2011-11-17T16:40:32Z

In the early hours of Sunday, two drunk driving accidents occurred, killing one person, injuring three others, and another three sent off to jail.

Around 1:30 a.m., Erik Shawn Green slammed into a Nissan Xterra after his Chevy Tahoe crossed the center line of Highway 287. Betsey Salazar, 40, was killed and three other passengers of the Xterra were sent to the hospital in serious condition.

Mr. Green was treated for minor injuries is now being held in jail, facing a charge of intoxicated manslaughter and three counts of intoxicated assault.

As law enforcement and medic crews were trying clear up the drunk driving wreck, 27-year-old Matthew Mitchell decided to try and drive through the scene. Mitchell's Chevy Impala crashed into the tail end of the life-flight helicopter that was called to the scene for the victims. Fortunately, the helicopter was still able to transport the a victim to the hospital.

Mr. Mitchell was quoted by a DPS trooper saying, "Why was the helicopter flying so low?"

Needless to say, Mitchell was charged with driving while intoxicated. Mitchell's passenger Robert Hamm was charged with public intoxication as well.

2011-11-01T20:01:26Z

Ever heard of BiBi Jones? Ever heard of Rob Gronkowski? Better chance you've heard of Rob Gronkowski. He's a member of the New England Patriots football team. He took a picture with BiBi Jones. You can see the picture on many places on the internet. So what, you say. Well, BiBi Jones is an adult film actress.

So what does this have to do with Dallas or the Cowboys and why should you care? The story line is that the National Football League is selling more than Football. The Dallas Cowboy cheerleaders are mentioned in the story as being part of the allure of the action in addition to football. Good looking football players and attractive women cheerleaders sells seats and makes for good television.

Is it illegal to promote looks, sports and sex in the same package? Of course not. BiBi Jones is in a highly regulated profession that is completely legal. Rob Gronkowski is in the business of playing football on Sundays. Are the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders doing anything illegal, nope.

The question seems to be how does this affect the reputation of Rob Gronkowski, the New England Patriots or the National Football League. How would you answer that question? My opinion, no it does not. If any of us are naive enough to believe that NFL football players can't have the girls they want, you really do need to wake up and smell the coffee.

Drive Safe - X THA TXT

Jeff

2011-10-27T15:37:59Z

When I hear that Florida is increasing minimum wage to $7.67 per hour beginning January 1, 2012, I start thinking about how much things cost and how far this amount per hour takes you. If you drive 30 minutes to work, you just used at least two to three gallons of gasoline round trip. That costs $10.00. If you wore a fresh set of clothes, you had to either wash them or have them cleaned. Another couple of dollars. If you don't bring your lunch from home, you're going to spend $8.00 for lunch even at Subway. So now you worked for an hour just to eat lunch. You worked another hour just to pay for the gasoline. All of this before we discuss rent, utilities, groceries, car payment, car insurance, kids clothes, etc....

I realize we have to control prices. I just wonder how someone survives on 2000 hours at almost $8.00 per hour - $16,000.00 per year. I can't imagine that it can go very far.

Drive Safe - X THA TXT

Jeff

2011-10-06T15:14:49Z

Noah Popovich, 11, was on his way to school last week when he was struck from behind by a passing SUV. The 18-year-old driver was cited for driving with an expired driver's license, while Popovich received a ticket for walking on the wrong side of the road, Texas City Police said.

Allegedly, Popovich and two friends were walking along the road when the sidewalk ended and were left with tall grass. That's when they decided to walk along the curb of the street in which the car accident later occurred.

Popovich's parents are clearly frustrated by the situation, however, police Chief Robert Burby said "State law dictates that in the absence of a sidewalk, pedestrians should walk facing oncoming traffic".

2011-09-28T15:19:58Z

A car accident early Tuesday morning has left a Jacksonville man in critical condition and is blocking a large amount of U.S. Highway 79.

Edwin Patrick Dolan, 76, was air-lifted to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler after a car wreck involving a 300,000-pound hydraulic press.

To move the hydraulic press, the trailer had two trucks moving it, one to pull the trailer and another to push it. There were also two escort trucks, to signal drivers in front and behind of the large load.

Dolan's silver Honda Civic did not heed warnings and went across the bridge anyway, in which the load took up both lanes of bridge over the Neches River.

"He went around, so she radioed real fast to the truck, 'Start slowing down there's a car coming. I couldn't stop him,' and they started slowing down, but they couldn't stop fast enough for how fast he was coming," Mitchell said.

Dolan's car went airborne on to the top of the guard rail and slid down the embankment.

2011-09-26T16:27:43Z

A 14-year-old Waco girl has been charged in a fatal hit-and-run car accident that killed Jourdan Moore, a 14-year-old boy.

The car accident occurred last Thursday night in the Waco suburb of Bellmead.

Police said an anonymous tip pointed officers to a damaged car that eventually led them to the girl. The girl, whose name has not been released, is being charged with juvenile delinquency-manslaughter.

2011-09-21T13:42:58Z

Houston's police chief has confirmed that Sgt. Ruben Trejo has been fired after being charged with drunk driving.

Last April, Trejo crashed his truck into a school bus on his way to work.

According to officials, the bus driver told police that Trejo smelled of alcohol and had open containers in his truck. Prosecutors also noted that his blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit at the time of the drunk driving accident.

2011-09-20T14:53:43Z

The Arlington City Council passed an ordinance banning texting while driving last week in a vote of 5-3.

Drivers are still allowed to use their phone for calls, but everything else such as texting or social media will result in $200 fine.

City officials haven't gave a date as to when the ordinance will be enforced, but after an educational campaign to make the public aware of the ordinance, they are hoping to have it in place before the Thanksgiving holiday.

2011-09-20T14:45:20Z

Cecil Brannon, 50, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for a DUI accident that critically injured a Lufkin man. Brannon was charged with intoxicated assault causing serious bodily injury, according to court records. The charge is a third-degree felony, in which Brannon received the maximum sentence.

61-year-old Koshy Alexander was driving north on U.S. Highway 59 when his car was struck head-on. Brannon, who was traveling south on U.S. 59, slammed on his brakes to avoid rear-ending a vehicle, losing control of his car and causing him to turn into the northbound lane, hitting Alexander's car head-on.

2011-08-16T19:47:17Z

Most general car accidents are due to the drivers' negligence; these drivers usually fail to apply practical care in handling their vehicle when on the streets. Some accidents can also be pointed to road conditions or to the mechanical failure of the vehicle.

Every year around 1.2 million people die in a car accident worldwide and around 50 million sustain serious physical injuries. This is where a Dallas injury lawyer is needed. These injuries include, but not limited to back injuries, chest injuries and head injuries.

Common types of negligence are speeding, tailgating, and driving fatigue. There are also some cases that the driver is ill, or is not fit to drive, such as driving under the influence of either an alcohol or prohibited drug.

These accidents are preventable if the driver(s) is responsible enough to know the right things to do when driving. Drive safe, be considerate, be alert.

2011-07-06T13:36:56Z

A Wisconsin mayor will not resign after being found driving while intoxicated. Results show Mayor Robert Harbick of Marinette, WI, was over three times the legal limit this past Saturday. In a prepared statement, the mayor said he made a mistake after having a few drinks at home. No offense but to get over three times the limit the mayor had more than a few drinks at home!

Wisconsin is the only State that in the United States that does not find a first time driving while intoxicated offense a crime. It is only considered a traffic fine that carries a fine of $817.50, including court costs. Wisconsin state police arrested the mayor after a one car accident. His test results showed his blood alcohol content at .25. The legal limit in Wisconsin is .08.

While city counsel members appear to be rallying around the mayor, the big question for me is what signal does this send to young drivers? The mayor can do it so why shouldn't I, especially since you only get a traffic fine?

If you are in an accident or car wreck caused by a drunk driver, we will take every action available to you to protect your rights. I even file suit against drivers who claim they are uninsured to obtain justice for those injured in a collision with a drunk driver.

What do you think? Should the major retire?

Drive Safe - X THA TXT

Jeff Weinstein

2011-07-01T20:27:35Z

Trying to figure out why Governor Rick Perry vetoed the texting and driving bill? Here is a great link for information on all the legislation relating to distracted driving that came before Texas Representatives this year. http://handsfreeinfo.com/texas-cell-phone-laws-legislation.

I agree and disagree with the Governor. I agree that education is the key to recognizing the dangers of distracted driving. However, I disagree that legislation is unnecessary. Would he say the same thing about speeding or stop signs? We don't need them because responsible adults don't need to be told what to do? Ridiculous. My personal opinion is that vetoing the texting and driving bill was simply pandering to the right wing base so he can continue a Presidential bid. I'm sorry but the safety and welfare of our community is more important than political aspirations.

We are reaching out to local municipalities to request being placed on the agenda to discuss ordinances in cities within Texas. If you would like for us to make the request in your city, please let me know.

Drive Safe - X THA TXT

Jeff

2011-06-30T14:42:44Z

I received a call today from a high school class mate of mine that I bet I have not spoken to in almost 30 years. Johnny Richardson called to let me know he is opening a Farmers Insurance Agency in South Lake Texas. Johnny has been in the Pharmaceutical Industry for the last seventeen years. It was great to hear that he and his family are doing well but even better to hear why he was calling. Johnny asked if we could work together to spread the word about the dangers of distracted driving and texting while driving accidents. I told him we're all in. I also gave him an update on the texting and driving bill that Governor Perry vetoed.

Our presentation, which is part of our association with NODD (No to Distracted Driving), is a thirty minute multimedia interactive program that we have put on for many schools as well as civic organizations. Our mission is to put on the presentation as often as we can and wherever we are asked to give the presentation. We don't charge anything. We only ask that people who attend consider signing a pledge similar to Oprah's that requests you refrain from texting and operating a motor vehicle.

Johnny and I are going to stay in touch. Our goal is to present an Ordinance to the South Lake City Council in the near future that requests a ban on texting and driving within the City limits of South Lake.

Wish us luck,

Drive Safe - X THA TXT

Jeff Weinstein

2011-06-22T20:04:47Z

Last night one of the major news stories discussed the Texas Legislature considering a state wide cigarette ban in bars and restaurants. I personally don't like cigarette smoke so I would absolutely be fine with the ban. However, some of my best friends enjoy smoking so it might affect where we could all go together. What was really of interest to me is that when we discuss a state wide texting and driving ban, the governor vetoes the bill saying it infringes on the rights of responsible adults. Anyone that smokes in this day and age is more than aware of the dangers of smoking and second hand smoke. Therefore, it stands to reason that responsible adults have considered the dangers and decided to smoke any way.

The state wide ban of smoking would save hundreds of millions of dollars in health care cost to Texans.

What is the cost of human life that is killed and injured relating to texting and driving and cell phone use and driving? My belief is that it is every bit as costly as health care associated with smoking when you consider that innocent victims are killed and injured daily from "irresponsible" adults using their cell phones and driving.

Please ask yourself, if we can have a ban statewide on smoking in restaurants and bars, why can't we have a ban on texting and driving?

Drive Safe - X THA TXT

Jeff Weinstein

2011-06-20T15:06:51Z

While drivers know that talking and texting on a cell phone is dangerous, the number of incidents involving cell phone usage and accidents continues to rise. This past week Governor Perry vetoed the no texting legislation presented to him by the Texas legislators. His comments were that we are responsible citizens and we should not have government interfere with what we do in our cars. Our current legislation that bans cell phones in school zones and prohibits learning permit operators from using a cell phone while driving was enough legislation in his opinion.

Distracted driving includes many different activities. These activities include: dealing with animals or pets, reading documents or newspapers, drinking, eating, grooming, searching for lost objects, searching for personal effects, personal hygiene, smoking, using cell phones, using other technology such as ipod or ipads, writing notes, vehicle controls, passenger distractions, singing, dancing, reading road signs, looking at crash or accident scenes, etc. The list goes on and on and on.

Driving while texting is as dangerous or more dangerous than drunk driving. The research available today shows that your chances of being involved in an accident increase over 23% if you text and drive.

Why the Governor vetoed the bill doesn't make any sense to us, does it to you?

Drive Safe - X THA TXT.

Jeff Weinstein