Underride crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries and death. Each year, hundreds of people are killed in underride collisions, which occur when an SUV or car slides or skids under a big-rig truck. The result is that the smaller vehicle often gets crushed and the roof gets sheered, trapping occupants of the smaller vehicle inside. These collisions often occur from the side or the rear. For example, a tractor-trailer spins out and jack-knives on the roadway in order to avoid a crash, however, the cars traveling behind it suddenly find...
Top parking lot hazards where businesses are held liable
People may know that someone who slips and falls on a business premises can hold that business liable for injuries. But what people may not know is that premises safety and liability extend much further. Parking lot security – Security in parking lots could include multiple things such as cameras, good lighting, emergency phones and security guards either patrolling the lot or offering to escort people to their cars. Poor lighting – This goes along with security issues. Poor lighting could be an invitation to criminals that this location...
Can you spot a drunk driver on the road?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that drunk driving accounted for 10,511 deaths related to fatal crashes in 2018. NHSTA further stated that this numbers means 30 people a day are dying related to these crashes. If you are a commuter or anyone who uses roads with any frequency, it’s helpful to know how to stay safe and avoid these reckless drivers. What to look for Here are some of the tips compiled by Mother’s Against Drunk Driving to help you spot a driver who may be drunk: Does the driver cross traffic...
Why you should give commercial drivers more room
We all know that delivery services have gone up during 2020 for two big reasons: stay-at-home orders and people just generally buying into the convenience of shopping online. It’s common sense that there would be more truck drivers on the highways and residential streets. But with more of these large commercial vehicles using the roadways, what has that done to vehicle crashes? In March 2020, a report from the National Safety Council stated that fatal crashes have gone up nationally 14%, and crash fatalities are up 17% in New York. This is...
4 ways to advocate for a loved one in a nursing home
Not being able to see a loved one regularly when they are in a care facility can be stressful and worrisome. Knowing that many people are falling ill or dying from coronavirus and its complications only adds to this distress and worry about people you care about. As of May 3, 2020, 15 states have passed laws in an effort to protect nursing homes from being held accountable during the pandemic. New York is one of those states. ABC7NY news reported 20,000 deaths nationwide in nursing homes since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The health and care...
What kind of evidence can help your claim after a car crash?
Without evidence, the investigation into a car crash would likely involve just the conflicting accounts of the drivers involved. Evidence helps police officers and other parties, like insurance companies and the courts, know what actually happened during and after a wreck. Adequate documentation of what occurred at the time of the crash can make a big difference in the success of your claim for compensation and how much you are able to secure. Without the right evidence, you may struggle to make even an insurance claim, let alone bring a...
The pandemic is not an excuse for lax safety standards
Just a quick glance at headlines across the construction industry reveals a clear picture of a troubling situation. Despite COVID-19 prompting the shutdown of many projects, dangerous accidents at construction sites continue. The construction worker safety conversation has become all but lost amid discussion of the pandemic. But the continued existence and spread of COVID-19 is not an excuse for employers to ignore their worker safety responsibilities. Trainings must continue if possible Things are hectic right now. The Occupational Safety...
What might workplace safety training look like during the pandemic?
As workplaces continue to navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19, many employees remain worried about their own personal health. While the pandemic is indeed something that requires workers to take precautions, do not let it overshadow the basic, everyday dangers posed by certain jobs. Ladders remain a serious worry on construction sites. Railroad workers are still at risk of serious head or limb injuries. The same risks that were present prior to the coronavirus outbreak still exist today. Because of this, workplace safety requirements can’t...
With fewer cars on the road, drivers speed, crashes worsen
The pandemic of 2020 has been a time of staying at home and less driving. But now that the state and country are opening up, people need to be careful to stay safe on the road. When people do drive, many have been speeding or not paying attention due to the lack of other cars on the road. But this carelessness has also led to more serious crashes. On June 12, a fatal crash was reported in Gowanda County. One person died and multiple others were injured in the early morning crash. This is just one more in many recent reports of fatal crashes...
How does New York’s Scaffold Law protect workers?
Everybody knows the construction industry is dangerous due, in large part, to the great heights at which individuals must work. It is for this reason basic safety laws exist. The workers deserve to be protected. Yet according to the most recent Deadly Skyline report, falls remain the top cause of fatalities on construction sites. In addition, fall protections account for the most frequent construction site violation cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. All of this underscores the continued need for the Scaffold Law. Why...
