It's Snowing, Slow Down!

The Dallas / Ft. Worth area is expected to get up to 6 inches of snow today. People still have to go to work though regardless of the dangerous road conditions. With some patience and careful driving, most people will make it to their destinations, even if they’re late. I was watching the news and they showed video of the highways with crowded roads filled with slow-moving drivers and a few others that put everyone else at risk. Even the news lady commented on it. What is it with people who think they can drive in any weather condition? Snow and ice on the road? No problem – go faster. Pouring rain? No problem – go faster. Why are all these other people driving so slow? Don’t they know I’m in a hurry? CRASH!

The safer drivers wake up early to make time for driving slower. They drive cautiously and defensively so they don’t get into a car wreck that can cause serious injury, property damage, or worse. The one thing that most people worry about though is not being able to control the “other driver”.

Has this happened to you? Have you ever been in a car wreck during bad road conditions that could have easily been avoided if the other driver just would have slowed down and been more of a defensive driver, just like you were? Then, you have to stand out in the rain or snow to exchange insurance information. You’re cold. You’re wet. You’re angry. You’re injured.
Now what? You need to see a doctor. You might even need a lawyer. You’re going to have unexpected insurance hassles. You might have to take time off of work and get a rental car. All because of a wreckless driver!

If you were injured in a car wreck, call WOL+MED. If you know someone who was hurt in a car wreck, tell them to call WOL+MED. If you’re one of those wreckless drivers and it’s snowing or raining – SLOW DOWN!

Driving While Distracted (DWD)

With cell phones and driving, we have a new term called Driving While Distracted (DWD). Using cell phones while driving is already illegal in many states across the country. This is due to the high number of auto injuris that result from drivers who were distracted by talking or texting on the cell phone. Nationwide Insurance has published some not-so-surprising statistics related to DWD.

In a 2008 survey by Nationwide Insurance, 67 percent of people admitted to using a cell phone while driving. That means that roughly 2 out of every 3 drivers on the road are using their cell phones while driving. The number one source of driver inattention is use of a wireless device, according to Virginia Tech researchers. As a result, driving while distracted is a factor in 1 out of every 4 police reported crashes.

A 2005 controlled study of Australian drivers found that cell phone users were four times as likely to get into an accident serious enough to injure them. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that phone conversation tasks typically decrease reaction times, travel speeds, and increase lane deviations and steering wheel movements.

Drivers on cell phones cause serious auto injuries. If you or someone you know was injured in a car wreck due to the other driver being distracted with a cell phone, call WOL+MED today. We can help you. Our medical doctors are auto injury experts. If you think you need a personal injury attorney, we can also help you find the right lawyer for you. You need a doctor who can help you with all of your auto injury concerns. We can help you. We want to be your doctor.

WOL+MED Minor Emergency

Many people don’t realize that WOL+MED also provides minor emergency services in its Denton and Dallas clinics. We take walk-in appointments and we are open until 8pm during the week and for most of the day on Saturdays. Dr. Robert Helsten, MD is an expert in helping patients with emergency needs. Before coming to WOL+MED Dr. Helsten served in an emergency room for several years. Along with Dr. Helsten, Dr. Rodney Shultz, DC, PA-C is an experienced Chiropractor and Physicians Assistant. He is very well trained in suturing large wounds, which is a common injury found in Minor Emergency Clinics. WOL+MED is able to help patients with high fever, large cuts, sprains & strains, flu symptoms, vomiting, dehydration, fractures, back injuries, shoulder injuries, knee and ankle injuries, and much more.

If you or a loved one requires urgent care or help for a minor emergency, please give WOL+MED a try. We are an excellent alternative to the sometimes brutal wait times of the emergency room. Our medical team is always ready to help you.