Articles Posted in Health and Safety Reports

By

BikePedestrianLaneLocal News

Gwinnett County Police are reportedly calling on pedestrians to stay alert and use crosswalks after a recent surge in pedestrian fatalities.

According to WTVM 9 News, Gwinnett authorities report there have already been 11 pedestrian deaths this year, a steady increase from 7 last year and 5 in 2012. The majority of these accidents reportedly occurred after dark, between 8:00pm and 11:00pm. Several of these accidents took place along Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Singleton Road and South Norcross Tucker Road, according to Gwinnett County authorities.

Media reports allege many of these deaths may have been prevented had pedestrians used crosswalks and obeyed traffic control signals.

Our Legal Take

Advocates for cyclist and pedestrian rights at The Murray Law Firm find the media’s sole focus on pedestrian safety, rather than driver caution, a disturbing trend.

While pedestrians should always try to wear bright or reflective clothing and mind traffic laws, these fatalities should serve as an equally grave reminder to Gwinnett County drivers on the need to share our roadways with pedestrians and to city officials on the need to reevaluate pedestrian safety measures in these high-risk areas.

Why were the drivers in these incidents unable to stop, slow or swerve for the pedestrians in time? Do cellphone records, traffic surveillance footage and blood test results indicate whether distraction, speed or impairment were involved in any of these fatalities?

Given the apparent pattern of pedestrian fatalities along Jimmy Carter Boulevard, Singleton Road and South Norcross Tucker Road, what additional pedestrian safety measures, such as improved sidewalks, light-up crosswalks, caution signage, lower speed limits, and pedestrian bridges, have Gwinnett County officials implemented to protect pedestrians in these high-risk areas?

Should the drivers in any of these accidents be found at fault for distraction, speed, impairment or other negligence, the families of these victims may elect to file civil claims in their wrongful deaths. Claims of this magnitude would send a critically needed reminder to all Gwinnett County drivers on the need to share our roads with pedestrians and end distracted driving. Further, such claims would demand city officials finally improve pedestrian safety measures in these high-risk areas. Perhaps, through these legal claims, many other lives may be spared.

The Murray Law Firm works tirelessly for families devastated by distracted and negligent drivers and we offer our legal expertise, if needed. Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 404.842.1600. Consultations are free and confidential.

SAC EM Update

By

FireLineThe Augusta Fire Department provided a fire safety training course to representatives from 20 local apartment complexes Thursday, August 7, 2014.

Fire Lt. Carlton Bradley implored apartment complex managers and owners to take the lessons imparted over the two hour course and apply them to their communities.

“The biggest thing I want you all to take away from this is to be safe and make your tenants safe,” urged Lt. Bradley.

Thousands of people are hurt and affected by devastating apartment fires each year and many of these fires are preventable. Fire safety is an ongoing commitment for apartment owners and managers. They must ensure residents have access to smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency exits, water sprinklers, and alarms. But, these tools are useless without frequent inspections and fire safety drills.

The Murray Law Firm protects victims and families harmed by apartment, nursing home and hotel fires. We hope other Georgia apartment owners and managers will follow suit and coordinate with their local fire departments to implement the best fire safety equipment, frequent safety inspections, and proper staff and resident education on fire emergency procedures.  Through this preparation, many lives may be spared.

Anyone seeking further information or legal representation is encouraged to contact us at 888.842.1616. Consultations are free and confidential.

By

MotherDaughterCanoeJust in time for Memorial Day weekend, Georgia officials have teamed up to launch a comprehensive summer driving and boating safety campaign.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The Georgia State Patrol and The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety  started the new campaign on Monday, May 19, 2014, in an effort to keep families safe and boaters and motorists from drinking and driving.

Unfortunately, Georgia motor vehicle and boating accidents soar during the summer months. Tragically, many of these fatal accidents are caused by impaired boaters and motorists and could have easily been prevented. Last year, the state boating under the influence limits were lowered to match driving limits, at 0.8.  This summer, several Georgia departments are working together to crack down on impaired boaters and motorists and to strictly enforce seat belts, life vests, speed limits and distracted driving.

The Gwinnett Daily Post Reports:

“We’ve got our DNR partners on the water and our GSP and local law enforcement partners on the road. No matter where you choose to celebrate this Memorial Day weekend, if you’re drunk behind the wheel, your home for the night will likely be in a jail cell.”–GOHS Director Harris Blackwood

“The summer boating season is a great time for families to get outside and enjoy Georgia’s beautiful and abundant waterways. Boaters must always keep safety in mind, make it a habit to wear a life jacket, always have a sober operator and do not take risks out on the water.”–Lt. Colonel Jeff Weaver of DNR

“Enjoy your time with family and friends as we remember those who died fighting for our freedom. As you travel, remember to always buckle up, properly restrain children, watch your speed, avoid distractions inside your vehicle, and use a designated driver if alcohol consumption will be part of your festivities.” –Col. Mark McDonough, commissioner of the Department of Public Safety

In consideration of our many clients who have lost loved ones or suffered injuries due to impaired drivers and boaters, The Murray Law Firm reminds our readers to please drive responsibly this season. We wish you all a safe and healthy summer!