Car Wreck Newsletter

California Drivers Go Hands-Free July 1, 2008

A California state law regarding hands-free cell phone takes effect on July 1, 2008. The law stipulates that drivers over the age of 18 may not talk on a cell phone while driving unless they use a hands-free device, such as a headset or a Bluetooth. However, drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from any use of a cell phone while driving. If caught using a cell phone, regardless of age, the state will fine you $20 as a first offense. Any violations after that will be raised to $50, no matter how often they are caught. This law is for anyone who drives on California roads, even those visiting from out of state. The California Senator who instituted the bill believes that this law will help to save between 300 and 900 lives per year. Every year, up to 4,000 Californians are killed in car wrecks. Many…
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Tire Recall Expanded Due to Fear of Car Wrecks

Tech International recalled one model of tire valves on May 13, 2008 because of defective rubber. In June, the manufacturer expanded the recall of tire valves that includes five additional models. The model numbers affected by the recall are: TR413 TR413CH TR414 TR415 TR418 TR423 The recall was initiated because of defective rubber around the tire valve, which can crack and allow the gradual loss of air during use. Vehicles that are being driven on underinflated tires can put the occupants at risk for catastrophic tire failure, which may result in a serious car wreck. The defective tire valve will be replaced by Tech International free of charge. The manufacturer will replace the entire tire if it has been damaged due to the defective tire valve. Tire Safety to Prevent Car Wrecks Maintaining proper air pressure in tires is essential to help prevent car wrecks. Vehicle tires that are not…
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How Safe Is My SUV?

You may have purchased your sport utility vehicle (SUV) thinking it was one of the safer models of vehicle on the road. In truth, an SUV’s high center of gravity and narrow tire track make it more likely to rollover when turning at high speeds, and when driving on icy roads. If you suffer an injury in an SUV rollover accident, a Texas car accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve. The Dangers of SUV Rollovers Several years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made SUV safety a priority after Ford recalled several Ford Explorers because of rollover accidents. In those cases, the vehicles’ Bridgestone-Firestone tires attributed to the accidents. Since then, experts have long agreed that the way to make SUVs safer is to lower their center of gravity and widen the wheelbase. Despite the safety benefits of these modifications, automakers have been slow…
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How Old Are Your Tires?

When many of us go to shop for new tires, we normally do the research to know what we should look for. We look into such questions as: What is the price? What size are they? How much are they? What is the condition of the tread? But one thing many of us never ask is, how old are the tires? In fact, tires that are six years or older can actually cause fatal accidents, even if they’re brand new. There is much controversy over whether or not the tires are responsible for the hazardous driving conditions. There has been much research done to show how tires start to deteriorate over time. This means that even when tires are sitting on the shelves in the stores they are decreasing in value and in safety. Tires can sometimes sit in a store’s inventory for as long as ten years. The National…
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