Don’t Be Distracted

Don’t Be Distracted

         "Distracted Driver Awareness Week" was held this month in an effort to educate motorists on safe driving. According to a report by the National Highway Safety Administration, about 80% of accidents are caused by driver inattention. The report also said that about 65% of all near-crashes involved some sort of driver inattention.

         Did You Know?

• 98% of Americans claim to be safe drivers
• 72% of all drivers admit to partaking in some form of distracting behavior while driving
• The most common "distracting behaviors" include: cell phone use, eating, drinking, changing the music in the car

         We spent time researching the topic of driver inattention and cell phone use while driving. We did find a number of organizations, politicians and educational institutions that are working hard to develop laws and new technology that will help combat driver inattention related to cell phone use while driving.

         At Daggett Shuler, we try to help create awareness for our clients and friends regarding important safety issues. We see the tragic results that can occur because of driver inattention and we don't want it to happen to you or someone you love. That's why we encourage each of you to talk with your family members, and especially your teenagers about the use of cell phones while driving.

         Cell phones are wonderful for family safety and security, but talking while driving quadruples the risk of car accidents. Ideally, use cell phones when stopped and off the road. The best advice is to not use a cell phone while driving. If you use a cell phone while driving, try to concentrate on driving safely by:

• Avoiding stressful or emotional conversations
• Hanging up in heavy traffic or bad weather
• Using message recording, memory dialing, redial, speakers, and other utilities
• Never writing or taking notes while driving
• Use speed dial functions if you MUST dial

       Please share this information with your young people and talk with them about the need to be fully attentive when driving and to refuse to ride with any driver that does not operate their vehicle in that manner.

       If you have questions about this topic or if you or someone you know has been in a car accident, please feel free to call us for a free legal consultation. We would be happy to help.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas

Safe, Happy Holidays!

Safe, Happy Holidays!

        Holidays can be the happiest of times with family and friends. Please join with us in using our best efforts to keep your holidays safe and happy.

        Over the years we have seen holidays turned into instant tragedy by causes that should have been prevented. Perhaps one of the worst and most frequent tragedies are those caused by drunk drivers. We know – for years we’ve been helping the victims of drunk drivers.

       Other areas of safety concerns fall into categories of fire safety, food safety, child safety, and driving safety. Each of these areas can produce increased risks over the holidays.

      Fire safety includes taking appropriate precautions with Christmas trees and Christmas lights. Christmas decorations can also present hazards we usually don’t have around the house. Lastly, don’t forget fireplace safety as your family gathers around the living room fireplace.

     Certainly the holidays are a time for good food and fellowship. Be sure to be particularly careful with fully cooking meats and poultry. There are also lots of leftovers around the holidays that need to be properly and promptly wrapped and refrigerated.

     We all enjoy children around the holidays, and perhaps the holidays are the most special time of the year for our little ones. Use care in buying and selecting toys for small children, including watching for small parts and choking hazards. Also, children tend to be very curious of all of the additional decorations and holiday items in our houses. So, we need to keep a watchful eye and help them to have a safe, happy holiday too.

      Lastly, as mentioned above, safety on the roads and while driving is perhaps the most frequent danger we face. Above all, please don’t drink and drive. Call a cab or use a designated driver if you need to make your trip home a safe one for you, and for everyone on the road.

     Please join us in preventing accidents at this special time of year. From our Daggett Shuler family to yours, happy holidays!

Winter Driving Safety

Winter Driving Safety

       We got our first taste of bad weather affecting road conditions today. Winter driving can be dangerous, inconvenient, even infuriating. But you can offset those aggravations and minimize the special risks of winter driving by practicing safe habits for winter driving.

      First, the best rule is to don’t drive if you don’t have to when the weather is bad. Certainly, you should minimize your driving and only do what is necessary. Please wait until after the snow plows have been through and allow yourself extra time so you are not in a hurry.

       Make sure you keep your car safely maintained. Clear the snow and frost from your windshield, side and rear windows to make sure you have full visibility. Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, and lights to keep your car as safe as possible.

       Please be courteous and helpful to other drivers by leaving them plenty of room. Look ahead and be aware of the conditions well in front of you. Watching out for others drivers will help keep you safer too.

      When the roads are slick, drive more slowly and allow extra time and space to stop. When you brake, brake gently to prevent skidding so you keep your car under control and stop safely. Be particularly careful on bridges and overpasses since they freeze faster than the roadway. When it is snowing, drive with your lights on so that you are more visible to other drivers.

       Front wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles help in snow, but please remember that on ice all vehicles lose handling and are at extreme risk. Black ice can catch us off guard and by surprise, especially right after sunset. Whenever temperatures are below freezing we must be extremely vigilant for the presence of ice.

       Stay safe on the roads when bad weather comes. Winter weather can be beautiful and it is much more enjoyable if you stay safe!

Texting While Driving

Texting While Driving

          Text messaging is a relatively new and very fast-growing method of communication. While it certainly has its advantages, texting while driving can be extremely dangerous.

          Recently while traveling around the triad working in our Daggett Shuler offices it was surprising to observe the number of drivers who appeared to be texting while driving. As I visited our Greensboro office, went to High Point, and returning to Winston-Salem there appeared to be many drivers whose attention was obviously diverted.

       Recently anti-texting legislation has introduced in Washington. Partially in response to recent studies, the new legislation would require states to outlaw texting and emailing by motorists or risk losing 25　percent of their federal highway funds each year.

      The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute published results from recent studies showing that texting while driving is more dangerous than talking on a cell phone or even than driving drunk! The studies indicated that texting while driving can increase the odds of a wreck by 23 times. That is compared with the risk of a wreck being six times higher while using a cell phone or an MP3 player.

       A University of Utah study showed that texting drivers are eight times more likely to crash than cell phone users. To put the dangers of using electronic devices while driving in perspective, cell phone users are as likely as drunk drivers to cause an accident.

      As texting and the use of portable electronic devices become more and more widely used in our society, we also need to continue to increase community awareness of the dangers. The risks of texting while driving apply to all drivers, but teens are particularly susceptible since texting is a large part of their culture.

      Please join our Daggett Shuler team in helping to prevent injuries by encouraging your family and friends to avoid or limit texting while driving.

Are We Thankful?

Are We Thankful?

         Are we really thankful? The Thanksgiving holiday makes me think a little deeper about that. On Thanksgiving day it is easier to get in touch with all we have and to be thankful. The challenge seems to be the in between days when we have the routine of "life." Some days it is easy to be thankful . . . others maybe it seems impossible.

       It is interesting also to study the history of Thanksgiving in our country. Although the first Thanksgiving was celebrated by the pilgrims in the early 1600's, and George Washington declared a day of "Thanksgiving" in the late 1700s, there were many lapses in the celebration of Thanksgiving. It wasn’t until Abe Lincoln’s 1863 "Proclamation of Thanksgiving" that Thanksgiving then became official.

        Perhaps we too "lapse" in our personal Thanksgiving. I have written elsewhere articles entitled Pursuit of Happiness and Have a Happy Heart, and although being thankful may be part of those perhaps it has another component. Thankful people appreciate what they have.

        Sometimes it is amazing to us at Daggett Shuler how seriously injured and disabled folks can seem to be so thankful even in their most difficult of circumstances. People who are in seemingly, to us, in very bad situations still can be thankful. Perhaps we can learn from them.

        As I was observing and wondering about some of our clients who remain thankful during what most of a would consider bad times, a common theme seemed to be developing. These people tend to look at what they have, instead of looking at what they don’t have.

         I suppose human nature causes many of us not to be so thankful during tough times. Maybe we can work to be super human and learn to see all we do have instead of what we don’t. Let’s be thankful!

Giving Thanks Safely

Giving Thanks Safely

        Our Daggett Shuler family wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving. We also hope you and your family are safe, so we will share with you a few safety tips we have researched for the holiday.

      Home fires are the number one most frequent calls to fire departments, and cooking fires are the most frequent reason. Thanksgiving is the day with the highest number of home fires with three times more fires than on normal days. The leading cause of fire is unattended food on the stove or in the oven. Stay in the kitchen w/ cooking food. Pot holders and towels should be kept away from the stove. For more tips see www.firesafety.gov

        Food safety can easily by slip with large meals and lots of leftovers. Be careful to thoroughly wash hands and counters after touching raw turkey, and other meats. Be sure to keep hot food hot, and cold food cold until the leftovers are safely put away.

       Take careful when carving the turkey. We don’t take out the family carving knives very many times during the year, and so we usually are not in good practice using them. Please be careful carving the turkey and ham, and keep those knives out of reach of youngsters.

       Choking hazards are increased during big holiday meals. The very young and the very old are particularly susceptible to choking. Eat slowly and enjoy the meal. Only encourage talking after food is swallowed. Remind children to take small bites and not to talk with food in their mouths. 

        Take care of your pets too. They make like a little turkey, but please be sure to make sure the little pieces are free of bones. Turkey bones splinter causing a severe threat of choking and other damage.

      Lastly, Thanksgiving is the kick off for the holiday season. Safety first! Drinking and driving seems to go way up making our roads more dangerous. Please join our team and encourage safe sober driving as well as being defensive and courteous on the road.

        Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Veteran Appreciation

Veteran Appreciation

         Have you taken time to thank a veteran? Veterans Day seemed to sort of slipped up on me this year. We probably tend to take for granted the sacrifices of our living veterans who served honorably so that we all can be free.

       Maybe we can all learn along with the first graders. Veterans Day was originally Armistice day which was to commemorate the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1954, after World War II, it was changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all wars. It is a day to honor and thank all of those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

An 87 Year-Old Veteran with First Graders

       There are currently about 25 million living veterans in the United States. These are the folks who have supported the law and legal system we have today. Our freedom is what sets us apart from the rest of the world. For most of the history of mankind the rules were determined only by the rich and powerful. Here, because of the freedom our veterans have protected, the law helps and protects all of us.

       Veterans Day is certainly a day to be thankful for in our country, for our freedom, and for those who have helped protect it. Please join us today by thanking a veteran and telling them we appreciate their service.

        Let us also thank our on duty service people around the world. Let us not forget that we are at war and our armed forces are defending our freedoms and sacrificing themselves for this country we love. Let us not forget the values for which they sacrifice.

       Happy Veterans Day, and Thank You Servicepersons and Veterans!

Internet Safety

Internet Safety

         Computers can be a terrific educational tool, and the internet makes the ability to learn and explore our world almost limitless. These learning opportunities are available to everyone and there is (usually) no charge. What a great opportunity! But, then, we also need to know what dangers are out there lurking.

        So many kids put their names, photos, and even addresses on My Space,Facebook, and other teenage internet spaces and then get into trouble with predators. Some recent studies show that approaching two-thirds of all teenagers have an online profile, and over one-third all of "kids" have been exposed to unwanted sexual material online.

        These issues are starting to become so prevalent that public service organizations, schools, local law enforcement, and even the FBI have become involved in efforts to help make the internet safer for our young people. State and Federal governments are beginning to pass laws regarding privacy and information regarding minors (under 18). The FCC now has guidelines and the authority to enforce them.

         What can we do to help our children? First, supervision, household discussions, and general household awareness of the issues. Recently there are a number of computer monitoring software programs designed to reduce the amount internet dangers.

         We can also look for other signs of "issues" beginning. We can pay attention to our phone and credit card bills for unusual activity which could indicate a problem. We can watch for signs of grades slipping, or unknown absences from school. Many of these signs could be very similar to what we see at the beginning of drug or alcohol use.

         The number one thing we can do is communicate with our children regarding the very real dangers that exist. Parental guidance, support, supervision and communication go a long way toward heading off the dangers that are lurking. Please help us to help our youth. Thank you.

         Members of our Daggett Shuler Team speak frequently to school groups, youth groups, and parent groups on internet safety. We are available in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, and throughout the Triad area of North Carolina.  Please contact us if you are interested in a presentation for your group.

Rules for Goblins and Ghouls

Rules for Goblins and Ghouls

       

~Halloween Safety Tips~

       We hope and your family have a happy and safe Halloween. While you are watching out for witches, ghosts, and goblins please remember a few safety tips so that you and your family has a safe and fun Halloween.

• Your children should be closely supervised by adults.
• Older children should go out in groups, never alone.
• Use flashlights and reflective clothing to make certain you are visible to cars.
• Always walk facing traffic (on the left side of the road). Take care when crossing streets.
• Walk - do not run on dark streets and driveways.
• Limit visits to homes of neighbors you know.
• Limit visits to homes that have their front porches lit with a welcoming light. Politely choose one piece of candy when you are offered a selection.
• Remember to kindly thank those who offer treats.
• Wear makeup instead of masks if you need to decorate your face.
• Be sure your costumes are comfortable and easy to walk in.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Refrain from eating candy while out trick or treating.
• Once home, adults should help younger children to sort candy and be sure all wrappers are in tact. Older children should do this too.
• Be extra careful of flowing costumes near open flames such as jack-o-lanterns.

       Have a goblin good time!

      Our Daggett Shuler Team wishes your family a safe and happy Halloween!

Elementary Leadership

Elementary Leadership

     All the recent news regarding the financial markets makes us think about our kids’ future, as well as our own. We recently attended a parents’ night at our kids’ school - actually, we went three times!

       Perhaps the most interesting part of the parents’ nights was a speech on developing children to reach their full potential. The lessons we heard apply to all of our organizations, pursuits, and even the financial markets.

      The presentation was artfully targeted to urge appropriate parenting leadership, which also seems to apply to leadership in general. The principles included a balance nurture, structure, and latitude. Providing all three principles becomes a difficult commitment in the face of challenges in our fast paced world but are essential for success.

       Nurture includes the desire of all people to be wanted and loved. Nurture is essential to give individuals a sense of belonging. Nurture is developed by showing love and respect, both directly and by example. This is an essential aspect in creating healthy people, organizations, and satisfying lives.

        Structure is the framework and expectations people have for their pursuits, responsibilities and ventures. Structure includes rules and guidelines that are required to be followed. It also includes process management protocols, as well as behavioral standards. Over time, structure becomes the values and culture of our organizations, and is reflected in all we do.

       Latitude is the freedom within the structure to use judgement to experiment and learn. Given this latitude people and organizations will have failures and setbacks. These are the areas for more growth and learning. If there are appropriate nurture and structure then the learning and growth are appreciated, accepted and raise performance to higher levels.

       Authoritative leadership within these three levels provides the best opportunities for future successes. Virtually every neurodevelopmental and psychological study supports these elements as building blocks for success.

       Balance between nurture, structure, and latitude is important. With the latest investment bank debacles it appears that the balance between structure and latitude were out of wack. We can imagine how nurture was probably out of balance too. Perhaps a few lessons in elementary leadership would benefit our political and financial leaders.

10 tips for Teenage Drivers

10 tips for Teenage Drivers

      Teenagers are known for making their parents nervous when they are behind the wheel. But for most parents, teenage drivers are a reality or a necessity.

       The AAA emphasizes a list of ten things that parents can do to keep their teens safe:

            1. Encourage teens to get enough sleep -- Teens need about nine hours of sleep every night and a lack of sleep can negatively affect vision, hand-eye coordination, reaction time and judgment.

            2. Eliminate distractions -- Cell phones, and especially text messaging, are hazardous distractions for teens and parents should insist that phones be put away. Look your kid in the eye and have him or her promise not to text and drive.

           3. Pick a practical car -- A teen should drive the safest vehicle a family owns. Things to consider are vehicle type; size (larger vehicles fare better in crashes); and safety technology (think front and side air bags, anti-lock brakes and stability control systems).

          4. Know and understand your teen -- Determine when your teen is responsible enough to get behind the wheel.

         5. No driving with friends or at night -- Research indicates that a teen driver's chances of crashing increase with each additional teen passenger. Teen crashes spike between 9 p.m. and midnight.

         6. Create a parent-teen driving agreement ---- Parents should establish rules and consequences that they and their teens agree on that extend beyond state laws.

        7. Set a time each week for discussion and review -- Designate a time to address concerns, review the teen's driving performance and chart the progression towards established goals and benchmarks. (Blogger's note: this may be impossible with hectic family schedules. Even a quick "how's the car working for you?" in passing could open the door for conversation.)

       8. Use a driving school -- Driving is a risky activity for teens and warrants professional instruction. Schools that feature cutting-edge curriculums, high degrees of interaction and professionally trained instructors are suggested.

       9. Practice, practice and practice some more -- As a supplement to formal driver education, driving sessions with parents provide teens with chances to reinforce proper driving skills.

     10. Be a responsible role model -- Teenagers learn from their parents' behavior and mom or dad's actions behind the wheel influence teenage driving behavior.

          Please join our Daggett Shuler team and Safe Sober Prom Night in helping to keep our teens safe!

Child Safety

Child Safety

       Please help us keep our children safe. I was running earlier this week at lunch and came across three kids playing in the street - one riding a bike, one on a skateboard, and one on rollerblades. I’d say they were 10 - 12 years old or so. None of the three had helmets or any other visible safety attire, and they were in the street!

        Here is a photo with proper safety equipment. Maybe just add sunglasses to protect the eyes and she is set!

         Two of the bigger areas of safety concerns we see regarding children are the proper use of car seats, and the wearing of helmets. Moreover, they are both the law!

         First, regarding car seats. North Carolina law requires children to use child safety seats until the child is 8 years old, or weighs 80 pounds. The attorneys in our firm confirm that they simply don’t see serious child injuries, barring of course physical contact or penetration by an other object, even in serious accidents if a child is properly secured in a car seat.

         National statistics confirm that children are more than twice as likely to be serious injured or killed if they are not properly restrained in car seats. Specific emphasis is placed on making sure the safety seats are properly installed. In North Carolina your local law enforcement, Highway patrol office, and fire departments can direct you to a local approved “Checking Station” to help you confirm proper installation.

        Bicycle helmets are required for every person under 16 on public roads, areas, or paths in North Carolina. The helmet must be a proper and approved bicycle helmet. Local bicycle shops will gladly educate you on the safety certification stickers inside all quality bicycle helmets.

        A very high percentage of serious injuries and death from bicycle wrecks are due to traumatic brain injuries. Some estimates are as high as two-thirds all deaths are due to head injuries. Further, estimates range anywhere from 50% to 75+% of all serious traumatic brain injuries from bicycle accidents would have been preventable with a proper helmet.

         Back to my little friends on the street - please let’s help keep them safe by giving them our support and encouragement.

School’s Back In Session!

School’s Back In Session!

       There is a lot of excitement around our house - school starts this week! The start of a new school year is always a time of excitement and anticipation, but is also it a time to review and remember a few aspects of safety, particularly for our youngsters. Unfortunately, at our law firm we have seen too many times when an accident, injury, or some other harm dampens the year before it really gets started.

       The first thing that we will all notice is that traffic in general is heavier. That means we need to remind ourselves to be sure to stay alert and practice paying attention to our best driving skills. Additionally, it is a good time to remind ourselves to be courteous and respectful to other drivers. Good manners go a long way toward being safe!

        Next, let’s all help to look out for our youngsters. Please pay particular attention during the early morning hours. Schools start early and many children will be out waiting for the buses in the dark. Some of them need a constant watchful eye, while others simply need help just learning where to stand for the school bus. In either case, they need our help and our support.

       Try something with me this week - at least one time offer some of our young people a kind word of support and encouragement. Especially the kids in our own neighborhoods need to know we care and that the they have a network of support. It makes a difference and will make their day just a little bit better (and your’s too!).

       Lastly, all those yellow school buses. Yes, they at times seem to slow us down....don’t they know we are in a hurry! But, we will all get where we are going so please be patient. Every year we hear about injuries from incidents with school buses. They are big, yellow, and have flashers for a reason. Please use extreme caution around the buses. North Carolina has a very a very good resource guide (click here: http://www.ncbussafety.org/) for parents, teachers and students that focuses on these sorts of safety issues.

      Join our Daggett Shuler Team and let’s make this a great school year!