Author Archives: maryalexander
Drivers older than 75 pose increased risks of injury to other motorists
NBC Bay Area News recently reported on a 90-year-old automobile driver who plowed into a Palo Alto sidewalk cafe while trying to parallel park. Two people sustained serious injuries while four others suffered minor injuries. Apparently, the driver accidentally hit the gas, struck another vehicle and then drove up onto the sidewalk. According to… Read More »
Tragic Berkeley balcony collapse provides lessons in premises liability
A fatal balcony collapse provides lessons in an offshoot of personal injury claims: premises liability. A birthday party took a tragic turn in Berkeley recently when the balcony of the apartment collapsed. The collapse occurred during the celebration of a birthday and led to the death of six young adults and injured seven more…. Read More »
Will Vision Zero help San Francisco?
In 2013, pedestrians represented 18 out of all 33 vehicular fatalities in San Francisco County. A Swedish program known as Vision Zero is a dedicated plan to improve pedestrian safety in a specific city. New York City adopted and created its own Vision Zero plan in 2014 and now both San Francisco and San… Read More »
Teen arrested after drunk driving accident in South San Francisco
Teen Arrested After South San Francisco Drunk Driving Accident A drunk teen driver crashed into several cars in South San Francisco recently. Accidents involving inexperienced motorists and alcohol are especially dangerous. According to a Bay City News report, a 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and theft after he… Read More »
CA ignition interlock pilot program hopes to reduce DUI deaths
California is piloting an ignition interlock device program, requiring all convicted DUI offenders to have an IID installed in their vehicles. Despite countless national and state campaigns warning drivers to avoid drinking and driving, some people still choose to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. As a result, many people have lost their lives…. Read More »
The dangers of night-time driving in CA
Driving at night presents unique risks to drivers, which can increase the risk of car accidents and injuries. Motorists continue to the fill the streets of San Francisco even after the sun goes down. However, drivers are three times more likely of being involved in motor vehicle accidents at night than they are during… Read More »
Beware of San Francisco fog and other weather conditions this fall
The fog in the Bay Area may be especially dangerous in autumn. Other hazardous fall weather conditions include rain, wind and frost. The Bay Area is renowned for having some of the most beautiful and unique weather in the entire country. However, some types of weather may create driving hazards, especially when many drivers… Read More »
Distracted drivers fare worse with alcohol, even at legal levels
Distracted Drivers Can Be Worse than Drunk Drivers In an era when cellphones and smart devices infiltrate nearly every aspect of daily life, comparisons between distracted driving and drunk driving are frequent. Previous research suggests that the act of using a mobile phone behind the wheel increases the risk of traffic accidents by a… Read More »
Brain injuries: Unpredictable and long-lasting
Traumatic Brain Injuries: Unpredictable and Long-lasting Brain injuries affect each person differently and this can make them difficult to treat and to predict long-term outcomes for. A San Francisco man’s life hangs on a thread as he lies in a hospital with a severe brain injury and a fractured skull. NBC Bay Area news… Read More »
What is California’s Graduated Drivers’ License program?
California was one of the first states to enact a Graduated Drivers’ License program for teenage drivers. This is one way of reducing teen driver accidents. It is understandable that 16- and 17-year-old kids are not as mature as adults in California. This immaturity can naturally impact their driving and their ability to be… Read More »