Texas Personal Injury Lawyers – Jim Adler & Associates – Blog

On the morning of June 10, 2009, a blowout on a Houston freeway triggered a cascade of events that could have been fatal for the drivers involved. A blowout caused an 18 wheeler to jackknife and slam into two cars. Miraculously, all the drivers walked away unhurt; even the driver of the pickup truck with the tire that suddenly failed. There’s a lesson in the accident for all drivers. They can be in serious danger in the blink of an eye.
According to experts, most accidents happen in two seconds, barely enough time for drivers to react to the danger. But they agree that vigilance saves lives. They urge drivers not to talk on cell phones, send text messages, and eat or drink while driving. Drivers who need to engage in any of these seemingly harmless activities should pull over and park.
In 2007, 41,059 people died in accidents on American roads according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Those between the ages of 21 and 24 had the highest fatality rate. Those between the ages of 16 and 20 had the highest rate of injuries. Statistics show that teen drivers are three times as likely to get into a fatal accident as others. Yet these are the drivers who frequently text, talk, eat and sometimes “dance” behind the wheel to the upbeat sounds of a favorite rock band while driving. Parents need to make their teens aware that accidents happen in seconds.
“Stay alert and stay alive.” It’s a good motto on the road anytime for every age. Combined with defensive driving techniques, vigilance pays off.