blood alcohol content can be measured, there is no objective way to measure how tired a person is.
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April 12, 2013

Fatal Text Message Serves as Warning to Massachusetts Drivers of the Dangers of Distracted Driving

by Altman & Altman

The parents of a University of Northern Colorado student who died last week while texting and driving, are hoping that a photo of the text he was sending just before he crashed, will remind other drivers to put the phone down while behind the wheel.

“In a split second you could ruin your future, injure or kill others, and tear a hole in the heart of everyone who loves you,” the victim’s mother, Sharron Heit said.

Alexander Heit was responding to a friend’s message when he drifted into oncoming traffic, jerked the wheel of his car, and then went off the road, rolling his car. Heit never sent the message and a screenshot from his iPhone was published to serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of distracted driving.

MA Laws

Massachusetts has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to texting and driving. While individuals over 18 are allowed to talk on a cell phone while driving, all drivers, no matter what type of license they carry are banned from text messaging while operating a motor vehicle.
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March 12, 2013

Tragic Car Accident Reminds All MA Drivers to Make Sure Children Are Safe in the Car

by Altman & Altman

Last night, 3-year old Jayden Figueroa was tragically killed when his mother, Christina Castro, lost control of her Toyota Camry while driving in Worcester, MA. Jayden’s two brothers ages 5 and 7, were also passengers in Castro’s car, and suffered injuries from the accident. None of the three boys were properly restrained.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among young children and young adults in America. It is estimated that 1 out of every 3 Americans will be injured or killed in a motor vehicle crash.

According to the CDC, 1,314 children under the age of 14 were killed and 179,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes in 2009. Properly restraining your child with a federally approved child safety seat reduces the risk of death or serious injury of a child by more than 50%.
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February 5, 2013

MA State Police: Drive Slowly to Avoid Car Accidents in Snow

by Altman & Altman

With winter not yet finished bringing more dangerous road conditions and car accidents to the area, Massachusetts State Police are advising people to drive slowly but not to panic. “Once again, Massachusetts is gearing up for another snow storm,” State Police said in a press release. “This can cause major delays in traffic, accidents and other headaches making the daily commute stressful.”

Police offered the following tips to help reduce the risk of car accidents:

1. Be patient. “It’s New England, and we’ve been here before,” officials stated. “Remember to be patient with those operators with less skill driving in these expected conditions.”

2. Slow down, so your vehicle will be less likely to slide when snow and freezing rain create slippery road conditions.

3. Leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicles around you.

4. Plan ahead for the possibility that your commute will take longer than usual.

5. Having an SUV or other four-wheel drive vehicle doesn’t amount to invincibility. “Please, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security,” officials wrote. “Your four-wheel drive vehicle does not ensure you have better stopping or steering capabilities.”

6. Clear snow and ice off your vehicle before hitting the road. “Heavy chunks of snow coming off of buses and trucks can cause heavy damage to other vehicles,” officials said. “Clearing off just enough snow to barely see out of a small cleared spot in your windshield doesn’t count.”

7. Be careful around plow trucks and sanders, giving them plenty of space in which to operate.

8. Don’t text while driving. It’s always illegal and dangerous, but it becomes even more hazardous when wintery weather is in effect.

9. Don’t rage at other drivers. “Road rage will not get to your destination any faster,” State Police advised. “Don’t engage other operators in aggressive driving. Please note your location and call 911 if you observe such behavior.”
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January 25, 2013

Most Dangerous Intersection in MA Pioneer Valley Gets Improvements

by Altman & Altman

The most dangerous intersection in Western Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley is about to get safer.

Planned improvements to the intersection of Boston Road and Parker Street in Springfield include advanced signage to help drivers plan where they’re going in the intersection, increasing the size and brightness of traffic signals, enhancing nighttime lighting, and most significantly: consolidating commercial driveways near the intersection to improve traffic flow, said Allan Chwalek, Springfield’s public works superintendent.

These changes are due in part to a recent report from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission that examined 100 high-crash intersections in the region, and found Boston Road-Parker Street to be the most dangerous.

Longtime Springfield resident Jennifer Smith, who was running an errand at the Walgreens located at the intersection’s northeast corner, said she was so frustrated with traffic on this busy roadway that she decided to move to Wilbraham, “That way, I never have to drive on Parker Street again.”

Even with the scheduled improvements, however, the intersection will probably remain in the list of top 10 most dangerous intersections due to the high volume of traffic that flows through it, said Chwalek. “It’s just an incredibly busy intersection,” he said. “There is not a tremendous amount of changes that can be done. I would be surprised if it ever fell out of the top 10.” Approximately 50,000 vehicles a day – totaling 16 to 17 million a year – travel through the Boston Road – Parker Street intersection, earning it the distinction of busiest crossroads in Western Mass, said Chwalek.

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission conducts traffic studies every other year, but this was the first time comprehensive data for Springfield and the Boston Road – Parker Street intersection was included, said executive director Timothy Brennan. The studies have found that almost half of the Pioneer Valley’s high-crash intersections are located in Springfield. “It was definitely the ‘aha’ moment'” (pertaining to the study), said Brennan.

One positive takeaway from these statistics is that the high number of accidents in Springfield will help attract state and federal funds to make the city’s roads safer. “More and more at the federal and state level, safety has become a key criteria in how federal and state dollars are spent,” Brennan said.
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November 26, 2012

Holiday Travel Car Safety

by Altman & Altman

As Thanksgiving weekend comes to an end, so does one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, and New England roadways return to business as usual. An estimated 1.7 million people took to the roads in New England the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the days following the holiday proved to be as busy.

The busiest travel days in the Bay State occurred Wednesday and Sunday as major backups and minor accidents occurred. Traffic was heavy on Interstate 93 and the Mass Turnpike on Wednesday; on Thursday, holiday travelers were jammed in a thirteen mile backup on I-90. On Sunday, the intersecting point of Interstate 84 and Interstate 90 proved to be the source of the most traffic during the day.

Two minor car accidents occurred on the Mass Pike this Sunday as well as many similar accidents throughout the weekend. The accidents caused prolonged backups for a major part of the day. No major accidents were reported. Authorities in Connecticut reported that two people had died on the state’s roadways.
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