Thursday, June 27, 2013

Firearm Safety 101

Every year, events in the news prompt us to rethink gun control and gun safety. More and more, we realize that while guns can provide safety, a mechanism for hunting and other hobbies, and an outlet for stress on the range, they are dangerous and even a simple mistake can lead to deadly consequences. If you are thinking about purchasing a gun to protect yourself, your children, and other family members, it’s important to have a basic rundown of the simple facts before attempting to use one at all. Not all guns are the same and therefore, some firearms will have unique safety features and requirements that you should follow on an individual basis. However, all firearms safety measures start with the same basic ideas and principles. Here are some of the most important safety principles for firearms safety to get you started:

NHTSA: Still No Deadline for Car Backup Camera Rules

Every year, pedestrians are injured or killed when a driver backs into or over a person. Backover accidents commonly occur because the driver was not paying attention or was unable to see the entire space behind the vehicle before reversing. As many Boston vehicle accident lawyers are aware, most victims of backovers tend to be children or the elderly when playing or walking in a private driveway.

In an effort to prevent backover accidents, many automakers began installing cameras mounted to the rear of the vehicle that would allow drivers to watch for pedestrians or other objects behind the car. The backup cameras were found to have the highest potential for reducing backovers, according to studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Tips for Preparing Your Car for Summer Road Trips

Summer is quickly approaching and for many Americans that means it’s time to plan and prepare for a family road trip. Whether you plan on crossing several states or staying more local, it is important to prepare your vehicle for the journey. Even if you choose to take your car to a trusted auto shop for an inspection, it can be helpful to know the basics of car maintenance to prevent Boston auto accidents.

The following tips will help ensure that your vehicle is ready to hit the road:

Tires – During the summer, your tires should be inflated near the maximum limit. Make sure you have a spare tire in case of a tire blowout. Never over-inflate your tires.

Fluids – Every vehicle runs on a number of fluids in order to function properly. Be sure to inspect your car’s transmission, gas tank, brakes, radiator, and power steering for adequate levels of the appropriate fluid.

Brakes – If the brakes squeak or stepping on the pedal feels soft, take your car to a professional as soon as possible.

Belts and Hoses – Aged or weathered belts or hoses can crack and leak fluid. Make sure each belt and hose is properly secured and free of damage.

Lights – Bright and clear headlights and blinkers will help you see and react to road conditions and other vehicles on the road. Dim or flickering lights can be hazardous.

Protect yourself and your family this summer by ensuring that your vehicle is in top shape. If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident in Massachusetts as a result of another person’s reckless actions, please contact a personal injury lawyer at the Kiley Law Group. Call (888) 208-1695 for a free consultation.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Report a Haverhill Pothole, Win $25 Gift Card

Haverhill mayor, James Fiorentini, is calling on local residents to report potholes so they can be fixed quickly by Haverhill’s Public Works Department, the Eagle Tribune reports. The town’s streets and roadways are riddled with potholes which pose danger of causing auto accidents.

As a way to encourage residents to report bumps and holes on the road, the mayor is launching a pothole contest, in which all Haverhill residents who report a pothole on a city street in Haverhill will automatically be entered into a drawing where three lucky winners will receive a $25 gift card each. The gift cards are donated to the contest by local businesses.

The contest ends May 10.

The goal, according to the mayor, is to fill all reported potholes within two business days.

To report a pothole, send email to pothole@cityofhaverhill.com or call 978-374-2364.

This news is brought to you by the Boston car accident injury lawyers at Kiley Law Group, LLC. Our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of auto accident victims for over 30 years. If you have recently been injured in an accident, call the toll-free number 888-208-1695 to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our attorneys today.

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Make the Pledge to Avoid Distractions while Driving for Distracted Driving Awareness Month

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and an opportune time to recognize the dangers of distracted driving as well as the simple steps you can take to prevent it.

Whenever you get behind the wheel, you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of other people on the road around you. A driver may be comfortable doing other things while driving, like talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, or other tasks, but it takes the driver’s attention off the road. All it takes is one second of inattention to cause a fatal distracted driving accident. Looking down at a phone or even GPS navigation can make a driver miss a green light turning to yellow and red. If there is pedestrian is in the crosswalk when that driver runs the red light or applies his or her brakes too late, it may result in a tragic accident.  

What You Can Do

Any task that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off of driving is a distraction and can potentially lead to causing injury or death to someone’s child, parent, spouse, sibling, or best friend. It is important to recognize these as distractions and not do them. This will not only help you drive more safely, but you will then be in a position to avoid dangerous situations that may be caused by other drivers.

For Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Kiley Law Group urges drivers to help keep themselves and others safe by pledging to:

1. Never text and drive;

2. Never talk on a cell phone while driving;

3. Never eat while driving, especially when involving a full meal;

4. Never turn around to have conversations with passengers;

5. Secure children and/or pets when in the car;

6. Never drive while fatigued or drowsy;

7. Never surf the Internet while driving; and

8. Never read or watch video while driving.

If there is an emergency, pull over before making or taking any phone calls or texts. Cell phones haven’t always been around. For the convenience of being able to get personal news wherever a driver is (if he or she has a cell phone), he or she can take the first highway exit or pull over and park before handling the situation.