Eating and drinking while driving

THE TOP TYPES OF DANGEROUS CONDUCT BY U.S. DRIVERS

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Every weekday you get in the car and drive to work. You know a decent portion of your day is spent on the roads, so you do your best to act responsibly and safely behind the wheel. However, your fate is not entirely in your own hands. Your safety out on the roads also depends on how other drivers act.

Unfortunately, some types of dangerous driving are quite common among motorists here in the United States. What types of unsafe conduct by other drivers might you be particularly likely to come across during your commute?

Recently, a report looked into driving habits here in America. It reviewed data from a cellphone app that monitors driver conduct through a phone’s sensors. The data covered hundreds of millions of miles driven. From this data review, the report pointed to two types of unsafe conduct being particularly prevalent.

Speeding holds the top spot

The report found that the most common type of dangerous driving conduct out on the roads is having a lead foot. It appears impatience and a desire to get places just a little bit faster seeps into the driving of a great number of Americans. The report found that speeding occurs in 38 percent of vehicle trips. It is estimated that, in trips where speeding is present, it makes up an average of 8 percent of the trip.

Some drivers might see speeding as not that big of a deal and just as a way to try to save a little time. However, it is important to not underestimate the dangers of speeding. When drivers speed, they have much less time to react to what’s happening around them. Also, car accidents can be particularly devastating when they involve vehicles going at a high rate of speed.

Cellphone use while driving comes in a close second

According to the report, almost as many car trips see drivers using their cellphones. This type of dangerous conduct was found to be present in 37 percent of vehicle trips, just barely missing the No. 1 spot. Reportedly, in trips where drivers used a cellphone, drivers were on their phone for an average of 11 percent of the trip.

Cellphone use while driving can take a driver’s eyes, hands and mind away from the task at hand. This can create all kinds of dangerous situations out on the roads. So, motorists falling to the temptation to get some things done on their phone while driving can have massive consequences.

When you are hurt by a dangerous driver

So, these two types of dangerous driving are ones you may want to particularly be on watch for when you are on your daily commute. You also may want to stay well-versed on defensive driving.

Now, even if you are vigilant out on the roads, there is always the chance another driver’s conduct could expose you to an accident during your commute. When you end up in a crash due to the actions of a speeding or distracted driver, it could have many impacts on your life. In some cases, the injuries from the crash might lead to you having to miss work for a while. Lost wages are one of the things car accident victims may be able to receive compensation for in injury claims. What sorts of damages you may be able to pursue are among the things you may wish to look into following a car wreck.

What are your rights as a cyclist in Kentucky?

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As a regular cyclist, you may have noticed that cars do not always afford you the consideration that you deserve. Unfortunately, many Kentucky drivers infringe on bike lanes, cut off bikers to make turns or fail to respect their space. However, you are awarded the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on the road, with a few notable exceptions. Do you know your rights as a biker? 

You have a right to consideration

Just as drivers have a responsibility to share the road with other motorists, they have a responsibility to share the road with bikers. They are required to share road lanes, unless a designated bike lane is available. In that case, the biker must remain in the bike lane, but the motorist must still take reasonable care to protect their safety.

Bikers have a responsibility to protect themselves

While motorists should do their best to protect your safety, you must act as your own advocate. In some cases, safety is required by law. Some safety laws include:

  • Using a front bike light as well as a red rear light at night
  • Placing a red reflector on the back of the bike or biker when riding on the shoulder of a highway
  • Using a bell or yelling to pedestrians and other bikers when passing

Additionally, it is widely recognized that bright, reflective clothing makes it easier for motorists to spot bikers and avoid collision. Helmets are an important safety measure, even if not legally required for adults.

Why is it important?

Due to a bicycle’s smaller size, it can be difficult for cars and trucks to spot you on the roadway. They are checking for the presence of other large vehicles before they change lanes or turn, but not necessarily bikes. This places you at greater risk for accident and injury. Additionally, a biker is fully exposed to the elements and lacks protection. An accident, even at low speeds, can result in catastrophic injuries or death.

If you are in an accident with a motorist due to their negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue just compensation. You should consult with an attorney to learn your options. You have a right to be on the road, and drivers need to respect that.

Asbestos may be lurking in Kentucky schools

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Decades ago, asbestos was a go-to material for new city developments. Health officials only discovered its harmful effects much later. As a result, numerous offices, homes, stores and restaurants may still contain the dangerous substance.

Among these affected buildings are schools. Across America, some schools have required renovations to remove asbestos. However, this problem can go undetected for years until a new addition reveals hidden issues or until someone speaks up. To this day, some schools need to close while professionals work to remove every trace.

Are schools required to check for asbestos?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) both require schools to manage asbestos risks. This means that schools need to appoint an employee to schedule tests to identify and resolve any evidence of unsafe asbestos. These inspections must happen every three years.

However, local schools don’t always have the resources to properly test and remove asbestos, so they may try to hide it. Schools might fail to fully train the staff member in charge of this problem. The appointed staff may also ignore their duty. These mistakes can create health risks for everyone who attends the school.

Is my child exposed to asbestos at school?

In one study researchers found that children were especially vulnerable to the impact of asbestos. In fact, they were five times more likely to suffer Mesothelioma than the average adult. For this reason, schools must keep parents informed of their building safety efforts.

Parents are not able to inspect school property themselves, but they can direct concerns to the school’s leadership. Parents and teachers may report serious complaints to EPA or OSHA.

Teachers are also at risk

Teachers, professors and school staff members could spend their entire career in the same school building. This long-term exposure to asbestos could lead to health complications – even long before retirement age. Out of all occupations with exposure to asbestos, teachers faced the second highest number of related fatalities, which were only outnumbered by those of construction workers.

School districts may be liable if a teacher or student suffers from a resulting disease. Because they have a legal responsibility to monitor asbestos hazards on school grounds, a school’s negligence could become the focus of a lawsuit.