Barely a week into 2011, ice is causing dangerous conditions on Colorado roads, unfortunately resulting in car accidents, and at least one fatality. Samantha Gaunt, a 17-year-old resident of Canon City, was killed on January 2, when her car hit an icy patch on the road, and collided with a tree. Gaunt died instantly of head and neck injuries. Roads are more dangerous this time of year, even when there’s no snow on the ground. When temperatures drop, moisture on the roadways will freeze, causing the phenomenon known as “black ice.” The sheet of ice is so thin on the asphalt that it’s transparent, and in many case, unseen by drivers until it’s too late. There are some things you can do to avoid the dangers of icy roads.
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If you’ve ever lost a loved one in a traffic accident, you don’t need a special day to remember that person. You remember them every day, and although the pain eventually recedes, the memory never fades. World Day of Remembrance exists not to remind people of those they’ve lost, but to shine a light on the long-lasting effects of, and ongoing tragedies that are motor vehicle accidents. This year, World Day of Remembrance falls on November 21.

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Do you know what to do if you’re involved in a car accident? The first few minutes after an accident are the most important. You must take certain steps to collect insurance and witness information, and you must secure evidence before it’s disturbed. You’ll most likely be a little shaken up after an accident, and you may forget to take down important details that can help protect your rights. Bachus & Schanker has long been concerned that members of our community could be negatively affected by such situations. That’s why we’re proud to announce our My Lawyer™ for Android application, which was created with you in mind.

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Nine people died during the 2010 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, roughly double the usual number of fatalities that occur each year. According to South Dakota accident records, there were a total of 14 motorcycle fatalities before and during the annual rally. This number includes accidents that occurred within the state, but not in the rally region. Several factors most likely contributed to these deaths, and many of them could have been avoided.

Any big event that attracts large numbers of people is going to increase the odds of an accident occurring, whether it’s a motorcycle or car crash. (more…)

Earl Mowery, Jr., 61, of Brighton was killed while riding his bicycle on August 6, 2010. Mr. Mowery was hit by a Dodge Durango driven by a female. Because the driver is juvenile, no information such as her age or the specific circumstances of the accident are being released. It’s highly likely, though, that the driver simply didn’t see Mr. Mowery on his bicycle. Such accidents are, unfortunately, very common. There are steps you can take to avoid accidents with cyclists on the road.

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John Harlan of Colorado Springs was killed when the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car at the intersection of Powers and Grinnell road on July 6, 2010. The driver of the car, Jacqualine Brown, also of Colorado Springs, apparently didn’t see the motorcycle approaching, and made a left turn directly into its path.

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For every mile traveled in 2006, a motorcyclist was 37 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a passenger vehicle. That number continues to rise as more people ride motorcycles, but fewer people are educated about properly sharing the road with them. Motorcycle injuries number in the thousands every year. Motorcycle riders must take their safety into their own hands.

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Anyone who commutes to and from work knows there are certain disadvantages to a long, daily drive. It uses up a lot of gas, puts miles on your car, and can cost more in preventive maintenance and auto repairs. A work commute can be even more stressful in bad weather.

Heavy rain means less visibility, slower speeds, and more time spent on the road. Snow can slow traffic and can be dangerous if ice builds up on the asphalt. If enough snow falls, highways may even be closed temporarily. Weather like that never hits without warning, though, and there’s time to make other arrangements, whether it’s taking an alternate route, or working from home. But living in a mountainous region brings other risks, such as rock slides, and even avalanches. Taking a few precautions will help keep you safer on the road if you hit a rock slide in Colorado.

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After nearly a week with no word about the defective accelerator pedal, Toyota announced on Monday, that they would begin to ship parts to dealers and begin training staff to perform the repairs. Many dealers, frustrated with Toyota’s delays and lack of information have promised consumers to work round the clock to make the repairs.

The repair, which should only take about a half an hour, involves installing a steel shim in the pedal assembly which should eliminate the excess friction between the two pieces of the accelerator mechanism. Toyota claims that this friction is what causes the pedal to either stick in a depressed position or to return slowly to the idle position. The faulty gas pedal only includes parts manufactured by CTS Corporation in Elkhart, Indiana. The recall on the floor mats can be fixed at the same time. Although, Toyota asks that owners wait for a recall letter before contacting their dealer for appointments, some dealers plan to contact every buyer of a recalled model to explain and schedule the repair.

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In an unprecedented move, Toyota suspended sales of eight of its recalled models including two of its most popular models, the Camry and Corolla. Additionally, Toyota has shut down production at five of its manufacturing plants as the company assesses the damage and comes up with a game plan.

From Toyota’s website:
“Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company,” said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter. “This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We’re making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible.”

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