Many states across America have seen a reduction in traffic accidents as well as injuries and fatalities when they have passed stricter traffic laws along with stiffer penalties, but what happens when drivers seem to disregard traffic laws altogether? Unfortunately, Louisiana has a horrible record when it comes to obeying the basic rules of the road including following traffic signals, using their seatbelts, and even making sure their driver's license is valid before they take to the road. A car insurance comparison website has compiled a list of "the worst drivers in the U.S." The ranking looks at the following driving statistics for each state and determines scores for each state depending on their performance. Louisiana had poor scores in all areas. These include
All of these rankings were made by looking at fatal accidents. They did not consider those where people survived but suffered various types of injuries. They did not reveal how often a traffic accident results in significant damage to the vehicles involved or other property.
In every state, there is some provision that requires at least some drivers or passengers to wear a seatbelt while they are in a passenger vehicle. In Louisiana, it is required for everyone in a vehicle 13 or under to wear a seatbelt regardless of where they are sitting in the car. There's no requirement for older children or adults in the state, but many other states require everyone to buckle up. A little more leniency is granted to those who are in the back seat. Many people don't take Louisiana's seat belt laws very seriously, and this may be influenced by the fact that the penalty for an initial offense is only $25.
According to the Center for Disease Control wearing a seatbelt can reduce a person's risk of injury by half. Responsible drivers will often make a "car rule" that their passengers buckle up when they are driving. They do this not only because they are concerned for their passenger's safety, but because in the event of an accident the mere movement of a person inside a vehicle can cause a person to person crash and more injuries. The CDC has also found that over half of teens in fatal auto accidents were not wearing seatbelts. It also takes a while for people to grow out of failing to use a seatbelt. Adults aged 18-34 are restrained half as often as those aged 35 and older. Men are also 10% worse about belt usage than women. Also, more people forgo seatbelts if they are in a rural area. In urban areas, overall seat belt usage is at 87%, but in the country, the rate falls to 78%. Louisiana's overall seatbelt front seat usage rate in 2012 was 79% -- far less than the national average of 86%.
Failing to follow laws requiring a valid license is also a big concern, as it shows that many do not consider losing their license to be a significant enough of a punishment for offenses such as reckless driving, speeding, or driving under the influence. Since there is a lack of concern for the potential criminal penalties for poor and dangerous driving practices, it is that much more important that those who suffer personal injuries from an auto accident pursue their legal rights when it comes to being properly compensated for their injuries. This includes medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and more. A good personal injury lawyer will help you hold the driver responsible for their negligent driving by fully investigating the circumstances of the accident and the likely long-term effects of your injuries.
At J. Antonio Tramontana Attorney at Law in Monroe, LA we have more than twenty years experience helping clients with their personal injury cases. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
At Family Promise of Ouachita, the goal is to serve as a “hand up” — rather than a handout — to homeless families with children. Recently, the group received a helping hand thanks to a Catholic tradition with a rich history.
As the result of Red Mass, an annual celebration of judges, lawyers and the community, Family Promise received a donation of $900. Attorney at law J. Antonio Tramontana served on the committee that organized and hosted Red Mass in Monroe, Louisiana.
The traditional Red Mass seeks divine guidance for legal counselors to properly represent their clients and for representatives of the justice system to rightly administer the law in the court system and in public office.
The Roman Catholic tradition of Red Mass — attended by members of the bench and bar — began in England in the Middle Ages. The name Red Mass hails from the color of the robes worn by clergy members and representing tongues of fire that symbolize the Holy Spirit. The celebration historically denoted the official beginning of the judicial year.
In the United States, the tradition began in 1928 at New York City’s old St. Andrew’s Church. Since that time, Red Mass has been celebrated throughout the country in the autumn prior to the beginning of the term of the U.S. Supreme Court.
In Monroe, members of the legal and judicial professions, along with local leaders and students, celebrated the 22nd annual Red Mass and marked the opening of the session for the 4th Judicial District of Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes. The service, held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, sought the blessing of the Holy Spirit for the administration of justice during the court’s new year.
The mission of Family Promise of Ouachita is simple: helping homeless families with children. The organization works to assist families in getting back on their feet and providing a stable and healthy living environment for children.
Founded in 1988, Family Promise of Ouachita is one of 192 shelter programs in the country. The program and its affiliates have served more than 600,000 individuals with assistance from 160,000 volunteers and more than 6,000 congregations.
The group often works with local churches to provide temporary assistance to homeless families. When families in Ouachita Parish don’t know where to turn, they look to Family Promise for help.
“We don’t take any state or federal grant money here at Family Promise,” Executive Director Sandra Jones notes in a video presentation. “We like to rely on the community, our churches and businesses here to really support us and these families.” She noted that homelessness is “becoming an epidemic in our communities.”
Family Promise assists homeless families in a number of ways, including:
Since grade school, Monroe has been home to attorney Tony Tramontana. When not with his wife and three children, Tony spends time getting involved in the community, including serving his church and local charities.
As a practicing personal injury lawyer since 1991, Tony represents people across the state of Louisiana who have been injured through accidents, medical malpractice and the negligence of others. Tony also seeks justice and rightful compensation for those who have lost loved ones to wrongful death.
If you or a loved one have been injured due to negligence or medical malpractice, please contact Tony Tramontana through his website or by calling 318-340-1515.
