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7
Dec

Kennewick Police Offer Driver Safety Tips For Foggy Conditions

December 7, 2011

Fog is no stranger to residents of the Pacific Northwest, but today, police are offering drivers in the area tips on how to handle the condition. KNDU News reported that Kennewick police have seen an increase in accidents during foggy conditions because drivers fail to see dangers on the road until it’s too late.

Kennewick Police Sergeant Ken Lattin stated the most important thing drivers need to do in foggy conditions is remain aware of their surroundings. There are numerous actions drivers can take to better see what is around them.

  • Turn On Your Headlights- This increases visibility for you and makes it easier to be seen by oncoming traffic.
  • Increase Your Following Distance- Doing this gives you more room to stop if the car in front of you breaks suddenly. It also gives you a greater vision of your surroundings.
  • Watch For Hazards- Pedestrians and animals are much more difficult to see in the fog. Also, be careful of icy patches and rain puddles that often accompany foggy conditions.
  • Slow Down! – Sergeant Lattin stated motorists often tend to drive faster in foggy conditions because  they can’t see sight references to tell them how fast they’re going.

The Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm urge drivers to be careful in the coming months as foggy conditions increase. Following these simple tips could save your life or that of another motorist.

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30
Nov

Tri-City Area Hospitals Preparing For Busy Holiday Season

November 30, 2011

The holidays are not only the busy season for retailers, but for hospitals and their medical staff too. In a story put out by KEPRTV News earlier this week, doctors and staff at emergency room hospitals are preparing for the yearly rush of visitors.

Both Lourdes Hospital and Kennewick General Hospital are increasing staff and supplies until the end of the new year. Doctors say the goal is to decrease wait times for emergency room patients. As life in the ER goes, it’s always unpredictable.

Slip and fall injuries, cuts and gashes–along with a high presence of alcohol are the usual suspects for a trip to the Emergency Room this time of year. Doctors also report a high number of people falling off of ladders while decorating, and an increase in the number of cuts from broken glass ornaments and turkey carving. These accidents are normally compounded by the fact that the patient has had too much to drink. Dr. Lang at Lourdes blamed most heavy drinking on the holiday blues saying, “We see an awful lot of people who are feeling sad… People tend to drink a little bit more, think about family think about lost loved ones, or miss those who aren’t able to be with them during the holidays.”

The Washington Personal Injury Lawyers at the Defoe Pickett Law Firm encourage everyone to have a fun holiday season, but be safe. Always have someone else hold a ladder for you, and be mindful when handling sharp or fragile objects.

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23
Nov

The Department of Transportation offers Thanksgiving Travel Tips

November 23, 2011

With more than 42.5 million travelers hitting the roads this weekend to travel for Thanksgiving and Mountain Weather expected to be snowy and rainy through the Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 over the next few days, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WDOT) is offering help and a few tips to make your holiday travel a little easier and safer.

The agency says that timing your trips may be the best way to cut down on time stuck in traffic. The said that traffic should peak Wednesday just before 4:00 PM, then again on Sunday between noon and 4:00 PM for eastbound traffic. Estimates show westbound traffic will be at its heaviest Sunday between 3:00 and 6:00 PM according to the WDOT.

Motorists should also be ready to break, turn, and drive just a little slower than normal due to holiday congestion and bad weather conditions as well.  Spokesman for WDOT, Mike Westbay, “People need to shift into winter driving mode…we need drivers to be ready to drive in slippery conditions.” Troopers say the best way to stay safe in these conditions is:

  • Go below the speed limit
  • Maintain adequate following distance from vehicles in front of you.
  • Gently pump your brakes in slick spots
  • Downshift when needed
  • Keep plenty of fuel in the tank in case you are stranded

The Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm urge travelers to be patient on the roads this year and hope that everyone traveling has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

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16
Nov

Enumclaw Crash Kills Driver and Injures Passenger, Blamed On Drunk Driving

November 16, 2011

The driver of a Honda Prelude has died and a passenger remains injured after a single car crash in Enumclaw, Washington, over the weekend. According to the Enumclaw Courier-Herald, the accident happened at 1:45 in the morning Saturday along State Route 164, but want discovered until hours later.

It was a group of pedestrians who saw the wrecked car buried in a brush pile around 7:10 in the morning Monday. Washington State Patrol arrived on the scene and quickly discovered two injured men in the wreckage. They were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. Monday it was announced that the 26-year-old driver was dead, while the 27-year-old passenger remains hospitalized.

Investigators closed off the street for nearly four hours before determining that alcohol was to blame for the driver crossing over the oncoming lane of traffic and crashing into a grove of trees near the intersection with Southeast 329th Street.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that drivers between the ages of 21 and 34 are at most risk for being involved in an alcohol related crash. The organization estimates that the demographic accounts for 32 percent of all alcohol related crashes.

The Washington Auto Accident Attorneys with the Defoe Pickett Law Firm have experience handling cases where drunk drivers injured victims. Call us today at (509) 734-8787 if you have been in hurt in an accident at no fault of your own, or get in touch with us by filling our a free online consultation form to discuss your case further.

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9
Nov

Washington Truck Driver Killed In Crash On I-405

November 9, 2011

The driver of a tractor-trailer that overturned in an accident in Bellevue, Washington, died Wednesday. According to KING 5 News, the crash happened just after 3:00 AM on the on-ramp to the eastbound lanes of Interstate-405.

Authorities say that it appears the 56-year-old driver was attempting to make a hard right hand turn when he lost control of the big rig. The truck went up an embankment and rolled back down, landing upside down. Police say the crash killed the driver instantly.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash and are urging any witnesses or anyone with information regarding the crash to come forward.

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that approximately 50,000 accidents involving tractor-trailers occur every year, resulting in around 5,000 fatalities. Over the years, these numbers have risen due to increased driver fatigue, larger loads, and less reliable equipment.

The Washington Truck Accident Lawyers with the Defoe Pickett Law Office say many trucking regulations vary from state to state. If you have been injured in an accident with a tractor-trailer, contact them immediately by filling out a free online consultation form. This will allow you to discuss your case with our experienced team of attorneys and have your questions answered.

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