Passenger vans are common sights on roadways across Mississippi during the hot and hectic summer months. Colleges, church youth groups, kids in camp and others keep the vehicles full. The National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (“NHTSA”) recently urged the owners of such 15-passenger vans to take certain steps to keep drivers and passengers safe as the vehicles can be especially dangerous if not operated correctly.

These larger passenger vans handle very differently from smaller passenger vehicles because they are typically longer, higher, wider, and heavier (especially when fully loaded). They require trained drivers who are comfortable and experienced with the unique driving challenges associated with these larger vehicles. Some of the differences include a greater reliance on side mirrors and the difficult job of changing lanes and longer braking distances. Passenger vans also have a higher risk of crashes and rollovers if they are not properly operated. [Read more…]

As the number of car accidents on the roadways continues to increase, it’s important that victims take steps to protect themselves immediately following a car crash. Delay can only hurt your chances of collecting for damages later. The following are some tips for how best to protect yourself in the event of a car accident:

1. Write everything down

For victims of accidents, it is important to gather as much information as possible. Think about writing down the names and addresses of everyone who was involved in the accident, including any witnesses. If the victim is left incapacitated after an accident then someone else needs to think clearly and record the details. Always call the police and have an accident report done. Do not let the at fault driver talk you out of calling the police to have a report done. [Read more…]

Though the increase in safety of the vehicles that we drive is apparent, the government believes that harsher fines are in order for automakers that use defective parts. The elimination of defective vehicles should be the ultimate goal for all parties involved and, since the crisis involving the Toyota recall, calls for stiffer regulations are seen by many as the best solution. For their part, car makers have stepped up with increased instances of self-reporting defects and recalls to help increase consumer awareness of potential defective products.

As it stands today the maximum fine for failing to disclose known defects is $17 million per instance, a number that is seen as too low by many in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The administration believes that higher fines are needed to help force businesses to voluntarily comply with safety disclosure regulations. The new penalty if approved by the Senate will raise the maximum fine to a record $250 million. [Read more…]