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Cell Phone Causes Major I-5 Crash - Federal Government Employee not Following California Law

Todd Slaughter — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:30:44 GMT

We all know it is a bad idea to fool around with our cell phones while we are driving. One group of researchers at the University of Utah found that drivers on cell phones are more likely to cause an accident than drivers who are drunk. Many of us do it anyway, and often we cause accidents or even deaths.

California, since July of 2008, has been one of five states that ban the use of hand held cell phones while driving. Moreover, in California the ban is one of primary enforcement, meaning that law enforcement officers can pull a driver over simply for the use of the phone.

One might expect that if anyone should be obeying the law in California, it would be law enforcement personnel. And yet, this week we see undercover officers of the federal government involved in a serious accident. These officers somehow managed to not see an enormous highway maintenance truck, at least until they were slamming into it from behind. The driver, an undercover agent of the Bureau of Land Management told investigators that he was talking on his cell phone and simply did not see the truck. His passenger is currently hospitalized with major internal injuries.

So, for the sake of a momentary convenience, the agent's cell phone use seriously injured his passenger, caused two others to be taken to the hospital, closed down the I-5 southbound for more than an hour, and destroyed a Caltrans maintenance vehicle. Was this phone call important enough to justify all this?

With very few exceptions, no one should be making calls while driving. It’s not just a bad idea, in California it’s against the law. Law enforcement personnel, whether state or federal, should know the law and act as examples to others. More and more drivers seem to be ignoring the law passed just one year ago. For federal employees to refuse to obey California law is unacceptable. Moreover, the officer’s cell-phone caused inattention proved to be reprehensibly dangerous, pure and simple.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Chronic Whiplash Pain Is Real, and Often Caused by Spinal Facet Injury

Todd Slaughter — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 19:24:18 GMT

In an article published in late 2007 in the prestigious Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the often asserted position that whiplash injuries cannot result in chronic pain was evaluated by three reknown spine specialists in an evidence-based analysis. The result: there is no basis for this assertion. In fact, the article shows that a significant number of persons suffering acute neck pain following a motor vehicle collision develop chronic pain that last for years. Further, that a significant number of these patients succumb to partial or total disability. The most common source of the chronic pain: damage to the spinal facet joints.

The facet joints are small joints on each side of a vertebrae that, along with the disc, stabilize the spine and allow bending, twisting and side to side movement. In a rear-end automobile collision, the "facet joints undergo a nonphysiologic pinching motion, with compression posteriorly and distraction anteriorly, usually coupled with shear." This abnormal stress on the joint can cause damage to the capsular structure around the joint, damage to the articulating structures of the joint itself, and even intra-articular hemorrhage. When such damage occurs pain is transmitted to the brain through a medial branch nerve that innervates the facet joint.

The problem with facet injuries is that they do not show up on x-rays, CAT Scans or MRIs. That is because the injuries involve microscopic damage to tiny features within the joint that are not usually observable in these studies. Often, this leads physicians to the conclusion that there is no structural damage to the spine, and that the pain must be deriving from the surrounding "soft tissues." This then leads to the conclusion that "soft tissue" injuries ordinarily resolve in weeks or months, not years.

In the past several years, many advancements have been made in the field of pain management that have furthered our understanding of the role that the facet joints have in chronic whiplash pain. Through injection procedures called "medial branch blocks," and then through specific deadening of the medial branch nerve through a procedure called "radiofrequency ablation," medicine has been able to isolate the facet from other spinal structures to determine if the joint is the source of the pain. The beauty of these new techniques is that only the pain that can come from the facet joint is intercepted. This not only confirms the involvement of the facet joint, it also verifies the legitimacy of the patient's complaint.

In this recent article, entitled Chronic Whiplash and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: An Evidence-Based Approach, (Amer Acad Orthop Surg 2007; 15:596-606), the authors review the medical literature and published data concerning chronic whiplash pain. The review reveals that 15% to 40% of patients with acute neck pain following a motor vehicle collision develop chronic pain, and that 5% to 7% become permanently partially or totally disabled. The most common source of chronic whiplash neck pain - the facet joint (49% to 54%).

Over the years, it has been our experience that the potential of a facet injury to explain chronic whiplash neck pain is often overlooked by the medical community. Patients that continue to suffer chronic pain months and years after a motor vehicle collision should discuss the possibility of such an injury with their physicians. A referral to a competent pain management specialist may quickly confirm the existence of a facet based injury, and lead to good management of this chronic pain syndrome.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Two Drivers Seriously Injured in Head-On I-5 Crash

Todd Slaughter — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 11:23:22 GMT

ANDERSON, Calif. - A mid-afternoon crash on I-5 yesterday sent both motorists to Mercy Medical Center with major injuries. According to the Redding Record Searchlight, the crash occurred on I-5 near Balls Ferry Road when a vehicle driven by a 29-year-old Red Bluff man lost control in the northbound lanes and crossed the center median. The vehicle then crashed into a southbound car driven by a 63-year-old Red Bluff woman. Both are reported to be stable at this time. It was not raining when the crash occurred, but the roadway was wet.

Several road closures have been occuring throughout the Northern California with the recent batch of cold storms that have crossed the region. It has also been reported that many vehicles have lost control on I-5 north of Redding as they passed through the Sacramento River canyon. There are no specific road closures at this moment, but motorists should be checking ahead for closures and chain requirements through the President's Day holiday. Be safe out there.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Another Northern California Crash Caused by Text Messaging/DUI

Todd Slaughter — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:02:03 GMT

CRESCENT CITY, Calif, - Though text messaging while driving has been banned in California since earlier this summer, another life was lost by the reckless use of this electronic distraction this week.

The Daily Triplicate reported yesterday that a four-car crash occurred on U.S. Highway 101 killing a 63 year-old Smith River man and injuring others.

The crash occurred in the southbound lanes when the deceased stopped with others behind a dump truck that was preparing to turn left. A Ford Explorer driven by a 40 year-old Oregon woman approached from behind at about 55 mph. The Explorer hit the decendent's vehicle thrusting it into oncoming traffic where it was hit again by another truck. The driver was killed immediately.

During the investigation, a marijuana pipe and drugs not belonging to the Oregon woman were found in her car. She was arrested for DUI. It was also determined that she may have been text-messaging when the crash occurred. The matter has been turned over to the local district attorney for prosecution.

This is the third fatal crash that we are aware of involving cell phone or text messaging use this year. The law is plain that Californians are not permitted to use hand held cell phones while they are driving. Nor may they text message while driving. As we have previously reported, many studies have shown that cell phone use or text messaging while driving impairs the driver to the same degree as alcohol or drug intoxication. In this case, it was a combination of both that ended an innocent life. We strongly urge all drivers to stop using these electronic devices while driving. If there is an urgent need to communicate with someone, it takes only a second to pull over and then phone.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

The Deer Warns "I'm Here," Helpful?

Todd Slaughter — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:18:44 GMT

FORT JONES, Calif. - This summer Cal Trans is installing a deer detection system in a remote area of far northern California. The system involves the radar detection of deer and other large mammals (probably including humans, or Bigfoot) on the roadway. If an animal is detected, a warning sign posted near the location will begin to flash. Motorists seeing these flashing lights will presumably respond by slowing down and looking for the animals.

Cal Trans has selected a remote area of Highway 3 near Fort Jones to install this first system in California. There are 15 similar systems throughout the United States. This particular five mile stretch of road experiences approximately 60 deer hits per year. Presumably, if the pilot project is successful, it will be expanded to other locations. Our home website post on this subject elicits input from local motorists in Northern California to identify other locations and times when deer and other animals are dangerously prevalent on our roads.

The Redding Record Searchlight article on these detection systems notes that the device also detects the speed of the oncoming vehicles. Nothing is mentioned about using the device to enforce speed limits. Nevertheless, I would suggest that this not be considered. If speeding tickets were given at these very remote locations, I could envision some motorists or locals being motivated to damage or defeat that aspect of the device. Since the device must gather data about the oncoming vehicle to determine if a warning is necessary, such damage would defeat the entire system. The detection and warning system is a good idea, let's not overreach.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Chico Police Crack Down on Cell Phone Use by Motorists

Todd Slaughter — Fri, 01 May 2009 16:00:27 GMT

CHICO, Calif. - Yesterday the Chico Police Department issued 44 citations in a single day crackdown on cell phones by motorists. It has been unlawful to use a handheld cell phone while operating a motor vehicle since July 2008. We applaud this act of open and visible enforcement of the cell phone restrictions.

Right after the law passed there was a noticeable change in the habits of cell phone users. No longer were drivers pulling out their phones immediately after pulling out of their garages. Over the past several months, however, cell phone users have reverted back to their old habits. I cannot drive home in the evening, a drive of 5 minutes, without seeing 3-4 handheld cell phones being used by drivers. Even texting is being seen, despite the clear dangerousness of such practice.

Perhaps a similar crackdown in other north state cities such as Redding or Red Bluff would "rattle the cages" of the cell phone users again, reminding motorists that use of cell phones while driving has been outlawed because it is dangerous.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Does the New California Cell Phone Law Make the Roads Safer?

Todd Slaughter — Fri, 30 May 2008 17:09:48 GMT

The papers and television stations have recently highlighted the changes in California lawconcerning the use of cell phones due to take effect on July 1, 2008. Our previous post on the subject highlighted the requirements of the new law and noted the studies that lead to its passage in September of 2006. The California Department of Motor Vehicles has published an excellent FAQ addressing the variety of components that qualify as "hands-free," when exemptions to the law may apply, how the law is different for motorists under the age of 18, and how the new law will be enforced. We would encourage viewing this site, especially if you are traveling in California from out-of-state, as the law applies to everyone on the roads. The question posed in this post is whether the lawwent far enough.

In the only study that has reviewed and compared the level of distraction that cell phones create during driving,the human factor experts conducting the test concluded that "people are as impaired when they drive and talk on a cell phone as they are when they drive intoxicated. . ." (Strayer, Drews, Crouch 2006 article in Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society). More importantly, however, the University of Utah study found that the level of impairment for those drivers who talked on handheld or "hands-free" cell phoneswas essentially the same. It was not the delivery system of the message that made the difference, it was thefocus on the message that impaired the driver.

Under the new California law, drivers over the age of 18 may utilize cell phones in the "hands free" modalityat any time. Because the law exempts this type of system, it creates a false sense that "hands free" use of cell phones is safe. The human factors studies are completely counter to this conclusion. Unbelievably, "texting" is not addressed by the new law.On this, it should be noted that within the last year a42 year-old mother of fourwas killed on State Route 299 near Shingletown while stopped at a construction site, when another woman crashed into the back of her car while texting. The car burst into flames and theycould not get the poor woman out.

Though the users of cell phones have become addicted to their use in vehicles, the dangerousness cannot be overstated. All drivers should limit their use as much as possible, and should refrain from utilizing the phone when full attentiveness to traffic, roadway, pedestrians, or other conditions is required. No phone conversation is wortha life taken.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

Cyclist Injured by Hit-and-Run Driver

Todd Slaughter — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:04:56 GMT

REDDING, Calif. - On the evening that the Shasta Wheelmen participated in the international Ride of Silence, a slow-ride of rememberance of cyclists injured or killed on public roadways, a 49-year-old Redding man cycling on Hartnell Avenue was struck at the intersection of Churn Creek Road by a vehicle that blew through a red light. The vehicle, described by witnesses as a Honda CRX hatchback, then sped away.

The Record Searchlight reported this morning, May 21, 2009, that the hit-and-run suspect was later arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and DUI.

The injured bicyclist was purportedly taken to Mercy Medical Center. He was not a participant in the local Ride of Silence, but the accident underscores the need for local motorists to be cognizant of bicyclists in our community. More and more of our community members are taking advantage of our wonderful year-round good weather, and beautiful surroundings to get their exercise through bike riding. The motoring public needs to be ever-vigilant to "Share the Road," as the slogan goes. Be safe out there!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

"Looky Lou" Causes I-5 Car Crash

Todd Slaughter — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 10:06:42 GMT

Car accidents are ugly, destructive, life-changing events. Crashes can severely alter the driving environment by blocking lanes, placing debris on the roadway, and causing road, bridge, and property damage. Unfortunately, just as an audience is captivated by the spectacle of a high-speed crash in an action movie, motorists approaching an accident scene tend to be distracted while "rubbernecking" to get a better view of wreck victims.

Ironically, car accidents can be a great model for the consequences of unsafe driving, yet drivers who observe wreck scenes tend to put themselves and others at risk due to their inattention to the road. Such was the case in a set of collisions taking place today near Hilltop Drive on I-5 in Redding, California.

At approximately 8:15 a.m. this morning, a minivan and a small car were involved in a collision in the northbound lane of I-5, nearing the SR-44 exit.

As traffic backed up in the northbound lane, and emergency vehicles began to fill the center divider, traffic in the southbound lane began to slow as drivers became "spectators" of the accident scene. The slowing traffic resulted in stop-and-go traffic, and eventually, one motorist who was particularly distracted by the accident failed to observe stopped traffic, and rear-ended the car in front of him.

The two collisions, taking place within fifteen minutes of each other, paralyzed I-5 for the time being.

The message from the auto accident attorneys at Reiner, Simpson & Slaughter is simple: Onlookers, lookout!

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter

DUI Arrest Follows Head-on Crash on Highway 44

Todd Slaughter — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:35:48 GMT

REDDING, Calif. - The Record Searchlight reported that a three-vehicle head-on crash occurred on State Route 44 between Palo Cedro and Redding yesterday afternoon. A 31-year-old Redding woman was arrested on suspicion of DUI. A call had come into 911 prior to the accident reporting that she had been driving erractically in Palo Cedro.

The crash occured when the Redding woman drifted into eastbound traffic on Highway 44. She side swiped a pick-up driven by a 17-year-old Cottonwood driver. That pick-up veered off the road and down an embankment.

The Redding woman's car then slammed head-on into another eastbound vehicle driven by a 38-year-old Shingletown man. Both drivers in the head-on suffered major injuries and were taken to Mercy Medical Center. The woman was reported to be in critical condition and the Shingletown man was reported in fair condition this morning.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Todd Slaughter