Monthly Archives: July 2015

Automobile accidents — They are one of the most critical issues that our country faces today, and to the surprise of many, distracted driving (which is preventable) is one of the leading causes in automobile accidents. In this new age of information, many people cannot rest from their phones or technology for the amount of time required for a morning commute, or refuse to pick up the call from their best friend that they haven’t spoken to in forever while on the road. These completely preventable causes contribute to many of the auto accidents on the road today, however they are not the only reason.

Here are 5 ways to help prevent auto accidents from occurring on the road:

1. Never operate a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. While this is a given, many people assume that simply because they “feel” fine, that they are okay to drive. If you have had any form of alcohol or drugs, not matter how much, DO NOT DRIVE.

2. Always follow the laws of the road. Do not drive over the speed limit, make illegal U-turns, or drive at speeds unsafe due to the weather or current conditions of the road. Yield and be a defensive driver while on the road.

3. Be rested. It is important to have had a night’s rest and plenty of sleep before you get on the road. You do not want to fall asleep at the wheel, ever.

4. Do not drive distracted. Children, grandparents, blasting music, your phone, GPS, anything can be a distraction if you let it. Your job is to focus on the road. Do not forget what your job as the driver is; to drive.

5. Check up on your car’s basic functions frequently. Try your brakes, test tire pressure, windshield wipers, check the oil, anything that potentially could endanger you on the road.

Remember, when you are driving, you are not just responsible for yourself. You are responsible for every passenger in your car. You are responsible for everyone on the road who’s lives you might endanger because of reckless driving. You are in a critical position when you get behind the wheel; one that could change lives in a matter of seconds. Never forget that fact.

The road is a dangerous place, but by practicing defensive driving techniques and being prepared, you can be better prepared for what you might face. Lives are always at stake, but you, the driver, is the only person who can help prevent automobile accidents.

By: Moneer Kheireddine

Hadopi is the national anti-piracy law for France, and this week in trending legal news we are covering the French Senate’s enhanced policies for the law. The senate is hoping to do away with ‘educational’ reprimands and is instead hoping to strike down piracy by enforcing a much stricter law. Since 2012 when elected president Francois Hollande swore to amend the law, nothing much has happened with Hadopi. However, in 2014 the government stripped Hadopi of its only real sanction which allowed them to suspended offender internet subscriptions after three offenses.

Since the stripping of the sanction, piracy within France has been on a huge rise and several reports are saying that it is at an all time high. But now, the Senate is bringing Hadopi back with twelve proposed measures to overhaul the law. Of the proposed measures, one includes systematically fining offenders only after two offenses while also skipping a court ruling. The fines would average at around one hundred euros.

The Senate is also attempting to launch an independent sanction commission who would be in charge of fines for offenders, and would also give 800,000 euros to Hadpoi. They would also handle the task of tracking IP-addresses, which is where most of the funding would go to. On top of this, they hope to create a blacklist of illicit websites within France.

Many are in favor of the changes to Hadpoi and are all for implementing stronger anti-piracy policies. Some groups, however, have voiced concern, stating that these laws would be infringing upon the citizens digital rights and give rise to more control for the government in the digital world. The country is now waiting to see how France’s culture minister Fleur Pellerin will respond and whether or not she is willing to follow the senate’s proposals.