As the fall season starts this year and Halloween comes closer, there are more pedestrians as well as more drivers on our roads.

There have been multiple hit-and-run accidents this year in our area, including the tragic death of 25-year-old Ammad Brown, who was hit and killed by a vehicle last month in Carolina Beach.

The Wilmington Police Department (WPD), as well as other local authorities, urges pedestrians to be extra cautious and mindful of the laws, especially considering that traffic has the right of way if a pedestrian is crossing the street mid-block.

Authorities say that following these pedestrian safety tips could save lives:

• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
• When possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
• Always look both ways before crossing the street.
• Look for cars in all directions, including those turning right or left.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact with drivers as they approach you to make sure you are seen.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
• Wear bright clothing during the day and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Another extremely common cause of car accidents is distracted driving. Distracted driving includes texting, eating, or simply not paying attention to their surroundings while operating a motor vehicle.  It only takes a moment of distraction for a possibly life-changing accident to occur.  Take a second to think before texting while driving, or being distracted in another way – it could be what it takes to save a life! However, eliminating distractions while driving is only half the battle when considering being a safe driver – you have to also be aware of other driver’s movements and anticipate possible traffic violations, such as an unsafe lane change, or failure to stop for a stop sign or red light. 

If you or a loved one is seriously injured in an accident, as a result of someone else’s fault or negligence, we can help you get maximum compensation (money damages) for your pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.

If you are charged with any type of crime in Southeastern North Carolina, in or around Wilmington NC in New Hanover County, Brunswick County, or Pender County, call Collins Law Firm at 910-793-9000 for a confidential consultation about what we can do to help you.

By Karen M. Thompson, Paralegal

As the 2021 fall season for our high school athletes comes to an end, many teams made it to the playoffs and will hit the road to face opponents further away. 

While our area football and soccer teams still have two more weeks to compete locally before we will know for sure which of the teams will advance, the volleyball teams have already completed their regular season, and Mideastern Conference Tournament.  Congratulations to the Ashley High School Screaming Eagles for claiming the Mideastern Conference Tournament title!

All of the volleyball teams of the four public New Hanover County high schools (Ashley, Hoggard, Laney, and New Hanover) advanced and will be playing in the first round of playoffs this coming Saturday, October 23, 2021. 

This gives reason to remind our athletes, their parents, administrators, and other fans to be safe on the roads.

Based on data shown by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the use of seatbelts has improved over the past 30 years.  While in the 1980s only about 10% of American wore a seatbelt, 90.7% of American did in 2019.   Despite the improved used of seatbelts, nearly half (47%) of the 36,096 people who were fatally injured in serious motor vehicle accidents in 2019 did not wear a seat belt.  

The North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) has partnered up with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) for their “Click It or Ticket” initiative, in order to promote highway safety awareness to reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities in the state of North Carolina.

It is the law in North Carolina to fasten your seatbelt regardless of where you sit in the vehicle. 

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 20-135.2A seatbelt use is mandatory:  

(a) Except as otherwise provided in G.S. 20-137.1, each occupant of a motor vehicle manufactured with seat belts shall have a seatbelt properly fastened about his or her body at all times when the vehicle is in forward motion on a street or highway in this State.

Schools are encouraged to promote the use of seatbelts at their sports events by Public Service Announcements, such as:

“#1: The Governor’s Highway Safety Program wants you to buckle up before heading home from the game tonight. Every seat, every time. This message is brought to you by GHSP’s Click It or Ticket program and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

#2: Don’t forget to buckle up before heading home from the game tonight. Every seat, every time. This message is brought to you by GHSP’s Click It or Ticket program and the North Carolina High School Athletic Association.

#3: Before heading home tonight, make sure every person in every seat is buckled North Carolina High School Athletic Association.”

Schools are also asked to promote the online Seat Belt Pledge to their student body, teachers, parents, fans, or anyone within their school and local community. 

Let’s buckle up and enjoy the games!

By Jana H. Collins