Seat belt law becomes a reality today – BELTS OR ELSE!

STATEWIDE - Florida's new seatbelt law goes into effect today and the Florida Highway Patrol plans on enforcing the rule. Not buckling up will cost violators a $30 ticket for first time violators. Officials say there will be no grace or warning period. Officials are optimistic the new law can help avoid scenes like the recent crashes where people were ejected from the car and died as a result of not wearing their seat belt.

Nearly 30 states now have a primary seat belt law. It is likely all states will have a seat belt law soon. The fact is, the statistics show that seat belts save lives. BUCKLE UP FOR SAFETY, BUCKLE UP!

You never know when a crash is going to happen nor will you have time to buckle up when it does. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the law will prevent 124 fatalities and more than 1,700 serious injuries a year in Florida and 20,000 nationwide.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE 6:26 P.M. UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

TAMPA - Buckle up or pay the consequences. More than 200 motorist found that out the hard way today. Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies, out on patrol to enforce Florida's new enhanced seat belt law, wrote 203 tickets by the end of Operation Belts or El$e today!

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Pedestrian injured on Bay Pines Boulevard near 100th Way North – Seminole – Pinellas County – Pinellas Sheriff Office – Seminole Fire Rescue - SunStar

SEMINOLE - A pedestrian was struck and seriously injured by a vehicle on Bay Pines Boulevard in Seminole as he crossed near the intersection of 100th Way North. Seminole Fire Rescue responded to the crash.

The accident victim was rushed by SunStar ambulance to the Bayfront Medical Center as a "trauma alert" patient. Traffic was halted on three eastbound lanes of Bay Pines Boulevard as the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office investigated.

The investigation continues.

FIAT will not be liable for CHRYSLER injury lawsuits – CHRYSLER vehicle injury claims - Few to NO OPTIONS remain

PALM BEACH - The Palm Beach Post (6/28, Paul) reported, "Because of the way Chrysler's exit plan was structured, Fiat will not be exposed to pre-existing suits. Lawyers say that will remove any incentive for settlements, the most common outcome in such suits." Lawyers for plaintiffs against Chrysler "agree they have few options left, since the Chrysler-Fiat deal is done."

To read the full story in the Palm Beach Post, CLICK ON THE LINK below:

www.palmbeachpost.com/pbcsouth/content/business/epaper/2009/06/28/sunbiz_chryslersuits_0628.html

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PROFITS AHEAD OF PATIENTS - Congress must tighten regulations on health insurers.

NATIONAL - In an editorial article published in the New York Times (6/29, A20), alludes to compelling stories of health insurers placing "profits ahead of patients," argues that Congress "must impose tighter regulation of companies that clearly are not doing enough to regulate themselves. Creating a public plan could also help restrain the worst practices, by providing competition and an alternative."

The Times continues to blast "a particularly shameful practice known as 'rescission,' in which insurance companies cancel coverage for some sick policyholders rather than pay an expensive claim. The companies contend that rescissions are rare. But Congressional investigators found that three big insurers canceled about 20,000 individual policies over a five-year period -- allowing them to avoid paying more than $300 million in medical claims."

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Another teen fatality - I-75 near Bruce B. Downs Boulevard in Tampa – NO SEATBELTS - FHP investigation continues

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY - According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 16-year-old died in a single-car crash on Interstate 75 near the junction with Bruce B. Downs Boulevard. The 16-year-old was a passenger in a 2004 Ford Explorer that went out of control and overturned in the median of the interstate.

The 2004 Ford Explorer was traveling south in the center lane of the highway when the driver lost control, drifted across the highway and rollover in the median. The passenger was not wearing her seatbelt, was thrown from the vehicle. The driver received minor injuries in the crash. She was treated at Brandon Regional Hospital.

The accident is still under investigation by the FHP.

One Fatality and many others injured in multi-vehicle crash on I-75 – Tampa – Hillsborough County

TAMPA - A five-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 just south of Bruce B. Downs Boulevard on Saturday afternoon left claimed the life of one and left several others injured.

The FHP reported that the accident occurred at 1:50 p.m. in the northbound lanes of the interstate. A north-bound vehicle rear ended a slowing 2001 Toyota Rav-4 SUV. The passenger in the SUV was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The driver and passengers of the vehicle that rear ended the SUV were seriously injured and transported to University Community Hospital in Tampa.

The collision involved three other vehicles, a pickup truck, a sport-utility vehicle and a van. Drivers and passengers in those vehicles were uninjured or only suffered minor injuries.

The FHP investigation continues.

Pasco County's worst intersections for aggressive-driving crashes: Collier Parkway and State Road 54 causing Auto Accidents with injuries

PASCO COUNTY - The intersection of Collier Parkway and State Road 54 has become the No. 1 spot in the county for car crashes caused by aggressive driving, according to statistics from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. A Pasco County Deputy said, "Drivers are speeding, tailgating, going off the roadway, cutting people off.” "We want to slow people down,"

The other top intersections for aggressive driving crashes in Pasco this year are:

2. Bruce B. Downs Boulevard and SR 54
3. Rowan Road and SR 54
4. Regency Park Boulevard and Ridge Road 5. U.S. 41 and SR 52;
6. Cobblestone Drive and SR 52;
7. U.S. 19 and SR 52;
8. Little Road and Ridge Road;
9. Hicks Road and SR 52;
10. Louis Avenue and Holiday Lake Drive;
11. Little Road and New York Avenue; and
12. Mile Stretch Drive and U.S. 19.

Others that were on the 2008 list that weren't on this year's are U.S. 41 at SR 54; U.S. 19 at Beacon Woods Drive; U.S. 19 at Embassy Boulevard; and Little Road at SR 54.

Last year, there were eight fatal accidents, causing eight deaths, in the first quarter of the year. This year, there have been eight fatal accidents that have caused 10 deaths.

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Crackdown on drunken driving in Hillsborough County this weekend • DUI • Drunk driving kills •

TAMPA — Hillsborough County, which ranks No. 1 in the state for alcohol-related traffic deaths, will be the target of a Sheriff's Office crackdown starting Saturday.

Operation Heightened Patrol will include the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tampa Police Department and the University of South Florida Police Department, according to the Sheriff's Office. Officers will target northern Hillsborough County this weekend.

PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE! and ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT!

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Multiple crashes slow traffic on I-275 traffic on or near the Howard Frankland Bridge • Between Tampa and St. Petersburg •

TAMPA — Slick rain-soaked roads this morning turned the Howard Frankland Bridge into a traffic-laden mess, with accident after accident piling up along the roadway.

A camper that was being towed detached from the vehicle in the northbound lanes of Interstate 275 near the Kennedy Boulevard. Several lanes are blocked according to witnesses.

In addition, several cars crashed just west of the Howard Frankland Bridge hump. The crash is blocking the two right eastbound lanes. Emergency workers are clearing the lanes.

The FHP also reports a third car crash on southbound Interstate 275 at the Gandy Boulevard ramp. There is no lanes block in this incident.

• Pinellas Park motorcyclist killed in crash on I-75 in Sarasota County at mile marker 194 •

SARASOTA COUNTY - A 24-year-old man, 24, died this morning after his motorcycle collided with a tractor-trailer on Interstate 75 in Sarasota County, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The biker was traveling north on I-75 in the southbound lane and hit the right front of the tractor-trailer, which was traveling south, near mile marker 194 in Sarasota county. The motorcycle caught fire as it broke in half, troopers said.

The biker was rushed to Venice Regional Hospital, where he died. FHP troopers said the he was not wearing a helmet.

The investigation by FHP continues.

• Van flips on Sunshine Skyway Bridge • Driver injured • FHP • EMS on the scene •

ST. PETERSBURG — According to Pinellas County Emergency Services a van overturned on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at about 5:30 a.m.

The crash happened just past the hump of the bridge's southbound lanes. The driver, was injured in the crash and he was not taken to the hospital according to EMS.

The Florida Highway Patrol reports that the bridge is open with minor delays.

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Two men injured in Safety Harbor construction accident

SAFETY HARBOR — At least two men were injured after falling 12 feet from a Safety Harbor scaffolding during a construction accident this morning, authorities said.

The men, who fell from the scaffolding were taken to the hospital by a helicopter and ambulance.

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TEXTING AND DRIVING COULD BE DEADLY • Texting drivers' reaction times worse than drunken drivers • Cause of serious accidents • Rear-ended by texter

STATEWIDE – Here is a WAKE UP CALL!
A recent study shows that a driver that is distracted by TEXTING AND DRIVING is worse than a DRUNKEN DRIVER! Wake up FLORIDIANS!

Here are the FACTS of a RECENT STUDY:

• A sober driver took half a second to brake


• A drunken driver with a blood alcohol level of .08 took 4 extra feet to brake


• A sober driver reading e-mails traveled 36 additional feet


• A sober driver sending text messages traveled 70 additional feet

"If you're not paying attention, how do you react to something if you don't see it coming?"

One police department in Florida reports that 80 percent of all the rear-end collisions they investigate are the result of distracted drivers. Texting is becoming a more common distraction, police say.

Currently, 14 states have laws prohibiting texting while driving, but Florida is not one of them.

PLEASE PAY ATTENTION while driving. Your life and the life of other may depend on it!

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

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DRIVE THRU COFFEE SPILL results in LAWSUIT• Customer Burned By 5 Cups of Burger King Coffee • Near Orlando/Kissimmee

OSCEOLA COUNTY – POINCIANA, FL – An 18-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit that says Burger King burned her with five cups of hot coffee. The incident happened about one week ago. When the Burger King employee handed her the coffee, she says she got it, with the fifth cup placed in the middle of a carrier. She said, because of that, the tray was unstable, and she spilled the coffee onto her lap, causing second and third degree burns.

According to the civil suit, the coffee burned through her skin to the muscle. It is unclear whether or not Burger King had a policy about the proper use of their beverage trays.

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Jury awards parents $1.5 MILLION in McDonald's parking lot brawl • civil suit • Land O' Lakes • B&B Cash Grocery • Brickman Management Company

PASCO COUNTY - A jury awarded $750,000 each to the parents of a 21-year-old who was strangled to death in a Land O' Lakes restaurant's parking lot. Jurors this evening decided that Brickman Management Company Inc. and B&B Cash Grocery Stores Inc. were negligent for not providing security on the morning of the 21-year-olds death. Brickman owns the McDonald's where this unfortunate incident occurred on the morning of April 24, 2005. The parents were awarded a total of $1.5 million, but the jurors found the 21- year-old 33.3 percent responsible for his own death; that much will be deducted from the total. The jury found B&B and Brickman each 33.3 percent responsible.

This case was based on 750 calls for service from the McDonald's and the surrounding parking lot between 2001 and 2005. The incidents included juvenile disturbances, loitering and reported assaults. About 200 of the calls mentioned some form of alcohol use and most were made between midnight and 5 a.m. on Friday nights into Saturday mornings and Saturday nights into Sunday mornings.

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DRY WALL PROBLEMS CONTINUE TO MOUNT across FLORIDA – Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Hernando, Citrus Counties – Class-action

TAMPA - The Florida Department of Health has received more than 450 complaints from homeowners. Several federal agencies, including the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, are investigating. The drywall was used in as many as 100,000 homes across the nation during the housing boom and emits a corrosive gas that damages appliances, gives off a rotten-egg stench and may cause health problems.

Meanwhile, class-action lawsuits against builders are mounting. Experts are studying how the corrosive gas could affect peoples' health. Homeowners have complained of sore throats, dry eyes, nosebleeds and dizziness, and some say their doctors advised them to move out of their homes.

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Voluntary Recall of 584,000 Black & Decker SPACEMAKER coffee makers 235 reports of hot water overflowing causing BURNS to consumers

According the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Black and Decker Spacemaker coffee makers were sold nationwide at major retailers, including Kmart, Target, Wal-Mart and Bed Bath & Beyond, and online at Amazon.com from March 2006 through March 2009 for between $60 and $70.

The affected appliances, distributed through Applica Consumer Products Inc., had brew baskets that could shift out of alignment, causing heated water to overflow. There were 10 reports of consumers receiving second-degree burns, the commission said.

Four model numbers have been recalled: ODC440, ODC440B, ODC450 and ODC460. They mount under a cabinet, and have either a 12-cup glass carafe or an 8-cup thermal carafe. CLICK ON THE LINK www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09252.html for photos of the products and details about how to locate the model numbers.

The commission said consumers should stop using the coffee makers immediately and contact Applica for free replacement baskets. CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about it by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

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PROMPT & AGGRESSIVE ATTORNEY • Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. • LAWYER HAS COMPASSION • Clearwater Christian Attorney • TRIPP LAW FIRM • CALL 24/7

At the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law:

We handle all types of injury law cases, both big and small

We limit our practice to the area of personal injury law

We represent injured victims throughout the State of Florida

We will come to your home or office for an appointment

We are committed to serving our clients with compassion

• YOU will speak with “your” attorney who is handling your case


• YOU can expect prompt and aggressive representation


• YOU pay NO FEES or NO COST if NO RECOVERY


• YOU may contact us 24 / 7 for a FREE CASE EVALUATION


• YOU and your case are important to us

CALL US NOW for an immediate FREE case evaluation.

Toll-free - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

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Florida's Turnpike • Roll over Crash near Fort Pierce • FATALITY • Florida Turnpike expected to reopen to traffic

ST. LUCIE COUNTY — One person has died in the accident on Florida's Turnpike that shut down the northbound lanes near Fort Pierce at about 3:25 p.m. Sunday. Wreckage from the single-vehicle rollover crash was cleared at about 5:21 p.m., allowing the Florida Highway Patrol to reopen the road to traffic.

The person killed has not been identified. At least one other person was injured in the accident and was taken to the trauma center at Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce.

The crash happened on the turnpike about two miles south of the Fort Pierce exit.

FHP continues to investigate the crash.

Additional details were not immediately available.

I-4 crash leaves two people in critical condition • Taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center • ORMC • Roll-over • NO SEAT BELTS

ORANGE COUNTY - Two people were in critical condition Sunday morning after the driver of a pick-up truck lost control on Interstate 4 and crashed into the concrete barrier. The crash shut down Interstate 4 for a few hours and sent both the driver of the vehicle and a passenger to the hospital.

Witnesses told police that the driver of the pick-up truck was traveling at a high rate of speed when he approached the South Street overpass on Interstate 4 at about 1:10 a.m. Sunday. The driver apparently lost control of the truck he was driving and went into the other lane, striking another vehicle before he hit the concrete barrier wall, Orlando Police said. The truck rolled several times, ejecting both the driver and the passenger in the truck.

They were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) with critical injuries. The driver and passenger in the other vehicle were not injured, police said.

Chain reaction motorcycle crash causes serious injuries on the Bayside Bridge – Pinellas County – FHP investigation continues

PINELLAS COUNTY - Five people were injured when four motorcycles traveling at high speed across the Bayside Bridge got into a chain-reaction crash late Saturday night.

The Florida Highway Patrol said three of the motorcycle drivers and one passenger received serious injuries when they we all thrown from the motorcycles. One motorcycle driver received minor injuries.

All were wearing helmets and the FHP said alcohol was not a factor.

According to the report, at about 10:55 p.m., the four motorcycles were heading south on the bridge at high speed when one biker started slowing. Another biker following could not stop in time and hit the back of the slowing 2008 Suzuki motorcycle, throwing the driver and his passenger to the pavement. Another biker following these two that had already crashed couldn't stop and ran into one of the two crashing motorcycles, followed another that piled up too.

The wreck closed the southbound lanes of Bayside Bridge for more than two hours. All lanes were open by 1:15 a.m. No charges have been filed but the accident remains under investigation by the FHP.

FLORIDA JURY AWARDS $4.8 Million Verdict in Florida Rear-End Accident case

A Florida jury awarded a man $4.8 million in a Florida auto accident lawsuit. The injured man was hurt in a 2003 car accident when a commercial drug company’s van rear-ended his car. As a result of this accident trauma, it left the man with serious neck and back injuries. The injured man required extensive surgery, and even after surgery, is still in pain.

Rear-end motor vehicle accidents can be much more dangerous than people think. Even at slow speeds, a rear-end accident can cause serious neck injuries because of the mechanics of the accident. As a result of the rear-end impact, vehicle occupants may sustain a whiplash injury causing chronic neck and back pain as well as headaches and sometimes tingling in the arms and legs.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an automobile accident anywhere in that State of Florida, CALL the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law at (888) 392-LAWS (5297) for a FREE CASE EVALUATION.

Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. and the INJURY LAW TEAM are available 24/7.

NO FEES or NO COST if NO RECOVERY www.trippfirm.com

Pinellas Park officer, canine partner injured in crash ♦ 49th Street ♦ Lake Blvd. ♦ DUI ♦ Rear-ended ♦ Stopped at red light

PINELLAS COUNTY - A Pinellas Park police officer and his canine partner suffered minor injuries in a crash with another driver late last night. The officer and his canine partner were stopped with other traffic at a red light on 49th Street at Lake Boulevard when a full-size Mercury drove into the rear of the police cruiser.

The impact caused the officers car to be knocked forward approximately 70 feet. A witness said, “It appeared that the car never braked before striking the back of the police car.”

The officer was taken to a local hospital for possible back and neck injuries and was treated and released. The dog was transported to a local emergency veterinarian clinic for treatment and was released after x-rays showed no broken bones.

The driver of the full-size Mercury was charged with (DUI) driving under the influence-crash with personal injury. He was taken to the Pinellas County Jail. Damages are estimated to be in excess of $10,000.00.

AVOID ACCIDENTS WITH CHILDREN ♦ Bicyclist ♦ Pedestrians ♦ Scooters ♦ Skateboards ♦ School is out for summer

SCHOOL’S OUT for summer.

Here are some reminders for motorists:

• Slow down and pay attention when traveling in neighborhoods and near parks, schools and playgrounds.


• Be alert for bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians’ they’re harder to see.


• Watch for kids at play! Children on foot and on bikes are unpredictable and may dart out into traffic.


• Remember that the longer daytime hours mean that children may be outside playing later than usual.

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.

NO FEE OR COSTS IF NO RECOVERY. www.trippfirm.com

Family of slain Domino's Pizza delivery driver sues company

NATIONAL - The AP (6/19) reports, "The parents of a murdered Domino's Pizza delivery driver have filed a $15 million wrongful death suit against the company in Massachusetts."

The suit, according to the family's lawyer "is also an effort make the company change policies that sometimes put delivery people into dangerous situations."

I-75 crash in Brooksville leaves one dead, two injured ♦ Hernando County ♦ FHP investigating

BROOKSVILLE — An early morning crash on southbound Interstate 75 south of State Road 50 in Brooksville has left one woman dead and two more injured, one seriously, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. One of the passengers was killed after she was ejected from the overturning car.

At almost 3 a.m., a Ford Escape was heading south on I-75 with three passengers when it swerved across the lanes, hitting the guardrail several times, FHP said. The car flipped over the rail and into the center median, landing on its roof.

One occupant was seriously injured and was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa and the other was taken to Brooksville Regional Hospital with minor injuries. One occupant of the vehicle escaped the crash without injury.

The Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash.

Florida seen as epicenter of national Chinese drywall problem

The Tampa Tribune (6/19, Behnken) reports, "As many as 100,000 homes nationwide have the drywall, some experts estimate, and Florida appears to be at the epicenter of the growing problem."

There were "dozens of builders" who "used the drywall, mainly from 2004 through 2007."

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.

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Deputies Investigate Oldsmar Fatal Crash ◊ Pinellas County Sheriff's Office ◊ Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) ◊ CSX Railroad gate damaged

Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A. I. T.) deputies continue their investigation to a fatal crash in Oldsmar. The crash occurred at about 12:34 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009 at the intersection of State Road 580 and Bayview Boulevard.

According to investigators, a 79-year-old driver of a Buick and a woman driving Toyota both entered the intersection at the same time resulting in a fatal crash. The driver of the Buick was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa for treatment of life threatening injuries. He was pronounced deceased at 6:04 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2009. The driver of the Toyota was transported to Mease Countryside Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Deputies say that at this time it appears that one of the parties ran a red light at the intersection. In addition the CSX railroad gate was damaged by one of the vehicles. CSX was notified in reference to the gate crossing damage and will respond to repair.

The investigation continues.

LAND O' LAKES - HIT and RUN - FHP investigating - CAR Hit power pole

LAND O'LAKES — A knocked-down power pole at Causeway Boulevard and Land O'Lakes Boulevard is partially blocking the road, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Around 6:30 a.m., a car hit the pole and fled, FHP said. It is unclear whether the driver was injured. FHP is investigating. No other details are yet known.

Business owner wants traffic light at Citrus Way and Ponce de Leon to avoid accidents ◊ Hernando County says 'no'

HERNANDO COUNTY - A Hernando County business owner is asking for a stop light at the intersection of Citrus Way and Ponce de Leon north of Brooksville. The speed limit on Ponce de Leon is 60 miles per hour, and the only traffic control device currently at the intersection is a flashing yellow light.

According to county records, there have been 29 accidents in the last three years at the intersection. Last week a person was killed and 32 people have been injured. "I'm not looking at the numbers here," Guelivindala said. "I'm looking at the lives of the people who are lost, who are disabled, who are hurt in this area.

We need desperately a traffic light here."The county said it has no plans to add a traffic light to the intersection, but said it might look at the issue again.

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

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UM ◊ Uninsured Motorist ◊ Underinsured Motorist ◊ Auto Insurance Coverage ◊ Consumers cutting back on insurance coverage.

In these current economic times many consumers are reducing their automobile insurance coverage. While reducing insurance coverage may mean instant savings, in the long run it’s proving to be problematic for some people.

Consumers cutting important coverage like uninsured motorist (UM) coverage places them in compromising situations to face huge monetary losses should they or a family member be involved in a motor vehicle accident. In Florida, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is one of the most important coverage you should have on your automobile.

DO NOT drop your UM coverage to save a few dollars now, you may regret that decision if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

UM coverage provides you and your family protection against the growing number of Florida drivers who are driving inadequate automobile insurance coverage.

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

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OSHA investigating deadly Pinellas crane accident ♦ Palm Harbor ♦ Paramedics ♦ Deputies on the scene ♦ Home Port Marina

PINELLAS COUNTY-- An investigation is expected to continue today into what caused a crane to topple over Monday in a deadly accident in Palm Harbor. The crane fell over at the Home Port Marina just before 6 p.m., killing the 71-year-old operator. Preliminary details indicated that the crane fell over on its side, throwing the crane operator from his seat. Paramedics said the crane operator, from Tarpon Springs, suffered severe head injuries. He died at the scene.

Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies said representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration also arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation into the accident. Officials said the investigation, which may center on the crane and how much weight it may have been lifting, could take up to a week.

This crane collapse was not the first one here in Florida. Last month, a crane toppled over at the new Orlando Magic arena. No one was hurt in that crash. Also, last year in south Florida, a crane collapsed in Pompano Beach in Broward County. Crews were working on a baseball facility at the time. No one was injured.

CPSC policies seen as resulting in improved child safety ◊ Injuries reduced ◊ Death rate falls ◊ Safety laws ◊ Baby walkers ◊ Crib accidents ◊

NATIONAL - USA Today reports that thanks to research and good public policy, children are benefiting "from a wealth of new research, as well as the safety laws and better products based on those research findings." Nationwide, the "death rates from unintentional injuries among children under 19" fell "nearly 50% in 1981, from 27 deaths per 100,000 children in 1981 to 14 per 100,000 in 2005, according to the CDC."

According to the Consumer Product Safety Committee, "Injuries from baby walkers - which help babies stand up - have fallen 88% since the early 1990s, from 25,700 a year to 3,100 annually today." In addition, "Deaths from crib accidents have fallen 84% since 1973, decreasing from 200 deaths a year to 30, largely because of safety improvements."

Also, "thanks to childproof caps, accidental poisonings have fallen more than 80% since the early 1970s, when 216 children died each year, the CPSC says."

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

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Howard Frankland Bridge ♦ I-275 ♦ BAYFLIGHT LANDS ON BRIDGE ♦ Accident with injuries closes NB lanes of the bridge ♦ Truck rear ends Semi truck

Last week an accident involving a truck and a semi-tractor trailer on the Howard Frankland Bridge resulted in serious injuries. The accident blocked the northbound lanes of traffic on the Tampa side.

Reports are that a 60-year-old man driving a small pickup truck rear-ended a semi tractor trailer hauling a boat, said Lt. Joel Granata of St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue. "He hit the back of that and was entrapped," Granata said. Fire rescue crews had to extricate the man from his truck. A Bayflite helicopter landed on the bridge to airlift the driver of the pick up truck to Tampa General Hospital as a trauma alert.

The semi's driver was not hurt. Florida Highway Patrol investigated the crash.

Manatee County Man charged with leaving injured woman ♦ Wanted to avoid DUI ♦ FHP arrested him

BRADENTON - A Manatee County man told authorities he left a woman who fell off the back of his pickup because he didn't want to get a DUI. The Florida Highway Patrol says a 54-year-old man was driving his truck Thursday night when a woman standing in the bed pounded on his cab.

When the driver of the truck turned to look, FHP says he swerved left, and the woman fell off. The driver of the truck told troopers he saw her fall, so he dropped his son off to check on her and drove home. The woman was taken by helicopter to a St. Petersburg hospital with serious injuries. When troopers questioned the driver of the truck, he told them he left because he feared getting a charge of driving under the influence.

The driver of the truck was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

GOLF CARTS ON CITY STREETS ♦ ARE THEY INSURED? ♦ ARE THE COVERED? ♦ PUBLIC ROADS ♦ LOCAL POLICE ♦ PROOF of INSURANCE REQUIRED

Many golf cart owners mistakenly believe their homeowners insurance, covers them for liability in event of any accidental occurrence with their golf cart. THIS IS NOT ALWAYS TRUE!! Many homeowners polices only cover golf carts for liability purposes, “as long as they are used for golfing purposes.” Should you use your golf cart for any other purpose but for golfing, you are opening yourself up to personal liability should you be involved in an accident.

We encourage you to contact your insurance agent and discuss purchasing a separate golf cart policy or if possible, have an endorsement written to be included on your homeowners policy. There will however, be a premium charge for the golf cart endorsement. The premium charged is well worth the coverage and peace of mind knowing that you are covered for using your golf cart around your local community.

In addition to having insurance, it is advisable to consider LOW SPEED VEHICLE and GOLF CART SAFETY TRAINING: Click on this link: www.nctr.usf.edu/projects/415-14.htm

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.

NO FEE OR COSTS IF NO RECOVERY. www.trippfirm.com

Elderly woman injured in Sun City Center golf cart accident • SUN CITY CENTER • Hillsborough County Sheriff's office investigating

SUN CITY CENTER - A recent golf cart accident in a Publix Super Market parking lot put an 82-year-old woman in the hospital with a leg injury, deputies say. The 82-year old woman had just parked her cart and was walking into the grocery store at 4860 Sun City Center Blvd., when a 76-year-old's golf cart jumped the curb while she was backing out and struck the leg of the pedestrian, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office reported.

The 82-year-old woman was taken to Tampa General Hospital with nonlife threatening injuries. Deputies are investigating the cause of the accident.

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Broadway Ave and 70th Street • 3-vehicle collision • Car • Van • Tanker truck • East Tampa

TAMPA - Traffic is now back to normal on Broadway Avenue after a multi-car collision this morning. The crash occurred just after 6 a.m. at the intersection of Broadway Avenue and 70th Street. The crash involved a tanker truck, an SUV and a white passenger van transporting eight work-release inmates.

The initial investigation by Tampa Police indicates that the red Saturn driven east on Broadway by a woman, crossed the center line and hit the westbound van carrying the inmates. The driver of the red Saturn was transported to Tampa General Hospital and is in critical condition. The driver of the van carrying the inmates sustained minor injuries.

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the inmates are mostly in jail for violations of probation, according to the sheriff's office. All the inmates were also transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

FLORIDA LAW Now Requires Kids Riding Horses to Wear Helmets • ALL children under 16 while riding on public roads

Florida's governor has ceremonially signed a law requiring children under 16 to wear a helmet while riding a horse on public roads. Gov. Charlie Crist signed the bill last week, but re-enacted it at a ceremony earlier this week at a park in Loxahatchee. It is named for Nicole Hornstein, a 12-year-old Palm Beach County girl who died in 2006 after being thrown from a horse she was riding. She was not wearing a helmet. Hornstein's family has tried since 2007 to get similar legislation passed. Under the law (HB 169), any person who allows a child to ride a horse without a helmet can be fined $500. Some Florida cities already have laws that require minors to wear helmets when riding, but the bill would make it mandatory around the state.

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RECENT TESTS find microcars have HIGH REPAIR COSTS for low-speed collisions • SERIOUS INJURIES can also occur •

Recently, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported, "the cost for repairing damage to microcars in low-speed crashes of 3 to 6 miles per hour could cost anywhere from $474 to $3,701." Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan said bumpers should protect cars so that damages from such collisions "should cost less than the typical $500 insurance deductible."

In response, "automakers said the insurance industry tests were more focused on repair costs of low-impact, low-injury collisions while their companies placed a greater priority on safety."

GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Consumer Alert - WATCH VIDEO STORY - LINK - http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/13936300

Insurance Institute Highway Saftey - SMALL CAR BUMPER EVALUATIONS http://www.iihs.org/ratings/bumpersbycategory.aspx

If you or a loved one has been injured in a micro car vehicle accident, call the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law for an immediate FREE case evaluation.

Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr., and the INJURY LAW TEAM are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CALL NOW to discuss your case (888) 392-LAWS (5297).

NO FEES or NO COSTS if NO RECOVERY. www.trippfirm.com

Lowspeed vehicles • Golf cart • Accident • Parking lot • Golf community • Sun City • Hillsborough County • Mainlands • Pinellas County • Pinellas Park

According to a recent article published by the INSURANCE INSTITUTE FOR HIGHWAY SAFETY, in 1998 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established a limited set of safety standards for low-speed vehicles (LSVs) intended to apply to vehicles used "to make short trips for shopping, social, and recreational purposes primarily within retirement or other planned communities with golf courses." To qualify as an LSV, a vehicle must have 4 wheels and a top speed of at least 20 mph, but it cannot exceed 25 mph.

LSVs are exempt from most federal safety standards that apply to motor vehicles, and they are not required to meet any criteria for vehicle crashworthiness. Each LSV must be equipped with headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, reflectors, mirrors, parking brake, windshield, and seat belts. States, not NHTSA, are responsible for regulating the operation of motor vehicles on public roads and for handling LSV titling and registration. Most states allow LSVs to attain speeds no greater than 25 mph on roadways with speed limits of no more than 35 mph. Three states (Connecticut, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania) do not have statutes allowing the use of LSVs on their public roads. Many states allow their departments of transportation or local jurisdictions to restrict the use of LSVs on their roads.

Many ask the following questions. On which roads are low-speed vehicles permitted? What is the top speed permissible for low-speed vehicles? In the State of Florida, the answers are: LSV’s are permitted to be operated on Florida roads with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less. LSV’s speed must not exceed a top speed of 25 mph.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a low-speed vehicle accident, call the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law for an immediate FREE case evaluation.

Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr., and the INJURY LAW TEAM are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CALL NOW to discuss your case (888) 392-LAWS (5297).

NO FEES or NO COSTS if NO RECOVERY. www.trippfirm.com

GOLF CART CRASH • ACCIDENT with motor vehicle • SERIOUS INJURIES • no insurance • WalMart PARKING LOT • Freedom Park • Pinellas Park • Mainlands •

PINELLAS COUNTY - The City of Pinellas Park is considering allowing golf carts to be legal transportation on some Pinellas Park streets if a new ordinance is passed by the city council. Pinellas Park leaders have drafted an ordinance to turn Mainlands Boulevard, 40th Street and 102nd Avenue into golf cart-friendly streets. Some area residents already drive their golf carts on the streets, and the Wal-Mart Supercenter has parking spots designated just for golf carts.

Some of the residents in the area already drive their golf carts to meet friends at the Mainlands Golf Course, visit friends, go to the clubhouse and even travel to the local Wal-Mart Supercenter on U. S. 19 in Pinellas Park. They will be driven on the same roads that cars, trucks and commercical vehicles use. The brakes on golf carts were designed to be used on a grass golf course, not on the the public roads where sudden emergencies may occur! This is a SAFETY CONCERN.

Approval of this ordinance will give local residents the opportunity to use a limited number of roads in Pinellas Park, but at what cost? THE COST IS - the safety of unrestrained drivers and passengers of these golf carts put them at risk for serious personal injuries should they become involved in a crash with a motor vehicle. To read more about Vehicle Performance Characteristics and Seat Belt Effectiveness in Low Speed Vehicles (LSV's) and GOLF CARTS - CLICK ON THIS LINK:

www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-01/esv/esv19/05-0431-W.pdf

If you or a loved one has been injured in a golf cart accident, call the TRIPP LAW FIRM - Personal Injury Law at (888) 392-LAWS (5297).

Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. and the INJURY LAW TEAM are available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. CALL NOW for your FREE telephone case evaluation.

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The New / Safer Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge opens for traffic • Pedestrians and bicyclists will have to wait until November 1 to use the bridge

BELLEAIR BEACH – The new Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge opened to traffic just after 5 a.m. on May 29, 2009. The project, which began in March 2007, is on schedule and on budget. It is estimated that between 15,000 and 18,000 vehicles a day cross the Belleair Beach Causeway Bridge and that is expected to increase to more than 22,000 vehicles a day by the year 2025.

The remaining work should be completed by November 1, 2009. That work includes demolition of the existing bridge structures, building of a new boat ramp with 102 parking spaces and accommodations for trailers up to 45-feet long, construction of retention and detention ponds, final grading, paving, signing and pavement marking. More than two acres of sea grass beds will be enhanced to improve water quality and marine habitat and a new tidal wetland will be constructed along the southern shore of the causeway.

In addition, there will be a designated area where dogs are allowed to play and swim. The design of the new bridge has two lanes of traffic, plus shoulder lanes, bike lanes, and wide, 8-foot sidewalks. For safety reasons, the sidewalks will remain closed to pedestrian traffic through project completion.

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.

NO FEE OR COSTS IF NO RECOVERY.

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I-275 ROLLOVER ACCIDENT injures woman, baby between Bearss and S.R. 54 • Lutz • Wesley Chapel • Land O' Lakes • FLORIDA

A woman and a baby were injured when their pickup left the road on Interstate 275 about two miles north of Bearss Avenue and rolled over several times. The 25-year-old woman was seriously injured, but a 4-month-old baby in the vehicle received only minor injuries when the woman lost control of her pickup truck on Interstate 275 late Tuesday. The driver of the truck was heading north on the interstate about 11:38 p.m. when she veered to the outside shoulder about two miles north of Bearss Avenue, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The driver overcorrected when she tried to bring the 2003 Silverado back into the highway, and the truck went into the median, where it flipped several times, the accident report said.

The driver-side door had to be pried off by rescue personnel, and the driver of the truck was flown to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, troopers said. The highway patrol listed her injuries as serious. The baby was strapped in to a car seat when rescue workers got on the scene. The infant was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph's Hospital for evaluation.The driver of the truck was charged with careless driving.

The highway patrol is continuing to investigate the accident

FHP Reports • Valrico woman hit by car • killed while crossing S.R. 60 • Eastern Hillsborough County

A 21-year-old woman was struck and killed while trying to cross State Road 60 early this morning, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The pedestrian of Valrico was trying to cross the eastbound lanes of S.R. 60 from the center grass median when she was hit by a man driving a Dodge Dakota pickup truck about 2 a.m. today, the patrol said.

The driver of the vehicle also of Valrico was driving in the center lane east of Valrico Road when his car hit the pedestrian, who died at the scene, the accident report said.

No charges have been filed, but the highway patrol is continuing to investigate the accident.

When misused • FIREWORKS CAN CAUSE • INJURIES • Severe burns • amputations • blindness • and even DEATH • during a 4th of July Celebration •

Everyone enjoys fireworks, particularly in the festive Fourth of July season. But some devices can be dangerous. The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends that you only buy consumer fireworks from a licensed store or stand. Never buy firework devices from an individual’s house, or out of someone’s car. Such fireworks are likely to be illegal explosives that can seriously injure you.

Fireworks-related injuries are most common on and around holidays associated with fireworks celebrations, especially July 4th and New Year's Eve. Thousands of people each year are treated in emergency rooms or injuries sustained from fireworks.

4th of July FIREWORKS Safety Tips:

• Always read directions
• Always have an adult present
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials
• Light one at a time
• Keep a safe distance
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Never experiment with fireworks
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy
• Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets
• Fireworks are not toys
• Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks.

For more details, please visit their website http://www.fireworksafety.com/

WATCH THE SAFETY VIDEO www.fireworksafety.com/safety_video.html

PARENTS ARE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR INJURIES CAUSED BY THEIR CHILDREN USING FIREWORKS.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligent use of fireworks, call the TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law for an IMMEDIATE consultation with a member of the INJURY LAW TEAM and Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr.

The INJURY LAW TEAM is available 24/7.

CALL US NOW at (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

NO FEES or NO COSTS if NO RECOVERY. www.trippfirm.com

TEEN RECKLESS DRIVING • SPEAK UP • SEMINOLE HIGH • LARGO HIGH • OSCEOLA HIGH • PINELLAS PARK HIGH • KESWICK CHRISTIAN • INDIAN ROCKS CHRISTIAN • CARS

FOR THE AMERICAN TEENAGER the automobile is a source of freedom and independence, but at WHAT PRICE?

Reckless driving is the #1 killer of 15-20 year olds. Why speak up? Because Speaking up could save your life. Sixteen year olds are three times more likely to die in a car crash! The leading cause of car crashes for sixteen year olds is INEXPERIENCE.

BEHIND THE WHEEL AT 16 . . . Look, we get it. You don’t want to make it a big deal when your friends are driving recklessly. But, you don’t have to seem like a downer, lecture them or sound like their mom. Speak up in your own way. Just remember, it doesn’t matter what you say, if your friends are driving recklessly, say something.

The Speak Up Or Else campaign is sponsored by the Ad Council and a coalition of state Attorneys General and consumer protection agencies. For almost 65 years, the Ad Council has been improving the lives of Americans by raising awareness about critical social issues and inspiring people to take action. The organization addresses a variety of community, education, health and safety issues and its iconic taglines have become part of the American language, like “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk,” “Take a Bite out of Crime,” and “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste.”

The coalition of Attorneys General and consumer protection organizations is a multi-state group comprised of the Offices of the Attorney General and Consumer Protection Agencies of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. of the TRIPP LAW FIRM (www.trippfirm.com) along with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and AAA (American Automobile Association) urge teen drivers to take part in the Speak Up Or Else campaign and help spread the word about the danger of reckless driving.

Everyday ten (10) teens are killed due to some form of reckless driving and the impact can be much bigger than you think. Take a closer look at how reckless driving impacted these teens’ lives.

CLICK THE LINKS BELOW TO WATCH THE VIDEOS:
www.speakuporelse.com/?page_id=15
www.urthespokesperson.com

MOTORCYCLE CRASH RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH can be AVOIDED • PINELLAS • PASCO • POLK • HILLSBOROUGH • MANATEE • SARASOTA • HERNANDO • CITRUS

Among all motor vehicles, motorcycles are the most vulnerable on the road. Because motorcycles do not have seat belts, you can be thrown off your seat in a crash, which can result in serious injury or even death. Imagine your chance for survival if a truck strikes you, or if you strike it. Hitting a truck is like hitting a steel wall. However, your chance for survival will be increased if you wear a helmet and follow the safety tips below when riding your motorcycle.

• WATCH THE NO-ZONES - Never hang out in a truck's blind spot or "No-Zone." Trucks have large No-Zones on both sides, the front and behind the truck. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these blind spots, which allows for a greater chance of a crash.
• ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET - Make sure to always wear a helmet. Beware of helmets that do not meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Check for the DOT label inside your helmet. Helmets are the most important piece of equipment you can wear when riding your motorcycle. A helmet could be your only source of protection in a serious crash.
• DRIVE TO SURVIVE - Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road. Unfortunately they provide virtually no protection in a crash. Other drivers may not see you on your motorcycle, so you must be aware of everything on the road. Be extra cautious, paying attention to the signals and brake lights.
• CHECK YOURSELF AND YOUR BIKE - Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride, and wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and a jacket.
• WATCH YOUR SPEED - Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Please watch your speed around trucks.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, CALL the TRIPP LAW FIRM at (888) 392-LAWS (5297) for an IMMEDIATE case evaluation.

Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. and his INJURY LAW TEAM are available 24/7. FREE INITIAL TELEPHONE CONSULTATION.

NO FEE OR COSTS if NO RECOVERY. www.trippfirm.com

DUI Crash Triggers 10-Car Pileup on I-4 near Orlando

ORLANDO – Sunday, June 7, 2009 - Three people were hurt and one man arrested after police said he lost control and caused a 10-car pileup on Interstate 4 early Sunday.

Police said the man lost control of his car and crashed around 3 a.m. Sunday at the Amelia Street exit of I-4 in downtown Orlando.When other cars behind him tried to avoid the wreck, they slammed into the man’s car, starting a chain reaction that ended up wrecking 10 cars.

The driver of the first car was arrested for DUI. There were no serious injuries, but three people were hurt, including one woman who had to be cut from her car.

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TICKETING AGGRESSIVE CARS TRUCKS • CMV-related crashes • fatalities injuries • PINELLAS • PASCO • POLK • HILLSBOROUGH • MANATEE • SARASOTA • HERNANDO

Nationally in 2007, 4,808 people died in large truck crashes. To help reduce crashes and fatalities, Congress directed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to work together to educate motorists on how to share the road safely with commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The result of this government collaboration was the development of the Ticketing Aggressive Cars and Trucks (TACT) program—a high-visibility traffic enforcement program that uses communication, enforcement, and evaluation activities to reduce CMV-related crashes, fatalities, and injuries.

VISIT THE TACT WEBSITE by clicking on the link www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety-security/tact/index.htm

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or truck crash, CALL the TRIPP LAW FIRM at (888) 392-LAWS (5297) for an IMMEDIATE case evaluation. Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. and his INJURY LAW TEAM are available 24/7.

FREE INITIAL TELEPHONE CONSULTATION.

NO FEE OR COSTS if NO RECOVERY.

TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law - www.trippfirm.com

Florida • PEDESTRIAN • AVOID ACCIDENT • CARS • TRUCKS • INTERSECTION COLLISONS • SAFETY COMES FIRST •

As a pedestrian, you are at a major disadvantage when crossing streets, intersections and standing on corners. You are not always visible to drivers; especially for large truck and bus drivers and you don't stand a chance if a vehicle hits you. Pedestrians need to be careful of all vehicles and never take chances when they are sharing the road with large vehicles, like trucks and buses.

Here are some safety tips that can keep you safe when walking from one destination to another.

• Walk on sidewalks and in crosswalks whenever possible. It is important to pay attention to walk signals and keep a safe distance when standing on street corners.
• Be careful of the blind spots, or No-Zones, around cars, trucks, and buses when walking near or around them.
• Always assume the driver does not know that you are there.
• Use caution when crossing intersections and streets. You may think vehicles will stop for you, but they may not see you or even be able to stop.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night. Dressing to be seen will make it safer for you and drivers.
  
  FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK - www.sharetheroadsafely.org

If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, CALL the TRIPP LAW FIRM at (888) 392-LAWS (5297) for an IMMEDIATE case evaluation.
Florida Injury Attorney G. Alan Tripp, Jr. and his INJURY LAW TEAM are available 24/7. FREE INITIAL TELEPHONE CONSULTATION.
NO FEE OR COSTS if NO RECOVERY.
TRIPP LAW FIRM – Personal Injury Law - www.trippfirm.com

FDOT safety campaign to target aggressive driving • INTERSTATE 75 • Florida • Avoid CRASHES • Trucks • Semi-Tractor-Trailer • Cars

TAMPA - The Florida Department of Transportation's Motor Carrier Compliance Office and the Center for Urban Transportation Research are teaming up to launch a Better Driver safety campaign, specifically targeting aggressive drivers on Interstate 75. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 67% of crash fatalities and 33% of injuries involved aggressive driving, including both trucks and passenger cars.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK - www.betterdriver.org

www.trippfirm.com

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)

Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.

NO FEE OR COSTS IF NO RECOVERY.

Mattel to pay $2.3 million civil penalty for lead in toys

The Chicago Tribune reported, "Toymaker Mattel Inc. and its Fisher-Price subsidiary have agreed to pay a $2.3 million civil penalty for importing and selling toys with excessive levels of lead." The fine is the result of " part of a settlement the companies reached with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which announced Friday that "the toymaker had knowingly violated a 30-year-old federal ban on lead paint in toys."

www.trippfirm.com

TRIPP LAW FIRM, P.A. – A Personal Injury Law Firm that is Dedicated to Helping Injured People throughout the State of Florida.
CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION - 1 (888) 392-LAWS (5297)
Prompt and Aggressive Representation, with a personal touch.
NO FEE OR COSTS IF NO RECOVERY.

FHP • Authorities investigating fatal crash in Seminole • Pinellas County • FLORIDA

SEMINOLE - The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal accident involving a motorcycle. The crash occurred shortly after 9 p.m. at Starkey Road and 109th Avenue.

Emergency officials said a second crash occurred when a vehicle hit an ambulance as it was en route to the hospital from the crash scene. No details on injuries in that crash were available.

The southbound lanes of Starkey Road near 109th Ave N. were blocked last night as authorities worked the scene.

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Pedestrian hit by car while crossing U.S. 19 • Pinellas County • Clearwater • near Largo • FLORIDA

PINELLAS COUNTY -- Police say a pedestrian was seriously hurt after he was hit by a car while crossing U.S. 19 Thursday morning.

According to reports, a pedestrian was crossing U.S. 19 when he was hit by a vehicle, who was driving southbound at the time. Police say the pedestrian’s injuries are life-threatening. The pedestrian was taken to Bayfront Medical Center, where he is being treated for his injuries.

The accident happened shortly after 10 a.m. The southbound lanes of U.S. 19 were shut down for several hours.

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Deadly Rollover Crash Ι Florida Turnpike U.S. 27 Lake County Ι Central Florida Ι Tire blow out Ι OVERLOADED Passenger Van Ι

LEESBURG -- A deadly rollover crash on the Florida Turnpike is blamed for two deaths. Florida Highway Patrol troopers said it happened after a van filled with nine people, including an infant, blew a tire along the highway near the U.S. 27 exit in Lake County. The van then rolled over several times. Troopers said the mother of the baby was among the victims.

Rescue crews airlifted six other passengers to Orlando Regional Medical Center in critical condition. One of them had life threatening injuries.Troopers said the driver was the only person wearing a seatbelt. Troopers said there are many reasons the tire could have blown. “It's not properly inflated. You are driving at highway speeds, it gets very, very hot and it basically melts and starts to come apart,” said, Sgt. Jorge Delahoz from FHP.

Troopers also said the seven passenger van was also overloaded with nine people onboard and their luggage. The crash is still under investigation.

SAFETY TIPS and WARNINGS – REMIND all occupants that they are required to WEAR SEATBELTS. NEVER OVERLOAD a vehicle above its capacity, and ALWAYS have your tires installed by a trained and certified tire professional. Over-inflated tires, even those inflated to maximum pressure, will cause problems with ride comfort, stability and handling, uneven wear, and potential tire failure. Under-inflated tires will also cause these same problems, but under-inflated tires have greater potential for tire failure. When in doubt about your tires, stop by your local reputable tire dealer and inquire at the desk. They will be happy to check your tires and tire pressure. NEVER inflate a tire beyond its maximum rating! NEVER drive a tire that is severely over- or under-inflated, or it may fail and blow out!

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DOT Puts The Brakes On Dangerous Tractor-Trailers on Florida's Highways and Interstate Highway 75 near Weigh Station

WILDWOOD -- Officers are cracking down on the drivers of dangerous tractor-trailers that are putting lives at risk on Central Florida highways because of faulty brakes and bad tires. News 13 was there as Department of Transportation officers at a weigh station on I-75, just north of Wildwood, inspected several commercial trucks. It's part of a nationwide effort called Operation Road Check where officers are pulling over commercial vehicles to do a thorough inspection.

On the first day at this location, officers said 60 percent of the trucks they looked at had to be pulled off the road because they were unsafe. “If you do have something wrong with your truck and you don't get it fixed, it's your own fault really. You know you're going to get pulled in if you travel very much,” said Joe Abbott, a truck driver.

DOT's 72 hour operation at the weigh stations runs through Thursday, but they said officers will continue to do inspections out in the field.

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I - 4 - PLANT CITY - Hillsborough County Truck crash with car - FHP investigation - Hillsborough County Fire Rescue - Lakeland Regional Medical Center

PLANT CITY — A tractor-trailer truck Tuesday toppled over onto a car driven by a woman who fell asleep at the wheel, trapping the drivers in the wreckage and snarling traffic along Interstate 4 for hours. Both drivers escaped with only minor injuries. The driver of the car was in the center lane when she began to doze off, veering her car into the path of the truck driver, who was in the eastbound right lane, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Both vehicles swerved off the road and into a concrete barrier wall, the truck toppling onto the car, an FHP report states.

The drivers were pinned inside their vehicles until rescuers pulled them out and flew them to Lakeland Regional Medical Center, said FHP Sgt. Larry Kraus. The driver of the car was charged with failure to drive in a single lane, the report states. Emergency workers were surprised both drivers received only minor injuries. "When you see it, you say, 'Man, there's a good chance somebody's dead,' " said Ray Yeakley of Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. "Mostly they're just shook up, with bumps and bruises." All but one eastbound lane west of Plant City's Park Road were closed while emergency crews worked the crash. Traffic in both directions was snarled by passing motorists slowing to stare at the wreckage.

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Police: Woman hurt, dog killed in pit-bull attack - Tampa Bay Area - St. Petersburg - Pinellas County

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A Bay area woman is recovering after police said she and her dog were attacked by pit bulls Saturday morning.According to Bay News 9's partner paper, the St. Petersburg Times, 79-year-old Betty Nebbia was walking her seven-pound Yorkshire terrier Ditto along Bahama Shores Drive SE in St. Petersburg when police said she and her dog were attacked by a pit bull and its puppy who were wandering in the same area.

Nebbia said that, when she tried to pull Ditto from the pit bull's mouth, the larger dog bit her on her arms and hands. Ditto later died from his injuries. Nebbia said she is having a hard time dealing with the loss of her dog. The two pit bulls have been placed with Pinellas Animal Control. Their owners have not come forward to claim them.

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Bausch & Lomb quietly settling lawsuits related to contact-lens cleaning solution

The Associated Press reports that, at a cost of "upward of $250 million" so far, contact lens manufacturer Bausch & Lomb, Inc. "has quietly settled nearly 600 fungal-infection lawsuits" relating to its "flagship lens cleaner," ReNu with MoistureLoc, "a new-formula multipurpose solution for cleaning, storing, and moistening soft contact lenses."

To date, "more than 700 lens wearers in the United States and Asia say they were exposed to a potentially blinding infection known as Fusarium keratitis," with seven people having needed "to have an eye removed," and with "at least 60 more" needing "vision-saving corneal transplants." How the contact-lens solution "caused the problem" still remains unclear. Arthur Epstein, OD, FAAO, "who was chairman of the American Optometric Association's contact lens and cornea section during the highly publicized crisis," stated, "All settlements were predicated on silence about the clinical findings." He added, "My hope was that what actually happened would become part of public record in a courtroom. That way, we'd be able to learn from it and move on and make sure it never happened again."

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