Audit Reveals Austin Failed to Use Crash Data to Improve Safety

A recent city audit has revealed that the City of Austin has failed to use important crash information to improve public safety.

Some of the most telling information out of the Transportation Effectiveness Audit includes:

• The city did not coordinate with city departments and external partners on a transportation system, including a failure to connect across various modes of transportation.
• The city’s transportation activities have mainly been reactive, which means they largely occurred after a crisis unraveled.
• The city cites resource challenges, such as limited funding and staff, for its failures.

The report findings go on to note that the city failed to use crash information to improve traffic incident management and to target engineering, law enforcement or educational solutions. Along with this information, it was revealed that traffic-related fatalities have increased over the past four years and that some of these fatalities could have been prevented through education and law enforcement. Specifically, the audit found that drivers without a valid license were an increasing problem around Austin, with about 1/3 of all fatal accidents in Austin involving a driver with a suspended or invalid license.

Robert Spillar, director of Austin’s transportation department, says the department plans to create an engineering division that will focus on traffic safety and work with the Austin Police Department to enhance traffic enforcement. Furthermore, the department intends to address all the findings from the city audit.

We know that for some, this information is just another reminder of the loss of a loved one due to an unlicensed driver, improper engineering at traffic intersections, or other city issues. If you have lost a loved one in a car wreck caused by a careless driver or other issue related to city traffic shortcomings, you may be entitled to compensation. An Austin car accident attorney at Terry & Kelly, PLLC can help you determine your legal options. Call us today at 512-900-9000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Mayor Announces “Austin Don’t Rush” To Help Ease Traffic

Austin Mayor Steve Adler recently announced a new initiative called “Austin Don’t Rush” to help combat traffic congestion and called for Monday, May 11th to be the first public holiday to kick off this initiative. With a decade-long boom in population growth, transportation in Austin is now at a tipping point due to the havoc the rising numbers of automobiles are causing on the city’s streets and highways.

If you live in Austin, Mayor Adler now encourages you to reduce the number of hours you are stuck in traffic by telecommuting or working unconventional hours, when possible. On May 11th, Austinites were urged to avoid rush hour and help ease congested roadways by changing their work schedule, using bikes, working from home, or taking public transit. In honor of this “holiday,” Capital Metro also offered free rides to commuters. By all accounts, it was a success.

The idea of “Austin Don’t Rush” came about when Mayor Steve Adler urged Austinites to work from home back in March when President Obama came to town to give the keynote address at this year’s SXSW. According to the Mayor, travel times during rush hour on MoPac decreased 60%, while traffic on Highway 183 decreased by about 50%. Six major downtown streets also experienced a 22% decrease in travel time as well.

A high number of road accidents including car, motorcycle, bicycle and truck collisions happen during the morning and afternoon rush hour. If you or a family member is injured in a car accident, contact the Austin car accident attorneys at Terry & Kelly, PLLC immediately to preserve your rights and seek the maximum compensation possible. Call us today at 512-900-9000 to schedule a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Motorcyclist Dies In East Austin After Colliding With Car

A motorcyclist in his 30s died in a crash with a car in the 1600 block of Royal Crest Drive by Riverside Drive in East Austin recently. This was the third motorcycle fatality in Austin in a matter of days. Just a few days before, a 57-year old man and a 17-year-old teen both died in crashes involving vehicles failing to yield when exiting private drives.

At Terry & Kelly, PLLC our Austin motorcycle accident attorneys have seen it all – and in many cases other motorists are responsible for these fatal motorcycle accidents. The majority of motorcycle accidents occur when a car or other motor vehicle illegally crosses the path of the motorcycle, particularly when making left turns in front of the bike. Often due to the small frame of a motorcycle, other motorists simply fail to see motorcycles on the road – especially in certain conditions.

Motorcycles also provide very little protection to their riders, making them particularly vulnerable to injury if they are involved in a crash. As we all know, there’s no steel body around riders, no air bags to keep them from being thrown forward or seat belts to restrain them.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused the negligence of another driver, contact the Austin motorcycle accident lawyers at Terry & Kelly today by calling 512-900-9000. We offer all injured victims of motorcycle accidents a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Staying Safe From the Dangers of Summer

An old and well-known saying tells us that “in summertime, the living is easy.” However, it is also important to not underestimate the many dangers we all face in summer. Many people believe that the winter, with its icy roads and severe weather, is the most dangerous time for drivers when in fact more accidents and fatalities happen in the summer.

Visiting tourists, young drivers on the road, and more bicyclists are just a few of the elements that can lead to a car accident disaster in just a matter of seconds. Additionally, the soaring temperatures in summer, especially in Texas, can lead to road hazards such as tire blowouts or road rage in heavily congested traffic areas.

Along with visitors who may not be familiar with area roads and demographics, it is critical to watch for other vehicles, such as motorcycles or bicycles. Warm weather entices more outdoor activity, and as such, many riders may take to the open road at all hours of the day, which can pose a hazard for folks unprepared for these types of vehicles. Motorcycles and bicycles can dart out into oncoming traffic without warning, make sudden turns or stops, or “hide” in a car’s blindspot, which can result in an accident.

No one wants a vacation or a casual trip to be ruined in the terrible event of an accident or injury. Should you find yourself the unfortunate victim of a car accident, it is important to contact an Austin car accident attorney immediately to determine your rights and assist in your recovery efforts. Call Terry & Kelly, PLLC at 512-900-9000 for a free initial consultation and case review.

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Austin DUI Cases Could Be Thrown Out Due To Lack Of Warrants

Until recently, police were authorized to draw a driver’s blood without a warrant in suspected DUI cases. The blood results were then tested for levels of alcohol and for possible drug consumption. The United States Supreme Court recently reviewed this issue and determined that the police must be granted a warrant prior to drawing a person’s blood and due to this recent ruling, as many as 17 DUI arrests in Austin may be thrown out.

DUI blood draws are quite prevalent during dates or events when alcohol consumption is common. There have been approximately 336 DUI arrests during this year’s SXSW/Spring Break alone. During holidays and special event weekends, Austin police officers are on the lookout for intoxicated drivers and now enact “No Refusal Weekends” where police are automatically issued warrants to take blood from drivers who are suspected of driving under the influence.

Car accidents involving drivers charged with DUI also have increased consequences. Those who are injured in DUI related car accidents should be aware that they may be entitled to recover money damages for their injuries. Victims of DUI accidents can receive reimbursement for their out of pocket expenses, as well as compensation for pain and suffering, mental distress, lost wages and other losses.

An Austin car accident attorney from Terry & Kelly, PLLC can assist those who have been involved in DUI and DWI car accidents. Our experienced team is familiar with the complexities of DUI and DWI cases and can help explain your rights. Call Terry & Kelly, PLLC at 512-900-9000 to schedule a consultation.

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Austinite Arrested for DUI While Driving for Lyft

Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft have been making headlines across the nation as friendly, convenient, and cost effective services that provide rides to customers at all hours of the day. However, not all experiences with these services have been positive. In recent months, the city of Austin has been reviewing these companies and has considered placing further restrictions on their drivers, such as mandated fingerprint background checks, as horror stories and incidents make headline news across the country.

One such incident took place just last month when an Austinite actively driving for Lyft – with an unsuspecting passenger in the car – was stopped by police for suspicion of driving under the influence. The police determined that the driver was indeed impaired and placed him under arrest. The passenger was shocked and noted that the driver appeared to be swerving in and out of lanes during the ride, but passed it off initially believing that the driver was “just not paying attention.” However, once when the driver braked at a red light and then cut across several lines without looking, the customer became more concerned. This is when the vehicle was stopped by police for its erratic movements.

Perhaps even more concerning is that this was not the first time this particular driver was stopped for a DUI offense. In this particular case, the vehicle operator had a previous conviction from 2004 for DUI and possession of a controlled substance. Stories such as these have gone viral, leading many to demand fingerprint background checks for those who wish to become Uber or Lyft drivers in order to keep passengers and other drivers safe.

If you should find yourself in an Uber or Lyft ride where the driver appears to be impaired, request that the driver stop immediately or call 911 for help. Safety on the road, whether behind the wheel or as a passenger, is our top concern at Terry & Kelly, PLLC. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, it’s extremely important to contact an Austin Car Accident Attorney immediately in order to preserve your legal rights. Call us today at 512-900-9000 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

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Austin Metro Area Tops 2 Million Population Mark

Having just recently passed the 2 million mark in population, the Austin area continues to be the fastest growing metropolitan area in the country. This marks the 5th straight year that Austin has earned such recognition. While these are exciting and vibrant times in the Austin area, all of that growth has also brought about an unprecedented surge in the number of vehicles and accidents on our roads.

A booming population has many benefits, from increased infrastructure to plentiful employment opportunities, but there can be some downsides as well. A recent rise in the number of car accidents taking place in and around Austin has also made headlines as the city struggles to catch up with the rising population. From minor injuries to major traffic incidents and fatalities, these accidents are taking on toll our city and residents.

In the event you have been involved in a car accident in Austin, contact an Austin car accident attorney immediately. Call Terry & Kelly, PLLC at 512-900-9000 for a free initial consultation and case review. We are an experienced and personal injury law firm that understands the unique circumstances revolving around Austin’s population growth and will work to vigorously defend your rights.

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