The reason, of course, is that all of our usual good driving skills on dry roads turn into very bad driving skills on slippery roads. Take a look at a list of driving tips for snowy roads, by AAA:

- Accelerate and decelerate slowly
- Take turns very slowly and take as wide a turn as possible
- Maintain a steady, slow speed (downshift if needed)
- Keep a very large following distance from cars in front of you

    As you can see, the ability to stop or turn quickly doesn't help a driver on a slippery road. The driver is best served by doing all those things slowly. In fact, a good snow driver is one who pretends that they have fewer skills and therefore applies the highest amount of caution and safety techniques. The slightest turn or braking will leave drivers skidding out of control. Even the best drivers can't steer a car through a turn while it is sliding out of control on snow.

    Always be sure to prepare your winter car survival kit and clear the snow properly from your vehicle before heading out. If you can, try to avoid travel entirely. Our office has handled many injury claims from car accidents caused by drivers who do not drive safely in wintry weather. If you have been injured in such an accident, be sure to contact us right away.

    Winter safety starts with your vehicle. By properly stocking, maintaining and clearing your vehicle you greatly reduce safety risks to yourself and other drivers on the road. 

Check tire tread and inflation pressure.
    Cold weather will cause the air pressure to drop in your tires, so now is the perfect time to re-inflate to proper levels. Also check the tread to ensure you will have maximum grip on the road.

Check your battery and all fluid levels.
    One of the worst feelings known to a driver is when you try to start your vehicle in the middle of a snowstorm and the battery has died. Cold weather is extremely tough on a battery, so it is very important that you have your battery tested for voltage and replaced, if needed, before the season.
     Any driver can also relate to the frustration of a grimy windshield caused by salt and dirt that sprays up during winter driving. Make sure that your windshield wipers are in good shape, and that you have a full supply of windshield wiper fluid which will withstand freezing temperatures.

Stock a mini-survival kit.
    Although it is hard to imagine getting stranded in a populated area of the country, each year there are news stories of drivers who are stuck in the snow for hours or more. To stay safe rather than sorry, always have the following in your vehicle: blanket, bottle of water, flashlight, car phone charger, snow scraper/shovel, jumper cables and sand/kitty litter.

Clear your car off right or expect a fine!
    Everyone has seen it: a driver cruising down the road with huge piles of snow or sheets of ice atop their vehicle. Inevitably, it is only a matter of time before the ice and snow fly off into traffic. Many drivers take a very quick approach to clearing their vehicle, but that laziness can be a huge risk to themselves, other drivers and even their bank account.

    Since 2006, Pennsylvania has fined all drivers $200 - $1,000 for failing to clear snow or ice from their vehicle if that snow or ice causes a serious injury. (75 Pa. C.S. 3720)*

    Across the river, the law is event stricter. In New Jersey, a motorist must make a reasonable effort to clear all areas of ice and snow from their vehicle. If a police officer observes a vehicle that has failed to clear ice or snow they can write a ticket with a fine of up to $75. If that snow or ice comes loose and causes an injury or property damage, the fine can increase up to $1,000. (NJ Stat. 39:4-77.1)*

     Stay safe and avoid the risks and fines that come with unsafe winter driving. Small preparations make all the difference between a safe, enjoyable ride and a dangerous and costly trip.

*  This analysis takes the law as it stands on November 8, 2013. Keep in mind that laws often change over time.

    Any time that new technology is introduced, the law is slow to catch up with regulation. This was the case with GPS systems, mobile phones, and texting. Now comes Google Glass, which fits like a pair of glasses, and contains computer technology and a small transparent "screen" on the right hand side of the frame. Among other uses, the device allows wearers to record and view videos while wearing it. Until specific laws are created to deal with Google Glass and other wearable technology, police officers will only be able to work with current laws. 

PENNSYLVANIA* 

    In Pennsylvania, the law most closely related to Google Glass would be 75 Pa. C.S. 3704:

    This law pertains most directly to obstructions within the car, not worn by the driver. Still, it is likely that courts would enforce any tickets written for headwear or other objects which block the driver's view of the roadway. 

    Ultimately, in Pennsylvania it is hard to see how Google Glass obstructs the view of a driver to the extent required to receive a ticket. However, if an officer can prove that the user was viewing a video and driving while distracted, a careless driving ticket will likely be issued.

NEW JERSEY*

    New Jersey has some of the toughest distracted driving laws in the country. Still, the laws directly refer only to phones and texting. The only statute that appears to relate to wearable technology such as Google Glass is NJ Stat. 39:3-74, which says:

    Although many will say that the law does not apply to wearable technology because it speaks specifically of the construction, equipment, or loading of the vehicle, odds are good that New Jersey courts may include Google Glass as part of the "equipping" of the vehicle. Still, the law only addresses interference with the vision of the driver. It can be argued that the minimal nature of Google Glass does not actually interfere with the vision of a driver.

    Overall, drivers should exercise extreme caution when using new technologies such as Google Glass, particularly in states such as New Jersey which crack down hard on distracted driving. Even if the existing state laws do not directly address the technology, police officers and courts will likely try to expand the reach of the laws in order to hold a driver responsible. 

*   This analysis takes the law as it stands on November 8, 2013. Keep in mind that laws often change, particularly to address new technology. As always, drivers should exercise caution and pay full attention to the road, regardless of whether their technologies are legal.

    Based on a strict interpretation of the law, it is clear that a driver may violate the law by raising their high beams at any point when a driver is within 500 feet in the opposite direction. This law, however, could potentially be challenged as free speech in the same way as the above cases in Florida and Missouri.

New Jersey*

    In New Jersey, the law is very clear. In 1999 the Superior Court - Appellate division held that: a motorist may not be convicted of misusing her headlights to warn oncoming motorists of radar. 

    Overall, drivers should always exercise caution with their high beams. Pennsylvania drivers should keep in mind the high beam restriction when a vehicle is approaching in the opposite direction. New Jersey drivers have more leeway, but should always use a prudent approach. While driving through other states, be sure to keep in mind that their state laws may be different than those you are used to in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

*  This analysis takes the law as it stands on November 8, 2013. Keep in mind that laws can change.

    Travelers should expect roadway closures on Saturday, September 28, 2013, beginning at 7 a.m. on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway extending from Cherry Street through Eakins Oval. The Ratha-Yatra Parade will begin at 12:30 p.m. and closures are expected throughout the afternoon.

    On Sunday, September 29, 2013, the day will start with the Parkway Run between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. between Logan Circle and Eakins Oval on the Parkway. 

    Immediately following the Parkway Run, the Puerto Rican Day Parade will be setup, with closures all along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in center city. Expect large crowds between noon and 3:00 p.m., with heavy police presence and limited vehicle accessibility.

    Every day in 2011, an average of 2 children died and 311 were injured in car accidents across the country.

    Of the children who were killed due to failure to use a seatbelt or car seat, the highest percentage was among children in larger vehicles such as SUVs. It appears that parents assume that larger vehicles are safer, and may become less concerned about ensuring that their children are secured. As the statistics show, this assumption is incorrect and has deadly consequences.

    As always, the best way to deal with a car accident or injury is to play it smart and take every precaution to protect yourself in the first place. However, when car accidents inevitably occur, you may find yourself or your child injured. Whether or not you were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, you may have a claim for your injuries. If you or your child have been injured, be sure to contact us right away for a completely free consultation.

    Police are asking for help identifying the driver of a white or silver pickup truck which fled the scene of an accident in King of Prussia, PA on September 18, 2013. The driver of the white pickup had rear-ended another car and pulled over. However, when the other driver stepped out of his car to exchange information, the unidentified driver of the white pickup truck sped away. In the process, the white pickup truck struck the other driver and dragged him for a distance, causing very serious injuries. The photo to the left shows a stillframe photo of the white pickup truck from a nearby surveillance camera. Click below for all the details on how to help, and how you can protect yourself against hit-and-run drivers.

    Police provided the following details to help identify the vehicle:

• Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 around 9:30 p.m.
• Location: 202 and Mall Boulevard (near Wells Fargo and Sullivan's)
• White or silver pickup truck
• Similar to a Chevy pickup truck (but not necessarily limited to a Chevy)
• Truck has a third door (half-door)

    If you have any information at all concerning this accident, please act immediately and contact the Upper Merion Police by calling (610) 265-3232.

    For further information about what happens when you are injured in a car accident caused by an uninsured or unidentified driver, and how to protect yourself against uninsured or unidentified (hit-and-run) drivers using your own insurance policy, our website is your best resource. If you have further questions, you can always contact us to receive a completely free insurance policy review to make sure that you are properly maximizing your coverage to protect yourself and your family in the event you are injured in a car accident.

    In the "common" scenario of car accidents, the issue is whether or not the defendant has been negligent. Negligence is briefly explained as falling short of the standard of a reasonably prudent person" in the situation. For example, driving too close to the car in front of you and rear-ending them when they stop. Negligent conduct is the basis for money damages that must be paid by the defendant. Most damages based on negligence are covered by insurance.

    However, courts have long recognized a separate type of conduct: recklessness. The courts will find that a person has been reckless when their conduct goes above and beyond ordinary negligence. When a person acts in disregard of a foreseeable risk of a dangerous outcome, their actions are reckless and they are subject to additional damages assessed against them. These damages, called punitive damages, are typically not covered by insurance in Pennsylvania. 

    The Lackawanna County court was clear to point out that, for punitive damages, there must be evidence that the driver was looking specifically at their GPS instead of the road. The court specifically mentions that many GPS units are mounted on the dashboard or windshield, and allow the driver to view both the GPS and the road at the same time. In instances where the driver can see the GPS and the road simultaneously, such conduct would likely only be considered negligent, not reckless, if it caused an accident.

    If you have been injured in a car accident, our law firm will assess all aspects of your case, from medical bill payment to basic money damages and punitive damages. Be sure to contact us right away if you feel you have been injured due to another person's negligence.

    A recent study shows that BMW drivers are jerks when it comes to the rules of the road. When it comes to yielding to pedestrians in a crosswalk, road raging, and "cheating" at a 4-way stop, BMW drivers rank among the worst according to recent studies.

    Overall, the studies showed that drivers of more expensive cars tended to ignore the rules of the road much more often than drivers of less expensive cars. Read more details below.

    The studies revealed that drivers of so-called "beater" cars, which are older, cheaper vehicles, were more likely to be courteous and obey the rules of the road. 

    Although drivers on the road should always drive defensively, these studies make it clear that drivers should always pay extra attention when driving around more expensive vehicles, who may decide that they are above the law or otherwise exempt from careful driving. 

    Because of the fact that there are drivers who don't follow the law, it is important to make sure that your auto insurance policy gives you full protection in the event that you are involved in an accident caused by another driver. Be sure to visit our Insurance Help section to confirm the details of your auto policy. Further, we offer insurance policy reviews completely free of charge. Simply contact us to set up an appointment to make sure you and your family are fully protected.

    By now, everyone is well aware of the fact that using electronic devices while driving is a very dangerous activity. Many states, including New Jersey, have outlawed the use of hand-held mobile devices for this very reason. However, there has been no discussion about the people who are sending those texts to the driver...until today. 

    The appeals court of New Jersey made clear that 

    However, the Court put tight requirements on the ruling. There can be liability 

    Basically, the Court is making clear that the sender of a text is safe to assume that the driver will not read the text message; only if they are sure that the person is driving, and will view the text while driving, will the texter be held responsible. Unfortunately, the Court gave very few details about what evidence would be able to show that a texter knew for certain that the driver would view the text while driving. 

    The bottom line to take away from this ruling: if you are texting someone and you come to know that they are texting you back and forth while driving a vehicle, you should immediately STOP texting that person. Besides creating a safety issue for your friend and others on the road, you may find yourself on the wrong end of a lawsuit.

*  This analysis takes the law as it stands on August 27, 2013. Keep in mind that laws and judicial interpretation can change.

   The details paint an even worse picture. This was not a scam that was being used on a few vehicles here and there. The woman is accused of renting out 180 uninsured vehicles over the last three years. As can be expected, she is facing charges of falsifying records and insurance fraud. 

    When drivers are uninsured, you are put at risk. When you are injured by an uninsured driver, you may not receive a recovery for your injuries unless you have the proper protection by selecting uninsured motorist coverage. 

    Our law firm provides free evaluation for your auto insurance policy, so that we can help you and your family stay fully protected even in an unexpected situation. Be sure to read about uninsured motorist coverage and contact us if you have questions about your policy.

     Although it is relatively clear that SEPTA should not stop their buses and call in the medics every single time that a passenger dozes off in their seat, this particular passenger was unresponsive, drooling and sitting in his own urine. The SEPTA driver even personally admitted that she was unable to get the man to respond. Instead of providing help, SEPTA instructed the driver to continue her route. When the bus reached the end of the route after an hour and a half more, the man was dead. 

For their part, SEPTA representatives had this to say:

     It appears that SEPTA is more concerned about accidentally waking up a passenger than ensuring that a dying passenger receives medical treatment.