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Head-On Automobile Accidents Between 2014 and 2015 Florida had a 17.8% increase in automobile fatalities according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). One of the most deadly forms of automobile accidents is the head-on collision. Head on collisions between two vehicles are almost always the result of human error. Unfortunately, many times the victims of these accidents are unable to avoid the collision. Research can help show you ways to reduce your chances of being involved in this type of accident. Cause of Head-On Collisions in Florida Head-on collisions are almost always preventable. The vast majority of head-on collisions are the direct result of a vehicle involving lane departure; put simply, a vehicle did not stay in their lane. The reasons for lane departure are pretty common: Intoxication Distraction Drowsy Driving Another cause of head-on collisions are wrong-way drivers. Occasionally people make wrong turns onto roadways and drive in the wrong direction. While not frequent, the results can be deadly. Rural vs Urban Head-On Car Accidents Where do most fatal head-on accidents occur? The overwhelming evidence points to rural roads being more likely than urban roads to have a fatal head-on collision. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) nearly twice as many fatal rural accidents involve head-on collisions, compared to fatal urban accidents. The same study points out that fatal rural accidents are on the rise, while fatal urban accidents are declining. How to avoid head-on collisions in Southwest Florida As a, driver it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and remain alert for possible danger. Driving a car equipped with a lane-departure system can help reduce head on collisions. Avoiding rural roads when possible can help reduce the chance you are involved in a head-on collision. Try to drive on roads that have protective barriers installed that prevent vehicles traveling in the opposite direction from crossing over into your lane. What to do if you are involved in a head-on collision If you are the victim of a head on collision it is important you get the help you need. The attorneys at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz have over 5 decades of experience with personal injury cases. We have six offices located in Southwest Florida. Our offices are conveniently located in Fort Myers (two offices to serve you), Cape Coral, Naples, Lehigh, and Port Charlotte. Call us today to set up your appointment for a free consultation. Justice Starts Now.

Dry January Observing Dry January by abstaining or reducing alcohol consumption is a growing trend, and this year, Dry January may be needed more than ever. According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants have surged roughly 24% during the pandemic. Spirits with higher alcohol content rose more than 27% over last year.  These alcohol trends in the midst of the pandemic were despite evidence that alcohol has the ability to decrease immunity! In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) notes alcohol increases the risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon and breasts among women. Women are at greater risk for some of the negative effects of booze, including absorbing more alcohol than men and taking longer to break it down. Also, women are more vulnerable to brain and heart damage then men from alcohol. Limiting alcohol has been listed as one of four simple New Year’s resolutions that will reduce the risk of breast cancer. Dry January: Benefits Another New Year’s resolution that is gaining traction is Dry January. Social mentions of the practice of stopping or reducing drinking for the month of January increased 1,083% from 2015 to 2019. Dry January started in the United Kingdom by Alcohol Change in 2013 and has been growing worldwide ever since. It’s a New Year’s wellness trend that allows people to start the year clearer, more refreshed and safer. Alcohol Change estimates that four million people, or around 1 in 20 Britons, now participate each year. Benefits of Observing Dry January Abstaining from alcohol is not without benefits. Here are some of the bad effects of drinking alcohol: Masks underlying depression and anxiety, making symptoms worse Degrades sleep quality Dehydrates and can spike blood sugar Suppresses your body’s immune system Here’s another bonus of observing Dry January that often goes unmentioned. When you stop drinking, you will not risk drinking and driving. But you don’t have to give up tasty drinks altogether when observing Dry January. Town and Country magazine offers these recipes for delicious mocktails. We Stand Against Drunk Driving Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice & Purtz is a community champion for putting an end to drunk driving. For three years, the firm has been a presenting sponsor for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Walk Like MADD 5K walk and run, which raises money to ensure no one in our community suffers from the impacts of impaired drivers. Our staff and attorneys see the impact of drunk driving through the clients we represent, reinforcing our advocacy for MADD. Nationally on average, two out of three people will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. If you or anyone you love is suffering from injuries from a drunk driving accident, our attorneys can help.