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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

If you were involved in an auto accident in Rhode Island, one of the most crucial steps to piece together a solid claim is making sure a police report is filed. Even if your accident was just a “fender bender” and you feel perfectly fine after, you may start to experience injury symptoms days later. An official police report makes it more likely that you will be compensated for medical treatment or time spent away from work. If you have any questions on how the process works, an experienced Providence auto accident attorney at our law firm can help. We also offer an in-depth guide on what you can expect to find in a police report. Evidence That Supports Your Claim After you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s important that you call the police right…Read More

Many of today’s automobiles come standard with safety technology. These safety features can help reduce the likelihood of auto accidents on Providence roads. However, when drivers rely too much on this technology, it can pose serious risks to everyone on the road.  What New Safety Features Are Drivers Relying On? According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), drivers are becoming more reliant on advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These features offer automated and adaptive vehicle functions that can help drivers avoid accidents. They include:   Blind spot monitoring systems: This feature offers a surround view and detects vehicles passing in blind spots.   Forward collision warning: This feature uses sensors to detect potential collision hazards and alerts drivers by emitting a sound.   Lane keeping assist: This feature can prevent lane-departure accidents by alerting drivers when they begin to veer off…Read More

When a traffic signal turns green and you have the right of way, you should be able to proceed through an intersection without the risk of being seriously injured. However, that is not always the case.   In recent news, an accident at the intersection of Bellevue and Narragansett avenues in Newport, Rhode Island resulted in a vehicle rollover after a driver ran through a red light. Luckily, no injuries were reported, but some crash victims aren’t as fortunate.  What’s Causing The Increase In Red-Light Running?  Accidents caused by drivers who run red lights are a growing problem in Rhode Island and nationwide. This uptick has caught the attention of several safety advocacy groups, according to The Drive. In a combined effort, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the American Automobile Association (AAA), Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety,…Read More

The safety of student pedestrians heading back to school needs to be a top priority. Drivers need to obey all traffic laws and speed limits, come to a complete stop at stop signs and check for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks - being mindful that they may dart out from across the street or between parked cars. Reduce Your Speed And Keep Your Eyes On The Road Children tend to be unpredictable as pedestrians, and some may ignore dangers that could put them at a higher risk of injury. Even older children may be distracted as they walk. They might be listening to music, texting, talking or surfing the web on their smartphones. One study published in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention revealed pedestrian behavior was influenced and generally considered…Read More

Road accident deaths stemming from collisions with large trucks are on the decline - which is excellent news. However, a recent analysis by Volvo Trucks reveals we don't have as much to celebrate with regard to truck accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Action is necessary to slash the number of pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents involving trucks. One analysis published in the in the journal Procedia: Social and Behavioral Sciences revealed that reducing the accident rate is something of a catch-22. People aren't eager to walk or bike in heavy traffic. In cities like Providence, where the population is fairly dense, pedestrians and cyclists can suffer a substantial number of serious traffic injuries and deaths. But traffic congestion cannot be reduced while most trips are taken by car. In order to promote cycling and pedestrian growth,…Read More

We are in the midst of the deadliest stretch of the year on the road for our teen drivers. The American Automobile Association reports the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the 100 Deadliest Days for teenage drivers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports six teens ages 15-19 die every day in car accidents in the United States. Many other motorists are injured or killed in collisions caused by teen drivers. AAA is focusing on several of the most common causes, including speeding (29 percent of all fatal accidents involving teenagers) and night driving (more than one-third of teen crashes occur between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.). Rhode Island's graduated licensing law, RI Gen L § 31-10-6 (2012), attempts to reduce the risks by granting driving privileges to teens in stages. However,…Read More

Starting this month, Rhode Island drivers can be pulled over and fined $100 if seen with a mobile phone to their ear while behind the wheel. The state's hands-free driving law went into effect on June 1st. Providence Journal reports the law, which passed last year, is aimed at reducing the increasing number of fatal collisions on state roads. Traffic deaths increased 63 percent last year, claiming nearly 100 lives. Three other New England states, namely Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire, also prohibit drivers from talking on hand-held cell phones. We expect to see an increase in auto accidents through the summer travel season, and many of those collisions will be caused at least in part by a driver who is distracted. Unfortunately, numerous studies have determined using hands-free devices while driving remains a distraction…Read More

There are many reasons why all Providence drivers should accept personal responsibility for enacting safe driving habits. In the most drastic cases, it can help drivers avoid criminal charges for traffic-related deaths, impaired driving, and other vehicular crimes. It can also help drivers avoid administrative consequences, such as points added their insurance policies or fines and fees. Finally, safe driving habits can help drivers avoid civil liability in a lawsuit by an injury victim. All of these consequences are designed to deter unsafe driving habits and make the roads of Providence safer for all road users, including motorists, passengers, bikers and pedestrians. Drivers’ Legal Obligations Under Rhode Island Law The State of Rhode Island General Laws make many provisions for traffic regulation. Drivers are given clear guidelines for many different aspects…Read More