FC

Personal Injury Blog

• Governor Signs School Bus Safety Legislation Advanced by Lamber, Goodnow, and Hunter

  By: Admin

  Hoping to help save the lives of innocent children, Marc Lamber, James Goodnow, Yvonne R. Hunter and Representative Karen Fann teamed up to draft new legislation that protects children exiting school buses. The law is an outgrowth of a case Lamber and Goodnow handled in which a young girl, Elizabeth Bates, lost her life after the school bus from which she was departing failed to deploy its stop sign or turn on its flashing lights. Elizabeth was subsequently run over by a passing vehicle. In tandem with the legislative experts at the firm, Lamber and Goodnow worked with Ms. Fann to get the new bill passed. Lamber, Goodnow, Hunter and the FC team handled the legislative work pro bono. The law — informally referred to as “Elizabeth’s law” — was signed by Governor Jan Brewer last week. The law closes the loophole that allowed bus drivers to arguably not use bus safety equipment in certain circumstances. Lamber, Goodnow, Hunter and the rest of the FC team are proud that they were able to help make a positive difference and, hopefully, prevent another tragedy like this from happening again.

  Read more here:

  http://cronkitenewsonline.com/2013/04/new-law-requires-buses-to-use-stop-signs-lights-on-private-roads/

  http://ktar.com/22/1606559/Legislator-seeks-school-bus-safety-on-private-roads

  http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_central_southern_az/other/mom-says-loophole-in-school-bus-safety-law-led-to-her-daughters-death

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• Drowsy Driving Prevention Week

  By: James Goodnow

  

  The National Sleep Foundation is hoping to make roads safer this week as it declares Nov. 12-18 Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.

  One in six deadly vehicle crashes involves a drowsy driver, according to AAA Foundation. This could include drowsy drivers who caused accidents, as well as drivers whose fatigue made them slower to avoid accidents. According to the National Sleep Foundation, sleepiness can impair drivers by slowingreaction times, impairing vision, and delayinginformation processing. Being awake for more than 20hours is equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%, the legal limit in all states.

  The foundation also says it is also possible to fall into a 3-4 second microsleep without realizing it. Fine while on your couch at home, but not on the road. Stay alert, take breaks while driving long distances, and avoid driving at times when you would normally be asleep to keep yourself safe.

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• Texas Highway is Fastest in Nation

  By: James Goodnow

  

  State Highway 130 between Austin and San Antonio will now offer the fastest 40 miles of the nation with an 85 mph speed limit.

  Commuters and city planners cite congestion on the nearby Interstate 35 as the reason for this highway expansion project. The question, of course, is what impact, if any, this will have on highway safety and potential personal injury claims.

  State Highway 130 will also cost drivers just above $6 one-way for a few miles of speed racing. Common throughout Texas, this toll will generate a bit of revenue for the local government.

  Learn more.

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