Safe, Happy Holidays

    Safe, Happy Holidays 

      From our Daggett Shuler families to yours, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.  The holidays should be the happiest times with family and friends, but drinking and driving can turn them into an instant tragedy.  So, please join us in encouraging family and friends to be safe this holiday season.

      Please enjoy this Christmas message from our firm:

        Additionally, we encourage you to enter our Drunk Driving Awareness Campaign for a chance to win a Flip Video Camera. Just click on the "Sweepstakes" tab on the www.facebook.com/DaggettShulerLaw  page to enter the contest anchored by our new video "There Are No Extra Lives When You Drink and Drive":

        Let's make the holidays safe for everyone!

** Moravian Christmas Lovefeast Photos posted here**

Child Sexual Abuse

Child Sexual Abuse

                Recent stories in the news have many of us on red alert for any sexual abuse in our own communities.  Certainly, the health and wellbeing of our children is always a top concern.

                It’s disturbing to think about, but many children and young adults are sexually abused within environments we all think are safe, and many times by the very people they trust.  It can happen in schools, churches, community organizations, or any other place where an offender sees they can establish a relationship with a victim.

Sex abuse victims are often hesitant to report the crime of sexual abuse and assault or sexual exploitation out of a sense of shame.  After an assault, young victims are often confused about what to do. Many teenagers and young children are scared and feel alone. Parents may trust the perpetrator and sometimes children are told that their parents won’t believe them if they tell. This is the start of how sexual abuse becomes a secret. Predators groom children to trust them, and then they attack.

So what can we do?  First, we all have to commit to reporting any reports or suspicions to law enforcement.  Although we may be hesitant to do so, our police and sheriff’s departments are better trained to investigate and analyze the situation.  Many cases get worse simply because we fail to report early suspicions. 

Next, we need to educate and teach our children at a young age about healthy, positive relationships with adults.  We also need to make sure our children understand what sexual abuse is and let them know we support and believe them.  This needs to start at a very young age and should be a continuing conversation. 

The most important preventative measure is good parent/child relationships and non-judgmental open communication. Evidence shows that many child victims' lack of good parental relationships made them vulnerable to the interest shown by an adult who later becomes their abuser.

It is Important to know your children's teachers, coaches, friends' parents and older siblings, etc. Ask questions and listen and observe without becoming a helicopter parent. Be involved.  Use your intuition and train your children to do the same. Things that “just do not seem right" should always be discussed with parents.

We simply cannot risk, or tolerate, the tremendous damage that can be done to our young people. Child Sexual Abuse is not something that is easily overcome. Victims often become perpetrators themselves as adults. We must prevent the abuse to stop the cycle.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving Traditions

What Thanksgiving traditions are important to you and your family?  This past week we discussed some of the Thanksgiving traditions some members of our Daggett Shuler team and our families, and thought we would share some of them with you.

First, let’s remember to have a safe Thanksgiving.  We previously discussed some tips at Giving Thanks Safely.  Of course, we also need to remember to be thankful which we previously reviewed in Are We Thankful?

In discussing Thanksgiving traditions with members of our Daggett Shuler team we found that the traditions generally fell in the categories of family, food,  games, and of course watching the Thanksgiving Day parades.

Family was the most common theme when discussing Thanksgiving traditions.  Families included immediate families, grandparents and grandchildren, as well as aunts, uncles, and the extended family.  While we are all getting together, let us also be thankful for friends and co-workers.  Celebrating with family can also include travel.  We have members of our team traveling around the Triad and beyond to visit family, friends, and relatives.

Family and family traditions is the most repeated theme for Thanksgiving.  One of our colleagues also reminded us that when you are spending time with your families, don’t forget to take a deep breath.  A calming effect is often needed when extended families get together.

Food is another common theme for Thanksgiving traditions, and the most often mentioned is “Mom’s cooking!”  One interesting tradition with a large family gathering is to have each person make one of their grandmother’s recipes to share.  That way, the traditions are passed from family to family and generation to generation, as well as not burdening one person with all the work.

In other families part of the tradition is having a different person or family be responsible for the menu over the extended Thanksgiving weekend.  Apparently the food is as varied as the attendees.  Another family tradition is playing Thanksgiving games.  The games included Trivial Pursuit, Mexican Train Dominoes, Monopoly, and Pictionary.

Many families enjoy the traditions of going to or watching Thanksgiving Day parades.  Parades are great family fun and can pass traditions on from generation to generation.  Everyone likes a parade!

All these Thanksgiving traditions are great for family fun.  From our Daggett Shuler family to yours have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Keeping ‘em Honest

Keeping ‘em Honest

         Many times people who have never been through a fight with an insurance company may wonder why we are needed . . . once you've been through it you probably understand.  People who are wrongfully injured, disabled, or hurt at work probably ought to be able to assume they will be treated fairly.  The truth is that most times the insurance claim is handled by trained personnel whose job it is to save the company money, not treat you fairly.

        Our firm believes that you are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, to be told the truth (even if it is tough), and to be treated fairly in obtaining a just result.  Unfortunately, many folks simply don’t get treated that way when they have a claim.  That is where we come in - our job to is work hard so you can be treated fairly.

        Anderson Cooper 360 broadcast a program on some of the underhanded tactics of the multi-billion dollar insurance industry. These tactics attempt to keep you from getting the medical payments and benefits that you deserve following an automobile accident or injury. The report also mentions one particular insurance company that is known to fight virtually all claims.

        Building on their previous story revealing the “Three Ds” of insurance tactics to deny auto accident victims due compensation, CNN reported on a bill recently passed that would require insurance companies who refused to pay a claim and lost in court to pay up to three times the initial claim value and attorney’s fees.  Insurance companies immediately started a nationwide advertising campaign to try to defeat any limitations on their practices. Watch the report here

         Unfortunately, dealing with an insurance company usually is not on a level playing field.  We do our best to help even out your side of the equation, treat you fairly, and make sure someone is on your side.

Home Fire Safety

Home Fire Safety

October is fire safety month.  Our  kids enjoy visiting local fire stations for fun and  to learn fire safety tips.  We always enjoy our visits.  The local captain and crew always take time for us, give us tours,  and give us important tips for fire safety at home.

The firefighters are always very encouraging to children, give them a full tour of the firehouse and trucks, and invite the children to come back anytime.  They are very impressive and professional.

The tours naturally include instruction on fire safety.  The firefighters typically ask, “What is the first thing to do in case of a fire or emergency.”  They are surprised and pleased when all of the children immediately, and in unison, yell “Call 9-1-1!”

The firefighters also give the most important tips for fire saftey at home. The firefighters emphasize that it is important for families to discuss and plan their fire safety strategies.   Interestingly their top two things for families to remember is to always have two routes to exit the house, and to have a place to meet once out of the house.  The meeting place should be as simple as at the big oak tree, or the mail box.

Family fire safety tips include: • Having smoke alarms on every floor and outside all sleeping areas, • Practice home fire escape plans and routes, • Safely store and dispose of all smoking materials, • Take extra care with all hazardous materials including paint and gasoline, • Take great care with all flammable materials, • Practice safe operation of heaters and fire places, • And make sure home wiring is safe and updated.

Home fire safety is important to review with your family.  Please take time to learn and practice these basic safety principles.  Involve your children and you may be surprised how much they enjoy learning and helping.  Lastly, stop by and get to know your local firefighters.  They are very impressive and very welcoming, and help us all be more safety conscious.

No Shortcut to Hard Work

No Shortcut to Hard Work

       Hard work usually ends up with positive results, and, as we all know, there is rarely a shortcut to hard work.  The exciting thing about hard work is how good and rewarding it always feels when the results are reached and the benefits gained.

      This past weekend Daggett Shuler partner Doug Nauman and I went on a little bicycle ride that included a long climb up to over 3000 feet on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  There was no easy way up.  Here is a photo we took of ourselves using the cell phone camera at the end my extended arm:

      Doug and I have worked together for about 16 years, and have known each other for more than 20 years.  Climbing to the top of the mountain was hard, but the reward of the view and  the long downhill seemed to make it all worthwhile.  That’s just the way it works - you have to put in the hard work in order to enjoy the benefits and enjoy the positive results.

      Hard work certainly applies to working on cases in our office.  At Daggett Shuler hard work comes in many forms including accident investigation, legal research, obtaining and assembling documentation, case presentation, negotiations, and in court hearings when needed.  Add to this mix a strong desire to help plus a strong dose of client service and we have the ingredients for positive results.

      We believe that hard work is necessary in order to properly do our jobs.  It gives us the opportunity to strive for the best possible results and the most favorable representation.  We take these obligations very seriously and will always strive to work hard to fulfill the confidence entrusted to us.

School Safety Reminders

School Safety Reminders

More than 50 million children returned to school this fall, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission in Washington, D.C. That means more traffic, busier rush hours, and a greater need for patience while driving.

At this time of year drivers are likely to encounter things like stopped school buses, children on bicycles and scooters, and more pedestrian traffic. Unfortunately, this may sometimes translate into more accidents involving our young people.

In light of our continuing emphasis on safety issues, we thought that this month it may be a good reminder to review some important back to school safety tips!

School Bus Safety:

• Make sure your child has a safe place to wait for the bus.
• Instruct your child to stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop.
• Upon exiting the bus it is important that the child move to a sidewalk or other area that is away from traffic and out of the street.
• Your child needs to understand that the bus driver will not be able to see him/her if he/she bends over in front of the bus to pick something up.

Bicycle Safety:

• Make sure that your child wears a helmet when riding a bike or scooter.
• In addition to wearing a helmet, we recommend elbow and knee pads when riding a scooter.

Play Safety:

• Do not buy children's clothing that uses drawstrings - they are a strangulation hazard as they can catch on playground equipment and other items.
• Anchor and secure movable soccer goals to prevent injury to children who climb on them.

Car Safety:

• Seatbelts are not optional. They are mandatory if in a car.
• Remember to properly use and secure car seats and booster seats.

After School and General Safety:

• Help your child map out a walking or biking route that is direct and safe for him/her if he/she travels to and from school this way.
• If your child walks or bikes to school we suggest that you have him/her wear reflective material that will make him/her more visible to traffic.
• Make sure your child knows his/her phone number, address and how to reach you during the day if necessary.
• Teach your child not to talk to strangers or accept a ride from a stranger.
• If you child is home alone after school, you need a set of rules that will ensure his/her safety.
• Be sure your child knows how to use 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

Please remember that our Daggett Shuler Team is always available to answer your legal questions and talk with you personally should you or someone you know be the victim of an accident or injury that occurred through no fault of your own.

Buckle Up

Buckle Up

Please help us keep our children, families and friends safe.  Failure to wear safety belts is a greater contributing factor in deaths than any other safety related behavior in our lives.

In North Carolina it is now the law that all passengers, both front and back seat, must wear seat belts.  As part of our Safe Sober Prom Night program, we constantly remind our young people that the most dangerous thing they do is ride in a car, regardless of drinking, so for goodness sake please buckle up.  This year we have a success story that saved two lives!

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly one in five Americans do not regularly wear seatbelts.  Even fewer drivers are wearing seatbelts at night.  A study by the NHTSA  shows that 64 percent of passengers killed in nighttime accidents were not wearing seatbelts.

Those are the statistics, but how does the use of safety belts really affect us??   Safety belts when used properly reduce the number of serious traffic injuries by 50 percent and fatalities by 60-70 percent.  A common cause of death and injury to children in motor vehicles is being crushed by adults who are not wearing safety belts.  One out of four serious injuries to passengers is caused by occupants being thrown into each other.  Of every 100 children who die in motor vehicle crashes at least 80 would have survived if they had been properly secured in an approved child safety seat or safety belts.

Seat belt use is one of the best defenses we have when in a motor vehicle.  Interestingly, other folks in our cars are more likely to wear their safety belts if we do.  Moreover, children are at the highest risk but are also the most likely to follow our lead.  So, please set a good example and help keep our young people safe.

Our North Carolina personal injury attorneys see too many victims of traffic accidents. Don't become a statistic. Buckle up, and make sure everyone in the car has a seatbelt on, too.   Remember, it’s not only the law, but also the most lifesaving thing we can do.

Youth Movement

Youth Movement

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”  Proverbs 22:6   Our Daggett Shuler team was proud to sponsor and work the annual Kids for Kids Triathlon this past weekend.  The event had many lessons for all of us.

First and foremost it was refreshing to see all the families promoting healthy fitness lifestyles in our community.  A great cross section of the community turned out for the event.  The kids had a great time, and, by the apparent smiles, parents, family, and friends enjoyed themselves too.  (Photo album here)

Triathlon and the triathlon community are special.  An elite team of local triathletes staged the race with logistical precision.  The event was on par with national caliber events.  The finish line was spectacular.  Each finisher was given a warm welcome complete with each name being announced, a finisher’s medal, and a special souvenir towel.  

Of course we had some special stories too.  Young Toby Linn has been confined to a wheel chair his entire life.  His family teamed up to pull, push, and carry Toby through the race.  The experience of the finish line was special for Toby just as it was for all the other finishers.

     Unfortunately, in contrast to the 185 healthy children who raced on Saturday, there are many who suffer from child obesity and the accompanying epidemic of health issues such as diabetes and heart problems.  It’s not the kids’ fault, it’s our fault.  We have an obligation to turn this negative wave.  Events like the Kids’ Race are steps in the right direction.

We should all be proud of the progress in our community toward a heathy fitness lifestyle.  It is good for all of us and makes us optimistic about our future . . . plus it’s just plain fun!

A Tribute

A Tribute

This past week our Daggett Shuler Team participated in a really special event.  Wednesday evening was the 5th Annual Rusty Harpe Memorial Race at Caraway Speedway.  It was an evening we will remember for a long time.

Rusty Harpe was the driver of the #71 Late Model Stock Car at Caraway Speedway. He was tragically killed in a farming accident in January of 2007.  Rusty’s father, Chip Harpe, put this race together, along with his wife Lynne and many family friends, to honor his son.

Rusty was a much loved part of the racing community.  The drivers, crew, and track support personnel are a tight-knit group who care about and support each other.  Through Rusty and the whole Harpe family we were able share a experience a special bond with this community.

All of us at Daggett Shuler were proud to be part of this event since we are long time friends with the Harpe family, and I was personally acquainted with Rusty.  We enjoyed a great evening, a fun family event, and a tribute to Rusty.  We were honored just to be part of it.

The evening was truly a memorable event and a special evening.  The folks at the track treated us like family.  The members of our Daggett Shuler team who attended the race were proud that we could play a small part in such a special event.

See and Be Seen

See and Be Seen

Bicycling seems to be growing in popularity.  It is a great form of recreation, fitness exercise and, with higher fuel prices, even transportation.  This week we will focus on bicycles and bicycle safety.

The increasing number of bicycle riders makes this a good time to review some safety tips - for drivers and riders.  Motorists need to know that cyclists have the same rights on the road as they do.  Likewise, cyclists have the same obligation to follow the traffic laws as motorists.

First, please wear a helmet whenever riding a bicycle.  It is now the law in North Carolina that helmets are required for riders under 16 years old.  Look for a safety label that the helmet is approved by ANSI or the Snell foundation. This safety certification is also required under the law.

More than half a million people are injured each year in bicycle mishaps and thousands are killed.  Children 15 and younger account for one-third of the deaths and two thirds of the injuries.  Three-fourths of all deaths are due to head injuries.

Cyclists have an obligation to make sure they can be seen.  Selection of cycling attire can affect the distances that cyclists, or pedestrians, are visible.  Amazingly that range can be from a low of around 200 feet to a high of over 2000 feet just by selection of clothing.

Most cyclists try hard to be considerate to motorists and follow the rules of the road.   Experienced cyclists know that obeying the rules and looking out for their own safety also earns more respect from drivers.

Likewise, most motorists really do try to look out for bike riders.  However, both drivers and cyclists need to be aware that they are sharing the road in order to look out for each other.  Lastly, a friendly wave goes a long way toward keeping our roads safe.

We have several avid cyclists here on our Daggett Shuler Team.  Please feel free to call us if you have questions.  Be Safe!

THE HEAT IS ON

THE HEAT IS ON

Wow!  This past week we got suddenly hit with a large dose of mid-summer heat.  Perhaps that means it is a good time for us to review some summer safety tips.

Believe it or not, there are more illnesses, injuries, and deaths due to the heat of summer than to lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes.  Accordingly, the effect of heat on us and our families should not be taken lightly.  There are several heat safety recommendations and tips to help us through the heat such as we have had recently:

1. Drink Water.  Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

2. Dress For The Heat.  Wear lightweight, light colored clothing.  Light colors will reflect some of the heat’s energy.  It is also a good idea to wear hats, or even use an umbrella.  To make a fashion statement, call it a parasol.

3. Eat Small Meals, and Eat More Often.  Avoid foods high in protein, which increase your metabolic heat.  Increasing metabolic heat is like putting fuel on your internal fire, and also increases water loss.

4. Slow Down.  Avoid strenuous activity.  If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is close to dawn.

5. Stay Indoors When Possible.  When heat is excessive, avoid staying outside for long periods of time.

6. Take Regular Breaks.  When engaged in physical activity on warm days, take time out to find a cool place.  If you recognize if you, or someone else, is showing the signs of heat related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.

7. Don’t Get Too Much Sun.  Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation much more difficult.  Further, too much sun drastically increases the risk for skin cancer.  Be particularly careful with the tender skin of young children.

Remember to have fun!  But, please be safe and stay cool during our hot weather.

Awards and Rewards

Awards and Rewards

Over the last couple of weeks members of our Daggett Shuler team have participated in, been featured speakers at, and presented awards at a number of high school awards ceremonies in the Triad area.

It is fun to honor our local graduating high school seniors including those who have earned additional distinctions and awards.  It is an exciting time for them to continue on the road to success.  We are encouraged by the quality of our local high school graduating classes.

Consistent with a theme from our Safe Sober Prom Night program, we are pleased to participate in the circle of encouragement and support for our young people.  Our teachers, parents, administrators, and community leaders need to continue to come together to offer encouragement and support for our young people.  In this evermore competitive world we need to encourage them to achieve even more.  These achievements will lead to future rewards, personally and for our communities.

Conversely, watching these young people is inspiring and we are encouraged by them to keep achieving ourselves.  As they progress, we too must progress.  Part of our progression is the realization and awareness that we have a whole a new crop of students to encourage and support toward their future successes.

So, please join us in reaching out to our young people.  In particular, our graduating seniors are to be congratulated for their achievements.  We also need to encourage them toward their future successes, and thereby supporting the future successes of our communities and ourselves.  Surely this will lead us to future rewards individually, collectively, and as a society.

Congratulations seniors!  We are proud of you, have high expectations for you, and wish you the very best.

Job Well Done

Job Well Done

        Whew! It has been a fast and furious past eight weeks for Safe Sober Prom Night! There are many stories of teamwork, enthusiasm, participation, passion, and success!

       The students’ participation and enthusiasm make us optimistic about the future of our community. Our students are bright, talented, motivated, and really trying to do the right things fro a successful future. They are well on their way!

       Teams of Daggett Shuler attorneys and staff personally visited approximately 35 area high schools encouraging students to sign a pledge not to drink or use drugs on prom night, distributing student designed t-shirts, and speaking to the students. “Positive messages to our youth ensure the quality of our community for years to come!”

        This year the firm has personally paid for, delivered, and distributed more than 13,500 t-shirts to high school students in the Triad area, and made them available to all high schools throughout North and South Carolina.

        We have also had some technological breakthroughs with the website at www.SafeSober.com, including virtual pledge cards, video contests, and many resources for teens. The SSPN Facebook page has become very popular for the students Next year portends to be even bigger and better!

       Of course there are also the difficult parts. We encounter those who have lost loved ones, or are injured or disabled, in car accidents due to drunk drivers. Meeting those suffering folks and hearing their stories really hits home for us since it was our professional contact with people hurting in these ways that inspired us to start the SSPN program 21 years ago.

        Most of all, SSPN is a story of success. Success for our teens, our community, and our Daggett Shuler team. We are already brainstorming for Safe Sober Prom Night 2012! We look forward to having you join us!

Half Way

Half Way

Doesn't it always seem to feel really good to be half way done?  Well, this past week at Daggett Shuler we passed the half way mark with our 2011 Safe Sober Prom Night program.  So far, so good.   We have had no reports of prom night car accidents of other tragedies.

Part of the fun of SSPN is our interaction with the students.  So far this year we have reached over 10,000 juniors and seniors in the triad area.  All these students have had the opportunity to sign the Safe Sober Prom Night "Do It Right!" pledge and to receive a free t-shirt.  Some of the students have mentioned that they have been waiting since they were freshmen and sophomores and are excited that "now it's my turn!"  These students inspire us.

We are also inspired by the attorneys and staff on our team here at Daggett Shuler.  Out teams lead the program at all of the area high schools.  They do this out of care, concern, and as a way to make a positive contribution to our community.  We certainly thank our many helping hands that make this program so successful.  At the same time, we also thank our in office team members as we all cover for each other during this eight-week period of time when we are all doing double duty.

Although it has been fun to pass the half way point in the Safe Sober program, it is interesting that in life we never really know where half way is.  We always need to be looking up and forward, trying to improve and do better, not just coasting.  In fact, this is a lesson that students teach us at every school we visit.

A hallmark of the SSPN program is positive peer pressure.  Positive friendships and activities with peers help us establish values, and then these influences are a rock of stability as we continue through life.

Peers also push us and help us to be better.  Students do this in a very positive forward looking fashion.  They help to lift each other's spirits and keep each other accountable.  Peers provide a core group of support.  Selecting and encouraging positive peers and providing them support, too, actually goes a long way toward building our own successes.

Half way is certainly exciting!  However, half way also means that we need to keep looking forward, improving, and doing better.  As life progresses and we all look back at our successes, we will see a long list of positive peers that have helped to make us better and have made us what we are.

Personally, I am not sure if I have made it "half way" yet, but I know there are many peers that have helped me every step of the way.  Thank you to all who've helped us get to the half way point, and thank you for the army of peers and peer groups out there that encourage all of us, and particularly our students, in a positive fashion.

Transforming Impact

Transforming Impact

Have you considered whether you ever have a transforming impact on others?  Perhaps one of the highest callings we can have is to have a transforming impact on another.

Students Signing the “Do it Right!” Pledge

Having a heart for others seems to be a prerequisite to having a transforming impact.  This is where we are so proud of our Daggett Shuler team.  They are able to step out of their daily jobs in order to make a difference.  They have a heart for students - I’ve seen it!

Of course, our Safe Sober Prom Night campaign comes to mind.  This isn’t just a program against drugs and alcohol, but also an avenue to let us have a positive and influencing impact on teens in our community.  Every now and then we see clear evidence that our team has influenced positive change in students.

Many students really don’t need a lot to be influenced.  A kind smile or word of encouragement will make their day.  For some, an arm around the shoulder with a twinkle in the eye will do the trick.  We love being with the students, and they seem to enjoy being with us too.

We also need to help teenagers have a transforming impact on each other. Positive peer pressure in a founding principle of Safe Sober Prom Night.  Perhaps peers are the strongest transforming people in our lives . . . it is also a big responsibility.

Interestingly, you just never know when you might be having a transforming impact on someone else.  This can take many forms - a single act of kindness, continuous mentoring, or a special gift or calling.  We may not ever even know the impact we have had - that’s one reason why we have to just keep on doing it!

When you transform a life you know you have made a lasting difference - it can’t get any better than that!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Lights, Camera, Action!

        Are you ready? Prom season is now just right around the corner. Lights, Camera, Action - it will be here. We are all excited and ready for this special time.

SSPN Commercial Shoot - Mount Tabor High School

         This past week we really experienced "Lights, Camera, Action" with a group of students at Mt. Tabor High School. Mt. Tabor had the highest percentage of students take the Safe Sober Prom Night "Do It Right!" pledge out of all the all local high schools. In doing so they won the opportunity to participate in this year’s Public Service Announcement TV promotional advertisement.

         The Mt. Tabor students have great leadership with Principal Wiess, and faculty leaders Ms. Bailey. Ms. Bailey is the only faculty leader who has been in place all 21 years of SSPN. They helped coordinate the students for this extra-curricular activity, which really turned out to be a great experience.

         With the help of WXII TV we were able to turn the auditorium at the high school into a temporary studio in order to shoot the spot. In the process, Griff Shuler and I were able to give the students a bit of a lesson in actual production, as well as having a good bit of fun with them.

          Our Daggett Shuler team is always impressed with our local students. These students at Mt. Tabor were top notch in all respects. We enjoyed the afternoon we spent with them, had a lot of fun, and are excited about their futures.

         This year’s SSPN ad should hit the airways in the next week or so. It will also be posted at www.SafeSober.com. Also at the website students will be able to take the virtual pledge, contact friends, get prom tips, and keep up with all of the SSPN activities. Also, please support our students on the SSPN Facebook page.

        Please join us in encouraging our students - they are off to a great start!

Safe Sober T-Shirt Design Contest

LOCAL STUDENT WINS T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST

Safe Sober Prom Night Kicks Off 21^st Year

        The winner of the 2011 Safe Sober Prom Night T-shirt design contest is Cassandra Ellis, a senior at Career Center High School and Forsyth Middle College.  Cassandra’s design will be featured on more than 13,000 t-shirts distributed to high school students in the Triad area as part of the Safe Sober Prom Night program.

        During a surprise presentation at the Career Center, Cassandra was presented with the very first 2011 T-shirt produced and a scholarship check for $500 by attorneys David Daggett and Griff Shuler. Also in attendance were Cassandra’s family, school officials, and the Safe Sober staff.

         Safe Sober Prom Night is a non-profit organization co-founded in 1991 by attorney David Daggett. The goal of Safe Sober Prom Night is to provide ongoing awareness and encourage positive peer pressure to reduce underage drinking and driving among young people.

        Safe Sober Prom Night encourages high school students to be safe with a written pledge to stay drug and alcohol free on prom night. Students are given incentives to keep their commitment, including scholarships and a chance to win $1,000 for their school.   To date, more than 400,000 students have signed the Safe Sober pledge. 

Running Safety

Running Safety

       Safety is an important part of fitness activities. Our friends at Fleet Feet Sports along with our Daggett Shuler team recently put on a Safety Clinic for runners. We weren’t sure how big of a draw "safety" would be, but were impressed when close to 100 runners, both beginners and advanced, showed up for the discussions.

        We were joined by Sergeant (and Ironman) John Morris of the Winston-Salem Police Department, Captain Todd Smith of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Department, and Sergeant Alex Justice of North Carolina Highway Patrol. Between them they have more than 60 years of law enforcement and accident reconstruction experience. They also have experience in event and course safety and security. Unfortunately, they also frequently see injury and death. In fact, Sgt. Justice sees death almost daily.

        The officers made us all starkly aware that injury and death are real. Fortunately, good safety habits can make our fitness activities fun and safe. So, let’s review a few of the safety tips that apply to all runners and pedestrians.

         Follow the law! Run on the left side of the road facing traffic, or on the sidewalk or shoulder if available. Cross only at crosswalks or at intersections. And, please obey all traffic signals.

         We also reviewed the practical realities. Cars don’t see you when you are running. Accordingly, you need to be seen, be aware, and be alert. Wear visible, reflective clothing; and, please never, never wear earphones while running. I get a lot of push back on the last part, but it is never safe to wear earphones. You can’t hear traffic, or other predators, and are not as aware of your surroundings. So, please, PLEASE, enjoy the sounds of nature, be alert, and stay safe.

         Another important consideration is to have good insurance. Health insurance is very important. Also, review your auto, homeowners, disability, and hospital/medical indemnity coverages. All of the coverages may cover you while exercising, bicycling, or as a pedestrian. It is also a good idea to carry I.D. and medical information while running.

         Lastly, it is important to be good examples for others in the fitness community and good ambassadors to the community at large. Please help spread the message of safety. You can also download safety tips here.

Rights for Injured Workers

Rights for Injured Workers

       Everyone can agree that we want workers in our state to be safe and to be treated fairly. Anyone who has suffered a work injury knows that it can be tough getting what is fair, particularly if the injuries are severe or if future income earning ability is limited.

       Fairness should not be political, but unfortunately it is. A new Workers’ Compensation bill is about to be filed in the North Carolina Senate and North Carolina House of Representatives that proposes to significantly cut benefits paid to injured workers.

        Big business and insurance companies are pushing for a change in long-standing workers’ compensation laws that would result in: (1) cutting off benefits arbitrarily after a certain number of weeks after the workplace injury, even if the injured worker is still disabled from all work; and (2) cutting off benefits even sooner, if the insurance company can show that there is a job within the injured worker’s physical restrictions, even if the job pays substantially less, has no room for advancement, and has no benefits.

      People across the state of North Carolina need to contact their legislators NOW to let them know that they do not support a change in workers’ compensation laws because this new bill would significantly affect so many injured workers. People need to tell their legislators that people need to be heard on the impact of this bill, and public comments need to be allowed before they vote on any bill.

      People also need to let their legislators know that a bill like this would shift the burden of workplace injuries from the insurance companies onto taxpayers because many injured workers would have to file for government, public programs for support.

       For more information or to contact us see DaggettShulerLaw.com

Heart Healthy

Heart Healthy

          February is American Heart Month. That seems to make sense since it also coincides with Valentine’s Day. So, let’s review a few tips to help keep our heart healthy.

               

        Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in our society. The American Heart Association has many resources and events to help raise awareness. Hopefully these efforts will turn the rising tide of heart disease.

       
        The risk of heart disease significantly increases as excess weight increases. Excess weight puts significant stress on the cardiovascular system. We can all start by eating better. A few really simple dietary rules can get us on track.

         Limiting or moderating food and total calorie intake is a good start. Three easy rules can get us on the road to better body composition. Reduce intake of saturated fats, reduce intake of simple sugars, and try to eliminate all trans fats such as hydrogenated oils. Doing this leaves us with a diet of lean meats, whole grains, and lots of fruit and vegetables.

         Smoking is another activity that drastically increases the risk of heart disease. There are many resources to help reduce and quit smoking. For smokers simply stopping is the number one most healthy thing you can do.

          Starting an exercise or fitness program can substantially reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise at least five times per week. Working exercise into your daily routine can be fun, healthy, and allow you to live better and longer.

         Most of all, our heathier lifestyles will set a positive example for the coming generation so we can all enjoy a healthier, happier, and more productive community. Join our Daggett Shuler team in working toward a healthier 2011!

P.S.  Please join us in fighting distracted driving and help spread the message. We created a short video, "Distracted Driving is Like Driving Blind!" Please help spread the message, and enter to win a flip video. Please watch the video and share with at least one friend to win. Thanks and be safe!

The video ideo is here on Facebook. The video is also on our YouTube channel. Watch the video and Enter to win a Flip video camera.

Thanks for helping to spread the message and do something about this problem we all face! 

‎"Distracted Driving is Like Driving Blind!

Driving While Tired

Driving While Tired

        Have you ever driven a motor vehicle while tired? Drowsy drivers are a serious threat to themselves and to everyone else on the road. Please join our Daggett Shuler team in helping to prevent driving while tired car accidents.

        Most of us are probably unaware that driving while sleepy or tired impairs our driving as severely as driving drunk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as well as the North Carolina Association of State Troopers considers the problem of sleepy drivers to be equal to the problem of drunk drivers.

       Driver fatigue affects the ability to see as well as perception time and reaction time. Fatigue is a bigger problem at night. People who have a long commute for work, commercial drivers who drive long hours, business travelers, and people with sleep-related illnesses are at the highest risk for nodding off while driving.

        If you feel sleepy, experts recommend rolling down the window, turning up the radio, or drinking some coffee. However, the best thing to do is to not drive. It is very difficult to recover once you are tired. Please, if you are tired get off the road as soon as possible.

        An easy self test is to look at yourself in the mirror. If you look sleepy, you probably are and should stop driving. If you have any doubt, pull over for the safety of yourself and for others. 

       Driving while tired is very dangerous. Please be careful and encourage those around you to choose not to drive while tired to help keep the roads safer for everyone.