A Safe Carolinas Summer Is The Best Summer

School is Out for the Summer!

Summer is here and with it comes vacations to the beaches, or mountains, kids playing outside, visits to area pools and lakes, and sometimes torrential downpours that make driving a challenge.  Take care this summer when driving through neighborhoods and be aware that kids may be outside playing, even after dark.  Also, make sure in rainy weather that you are allowing a safe following distance as slick roads tend to shorten the distance that we think is safe.  Don’t forget to pay attention to the car in front of you, who may be from out of the area, and thus prone to stop short, or drive distracted.  Have your eyes on the traffic, and the road conditions, both of which can change instantaneously on long trips to the beach, or mountains.

The hazards of the road are only one potential danger.  Take great caution in the operation of fireworks, and make sure your children are properly supervised, and out of any potential blast zone.  Likewise, be aware and careful when lighting a gas grill for a momentary distraction could be far longer than merely momentary, and lead to a gas build up that when ignited can have drastic consequences.  The ultimate heat of the sun is a danger during the summer months so make sure you stay hydrated, have on sun protection, and are monitoring the children for signs of heat stroke.  Finally, be aware of your surroundings while swimming, and keep in mind that we share the oceans, rivers, and lakes of North Carolina and South Carolina with wild creatures such as sharks, alligators, snakes, jellyfish, eels, and snapping turtles.  Those folks that choose to swim at night are entering a time when many animals are looking for their dinner, and if they are not careful then they may find themselves, a child, or a pet the subject of an attack.  Remember you are invading their environment, and not the other way around.

Tippens & Zurosky is available to serve your auto accident and workers’ compensation needs, and wishes you a safe and happy summer.  Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents, or hurt on the job in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident, or work-related injury.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a consultation so that we may assist you.

Distracted Driving is Dangerous Driving

In this day and age of smart phones, it is extremely easy to succumb to the temptation to text, or simply look at your phone while driving.  Even a quick glance down at your phone can have deadly consequences because it is simply impossible to pay attention to what is happening around you, if your eyes are on your phone.  The reality is no matter if it is a phone, a rambunctious child in the back seat, or a meal you are trying to eat, being distracted can result in you causing, or being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Studies show that teenage drivers are particularly susceptible to being distracted while driving.  Most state laws prohibit teenage drivers from using electronic devices, or phones while driving.  If you have a teenage driver make sure you set strict rules about radio and phone use, and encourage their good habits by modeling your own good habits and caution when you are driving.  The reality is that there is no text, or email that is worth your life, or that of an innocent party that comes into contact with you the distracted driver!  

If you have been injured by a distracted driver in an automobile accident, or hurt on the job, please reach out to our firm so we can put our years of experience to work for you.  Tippens & Zurosky has knowledgeable, experienced attorneys who can fight for your rights if you have been injured on the job, or in an automobile accident in North Carolina, or South Carolina.  Call us toll-free at 877-372-3580, or at 704-343-0018, for a free consultation.  Let us help you!

Teen Drivers And Auto Crashes, The Risk Is Real.

Are You Ready for Back to School?

After a hopefully long summer of enjoying time with family, vacations, and beautiful weather, at the end of August most of North Carolina and South Carolina gears up for the dreaded back to school routine.  If you have children, you are going to be back to getting them to school, to their after school activities, and yourself to work.   Even if you don’t have children, you are going to be dealing with extra traffic on the road as thousands and thousands of people are adjusting to new routines both during rush hour and the afternoon commute home.

So do yourself a favor, and leave earlier than normal to ensure that you will not be hurrying and possibly making a bad judgment call that results in you being responsible for an automobile accident.  Also, be aware of school buses as both North Carolina and South Carolina levy heavy points on your drivers’ license if you pass a stopped school bus with its signal lights flashing and caution arm engaged.  Take note of any school bus stops on your commute route, and make a mental note to proceed with extra caution when passing them as they will be filled with children of all ages who may not be paying attention to where they are standing, and what they are doing.

Don’t forget that joining you on the road will be thousands of new, inexperienced drivers who either just got their learners’ permits and are driving with their parents or guardians supervising them, or those teens that just got their drivers’ licenses, and are on the road for the first time all by themselves.  Young drivers can be impulsive, make poor judgments, or simply freeze, or panic when an unexpected traffic circumstance occurs.  It is best to be alert and patient all at the same time.  For example, if you see an obviously teen driver trying to merge into your lane, wave them in and slow down thus avoiding any potential disaster from the get go.  Things usually settle down a little bit once a month or two has passed, and everyone is used to where they are now going.  So keep it safe out there!  The attorneys of Tippens & Zurosky wish you the best for a happy and prosperous new school year.  

Tippens & Zurosky has represented people involved in auto accidents in North Carolina and South Carolina for nearly twenty years.  Let us answer any of your questions regarding any automobile accident.  Call us toll free at (877) 372-3580, or 704-343-0018 to schedule a free consultation so that we may assist you.