Lesser Known Florida Driving Laws
For some of us, studying for our license was a months-long process with flash cards, color-coded highlighting, pop quizzes, and group study sessions. For the rest of us, it was more like a mad dash to the finish line after days of cramming. We’ve put together some of the lesser known Florida traffic laws that may surprise you. You must move over for tow trucks We’ve all seen the signs on the highway urging us to move over for emergency vehicles. But did you know this law also extends to tow trucks that are responding to an accident or disabled car? Moving over a lane helps to ensure the safety of all people present at, or responding to, an emergency scene. Minimum speed limits are a real thing You may think you are being extra safe by driving slowly on the highway, but minimum speed limits (just like maximums) are in place for the safety of all drivers. As a general rule, the minimum speed limit on most highways is 40 miles per hour. If the maximum speed is 70 miles per hour, the minimum increases to 50 miles per hour. You can’t drive with your hazard lights on Contrary to popular belief, hazard lights are only to be used when your car is stopped. The intended purpose of these blinking lights is to help identify immobilized vehicles that may be obstructing traffic flow to approaching vehicles. Hazard lights are not to be used while your vehicle is moving for any reason- including heavy rain. If weather conditions become too intense or obstructive for your personal...Construction Workplace Safety Tips
According to OSHA, nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day. The fatal injury rate for the construction industry is higher than the national average in this category for any other industry. It is important to be practical, ergonomic, and safe when working in any construction area. Follow some of the tips below to ensure complete safety when working in a construction area: Common Safety Tips to Follow: Keep eyes and ears protected at all times – this is important as these are often times intense noises and vibrations occurring on construction sites which can cause serious injuries Always be aware of your surroundings Know, understand, and follow the workplace’s comprehensive safety program Don’t use damaged tools Do not carry or pull a tool by is cord or hose Double check work areas Scaffolding Safety Tips to Follow: Nearly 2.3 million construction workers work on scaffolds each year. Unfortunately, fall hazards are likely to occur when scaffolds are misused or erected improperly; an estimated 4,500 injuries and 50 fatalities occur each year as a result of scaffolding. Below are important safety tips to follow when scaffolding: Do not support scaffolds or any other uneven surface with unsteady or portable objects Stay at least 10 feet from power lines when working on a scaffold Never overload a scaffold Do not use a damaged or weakened scaffold Never use a scaffold in bad weather Always keep an eye out for yourself and others on the scaffold or below the scaffold – everyone in the vicinity of a scaffold may be in danger...OSHA Approves Rule Protecting Workers from Silica
After over four decades of warning, new workplace limits for lung-damaging and omnipresent substance, silica, are going to take effect. Silica, which is found in rock and sand, poses a hazard when it is crushed into a fine dust and inhaled – which is a major problem on construction sites as well as an assortment of other work environments. This substance can trigger silicosis, a lung-scarring condition that kills by suffocation, in addition to lung cancer and kidney disease. Last week, OSHA released a new standard – which replaces a rule that was set in 1971. It now reduces the allowable exposure limit to silica to 50 micro-grams per cubic meter of air, which is five times less than the current limit for construction sectors. The new rule establishes two standards – one for general industry and maritime and one for the construction industry. Under the new standards, an estimated 2.3 million employees who work in fields like construction, brick manufacturing, and fracturing will be protected. In fact, most employers will be able to meet compliance by using equipment found at local hardware stores. Many groups that argued against the change claim the new rule is a “job-killer” that will cost much more than OSHA anticipates, however, worker-safety advocates have disputed this by saying that silica is a worker-killer and that the standard is long overdue. OSHA estimates that the new rule will prevent about 640 deaths per year and more than 900 new cases of silicosis. Read more here. Contact Us: If you or someone you know needs personal injury representation, contact David Singer and Associates...Spring Break Safety Tips
A week of vacation from college during the months of March and April is a long-established tradition. While spring break may provide a break from academics, often time’s adolescents and young adults take this time to drink, party, and experiment with drugs. It is important to stay safe and understand the repercussions that may be associated with these potentially dangerous activities. Below, find safety tips to stay safe and have fun during this upcoming spring break: Driving Tips: Take turns driving. Rotating drivers can help keep everyone rested and aware of their surroundings The person sitting in the passenger seat should stay awake to keep the driver company and alert – two drivers are better than one. Make sure all people driving the vehicle have a copy of their driver’s license and proof of insurance before driving off. Do not leave valuables in plain sight when leaving the car. Lock items in the trunk before reaching your destination. Never get in the car with someone you suspect may be intoxicated; there is always a safer alternative At ATM’s: Try to go to the ATM in groups When approaching the ATM, be sure to scan all of your surroundings and make sure you feel safe before you approach the machine While Drinking: Always keep an eye on your drink. If you go to the bathroom, take your drink with you. Do not drink and drive. This is always avoidable. Avoid binge drinking. Eat before drinking. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause alcohol to affect you much faster. At the Beach: Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Use waterproof...Have a question? Give us a call.
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