Automobile Accidents

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Published on: April 17, 2014 | O'Connor Law

With Spring warming up (and here’s to hoping we don’t get any more snow) April is distracted Driving Awareness month. Each year thousands of people are killed and many more are injured because of distracted driving. It isn’t always the person who is driving distracted who is injured in these accidents, but sadly an innocent person in another vehicle.

While distracted driving does include texting while driving, which is what most people think of when they hear “distracted driving,” many other actions can distract drivers that they may not think about while they’re doing it.

Other things that can distract drivers:

General Motors Expands Recent Recall

Published on: February 26, 2014 | O'Connor Law

General Motors announced today that it would be expanding a recent recall of compact cars due to ignition issues.

According to an article on CNN.com, the recall affects 1.37 million vehicles, including Chervolet Cobalts, Pontiac G5 cars, Saturn Ions, Chevrolet HHRs, Pontiac Solstices, and Saturn Skys manufactured between 2003 and 2007. The ignition can possibly switch out of “Run” while the car is being driven, shutting off the car’s engine and disabling the brakes, power steering, and airbags.

As a result of this malfunction, there have been 13 deaths and 31 frontal crashes.

U.S. Department of Transportation Orders Trucking Company Off the Road

Published on: February 15, 2014 | O'Connor Law

According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has ordered a Tennessee truck driver and his trucking company to cease operations, following an accident in Pennsylvania in November of 2013.

In November, the truck driver was travelling along Interstate 81 in Franklin County when veered onto the shoulder of the road, hitting a car and 2 pedestrians. He then hit a dump truck and his tractor-trailer overturned. The truck driver fled the scene and was later apprehended. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to stop at an accident involving death or personal injury, as well as other charges.

In 2009, the driver was convicted of driving under the influence in Utah, where he also attempted to flee the scene.

Despite the Lingering Cold, Drivers Are Advised to Clean Snow and Ice from Their Cars

Published on: February 9, 2014 | O'Connor Law

With temperatures here in Pennsylvania refusing to move above the teens and 20’s, it’s easy for drivers to want to hop into their cars once they are warmed up and simply take off. But according to PA law, all drivers must clear any remaining snow and ice from their vehicles before taking to the road, or else face penalties.

According to an article on the RepublicanHerald.com, if snow or ice dislodges from your vehicle and strikes a pedestrian or another vehicle, causing death or serious bodily injury, you could face fines of $200 to $1,000 for each offense. Also, police can issue citations of $25 for each offense plus costs if you don’t clear your vehicles of snow or ice.

Troopers encourage motorists to clean all windows so you can see out of them clearly, rather than clearing off just a portion of a window.

PennDOT Shuts Downs Part of Scranton Expressway Due to Subsidence

Published on: February 5, 2014 | O'Connor Law

This morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) shut both directions of the Scranton Expressway down to one lane after a subsidence was discovered.

According to WNEP.com, the subsidence was found when a plow truck hit it this morning. The hole is in the passing lane of the North Scranton Expressway . It is about 4 feet wide and goes down several feet, according to the article.

Officials are calling the hole a subsidence although they have not confirmed if it was caused by a mine. The hole has been filled in before but the fill has washed away. A subsidence was discovered in the same area of the expressway in 2007.

Toyota Stops Selling Some Models Due to Issue with Heated Seats

Published on: February 4, 2014 | O'Connor Law

It’s not an official recall, but Toyota has announced that it’s stopped selling nearly 36,000 cars at Toyota dealerships after finding that some heated seats were not flame resistant.

According to an article on CNN.com, some of the material used on seats with seat warming devices didn’t meet regulatory standards for flammability. Toyota has stopped the same of certain models of Camrys and Corollas with seat warmers. Avalon, Sienna, Tacoma, and Tundra are models that are also affected.

Because this is not a motor vehicle safety issue, Toyota is hoping to avoid an official recall. The National Traffic Highway Safety Administration is considering the issue.

Truck Driver Admits to Sleeping at the Wheel before Accident

Published on: January 24, 2014 | O'Connor Law

Last week we blogged about a fatal accident at the toll plaza on Interstate 78 in Williams Township where a driver was killed, the toll both was damaged, and the highway was shut down for nearly 6 hours. An update on LehighValleyLive.com is now reporting that the driver of the tractor trailer that started the accident has admitted to nodding off while driving, according to court papers.

The accident happened on Jan. 13 when the truck slammed into the barrier at the toll plaza, and came down on a car and driver that was paying his toll. The truck and car caught fire and the driver of the car later died from his injuries.

According to the article, the truck driver was trying to fight fatigue while driving by rolling down his window and turning up the volume on the radio. There are reports from witnesses that saw the truck swerving before it hit the car.

Winter Driving Awareness Week

Published on: January 21, 2014 | O'Connor Law

Last week, PennDOT highlighted safe winter driving skills with its week-long Winter Driving Awareness Week.

According to a press release, PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said, “During Winter Driving Awareness Week, I’m asking all motorists to do their part to help increase safety for all drivers this winter season.”

Vehicles should be checked to make sure they are properly equipped and mechanically ready for any winter driving challenges. Check all fluid levels, lights, and wiper blades. Tires should be checked for adequate tire-tread depth and for the correct level of air pressure.

Tires Detach from Truck and Hit Another Vehicle in South Whitehall Township

Published on: November 1, 2013 | O'Connor Law

Earlier this month, a Lehigh County woman was injured when a tractor trailer’s tires came loose and hit her car. Now, the driver of the truck is being charged with a vehicle code violation.

According to an article on SouthWhitehall.patch.com, the truck was travelling west on Route 22 by the Cedar Crest Boulevard exit in South Whitehall Township when its fifth axel tires detached and bounced into the eastbound lanes of traffic. The tires hit the woman’s SUV, causing her “moderate injuries” according to state troopers.

The driver of the truck was not injured, but was charged with a vehicle code violation.

Watch for Students and School Buses as the School Year Begins

Published on: August 26, 2013 | O'Connor Law

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) urges motorists to be alert for students and school buses now that school has begun here in the state.

In a press release, PennDOT secretary Barry Schoch said, “As students return to the classroom, drivers who haven’t had to drive around buses or students for months must be alert for bus stops and school zones. The consequences of just a moment of distraction could prove to be tragic.”

PennDOT reminds motorists that if they approach a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended, their vehicle must stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Only when a school bus is stopped on the opposite side of a highway clearly separated by a divider such as concrete barriers or grass medians. Still, motorists should be watching for students crossing the road. A motorist who violates the school bus stopping law faces a $250 fine, five points on their driving record, and a 60-day license suspension.