Many understand that distracted driving such as texting while driving and impaired driving are dangerous. However, many do not realize that drowsy driving can lead to serious and often fatal car accidents. The NHTSA puts annual fatalities caused by drowsy driving in the hundreds, but other studies suggest that these figures are conservative simply because… Read More »
Local Pedestrian Fatality Part of a Growing Trend in the Nation
A fatal Thanksgiving Day hit and run accident involving a motor vehicle and a pedestrian in Des Moines is among a growing number of pedestrian deaths across the nation. The Governors Highway Safety Association reports that pedestrian deaths in 2019 were the highest in 30 years – with nearly 7,000 pedestrian deaths – a 5… Read More »
Why Are Pedestrian Accidents Rising?
Among the deadliest roads for pedestrians are suburban arteries – wide high speed roads that weave through commercial and residential neighborhoods. Traveling around the Des Moines metro area, there are many of these dangerous suburban arteries where pedestrians are at higher risk of being struck by a car, truck or bus. According to one study,… Read More »
Electrocution Accident Injury Attorneys
Recently, two Iowa construction workers were killed and another injured when they came into contact with a buried “high voltage” electrical line while installing internet cable. Underground electrical cables not only create hazards for construction workers, but also electricians, utility company employees, farmers, landscapers, equipment operators, trenchers, excavators, and property owners who do not realize… Read More »
Caution Urged as 2020 Motorcycle Season Ramps Up
Unfortunately, last week a motorcycle accident resulted in a fatality at SW 7th and MLK parkway in Des Moines. According to police, a teen driver’s failure to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic while turning at the intersection contributed to the crash. With nice weather returning to the area, car and truck motorists… Read More »
Controlling Hazards in the Workplace to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers have the responsibility to provide their employees a safe and healthful workplace that is free from serious recognized hazards. A big part of protecting workers involves workplace controls including: eliminating or substituting hazards engineering controls administrative controls and work practice controls Elimination (including substitution) involves removing a… Read More »
Excessive Speed Factors in Fatal Car Accidents
Two Des Moines men lost their lives after another driver struck their vehicle at an intersection on SW 9th – a street that has seen many car and pedestrian accidents. Police believe that excessive speed was a significant contributing factor in the fatal accident – the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the victims’… Read More »
Trench or Excavation Collapse Injuries
OSHA recently cited an Illinois construction company after an employee was seriously injured in a trench collapse accident. The employee was buried up to his waste after an unprotected trench collapsed as he was working on a residential storm sewer deeper than 5 feet. Despite being highly preventable, trench and excavation collapse accidents occur with… Read More »
2018 Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities Highest in Decades
According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2018, an average of 17 pedestrians were killed each day in traffic crashes – the deadliest year on record since 1990. Pedestrian deaths climbed over 3 percent last year with over 6,000 fatalities and many more injuries in 2018 alone. Some theorize the increase in… Read More »
Pedestrian Deaths Highest in Three Decades
More than 6,000 pedestrians were killed in traffic related accidents in 2018 alone. A recent study reveals that pedestrian fatalities are at their highest in 30 years – a pattern that has never been seen before. Nationally, overall traffic deaths fell 6 percent over the last decade, however pedestrian deaths increased a whopping 35 percent… Read More »