Raising awareness and educating people about the severe risks associated with impaired driving can help save lives.  DWI accidents frequently have devastating consequences, and every one of these crashes is absolutely preventable.  With safety and prevention in mind, let’s consider some facts from Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

In terms of collisions, injuries, deaths and arrests, roughly 1/3 of the problem of drunk driving is due to repeat offenders, according to MADD.  It is estimated that between 50-75% of DWI offenders who have had their license taken away continue to drive. Drunk driving in New York is no exception, though the state’s Leandra’s Law provides for the installation of ignition interlock devices after a DWI conviction to counter this statistic. Even with this, however, more needs to be done to prevent first and subsequent offenses.

MADD reports that close to one out of every three fatal motor vehicle accidents involve a drunk driver – an estimate that is particularly telling when you consider these numbers:

• Each year, Americans make about 233 billion car trips.
• Out of every 2,000 of those trips, one involves a driver who is under the influence of alcohol.

In other words, a proportionally small amount of the population – drunk drivers – cause a proportionally huge amount of damage and loss.  MADD reports that someone is hurt in a drunk driving accident every 90 seconds, and on average, someone is killed every 53 minutes in a DWI crash.

After an injurious or fatal DWI accident, victims or their families have a right to seek justice in civil court in addition to criminal court.  In a civil capacity, a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit can lead to compensation for damages as well as hold the wrong doer fully accountable.

If you or a loved one have been harmed due to someone driving while impaired, let the personal injury attorneys at Maynard, O’Conner, Smith & Catalinotto help you. Our offices are conveniently located in Albany, Johnstown & Saugerties, serving clients throughout the Capital Region as well as Hudson, Amsterdam and other areas of Upstate New York. Contact us or give us a call at (800) 721-3553 to schedule a free consultation.

In recent years, we have seen a proliferation of “red light cameras”, also known as “speed cameras” – cameras mounted alongside traffic lights at busy intersections and school zones, to detect vehicles running red lights or speeding. Such cameras utilize sensors which detect when a vehicle travels through a red light or is traveling above the posted speed limit.  When a vehicle passes through a red light, these traffic cameraa will take a photograph of the vehicle’s license plate, transmit it to the appropriate local authority, and a fine is issued to the car’s registrant via mail.

Earlier this summer, Governor Cuomo signed legislation authorizing additional cameras in Albany, as well as New Rochelle, Mount Vernon and Yonkers.

The City of Albany is presently engaging in a traffic study to assess where such cameras would be placed.  Advocates for such cameras stress that reliance upon such technology  will reduce reliance upon police resources, will decrease crashes, and will enhance the safety of pedestrians and motorists.  Opponents maintain that such programs infringe upon civil liberties, allow for a risk of inaccurate citations, and eliminate the “human component” of issuing traffic tickets.

Regardless of one’s position on the issue, perhaps the greatest incidental benefit of this debate is to focus attention on safe driving practices and to change drivers’ behavior. Intersection accidents – whether due to speeding, violation of traffic control devices, use of cell phones, or inattentiveness, remain one of the most common collisions.  Damages from such accidents may range from simple vehicle damage to significant personal injuries.

Another potential benefit is that such photos may be used as evidence in any subsequent civil proceeding.  However, such videos or photos may only be preserved for a very short time, before the data is overwritten or automatically deleted.  As a result, it is often necessary to promptly demand that the municipality preserve such materials.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash, please contact the personal injury attorneys at Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto.  We can take the necessary steps to secure videos or photos of the accident, place negligent parties on notice of your claims, and help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Our three office locations in Albany, Saugerties and Johnstown are convenient to both Capital Region and Hudson Valley communities.

Happy Halloween from Maynard O’Connor!

Halloween is a lot of fun.  But, it also presents a greater risk for injury to our children.  Here are some helpful Halloween safety tips if you and your children are going out trick or treating this year.

• Make sure your child can walk easily in his or her costume and that no parts obstruct his or her vision – use face paint instead of cumbersome masks;
• Make sure props like toy swords or knives are soft, short and flexible;
• Never let your child trick or treat alone, and accompany your child up to the doors of homes;
• Use sidewalks and walkways, do not cut across people’s yards where there might be unknown hazards hidden in the dark;
• Attach lights or reflective material to your child’s costume;
• Make sure your child’s costume is flame resistant or flame retardant;
• Examine all candy for choking hazards. Throw away homemade or unwrapped candy;
• Never enter a person’s home or vehicle unless with a trusted adult; and,
• If you’re driving, be on the careful lookout for pedestrians dressed in dark costumes.

We hope everyone has a fun and safe time trick or treating!  If your child or you are injured while trick or treating, please call the accident attorneys at Maynard O’Connor.