Serving Cape Cod and the Surrounding Areas

Archives for: January 28th, 2015

Massachusetts residents aged 65 or older at risk for falls

In the state of Massachusetts, falls were found to be the leading cause of injuries, both fatal and nonfatal, in people over the age of 65. With the elderly population expected to increase to 20.9 percent in 2030, the negative impacts caused by falls are likely to also increase. By 2020, for example, the national cost of fall-related injuries are expected to reach $54.9 billion.

PTSD after a car accident

Those who have been in a car accident may feel guilt or shock for a period of time afterwards. For most, these feelings subside over time. However, it is possible that these feelings could linger or even intensify over time. Massachusetts victims of such an occurrence who dread driving or merely getting into a car after an accident may wish to seek treatment as this could be a sign of post-traumatic stress disorder.

The most common reported symptoms associated with whiplash

A car accident can happen in a matter of seconds on Massachusetts roadways, and a driver may not have enough time to shield their face and head before the impact. Each day, people who are involved in accidents sustain injuries, regardless of how fast a vehicle was traveling at the time of the collision. If an individual begins to have headaches, difficulty balancing when walking or standing, severe pain in the neck or back areas or dizziness, they may have received a whiplash injury.

Massachusetts hit-and-run crash results in OUI arrest

Around 11:15 a.m.Jan. 10, officials were called to the scene of a five-car hit-and-run incident in Barnstable. The driver of a Ford Econoline van was arrested later when local police located him in a hospital parking lot shortly after the incidents occurred.

Helmet laws reduce motorcycle fatalities

All Massachusetts motorcyclists may know that wearing a helmet can save a life should the motorcyclist become involved in a serious crash. As a result, most states, including Massachusetts, have helmet laws to encourage more motorcyclists to wear proper protective gear.

Vehicle to vehicle communication and accident prevention

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently announced plans for enabling vehicle-to-vehicle or V2V communication systems. Many Massachusetts drivers are interested in finding out what sort of impact this technology will have on reducing motorcycle crashes on the state’s busy roads and highways.

Social costs of alcohol-related car accidents equal $1 per drink

Despite years of nation-wide enforcement against drinking and driving, car accidents and injuries caused by impaired driving remain a substantial burden on society. Massachusetts, like the rest of the country, shares in the social costs that result when drunk drivers cause car collisions and serious injuries.

Preventing common car accident injuries

Far too many car accidents take place in Massachusetts and around the country each year. Drivers and passengers, however, may take simple preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of suffering serious personal injuries in the event one does occur.

Massachusetts drivers and distracted driving

Distracted driving occurs in all 50 states, including Massachusetts. Any time a driver does anything that takes their attention off the road and safely piloting the vehicle, distracted driving occurs. Some examples of such behavior include tuning a radio, reading or responding to a text message, talking on a cell phone, applying makeup, and eating or drinking. Distracted driving is one of the most prevalent causes of auto accidents and results in thousands of injuries nationally each year.

Man outside of car killed on highway

An accident occurred on Interstate 495 north that claimed the life of a 28-year-old man at 2:45 p.m. on Dec. 20. The man’s car had apparently broken down near exit 46. According to Massachusetts police, he was standing outside and to the front of his 2004 Lexus when a 1999 Dodge Durango hit the Lexus, causing both vehicles to strike the man standing along the highway. The exact reason for the crash was not immediately known. Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Crime Scene Services are responsible for investigating the crash further.