Drowsy Driving: A Dangerous and Common Road Behavior
Though drunk driving and distracted driving are the most publicized dangerous road behaviors, a recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is highlighting another all too common issue on the road: drowsy driving.
The results of this study were released last Thursday and offered this nightmare of a statistic: 1 in 24 adults in the US admitted to nodding off or falling asleep while driving in the last month. That translates to approximately 4 percent of drivers in our country driving while drowsy.
Furthermore, the health officials who administered this particular test expect the number of drowsy drivers to be higher than reported. They believe that is because many people don't realize when they drift off for a few seconds behind the wheel.
Additional findings from this report, which surveyed nearly 150,000 drivers in 19 states, concluded that driving while sleepy was more common in people ages 25-34, for those who averaged less than six hours of sleep per night, as well as men. The CDC researchers who are experts in this field were not surprised by the results because they believe that many people are getting insufficient sleep.
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As the holiday season approaches, with it comes exceptionally heavy traffic on the road. As more people take to the highways as part of their holiday travel, road safety and seatbelt awareness take the national spotlight.(1)(1).jpg)
In an effort to protect everyone on the road and raise awareness about distracted driving, Maine lawmakers have decided to ramp up driving restrictions for new drivers.
The smell of crisp summer night air and BBQs is here, as well a favorite American pasttime - the 4th of July. More often than not, Independence Day festivities include dazzling fireworks displays, either at the beach or in your nearest city. Now that Mainers can legally purchase fireworks, we just want to take a few moments to remind you about firework safety, to ensure that you and your loved ones celebrate in style and in safety:
As a result of Actos, a prescription anti-diabetic medication, being linked to reports of bladder cancer, 
Transvaginal mesh (TVM), a medical device used during during urogynecologic procedures, has been associated with serious health complications and countless class action lawsuits.
While the month of March will eventually bring warmer weather and signs of Spring, it also signals something else at our office - it's time for another Law Night!
A recent 
Maine teenagers and young drivers are injured or dying in car accidents at an astonishingly high rate and something needs to be done about it. Our state legislators are seeking to bring change by improving Maine driver education programs.
Being injured in a motor vehicle accident is devastating and instantly affects your daily life - your hours become consumed with doctors appointments and seeking medical treatment and legal representation. .jpg)
It is inevitable that car accidents happen. Even with proper safety precautions, accidents happen daily. With hope, they won’t include you or a loved one, but they are, however, accidents. And the worst part is that they’re unpredictable..jpg)
It’s November and at this law firm that only means one thing – Law Night!
Distracted driving, specifically texting while driving, has rapidly become one of the most pervasive problems among motorists of all ages –a problem that often results in devastating and tragic outcomes.
On September 28th, Maine will put one final period on texting while driving as an official ban goes into effect. 
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Following a motor vehicle accident or another instance where you suffer a personal injury, doctors appointments and medical bills often begin to pile up and can seem overwhelming. While your treatment and recovery are the number one priorities, it is hard to not feel a pressing need to relieve the financial burden of your medical bills. We would like to take the next few minutes to tell you about your options.
Each and every day, Mainers suffer personal injuries in serious motor vehicle accidents. When an unexpected accident occurs, it can strike anyone. You may be a careful driver and think that you have adequate motor vehicle insurance coverage only to find out after an accident that you have a minimum limits policy. Here in Maine, the minimum limits of motor vehicle liability coverage- including uninsured (UM) and underinsured (UIM) - are $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident (if there are two or more injured parties). 
Many Mainers who suffer from injuries and disabilities shy away from hiring a lawyer because they don't think they can afford one. The truth is that we don't charge our clients a dime unless and until they are successsful in their claims. Under what is called the "contingent fee system," our law firm is paid a percentage of the settlements and benefits that our clients receive. If our client is not successful in getting paid, our law firm does not get paid.
Many of us have known the name since we were children. The red and white packaging is easy to spot on RiteAid and CVS shelves. It has become the catch-all, cure-all for headaches, sprained ankles, sore throats, fevers and more. Tylenol. The popular over-the-counter painkiller used in homes, schools, offices and pretty much anywhere there is a first aid kit, is now making an effort to become more trustworthy and safe for you and your family..jpg)
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein would like to thank all of the graduating Maine high school seniors who contributed to our seventh annual 
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Governor Paul LePage has approved a bill that prohibits text-messaging while driving in Maine. .jpg)
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As the weather in New England continues to warm, May will quickly turn to June and Mainers are embracing the chance to spend more time in the beautiful outdoors. Sixty degree weather brings the the joy of taking refreshing jogs and bike rides, walking the dog in the park and going for relaxing drives up the coast.
The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is proud to unveil our firm’s newly revised website: 
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IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR MAINERS:.jpg)
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Attention Maine High School Seniors: 
Back by popular demand, on Thursday, February 3, the 
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The New York Times, in an 
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It's that time of year again. Temperatures are dropping, snow is falling and we are officially in the midst of another Maine winter. While blankets of snow draping our towns and cities are nice to look at, they do not make for a winter wonderland on the roads. Cold weather conditions create many hazards and pose serious threats to safe driving..jpg)
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As you deck the halls and get into the holiday spirit this season, remember to always make safety your number one priority. Christmas trees can pose serious dangers if not properly cared for..jpg)
According to a large, multi-year study of patient safety practices, hospitals’ efforts are still flawed and falling short.
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On Saturday September 25th, the 
A popular hip replacement part is being recalled.
Maine State Police will be cracking down on impaired driving from August 20th - September 6th. In association with the 
In attempt to help keep public safety workers safe and eliminate motorists from getting caught in accidents, 
Social media websites are more popular than ever. With over 500 million active users, 
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With more than 6,000 lakes and ponds, 3,000 miles of coastline, and 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, few states can match the magnitude of water that Maine has to offer. And now that summer is in full swing, there’s no better time to enjoy our many great bodies of water.
The two-week public safety campaign, 
Complaints to the 
St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston is offering a unique service to residents of greater Androscoggin County. Those in need of medical equipment and unable to afford it are able to borrow various home healthcare equipment for free.
Be it on back road byways or the open lanes of I-95, motorcycles are back. And what better time to remind riders of safety than the beginning of season, which is why May is national 
Most everyone loves their pets, often treating them as an additional family member. However, not all people take the proper safety precautions for them when driving..jpg)
Spring is a joyful time in Maine. Mainers emerge from the depths of winter to make the most of the warmer weather. But with the warmer weather comes the end of hibernation for Maine’s wildlife as well. And the end of hibernation means animals are on the hunt for food..jpg)
Auto insurance is mandatory in all U.S. states but two, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. But despite being a requirement for most Americans, rates vary state-to-state and person-to-person. A recent report by the 
Maine has many miles of rural land with many farms, barns, and stables. With warm weather nearing, more and more horses will soon be out and about on our roadways. Therefore, it’s important to know the rules of the road both for horses and their riders, as well as approaching drivers.
A new federal law prohibits truck and bus drivers from sending or reading text messages while driving. 
Distracted drivers have generated much attention over the past few years -- Enough to get many states to ban cell phone usage and text messaging while operating a motor vehicle. Lately, however, a new phenomenon has emerged: 
Driving during the winter can be dangerous. Roads are slick with snow and ice, and it gets dark early, limiting one’s visibility. And despite the fact that many Mainers have lived in-state for much of their lives and have experience with winter driving, it’s important to refresh oneself on how to best navigate the slippery season.
It’s inevitable that car accidents happen. Even with proper safety precautions, accidents happen daily. With hope, they won’t include you or a loved one, but they are, however, accidents. And the worst part is that they’re unpredictable.
After nine deaths in the 2009 season, the state of Maine is stressing snowmobile safety this winter. The safety campaign is asking snowmobilers to “ride right, ride smart, and ride responsibly.”(1).jpg)
On January 1st, New Hampshire became the latest state to make texting while driving illegal. Maine’s southerly neighbor joined the ranks of seventeen other states, Guam, and the District of Columbia, where driver safety is of utmost importance. In New Hampshire, the fne for texting while driving is $100..jpg)
A new poll by 
Despite more distractions than ever for drivers on the road, car accident fatalities are declining. According to the .jpg)
Prior to September 12, 2009, game wardens in Maine could stop an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) regardless if a violation had occurred. Now, a warden must have reasonable suspicion that an operator has violated the law before stopping an ATV.
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Pedestrians, by law, now have more room to run and walk when on the road. A new law protecting pedestrian safety states that drivers must leave at least three feet of clearance between their vehicle and a pedestrian when passing. The decree is a continuation of a similar law for passing bicyclists.
Beginning September 12, a new 
For as pretty and as sought after as the state animal may be, moose can present quite the problem for Mainers. Growing upwards of nine feet and weighing nearly 1,600 pounds, moose may be a joy to look at, but certainly not to run into.
Buses, 18-wheelers and RV’s are notorious for having blind spots. In addition to not being able to see behind their vehicle, drivers also have difficulty seeing directly in front of them, and to either side starting at the end of the cab and running about 20 to 40 feet back. These blind spots are known as “No Zones,” and are the danger areas where accidents are most likely to occur..jpg)
Although Maine has a low incidence of boating mishaps, a fatal boating accident on Long Lake last summer made us all stop in our wakes to take a second look at the rules and regulations that protect our water playgrounds. 
Spring has officially sprung, and that means kids all across the state will be riding bikes again. And with the influx of new riders on the road, it is important for both bicyclists and drivers to pay attention and follow a few simple rules. Doing so will make everyone's ride more enjoyable.