Blog

Drivers throughout the D.C. area can tell you how bad traffic is in the city. There’s often an endless stream of vehicles that slows down travel, especially during rush hour. But a new study confirms what many have already noticed – it’s been getting worse. The transportation analytics firm StreetLight Data examined the change in...

Big changes are coming for commercial truck drivers and their employers with the next phase of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. With over 175,000 CDL/CPL drivers currently listed as "prohibited," the latest regulations are set to have a major impact. Starting November 18, 2024, State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLAs)...

Better street lighting and lighted crosswalks, in particular, help prevent pedestrian accidents, according to a recent pedestrian safety study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). "These results show that simple changes can have a dramatic impact on pedestrian safety," IIHS President David Harkey said in a statement released by the independent, non-profit organization about...

A wave of safety inspections suggests that more than 1 in 10 trucks have unsafe brakes. The numbers stress the importance of regular brake maintenance and enforcement to help ensure safer roads for all users and reduce the risk of severe and fatal truck accidents. The findings are the results of Operation Airbrake, an annual...

Pedestrian accidents are becoming more frequent in the DMV, raising significant concerns among residents. These accidents often result in life-altering injuries or, tragically, fatalities. Survivors face long recoveries, permanent disabilities, and deep emotional scars. Speeding has emerged as a major contributing factor to collisions involving people on foot, posing a serious threat to pedestrians in...

Summer is in full swing, and it's important to remember that we are now in the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer," which extends from Memorial Day to Labor Day. While this period might be a time to relax and plan enjoyable activities, it’s important to be vigilant while driving, especially for teens. The statistics regarding...

Motorcycle accidents are frequently caused by driver negligence, where other drivers fail to share the road responsibly with motorcyclists. This vulnerability significantly increases the risks for motorcyclists across the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia). As such, drivers of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicles need to exercise caution and prioritize the safety...

Distracted driving poses a significant threat to road users nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a comprehensive campaign to address this issue. This campaign aims to raise awareness and promote safe driving practices by targeting common distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, and eating while driving. The NHTSA's strategy...

Brain Injury Awareness Month Head and brain injuries can have serious consequences. Brain Injury Awareness Month occurs every March. This designation provides an opportunity to shed light on the frequently underestimated consequences of slip and fall accidents where there is a head trauma. At the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC, we recognize that...

Recent Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ("IIHS") studies revealed important findings as to front crash prevention challenges, particularly those involving motorcycles and large trucks. These systems typically comprise forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking ("AEB"). They alert drivers of impending collisions and automatically engage brakes if the driver doesn't react promptly to the reduced...