Practice Safe Driving in Massachusetts this Winter

Many people become nervous drivers when the weather starts to turn ugly, and rightfully so. Cars and other vehicles behave differently under wet, icy, and snowy conditions, and so it is difficult to feel comfortable during such weather. But by taking certain precautions you can help ensure that, when you have to, you can get to point A to point B safely. As experienced car accident attorneys with the Kiley Law Group, we have seen too many accidents caused by one driver’s lack of consideration for the safety of others.

By taking the following safety precautions, you will also help keep yourself and your passengers safe from other drivers who may not be driving appropriately for the weather or road conditions:

• First, if you can avoid driving in harsh weather conditions, do it. It is not worth the safety risk for that box of cookies or that cup of coffee with your friend that you see all the time anyway.
• If you have to drive in bad weather or road conditions, drive as slow as you need to in order to travel safely, but be careful not to create another hazard for other drivers. There’s a difference between driving slowly to be cautious and driving so slow that you yourself are a safety hazard for other drivers.
• Keep your headlights on and be vigilant of others. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if your visibility is limited, and be on the lookout for other drivers.
• Stay clear of snow plows and never pass them while they are in operation.
• Don’t expect that all other drivers will be as safe or considerate as you. Keep a generous following distance.

When a Boston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

It is unfortunate that much of the time, you are not in complete control of your own health and safety while driving. But when another person’s negligence causes an injury accident, they can be held liable in civil court. If you have been injured due to the reckless or negligent actions of another driver in Massachusetts, the Boston vehicle accident attorneys at Kiley Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options. To tell one of our lawyers about your particular situation, call us for a free consultation at (888) 208-1695.

Driver Killed after Crash with Utility Pole in Bourne

What Happened

According to The Cape Cod Times, an unidentified driver collided with a utility police earlier this morning in Bourne and suffered fatal injuries as a result of the impact. 

The deadly accident took place at about 9:30 a.m. on the southbound side of Route 28.  The force of the impact caused the utility pole to split completely in half. 

Additionally, emergency crews were forced to turn off a power grid in the area surrounding the crash due to the live electrical wires from the utility pole.  Once the grid was shut off, the crews were able to rescue the driver from the vehicle, who had been trapped inside.  Officials have reported that the driver has since been pronounced dead.

The driver was operating a vehicle with a Rhode Island registration, though it is not known at this time if the driver was also from Rhode Island.  It was reported that gusts of wind exceeding 50 mph as well as downpours were in the area around the time of the accident, but authorities are not reporting if the weather was a contributing factor in causing the fatal accident.

Route 28 South was closed to traffic to allow officials to investigate the accident and reconstruct the scene.

Fatal Fixed Object Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 45 reported collisions involving passenger vehicles with fixed objects in 2010 in Massachusetts that resulted in a fatality.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that fixed objects can include utility poles, trees, traffic barriers, buildings and fences, among others.  Trees accounted for 50% of fixed object accidents that resulted in fatalities across the U.S. in 2010, while utility poles accounted for 14% of fatal fixed object accidents that same year.

When Should You Call a Personal Injury Law Firm?

No matter how safe of a driver you are on Massachusetts highways and back roads, you may not be able to prevent an accident caused by another reckless or negligent driver. 

If you suffered injuries in an accident that occurred solely because of another’s negligence, you may be legally entitled to pursue compensation from the at-fault party for all that you have been through.

For a completely free evaluation of your case, contact the knowledgeable personal injury attorneys with Kiley Law Group at (888) 208-1695.