July 4th Safe Driving Tips From The Stewart Law Firm

When most people think of July 4th, they think of the freedoms that we enjoy in our amazing country, rest, relaxation, grilling, baseball, parades, picnics, and fireworks. Most, however, don’t appreciate July 4th as being one of the deadliest days to drive on public roadways. On July 4th, there are generally more motor vehicles on roadways. To make matters worse, there are increased instances of drinking and driving. Drinking and driving accounts for countless catastrophic personal injuries and deaths each year. This July 4th will be no different. If you happen to be on the roadways this July 4th holiday, it is recommended that the following safety tips be followed:

Don’t Drink and Drive. If you plan to attend an event where alcohol will be served, make alternative transportation plans, such as appointing a designated driver, taking a taxi, or staying overnight at the location you plan to visit. Planning ahead can save lives.
Buckle Up! Seatbelts save lives. In any motor vehicle crash, your chances of avoiding serious or even fatal injuries greatly increase with the use of seatbelts. Even if you are taking a trip around the block, buckle up.
Avoid Distractions. Cell phone use, texting, and playing with children while driving are all recipes for disaster. Most motor vehicle collisions relate to lack of driver attention. Avoid any distraction while you are operating your motor vehicle. Make sure that you are well rested before starting your trip. Take time to take periodic rest stops, stretch your legs, and relax for a bit.
Limit Late Night Driving. Most drunk driving collisions occur late at night. If you can, avoid late night driving trips. If you happen to be on the roadway late at night, pay particular attention to your surroundings at all times. Drive defensively, keeping a safe and clear distance from other late night traffic as best you can.
Car Maintenance. Before starting your trip, make sure that your motor vehicle is also well rested and good for the trip. Be sure to check all fluids, including oil, antifreeze, transmission fluids. It is important to check the air pressure on all tires. If your tires have lost significant tread, get them checked by a tire retailer prior to your trip. Numerous tire blow-outs and de-treads occur in the summer months. Check your tires and make sure they are safe.
Keep Check of Your Speed. Speeding can be deadly. The goal is to make it to your destination safe and sound. The most practical way to accomplish that is to avoid speeding. Slowing down also limits the amount of fuel your vehicle consumes. Slow down and enjoy your road-trip.
The Stewart Law Firm is an Austin, Texas based law firm that prides itself in being on the front-line in fighting for victims’ rights and keeping proper checks and balances in place to assure that corporations, wrong-doers, and dangerous products do not injure or harm innocent people. The Stewart Law Firm handles cases involving: injuries caused by drunk drivers, catastrophic personal injuries, wrongful death, car crashes, commercial truck/18-wheeler crashes, bus crashes, aviation accidents, motorcycle crashes, defective automobiles (SUV rollovers, defective seat systems, defective seat belts, defective airbags, defective tires, post collision fuel-fed fires, door latch failure, roof crush, lack of crashworthiness/intrusion, park-to-reverse injuries), unsafe manufacturing/construction equipment, defective swimming pools, defective consumer goods, defective children’s toys, defective child seats, train collisions, catastrophic child injuries/molestation, industrial/construction injuries, oilfield injuries, explosions, toxic/environmental injuries, birth injuries, burn injuries, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paraplegia, quadriplegia, amputation injuries, electrocution injuries, national consumer class action/fraud litigation, business torts, and business litigation.

Zicam WARNING

On Tuesday June 16, 2009, the FDA issued a warning to consumers to discontinue the use of three popular over-the-counter cold remedies produced by Matrixx. The nasal products are Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel, Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, Kids Size. Matrixx was also issued a warning letter by the FDA, stating that the company needed the FDA’s approval to market the medication. Numerous complaints were filed with the FDA from people who have lost their sense of smell, known as anosmia, after using nasal Zicam.

Anosmia, is the permanent loss of smell, which is a dangerous condition. People suffering from anosmia cannot detect harmful gasses or fumes. There is also the potential for such individuals to unknowingly eat spoiled or tainted foods due to the fact that the sense of smell is closely related to the sense of taste.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious side effects after using Zicam, please feel free to call The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC at (877) 326-0411.