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Do Pedestrian Accidents Go Up Around Back-to-School Season?

As the school year begins and children are more commonly seen on roads and in school zones, it’s crucial to increase school zone safety awareness. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, fatal pedestrian accidents involving a child happen most often after school.

Children are especially vulnerable to accidents with other cars when walking, as they may not understand traffic rules or traffic safety. While drivers must watch out for children, parents and caregivers must ensure their children stay safe when crossing streets and waiting near their bus stops.

What to Know About Pedestrian Accidents During the Back-to-School Season

From 2009 to 2018, pedestrian fatalities increased by 53%, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Furthermore, 1 in 5 children killed in crashes in 2020 were pedestrians. In South Carolina, pedestrian deaths among children are the third highest in the nation, with 0.95 per 100,000, only behind Delaware and Florida.

September—when schools are back in session—and October were among the deadliest months for pedestrian deaths among children in 2019, with October recording the highest death rate with 41 deaths. Children are active on the streets during this time due to sports activities and fall holidays like Halloween. Fall also means shorter days. It gets dark earlier, so drivers may fail to see children on the road, making pedestrian safety even more important.

How to Keep Children Safe When Going to School

Teaching children good habits early on is the best way to keep them safe from pedestrian accidents. Parents and caregivers should teach them to watch for oncoming cars and be aware of their surroundings.

●     Obey all traffic signals: Make sure your child knows what each street sign means and how to recognize them by their distinctive shapes and colors. You should also teach them to adhere to traffic signals at all times.

●     Stop and look before crossing: Ensure your child always looks both ways for cars before crossing the street. If there is an oncoming car, they must stop until the car passes by. Let them know it’s best to cross when no cars are coming.

●     Use the crosswalk: Drivers are responsible for yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians in crosswalks, but children may be less aware of this than adults. Instruct your child to cross in a crosswalk with traffic lights or a crossing guard. Teach your child to wait until the walk signal and look left and right to make sure it is clear of cars. 69% of children killed in pedestrian accidents were crossing outside of an intersection.

●     Make eye contact with the driver: You should encourage your child to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street to ensure the driver is aware of them. If a car does not stop for your child, ensure they don’t cross until the car leaves.

●     Put the phone away: Children should put away their cell phones and headphones when walking so they can hear vehicles approaching. This action allows them more time to watch out for traffic and react on time.

●     Wear reflective clothing: Encourage your child to wear reflective clothing at dawn and dusk when walking to school. You can have your child use a flashlight if necessary.

Drivers Should Be Cautious During the School Season

Drivers should also be extra cautious and aware of their surroundings at the beginning of the school year. At crosswalks, drivers should slow down and stop for children walking to or from school.

They should pay attention to young children crossing a street other than at a crosswalk. They must remain stopped until the child has completely crossed the road. In addition, drivers should never pass a stopped vehicle, such as a bus, waiting for children to board or get off.

When a negligent driver hits your child while they cross the street, the medical bills for your child’s injuries can quickly add up. Their injuries can also cause them a great deal of pain and suffering. Working with a pedestrian injury lawyer from the Joye Law Firm can help you pursue a child injury lawsuit against them to help you cover your expenses and achieve a better quality of life for your child.

Call Joye Law Firm if Your Child Was Injured in a Pedestrian Accident

Parents of children injured in pedestrian accidents must take every legal step to protect their children’s rights to compensation and justice. The South Carolina pedestrian accident lawyers at the Joye Law Firm can assist you during the legal process of filing a compensation claim with the negligent driver’s insurance company.

Reach out to Joye Law Firm today using our convenient online messaging system or fill out our contact form to start the claims process.

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What to Know Before Taking a Passenger on Your Motorcycle

Riding with a passenger on your motorcycle can be exciting, but also an enormous responsibility. A passenger on the back of your motorcycle changes the way it rides, handles, and operates, and their safety is entirely in your hands.

While riding with a passenger can be intimidating at first, knowing how to prepare yourself and your motorcycle will make it an enjoyable and safe experience.

Make Sure Your Motorcycle is Safe to Ride

All motorcycles must come equipped with a footrest and permanent seats specifically for passengers if it is going to be used to carry passengers, according to South Carolina law.

The extra weight on the rear of your motorcycle will cause the rear to sag, affecting handling and causing the rear tire to rub against the fender. The effect will be more pronounced on smaller motorcycles, but even if you are riding a full-sized touring model, making some basic adjustments will make the ride safer and more enjoyable for you and your passenger.

Ensure your brakes, drivetrain, lights, and suspension are in good shape, tires are properly inflated, and have a deep tread. Additional air in the tire can keep it from flattening out and deforming under the weight of your passenger and help absorb the shocks and bumps of the road.

You can also adjust the preload on your motorcycle’s suspension to compensate for the additional weight of a second person. This adjustment can also help with the ride height and steering behavior.

Get Ready to Ride a Motorcycle with a Passenger

Before you tell your friend to ride on the back of your motorcycle, it’s a good idea to ensure you are up to the task by practicing slow maneuvering exercises. When your bike has additional weight on the back, sudden shifts or rough braking can cause an accident easily, so aim to ride smoothly and fluidly. Allow yourself more time to brake by reducing torque while accelerating.

• Prepare Your Passenger

It is up to you as a motorcycle rider to make sure the passenger understands how to conduct themselves on a motorcycle to ensure both of your safety. You can show your passenger how to get off and on a motorcycle safely using a passenger peg or throwing their leg over their seat.

Tell your passenger to put their feet firmly on the footrest and how to prevent injury by pointing out the bike’s parts that heat up enough to burn. You should also show your passenger how to hold on to you either by holding your waist or hips or using the passenger hand-holds.

When you have a passenger on your bike, instruct them not to lean in the opposite direction or to make sudden movements, such as adjusting their seat position. Passengers should position themselves close to the rider during tight turns or on windy roads. Doing this makes the bike’s weight closer to its center, making low-speed maneuvers easier.

Talking with your passenger while at low speeds or when stopped may be possible. However, it is also important to adopt hand signals to indicate slowing down or stopping if needed for the passenger to let them know what you are doing.

• Gear Up Before the Ride

Ensure you and your passenger are wearing full protective gear for the ride. In South Carolina, motorcycle riders and passengers under 21 are required to wear helmets. They should also wear safety goggles if the helmet does not cover the face unless the motorcycle has a windshield. Regardless, the National Highway Safety and Traffic Administration recommends that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear helmets approved by the Department of Transportation that comfortably fit their heads, even if they are over the age of 21.

Gloves can protect your hands from road rash in a crash. A heavy denim or leather jacket, thick pants with padding, and boots covering the ankles can also prevent serious injuries such as broken bones in an accident. If riding at night, you and your passenger should wear light-colored, reflective clothes so other motor vehicle drivers can see you better.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call a South Carolina Motorcycle Injury Lawyer

You should prepare as much as possible for a ride with a passenger to make sure you both stay safe. On the chance you get into an accident through no fault of your own, you need to call an attorney who is knowledgeable about motorcycle claims, as most insurance companies are biased against motorcycle riders and will try to reduce or deny their compensation.

Our experienced team of South Carolina motorcycle injury attorneys can negotiate on your behalf and ensure you’re back on the road as soon as possible. Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys to discuss your case.

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Can You Drive a Boat in South Carolina With No Prior Experience?

Boating is a popular outdoor activity in and around South Carolina, thanks to our state’s abundance of waterways. If you plan on renting a boat or using a friend’s boat sometime this summer, you may wonder if you need a boat license.

Although a boat license is not required if you are over the age of 16 in South Carolina, operating a boat involves certain responsibilities and safety considerations for you and your passengers. Getting a license ensures you learn how to operate your boat properly and safely for you, your passengers, and others om the water.

Do I Need a Boater Education Card to Operate a Boat in South Carolina?

Anyone over the age of 16 can operate a boat in South Carolina without a boater education card. If you are under 16 and plan to operate a boat with a motor of 15 horsepower or more, then you are required to carry a South Carolina boater education card. You must carry your South Carolina boating license on your vessel and have it available for law enforcement officers if needed.

Additionally, for someone 15 years or younger to operate a boat, they need to be in the company of someone ‌18 years or older.

What Boat Training Courses are Offered in South Carolina?

South Carolina offers several boating courses. There are two types of main boating courses within the state of South Carolina that you should know if you plan on operating a boat:

• In-person classes: The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) offers free, 6-hour boating courses. They provide testing for boating licenses at the end of these courses. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons also offer boating classes.
• Online boat safety course: You can also take a state-approved online boating course, and upon passing the online test and paying a one-time fee, the state will mail you a boating safety certificate. The boat safety course aims to adequately prepare you for emergency situations on the water and give you a deeper look into safety precautions to take whenever you boat.

The SCDNR will also accept any online boating safety course approved by the National Association of Safe Boating Law Administrators.

Keep Safety in Mind for Boat Operation in South Carolina

Boat operators can easily prevent collisions if they fulfill three major responsibilities to keep passengers and boaters safe.

• Practice safe operation

Make sure you fully understand how to operate the boat’s equipment and perform basic maintenance on it while you are out on the water. Ensure all passengers know what to do in the event of an emergency, such as putting on their personal flotation devices.

• Keep a proper lookout

Always keep a proper lookout and comply with all navigational rules and regulations. This includes having a designated person to look for hidden dangers like shallow water along sand bars and watch out for submerged objects such as rocks or logs. The U.S. Coast Guard cited improper lookout as the third most common cause of boating accidents in 2021.

• Maintain safe speeds

Scan the water and shoreline continually while underway, especially in certain South Carolina lakes where there may be speed restrictions based on your boat’s location in relation to other people or objects in the water. For example, boats cannot exceed idle speed within 50 feet of anchored boats, wharves, piers, docks, or people in the water in Lake Moultrie.

When operating within 100 yards of the Atlantic coast, vessels must not exceed idle speed. It’s important that you obey these boating laws because even slight increases in speed can lead to serious boating accidents, including collisions or swamping by large wakes.

Other boat operators who are not as safety-conscious can be held liable for injuries they cause when they speed or drive recklessly. If an accident occurs, you need to make sure you take the ‌proper steps toward filing for compensation for damage to the boat and for your injuries. This includes taking pictures of the scene, getting as much information from witnesses as possible, and contacting a lawyer immediately after the accident.

Contact Our South Carolina Boat Accident Lawyers

When you take a boating safety course, you ensure you can have both a fun and safe time with your passengers. However, boating accidents can have devastating repercussions and can instantly change your life forever.

If you or someone you know sustained injuries in a boat accident, contact one of the South Carolina boating accident lawyers at the Joye Law Firm as soon as possible for a free case evaluation. Our skilled boating accident attorneys have over 150+ years of successful combined experience representing injured victims and their families in South Carolina. Rest assured that we will fight to protect your rights and help you win the maximum financial compensation you need and deserve.

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What Type of Safety Signage Is Required on Construction Sites?

Construction sites are required to have several different types of safety signage. Some signs warn workers and visitors of potential hazards, such as falling debris or electrical cables. Other signs point to the location of safety items such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits.

If you suffer an injury while on a construction site due to a lack of proper safety signage, pursuing legal action can help you recover damages like medical expenses. Injury victims can contact the South Carolina construction accident lawyers at Joye Law Firm, and we’ll help them to seek fair compensation for their injuries.

Construction Site Signage

Each sign on a construction site serves a different purpose. However, a lack of required signage can lead to catastrophic injuries for workers and others on the site.

Additionally, all construction sites must have signs that list the name and contact information of the site manager or owner, as this person may be liable for injuries on the site. These signs must be visible from all entry points to the property to be legally compliant.

Construction signage has a three-tier risk classification system that places signs under three categories.

Caution Signs

Construction workers are susceptible to many injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries such as broken bones and lacerations. One of the best ways to help prevent these injuries is to clearly mark all potential hazards on a construction site.

Caution signs denote potential hazards where minor or severe injuries occur, and as such, should be placed around areas with heavy machinery, exposed wiring, or loose debris. These signs help to alert workers to potential dangers and encourage them to take precautions.

Caution signs may warn of automatic equipment and usually feature yellow backgrounds and symbols that help the reader easily understand the threat.

Other caution signs include:

• Hazardous waste
• Eye protection required
• Slippery when wet

Warning Signs

Construction site warning signs mark areas of a job site where severe injury or death can occur. These signs typically feature bright colors and large letters, making them easy to spot even from a distance. They may also include pictorial images, making them instantly recognizable even to those who can’t read English.

Warning signs are typically orange and include messages such as:

• Pinch point
• Keep hands out of machinery
• Close clearance

Danger Signs

Danger signs warn workers of construction site areas where the most severe hazards exist. Danger signs indicate potentially life-threatening dangers, and workers should take extra precautions when nearby.

Common danger signs include:

• Fall protection is required beyond this point
• High voltage
• Hazardous chemicals

Other Required Safety Measures for Construction Sites

Besides proper signage, employers must provide with other protective measures to keep them out of harm’s way. These safety measures include:

Guardrails

Guardrails are essential to construction sites because they provide a physical barrier between people and potential hazards. For example, railings protect workers from falling off a roof or into a pit.

Protective Gear

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is essential for construction workers for various reasons. First and foremost, PPE helps to protect workers from injuries, including cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Construction sites often contain hazards that can cause serious damage, and protective gear helps mitigate those risks.

In addition, PPE can also help to protect workers from exposure to harmful chemicals or other substances that might be present on a construction site. Finally, PPE can also help to keep workers safe from heat, cold, or other extreme weather conditions.

Recovering Compensation for Injuries Caused By a Lack of Safety Signage

If you’ve sustained injuries resulting from OSHA violations at a construction site, speak with an attorney from Joye Law Firm. Our attorneys can review the facts of your case, determine whether you have a valid claim, and estimate how much your claim is potentially worth.

Your attorney will then help you decide which type of claim to file for your injury. You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim and/or a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the circumstances of your accident.

Workers’ Compensation

Generally, you will file a workers’ compensation claim if you are hurt while on the job. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance almost all employers must have by South Carolina law. It offers compensation for medical bills and lost wages for workplace injuries and requires you to file a claim through your employer.

Workers’ compensation doesn’t require you to prove fault to receive benefits. However, you can gain an advantage by working with one of Joye Law Firm’s South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers to help you file your claim and maximize your award.

Personal Injury Claim

You might file a personal injury claim if a negligent third party, like a contracted supervisor, caused your injuries.

A personal injury claim allows you to seek the following damages related to your injuries:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Physical pain
• Mental and emotional suffering
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

If you and your legal team opt for a personal injury claim, you must prepare evidence for the case. You have to prove that the lack of proper signage or other hazards directly caused your accident and injuries. You must also prove that the responsible party knew or should have known of the danger and failed to post appropriate signage to warn you of the danger.

Hire a Reliable Personal Injury Attorney for Your Claim

Proving your accident occurred due to a negligent lack of appropriate signage can be challenging. Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can help you build a strong case using medical records, first responder reports, and testimony from other workers or witnesses.

Contact the skilled attorneys from Joye Law Firm today to discuss a personal injury claim and to seek fair compensation to help you return to your normal life.

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What Do Motorcycle Hand Signs Mean?

The summer months pose an increased risk for motorcycle accidents over other times of the year. In 2020, there were 116 motorcyclist deaths in South Carolina, with most accidents occurring in summer and fall.

As with all vehicles, safety must be your top concern when riding a motorcycle. Understanding and using motorcycle hand signals goes a long way toward ensuring visibility on the road and keeping other drivers and riders aware of your intentions.

Familiarizing yourself with some of the more common hand signals for motorcyclists now, whether you’re operating a motorcycle or behind the wheel of a vehicle, may help prevent a collision in the future.

Signaling to Turn

Signaling your turns is vital to all road users’ safety, but especially motorcycle riders. All modern motorcycles come equipped with turn signals, but as a motorcycle rider, using hand signals as well can make your intentions more visible to other road users.

Before turning left, extend your left arm straight with the palm of your hand facing down. Before a right turn, extend your left hand and bend your arm 90 degrees at the elbow with your left hand raised and balled into a fist.

Whether turning right or left, broadcast your signal well in advance of your turn to give other motorists enough time to take notice and slow down.

Signaling for Hazards on the Road

With the summer season in South Carolina comes perils such as heavy thunderstorms. Severe winds may knock trees over onto the road and scatter branches. Additional hazards might include animals trying to cross the road, roadkill, loose gravel or sand, and spilled oil or puddled water, which can be especially harmful to motorcyclists.

Tipping off fellow drivers, motorcycle riders, and cyclists to hazards along the path ensures they can protect themselves. This practice also protects you by diverting attention back to your presence and the immediate stretch of road around and ahead of you.

To signal a hazard coming up on the left, aim your left hand down with your index finger sticking out as if you are pointing to something in the road. For hazards on the right, point with your right foot extended similarly to pointing with your index finger.

Signaling a Slow Down

Signaling a slow down can help motorcyclists avoid a rear-end accident with another vehicle. As a motorcyclist, you are the smallest object on the road and the least visible to traffic. Drivers behind you could have difficulty determining your speed or when you are slowing to a stop.

In a recent year, 7% of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred when riders were struck from the rear. By signaling a slow down, you create a more prominent profile for yourself and confirm that you are decelerating to drivers and other riders around you. Keep your left arm extended and face your palm downward to signal a slow down. Make a swinging motion with your arm, repeatedly extending it and bringing it back to your side.

All Drivers Should Know Motorcycle Hand Signs

As a motorcyclist, you can avoid many road dangers by remaining proactive, defensive, and using hand signals for communication. Drivers of trucks and passenger vehicles should also familiarize themselves with motorcycle hand signals. Knowing what a motorcycle hand signal means can help drivers avoid a collision with a motorcyclist and keep everyone safer when on the road.

However, despite doing your best to avoid risk, you may be a victim in a motorcycle accident caused by a careless driver. No amount of signaling can account for a distracted driver who is using their cell phone, facing away from the road to speak to a passenger, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Who can Help After a Serious Accident?

If you suffered an injury in a motorcycle accident, contact the South Carolina motorcycle crash attorneys at Joye Law Firm as soon as possible. We can help you get back on your feet after an accident by filing a claim with the responsible party’s insurance company or taking them to court in a personal injury suit to get you the money you deserve.

Our law office has served South Carolinians for over 50 years, and our personal injury attorneys have a proven track record of compassion and fighting to get our clients what they deserve.

Contact the Joye Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation and learn your legal options regarding your motorcycle accident.

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