5 out of 5 on
Drive Safely: Look for Poor Road Design and Conditions
Driving safely does not just mean maintaining control of your vehicle and traveling at reasonable speeds. It also means remaining aware of road conditions that can put you at risk. One of the best ways to avoid accidents is through defensive driving, which means you need to remain aware of your surroundings, anticipate potential dangers, and act responsibly to stay safe.
Did You Stay Safe This Spring Break?
Spring break is a great time to let loose and have some fun before the seemingly endless work and studying for finals. But whether you are a college student, or just looking to take your kids on a holiday to Santa Barbara, we at NordstrandBlack PC urge you to be careful and stay safe. Of course, no matter how careful you are, there is always the possibility that someone else will be reckless or irresponsible and hurt you.
Even though spring break is officially over, here are a few things to keep in mind to prevent accidents, and tips to keep you safe when someone else is being dangerous:
Santa Barbara Sidewalk Laws: Bicyclists and Skateboarders Beware!
Although there are certain laws in California for all bicycle riders, there are also city laws that provide additional regulations. In Santa Barbara, for example, you cannot ride a bicycle on any sidewalks; instead, you may only ride in the street and where permitted by other signs and traffic signals. People on skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates are even more restricted. They are not allowed on public streets and many specific sidewalks; violation of these laws may result in a costly ticket.
Is the Amtrak Surfliner a Danger to Santa Barbara Residents?
Though the Amtrak Surfliner does not pose an immediate threat to people in Santa Barbara, the high number of train derailments across the United States in recent years is cause for concern. Some of these crashes occurred through no distinguishable fault of anyone involved and were simply tragic accidents. Others seem to have been due to negligence: inattentive engineers and conductors letting their trains run far too fast in certain areas.
Motorcycle Lane-Splitting Is Legal in California, But Is It Safe?
Lane-splitting may seem inherently dangerous. But there is research to support the notion that it is actually safe and can be beneficial for everyone on the road. Throughout much of the world, lane-splitting on motorcycles is a perfectly acceptable way to get through traffic. In the U.S., however, it is only legal in California, where motorcyclists are free to move among other vehicles.
Wine-Tasting Tourists: A Danger on the Road?
The area around Santa Barbara offers some of the most beautiful wine-tasting scenery in the country, so it is no surprise that people flock here for a fun day out.
When wine-tasters fail to act reasonably when getting behind the wheel, it can be a recipe for disaster. If you get into an accident with an inebriated wine-taster, you may be wondering what action you can take against him or her. While that depends on the specific details of the situation, there are a few general things you should know.
Lead in School Drinking Fountains
When children are exposed to lead through the water in their school drinking fountains, the consequences can be disastrous.
Tips to Stay Safe on Wet Roads
Driving in rainy and wet conditions is far more dangerous than many California drivers appreciate. We are not accustomed to driving in the rain. People often fail to show the proper caution in inclement weather, which leads to collisions.
By keeping a few simple tips in mind, you can greatly reduce your chances of striking another vehicle on the road. Driving defensively is always a good idea, but when the roads are slippery, it becomes even more important. Remember to:
Dealing with Mudslides
After intense California wildfires in 2017, Santa Barbara County suffered another disaster on January 9, 2018, when mudslides devastated the coastal community of Montecito. At least 21 people were killed and hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed. Highway 101 was shut down for 10 days, and thousands of residents were deeply affected by the tragedy and loss of income.
As Montecito residents, we mourn the loss and are offering free legal consultation to those affected.
Pedestrians in Greatest Danger in Decades
For the second year in a row, pedestrian deaths have increased in America.
Pedestrians in Southern California share the roads with bicyclists, motorcycles, and cars, but lack protection from the tremendous damage these vehicles can cause. As drivers become more careless—usually due to mobile devices—pedestrian are in greater danger of being injured or killed.