The state of Tennessee has strict laws against boating under the influence (BUI). Just one offense can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and a jail sentence of up to a year. Boating under the influence can also lead to consequences if one or more passengers are injured during a voyage. The driver of the boat is always responsible for the safety of the passengers and those around the boat. Since alcohol use slows a person’s reaction time, it can be difficult to stop an accident from happening, which is why someone should never operate a boat after consuming too much alcohol.

Common Injuries Resulting From BUI

Smaller boats are often overloaded, which can lead to the vessel capsizing--turning over--and dumping its passengers into the water. If someone enters the water while intoxicated, he or she is more likely to drown due to lack of mobility.

Drivers are expected to follow the rules of the road and travel safely. With so many vehicles on the highways, everyone needs to be especially mindful when they change lanes. Whatever the reason for lane changing, a driver should check their side and rearview mirrors and wait until it is clear to move over. If the motorist does not do so, a sudden lane change can cause a collision with another car. Depending on the speed at which the crash happened, the accident could result in serious injuries to the drivers and passengers involved. 

Types of Injuries That Can Result from Lane Change Collisions

Depending on the rate of speed that both vehicles are traveling, there can be severe damage and injury caused by a lane change. Damage to the vehicles includes front-end bumper dents, damage to side doors and mirrors, and rear-end bumper and frame distortions.

Parents have recently been capturing startling footage of cars not obeying traffic laws at school bus stops. Cell phone cameras have caught drivers nearly running over children who are boarding school buses, even when buses are stopped with flashing lights, a stop sign displayed, and a safety bar extended. Failure to stop when a school bus is picking up students can lead to serious injury of a child, and a driver will not only face criminal consequences, but they may be held financially responsible for the injuries caused.

According to Tennessee law, a driver may not pass a school bus when it is stopped, its lights are flashing, and it has a stop sign and safety arm extended, unless there is a median strip between the car and the bus. If a driver fails to stop, he or she can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which includes a fine of up to $1,000.

According to the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, every 34 seconds, a child under the age of 13 is involved in a car accident. Each state in the country has its own specific laws regarding child safety when traveling in a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the most appropriate safety restraint system to use to keep their child as safe as possible.

Tennessee’s Child Restraint law has clear rules for how a child should be secured at every age. A car accident can cause catastrophic injuries to a child, and that is why it is mandatory in every state for children under the age of 16 to be securely fastened while riding in a vehicle. If your child is injured in an auto accident, a skilled personal injury lawyer can advise you on steps for taking legal action against a negligent driver or manufacturer.   

With the sun out and temperatures beginning to rise, more and more pedestrians will be outdoors. Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians are seriously injured or killed in traffic collisions throughout the United States each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5,400 U.S. pedestrians were killed after being struck by motor vehicles during a recent 12-month period. If you or a loved one are injured after being struck by a motor vehicle, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

Remaining Safe as a Pedestrian

Approximately 129,000 pedestrians are treated annually in U.S. emergency rooms after being struck by automobiles. In many cases, there is nothing a pedestrian can do to avoid a collision. Other accidents are preventable. Here are some safety tips you may want to consider the next time you go for a walk.