Four fires are currently burning throughout central and eastern Arizona.  The largest of the four fires is the Sunflower Fire, which has burned nearly 20 square miles. The Sunflower Fire is burning inside of the Tonto Natonal Foreset, approximately 40 miles north of Phoenix.

The Gladiator Fire, which is in the Prescott National Forest, began as a house fire on Sunday morning. Unlike the Sunflower Fire, which does not currently threaten any building structures, the Gladiator Fire is currently threatening about 400 structures in the historic mining town of Crown King. The 350 residents of Crown King, some full-time and some part-time, have been ordered to evacuate. The Gladiator Fire is only 85 miles north of Phoenix and has been very difficult to fight due to the steep and rugged terrain. It has grown to nearly 8.5 square miles, which is a 2,000 acre-a-day increase from Wednesday evening.

Over 1,000 firefighters have been battling to fight the Sunflower and Gladiator Fires. The extreme heat is posing a serious problem to firefighters, some of which have already suffered from heat exhaustion.

Our firm’s very own, Tommy Richardson, is heading to Crown King tomorrow. Tommy will be delivering water to the firefighters working hard to fight the Gladiator Fire. We advise anyone living near these fires to use extreme caution. With the rate the fires are growing, it is best to be prepared for the worst and have your necessities packed-up just in case of an evacuation.

We truly appreciate all of the brave people helping to fight these fires. If you would like to donate, we recommend sending your donations to the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter whose primary focus is currently on the fires. Donations to the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter can be made here.

On April 7, Shawn McCarty was riding his bike on Thompson Peak Parkway in Scottsdale, Arizona when he was hit by an SUV. This Saturday, May 19th, Not One More Foundation will hold a Ride of Honor to remember Shawn McCarty as well as other bikers who sadly lost their lives in accidents similar to this one.

A 10-mile non-competitive ride will take place this weekend to honor cyclists injured or killed on Arizona roadways. Riders will then cycle to the Arizona State Capitol where Not One More Foundation co-founders Sterling Baer and Dara Schulenberg will speak at 10 a.m. Testimonies will also be given from cyclists who have been involved in biking accidents in the past.

Individual riders, teams, and clubs are all welcome to meet at 8:45 a.m. to begin the ride from any of the following locations: Kiwanis Park in Tempe; Ashley Furniture Pavilion, 83rd Avenue and Encanto; Peoria and 25th Avenue in Peoria; Tempe Beach Park, Tempe; and the Coffee Bean Tea Leaf located at Scottsdale Road and Doubletree Ranch Road.

Not One More Foundation is an organization that promotes cycling awareness, safety and road-sharing and assists cyclists and their families after an accident.  The cycling community has been advocating for stronger penalties for a motorist who hits or injures a cyclist or pedestrian. Too many accidents are caused by distracted drivers, and because of this, Shawn McCarty lost his life last month. The driver got away with a $420 fine, but McCarty on the other hand, will never be able to ride his bicycle again.

We hope you will come out to support this great event. More information about the Ride of Honor & Cycling Rally can be found on Not One More Foundation’s Event Page.

Starting this month, Maricopa County’s Park and Recreation Department’s 10 parks will begin to have extended evening hours. Sundays through Thursdays, parks will now be open until 8 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, parks will remain open until 10 p.m.

Although the purpose of extended hours is to allow people to hike when it is cooler, it is important to recognize the dangers of hiking after dark.  AZ Central.com  recommends hiking with others who are familiar with the trail systems as well as telling family members the routes they plan to take. This is very important because many accidents occur while hiking, and by knowing a hiker’s route makes it much easier to get them help if needed. We recommend hiking in groups of 3 so that if someone is injured, one person can remain behind with the injured while another goes to get help.

We want to emphasize that hiking alone is never safe, even in daylight. If you plan on enjoying the newly extended evening trail hours with your friends, here are some tips for hiking after dusk:

• Take along flashlights and spare batteries to light up your hiking path.
• Use a GPS device if you have one and take a map incase you lose signal.
• Watch your step; visibility is greatly reduced at dusk, making it easier to fall than in daylight.
• Be on the look out for wild animals, including rattlesnakes.
• Although it is cooler at night, staying hydrated is still very important.

The dangers of driving while being engaged in cell phone use are no secret.  One scientific study found that in a six-year span, 16,000 deaths were caused specifically due to cell phone use while driving.  Further, a high number of these distracted drivers were under 30.  While overall accident occurrence is lower than it has been in decades, the cause of accidents being due to distractions has soared.

Teenagers are becoming increasingly dependent on their mobile phones, with a 256% increase in use just during 20122 alone. 40% of teens spend 4 hours a day on their phones, and 69% chose their phone as their most important electronic device.  Suffice to say, getting teenagers to put their phone downs is a challenge.  This is especially problematic during the time when teens begin to drive.

Car accidents are the leading cause of death in teens, and teenaged drivers are four times more likely to get into a crash than older drivers. However, teens underestimate or don’t recognize dangerous situations and drive more recklessly. This is when cell phone use and driving becomes a hazardous issue.

To combat the risks that teen drivers face, a new bill has been proposed in Arizona that would restrict cell phone use.  Teens driving with a learner’s permit or graduated license would be prohibited from cell phone use; a graduated license puts restrictions on the amount of passengers in the car as well as the hours they are allowed to drive at night. HB 2348 passed in the Senate this month, and will move on for House consideration.

Whether it’s the law or not, it’s important to keep your teen from making poor choices while driving. Here are ways to keep your teen safe on the road:

• Be clear. Set a well-defined household rule regarding cell phone use. Just like curfews and budgets, this is an issue that needs to be discussed openly and followed without question.  
• Be a positive role model. Set the example for your teen by putting your phone away. This will not only teach a good lesson, but keep you and other drivers safe, as well.
• Don’t be afraid of consequences. If you find out that your teen is using their phone while driving, be strict and enforce the household law. Revoke driving or cell phone privileges for a time and remind your teen why your rules are necessary.
• Educate. Visit websites such as Impact and Distraction to read and watch real stories of people who have been affected by teen distracted driving and learn facts and statistics about the issue.
• Know the law. While your teen should follow your household rules, keep up-to-date on local and national laws about distracted driving and teen driving. Like HB 2348, bills are being proposed all the time, and adding the threat of a ticket can help deter teens from using their cell phones.

Have you or someone you know been injured in a car accident due to distracted or negligent driving? The attorneys at Friedl Richardson provide a complimentary consultation to provide you with the settlement you deserve.

In 2009, 20 percent of all injury-causing car accidents involved distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Distracted driving is a leading cause of car accidents.  A driver that is using a hand-held device is four times as likely to get into a serious-injury car accident, says the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This study shows that drivers that use a cell phone while driving (including  handsfree devices) have the same level of impairment as an intoxicated driver.

The National Transportation Safety Board urged all of the United States to ban drivers from using electronic devices while driving, including text messaging. NTSB Chairwoman, Deborah Hersman, detailed the dangers, saying, “We see that when people are talking on the phone, their perception narrows. They actually see 50 percent of what they usually see when they’re not talking on the phone.” The NTSB has no power to pass or enforce laws, so Hersman is looking at nationwide campaigns that have been effective in the past, including ones that urged seat belt use and those that brought awareness to the dangers of drinking and driving.

It is time for all of us to stand up for our safety by turning off electronic devices while driving. That means no call, text, update, or message  is worth a human life! Thirty-five states have now banned texting and driving. For a complete list of states that have banned texting and driving visit Governors Highway Safety Association.

Currently, there is not a  ban on cellphone use for Arizona drivers except for in the city of Phoenix and for school bus drivers. The fine for texting and driving in Phoenix range from $100-$250.  Laws banning handheld cellphones and banning texting have been introduced into the Arizona legislature and have not yet passed. For more information on Arizona driving laws visit ADOT.com. 

According to League of American Bicyclists, Arizona ranks number 6 for America’s top 20 cities for bicycle commuters. In 2003, 41,000 commuters in the Valley rode their bicycles to work at least one day a week according to Valley Metro. Many people choose to ride their bikes to work to avoid traffic, reduce their carbon footprint, relieve stress, save money, or to stay in shape.  No matter what your reason is always remember to bike safely. Read on for 10 tips on how to make the commute to work on your bike obstacle and  harm free.

10 Tips for Bicycle Commuting

1. Think about how far you’re traveling, the amount of traffic, road widths, and the terrain to ensure you arrive to work on time.
2. Drive your selected route beforehand looking for wide roads with less traffic or streets with bike lanes.
3. Avoid major streets if possible.
4. Have your bike tuned and checked at a bike shop before you start commuting.
5. Keep a tire pump, patch kit, and small tool kit with you and know how to repair a flat and fix a chain.
6. Replace your tires when worn and headlight batteries when dim.
7. Pack your briefcase, lunch, clothes, etc. in front or rear racks. These items are available at bike shops. Be sure to secure your cargo with
8. Avoid wearing sandals or high heels.
9. Wearing ankle straps will keep your pant legs out of the gears.
10. Fenders will keep dirt and mud off your clothes.

Are you a commuter? Please leave your commuting comments on this post!

What Is an Uninsured Vehicle?

An uninsured vehicle is typically considered one of the following:

• Vehicles that are not covered in a state that requires automobile insurance
• Vehicles used in hit-and-run incidents, where the identity of the driver is unknown
• Stolen vehicles

In Arizona, uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory. Uninsured motorist insurance is part of an automobile insurance policy that covers the insurance policy holder from uninsured motorists and hit-and-run drivers. Uninsured motorist insurance is referred to as Arizona hit and run insurance. In order to be thoroughly covered in the state of Arizona, an individual will need to have a minimum level of insurance. If he or she does not carry this much coverage, a motorist will be regarded as underinsured. In this case, uninsured motorist insurance should cover the disparity between the amount the driver at fault is able to pay, and how much is due.

Involved in an Accident Involving an Uninsured Motorist?

Seeking compensation from an uninsured Arizona motorist can be difficult. It’s hard to make a claim against a person with no insurance because typically they don’t possess enough assets to warrant litigation. However, you can make a claim against your insurance company to recover damages in the case of serious injury. Your insurance company will usually compensate you for the following expenses:

• Loss of future earning power
• Loss of wages
• Physical and emotional pain, suffering and permanent injury
• Medical expenses

If an uninsured motorist has injured you or a loved one please contact Friedl Richardson for a complimentary consultation at 602- 553-2200.

Texting While Driving

We all know the dangers of drinking and driving, and using a cell phone while driving delays a driver’s reactions as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08 percent. Sending or receiving text messages takes the driver’s eyes off of the road for 4.6 seconds and makes the driver 23 times more likely to get into a crash, according todistraction.gov. How do we keep our teens from driving dangerously?

To start, download apps such as AT&T’s DriveMode or DriveSmart from the Android market.  When enabled, your phone will automatically respond to incoming texts with a message letting others know you’re on the road, and that you’ll respond when it’s safe.

A large amount of adults are guilty of texting while driving – 27% of adults admit to doing so, according to textingndriving.com. Keep yourself safe and be a positive example for your child by putting the phone away while driving.

Most importantly, communicate with your child.  Find a time to explore thedistraction.gov website and watch videos from The Faces of Drunk Driving to let your child know how real the dangers of texting while driving are.

Underage Drinking and Driving

According to the NHTSA, 28% of teen drivers killed in car accidents were drinking before or while driving.  Parents shouldn’t need to be reminded that underage drinking is illegal, and can bring high consequences to parents who provide it. A government survey found that 69% of underage drinkers didn’t pay for their alcohol – as in, they got it from family or friends (though some may have been taken without permission).

Especially during prom and graduation parties, it is vital to communicate the risks to your children of  drinking and drunk driving. For more information on talking to your teen, preventing underage drinking, and facts about the problem, visit We Don’t Serve Teens.  The site also features stories of real-life consequences to adults who provide teens with alcohol.

Parents can be under as much peer pressure as their kids to be “cool” by providing alcohol – let them know that you would rather your child be safe. Talk with your teenager’s friend’s parents who host parties and find out if they intend to allow guests to drink. Speak with the parents of other kids who will be attending the party and assess how they feel towards alcohol.Dontserveteens.gov  reports that 96% of adults agree that it’s not okay to give someone else’s teen alcohol.

Getting Home Safely

Your child picked out her dress or rented his tux, posed for your countless pictures, and is ready to dance the night away. By opening up communication with your child, explaining the risks of impaired driving, and discussing underage drinking prevention with other parents, you can  rest easy knowing that you have prepared your child for a night of their life – not the last night.

If the unthinkable happens and you need an auto accident attorney,contact the attorneys at Friedl Richardson for a free consultation to receive compensation for injuries, lost wages, and other damages. Auto accident attorney Tommy Richardson and the Friedl Richardson staff specialize in auto accident claims and can help if you or a loved one were injured in an accident.

Every year, bicyclists spend a month celebrating life on two wheels through rides, events, advocating for cycling as transportation, and promoting bike safety. May is National Bike Month, however, Phoenix celebrates Bike Month in April.

There are plenty of events for all types of bikers, including families, beginners and experienced riders. In fact, Bike Month kicks off with theSafe Kids East Valley Bike Rodeo on March 31. The event is a great opportunity to bring your child with a bike or scooter to teach and practice bike safety. Plus, the first 300 kids get a free helmet.

For a ride with a bit of culture, you might want to look into the 7th Annual Scottsdale Cycle the Arts.  The 7-mile tour of Scottsdale’s public art gives cyclists the chance to learn more about the art and finishes with free admission to the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, jazz and reggae concerts at the Civic Center Park as a part of the Sunday A’Fair, and see the 100+ Journals Project at the Civic Center Library. Participants must wear a helmet to this event.

Mesa’s Great Arizona Bike Festival kicks off with the 70-mile El Tour de Mesa (there’s also 28-mile and 5 ¼-mile rides) and continues with a full day of events, arts, music, and vendors. This includes bike safety lessons for kids, a bike swap meet, a downtown historic bike tour, and a beer garden.

Another great event is the Great Bike Chase & Game. In addition to vendors, safety demos, and bike rides, registered participants have the chance to buy discounted tickets to the Diamondbacks vs. the Atlanta Braves game.

Aside from these fun events, Bike Month is really about encouraging people to utilize bicycles as a clean and healthy form of transportation while trying to make bicycling safer for riders. One of Bike Month’s most notable events to accomplish this is the annual Bike to Work and School Day on April 18.

There are many more events, bike drives, expos, rides, and ways to get involved in the Valley bicycling community in April. Check out the Valley Metro Phoenix calendar of events for all the information! There are events in Peoria, Glendale, Chandler, and all across the valley for every family to participate in.

If you want to be not only physically but also politically active in Bike Month, you can also attend the Annual Bicycle Summit of Phoenix. Bicycling enthusiasts are trying to extend bike lanes, inform drivers of how to keep bicyclists safe, and get politicians involved in the cause.

Bicyclists have the same rights as pedestrians on sidewalks, in bike lanes, and in crosswalks – which is where most bike accidents occur, when drivers are unaware of their presence. If you or a cyclist you know has been injured in an accident, the bicycle accident attorneys at Friedl Richardson can help. Contact Friedl Richardson for a free consultation today.

When your kids get on the bus for school, you expect they’ll be safe. But one morning a simple safety measure you might assume is always there, was not. As a result, Kim Bates daughter, Elizabeth, was hit and killed by a car while crossing the street.

After investigating the tragic accident, surveillance showed that when the bus driver pulled over, he didn’t stop traffic by activating the red, flashing lights or extending the stop arm. In fact, video footage also shows cars passing by as students are getting off the bus which should never happen.

When questioned, the Safford School District claimed that Arizona law requires school bus drivers to activate the red lights and stop arm on public roads, not in private neighborhoods. Since then, the family  has decided to draft legislation in hopes of closing the loophole, so no family will have to endure pain like this.  The driver of the truck that hit Elizabeth wasn’t criminally charged in her death and the bus driver was given a written reprimand and still works for the Stafford School District.