As the result of numerous fatal and serious California car accidents, Corte Madera has started the Start Smart safe driving program designed to teach teen drivers about road safety and the dangers of drunk driving. One person attending was from Novato High School where a drunk driving accident recently claimed the life of a classmate.

One method the Smart Start program uses to teach about the effects of drinking on your driving skills is to provide goggles that simulate the effects of being intoxicated. Wearing the goggles, students are instructed to try to complete common field sobriety tests. They also shown instructional - and frightening - films such as "Red Asphalt" designed to warn teens about the dangers of drink and driving, as well as distracted driving.

According to the Novato Patch, teens account for 14% of traffic deaths in California, with the most common reasons being drunk driving and distracted driving. Statistically distracted driving has been shown to be more dangerous than drunk driving due in large part to the frequency teens text and drive and the misguided belief that you can send "a quick text" without losing focus on the road.

As a California personal injury attorney I support classes such as these that educate teens about the real dangers associated with driving and try to prevent future serious accidents and deaths.

For more information, contact the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette, dedicated to helping the injured for more than 15 years.

A 23-year-old California woman now faces a wrongful death lawsuit arising out of a car crash that killed CHP Officer Brett Oswald. Kaylee Ann Weisenberg was speeding and high on methamphetamine when the crash occurred. She was driving too fast when she turned a corner and lost control of her car. Oswald was out of his vehicle at the time, and was struck by his own patrol car after Weisenberg crashed into it. Oswald was a 21-year veteran of the CHP.

As a result of the fatal car accident, Weisenberg faces four criminal charges, including murder. Oswald's family has now filed a civil suit for personal injury, wrongful death and property damage. A wrongful death lawsuit can be brought by the family of a victim killed by the negligent, careless, intentional or reckless acts of another.

Under California law, the families of those killed in a wrongful death lawsuit are entitled to compensation including medical costs, funeral expenses, loss of love and companionship, lost financial support and in some cases, punitive damages. An experienced California personal injury attorney can advise you concerning your options.

A representative for the family states that any compensation they receive as the result of a lawsuit will go to a memorial fund to help other young people become members of law enforcement.

For more information, or if your family has experienced the wrongful death of a loved one, contact the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette, helping victims of negligence and their families for more than 15 years.