A ruptured disc is serious, because it can press on the nearby nerves. A slipped, herniated, or ruptured disc can cause severe pain and dysfunction below the point of injury. These types of injuries are often caused by motor vehicle collisions.
A Ruptured Disc: A Painful Injury That May Require Surgery
Police Looking For Answers After Serious Accident
There are instances where the causes of a car crash are apparent. Investigators often find that one or more people took or failed to take some sort of action that led to the incident. Unfortunately, car accident causes aren't always so cut and dried. One recent serious accident here in Colorado is still under investigation after a woman was seriously hurt and another driver suffered significant injuries.
Serious accident involving hit-and-run leads to arrest
It's not uncommon for most drivers to get into a car accident at some point in their lives. However, most people try to do all that they can to avoid causing one. When someone makes a deliberate choice that leads to a crash, such as speeding or texting and driving, that person could face criminal charges. One recent crash here in Colorado resulted in charges for one man after authorities say he caused a serious accident and was intoxicated at the time.
Serious accident leaves 2 with life-threatening injuries
Some car crashes have very clear details that authorities are able to piece together quickly. That is not the case for a recent collision here in Colorado that put four people in the hospital. When a serious accident like this happens, it is imperative that police figure out exactly what occurred and who may have been at fault. Fortunately, investigative techniques can help them do so and police will make use of all available resources to bring justice to those who may deserve it.
Serious accident claims life of pedestrian
Many people in Colorado don't use a motor vehicle as their primary means of transportation. Although walking is a leisure activity for some, for others it is the best option for getting around. Even when it's a necessity, there are many benefits to walking, such as enjoying being outside and getting exercise. Unfortunately, it can also pose a great risk, especially when pedestrians are close to traffic. One recent serious accident shows just how significant that risk is, when a woman lost her life after being struck by a car.
How truck drivers can manage their fatigue
Truck driver fatigue contributed to 13% of crashes analyzed in the Large Truck Crash Causation Study of 2007. However, there are many steps that drivers in Colorado and elsewhere can take to make sure that they are awake enough to operate their vehicles. For example, it is not a good idea to drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m. because the human body tends to be naturally tired during these hours.
Researchers discover where accidents are most likely to occur
There was a 6.8% increase in traffic accidents throughout the country between 2018 and 2019, many of which occurred in Illinois. According to a survey from Go Safe Labs, there were 22,188 crashes in Houston, which was the most in the country during 2019. Other cities where accidents were most likely to occur were Charlotte, Austin and Los Angeles. However, it is important to note that the accident rates in many of these cities actually declined during that year.
Truckers with sleep apnea pose a safety risk on the road
As much as 35% of truckers in Colorado and the rest of the U.S. suffer from a sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. Apnea means "without breath," and sleep apnea results in the individual having his or her upper airway blocked during sleep for 5 to 10 seconds at a time. In obstructive sleep apnea, the most common among truckers, the mouth palate and throat muscles relax and collapse to block the airway.
Red light cameras in decline despite safety benefits
In Colorado and across the country, fewer municipalities are implementing red light camera systems. The camera systems are mounted at traffic lights to catch drivers who run red lights. They may be later stopped by police or receive a traffic ticket in the mail with a citation for running through the red light. While the cameras have the potential to cut down on traffic accidents caused by dangerous drivers speeding through red lights, many drivers view them as a greedy, revenue-enhancing option rather than a safety measure. The cameras have also been criticized for failing to make a significant enough impact on roadway safety.
Improved technologies can present a safety risk
Many Colorado drivers are excited about the potential for increased safety presented by many newer vehicle technologies. Systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist have developed out of the research into autonomous driving. They make it possible for cars to sense distance from those ahead and stay in their lanes. These technologies have significant potential to make the roadways safer, making accidents less likely. However, some road safety advocates warn that such promising technologies may actually increase the risk of dangerous collisions when they're used improperly.
