A new study conducted by the AAA Foundation shows a strong correlation between teen driver fatalities and the number of young passengers traveling in the video.  The study states specifically that there is a strong association between the number and age of passengers present in vehicle and the risk of a teen driver dying in a traffic crash.  The report shows that the likelihood of a 16 or 17 year old driver being killed in a crash, per mile driven, increases with each additional young passenger in the vehicle.  Compared to driving with no passengers, a 16 or 17 year old driver's fatality risk:

- Increases 44% when traveling with one passenger younger than 21

- Doubles when carrying two passengers younger than 21

- Quadruples when carrying three or more passengers younger than 21

- Drops 62% when carrying one passenger 35 years or older

The takeaway here is that there is a very real and serious risk that arrises with teens traveling together in cars that parents should be aware of.   If you are a parent of a teen driver, you can have a huge impact on the safety of your teen by simply talking to them about the risks that arise from distracted driving, and driving with other teenage friends.

it is almost May, and all across Virginia it is clear that Spring has sprung.  Along with the warm weather come an influx of additional traffic on our roadways in the way of bikers and pedestrians out looking to enjoy the weather.  Over the course of the winter months, drivers for the most part have had the roads to themselves and need to readjust to the new members of the roads.  As with most defensive driving, awareness is key to avoiding auto accidents with pedestrians and bikers.  Be aware of the increased presence of these travelers, and double check your blind spots and turn radiuses for what may seem like smaller objects in the form of pedestrians and bikers.

As auto accident attorneys in the state of Virginia, we see more than our fair share of accidents involving automobiles and pedestrians, and they are more often than not extremely serious.  So now that spring is in the air, be careful and mindful of those we share our roads with.  If you are the pedestrian or biker in this scenario, there here are a few recommendations to keep you safe as well.  As always, remember if you are hurt in an auto accident, contact the personal injury attorneys of Rutter Mills for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

As many of us know, distracted driving is becoming more and more of a problem on our roadways.  The National Safety Council has an urgent request for all drivers: Make April the month you ditch the cell phone behind the wheel.  

Thousands of fatal crashes each year involve drivers using cell phones, and the number is growing every year.

While most people understand that distracted driving is a major danger, they continue to use their cell phones when they drive, thinking they are an exception to the rule.  The idea behind distracted driving awareness month is to put this issue center stage and encourage people to think and talk about it, and ultimately understand that distracted driving affects all of us - even those of us who refrain from using the phone on the roadway.  The truth of the matter is that we all share our roadways, and distracted driving is a very real danger for all of us.

As auto accident lawyers in the state of Virginia, we see our fair share of tragedy caused by distracted driving.  Not a week goes by without a new case involving one of our clients being hit by a driver distracted by a cell phone.  If you or someone you know has been injured by the negligence of others, contact the auto accident attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

A new law in the state of Virginia has cracked down on drivers who are convicted of DUI.  Beginning 7/1/12 anyone convicted of driving under the influence will be required to have their car equipped with an ignition interlock device.  The required device is a personal Breathalyzer that drivers mudt blow into before the vehicle will start.  Even a trace amount of alcohol in the drivers' system will prevent the car from starting.

This new law is just one of many measures that the state is taking to crack down on DUI's.  In 2010 37% of fatal accidents in the state of Virginia were alcohol related.  While many may object to certain details of this new law, the fact remains that DUI's are a real problem in our state and our country.

As auto accident lawyers in the state of Virginia, we see our fair share of injuries caused by drunk drivers.  Many of these accidents are absolute tragedies where a client was struck by a drunk driver causing serious injuries and even death.  Every one of these accidents is a tragedy and can be prevented by drivers choosing to make the right decision.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an auto accident due to someone else's negligence, contact the auto accident attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

St. Patricks day is notoriously known as one of the most prevalent holidays for drunk driving.  The fact that this holiday falls on a Saturday this year does not help matters.  Local police will be out in full force with checkpoints and safety checks to do what they can to crack down on drunk driving, but they can only do so much.

This holiday weekend if you plan on drinking, please be smart and plan ahead so you don't take the chance of driving drunk.  Remember, even one or two drinks can impair your driving ability and drastically increase your risk for causing an accident.  Don't take the risk of causing an accident and hurting yourself and others in our community.

For the rest of us, be aware of your surroundings and understand that there is an increased risk on the roadways this weekend.  If you or someone you know is injured in an auto accident due to the negligence of another driver, call the personal care attorneys at Rutter Mills for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights.

Be Safe this Weekend!

As Auto Accident lawyers, we see our fair share of accidents caused by distracted drivers.  The majority of these distracted situation come as a result of cell phone usage and texting, but a recent accident in the news takes this to another level.  A recent auto accident that resulted in a woman hitting and ultimately killing a 70-year-old man is said to have been caused by a driver updating her Facebook status from her cell phone.  

Though the cause of this accident will still need to be played out in court, it serves as a warning to the perils of distractive driving as a result of in car technology.  Things happen fast, and no one ever expects this to happen to them but distracted driving is a very real problem.  No status update is worth taking a life.  

If you or someone you know has been in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver, contact the personal care attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consutlation of your legal rights.

As we have seen over the last few days, the weather can change drastically from day to day.  Winter is right around the corner, and with the changing of the seasons come very different road conditions.  Winter weather can create a big challenge for drivers.  Before the season changes, take some time to prepare for the changing conditions and stay safe on the roadways.  Below are a few safe driving tips for the winter season:

- Always be alert to icy road conditions including snow, ice, slush, or black ice when the temperatures near freezing.  These conditions drastically impact braking distance and reaction time.
- Due to road conditions that come along with cold weather, you should decrease your speed and always leave plenty of room to brake

- When you brake, do so gently to avoid skidding or hydroplaning
- Avoid using cruise control on icy roads
- Remember that bridges freeze sooner than roads, and use extra caution

Using extra caution this winter can help you and your family avoid an auto accident.  As auto accident lawyers in Hampton Roads and Roanoke, VA we see the devastating effects of auto accidents every day.  Please be safe on the roads this winter.  As much as you can try to protect yourself, there is sometimes nothing that you can do to deter another reckless driver from hitting and injuring you and your family.  If you suffer injuries as a result of someone else's negligence, call the personal care attorneys of Rutter Mills today for a free, no obligation consultation of your legal rights. 

We are extremely proud to announce the opening of our new office in Roanoke, VA.   Starting today, we will be providing a local office presence in the Southwest Virginia community.  This expansion is especially exciting for us due to our personal ties to the Roanoke community.  From this new office, we will be serving clients in Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville, and all of Southwestern Virginia.  We look forward to representing the rights of injured individuals throughout the state of Virginia.