TROUBLE IN THE PARKING LOT THE OVERLOOKED DANGER ZONE
They’re probably not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about safety issues, but parking lots can be deceptively dangerous. Despite the low speeds, they’re home to thousands of accidents every year. The National Safety Council (NCS) estimates that over 50,000 crashes happen in parking lots annually, and those account for approximately 60,000 injuries and 500 deaths. That might not sound like much compared to highway stats, but the injuries are often worse than you’d expect, especially when pedestrians are involved. Part of the issue is how people behave when they pull off the road into a lot. Drivers quickly get distracted looking for empty spaces, checking their phones, or easing into conversations with passengers. According to NCS estimates, as many as 2 in 3 drivers are distracted while driving into parking lots and garages. But distracted driving isn’t the only issue. Some drivers reverse without looking. Others assume they have the right of way just because they’re moving, which isn’t always true in Texas. Parking lot liability often comes down to signage, direction of travel, or who was moving.
And it’s not just drivers who are at risk. Pedestrians, especially kids, can be hard to see behind trucks and SUVs. Slow-speed accidents might not seem like a big deal, but they can lead to concussions, broken bones, or worse. Perhaps not surprisingly, many of these injuries happen during school drop-offs, sporting events, or busy shopping weekends when people are in a rush and not paying as much attention as they should. Poorly maintained lots make things worse. Dim lighting, faded lanes, lack of clear signage, and failure to fix known hazards like potholes can all contribute to injury. These factors may create a premises liability claim. If you’ve been injured in a parking lot accident, don’t try to handle it alone. These cases can be complicated, and blame isn’t always clear. Our experienced team at Aulsbrook Law Firm will investigate, gather the proper evidence, and ensure your story is heard. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Texas-Size LAUGHS
Creamy Cauliflower Soup Inspired by CookieAndKate.com
INGREDIENTS • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, plus more • 1 medium red onion, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced • 4 cups vegetable broth • 2 tbsp unsalted butter • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley, chives, or green onions for garnish
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. On a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss cauliflower with 2 tbsp olive oil. 3. Arrange cauliflower in a single layer, sprinkle with a little salt, and bake 25–35 minutes until tender. 4. In a soup pot, heat remaining olive oil and cook onion and 1/4 tsp salt until soft. 5. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant, then add broth. 6. Add all but 4 cauliflower florets to the pot and simmer for 20 minutes. 7. Transfer mixture to a blender, add butter, and blend until smooth. Then blend in lemon juice and nutmeg. 8. Garnish with cauliflower florets and serve. Add parsley, onion, and chives as desired.
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