Tina Westveer

The luck of the Irish may keep you safe from impaired drivers this St. Patrick’s Day, however, be sure to take proper precautions anyway. As you prepare your favorite green attire for the holiday celebrations, remember to prioritize your safety on your night out. This joyful day can quickly turn tragic when impaired driving enters the picture. That is why Fielding Law has put together safety tips for you to use as you head out to celebrate.  

Understanding the Risks 

With all the festivities on this vibrant day, there is a notable spike in alcohol-related collisions. Whether attending parades during the day or pubs at night, it is evident that this day is majorly celebrated with the consumption of alcohol. A night that is meant for joy accounts for 36% of fatality collisions involving an impaired driver (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). With responsible behavior and planning, we can decrease this percentage together. 

Tips for Staying Safe on St. Patrick’s Day

Plan Ahead  

Before celebrating, designate a sober driver who will ensure the entire party gets home safely. The drinkers of the night can buy the designated driver food or nonalcoholic drinks throughout the festivities so they are not left out. Remember, if you are the driver, do not be a drinker. There is nothing better than getting home safe.  

Arrange alternative transportation like rideshare services if no one in your party is staying sober. Some companies offer special rates, even free rides, on high-impact holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. You can even schedule a pickup time so you do not have to worry about how you are getting home at the end of the night.  

Stay Aware  

• Stay Sober and Alert: Your decision to stay sober does not guarantee everyone else will. Remain vigilant to other cars.
• Avoid Distractions: Discontinue phone use, eating, and put away other distractions. Focus on the road, surroundings, and potential signs of impaired drivers. 
• Exercise Caution: Be extra cautious around vehicles with potentially impaired drivers. Prioritize defensive driving to mitigate risks. 
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you observe concerning behavior, say something. Help maintain road safety by calling the police if you suspect someone is driving under the influence.

Look Out for Each Other 

Take proper precautions at the start of the festivities by asking all friends who are planning on drinking to hand over their vehicle keys. Designate accountability buddies who will make sure no one gets behind the wheel intoxicated.  

Stay Safe and Celebrate Responsibly

St. Patrick’s Day is meant for joy and cheer, but this day has become tainted as it is one of the deadliest days of the year. By prioritizing safety and collective responsibility, we can ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities without fear of harm. In the event of an impaired driving accident caused by someone else’s negligence, Fielding Law stands ready to offer unwavering support and legal guidance to you and your loved ones. Contact us at 833.88.SHARK for a free consultation. We are wishing you a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day! 

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

In the fast-paced world of automobiles, occasional panic can lead to confusion, especially with brake malfunctions. Some believe they have a product liability case, thinking their car accelerated despite braking. Instead of attributing it solely to a car malfunction, consider human error caused by panic, common in Product Liability in Car Accidents.

At Fielding Law, we understand these complexities. Our caring approach unravels the mystery behind acceleration incidents. We recommend exploring black box data possibilities with your insurance company, confirming genuine malfunctions or unintentional actions.

What is Black Box Data?

Explain that a car’s black box (Event Data Recorder) records crucial data about the vehicle’s performance, including speed, brake engagement, and other key factors.

Clarify that not all cars have black boxes, but they are becoming increasingly common, especially in newer models.

What Can Be Collected?

The data collected by a car’s black box is extensive and serves as a comprehensive record of the vehicle’s performance. Some of the critical information that can be captured includes:

• Speed: Recording the vehicle’s speed at different points in time.
• Brake Engagement: Documenting instances of brake application and release.
• Steering Angles: Detailing the position of the steering wheel during specific events.
• Throttle Position: Indicating the degree to which the accelerator pedal is pressed.
• Force of Impact: Measuring the intensity of the collision or sudden deceleration.
• Airbag Deployment Times: Logging the precise moments when airbags are deployed.

Benefits of Retrieving Black Box Data

Retrieving black box data from a vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) offers several significant advantages, playing a crucial role in post-accident investigations, insurance claims, and legal proceedings. Here are some key benefits:

Accurate Accident Reconstruction

Black box data provides precise information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, steering, and other critical parameters leading up to and during the accident. This accuracy aids in reconstructing the events with a high level of detail, offering a clearer understanding of how the incident unfolded.

Establishing Fault and Liability

The recorded data helps in determining the party at fault by offering insights into factors such as speed, brake engagement, and force of impact. This information is invaluable in establishing liability, especially in cases where there are conflicting accounts or unclear circumstances.

Validating Driver and Witness Statements

Black box data can be used to validate or challenge statements made by drivers and witnesses. It serves as an objective record of the vehicle’s actions, helping corroborate or refute claims about speed, braking, and other critical actions taken by the driver.

Supporting Insurance Claims

Insurance companies may use black box data to assess the validity of claims. The recorded information offers an unbiased account of the accident, aiding insurers in processing claims more efficiently and accurately.

Enhancing Vehicle Safety Research

Aggregated black box data, when analyzed across multiple incidents, contributes to valuable insights into vehicle safety. Researchers can use this data to identify patterns, assess the effectiveness of safety features, and recommend improvements to enhance overall road safety.

Clarifying Product Liability Cases

In cases involving potential product defects, black box data can serve as critical evidence. It may reveal malfunctions or anomalies in the vehicle’s performance, supporting claims of product liability against manufacturers.

Facilitating Timely Legal Action

Retrieving black box data promptly is crucial, as these devices typically overwrite data after a certain period. Acting swiftly to preserve and analyze this information is essential for building a strong legal case or supporting a personal injury claim.

Why Choose Fielding Law?

At Fielding Law, we go beyond legal representation; we provide a caring and empathetic approach to our clients’ cases. In the realm of product liability, where complexities abound, our capable team stands as a beacon of support. We prioritize the truth, ensuring our clients receive the justice and understanding they rightfully deserve. With a commitment to excellence and ethical practices, Fielding Law has successfully navigated numerous product liability cases, earning the trust of our clients. When you choose Fielding Law, you’re choosing a legal partner dedicated to unraveling complexities, championing your cause, and delivering favorable outcomes. Contact us at 833.88.SHARK for a legal approach backed by empathy, experience, and unwavering commitment.

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.

Amidst evolving technology, the utilization of Apple Vision Pro raises concerns, especially when used in potentially dangerous situations. The allure of augmented reality experiences is leading users to engage with the headset while performing various activities, including driving. This trend is not only alarming but also raises questions about the safety implications and potential accidents associated with distracted driving involving VR technology.

Dante Lentini’s Controversial Stunt

In a notable incident, Dante Lentini gained attention by posting a video where he wore the Apple Vision Pro headset while seated in the driver’s seat of a partially automated Tesla. Lentini, however, defended his actions, claiming that the stunt was not as dangerous as it appeared. According to him, the device was on transparency mode, allowing him to view the road through the headset’s cameras. Lentini even stated that an Apple engineer informed him about the headset having a steering-wheel detector, preventing users in the driver’s seat from using its apps. Despite Lentini’s reassurances, the incident raises questions about the perceived safety of using advanced VR technology while operating vehicles.

Government Warning Amidst Concerns

In response to these concerning behaviors, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has issued a stark reminder. He emphasizes that all advanced driver assistance systems, including those in partially automated vehicles, require the human driver to be fully engaged and in control of the driving task. Buttigieg’s warning comes with a video showcasing a person in Utah using the Vision Pro while driving a Tesla Cybertruck with hands off the wheel, highlighting the urgency of addressing distracted driving concerns.

Why Choose Fielding Law?

The evolving landscape of technology brings both innovation and challenges. As seen with the use of Apple Vision Pro, the intersection of VR and daily activities raises concerns about safety and responsible use. Fielding Law is committed to addressing the legal consequences of distracted driving incidents, ensuring that individuals affected receive the support and representation they deserve. If you find yourself in need of legal assistance, contact Fielding Law at 833.88.SHARK. Your safety and well-being matter to us.

Article Photo Credit: Loren Elliott/Reuters

Note: Information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a qualified attorney for legal concerns.