Council Bluffs Personal Injury Lawyer

Enforcement of "MOVE OVER, SLOW DOWN"" Laws Begins in More Earnest

Craig Kelley — Thu, 08 May 2008 08:05:49 GMT

If I were a State Patrol member, a County Sheriff, or a local Law Enforcement Officer, my BIGGEST fear would be traffic stops in my Cruiser. WHY? You might think it would be the fear of assault or shooting by some loon or drunk or criminal I pulled over. Actually, I would be more afraid of my Patrol car being slammed from behind by a motorist who failed to properly "move over and slow down" pursuant to Iowa Law. The "move over, slow down" law has been in effect since 2002.

Now the Iowa State Patrol is cracking down on drivers that fail to adhere to the "move over, slow down" law, because they are just plain rude, or talking on cell phones, text messaging, reading, or watching video in their vehcile. This is GREAT news. I am constatnly amazed as I drive that drivers whiz so close to law enforcement officers parked on the roadside doing their jobs.

This higher enforcement level is great news, but we all need to be cognizant that there are dangers involved in the moving over and slowing down as well, either with passing drivers from behind us, OR with passing drivers approaching us if we need to move left of the center of the road to properly and safely pass officers doing their job.

THE BOTTOM LINE: WE NEED TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE ROAD AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AS WE DRIVE, and quit cutting it so close, and so fast, as we pass stopped law enforcement of emergency safety vehicles. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN about this law, and the good reasons for it, as well.

Are YOUR Measle Vaccinations Current?: Measles Outbreaks are HIGHEST since 2001!

Craig Kelley — Wed, 07 May 2008 01:01:00 GMT

Measles have been reported in about 20% of U.S. states, and in Illinois and Missouri, neighboring states to our fair Iowa, causing State officials some concern.

Measles, a highly contagious disease, cause high fever, coughs, runny noses, watery eyes and a red rash that moves from the face to the whole body.

The solution? Make sure that you and yours are current with your Measle vaccinations. Take the time to make a quick check with your Primary Care Physician and Pediatrician.

Intersection Red-Light Traffic Violation Cameras: A Help, Hindrance (Causing MORE Accidents) and/or Unconstitutional?

Craig Kelley — Tue, 06 May 2008 08:21:54 GMT

Are they FAIR? They ticket the car owner, NOT the driver (they can't), and the violators receive civil fines, NOT criminal citations registered with the "Iowa Department of Transportation. The Iowa Supreme Court will hear all of the constitutional arguments and render a decision.

Do they work? Do people learn where these cameras are located, and avoid the "orange" light intersection throttle-through? Result: government coffers suffer from less ticket revenue. Even with less tickets and government revenue, the safety element (LESS intersection collisions) would seem to be a big remaining positive, but are they more safe?,

It ALSO appears that the result may be MORE REAR-END collisions as people slam on the brakes at yellow lights at camera-ed corners.

Do the cameras fairly raise funds for local and state governments while making intersections safer and cutting the number of dangerous T-Bone collisions at these intersections, OR unfairly target unsuspecting and unknowing drivers while causing more high-speed rear-end collisions as the knowing drivers, that are familiar with these intersections, slam on their brakes to avoid the cameras

Stay tuned

2008 RAGBRAI ROUTE A GREAT AND TOUGH ONE ACROSS IOWA'S MIDSECTION

Craig Kelley — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:31:00 GMT

The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa is one of the nation's biggest and finest yearly non-competitive statewide rides.

This year's route is both very scenic, and much more hilly, than last years, and most year's

For more information on this yearly fun-filled July event go to their official web site:

From July 20-26, me and 10,000 of my closest friends will be traversing Iowa (only half-way for me this year) as one big, gigantic body of bicycles all in search of great food and drink.

The pain, the weather, the people, the @#$%^& wind, and THE RIDE make it all worth it every year.

Hopefully, Ma Nature will provide a safe week, and the Good Lord will provide a safe event with no accidents or injuries.

6th Annual BIKE-TO-WORK Week set for Iowa from May 10 to May 16

Craig Kelley — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:46:57 GMT

Last year

1,415 cyclists took the pledge to commute at least once to work. That was a 57% increase in participation from the previous year!
448 were 1st time Commuters! That's more than 30% of the total participants!
560 employers and 160 bicycle clubs were represented last year.
Over 11,932 commuting miles were made by bicycle last week. That means 663 gallons of gas were not used and $2048 was saved during Bike To Work Week by not purchasing fuel.

Learn MORE about this year's event here, and BE SAFE AND AVOID ACCIDENTS AND WEAR A HELMET!

WHEN Will I Receive My Economic Stimulus Payment from Uncle Sam?

Craig Kelley — Fri, 02 May 2008 07:41:35 GMT

This is a question I keep hearing from my clients!

It all depends on the last 2 digits of your social security number, whether you are registered to receive your refunds by snail mail or direct deposit to your bank account, and of course, you must have your tax return completed and not have filed for an extension on the deadline to file a tax return, as many do

Here is the skinny:

DIRECT DEPOSIT

Last two SSN digits: Payments will be transmitted no later than:
00 through 20......May 2
21 through 75......May 9
76 through 99......May 16

Paper checks will also go out based on Social Security number. For Social Security numbers ending in 00 through 09, the paper checks will be mailed starting May 9 and will continue through May 16. A similar process will be repeated in the following weeks.

PAPER CHECK

Last two SSN digits......Payments will be mailed no later than:
00 through 09......May 16
10 through 18......May 23
19 through 25......May 30
26 through 38......June 6
39 through 51......June 13
52 through 63......June 20
64 through 75......June 27
76 through 87......July 4
88 through 99......July 11

People who file a return after April 15 will receive their economic stimulus payment, but probably about two weeks later than the schedule shows. A return must be filed by Act. 15 in order to receive a stimulus payment this year. See the online calculator for an estimate of the amount you will receive.

ENJOY the mula you receive! Save it, spend it on something fun, or on gas and groceries. In this Spring of rising costs and recession, the money RETURNED from the government is better than money always headed in the OTHER direction!

BEWARE of the Dangers of Bug Foggers Around YOUR Home!

Craig Kelley — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:12:00 GMT

They are toxic, they are flammable, even explosive!

If you are using this product to combat those nasty insects inside OR outside your home, please closely follow the instruction labels, so that you too do not have a hcarred and burned home, or suffer serious personl injury from these potetntially dangerous products.

Omaha Motorcyclist Killed as Another Young Driver runs a Stop Sign

Craig Kelley — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:56:00 GMT

Another Sunday cruise ended tragically for an Omaha man, Gregory Teasley, was killed after broadside a pickup that failed to stop for a stop sign according to the Des Moines Register.

Was the driver on a cell hone? Textile? Looking at his Stereo. It is clear he wasn't looking at the big red stop sign in front of him, or even scanning the intersection he rolled through without stopping.

Pay attention as you drive! It is Spring, and motorcyclists, bicyclists and children are back on the roadways, and all deserve to legally be there without the negligent or reckless driving of those car or truck drivers who are SUPPOSED to be properly sharing the road with them.

Johnathon Dowd, 21, of Bondurant, Iowa, was later charged with the crime of vehicular homicide for this accident.

"HOW TO PROPERLY INSURE YOUR MOTORCYLE" Presented to Offutt Riders' Association Group

Craig Kelley — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 01:19:00 GMT

Spring is here. As such, riding season will so be back in full swing!.

You should have proper COMPREHENSIVE UMBRELLA insurance coverage on your motorcycle, as well as your home or your car. Last week, I presented this important information to the Offutt (Air Force Base Motorcycle) Riders' Association, a new Chapter of the Gold Wing Touring Association, and explained the importance of maintaining proper motorcycle insurance coverage, This presentation can also be found on our Firm website. Proper insurance coverage is crucial for your safety and the security of your family's future.

Feel free to call me to discuss your individual insurance situation and needs, or to schedule my "HOW TO PROPERLY INSURE YOUR MOTORCYCLE" presentation for your motorcycle-riding Chapter or group. I have given this presentation all over western Iowa and the entire state of Nebraska, and it is a very enlightening 30 minutes.

Keep riding and be safe IN THE WIND!

Naitional Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Campaign to Start the End of this Week

Craig Kelley — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 01:28:00 GMT

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated May, 2008, as NAtional Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Tne NHTSA has also developed a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Planner for 2008 that includes marketing ideas and earned media tools that you can use to support your Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month initiatives.

The materials all carry the tagline, "Share the Road with Motorcycles" to remind drivers to be cognizant of motorcycle riders at all times including the busier riding season. This tagline is similar to that being used in many states for 2008. The planner also includes information to remind motorcyclists that they must always follow the rules of the road, be alert to other drivers, and should always wear protective gear.

The 2008 Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Planner can be found on NHTSA's Web site. Visit the site today and do your share to help increase awareness of motorcycles on our roads!

And Remember, if you are a new rider, or have recently switched to a larger and different style of motorcycle, take a Motorcyle Safety Foundation-approved Rider Course to make sure that you will be safe for 2008 and beyond.

May will also be Motorccyle Safety Month in Iowa. Check out the events at: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/pib/Releases/2004/motorcycle_safety_2004.htm