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Last year, we discussed national crash figures that concluded a 17 percent increase in fatal crashes involving red light runners occurred from 2012 (696 deaths) to 2016 (811 deaths). Only one year later, fatal crashes caused by drivers who run red lights rose by 28 percent since 2012, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. In 2017, a total of 939 people were killed at signalized intersections due to drivers running red lights. The death toll in 2007, which was 914 fatalities, was previously marked as the highest, until it was topped in 2017. On average, passengers and occupants from other cars accounted for nearly half of all fatalities involving red light runners. Pedestrians and bicyclists account for more than five percent. What Are Some Reasons Why Drivers Run Red Lights? It's…Read More

In recent years, Providence has struggled with its bicycle infrastructure, but according to local sources, the dots are beginning to connect. As cycling has become increasingly popular throughout the city, infrastructural changes have followed, though more work needs to be done. While bicycle crash-related deaths account for only two percent of all traffic fatalities, they have increased by 25 percent within the last decade, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Bicyclists are generally safer when travelling in bike lanes. Protected bike lanes — which separate bicyclists from vehicular traffic with physical barriers — are being installed in Providence and several other cities across the United States. A new IIHS study finds that bicyclists may not always be safe when riding in protected bike lanes, however. Where Do The Risks Exist In Protected Bike Lanes?…Read More

During the warmer time of year, Rhode Island's vast waterways offer a place for fishing and recreational boating. Although boating crashes do not occur on the same scale as car accidents, they do happen and can lead to serious injuries and even death when they do. Recently, a woman was killed in a collision in Newport while racing a sailboat. The state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reports that the woman was operating a two-person catamaran sailboat and competing in the New England 100 Regatta when she was struck by a powerboat. Alcohol was not determined to be a factor in the crash, but a DEM investigation is ongoing — including conducting an autopsy, crash reconstruction, and collecting witness statements. How Common Are Boating Crashes? According to a United States Coast Guard (USCG) report, there were approximately…Read More

Motorized electric scooters provide their operators with an inexpensive and enjoyable way to get around in large cities. Several companies have taken advantage of their growing popularity, offering rental stations where visitors – often tourists – can access the devices. Yet e-scooters also present a safety problem, adding another risk to chaotic city streets already crowded with traffic, distracted drivers, pedestrians, motorcycles and bicyclists. According to EHS Today, the biggest problem with e-scooters are the operators. Uninformed, unprepared or discourteous riders sometimes ignore safety protocols. For example, they ride on sidewalks, where they present a hazard to pedestrians. Or they do not follow traffic laws. EHS Today says rental companies must take some responsibility for promoting safety. Companies are urged to protect riders by providing safety equipment and through routine maintenance…Read More

It’s summer. That means longer hours of daylight for Rhode Island drivers. Nighttime driving still poses a risk, however, as more drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists travel Rhode Island roadways. When it comes to driving at night, visibility is key. Adequate light is critical for identifying other road users such as motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. It can prevent crashes by making objects in the road or animals crossing the road more visible, and it can increase the time and distance a driver needs to react to an emergency. How Well Do Your Headlights Work? According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), the majority of traffic fatalities occur at night. However, the risk could be mitigated simply by implementing headlight technology already found in Europe and Canada – adaptive driving beam headlights (ADB). Research…Read More

The warm weather is upon us, that means many residents of greater-Providence will leave their cars at home and commute via bicycle. Not only is bicycling a healthy and economically sound way for commuters to get around, it’s a hobby that many people enjoy. An Increase In Bicycles Calls For More Awareness Due to the expansion of the JUMP bike-sharing service, there are more bicycles on Providence streets than ever, according to a Patch article. Bicycle enthusiasts and safety advocates are encouraging communication among drivers and bicyclists through an initiative dubbed “The Rhode Island Waves campaign.” Bari Freeman, Executive Director of Bike Newport, explains, “The Rhode Island Waves campaign was developed in Newport and now Bike Newport is working with the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to expand this campaign across…Read More

Many drivers make sure to change their oil regularly or bring their car to the mechanic when they hear an unusual sound coming from under the hood. When it comes to tires, some of these same drivers are not so vigilant about their safety. It’s easy to assume everything’s OK, even if the treads are worn or the tire is under-inflated. The reality is that a tire problem may eventually lead to a serious car accident. Tire blowouts have been linked to rollovers of SUVs, among the most popular vehicles on Rhode Island roads. In fact, a faulty tire is more likely to be a factor in a fatal motor vehicle accident than a driver distracted by a smartphone, according the Statesman, which cited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data. What Are…Read More

Everyone likes to claim Irish blood flows through their veins on St. Patrick’s Day. For many people, though, that means consuming large quantities of alcohol, raising their blood alcohol levels to well above the legal limit and posing a danger to other people when they then try to drive in Providence or elsewhere in Rhode Island. It’s not that people have “one drink too many.” On St. Patrick’s Day, some people have way too many drinks. According to “Sobering Up,” which calls itself a “blog about drunk driving, alcohol addiction and criminal justice,” three-quarters of fatal drunk driving crashes on St. Patrick’s Day involve a motorist whose blood alcohol level is twice the legal limit. In the name of pretending to be Irish for one night, these irresponsible partiers ignore…Read More

Rhode Island winters can be brutal. Not only do we experience the cold, brisk temperatures of New England, but our coastal location also makes us susceptible to blizzards, nor’easters, and fluctuating temperatures. When inclement weather strikes, your travel plans may be delayed. When taking to the roadways, your commute could be slowed down, as stopping and steering can be difficult. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), about 24 percent of winter traffic accidents occur when the roads are compromised by snow, slush, or ice. This accounts for more than 1,300 deaths and 116,800 injuries across the nation each year. Out of that, 15 percent of accidents happen when snow or sleet is falling – accounting for 900 deaths and 76,000 injuries. Common Causes Of Winter Accidents Winter…Read More

They can happen on Interstate 95, Route 6, or other various roads throughout Rhode Island. When a wheel comes loose, a driver can lose control of his or her vehicle. When wheel runoffs occur, they often result in devastating crashes, including:   Lane-departure accidents  Rollovers  Head-on collisions  Side-impact accidents  Rear-end accidents  Single-vehicle accidents  Additionally, the wheel itself can become a danger to other road users. In many cases, loose wheels strike other vehicles on major roads and highways. A loose wheel can crash through someone’s windshield and cause injuries to multiple vehicle occupants.   Crash Forensics has identified several scenarios in which a wheel runoff accident can occur, as well as the factors involved.   Wheel Mounting Failures One of the primary causes of wheel runoffs is improper installation of a wheel, often caused by…Read More