Wednesday, January 25, 2023

Survey Reveals the Cities that Tweet About Road Rage the Most

The publication Get Circuit recently conducted a Twitter survey in search of the cities that tweeted the most about road rage. The results are in, and the findings are alarming for those in The Lone Star State.

Road Rage Statistics

Here are some concerning statistics about road rage:

How Do We Define Road Rage?

The NHTSA defines aggressive driving as operating a motor vehicle in a way that endangers or is likely to endanger others or property. Road rage occurs when drivers behave in more extreme ways on the aggressive driving spectrum and are typically considered criminal offense. Aggressive driving or road rage behaviors may include:

  • Tailgating
  • Speeding
  • Passing in prohibited areas
  • Failing to yield the right-of-way
  • Running red lights or disobeying traffic control devices
  • Making erratic lane changes
  • Reckless driving
  • Yelling or making gestures at other motorists
  • Purposefully causing a crash
  • Ramming into other motorists
  • Physically confronting other drivers
  • Physical assault
  • Murder

Locations Where Road Rage is Most Common

The Get Circuit survey searched for cities with the most posts referencing #roadrage. According to the survey, the top 20 cities with the most #roadrage tweets per 100,000 people were:

  1. Eugene, Oregon – 500
  2. Atlanta, Georgia – 336
  3. Orlando, Florida – 273
  4. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 214
  5. Miami, Florida – 178
  6. Birmingham, Alabama – 158
  7. Nashville, Tennessee – 155
  8. Cincinnati, Ohio – 142
  9. Tampa, Florida – 141
  10. Buffalo, New York – 139
  11. Boston, Massachusetts – 137
  12. Knoxville, Tennessee – 131
  13. Cleveland, Ohio – 129
  14. Des Moines, Iowa – 112
  15. Dallas, Texas – 109
  16. Grand Rapids, Michigan – 108
  17. Kansas City, Missouri – 107
  18. Minneapolis, Minnesota – 105
  19. Fort Lauderdale, Florida – 102
  20. Denver, Colorado – 99

Alarmingly, some of the cities where road rage was most often tweeted about were in states with more lax gun laws. The survey revealed:

  • 4 percent of drivers admitted to brandishing a weapon.
  • 65 percent of drivers admitted to carrying a weapon with them for protection when driving.
  • 40 percent of those who admitted to carrying a weapon identified they carried a gun.

It is not difficult to imagine a situation involving an angry driver and weapons easily escalating into a dangerous encounter that results in death or serious injury.

Injured in a Road Rage Accident? Michael Gopin Can Help

If you were injured in a road rage accident in El Paso or surrounding areas, a car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of Michael Gopin, PLLC can help. We have been advocating for the rights of accident victims since 1987. Contact us today for a free case review.

The post Survey Reveals the Cities that Tweet About Road Rage the Most appeared first on .



from https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/survey-reveals-the-cities-that-tweet-about-road-rage-the-most/
via https://www.michaelgopin.com/

Wednesday, January 4, 2023

Safe Driving Tips for Texas Highways This Season

Although Texas is notorious for having some of the hottest summers in the country, extreme weather can wreak havoc in the winter, too. The combination of cold temperatures and unpredictable precipitation can create dangerous driving conditions for motorists on Texas highways in the wintertime. Here are some tips on protecting yourself and your vehicle this season. 

Why Does This Season Present Dangers on the Roads?

Winter weather can create driving hazards like low visibility, high winds, and sudden temperature fluctuations. The following data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and the Texas Department of Insurance illustrate how dangerous this weather can be:

  • On average, more than one in five motor vehicle crashes in the United States are weather-related.
  • Roughly 5,000 Americans die, and more than 400,000 suffer injuries in weather-related car accidents nationwide every year.
  • In Texas, inclement weather contributes to more than 10 percent of reported crashes statewide.

What to Look Out For

If you’re commuting to work, visiting loved ones for the holidays, or going on a road-trip vacation this winter, keep the following safe driving tips in mind:

  • Check road and weather conditions in advance – Before you leave, check the weather and traffic reports to know what to expect. You might want to avoid specific routes due to bad weather or congestion. 
  • Slow down and turn off the cruise control – You need more time to slow down and stop in bad weather conditions, so decrease your speed and avoid relying on cruise control. You will likely need to make frequent adjustments.
  • Watch out for snow plows and other vehicles – Be sure to give plows and other snow removal vehicles at least 200 feet of space. Watch your blind spots in case other vehicles are nearby.
  • Drive defensively and signal your turns early – Too many drivers do not adjust their speed or driving habits to account for bad weather. Drive defensively to compensate. Signal your turns early to let other drivers know what you are doing.
  • Avoid braking too hard or turning too sharply – Hard braking and sharp turns can result in loss of traction on icy roads. Maneuver slowly and deliberately.
  • Pull over if visibility is poor and you can’t see – When heavy precipitation, intense glare, or other conditions reduce your visibility, pull over and wait for safer weather before you proceed. Activate your hazard lights and place flares or reflectors near your vehicle so other motorists can see you.
  • Make sure your vehicle is in good condition – Winter weather wears down rubber seals, fluid levels, battery charges, and more. Ensure your brakes, fluids, lights, and other equipment are in good shape before hitting the road.

Remember to Keep These Items in Your Vehicle

You can prepare yourself for possible emergencies on the road this winter by keeping the following in your vehicle:

  • A spare tire, car jack, and wheel wrench
  • Jumper cables and a basic toolkit
  • A flashlight with extra batteries
  • A car charger for your cell phone
  • A complete first-aid kit
  • Nonperishable food and drinking water
  • A snow shovel, scraper, and brush
  • Warm clothing and blankets
  • Cat litter for traction

If an Accident Happens, Remember To…

If you get hurt in a Texas car accident this winter, remember to take the following steps to protect yourself and your legal rights:

  • Seek prompt medical attention and follow your doctor’s orders
  • Ask for the other driver’s contact and insurance information
  • Take photos of the crash scene and ask witnesses for their names and contact info
  • Keep medical bills and other crash-related documentation
  • Watch what you say to others or post online while your case is pending
  • Contact a knowledgeable El Paso car accident lawyer for legal advice

Why Legal Representation Matters

The best way to pursue the financial relief you deserve in the aftermath of a car accident is with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC to learn about your legal options during a free case review.

The post Safe Driving Tips for Texas Highways This Season appeared first on .



from https://www.michaelgopin.com/blog/safe-driving-tips-for-texas-highways-this-season/
via https://www.michaelgopin.com/