South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog

Published on: February 13, 2012

February Campaign Pushing Move Over Law to Reduce Risks of Car Accident in Miami and Elsewhere

When you see a police car with lights flashing by the roadside, you must move over a lane to offer them space to do their job safely. Under Florida’s Move Over Law, you must slow down to 20 miles per hour under the speed limit. For those who don’t, you run the risk of a serious car accident in Miami and elsewhere.

Since 1999, there have been over 170 officers killed and thousands more injured in the line of duty after being hit by a passing motor vehicle. Now, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and troopers from neighboring states are doing their part to help to protect them.

Our Miami car accident attorneys support the month-long campaign to enforce and educate drivers about the Move Over Law. We’re joining the effort, along with the Alabama Department of Public Safety, FHP and the Georgia State Patrol to help to promote the Move Over Law and help protect our law enforcement officials and roadside workers. The recent announcement of the joint efforts was made by Col. David Brierton of the FHP, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

“All too often, a law enforcement officer, paramedic or wrecker operator is seriously injured or killed while they are doing their job because a vehicle drove too close,” said Brierton.

The campaign will be ongoing during the month of February. During this time, police officers throughout Georgia, Alabama and Florida will be hitting our interstates and other busy highways in full force in search of drivers who fail to move over to protect our roadside workers. Troopers and deputies will be looking for other traffic law violators, so be careful and drive smart.

July will mark the 10th anniversary since the Move Over Law took effect. Here are the basics of the law:

-Whenever you see an emergency vehicle or a wrecker parked on the side of the road with its flashing emergency lights activated, you’re required to get out of the lane of travel closest to that vehicle. You’re required to do this when you’re traveling on a road with two or more lanes of travel that are going in the same direction as you.

-If you can’t move over on a multi-lane roadway to make room for the emergency vehicle, slow down and travel at least 20 miles-per-hour under the posted speed limit.

-If you’re on a roadway where the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or slower, you’re required to slow down to 5 miles per hour.

Motorists who violate these rules are not only putting themselves and their passengers at risks. They also endanger our emergency workers and other innocent motorists. If an officer busts you for not properly moving over, you can be faced with a fine and points on your license.
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Published on: February 6, 2012

Fog, Smoke Can Trigger Car Accidents in Port St. Lucie, Elsewhere

By Dean Freeman

An 11th victim has been discovered after two massive pile-ups on I-75 late last month that are being attributed to heavy morning fog and smoke from a nearby brush fire.

The Associated Press is reporting it took recovery crews two days to find the deceased man, who was trapped in his truck following the the deadly Florida car accident.

Our Port St. Lucie car accident attorneys have since learned that investigators are employing the help of anthropologists to identify the victims of the fiery crashes, which burned with such intensity that it melted glass and metal.

According to news reports, the man’s pick-up was crushed between other vehicles.

Originally, officials with the Florida Highway Patrol had shut down the six-lane interstate due to smoke and fog conditions originating from a 62-acre brush fire that was burning nearby. The road was re-opened, and that’s when the first traffic crash happened.

There, more than 12 cars, six tractor trailers and a motorhome all smashed into each other. Some cars caught fire. Others were trapped underneath large semi-trucks.

In addition to those who were killed, 18 people were rushed to the emergency room with injuries.

Visibility was so impacted, rescue workers had to fight their way to the fog, smoke and fire toward the screams.

Officials are planning to analyze the protocol used to determine it would be acceptable to re-open the roadway, and decide whether improvements need to be made for the future.

Currently, a supervisor with the highway patrol makes the call, but he or she relies on the assessment of troopers on the ground. They also incorporate data from the National Weather Service.

Dry conditions throughout the state during the winter months make Florida prime for brush fires, according to the Florida Forest Service. Although a natural part of the state’s ecological health, brush fires can quickly turn deadly for motorists seeking to navigate through the thick smoke.

Combined with fog, which is essentially a cloud resting on the ground, it can create an extremely hazardous condition for drivers.

The state’s Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles has issued the following advice for Florida drivers who encounter fog and smoke:

1. Use your low beam lights. Your brights will be reflected back in heavy smoke or fog conditions, and will only reduce your ability to see even more. Low lights, however, will help other drivers to see you. Make sure also that your headlights and windshields are clear of debris and dirt, which could make it even tougher for you to see.

2. Drive slowly. Make certain you’ll be able to stop in the distance you can see ahead of you. Sometimes, fog and smoke create an illusion of slow motion, when you might in fact be traveling fast. Speed is often a factor in fog and smoke-related crashes.

3. Be on the lookout for slow-moving or parked vehicles. Turn off your radio, put down your cell phone and roll down your window so you can listen for other vehicles you might not be able to see.

4. Defrosters and wipers can be used to help you see better as well if the moisture is building up on your windshield.

5. Drive along the right edge of the road, where you can allow the road markings to guide you.

6. Make sure to use your turn signal well before you turn and brake early before you stop.

7. If you’re on a highway, don’t stop, as that could cause a serious accident. If you need to pull off the road, use your turn signal, and then gradually, carefully pull as far off the road as you can. Then turn on your hazards and step away from your vehicle and away from the highway.

8. Be patient. These conditions are not the time to drive aggressively or speed.
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Published on: February 4, 2012

Fort Lauderdale Passengers Should be Wary of Cruise Ship Accidents, Injury and Illness

By Dean Freeman

International reports of the tragic Costa Concordia cruise ship wreck — and the shameful actions of the vessel’s captain — have not only sunk future cruise sales, but also the belief that a captain and crew will do everything possible to protect passengers.

Catastrophic cruise ship wrecks like the one that happened off the coast of Italy (in which 17 people died and another 15 are still missing) are extremely rare.
However, many other dangers lurk that could be a recipe for a Fort Lauderdale cruise ship accident resulting in serious illness or injury to passengers.

Our Fort Lauderdale cruise ship accident attorneys know that dozens of accidents and illnesses are reported on cruise ships each year. The actual numbers are likely much higher, as some of these instances may never be reported.

Customers who expect a carefree vacation may find the trip more resembles a nightmare. Cruise ships can sometimes be especially prone to infectious diseases, due to the close quarters for sleeping, dining and swimming. If the cruise ship staff doesn’t employ proper sanitation measures, passengers are even more at risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the Vessel Sanitation Program requires each ship to report the number of gastrointestinal illnesses found by the ship’s medical staff when it’s arriving in the U.S. from a foreign port. If that number is higher than 2 percent for passengers and crew, a separate notification is required.

An outbreak is classified as an illness that involves more than 100 passengers or more than 3 percent of the total number on board who have reported symptoms of diarrhea or some other stomach illness.

Of the 14 cruise liner outbreaks reported by the CDC last year, 10 involved the Norovirus, which is an infection that lasts several days and is characterized by diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Most people can recover without treatment, but for babies, the elderly and people with other underlying diseases, it can cause severe dehydration and illness.

The infection is highly contagious, and is usually spread by food or water that is contaminated with fecal matter during preparation.

Another two cases from last year involved cruise ship passengers who were sickened with E. coli, a bacterial infection caused by contaminated food or water. It can result in anything from cramps, diarrhea and vomiting to life-threatening kidney failure, particularly for children and the elderly.

In 2012, there have already been two cruise ship outbreaks reported.

In addition to illnesses, injuries can unfortunately occur on a cruise ship.

In the Costa Concordia case, more than 4,000 people were aboard when the ship crashed. The captain is reported to have abandoned the ship, leaving passengers to fend for their own survival. Recovery crews continue to search for bodies, while the captain remains under house arrest on charges of manslaughter and abandoning ship.

Perhaps a more common problem for cruise ship passengers is slip-and-fall accidents, particularly in cruise ship showers, or on slippery decks or walkways. A wet floor is dangerous enough. One that is moving can be even more treacherous.

Many of these illnesses and injuries are treated on board the ship by the cruise line’s medical staff, who are required to offer you reasonable treatment under the circumstances. However, some cruise lines will take liberties by interpreting the law in a very broad sense.
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Published on: February 2, 2012

New Regulations Aim to Reduce Pompano Beach Trucking Accidents

By Dean Freeman

No one would argue truckers have an easy job.

The hours are long and the ride can be physically grueling, mentally exhausting and potentially dangerous.

The nature of the work and the fact that truckers are often hauling heavy and dangerous materials means everyone who shares the road with them are at risk for truck accidents in Pompano Beach and elsewhere.

Our Pompano Beach truck accident attorneys know that in 2008, one out of every nine traffic fatalities involved a large truck. In fact, that same year, more than 4,000 large trucks were involved in fatal accidents and some 66,000 were involved in crashes that resulted in at least one injury.

Now, the U.S. Department of Transportation is tightening restrictions on the trucking industry in an effort to curb fatalities and injuries that happen due to large trucks.

According to a recent news release, Ray LaHood, the secretary of the federal agency announced a nationwide response to the issue of trucker fatigue by limiting the number of consecutive hours a trucker can be on the road. The agency has also re-written the minimum safety requirements for those who drive commercial trucks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has successfully revised trucking rules. Under the new guidelines, truckers will work 12 less hours in any given week. That means they will be allowed to drive 70 hours in a week. Previously, most truckers averaged 82 hours over a 7-day period.

Also under the new rule, truckers will be mandated to take at least a 30-minute break every eight hours, though they are encouraged to make more frequent stops if they feel themselves getting drowsy.

Plus, in a 24-hour period, the trucker will only be allowed on the road for 11 hours. The safety administration is considering whether that may also be too many. For now, the 11-hour rule stands.

For truckers who breeze through those 70 hours, they’ll need to restart their clock and get two consecutive nights of rest.

While it doesn’t entirely solve the issue of trucking accidents in Pompano Beach and throughout Florida, the hope is that it will drive down the number of fatal accidents and injuries that result when these over-sized vehicles are involved.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, large trucks were more likely than smaller vehicles to be involved in a crash that involved multiple vehicles. In fact, 82 percent of all fatal crashes where a large truck was involved also involved multiple cars. Compare that to 58 percent of all passenger vehicle wrecks that involved multiple cars.

In most of the cases where a truck accident was fatal, it happened on a rural road, during the well-lit daytime hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on regular weekdays.

It remains to be seen whether trucking accident statistics will be affected by the new rules.

We hope.

In the meantime, companies that violate the new rules could face fines of $11,000 for each offense. Drivers can also be fined civil penalties of up to $2,750 for each violation.
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Published on: January 31, 2012

Elderly Population Expected to Expand, Increasing Risks of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in West Palm Beach and Elsewhere

By Dean Freeman

They’re questions that many of us wonder. What if our loved ones need medical assistance and no one’s there? What if they slip and fall? What if they slip into a fog of dementia? They’re common questions asked about our elderly loved ones. In many cases, thousands of miles separate us from our loved ones. As residents are ready to retire, a number of them make their way to Florida to enjoy some much-deserved time off and retirement. With the lack of supervision, many younger relatives worry about injury in West Palm Beach and elsewhere as a result of old age and deteriorating abilities.

According to FOX News, the number of seniors is quickly growing and many are struggling to care for an ailing loved one from thousands of miles away. For this reason, it’s important to stay well-informed about your elderly loved ones health status. When it’s time to place them into a nursing home or an assisted living center, it’s important to pick one that can adequately care for your family member when you’re not there to do so yourself.

Our West Palm Beach nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys understand that nearly 10 million Americans are long-distance caregivers. Over the next forty years, the number of people over the age of 64 is expected to increase rapidly while the number of people under the age of 21 is expected to remain steady. What this means is that there will be a smaller number of people between the ages of 20- and 64-years-old who will be responsible for looking after the growing elderly population.

“You just want to be in two places at once,” said Kay Branch from Anchorage, Alaska who looks after her parents who live in Lakeland, nearly 4,000 miles away.

Nowadays, a lot of long-distance caregivers are relying on video chats to check in on their loved ones, but you can’t video chat all day every day. When you feel that your loved one is at risk for injuring themselves or for wandering off, it’s important to find them a nursing home that they can feel comfortable at and that they can call home.

Florida Nursing Home Facts:

-Florida is the home of many nursing home residents because of the favorable tax laws for senior citizens.

-In 2006, Florida was ranked as the top state to retire by Money Magazine.

-Florida has the largest senior population in the country.

-Florida has low sales tax, no income tax, tax exemptions for residents and numerous popular communities, making the state quite appealing for seniors.

Families are urged to visit the OurParents website to look at nursing home facilities throughout the state when considering a home for your loved one. You want to make sure that these facilities provide adequate care, have passed health inspections and have a minimal amount of complaints filed. It’s important to choose a home with a positive reputation that both you and your elderly family member approves of.
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Published on: January 29, 2012

Two Injured in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident in Fort Lauderdale

By Dean Freeman

A recent hit-and-run car accident in Fort Lauderdale left two pedestrians injured. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the accident happened on Northeast 4th Avenue in the early morning hours. One pedestrian, 40-years-old, was taken to Broward General Medical Center and was last listed in critical condition. A second pedestrian was injured after he was hit by the same car’s side mirror.

The female driver, 22-years-old, did not stop after the accident. Officers were able to locate and make an arrest after the suspect was followed by a witness. She is being charged with leaving the scene of an accident with bodily injury and careless driving. Authorities are awaiting the results of a DUI test as well.

As we recently reported on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, Florida is the most dangerous state in the country for pedestrian accidents. Florida holds the four top slots for most dangerous metro areas. Pedestrian accidents cost the state millions every year. It’s estimated that about 9 pedestrians die every week in the state. In addition to these fatalities, it’s estimated that another 6 pedestrians are injured every day.

In more than half of all fatal pedestrian accidents, the driver is at fault.

There are a few simple safety precautions that drivers in Florida can take to help reduce their risks of being involved in an accident with a pedestrian. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLDHSMV) encourages motorists of all kinds of to be cautious of our vulnerable pedestrians.

Safe Driving Tips to Avoid Pedestrian Accidents:

-Remember that pedestrians can be anywhere, even places where they’re not supposed to be found. Always keep an eye out for our on-foot travelers.

-Pedestrians can be difficult to see, especially when there’s bad weather or when it’s nighttime. During these times, slow down and keep an eye out.

-When driving near a crosswalk, slow down and be ready to stop.

-Always stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if the crosswalk is not marked.

-When stopping for a pedestrian, stop well back so that other drivers will also be able to see them in time to stop, too.

-Never pass or overtake other cars that are stopped for pedestrians.

-When you’re making a turn, you have to wait for a “gap” in traffic. Remember that as you’re watching for the “gap,” pedestrians are looking for the “gap” as well.

-Be extra careful in residential and school areas where child pedestrians are likely.

-Never weave in and out of traffic when driving near areas in which pedestrians are likely. Not only does this increase your risks for a pedestrian accident, but it increases your risks for a car accident as well.

-Be careful when turning. Pedestrians can overlook your turn signals or may not recognize your desire to turn, always check and double check before making a turn.

-Be cautious when reversing, whether it be out of a parking spot or out of a driveway. Do so slowly and turn around constantly to remain aware of your surroundings.
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Published on: January 28, 2012

Pedestrian Accident in North Fort Pierce Kills 60-Year-Old Woman

By Dean Freeman

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) a fatal pedestrian accident in North Fort Pierce took the life of a 60-year-old as she tried to walk across U.S. 1 from St. Lucie Boulevard. Reportedly, the woman was crossing the street just before 7 p.m. when she was hit by a passing vehicle.

St. Lucie County Fire Rescue reports that the woman was transported to a local hospital where she was later pronounced dead. The fatal pedestrian accident is still being investigated by the FHP, reports News Channel 5. It has been confirmed that this was not a hit-and-run accident.

As we’ve previously discussed on our South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, Florida was ranked as the most dangerous state in the U.S. for pedestrian accidents. Florida metro areas ranked in the top four spots for the most dangerous metro areas in the nation. In a nine-year study conducted by Transportation For America, the nation saw more than 45,000 pedestrians killed in traffic-related accidents across the country. During this same time period, Florida witnessed more than 5,000 of these pedestrian fatalities. These accidents cost our state well over $22 billion. What’s unfortunate is that many of these accidents are preventable with a little bit of driver and pedestrian awareness and courteousness.

According to See The Blind Spots, nearly 10 pedestrians die in the state of Florida every day. Six pedestrians are seriously injured in traffic-related accidents every day. The pro-pedestrian website, See The Blind Spots, also reports that 11 of the 25 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians are in the state of Florida. More than 60 percent of the time, drivers are at fault in these fatal, traffic-related pedestrian accidents. There are a number of factors that contribute to these crashes, including driving under the influence, texting, speeding, failing to yield and even turning into the path of a pedestrian. While vehicles may be getting smarter, drivers, apparently, are not.

Pedestrian Safety Tips from See The Blind Spots:

-Remember to stay attentive and alert to surrounding traffic. Even pedestrians should refrain from engaging in distractions. Don’t cross the street until it’s safe in all directions.

-Always obey pedestrian traffic signals.

-Always look left, right and left again. Only when it’s clear in all directions should you begin crossing the street.

-As you’re crossing the street, continuously look for oncoming cars and vehicles that are turning “right on red.”

-Never assume an approaching driver can see you.

-Whenever there’s a sidewalk, use it. When sidewalks are not available, walk on the left side of the road facing oncoming traffic.

-Never attempt to cross an interstate, highway, expressway or turnpike.

-When out walking at night, you should always carry a flashlight or wear reflective tape on your clothing.

-Watch the alcohol you consume if you plan on walking. Drunk walking is dangerous, too!

-Always supervise children when crossing a road.
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Published on: January 18, 2012

Difficult Decisions Loom for Relatives of Aging Baby Boomers in South Florida

By Dean Freeman

A difficult decision is looming for a vast majority of Americans.

As Baby Boomers continue to age, both they and their children begin thinking about what will happen when they reach a point they can no longer care for themselves.

A recent story on CNN chronicled the story of Felicia Hudson, who made the heart-wrenching decision to place her ailing, 72-year-old father in a nursing home. She later changed her mind, and brought him back home to live with her, a move that has greatly added to the stress of her everyday life, but has also given her some peace of mind.

Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorneys recognize that many people, however, simply don’t have the resources to make this kind of arrangement a reality.

Generally, a Baby Boomer is defined as someone who was born between 1946 and 1964.

CNN reported that the first of the Baby Boomers turned 65 last year. As such, the number of Americans reaching retirement age is expected to double to about 72 million in the next 20 years. This will tax not only the health care system, but also the stress levels among those with older relatives.

Assisted living is a choice that should be approached with a great deal of consideration not only for the financial implications, but the safety aspects as well.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are 16,100 nursing homes in the country. That makes for a lot of options.

Many of these places pride themselves on compassionate assistance and treatment.
But our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys have seen that’s not always the case.

The National Center on Elder Abuse, a division of the U.S. Administration on Aging, describes the seven major types of elder abuse as physical, sexual, emotional, financial, neglect, abandonment and self-neglect.

The center links to a National Nursing Home Watch List, which provides information by state on nursing homes that have been flagged for abuse or neglect, based on Medicare and Medicaid surveys. In Florida, there were 27 nursing homes where at least one person reported abuse or neglect, five nursing homes where at least two instances of abuse or neglect was reported and one where at least three instances were reported.

The nursing homes were also rated on everything from basic standards of care to creating an accident-free environment. Some low scores in these areas included things like failing to protect residents from theft and not doing enough to prevent bed sores.

The National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, a non-profit organization, has outlined the following warning signs of potential nursing home abuse:

–Sprains or broken bones.
–Abrasions on arms or legs.
–Bruises.
–Torn, stained or bloody underclothing.
–Inappropriate or unusual sexual behavior.
–Is emotionally upset, agitated, withdrawn or non-responsive.
–Exhibits depression or confusion.
–Significant weight loss or gain, not attributed to other factors.
–Having new “best friends.”
–Belongings or property are missing.
–Suspicious signatures on checks or other documents.
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Published on: January 13, 2012

Fort Lauderdale Tri-Rail Accident Kills Pedestrian

By Dean Freeman

Many area residents rely on the Tri-Rail to get to where they need to be quickly, efficiently and safely. While this is usually what happens, tragedy recently struck. According to The Miami Herald, riders were brought to a screeching halt after the train slammed into a man who was crossing the tracks between NW 6th Street and Sunrise Boulevard around 7 a.m.

The pedestrian was killed in the Fort Lauderdale train accident. According to Deanna Garcia, a spokeswoman with the Ft. Lauderdale Police Department, the accident happened only because the man didn’t get across the tracks in time. Officials report the train attempted to make a safe stop well before the scene of the collision, but was unable to do so avoid the man.

Our Fort Lauderdale commuter rail accident lawyers understand that railroad crossings are a dangerous place for everyone, including passengers, pedestrians and motorists. The Tri-Rail system is a 72-mile track that runs parallel to Interstate 95 between West Palm Beach and Miami. It serves three major airports – Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Along these routes, there are nearly 20 stations. The South Florida train system not only serves as a convenient mode of transportation, but is also serves as a dangerous obstacle for drivers and pedestrians if you’re not careful. To help to keep travelers safe, our South Florida accident attorneys here to offer your some railroad crossing tips to help you to avoid a serious and potentially fatal railroad crossing accident.

Nationwide, a person or a vehicle is hit by a train about every three hours. The state of Florida ranks in as the 7th most dangerous place for fatal traffic accidents involving cars and trains. According to Federal Railroad Association (FRA) statistics, “highway-rail grade crossing collisions and pedestrian trespass on tracks together account for over 95% of all railroad fatalities.”

Railroad Crossing Safety Tips:

-Approach a railroad crossing with care, even when you don’t see an any signs of a train coming.

-Always be ready to stop for a train. When approaching train tracks, you should shut off your radio, take off your head phones, hang up the phone, roll down you windows, look and listen for a train coming.

-Always check right, left and right again for an oncoming train before crossing the tracks.

-If you see a train that is approaching, stay a minimum of 15 feet away from the tracks.

-Once you start to cross the tracks, keep going. Even if the warning lights start flashing and the warning gates start to go down.

-Remember that the cars of a train extend at least 3 feet beyond the rails. Keep yourself and your vehicle out of this area.

-Remember that trains appear to be approaching slower than they actually are.
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Published on: January 12, 2012

Pedestrian Injured by Dump Truck in Recent St. Lucie Traffic Accident

By Dean Freeman

A male pedestrian was sent to the St. Lucie Medical Center after a serious vehicle-pedestrian accident in St. Lucie. The man was hit by a dump truck early in the morning hours. Official report that the man is in his mid-60s and was last listed at the Medical Center in critical condition. The pedestrian-dump truck accident happened on the northbound lanes of U.S. 1 near Tiffany Avenue, according to the TC Palm.

Our St. Lucie pedestrian accident attorneys understand that pedestrians face some serious risks for accidents on our busy roadways. It is important for pedestrians everywhere to remember to be cautious when walking near traffic, especially when the traffic consists of vehicles as large as dump trucks. By following a few safe pedestrian tips, we can all do our part to help to prevent these types of devastating accidents.

Dump Truck Dangers:

-Catastrophic traffic accidents. The size and weight of these vehicles can mean accidents are deadly.

-Pedestrian fatalities. Pedestrians face little chance against these types of large trucks when they’re overlooked by a driver.

-Not only can resident pedestrians get run over by these utility vehicles, but truck employees run a significant risk of being run over or backed over as well.

-Pedestrians can get caught beneath a falling dump bed.

-These trucks can easily tip over and cause property damage, injury or death when the bed is raised.

-These trucks stand tall and run the risk of coming into contact with power lines when beds are raised.

By being cautious and alert around these types of large vehicles, we can all do our part to help reduce the risks of a potentially fatal accident. Pedestrians should never walk near these vehicles, but when you need to there are a few simple steps for you to follow.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians around Dump Trucks:

-Never walk near a dump truck.

-Stay away from active work sites.

-If you have to cross the road and a dump truck is nearby, be sure the driver sees you before stepping into the roadway.

-Never cross the street when you’re close to a dump truck. Always allow at least 10 feet between you and the dump truck.

-Steer clear of the trucks blind spots.

-Keep hold of small children when a dump truck is near.

Motorists should also be cautious of dump trucks. When traffic accidents involve these large vehicles, accidents can turn fatal in an instant. Never drive close to a dump truck. Allow these motorists with plenty of room. You also want to stay out of their blind spots. If you’re unable to see the driver, the driver is unable to see you. Drive cautiously through work zones. Don’t park close to dump trucks or work sites to avoid any accidental properly damage from loose debris or from a fender bender.
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