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“Changing driver behaviors is not rocket science … it’s harder,” says Peter Kissinger, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety President and CEO.

What he’s talking about is the attitude of drivers. Motorists across the county have what AAA calls the “do as I say, not as I do” attitude, meaning drivers feel that they are exempt from all of the safe driving habits that every motorist should be following. For this reason, car accidents in Indiana and elsewhere continue to plague roadways.Our Indianapolis car accident attorneys understand that most drivers in the U.S. say that they would like to have safer roadways and that they support enforcement efforts to make that a reality. Still, with more laws on the books and more officers on the roadways, drivers refuse to give up their own dangerous driving habits, while expecting that others will give up theirs. Our roadways are filled with these hypocritical drivers, the ones who think others should “do as I say, not as I do.”

In 2011, there were nearly 32,900 lives lost because of car accidents in the U.S. While this is the lowest number of fatalities recorded in 60 years, it still illustrates that roadway safety has a long way to go. According to AAA, someone dies in a car accident in the U.S. every 16 minutes.

AAA recently conducted a survey to get into the minds of drivers. The findings were alarming and illustrated that drivers exercised very little personal responsibility for roadway safety.

The Traffic Safety Culture Index concluded that:

-More than 85 percent of surveyed drivers said that it was unacceptable for a driver to not wear a seat belt, but about a quarter of drivers admitted that they were guilty of the dangerous habit.

-A majority of drivers felt it was unsafe for a driver to travel more than 10 miles per hour over the speed limit on a residential road, but still most of the surveyed drivers admitted that they had done it at least once in the last 30 days.

-More than three quarters of drivers said that they felt that it was unacceptable to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after driving, but more than 10 percent of drivers admitted that they were guilty of tipsy driving at least once over the last month.

-More than 90 percent of drivers think that it is dangerous to text message while driving. Despite the fears, nearly 40 percent admitted to sending and receiving texts behind the wheel at least once in the last 30 days.

-More than 65 percent of those who were surveyed said that talking on a cell phone behind the wheel of a motor vehicle was pretty dangerous, but there were more than 30 percent of drivers who said that they’re doing it on a regular basis.

-Speeding was another action that most drivers frowned upon, yet a good portion of drivers admitted that they were in fact guilty of it.

-A good portion of drivers disapprove of drowsy driving, more than 95 percent of to exact. Still, about a third of all drivers said that they’ve been drowsy at the wheel at least once in the last 30 days.

What this study truly illustrates is that, despite all of the safe driving desires of Americans, a majority of drivers still admit to engaging in some of the most dangerous driving habits. AAA and our Indiana car accident lawyers ask that drivers start exercising their safe driving ideals instead of simply relying on others to act responsibly behind the wheel.
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In one day, three freight trains derailed. These train accidents in northwest Indiana left a number of vehicles mangled near the railroad crossing and residents in the area had to evacuate because of the smoke, according to ABC NEWS. Two of the six train employees aboard were transported to the hospital after the accident.One train was carrying mostly empty tankers of ethanol. That train stopped on the tracks when another train slammed into it. According to Porter County Sheriff’s Sgt. Larry LaFlower, a third train on the tracks quickly came up from behind and hit both of the cars. There weren’t any significant leaks reported, but scene is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

Our Indiana car accident lawyers understand there were about 50 homes in the area that were evacuated because of the smoke from the accident. The real threat isn’t to the nearby homes, but to the people who travel through the railroad crossings every day. Residents, motorists and train riders are urged to be cautious near railroad crossings as many fatal accidents happen in these areas every year. Railroad crossing accidents, injuries and fatalities are often more catastrophic than other traffic accidents. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there were more than 136,000 railroad crossings in the U.S. in 2009. Out of these accidents, more than 42,300 crossings had gates, nearly 22,040 had flashing warning lights and nearly 1,200 have highway traffic signals, bells and wigwags, which are of railroad-grade crossing signal.

In 2009, there were nearly 2,000 accidents at public highway-railroad crossings in the U.S. Of these accidents, there were nearly 250 fatalities and more than 700 injuries. These catastrophic events happen as residents trespass too. These types of accidents are 100 percent preventable. In 2009, there were more than 430 people killed and another 350 injured while trespassing on railroad right-of-way and property.

Although these crossings are lined with gates, flashing lights and bells, drivers still find themselves to be the victims of these types of accidents all too frequently. You can avoid a potentially fatal railroad crossing accident by following a few safety tips from the Federal Highway Administration.

Railroad Crossing Safety Tips for Drivers:

-Always expect a train to be traveling on the tracks. Make sure that you can stop safely.

-Trains often travel faster than you perceive.

-Never rely on a train’s whistle to warn you of its location. Noise on or in your car can cause you to miss the audible warnings.

-Never try to cross the tracks unless you’re positive that you’re able to make it to the other side safely.

-Never change your car’s gears on a train track.

-Be careful of objects that can block your view of an oncoming train.

-Be cautious of the current weather conditions and its ability to hinder your vision.

-Plan your trip to take you through crossings with warning devices instead of unprotected ones.

-Never stop on a train track.

-When stopping for a train to cross, be sure to stay far from the tracks. Trains are wider than the tracks and extend into the roadway.
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In the state of Indiana, all drivers who are over the age of 18 are allowed to use hand-held cell phones behind the wheel. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, every single driver is prohibited from texting behind the wheel. With such relaxed cell phone laws for drivers, distraction-related car accidents in Indianapolis continue to take the lives of far too many innocent people.How do law enforcement officers know what a driver is doing on their phone? Are they dialing a phone number? Replying to an email? Typing a text message? According to Indiana police officers, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference and for this reason, tickets are difficult to write.

Our Indiana car accident attorneys understand that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is working to get lawmakers to embrace a nationwide ban against the use of any portable electronic device by all drivers. This type of ban would help eliminate the confusion for officers in areas like Indiana that have varying text and cell phone laws for drivers.

Since Indiana officers decided to tighten their distracted driving-related laws and make it illegal for any driver to type at the wheel there’s hasn’t been a lot of drivers busted for texting, according to the Lafayette Journal & Courier. In the six months following the enactment of the law, the Purdue University Police Department hasn’t issued a single ticket, says Capt. Eric Chin.

The same results have been reported by the West Lafayette Police Department.

“Quite frankly, the same movements required to do other things — calling someone, checking a map — are similar to texting,” Lt. Gary Sparger told the newspaper. “Basically we have to see into the vehicle.”

The law was passed as a part of HB 1129 and took effect last July. If busted, drivers can face fines up to $500. But officers are having a tough time pushing this law because law enforcement isn’t allowed to take a driver’s cell phone to determine is the driver was dialing a phone number of sending a message.

Only one ticket has been written since July in Tippecanoe County.

Sparger says that if officers are going to enforce a text message ban, then the laws need to prohibit drivers from using any type of cell phone or electronic device. Officials need to repeal the current law or rewrite it completely to make all of these activities illegal.

According to CNN, the nationwide ban on portable electronic devices for drivers is a long way from reality. Experts believe elected legislators will be hesitant about upsetting constituents.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 3,000 people were killed in distraction-related car accidents in the U.S. in 2010. While most people recognize that distractions are dangerous for drivers and cause thousands of fatal accidents every year, drivers just aren’t ready to hang up the phone.
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Sadly, January has become a busy month for many Indiana divorce lawyers because for some reason, the first month of the new year tends to bring out the reality that the holiday season masked.

Fox News recently reported that nearly 24,000 divorces are granted each year in Arizona and many of them are initiated in the first month of the year.Divorce in Indiana can be painful during any month of the year. As humans, we are emotional and separating from a person can be a difficult experience. This sometimes is enhanced when the split comes right after the holidays.

Yet, sometimes this is done by design. Many couples know that their marriage is rocky and they are unlikely to continue it, despite their best efforts. If counseling and other tactics don’t work, it’s possible that they will try to make the holidays as “normal” as possible for the benefit of their children or family members before announcing their decision. This helps to keep the routine somewhat intact and keeps people from associating bad feelings with family gatherings in December.

Some lawyers surveyed for the article said they tend to receive twice as many divorce cases in January than in any other month. In most cases, the couples are planning the split for months in advance.

One man interviewed said he was heading to the courthouse to get divorced that afternoon. He said the divorce was in the works for a while, but finances prevented him from filing sooner. He said that people have to finish their taxes and realize what type of refund they may get before filing a divorce.

Finances, especially in recent years, have played a big role in when and whether people can get divorced. Many couples have decided to stay together more out of necessity than love. Splitting bills and daily costs is a lot easier than trying to do it alone.

Also, for those who have lost their jobs and may be having trouble paying bills, the hit to a person’s credit score can lead to difficulty qualifying to rent an apartment or house. That’s another reason people tend to stay together longer.

If a couple owns a house together, it is now seen more as a liability than an asset. For couples who are about to get divorced, this can also factor into why they are waiting. If housing prices are rebounding sooner than expected in their neighborhood, that may be a reason why they are now considering a divorce.

Whatever the reason and whatever the season, an Indiana divorce can be tough. But it doesn’t have to be. An experienced Indiana divorce lawyer can take a lot of the stress and pressure off the client by simply doing his or her job. Avoiding contentious litigation or lengthy meetings where couples bicker and fight is only going to make matters worse. Strongly communicating the situation and working for an amicable resolution without massive interference from the court is always the best bet for each side.
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Happy 2012! We’re sure everyone has made some great New Year’s resolutions, like to quit smoking, to get into shape or to explore new business ventures. But we’re asking everyone to make a New Year’s resolution that can really better the state. We’re asking all residents to make a New Year’s resolution to be a safer driver in 2012. By making this resolution, you can help to reduce the risks of car accidents in Gary and save lives along the way.Our Gary car accident lawyers understand that safer roadways start with you. Defensive and alert driving habits can help to make our state’s roadways safer for everyone. We’re asking residents to consider the following safety tips from the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and make your way down the road to safer driving.

Safe Driving Tips from INDOT:

–Car. Keys. Buckle. Always make sure that you and all of your passengers are buckled in before starting the car. This is the number one most important thing that you can do to help protect yourself and the lives of your passengers in the event of a car accident. Wearing a seat belt reduces your risks of being killed in an accident by about 60 percent. Set a good example for your children and buckle up every time you’re in the car. Always use your seat belt properly. Only using the lap portion of the belt is ineffective. In the state of Indiana, an officer can pull you over and issue you a ticket for not wearing a seat belt.

–Never Drink and Drive. You should always avoid alcohol and drugs if you’re driving. Be sure to always have a designated, sober driver if you’ll be drinking. Alcohol-related accidents kill someone in the U.S. every 30 second. If you’ve been drinking and you don’t have a designated driver, consider using mass transit, calling a cab or staying at a hotel or a friend’s home.

–Pay Attention. It’s important to avoid the three most common driver distractions, cell phones, coffee and CDs. In 2010, there were more than 3,000 people killed because of traffic accidents that involved a distracted driver. These types of accidents are 100 percent preventable.

–Defensive Driving. Remember that aggressive driving can lead to unnecessary accidents. Aggressive drivers are unable to think clearly and focus on the road. If you spot an aggressive driver, get out of their way. Put your pride in the back seat and choose not to challenge them. You should avoid eye contact and shrug off rude gestures.

–Share the Road. Be on the lookout for commercial truckers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Be a courteous driver. Be aware of trucks “no zones” or blind spots. If you are unable to see the face of the driver, they’re unable to see you. Allow other travelers plenty of room. Never tailgate. Reducing the distance between you and another traveler reduces your reaction time.

Start off 2012 right and make the resolution to be a safer driver. The change starts with you.
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It has been said many times that divorce takes an emotional toll. Very few divorcees are happy about the process.

It hits people’s egos, they reflect on times when they were happier and things seemed better and they think about how different life will be moving forward. Many people consider themselves to be failures.Our Indiana divorce lawyers strive to ensure that your experience isn’t as painful and frustrating as it could be. No divorce is going to be painless because it is a tough experience. But the amount of frustration and sadness can be limited.

For those considering an Indiana divorce, there are steps that can be taken to minimize how brutal the divorce process is. That depends on the couple.

Contested divorces — situations that require litigation from both sides and possibly a trial — tend to be the most high-stress situations. When spouses are at each other’s throats and are jockeying for position on every asset they have, the process can be difficult to bear. When communication is better and there is a realization that a divorce may work out for the better, a collaborative divorce may be in the works.

Whatever the situation, our law firm is dedicated to helping our clients. Our Indiana divorce lawyers recognize that there are implications of divorce beyond who gets the house and who gets the family dog. We are prepared to help you prepare for the future.

A recent Huffington Post article looked at ways to maintain sanity during the divorce process. Remaining grounded at a time when there are so many emotions swirling can be tough, but there are some tips:

For the one initiating the divorce:

  • Recognize that you are further along emotionally: The person who has filed for divorce usually has spent a lot of time thinking about it. It’s possible their spouse has considered times are rocky, but may not have thought divorce is a good idea. Give them time to process this.
  • Rejection is always negative: While married, the spouses may have discussed how things weren’t working well, but spouses usually believe things can be worked out. The initial announcement usually will be taken with shock.
  • Consider what life will look like: Thinking that life will be the same minus your spouse is naive. Property will be divided, children’s needs will be split and you will have to deal with the loss of friends, explaining to family members and other tasks.
  • Prepare for conflicting emotions: This is a huge transitional period and you will likely have feelings of loss.
  • Allow children at least a year of adjustment: You don’t know how they’ll react and introducing a new partner too quickly can be painful for the children.

For the non-initiator:

  • Your spouse has had time to react: You may wonder how they’re better off that you are. Time will heal the wounds.
  • Men and women divorce differently: Many men are bottom-line focused and less emotionally attached than women. While women look at the settlement as an indication of worth, men look at the dollars and cents.
  • Focus on yourself and try not to think about your spouse: Don’t compare who is happier, or who the spouse may be dating. Focus on your children, how to help get you through this time and gain independence.
  • Remember your children need you: Even if you’re in a bad spot, they need a parent to be there for them. Tell them the future will be better.
  • Avoid saying bad things about your ex: Children can have long-lasting bad feelings about one parent if the other speaks ill of them.

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There were nearly 700 fatalities resulting from alcohol-related car accidents in Indiana in 2009. Of these fatalities nearly 250 were merely alcohol-related while more than 200 were the result of drunk drivers. Through the Christmas and New Year holiday, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is pushing its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving. This campaign has been going strong since 2006 and in celebration of its fifth anniversary, MADD released a report rating each state on its efforts to reduce the risks of drunk driving traffic accidents. These types of accidents account for a third of all traffic accidents on U.S. roadways. These accidents are completely preventable, too. Unnecessary deaths results from irresponsible driving habits.”While we’ve made substantial progress with the Campaign…there is still much work to be done,” said MADD National President Jan Withers.

Our Gary drunk driving accident lawyers understand that Indiana was only ranked with two out of five starts in this report. The nation overall received 3 out of 5 stars in its fight against drunk drivers. Our state lacks a number of tools for meaningful progress in fighting drunk driving accidents. In our state, only some judges require ignition interlock devices for first-time DUI offenders, but legislative leadership is needed to require these devices of all drunk drivers. The report also says that our state should enact more penalties on those who are convicted of a DUI when a child is present in the vehicle.

States were ranked on their adoption of the following preventative measures:

-Requiring ignition interlock devices for all those who are convicted of drunk driving.

-Executing sobriety checkpoints.

-Enhancing penalties for drivers who are busted for drunk driving with children in the vehicle.

-Participating in “no-refusal” activities for those who officers suspect of drunk driving.

-Using some sort of Administrative License Revocation for those who have been convicted of a DUI.

Drunk driving accidents cost the nation more than $130 billion each year. These costs include about $70 billion in quality-of-life costs and roughly $60 billion in monetary costs. Local and state governments fork out roughly $3 billion while the federal government hands out almost $5 billion. Employers typically hand out nearly $11 billion. Of the $11 billion, nearly $4 billion related to accidents involving work trips while nearly $10 billion results from accidents that happen outside of work involving employees and benefit-eligible dependents.

During the holiday season, drunk driving car accidents are more common than during any other time of the year. The goal of MADD’s campaign is to ultimately to help to stop drunk driving accidents on our roadways. Please be safe through the remainder of 2011 and drive responsibly. If you’ll be drinking at a holiday gathering, please arrange a safe and sober way home. You’re also asked to keep an eye on your friends and family members to make sure everyone is making a conscious effort to keep our roadways safe through the remainder of the year. Enjoy safe and Happy Holidays!
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The end of the year beings increased risks for serious car accidents in Highland. Thanksgiving is typically Indiana’s second deadliest holiday season. Officers responded to more than 40 rural-area accidents, 20 of them involving deer.Our Indiana car accident attorneys understand that we’ll be soon experiencing another wave of increased risks for serious accidents as the end of the year draws near. With Christmas and New Year’s upon us, residents across the country will be hitting our roadways in route to their holiday gatherings with friends and family. The increase in traffic leads to an increase in traffic accidents and ultimately an increase in the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Motorists are asked to drive carefully, cautiously and alertly to avoid an accident this holiday season.

Drivers are urged to check out Indiana road traffic on WTHR 13’s website before heading out on our roadways. It’s wise for drivers to avoid congested roadways and to avoid driving during rush hour, nighttime and weekends. During these times on our roadways, accident risks are increased significantly.

To help ensure a safe arrival to your holiday destination, consider the following safe driving tips:

-Get Your Car Ready: Make sure that your car is serviced and that you’re prepared for an unexpected emergency. Always carry a first-aid kit, a torch and a blanket.

-Get Yourself Ready: Make sure you’re well rested. Plan out the trip before heading out and share the driving responsibilities. Take regular breaks to avoid driver fatigue.

-If You’ll Be Drinking: Never drive after drinking. Plan a safe way to get way home. Have a designated driver or call a cab. If you can’t find a driver, find a place to stay. Stay at a friend’s house or get a hotel room for the night.

-Buckle In Children: Make sure that all children are placed in the proper child restrain during every car ride.

-Safety For Pets: Make sure your pets are properly restrained as well, for the safety of everyone.

-Towing: Always tow check when you’re towing a trailer or a caravan.

-Brush Up: Revamp your driving techniques to avoid an accident through the holidays.

As our roadways get more and more crowded and as we head towards Christmas and New Year’s, drivers are urged to be courteous and cautious on our roadways. Spread some holiday cheer and be polite on our roadways. Let’s all have a safe and Happy Holiday Season.
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Three were injured in a recent Indiana car accident. The Indiana State Police report that the two-vehicle accident happened around 7:00 a.m. just north of Winslow on S.R. 61.The accident reports state that a 31-year-old driver was driving along 61 when she lost control of her vehicle because of the black ice. She slid across the roadway and into the path of a truck. The motorists were taken to Deaconess Hospital and to Jasper Memorial Hospital. Officers report that everyone was wearing their seat belt when the accident happened.

Our Gary car accident attorneys understand that drivers face serious risks on our roadways through the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Not only are the roadways crowded with holiday traffic, but motorists are left to deal with the onset of winter weather. To help preserve motorist safety on our roadways, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is here to offer some safe winter driving tips for drivers.

Winter Safe Driving: Ice and Snow, Take It Slow:

-Be Prepared: Before leaving your house, know the driving conditions. Check out weather and traffic conditions in the state.

-Clear It Off: Wipe off any snow on your car’s brake lights, headlights and windows.

-Check It Out: Examine your car’s tires, fluids, hoses, belts and wiper blades to make sure everything’s working properly.

-Time It Out: Leave with plenty of time to reach your destination to avoid rushing, aggressive driving or a traffic mishap.

Look Out For Mother Nature:

-The First Snow or Ice: Oftentimes drivers aren’t ready for the winter, or driving through it, and forget to slow it down. You’re urged to drive below the speed limit and to leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles.

-Black Ice: You may think a road’s dry, but it’s not. It can actually be very dangerous. Remain alert and slow it down when approaching off-ramps, intersections, off-ramps or bridges as these are all common areas for black ice.

-Limited Visibility: When you can’t see too well, slow it down!

-Four-Wheel Drive: When you’re driving on ice or snow, it’s important to drive slowly and cautiously, no matter what type of vehicle you own. Four-wheel drive may be able to get you going faster, but it’s not going to help you stop any sooner.

Caution Around Snowplows:

-Give ‘Em Room: These snow-removal vehicles are wide and can occupy several lanes of traffic. Never try to pass and never tailgate.

-Slow It Down: These vehicles travel slower than the posted speed limit. Give them plenty of time.

-Be Visible: These vehicles have a restricted field of vision. You might be able to see them, but they’re not always able to see you.

Car accidents are typically more common during the holiday season, adding in winter weather does nothing to reduce these risks. That’s why we’re asking driver to be cautious and remain alert on our roadways through the remainder of 2011 and well into 2012. Have a safe and Happy Holiday!
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For women considering an Indiana divorce, many will decide to delay until after the holidays.

With planned family gatherings, a possible road trip and other activities, it may make more sense to delay filing for divorce until after the holidays to save some stress and hard feelings that could linger.Forbes.com recently published a column that gives women some tips on what to do if they are considering divorce but aren’t sure what steps to take. Our Indiana divorce lawyers are prepared to help anyone who is considering divorce this time of year. It is a difficult decision and one that must be planned out well. There are many steps of preparation that must be taken when considering this decision.

While divorce represents a major lifestyle change — taking care of children mostly by oneself or living apart from them for the first time, dwelling in a new place, have less reliance on another person — there are major financial implications.

Not only do you split assets, you split debts. With the economy so bad right now for much of America, the real estate market depressed and investments and retirement accounts perhaps not as supple as they once were, accommodations must be made. A person must make strong plans to ensure they are able to survive the challenge.

Before you file, take the time to do this preparation. Consulting with an experienced Indiana divorce lawyer should be your first move. Getting as much worked out in advance can make the divorce process much smoother.

Statistics show that January is the month when most divorces are filed, Forbes reports. Making plans for a fresh start in January begin in December. Here are some tips for women who are considering divorce:

Collect your financial documents: Banks, credit-card companies, employers and others will be sending end-of-the-year documents via mail in the coming weeks. Gathering credit card and bank account statements and other financial-related documents is necessary. Make copies and store them in a secure area, possibly with a trusted friend or family member.

Do a credit check: Request a copy of your credit score and monitor it carefully so you will know if anything suspicious comes up. Check to make sure there aren’t any strange purchases, such as your spouse buying odd gifts.

Look for an Indiana divorce lawyer: Forbes recommends a team of professionals to help you through your divorce, including a divorce attorney, a divorce financial planner and a counselor/therapist. Interview them and settle on a group that will be able to help you at all angles.

Open new accounts in your name only: Create a bank account and open a credit card account in your name. Choose a new bank, where you aren’t currently affiliated. If you have little or no credit on your own, it may be tough, but you’ll need to establish credit, so get a plastic card.

Stay vigilant: Be attentive and keep an eye on the family assets and if you’re worried your spouse is wasting money or moving it around, consider filing a separate tax return for 2011.
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