With the school year approaching, parents and students alike are in a much better situation than they were a year ago. With the covid-19 vaccine proving to be effective in slowing the spread of the virus, there is hopefully a light at the end of the tunnel for this pandemic. Even though almost 70% of Long Island has gotten at least one dose of the vaccine, the large majority are adults over 18 years old. Unlike last year, this year in-person learning is prioritized. However, the CDC is still encouraging schools to have students and faculty to wear mask while school is in session.
Pandemic or not, the Long Island traffic is back to normal at this point. Following Labor day, the traffic will pick up again. School buses are out at various times in the mornings and afternoons, college students are on the highways, and many are back on the road from a late summer vacation. There will also be many more pedestrians, since many students will be walking on the sidewalks or riding their bikes to school. Additionally, many parents will be dropping their kids off, meaning students will be crossing the street. So it’s important that we share our reminders, so that all who share the road can be safe and prevent injury.
Schools have been and will be providing public transportation for kids this coming school year. Typically when the school year starts, there is a big increase in traffic. Last year, the traffic was a little bit lighter than usual because of the pandemic. We should not expect the same for this year. It is imperative that drivers are aware of all traffic laws concerning schools and busses. These laws are very often neglected or willfully ignored. Sadly, one in five children under 15 who were killed in a traffic accident were pedestrians.
If your son or daughter walks to school every day it is very important that you teach them proper pedestrian safety so that they can prevent dangerous situations. Distraction is the biggest problem with pedestrian safety, and this is especially true for kids. Statistically, teenagers have a higher risk of getting a fatal pedestrian injury the older they are. The main cause of this involves these teens being distracted while they are walking.
As you probably guessed, the distractions stem from smartphones. Teens use their smartphones to text, browse social media and listen to music. According to a study at safekids.org the most common distraction for young pedestrians are using headphones to listen to music, with texting being a close second. It is important that you warn your teenagers of the dangers of being distracted while walking to school.
Children usually aren’t ready to start walking to school without a parent until they are 10.If you plan to let your children walk by themselves when they’re older, it’s a good idea to walk with them to school at a younger age so they are comfortable when they go alone. When they do eventually walk alone, it would be ideal for your child to walk with at least one neighbor or sibling so that they aren’t truly alone. It is best to show your child a route that has crossing guards and sidewalks.
Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.
His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.
Snow and ice can be extremely hazardous for a number of reasons. In addition to the danger that it brings to drivers on the roads, winter weather can contribute to pedestrians slipping and falling and resulting in serious injury. What’s scary about slipping on snow and ice is that when someone is slipping and falling, they are falling on hard pavement. A fall like this could cause a number of injuries including fractures, lacerations, back or neck injuries, soft-tissue injuries, and even traumatic brain injuries.
These kinds of injuries require extensive medical treatment, which can result in exorbitant medical bills. Additionally, an injury from a slip and fall often takes a long time to recover, meaning the person may have to miss a lot of time working at their job. Clearly, anyone who slips and injures themselves has easily found themselves in a devastating situation. If there’s any way to alleviate the situation, it would be to have some financial help for all the losses incurred as a result of the injury. If someone slips on ice, this is possible. The reason being is property owners are obligated to maintain a level of safety. If snow and ice wasn’t removed from a premises in a reasonable amount of time, resulting in a person’s injury, that property owner could be at fault for not removing the hazard.
In New York State, property owners are obligated to clear their property of hazardous snow and ice in a reasonable amount of time. There is no strict time requirement behind what is considered reasonable, but an experienced attorney can help make that determination. Driveways, entryways, parking lots, steps, and ramps should be cleared in a reasonable amount of time to ensure safety for any pedestrians that are on the premises.
Additionally, public sidewalks that are in front of a property in the state of New York are not the responsibility of the property owner to clear snow and ice. This means no matter how much time has passed, a public sidewalk in front of a residence or business is not the owners liability unless it has been previously established specifically by way of a statute or ordinance. However, if a property owner has made a sidewalk more unsafe (for example by piling the snow on top of the sidewalk), then they would be liable if an injury occurs.
If the slip and fall happens in New York City, then the rules for the property owners are more strict. New York City has some very specific snow removal rules for buildings within its boroughs. The goal of these laws is to ensure the safety of the residents, employees and passersby. New York City’s Department of Sanitation requires that snow be removed no later than four hours after the end of snowfall, or not later than 11 a.m., if the snowfall ended after 9 p.m. the night before. This is due to the increased number of pedestrians in the city, making the risk of a slip and fall injury much more likely. They also cannot shovel snow into the streets, and if a hazardous area can’t be cleared, there should be warning signs to alert pedestrians.
If you slip and fall from winter weather on someone’s property, there’s a few things you should do in case you need to recover financial loss. First, report the incident right away to the property owner or property manager and obtain a copy of the report for your records.
Then, record as much information you are able to of the scene of the accident. Use your cell phone to take pictures of the slippery area you fell on. Take both photos and video footage including other areas where ice and snow are visible. Although photos and videos often automatically embed the date and time the photo took place, it’s good to state the day and time in a video on the day of the accident. These pieces of evidence can help establish where and how you fell and whether ice and snow accumulated in the area. In a personal injury case, these can be used along with weather reports to prove whether or not the hazard was cleared in a reasonable time. If you need to get to the hospital or the emergency room, ask a family member or friend to take the pictures and videos for you.
It is also a good idea to get statements from witnesses that support your account of the incident. Try and get their contact information. Testimonies from impartial witnesses carry much more weight than if the witness is someone that you know. Either way, the more witnesses the better.
You should then seek medical treatment right away for your injuries. The sooner you get medical attention, the easier it will be to associate the injury to the accident that caused it. It will also begin the process of recovery sooner. Keep track of all expenses that you have incurred as a result of the slip and fall injury. For example, if you had to make changes in your house to adjust to your injury or if you had to make copayments at doctors office visits, it’s important to keep track of these expenses.
Finally, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away. Insurance company representatives will try to get statements from you to protect their own liability. Make sure you have a qualified slip and fall injury attorney representing you to ensure that these companies do not minimize the compensation owed to you.
Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.
His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.
2020 is coming to an end and it seems to be a year that’s lasted forever and yet somehow flown by very quickly. Like a nightmare we can’t wait to wake up from, many are optimistic for a light at the end of the tunnel in 2021. Unfortunately, serije online, friends online sa prevodom, filmovi online sa prevodom the nightmare is not over as of right now, with New York being at the peak of the second wave of the spread of the covid-19 / coronavirus pandemic. Like everything else in 2020, we are ending the year with a blog on a Covid-friendly version of New Year’s Day.
Many from around the world think of New York City when they think of New Years. The infamous “ball drop” in time square gathers massive crowds of people witnessing the event in person. The event is broadcasted on almost every major station, with millions watching the event or having it on in the background while hosting their New Year’s parties. This year will be different. The number of people physically allowed in time square is going to be a small fraction of what it usually is. This is a socially distanced, highly exclusive group of selected attendees. Aside from these honorees who will “ reflect the themes, challenges and inspirations of 2020, the majority of the ball drop event will mostly take place virtually. All of us are encouraged to stay home for our New Year’s celebrations this year.
The technical rule for gatherings is to have no more than ten people at a gathering. Although this is allowed, having others come to your house or going to someone else’s house is not encouraged. According to the CDC , “The safest way to celebrate the new year is to celebrate at home with the people who live with you or virtually with friends and family. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. Travel and gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19 or the flu.”
If you are going to someone’s house for a New Year’s Celebration, following the same social distancing guidelines are imperative. Gatherings outdoors are always safer than being indoors, so dress warm in case your host is having it outdoors. Additionally, wearing a mask at all times will reduce particle spread. Even if you are wearing a scarf, a mask should be worn underneath. Also as per usual, stay at least six feet apart from those who do not live in the same household. Finally, do not be afraid to turn down your New Year’s invitation this year. Do what’s best for you.
If you are hosting a New Year’s Celebration, consider if at all possible having the event outdoors. If you have a heating lamp, this is a good option as staying outdoors is always safer than having people inside. Either way, communicating with your guests is key to make sure everyone is on the same page and being safe. Disinfect and keep the surfaces of your house clean. Encourage your guests to prepare their own food and bring their own utensils. Have extra masks available in case someone forgets.
If you decide to stay home for New Years, then great! You can still have fun and ensure your family is safe. Decorate, play music, and have a dance party with the people you live with.
Or, you can have a pajama party and watch your favorite movies or play games. Finally, plan a special meal or dessert with your family. Call, text, or leave a voicemail for family, friends, and neighbors wishing them a happy new year. Call friends and family to count down to the new year together. Plan a neighborhood countdown to midnight. People who live with each other can stand in front of their house and cheer together at midnight.
You can also Watch a live streamed firework display, concert, or other New Year’s programming from your home, including the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop. Many events like these are happening across the United States. Finally, set new year resolutions. This year was unexpected for everyone, so setting goals for a brighter 2021 is something we could all hope for.
Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.
His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.
New York is no stranger to snowstorms, and after the beginning of the holiday season, a blizzard can occur at any point. Because Long Island is no stranger to winter weather, life for many doesn’t necessarily come to a halt just because there is snow on roads. This ultimately leaves those drivers more vulnerable to getting into a car accident.
Of all the weather-related motor vehicle accidents in the country, 24% of those accidents are as a result of winter weather. Whether it’s snow, slush, or ice, any kind of accumulation on the pavement poses a serious danger for drivers if they aren’t careful. Additionally, if your car is not prepared for the winter weather, the risk becomes even higher.
De-icing your car properly is the first way to ensure you will drive safely. Even when there is no winter weather, frost accumulation can still occur and de-icing is still necessary. If not done properly, the clear ice on your windshield will turn into a mirror in the sun. Meaning you are virtually blind on the roads.
First, get rid of all the snow. This may seem obvious, but some don’t realize how important it is to really get away from all the snow before starting the deicing process. This is also important so that snow doesn’t fall from your car while driving, and making it dangerous for someone else. Once you have cleared the snow, turn your car on so it begins to warm up and turn on the defrosters. You can speed up the process by using an ice scraper on your windshields. If it has melted most of the way, your windshield wiper should be able to wipe off the rest. Remember, do not pull out of your driveway until all the ice is cleared from your front and rear windshield.
Because of the increased need for control, a four-wheel drive vehicle will perform better in the snow than a two-wheel drive. If someone in the household has a four-wheel drive, that should be the car designated to be on the road if necessary. If you only have two-wheel drive vehicles, a front-wheel drive will have more control in the snow than a rear-wheel drive.
Additionally, check your tires to make sure they are properly inflated, and the tread depth is acceptable. Remember the penny test – if you see the top of Lincoln’s head disappear between the ribs of the tread, your tires are still good to go. If you’re planning on using snow tires, you want to get them installed before the snow begins to fall.
Give yourself plenty of time to prepare, and leave for your destination early. When there is snow on the ground, you should not be driving the speed limit. It should take longer to drive to your destination, so it is better to anticipate that than to feel rushed. Additionally, check the road conditions either online or on a news station. Sometimes roads are closed because they are being plowed or because of accidents. Find out ahead of time so you can map some alternate routes.
If you are on the road and begin to lose control because of the weather, here are some things you can do. If your wheels start to spin in the snow, take your foot off the accelerator, and retry accelerating with a much lighter foot. Slowly and cautiously accelerate until your tires regain traction. You might have to give this a couple of tries if your wheels are stuck in snow.
Wheel Lockup occurs when you brake too aggressively/suddenly. Your vehicle could still be in motion, but your tires will stop turning. This presents a dangerous situation if you’re ever stopping abruptly to avoid a collision. Fortunately, “Anti-Lock Braking Systems” (ABS) are now in most cars on the road and are designed to keep your wheels from locking up should you ever brake too aggressively. Check your car’s user manual, or look on the dashboard when you start your car for the ABS symbol, to see if your car has this safety feature installed. Because black ice and slippery roads can cause wheel lockup, it’s important to increase braking distance when driving in snow or ice. It is imperative to anticipate the fact that it will take a car a longer time to decelerate due to the decreased traction.
If you begin to skid while making a turn, don’t give in to the thought that turning your wheels further in the direction you planned to turn will rectify the situation. It will likely make it worse. Your best bet is to try to regain traction. Jerking your wheels straight and then slowly turning them in the direction you want to go can help your wheels gain traction so you avoid skidding off the road.
Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.
His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.
It seems that New York is just about at the peak of its second wave of the coronavirus/covid-19 pandemic. Although the vaccine distribution process has begun, Christmas of 2020 is going to be on par with the rest of the year. This shouldn’t affect Christmas too much, as it really is a time for families to spend time together at home; and online shopping has made it easy for holiday gifts to be purchased without adding unnecessary risk (hopefully with on-time shipping).
That being said, families with kids might be disappointed that they can’t participate in typical holiday events. The weeks leading up to Christmas are also an exciting time for many. For those who are still looking for holiday events on Long Island, while still being safe amidst the pandemic, here are some socially distant events families can enjoy.
The Riverhead Holiday Light Show is the East End’s newest seasonal tradition. Visitors enjoy an incredible drive through more than 1 1/2 miles of holiday light displays. The show is about 20-25 minutes long. You can purchase tickets for $23/car in advance or $25/car at the gate. The show runs until December 30th at weekdays and Sundays from 5pm-9pm or Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm-11pm. You can purchase tickets here.
Long Island’s winter holiday park is back for another year. Enjoy a ton of over-the-top holiday fun, including Santa’s Toy Factory Funhouse, a holiday train ride, an ice skating rink, rock climbing, character meet and greets, holiday stories, build-a-bear experiences, ax throwing, and more. Runs: Nov. 27, 28, 29, Dec. 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20 and 26- Jan. 1. Fridays 6-10pm, Saturdays 3-10pm and Sundays 3-9pm. Miniature golf and ropes course are available, weather permitting. Add a magical Santa experience for $15 per family (up to 6 people). More information can be found at their website.
Decorate a gingerbread mansion and enjoy a hot meal during this holiday event at Adventureland. Once you’re done, enjoy four spins on the ride of your choice, including the Christmas Carousel, Holiday Train, NYC Race, or Helicopters. Additionally, Santa will be posing for socially distanced photos. From Dec 5 to the 19th, Ginger Bell Session A will run from 10:30am-1:00pm and Ginger Bell Session B will be from 2:00pm-4:30pm. Tickets are going for $49.99 and can be purchased here.
The Magic of Lights drive-thru spectacular returns to Jones Beach and Nassau County’s South Shore this holiday season. The display is stacked with new themed LED lighting displays and digital animations, plus plenty of returning favorites. A special feature of the 2020 Magic of Lights at Jones Beach is the all-new illuminating mega tree spectacular.
The Magic of Lights runs Sunday-Thursday, 5-10pm; Friday and Saturday 5-11pm. Tickets purchased online can be redeemed for any show date.
Mrs. Claus whips up a secret menu for this extra special brunch, where families can indulge in breakfast treats and enjoy a safe and socially distant visit with Santa Claus himself. After breakfast, explore the Christmas Village, stuff a bear, and get a jump on your holiday shopping.
Walk around Santa’s Christmas Village and Workshop and partake in stuff-a-bear, letters to Santa, and holiday shopping. Reservations are required and seating times are at 9am, 9:30am, 10am, 10:30am, 11am, 11:30am and 12pm. Socially distanced photos with Santa available. The event will be at the Milleridge Inn in Jericho. Adults $42.95, Children ages 3-12 are $29.95, under age 2 is free.
Steven Palermo is the managing partner for Palermo Law, Long Island’s Personal Injury Law Firm. He has been helping people receive compensation for their injuries for over 21 years. He focuses on cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents and slip and fall injuries.
His book The Ultimate Guide to Handling New York Car Accident Claims details the ins and outs of a car accident claim in a simple, easy-to-read manner.