February 24, 2012

New legislation in Utah could change the requirements for individuals over the age of 19 who are attempting to get a driver license. According to an article released by The Salt Lake Tribune, HB 266 would eliminate the need for drivers over the age of 19 to take a driver training course.

Rep. Bradley M. Daw, R-Orem, came up with the idea after noticing that a friend’s wife had gained enough driving experience with a learner permit to pass her license exam. His idea is to replace the mandatory driving education class in Utah with a set number of hours drivers must log with a learner permit and a licensed driver accompanying them. Under the new legislation, drivers would have to log 40 hours of driving, including 10 hours at night, during their 90-day period under a learner permit.

Opponents of the law say that the quantity of time behind the wheel doesn’t necessarily make for quality driver training, and not all licensed drivers are good drivers or good driving instructors. They also warn that the licensed passenger might not correct the learning driver’s mistakes like a qualified instructor would.

The Utah Auto Accident Attorneys with Robert Debry and Associates help victims of accidents that were injured by another driver’s negligence. If you have been hurt in a crash that was no fault of your own, contact us today for a free consultation of your case.

November 11, 2011

A radical change of direction has occurred in policy concerning handling of vehicles involved in accidents. According to KSL News, the changes in law and new statewide signage come after 21 Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) troopers were injured while responding to accidents in a year’s time.

At a press conference held Thursday, officials from the Utah Department of Transportation and top officials from the UHP displayed new signs that will go up across the state asking motorists involved in minor fender benders to move to the nearest off ramp exit before calling police. The new signs coincide with a new law that took effect in July requiring the same action.

Officials believe the measures should make roadways safer for both accident victims and the officers and troopers who respond. The idea for the changes from the current way of doing things, which is sit next to a busy highway waiting on an officer to respond, came after seven troopers were injured in a six-week time frame while on accident calls.

The law is only applicable on state highways and interstates where the UHP patrols.

The Utah Auto Accident Lawyers with Robert Debry & Associates ask that motorists be mindful of the new signage and law by moving to an off-ramp if involved in an accident. If you see an officer responding to vehicles that have not moved, try to move into the left lane to avoid an accident. Following these simple steps could save a life.

September 16, 2011

In an act of unselfish bravery, documented on video that has now gone viral over the internet, a group of Utah students saved a man who was involved in a fiery motorcycle crash. The students lifted a car that was pinning the biker and pulled him to safety. According to the Associated Press and Chicago Sun-Times, the group is be lauded as “angels” and “heroes,” but are being quite modest about these titles.

The crash occurred near the campus of Utah State University as the motorcyclist was heading to study. A BMW leaving a parking lot turned left and cut the bike off, causing the man to drop the bike and skid across the pavement. The bike hit the car and bounced up onto the hood, while its rider slid under the car and became trapped. The wreckage burst into flame shortly after.

The group of nearby students knew something had to be done if the biker’s life was to be saved. They approached the wreckage without fear and began to rock the car just before lifting it. A construction worker then moved in and pulled the man to safety.

While the Utah Motorcycle Accident Attorneys with Robert Debry & Associates certainly do not endorse putting one’s life in danger like these men did, they do applaud and respect the actions that were taken by these individuals whose compassion for humanity saved another human life.

June 17, 2011

The fifth fatal motorcycle accident in Utah this month occurred Thursday afternoon on the west side of Salt Lake City, Utah. The Salt Lake Tribune reports the accident occurred on the State Road 201 on-ramp approaching I-215.

Authorities say that a tractor-trailer truck was in the third lane for the right, when the motorcycle came around the loop on-ramp. For an unknown reason, the driver of the motorcycle suddenly swerved into the lanes to his left.  The motorcycle clipped the front tires of the trailer, sliding into the path of the back tires and was subsequently run over. The motorcycle driver died at the scene. He apparently had a small dog in a crate on the back of the bike also, which died in the crash as well.

Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) issued the following statement after the deadly accident:

“We remind the operators of motor vehicles and motorcycles to be aware of each other and to take precautions to allow for the safe travel of each other.”

UHP is also encouraging riders to wear appropriate, DOT-approved helmets, which offer facial protection and are asking them to wear protective clothing as well.

The Utah Motorcycle Accident Lawyers with Robert Debry & Associates say that they handle several motorcycle accident cases a year, giving them the experience and understanding to help guide a client through the difficult process of fighting for compensation. Fill out a FREE online consultation form if you would like to discuss your case with our team.

June 3, 2011

Cyclists is Salt Lake City believe that the city and country are not keeping up with the growing trend of bicycling in the area. Ksl.com reports some people believe the city needs to have more dedicated biking trails and routes in order to keep riders safe from the dangers of the highways.

Phil Blomquist, the owner and manager of The Bicycle Center in Sugarhouse, says, “We need to have dedicated bike paths where people don’t get interfered by cars and intersections and things like that.” He says that it is something that has been discussed for years, yet nothing ever seems to happen with it.

Recent improvements to some area roads have included a white outlined bike lane, but Blomquist doesn’t feel this is enough to keep riders safe. He may be right considering that Utah ranks in the top ten states in the nation for bicycle fatalities, and that there has been a 44% increase in individuals biking to work.

Utah is one of the many states that do not have a helmet law for bicycle users, which could lead to the 95% fatality rate reported for the Pedicyclist accidents involving a rider with no helmet as reported by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.

If you, or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident, contacting a Utah Bicycle Accident Attorney with Robert Debry & Associates may be the best decision you ever make. Read about other satisfied clients here.

May 27, 2011

With the holiday weekend just around the corner and both the “Click It Or Ticket” and “See Me Save Me” campaigns kicking off the is week, traffic safety is on the minds of many in Utah.

The news team at ksl.com reported that on Monday, several of Utah’s law enforcement agencies held a commencement ceremony at Redwood Memorial Cemetery to mark the kickoff to the campaigns. Each year, the participating community agencies use Memorial Day weekend as the start date for targeted enforcement of seatbelt laws, known as May Mobilization.

Studies find that seatbelt use was up among Americans by 1 percent in 2010. In states with primary seatbelt laws, use reached 88 percent in 2010.

Utah Highway Patrolman Col. Danny Fuhr says “There’s a direct correlation with people being unrestrained and death, and buckling up and staying alive. That’s what we’re doing. We keep people alive so they can go home every single night and enjoy their families.”

Last year in Utah, 110 people died on the roadways because they were unrestrained. This outranked DUI, distraction, speed, and fatigue as a contributing factor in fatal accidents in Utah.

The Utah auto accident attorneys at Robert DeBry & Associates would like to wish you happy and safe travel this holiday weekend! Don’t forget to buckle up!