TruckingAccident.org Blog

November 20th, 2007 admin

Traveling is generally a productivity killer: it’s pretty obvious that shuttling around in unfamiliar locations with limited power and Internet access can make getting work done extremely difficult. However, there are a number of resources that can make it easier. We’ve collected 100 of the best tools for staying connected, keeping in touch, and getting things done while traveling.

Communication

Staying in touch on the go is easier than ever. Use these innovative services to connect with text messages, chat, file sharing, and more.

1. FlipMail: Sign up with FlipMail to get email forwarded to your cell phone as a text message, so you’ll never miss any important communications.
2. Campfire: Chat with clients, coworkers, and more using this web based chat tool, and you’ll be able to conduct meetings from wherever you are.
3. Viapoint: Store emails and files online with this handy web tool.
4. Mobivox: Get cheap Skype calls even when you’re away from your computer and WiFi with Mobivox’s service.
5. GrandCentral: Get all of your phone numbers to forward to your cell phone so you won’t miss any calls on the go. You can also forward calls to a temporary number, like a hotel room.
6. ScanR: If you’re on the go and see something that you need to share with a colleague, take a photo of it and use ScanR’s service to email your image as a PDF that you can share.
7. ProjectStat.us: If you’re traveling, you may not be able to field lots of calls and emails about progress on projects. Keep everyone out of your hair by letting them find out with ProjectStat.us.
8. PDFCreator: If you’re away from the office, you’re probably nowhere near a printer. Print to PDF instead, and you can electronically file information, or just save it for when you have printer access.
9. GotVoice: Phone calls and voicemails aren’t always easy to get to while traveling, so stay connected by reading your voicemail with GotVoice.
10. MyCyberTwin: Set up a chatbot that answers IMs while you’re unavailable, and your clients and coworkers will be amazed at how you work around the clock while traveling.
11. eFax: Clearly, you’re not going to take a fax machine with you on the road, and it’s just not wise to depend on hotel fax services. Get and send transmissions online using eFax’s service.
12. AmikaFreedom: Prevent information overload with AmikaFreedom. This service allows you to set important keywords and phrases that trigger an email to your mobile device.
13. Userplane: This tool is full of communication tools, but the one that helps road warriors the most is Presence. With Presence, your communications reroute to the device that’s closest to you, whether it’s your cell phone, PDA, or landline.

Web Tools

Web tools are great for travelers because of one simple reason: they’re the same no matter what computer you access them with. Use these web-based tools to make your work available anywhere you go.

14. iOrganize: Keep notes, ideas and more in one place that’s accessible from any computer with an Internet connection.
15. Neptune: This to do list app keeps you productive by making tasks plain and easy. It sends you a daily email with task reminders and can be updated via email, so you don’t have to manually change anything.
16. LogMeIn: Using Internet cafes and other places with computers you’re not familiar with can be disoriented. Get connected to your home setup using LogMeIn.
17. Zoho Office Suite: Take your office suite on the go by using this group of online software solutions.
18. Backpack: Throw your files, notes, images, and sribbles into this online backpack so you’ll have everything you need while you’re on the go.
19. Box: Instead of lugging around a laptop to keep your files handy, just upload them to this online file-sharing service, and you’ll be able to access them from anywhere.
20. Dimewise: Manage business transactions from anywhere using this web based finance application.
21. Geezeo: Using Geezeo, you can access account balances via SMS.
22. MyStickies: If ideas come to you while you’re on the road, don’t record them with pen and paper–put them on online sticky notes that will be waiting for you when you can address their issues.
23. Project Joey: Mozilla’s Joey allows you to set up a Firefox add on that sends selected information to your mobile device. This is especially useful if you want to jot something down quickly before you run out the door to catch a flight.
24. Ceedo: Use Ceedo to create a virtual copy of your PC’s software, so you’ll never have to travel without your favorite software applications again.
25. Money On Your Back: Perhaps the easiest and most relaxing way to stay productive on the road is to harass others into doing your work for you. Send tasks using this service, and they’ll send reminders for you until it’s done.
26. InstaCalc: This web based calculator offers travelers a way to save and share calculations for upcoming meetings, or just a more convenient time to work on them.

Get Connected

It’s hard to stay productive when you don’t have an Internet connection, especially when you rely on lots of web-based apps. Find hotels, hotspots, and more places that offer Internet access in this section.

27. WiFi on Wikipedia: Get the lowdown on this history and functionality of WiFi in this informative wiki.
28. Avis WiFi: Soon, you may be able to connect to WiFi transmitters in Avis rental cars.
29. Extended Stay Hotels: Extended Stay Hotels offer in-suite Internet access.
30. Public Transit WiFi: It’s not uncommon to find WiFi on public transportation these days. Get online while on the train, bus or other public transportations using this guide.
31. WiFi FreeSpot: There are free WiFi hotspots all over the world. Track them down with this service.
32. Cybercafe: If you need to use a computer, but don’t have your own with you, find a cybercafe to get connected. Use this site to find one in 141 countries.
33. Municipal WiFi: Did you know that some cities offer free municpal wireless? Check out this wiki to see if you’re headed to one.
34. Open WiFi Spots: Locate open WiFi spots everywhere with this guide.
35. WiFi in the Park: Take your laptop to the park and enjoy the day while working. Check out this guide to find out if you can get WiFi in the park at your destination.
36. WiFiMarine-US: The Internet isn’t just for landlubbers. Get connected with WiFi providers for boaters here.
37. ilovefreeWiFi: Find free wireless access with this search engine.
38. The Cybercafe Search Engine: This cybercafe search engine is updated daily for locations all over the world.
39. WiFi Free Spot-Hotels: Find out which hotels in your destination offer free WiFi with this guide.
40. Vacation Rental WiFi: This tool is just like the hotel WiFi guide, except that it lists vacation rentals that have free WiFi.

Air Travel Productivity

Air travel is full of dead time: getting parked, waiting for security, sitting at the gate, and on the flight itself. Make the process faster and squeeze productivity into these dead moments using these tools.

41. In-flight beds: Lufthansa has announced that they may provide beds to coach passengers on their airlines. As adequate sleep is essential to productivity, this is a nice solution for those who can’t fall asleep in a regular airplane seat.
42. AirPower Wiki: Get hooked up with airport spots for power and WiFi in this wiki.
43. United Airlines: Fly United Airlines to get in-seat power access for your laptop on selected aircrafts.
44. OnAir: Get connected to the Internet while you’re in flight using OnAir. This service is available on a number of carriers, including Virgin Atlantic and Air Canada.
45. Airport Wireless Internet Access Guide: With this guide, you’ll be able to find WiFi in airports around the world, plus get the lowdown on clubs and providers.
46. Qantas: Soon, you should be able to get wireless Internet access and power sockets on Quantas Airlines’ new A380 jets.
47. ViaSat: For travelers on a corporate or private jet, ViaSat offers onboard Internet.
48. FlightStats: FlightStats offers a powerhouse of productivity boosters for air travel. Keep tabs on flight delays, cancellations, and more, plus check out historical ontime ratings and airport information like parking and security wait times.
49. In-Flight Laptop Services by Airline: Find out which airlines currently have, or plan to have, power and Internet accessible aircraft using this list.
50. AboutAirportParking: Find the best airport parking lots as well as delay and security times with this site.
51. Clear Registered Traveler: Waiting in line for airport security eats up precious time that you could use to do something more productive. Sign up for this fast-track service, and you’ll get through faster in most major US airports.

Mobile Tools

Like our collection of web tools, these mobile tools pack a double-whammy. Not only are they useful in their own right, but they also make it even easier to be productive on the move because they can be used even when all you have access to is your cell phone.

52. Jott: With Jott, you can transcribe a note to yourself just by calling a number.
53. emoze: Get your Outlook emails, conacts, calendar, and more sent to your phone with emoze.
54. DIR-ECT-IONS: Call (347) 328-4667 (DIRECTIONS) and get text message directions sent to you in 15 major metro areas.
55. Buxfer: Budget and track expenses via SMS with Buxfer.
56. Verizon FIOS Mobile DVR Scheduling: If you’ve forgotten to record your favorite show, don’t bother going to the trouble of calling someone to set it up for you–just schedule it from your Verizon cell phone.
57. Popularity Dialer: Interrupt long-running meetings so you can get back to work using this service that calls your phone at a pre-determined time.
58. GoLiveMobile Tip: Check out Wikipedia entries via SMS using this service.
59. BrainCast: Record notes to yourself and set up called reminders for later playback with BrainCast.
60. Pinger: With Pinger, you can send audio email messages using your phone.
61. oh don’t forget: Get reminders sent to you via SMS with this service. You don’t even need an account to do it.

Gadgets

We’ve covered a lot of Internet and software productivity tools, but physical tools are important, too. Get powered up, find some peace, and stay safe with these gadgets.

62. Sony Reader: Catch up on essential reading without the bulk of lots of books using this reader that electronically stores books and other documents.
63. loc8tor: Forgetting items in your hotel room can put a damper on your trip’s productivity. Keep track of your stuff and find it quickly with this gadget.
64. Carbonite: Perhaps the most valuable possession you bring with you on your travels is the data on your laptop and devices. Use Carbonite to encrypt and back up your data before your trip, and you’ll be able to safely access them through a remote server or USB Flash drive in case anything gets damaged.
65. iStraw: This straw keeps bacteria out of the water you drink, potentially saving you from gastrointestinal trouble or worse.
66. USB-Heated Blanket: Warm up and get some rejuvenating sleep using this blanket.
67. Noise-cancelling headphones: Have you ever found yourself trying to concentrate on work, only to be disturbed by a noisy fellow traveler? It’s a productivity killer, to say the least. Get some peace and quiet with headphones that block outside noise.
68. Earplugs: If you like the idea of noise-cancelling headphones, but desire something a little more low-tech and low-cost, get yourself some earplugs. They’re ultra-portable and highly effective.
69. Car Power Source: Stay powered in the car using this gadget that gets its power from your car battery and charges nearly any device.
70. Ultra-portable Power Source: Power up using this gadget that goes anywhere and accesses power in airplanes, hotels, cars and more.
71. Bluetooth Car Kit: Making calls in traffic is a productive but dangerous practice. Make it safer by going hands-free with this kit
72. Apple AirPort Express: Sometimes hotels offer Internet access in specific hotspots, but not guest rooms. Tap into the building’s wired network using this device and get hooked up in your room.
73. Digital Pen: Take notes without ever opening your laptop using this digital pen that transfers writing automatically to your computer.
74. Mobile Workstation: Stay organized in the car using this mobile workstation that allows you to set up a desk in your car’s passenger seat.
75. The Perfect In-Flight Mouse: This mouse attaches to your hand and can be used on any surface.
76. WiFi Scanner: Locate a WiFi hotspot without ever opening your laptop using this tool.
77. Hands-free Task Light: Catch up on reading important documents or just make it easier for your eyes to look at your laptop with this light.
78. Solar-power backpack: Running out of juice can bring your productivity to a standstill. Keep it going with this backpack that both hauls and powers your gear.
79. iPhone: Wrap everything up into this handy tool: entertainment, communications, Internet, apps, and so much more.

Travel Planning

If you’re focused on productivity, chances are you have little tolerance for messing around with bad directions, predictable traffic, and poorly scheduled time. Get everything straightened out for your trip with these resources.

80. GPS Navigation: Invest in GPS navigation, and you’ll always know where to go.
81. Bear Trap Guide: Don’t get stuck in a speed trap. Find out where they are using this guide.
82. Spongecell: Use this online calendar to keep track of your itinerary and plan events from anywhere in the world.
83. myMemorizer: Manage events and get SMS reminders sent to you using myMemorizer.
84. TripWiser: Put together detailed schedules for your travel time with TripWiser.
85. TripIt: Build your itinerary with very little effort using TripIt. Just email your travel confirmations to the service, and they’ll build a master itinerary that can be printed and shared online.
86. GooSync: If you use Google Calendar and want to put it on your mobile device, sync it up with this service.
87. Trippish: Don’t let weather get in your way. Plan your traveling around weather forecasts using this tool.
88. MapQuest Mobile: Get MapQuest directions on your mobile phone with step by step instructions, full color maps, and more.
89. Weather.com: Check out Weather.com’s special section for business travelers and you’ll be able to track weather, delays at airports, and more.
90. The Traffic Line: It’s okay if you don’t know where the traffic hotspots are where you’re traveling–call The Travel Line and find out what areas you should steer clear of.
91. PublicRoutes: Figure out the best way to travel via public transport using this tool that maps out routes.
92. Google Maps Mobile: Download Google Maps Mobile to get directions as well as find businesses across the country.

Guides & Blogs

Find tips, opinions, news and more gems for mobile productivity with these resources.

93. What A Global Nomad Wants In a Hotel To Work Anywhere: Check out this road warrior’s wish list and consider looking for hotels that fit the bill for the ultimate in productivity-boosting accommodations.
94. Lost Baggage Tips: Losing your baggage cannot mean good things for your productivity. Follow these tips to help avoid this sticky situation.
95. iPod Travel Guidebooks: Don’t waste time trying to find a good place to eat in a strange city. Get portable guides from this site.
96. Idiots Keep Incurring iPhone’s Roaming Data Charges: As we’ve noted, the iPhone is a great productivity tool for the road, but it’s essential that you remember to keep yourself from racking up excessive roaming charges while using it. Find out the details on this issue here.
97. The ultimate road warrior productity tool: Read this article from InfoWorld to find out why CRM software can help you stay connected and productive while you’re on the road.
98. TechTraveler: Let’s face it, the root of productivity while traveling generally lies in technology. Check out the latest in tools and news relating to tech on the go here.
99. The Incredible Cell Phone Expense Tracker: Read this guide to learn how to keep track of expenses on the road using an online fax service.
100. Working Anywhere: Check out Working Anywhere for commentary and tips from Andy Abramson, who works while traveling often.

November 4th, 2007 admin

Getting in an accident is a stressful experience, but it’s even more nerve-wracking if you don’t know how to determine fault. It’s hard to be reasonable after an accident: your adrenaline is pumping, you’re probably in pain, and numb from the shock of it all. You may second-guess yourself after the fact, or even be persuaded by the other driver that you’re to blame. Protect yourself with knowledge and read on to get clear-cut rules that will help you keep your accident fair.

1. If you’re rear-ended, it’s not your fault: Drivers are required to be able to stop safely if another driver stops in front of them. If you’re rear ended, clearly the driver behind you was not following this rule. This situation is easy to settle: if your rear end is damaged, and the other car’s front end is damaged, there’s little room for argument about how the accident happened.For example: You’ve come up on traffic that’s at a standstill, and you have to brake hard to avoid hitting others. The driver behind you isn’t paying attention, and isn’t able to brake as effectively as you did. This is not your fault.
2. If someone makes a left turn in front of you, it’s not your fault: If you’re going straight and someone pulls out on you to make a left turn, they’re interfering with your right of way. To make a left turn, drivers must wait until they can safely make the turn without interfering with oncoming traffic. This rule has few exceptions, but it could be your fault if you’re traveling at an excessive speed, running a red light, or if an outside force interferes with the other car’s ability to turn left. Like the rear-end collision, this accident is an easy one to prove based on the location of damage to the cars.For example: If you have a green light to go straight, but another car turns left in front of you, it’s not your fault. This doesn’t mean you have free reign to hit anyone who is running a red left turn light, however. You’re still responsible for an attempt to avoid the collision.
3. If you’re not where you’re supposed to be, it’s your fault: Every driver has duties: to wait for a light, to stay inside lanes, to stop at stop signs, and so on. When drivers don’t follow duty, accidents can happen. Other drivers expect that you’ll wait for the light and proceed accordingly, so if you’re in the middle of the intersection when it’s really their turn to go, they may not be able to adjust in time to avoid hitting you.For example: If you’ve decided to park in the middle of a busy street, it is your fault if your car gets hit. It’s not supposed to be there, and other drivers will not be prepared to avoid it. They’re required to attempt to avoid the collision, but ultimately, it’s your fault for leaving your car somewhere it doesn’t belong.
4. If you’re not paying attention, it’s your fault: Neglecting to look out can cause any of the accidents we’ve noted so far. If you’re not paying attention, you may not be able to brake in time, effectively gauge oncoming traffic, or make note of signals and signs. Additionally, this can cause accidents that could have been avoided because you’re not watching diligently enough to notice an accident about to happen.For example: If you look down to change your radio station, you may not notice that there’s a huge line of traffic in front of you. By the time you realize you have to brake quickly, it’s too late and you’ve caused a rear-end collision.
5. If you don’t try to avoid the accident, you share some blame: As we’ve alluded to in previous rules, every driver has a duty to avoid collisions whenever possible. You can’t just plow into other drivers without care, even if they’re completely in the wrong with regards to vehicle placement.For example: If someone pulls out to take a left turn, but for some reason gets stranded in the middle of the road, you must attempt to avoid them, or you’ll be liable for damage. This is especially true if you have ample time to change lanes or apply the brake.
6. If you broke the law and caused the accident, it’s your fault: This one’s pretty simple. If you’re speeding, running a red light, or not waiting for your turn at a stop sign, it’s pretty clear that you’re to blame for any collisions that happen as a result of your actions.For example: If you’re speeding in a rainstorm, hit a puddle, and hydroplane into another vehicle, you caused the accident and will be held responsible.
7. If you broke the law, but it didn’t cause the accident, it’s not your fault: This one’s a little tricky, but essential. There’s always a chance that the law you break has nothing to do with the cause of the accident. If this is the case, you may be responsible for a percentage of the liability, but the fault does not fall on you.For example: You’re rear-ended, and you’re not wearing a seatbelt. You’re breaking the law, but neglecting to wear a seatbelt isn’t the cause of the accident. The fault does not fall on you, but the other party isn’t responsible for any injury you sustain as a result of not wearing your seatbelt.
8. The party who was the most careless is to blame: This rule is at the root of nearly all of the other rules we’ll cover here, so it’s essential to understand. In a nutshell, the least careful driver is at fault for the accident. Whether that means you’re breaking the law or just not paying attention to the road, the person who acted more irresponsibly than the other is to blame for the accident.For example: If you’re in a driver’s blind spot, and they don’t check to see if you’re there before changing into your lane, the resulting accident is their fault. Certainly, you should avoid driving in someone’s blind spot, but everyone has a responsibility to make sure the coast is clear before changing lanes.
9. If your car malfunctions, it’s not your fault: Some things are just beyond your control. Even if you’re a responsible driver, it may be difficult to properly steer, stop or otherwise manage to drive your car if it malfunctions. If you get in an accident as a result of this malfunction, you’re not to blame. Nonetheless, you should register with your vehicle’s manufacturer to stay on top of recalls and have defective parts replaced.For example: If your accelerator gets stuck and you can’t slow down to avoid cars or other objects before you hit them, there’s not a lot you can do about it.
10. If your accident is caused by poorly maintained property, it’s not your fault: State and federal agencies go to great trouble and expense to keep roads properly maintained, but there’s always a slight chance that you can encounter roadway that was overlooked and under-maintained. It’s also important to remember that there’s no guarantee private roads and parking lots are perfect, either. Accidents that are a direct result of bad roads or poorly maintained property aren’t the fault of the driver, provided that you exercise reasonable caution and avoidance.For example: If a fully operational bridge goes out, and your car falls on top of another vehicle, there’s really nothing you can do to avoid the accident. You rightfully assumed that the bridge would hold, and you’re helpless if it falls.
11. If you both contribute substantial factors, you’re both at fault: One driver may have acted irresponsibly, but if another driver does nothing to avoid an accident, or does not follow driver duties like looking both ways before entering an intersection, you both contributed to the cause of the accident.For example: If a driver runs a red light, and you blindly enter an intersection on green without checking for oncoming traffic, you share fault. Certainly they shouldn’t have run the light, but if you’d looked into the intersection like you’re supposed to, the accident would not have happened at all.
12. If you acted the way a “reasonable man” would, it’s not your fault: Generally, this question is answered by an adjuster, judge, or jury, but it’s handy to know. Essentially, you must ask yourself if you acted the way a reasonable man would do if presented with the situation you were in. If you can determine that this mythical man would have done the same thing, you’re off the hook.For example: You’re in traffic on a bridge and notice a car about to collide with you. There’s nowhere to go but over the side of the bridge. You could drive off the bridge to avoid getting hit. It would keep the accident from happening, but unless the “reasonable man” is mentally ill, there’s no way he’d do that.

These rules are the essentials of fault, but it’s important to remember that the blame will ultimately be determined by either an insurance adjuster or a court of law. If the fault in your accident is not clear, you should consult a lawyer and study the laws of fault that apply to your individual state. And of course, remember to always drive safely!