Medical cannabis creating uncertainty in state DUI laws

By Andy Gillin Jun 3, 2013

Two states have legalized cannabis and 17 states (18 including Washington, D.C.) have legalized medical cannabis. As the nation slowly shifts towards decriminalization, numerous questions arise on how to... Read More

New studies reiterate texting while driving is unsafe

By Andy Gillin May 7, 2013

Recently released studies have confirmed what we already know, but too often ignore: texting and driving is not a safe combination. Even though you’re 23 times more likely to... Read More

Introduction to Careers in Law

By Andy Gillin Apr 19, 2013

Introduction to Careers in Law There will not be a program in 2023. Building on the success of previous summer programs, GJEL Accident Attorneys will once again be hosting... Read More

Creative cycling attire tricks surrounding drivers into obeying the law

By Andy Gillin Apr 16, 2013

Cyclists across the pond have come up with a creative way to make sure surrounding motorists treat their safety with the appropriate amount of respect. By wearing reflective gear... Read More

And the unhappiest job in America is…

By Andy Gillin Apr 3, 2013

After compiling over 65,000 company reviews during 2012 and evaluating multiple factors that influence an employee’s job satisfaction, CareerBliss released their list of the happiest and unhappiest jobs in... Read More

Robert Redford is too cool for speed limits

By Andy Gillin Mar 25, 2013

As proof that it’s not just young celebrities who can be terrible role models, 76-year-old screen icon Robert Redford recently boasted he drives at speeds in excess of 120... Read More

18-year-old required to refrain from saying ‘bingo’ for 6-month period

By Andy Gillin Mar 20, 2013

Much like you can’t yell “fire” in a crowded movie theater, it would appear yelling “bingo” in a crowded bingo hall is also off the table. Earlier this week... Read More

How much of an inconvenience to pedestrians are construction sites?

By Andy Gillin Mar 13, 2013

Much like most major cities, in Seattle there are currently a number of construction projects underway. Old buildings have been demolished to give way to new apartment complexes, office... Read More

Cyclist faces felony vehicular manslaughter charge after killing 71-year-old pedestrian

By Andy Gillin Mar 12, 2013

Although the widely reported accident took place almost a year ago, the San Francisco cyclist who collided with 71-year-old Sutchi Hui on March 29, 2012 has recently been order... Read More

Motorcycle lane-splitting in California to remain unrestricted for the foreseeable future

By Andy Gillin Mar 1, 2013

A California Senate bill proposing restrictions on motorcycle lane splitting was placed on hold this week pending a safety study currently being conducted by UC-Berkeley. The bill, which would... Read More

National Law Journal releases annual list of “go-to law schools”

By Andy Gillin Feb 28, 2013

The National Law Journal released its annual list of the Top 50 Go-To Law Schools, with the University of Pennsylvania topping the list for the second consecutive year. Using... Read More

National Safety Council reports increase in traffic fatalities for the first time since 2005

By Andy Gillin Feb 25, 2013

According to a preliminary report from the National Safety Council, the number of traffic fatalities during 2012 increased by 5 percent over the previous year. This marks the first... Read More

What’s the true measure of a city’s walkability?

By Andy Gillin Feb 22, 2013

Despite offering a good starting point, there’s still plenty of information missing when you look at the Walkscore of a specific location. As has been pointed out plenty of... Read More

Victim of ‘right hook’ bicycle accident

By Andy Gillin Feb 21, 2013

$325,000 to victim of 'right hook' bicycle accident Read More

Cyclist struck by car while riding at night

By Andy Gillin Feb 21, 2013

$300,000 for cyclist struck by car while riding at night Read More

Woman injured in car vs. bicycle accident

By Andy Gillin Feb 21, 2013

$225,000 for woman injured in car vs. bicycle accident Read More

Cyclist ‘doored’ by exiting motorist

By Andy Gillin Feb 21, 2013

$195,000 for cyclist 'doored' by exiting motorist Read More

Cyclist struck while riding on the shoulder

By Andy Gillin Feb 21, 2013

$180,000 for cyclist struck while riding on the shoulder Read More

Cyclist who collided with low hanging tree branch

By Andy Gillin Feb 21, 2013

$110,000 for cyclist who collided with low hanging tree branch Read More

Injured cyclist

By Andy Gillin Feb 21, 2013

$100,000 for injured cyclist Read More

Don’t Drive Drowsy: Tips to Avoid Driving While Fatigued

By Andy Gillin Feb 20, 2013

When it comes to making poor decisions behind the wheel, drunk driving and distracted driving get the bulk of the attention, but numbers show drivers impaired by fatigue account... Read More

Nevada bill seeks to ban pedestrians from using cell phones while crossing the street

By Andy Gillin Feb 15, 2013

Distracted driving is a serious threat to street safety, but what about distracted walking? A new bill in Nevada would make it illegal for pedestrians to text, enter data,... Read More

The debate about whether cyclists should be required to wear helmets rages on

By Andy Gillin Feb 14, 2013

It may seem counterintuitive, but despite near unanimous support for the use of helmets, many cycling advocates disagree with the notion that helmet usage should be required by law.... Read More

…And that’s why you don’t mouth off in court

By Andy Gillin Feb 7, 2013

Earlier this week, Florida teen Penelope Soto got international attention when a video of her mouthing off to Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat started making the rounds online. In... Read More

Does jaywalking enforcement encourage ‘victim blaming’ mentality when it comes to pedestrian deaths?

By Andy Gillin Feb 1, 2013

An article from the DC Area blog “Greater Greater Washington” posed an interesting question about whether a recent pedestrian enforcement campaign is essentially “blaming the victim” by targeting the... Read More

Don’t Call The Big Game ‘Super’

By Andy Gillin Feb 1, 2013

Heading into this week’s Super Bowl big game, Samsung has decided to poke a bit of fun at the fact advertisers aren’t allowed to mention the NFL’s trademarked championship... Read More

Mother of five gets harsher sentence for involving children in multiple staged car crashes

By Andy Gillin Jan 18, 2013

Committing insurance fraud is already bad enough, but when you endanger your children in the process it reaches a whole new level of scuminess. For mother of five, Ana... Read More

Encroachments on high-pressure jet fuel pipeline along Iron Horse Trail create major safety concern

By Andy Gillin Jan 11, 2013

This past Tuesday, Representatives from the Contra Costa County Public Works Department and Kinder Morgan held a meeting to discuss potential safety issues stemming from a jet fuel pipeline... Read More

Help TransForm reach their fundraising goal before the end of the year

By Andy Gillin Dec 21, 2012

With the end of the year fast approaching, our friends at TransForm are trying to set themselves up for success in 2013 by raising $75,000 to help them continue... Read More

Safety light offers cyclists moving DIY bike lane

By Andy Gillin Dec 7, 2012

With Governor Brown’s recent veto of the three foot passing bill, there’s a new product popping up specifically for cyclists looking to preserve a bit of personal space. The... Read More

Indiana Tech rolls dice, opens new law school amid massive law school crisis

By Andy Gillin Dec 5, 2012

It’s no secret that law school attendance is in serious decline. That’s what makes the decision to open a new law school in “the middle of history’s worst law... Read More

What does marijuana legalization mean for drivers in Washington and Colorado?

By Andy Gillin Nov 29, 2012

With the recent legalization of marijuana in both Washington and Colorado, police are in the process of determining how to enforce DUI laws in light of legislation that could... Read More

Toronto cyclists stage sit-in to protest bike lane removal

By Andy Gillin Nov 16, 2012

A bike lane on Jarvis St. in Toronto, Ontario was scheduled for removal but six protesters staged a sit-in to prevent construction workers from removing the lane. The removal crew gave... Read More

Unsafe driving leads to unusual punishment for ‘idiot’ motorist

By Andy Gillin Nov 9, 2012

It may seem like a punishment right out of a sitcom, but a Cleveland Municipal court judge has sentenced a Cleveland woman to wear a sign that says, “Only... Read More

SF Muni Turns 100 with Weeklong Celebration

By Andy Gillin Nov 5, 2012

San Francisco Municipal Railway kicked off a weeklong centennial celebration on Sunday by rolling out vintage streetcars on the city’s oldest existing rail line. Over the weekend, the J-Church–which... Read More

Helmets shouldn’t deter you from cycling

By Andy Gillin Oct 23, 2012

Last month the New York Times ran an editorial written by someone who found it refreshing that she could rent a bike for $2 in Paris and spend the... Read More

Is there an impending crisis for major law firms?

By Andy Gillin Oct 12, 2012

In a recent segment from Bloomberg Law, law firm consultant Bruce MacEwen has charged that the legal industry is currently facing an “excess capacity.” As a result, MacEwen contends... Read More

Incident in Littleton reminds cyclists to always exercise caution

By Andy Gillin Oct 11, 2012

A recent incident in Littleton, Colorado has highlighted the importance of always being alert and never taking your safety for granted. Last weekend a 55-year-old cyclist was injured while... Read More

Motorist strikes cyclist, threatens to sue for damage to vehicle

By Andy Gillin Oct 5, 2012

The battle between cars and bikes rages on, as the insurance company of a New Zealand motorist attempted to sue a cyclist for vehicle damage occurring after the driver... Read More

Bridgestone’s ‘Teens Drive Smart’ campaign is stopping in Alameda this weekend

By Andy Gillin Sep 21, 2012

This weekend, Bridgestone’s “Teens Drive Smart” campaign will be at the Alameda Point Naval Air Station on Saturday, September 22nd and Sunday, September 23rd. The free half-day program is... Read More

What can employers do to prevent distracted driving?

By Andy Gillin Sep 19, 2012

In the six states where texting and driving is still legal, employers are being placed in the unenviable position of having to discourage those driving on their behalf from... Read More

Take SFMTA’s customer satisfaction survey, give your opinion on street safety

By Andy Gillin Sep 12, 2012

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) is polling Bay Area residents on their customer experiences. The short survey asks for feedback on a variety of topics, from the... Read More

Copenhagen bike highway system expected to save $60 million per year in health care alone

By Andy Gillin Sep 6, 2012

With people in Copenhagen already riding a combined 750,000 miles each day, a new “cycling superhighway” that plans to link the city’s surrounding suburbs is expected to get another... Read More

Making the bike a family vehicle

By Andy Gillin Aug 31, 2012

Behold, the bicycle minivan. Last week the Bay Citizen featured an article on how some San Francisco parents are opting to make the bike a family vehicle. The article... Read More

Even minor separation between roads and bike lanes increases rider safety

By Andy Gillin Aug 30, 2012

A recent experiment conducted by Brooklyn Spoke blog author Doug Gordon has confirmed what many people already suspected; simply having a barrier between the road and bike lane can... Read More

New ‘Invisible Bike Helmet’ tries to target fashion forward cyclists

By Andy Gillin Aug 15, 2012

There are plenty of excuses people give for why they don’t wear a helmet. Reasons ranging from the understandable complaint that they’re bulky and hard to carry around to... Read More

Should SF Police set up distracted driving stings?

By Andy Gillin Aug 14, 2012

Texting and driving is against the law, but enforcing distracted driving laws is easier said than done. Last week in Fargo, North Dakota, police setup a sting operation designed... Read More

Concerns from motorists surround San Jose’s bike friendly plans

By Andy Gillin Aug 10, 2012

The seemingly unending war between motorists and cyclists had a bit more fuel thrown on the fire this week thanks to some vocal San Jose residents objecting to plans... Read More

Poor condition of Bay Area roads often contribute to deadly accidents

By Andy Gillin Aug 8, 2012

Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that between 2001 and 2010 nearly 70 people were killed in Bay Area car crashes resulting from problems with... Read More

San Francisco ponders mileage based tax for drivers

By Andy Gillin Aug 3, 2012

In a move that’s sure to raise privacy concerns and spark paranoia among Bay Area residents, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission is exploring the idea of implementing a mileage based... Read More

Modesto-area cyclist killed in Fountaingrove collision, fifth Sonoma bike fatality in past ten weeks

By Andy Gillin Aug 2, 2012

In addition to having one of the highest traffic fatality rates of any Bay Area county, Sonoma County has also been the site of several recent cycling tragedies. Following... Read More

Metropolitan Transportation Commission votes down “Free Muni for Youth” campaign

By Andy Gillin Jul 26, 2012

Remember when we said the bright spot in the new San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) budget was a pilot program that would provide low-income children with free transit... Read More

California relaxes texting while driving laws, other states may not follow suit

By Andy Gillin Jul 25, 2012

Beginning next year, texting while driving will be legal in California…as long as you keep your hands off the phone. On Friday, July 13th, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a... Read More

Why Pedestrian Safety Matters: A Look at the Numbers that Shape San Francisco’s Streets

By Andy Gillin Jul 20, 2012

Much has already been written about the cuts to pedestrian related projects in the new Federal Transportation Bill. Fortunately, there are still people out there actively campaigning for pedestrian... Read More

First comprehensive nationwide insurance plan designed specifically for cyclists

By Andy Gillin Jul 17, 2012

Thanks to a partnership between Better World Club and Portland’s Gales Creek Insurance Services, cyclists now have the opportunity to purchase the first nationwide comprehensive accident and liability insurance... Read More

New SideCar app helps facilitate ride shares

By Andy Gillin Jul 12, 2012

SideCar, a new San Francisco-based company, is helping encourage ride shares with a new app that matches drivers with nearby passengers in need of a ride. The app works... Read More

What Strava’s pending lawsuit could mean for the company and its users

By Andy Gillin Jul 6, 2012

Strava is currently being sued by the family of a 41-year-old engineer from Oakland, CA who died two years ago while trying to better a ‘King of the Mountains’... Read More

Cyclists allowed to bring bikes on the BART all day on Fridays during August

By Andy Gillin Jun 29, 2012

Starting next week, a new pilot program will allow riders to bring bikes on the BART all day on Friday’s during the month of August. The normal blackout times... Read More

Transportation spending bill worries bike advocates

By Andy Gillin Jun 25, 2012

Congress is looking at a transportation spending bill this week, but bike advocates are worried that senators who are “anxious for a deal” will toss out a provision that... Read More

LumaHelm Interactive Helmet would allow riders to signal intent to surrounding vehicles

By Andy Gillin Jun 20, 2012

When it comes to cycling, using the proper hand signals is an essential element of making sure you’re riding safely. Now, a new helmet created by Exertion Games Lab... Read More

World Naked Bike Ride aims to promote greener communities and safer streets for cyclists

By Andy Gillin Jun 11, 2012

This past weekend marked the ninth annual World Naked Bike Ride, a clothing optional event designed to protest against oil dependency and promote cycling advocacy. In San Francisco, nearly... Read More

New Jersey judge rules text message sender not responsible for recipient’s crash

By Andy Gillin Jun 8, 2012

In a case that garnered national attention, a New Jersey judge recently ruled that the sender of a text message cannot be held responsible for accidents caused as a... Read More

Transportation secretary encouraging feds to pressure states to crack down on distracted driving

By Andy Gillin Jun 7, 2012

Today U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a “Blueprint for Ending Distracted Driving.” His new initiative pressures 11 states that currently do not have distracted driving laws to adopt... Read More

Moreno Valley launching a pedestrian safety campaign

By Andy Gillin May 30, 2012

Yesterday Moreno Valley, California police passed out flyers promoting pedestrian safety in Riverside County. According to the Press-Enterprise, a pedestrian is injured or killed in California every hour, and... Read More

California Senate unanimously approves bill in support of self-driving cars

By Andy Gillin May 25, 2012

By a margin of 37-0, the California State Senate voted to approve a bill that will allow self-driving vehicles on California streets and highways. The bill (SB1298) was designed... Read More

Michigan high school seniors punished for organizing group bike ride to school

By Andy Gillin May 24, 2012

Instead of a traditional senior prank, students at Kenowa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan organized a bike parade as a fun, healthy way to celebrate their last... Read More

Statewide ‘Click It or Ticket’ campaign ramps up in California

By Andy Gillin May 22, 2012

There’s no good excuse for not wearing a seatbelt, but in case you needed yet another reason to buckle up, California Highway Patrol has begun taking a “zero tolerance”... Read More

New studies reveal cell phone use while driving is on the rise

By Andy Gillin May 21, 2012

According to an observational survey recently released by The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the number of drivers using cell phones while in transit jumped from 7.3 percent... Read More

‘Right hook’ bike fatality in Portland offers reminder for cyclists and drivers to exercise caution

By Andy Gillin May 18, 2012

The recent and tragic death of a Portland bicyclist is serving as a stark reminder that “right hook” accidents are far too common. The woman, Kathryn Leah Rickson, was... Read More

Driving simulator cautions teens about the dangers of texting and driving

By Andy Gillin May 16, 2012

Despite nearly all teen drivers saying they think it’s dangerous to text and drive, 43 percent continue to do it anyway. So, in an attempt to show teens the... Read More

Napa and Sonoma lead Bay Area counties in traffic fatality rate

By Andy Gillin May 15, 2012

According to new federal statistics, Napa and Sonoma have the highest traffic fatality rates of any Bay Area counties. However, due to the massive amount of tourism and the... Read More

City of Vancouver finds ‘jaywalking’ rarely the cause of pedestrian accidents

By Andy Gillin May 10, 2012

A new study using accident data from Insurance Corp. of B.C. and the Vancouver Police Department determined that nearly 75 percent of all pedestrian accidents occur at intersections, with... Read More

Bright green bike lanes help increase driver awareness of cyclists, boost biker safety

By Andy Gillin May 8, 2012

With bright green bike lanes spreading across the Bay Area, the hope is that even the most oblivious drivers should start to take notice. The freshly painted bike lanes... Read More

Senate Transportation & Housing Committee unanimously approves 3-foot passing bill

By Andy Gillin May 7, 2012

Senate Bill 1464, which would require drivers to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing from behind, was approved by the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee... Read More

Toronto mayor unabashedly anti-cyclist, has bike lanes removed

By Andy Gillin May 4, 2012

In fifteen years Toronto has gone from being dubbed the best cycling city in North America to the bike collision capital of Canada. Not helping matters is the current... Read More

What to Do After Chitty Chitty Meets ‘Bang, Bang’

By Andy Gillin May 4, 2012

The combined shock, fear, anger, and—heaven forbid—physical trauma associated with an auto accident are, by themselves, a lot to come to terms with at one time. Even without the... Read More

San Diego police say in cyclist-vehicle accidents, stiffest charges are traffic violations

By Andy Gillin Apr 30, 2012

Recently we talked about how in New York City, there’s a discrepancy between the number of cyclist deaths in the city and arrests issued. The city doesn’t quite know... Read More

Portland continues to invest in biking amid ongoing budget constraints

By Andy Gillin Apr 26, 2012

Portland, Oregon has been a bit of a punchline city in recent years, especially due to the popularity of IFC’s quirky TV show Portlandia, in which Fred Armisen... Read More

Cause Marketing Case Study: Walk to Work Day

By Andy Gillin Apr 20, 2012

Friday, April 6th was the 8th Annual Walk to Work Day and GJEL partnered with pedestrian activist group Walk SF to promote the event and bring attention to pedestrian... Read More

New SFMTA Budget Approved: Pay Parking on Sundays, Free Transit for Low-Income Youth

By Andy Gillin Apr 20, 2012

The days of free parking on Sundays are numbered. The new two year budget approved on Tuesday by San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency officials will extend parking meter hours... Read More

235 People Participate in Walk to Work Day Contest, GJEL Donates $2000 to Walk SF

By Andy Gillin Apr 17, 2012

On Friday, April 6th, GJEL partnered with the pedestrian safety advocacy group Walk SF to encourage Bay Area residents to take part in Walk to Work Day and share... Read More

Pair of celebs set poor example when it comes to distracted driving

By Andy Gillin Apr 16, 2012

Celebrities Amanda Bynes and Lisa Lampanelli both made headlines over the past couple days with reports surfacing they’d each been guilty of distracted driving. While Celebrity Apprentice and frequent... Read More

Tax Day driving may be riskier than normal, traffic deaths six percent higher

By Andy Gillin Apr 13, 2012

With Tax Day fast approaching, it might pay to take a few deep breaths, squeeze a stress ball, or do whatever else calms your nerves before hopping in a... Read More

21 cyclists died in car crashes in NYC last year but only 2 arrests were made

By Andy Gillin Apr 11, 2012

Data shows that in New York City, when a driver kills someone with his car, whether it’s a motorist, pedestrian, or cyclist, 40% of the time no traffic ticket... Read More

Finding the line between bike law enforcement and education

By Andy Gillin Apr 10, 2012

It’s hard to find an online forum discussing bike lanes—or even cyclists in general—without inadvertently stumbling across another “us versus them” debate about motorists being irritated with bikers who... Read More

Colorado high school students compete to promote seat belt usage

By Andy Gillin Apr 10, 2012

A handful of Colorado high schools are competing against each other in an effort to see who can have the biggest impact on boosting seat belt usage. The inter-school... Read More

Public Bikes recalls 4,100 bicycles due to potentially faulty pedals

By Andy Gillin Apr 5, 2012

The San Francisco based company Bike Works has issued a voluntary recall of 4,100 bikes for “safety reasons” citing several customer reports that pedals had either cracked or broken.... Read More

30% of teen drivers involved in car accidents suffer some type of head injury

By Andy Gillin Apr 4, 2012

Researchers from State Farm and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia studied injury data from over 55,000 teenage drivers and their passengers who had been in car accidents and discovered... Read More

Safety experts disagree on whether voice controls are really an improvement

By Andy Gillin Apr 3, 2012

Despite proposing guidelines for in-car technology back in February, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration doesn’t plan to address voice controls until at least 2014. However, in the meantime,... Read More

GJEL is Partnering with Walk SF for Walk to Work Day on Friday, April 6th

By Andy Gillin Apr 2, 2012

Walk to Work Day is this Friday, and GJEL is excited to partner with Walk SF to encourage people all across the city to conduct their daily commute on... Read More

Teenage girls twice as likely as teen boys to engage in distracted driving

By Andy Gillin Mar 28, 2012

A new study released earlier this week by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that teenage girls are twice as likely as teen boys to use cell phones... Read More

Debate rages over whether interlock devices should be required for first time DUI offenders

By Andy Gillin Mar 27, 2012

As we mentioned a few weeks back, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is pushing for legislation that would force states to require interlock devices for all drunk driving... Read More

San Francisco scooter share program may hit roadblock with the DMV

By Andy Gillin Mar 26, 2012

A new San Francisco startup offering a subscription based scooter sharing service is running into difficulties with California’s licensing laws. The company, Scoot Networks, was introduced earlier this month,... Read More

San Rafael police determine 90-year-old driver not at fault for pedestrian fatality

By Andy Gillin Mar 23, 2012

After striking a pedestrian earlier this year, San Rafael police determined that 90-year-old Monsie Wagner was not at fault in the incident. According to toxicology tests, the victim, 49-year-old... Read More

Spring is in the Air: Be Wary of Yard Care Hazards

By Andy Gillin Mar 21, 2012

The weather is getting warmer and spring is just around the corner. This is the time of year when we all dust off our yard care tools and do... Read More

Jogger who was injured by a falling tree

By Andy Gillin Mar 21, 2012

$3 million settlement for a jogger who was injured by a falling tree Read More

13-year old boy injured in an ATV off-road rollover accident

By Andy Gillin Mar 21, 2012

$2.56 million for a 13-year old boy injured in an ATV off-road rollover accident Read More

New York uses poetry to promote pedestrian safety

By Andy Gillin Mar 20, 2012

New York is taking a unique approach to raising awareness for pedestrian safety. As part of an art installation, poetry designed to subtly raise pedestrian awareness have been posted... Read More

Should school buses have seat belts? Crash in Indianapolis renews debate

By Andy Gillin Mar 13, 2012

Following a school bus accident in which a young child was killed in Indianapolis, people alarmed by the incident took to CNN’s website to renew the debate on whether... Read More

Volvo designs external vehicle airbags to help increase pedestrian safety

By Andy Gillin Mar 12, 2012

Volvo has always been at the forefront of safety technology, having developed a slew of features that other major car manufacturers have since copied (the three-point safety belt, safety... Read More