$27 billion of the federal economic stimulus package has been set aside for Highway construction. Large states like Florida will get their fare share. There is no doubt the money will fund a much needed increase in new roads as well as repairs to old ones. Unfortunately, The Federal Highway Administration has predicted the increase in Highway construction will also cause an increase in work zone related driver personal injuries and death. According to an article written by Mike McIntire and published in the New York Times, many of these work zone car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and truck accidents might have been avoided if better safety measures were utilized by the construction companies involved. The article does an excellent job of detailing the various types of hazards that pose a risk to drivers including failures to deploy warning signs, improper traffic lane markings, barriers placed in the wrong position, and drop offs between lanes. It also describes a lack of Uniform National Safety Standards that would definitely save lives if they were put into place.

Personal injury lawsuits brought in the wake of highway and roadway work zone tragedies hold wrongdoers accountable, clarify the cause of the accidents, and compensate victims. They also play a role in encouraging contractors to implement safety measures so they can avoid personal injury lawsuits in the future.

Posted by Scott Distasio at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In June of 2009, President Obama nominated Anne Ferro to head the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Her record on automobile safety issues is mixed. While head of Maryland's motor vehicle agency from 1997 to 2003 she was involved in implementing a graduated licensing system for new drivers and an ignition interlock program for drunk drivers. On the other hand, from 2003 until her nomination, she was President of the Maryland affiliate of the American Trucking Association where she spent her time lobbying on behalf of the trucking Industry. Some say her time tenure with the American trucking Association was spent supporting the trucking industry's efforts to undermine policies and programs needed to protect the public from dangerous industry practices. Ms Ferro's nomination sparked a debate at the time over whether she was the right person for the job. Askthetrucker.com has done an excellent job of documenting the debate as it unfolded.

Ms. Ferro's confirmation hearings began on September 23, 2009. The process has reignited the controvesy. For example, a recent New York Times Editorial column was very critical of the appointment. For the most recent discussion, go to William Cassidy's post at the Journal of Commerce.

Posted by Scott Distasio at 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Truck drivers are the backbone of the economic distribution system in the United States. Most of them are hard working Americans that are making an honest living. However, the pressure to deliver the load on time can sometimes lead to avoidable truck accidents.

One of the greatest pressures on some truck drivers comes in the form of driving without sufficient rest. When such conduct leads to an avoidable accident that causes personal inury, the injured person is entitled to compensation. In a recent video, I discussed the fact that state and federal regulations are in place to try and avoid these accidents. To view the video, click on this Trucking accident link.

Posted by Scott Distasio at 9:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)