Take a look at our April newsletter!
The Dangers of Distracted Driving
APR 2024
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Typically, I avoid discussing legal matters and automotive accident-related topics in my newsletter, but there’s one topic that I will bend my rules for. I want to bring your attention to a crisis that is increasingly impacting the safety and well-being of everyone on the road: distracted driving. Every time we get behind the wheel of a car, we are taking part in a social contract. On the road, we have to trust that strangers in vehicles that weigh thousands of pounds, driving many miles per hour, will follow the laws of the road and not hurt us. Likewise, we must do our best to abide by these laws, not just for our own sakes but for the safety and welfare of the hundreds
Distracted drivers break that social contract, partaking in activities that take their attention away from driving, whether it be texting or playing with their stereo. It not only impairs their ability to drive, but it also leads to an increase in accidents, and accidents lead to a tragic increase in injuries and death. Unfortunately, the number of commuters using electronic devices while driving has steadily increased since the pandemic. • In 2020, 3,142 people were killed in car accidents involving distracted drivers. • In 2021, that number jumped to 3,522, a 12% increase year-over-year. • Of those killed in 2021, 664 were nonoccupants, like pedestrians and cyclists.
In addition to fatalities, over 360,000 people were injured that year in accidents involving distracted drivers. The exact figures for 2022 have yet to be released, but in my opinion, we can expect the numbers to go up until measures are implemented to reverse them. Of all of the distractions while driving, texting is the most dangerous. For example, if you were driving 55 mph and took your eyes off the road for five seconds to check your phone, during that time, you’d drive the entire length of a football field with no idea of what’s in front of you. When you are driving, it is essential you give it your full attention. If you don’t, your risk of crashing increases sharply. Disturbingly, distracted driving can impair one’s ability to operate a vehicle just as much as drinking while driving. However, the law is more lenient on distracted drivers than drunk drivers. That is why, for years now, we have been lobbying for the state of Georgia to apply the same laws to distracted drivers as DUI drivers. If we do not make changes on a personal and federal level, thousands more will continue to die every year from the reckless actions of drivers nationwide. If there is anything I want you to take away from this article, it’s this: Put your phone away while driving. You do not need to be looking at your screen 24/7. Whatever you are doing can wait until later. The car can be a fantastic, distraction-free space to listen to your thoughts and enjoy the road. Live in the moment — it could save your life.
of travelers we commute alongside whenever we drive our vehicles.
“Every time we get behind the wheel of a car, we are
taking part in a social contract.”
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Your 4-Week Spring-Cleaning Calendar
Week 3: The Bathroom Begin by removing the grime from the showerhead and sanitizing the curtain. The curtain can be scrubbed and air-dried in the sun. Then clean and sanitize the shower and sink. Shine the fixtures. For the toilets, get under the rim with a toilet brush and give the much-ignored back some love, too. Now that the toilet’s shining, it is the perfect opportunity to get the floor. Take a little extra time to get the baseboards.
Spring cleaning can be overwhelming. From the kitchen counter to the ceiling fan, there’s a lot of ground to cover. But there’s a trick to make it easier: Breaking down the work into quick, doable tasks spread over four weeks. Week 1: The Living Room The start of every journey begins with a single step, and that step is acquiring and prepping supplies. Wash out buckets, empty vacuum bags, throw microfiber cloths in the wash, clean mops, and shake out brooms. Next, it’s time to clean the light fixtures. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away dust and debris. Then dunk the cloth in soapy water, wring it out, and scrub the light fixture covering the bulb until it shines — just make sure you turn the lights off first. Once you’ve finished the lights, head to the bookshelves. Dust the tops and check the sides for any spills. Make sure to wipe down any pictures or framed art on the wall. Lastly, move the furniture and vacuum underneath. Week 2: The Kitchen Clean the dishwasher filter first. Devote the next two days to getting the stove to sparkle, including ridding the vent of grease. Wipe down the countertops and the cabinets. Clean out the microwave and wipe down any other countertop appliances. Congratulations, week two is over!
Week 4: The Bedroom Clean the bedrooms from top to bottom. Now is a good time to wash your pillows and air-dry them. Bedroom ceiling fans can build up a lot of gunk over the winter. An easy way to clean them is by pulling a pillowcase around the blades and pulling them back. Next, polish any
wood furniture. Thoroughly clean the windows with glass cleaner or a homemade mixture of vinegar and water, and remember to clean the window tracks. Lastly, test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“I enjoyed working with Braun’s Law on my case. They make it an easy and pain-free process from beginning to end. A special thanks to Brittnee, and an extra special thank-you to Haley for always being available and going the extra mile. If I ever need this type of service again, Brauns Law will be my first call!” – Danny Watts “My experience with Brauns Law was exceptional. This is the second time I’ve hired David Brauns as my attorney and both times he did not disappoint. They even send a welcome package to introduce you to the firm. Literally was able to call or text Haley whenever I had a question. She was very informative and kept me in the loop with all that was going on with my case even after filing the lawsuit. She is absolutely amazing.” – Romero Bentley “Mr. David was my first accident lawyer, and I have been referring him ever since to my friends and family. He has always answered all my concerns, always returned my calls or texts, and always works his best to give us the best settlement. I would not go with anyone else.” – Adriana Cisneros Need Help? Call Brauns
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THE BLUE LIGHT BLUES Eye Strain and Trouble Sleeping Everyone knows it’s a bad idea to stare at the sun, but what about gazing at your phone for hours every day? Both have one troubling thing in common: They emit blue light, which can negatively impact your eyesight and sleep cycle. The primary source of blue light is our sun, but some sources of blue light we interact with closely are digital screens and LED lights. While the amount of time we spend staring at the sun remains low, studies show screen usage has gone up to new record highs, a trend that has progressively worsened since the pandemic. People now average nearly seven hours of screen time per day, and kids on average nearly 4.5 hours of screen time per day. Overexposure to blue light can lead to eye strain — an especially big problem for office workers who spend eight-plus hours a day staring at a screen. The effects on your eyes can include dryness, an itchy feeling, and headaches. None of the backlash from staring at screens makes us comfortable or productive in the workplace. A great way to mitigate the blue light problem is to wear blue light-blocking glasses, which reduce the amount of blue light being exposed to your retinas, thus decreasing eye strain. If you wear prescription glasses, you can add blue light-blocking filters for a small additional fee. Trust us, it is worth it. After a long day in front of a screen, you will be thankful you have them.
Having trouble getting to sleep? Blue light might be the culprit. Studies show that being exposed to blue light, usually through our electronic devices, can hamper sleep. This is in part due to blue light suppressing our release of melatonin, a natural hormone that helps us feel tired and fall asleep easier. Avoiding screen time for at least an hour before bedtime can significantly improve our ability to sleep. Reducing screen time has net benefits, including improved ocular health and a healthier circadian rhythm. If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: Avoid overexposure to blue light, and don’t stare at the sun!
Take a Break
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 2 lbs flank, sirloin, or skirt steak • 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste For the chimichurri sauce: • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp red pepper flakes • Salt and pepper, to taste
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 2. Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!
ARBOR ARIES
CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND ENVIRONMENT
GARDEN KITE RAINBOW SHOWERS
BASEBALL CHERRIES
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
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Why You Should Never Drive Distracted
Tackle Spring-Cleaning With a Week- by-Week Plan Our Clients Say It Best How Blue Light Disrupts Sleep and Eyesight Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
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Self-Care Practices to Help You Thrive
Self-Care Tips for a Happier and Healthier You
Dream More Our bodies demand that we spend about a third of the day sleeping, and it does so for a reason. Almost every cell needs time to refresh and renew. But many people continue to shrug off sleep, which falls to the bottom of their priorities. Take the time to increase your sleep quality. It helps almost every part of your body, from brain to toe. To do so, implement positive sleep habits. Don’t watch TV before bed, keep your bedroom dark, and put your phone on “do not disturb.” Indulge Yourself It’s all too easy to devote our lives to other people, but taking time for ourselves is essential. Some me-time lets you get some perspective through joy. Once a month, push the responsibilities away and spend the day doing what you love. If you want a spa day, get a massage. If you’d prefer to paint figurines in your basement, that’s all you. We spend most of our time in our heads, preoccupied with our thoughts and focused on our obligations. It’s not good for our mental health. The sheer weight of life is heavy on our shoulders and minds. Ease those worries and anxieties by putting the phone away, getting a good night’s sleep, and spending quality time with ourselves.
You matter. It’s an easy thing to forget with the overwhelming obligations and responsibilities most people have, but you matter. Everyone, including you, must practice self-care to ensure their happiness and peace of mind. Disconnect From Technology The connectivity provided by technology comes with several benefits, but they have just as many drawbacks. Companies design phones to be addictive. Your brain releases a little dopamine whenever you get a notification, not unlike a slot machine. That’s why we constantly check our phones, even when they don’t ring or vibrate. Meanwhile, studies correlate heavy social media usage with profound feelings of loneliness and depression.
Everyone needs to distance themselves from technology every so often. Try leaving your phone at home when you go outside or set a specific no-screen time. Better yet, dive into nature. Practice yoga in the park or hike through the woods and breathe in the fresh air instead of scrolling.
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