Top 10 Tips to Avoid Road Rage
Road rage can put drivers at risk for accidents and injuries. It is hard to say exactly why road rage is so common but some factors may be heavy traffic on daily commutes, an expectation that our day move along quickly, and stress from other parts of our lives seeping into our drive. Some drivers are more prone to road rage than others and see traffic and other drivers as an obstacle to overcome. In this article we will discuss some of the most common behaviors associated with road rage and the top 10 ways to avoid them.
Road Rage Defined
Road rage is aggressive or angry behavior displayed by a driver. Common behaviors include rude gestures, verbal insults, cursing, yelling, intentionally driving in an unsafe or threatening manner, or making threats. In some cases road rage escalates into actual altercations, tailgating, assaults, and collisions that result in injuries and even accidental deaths or murder. Road rage is an extreme version of aggressive driving.
The term actually originated in the United States in 1987
Read MoreStatute of Limitations in Washington State: Car Accidents
Car accidents aren’t pretty even in the best case scenario but even after it is over, you will fighting for an insurance settlement. If you are unable to reach a settlement you will be facing the choice to file a lawsuit. The statute of limitations varies from state to state; seeking the help of an experienced car accident attorney right away is the best way to ensure that your case will be handled effectively. If you were at fault in a car accident you may also be wondering how long the other party has to bring a lawsuit against you.
What is the Statute of Limitations for a Car Accident Lawsuit?
Statute of Limitations Defined: The statute of limitations is the legal rule that limits the time for a person/party to file a lawsuit. If you have a lawsuit to file, you must bring it within a certain amount of time, or you forfeit the right to bring the lawsuit. The statute of limitations can start running from the time that the injury is discovered or from the time of the incident that caused the injury, depending on the nature of the lawsuit and the state in which the injury occurred.
The type of lawsuit can have an impact of the statute of limitations. A civil lawsuit involving property damage or a minor personal injury falls under a general civil lawsuit in most states. If the car accident caused a death then the lawsuit may actually be filed for wrongful death and will have its own statute of limitations. A lawsuit against the car maker would fall under product liability and also have its own statute of limitations.
Washington State Car Accident Laws
The statute of limitations for a civil suit brought for a car accident depends on which state you live in and the type of lawsuit you are filing. In many states, you have two years to bring a basic car accident lawsuit but the actual rules can be complicated as they are based on many factors. In Washington State, the statute of limitations to file a personal injury or vehicle damage case for car accidents is three years. Read the full text of this law at Revised Code of Washington section 4.16.080.
If you miss the deadline to file a lawsuit, the court will refuse to hear your case. Even if you are trying to settle out of court, it is important to keep your deadline in mind just in case the settlement fails and you decide to file a lawsuit.
Special Note: Comparative Fault Rules in Washington
If an injured person is partially to blame for their injury, you can still file a lawsuit against the other party. In Washington State a system called the “pure comparative negligence” approach is used to determine the amount of damages that will be paid. This means that whatever amount of damages you recover, they will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to you.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation!
Read MoreRed Light Running Accidents
Car accidents happen for a variety of reasons but when a person drives their vehicle through a red light they are putting themselves and other drivers or pedestrians in grave danger. Studies have found that on average, an intersection sees a motorist run a red light every 20 minutes. In 2012, 683 people were killed and 133,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running.
Red Light Running Defined
A red light running violation occurs when a driver enters an intersection after the traffic signal has turned red. In intersections where a right turn on a red light is permitted, drivers are expected to come to a complete stop before turning; failure to do so could be considered running a red light.
Red Light Cameras
Red light cameras have been implemented in many cities and are an effective way to reduce red-light running violations. In general, people follow rules more closely when law enforcement is present but it is clearly not viable to have a police presence at every intersection. Red light cameras work by taking a picture of the person and license plate when the vehicle enters an intersection after the light has turned red. IIHS conducted a series of studies on red-light traffic violations in different communities and found that red light violations are reduced by 40 percent after red-light cameras were installed. As a bonus, red-light running was also reduced by similar rates in nearby intersections that did not have cameras.
Red light cameras should not be considered a violation of privacy as we cannot expect privacy on a public road. Additionally, driving is a regulated activity and we are obligated to follow the rules of the road or face tickets. A red light camera acts as a replacement for traditional law enforcement.
In 2013, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a national telephone survey and found that in cities without red light cameras, 93 percent of drivers said that it was unacceptable to run a red light if it was possible to stop safely but 35 percent of respondents had run a red light in the past 30 days. In cities with long-standing red light cameras in place, 93 percent of respondents said that running a red light was unacceptable but only 7 percent admitted to running a red light in the past month.
Some industry studies indicate that as a group, red light runners are more likely to be young, male, less likely to wear seat belts, and have poor driving records with multiple convictions or alcohol related convictions on their records. Of the red light runners who caused an accident, they were also more likely to be speeding or driving while impaired at the time of the crash and less likely to have a valid driver’s license.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation!
Read MoreHit-and-Run Accidents on the Rise
Sadly, after a 19 percent increase in hit-and-run accidents between 1999 and 2001, the rate has continued to grow every year since 2003. Hit-and-run accidents affect pedestrians too; one out of every five pedestrians killed on the roads dies from a hit-and-run accident.
But why would someone flee the scene of an accident without even checking on the victim in the other car. Does a person’s moral code play into their decision to stay or flee? One would like to think that if a person injures another in an accident that they would feel compelled to help or at least see if they are okay.
What Contributes to Hit-and-Run Accidents?
Self-preservation over personal responsibility seems to be the biggest contributing factor in hit-and-run accidents. For those that don’t have a license, are illegal immigrants, have prior arrests, are intoxicated, or have active warrants for their arrest they often choose to run from their mistake instead of face additional legal consequences or even deportation.
According to the AAA Foundation of Traffic Safety, 21 percent of all fatal crashes that occurred between 1993 and 1999 involved drivers who lacked a valid driver’s license. It is impossible to know exactly how many drivers are unlicensed but it is estimated to be in the millions. Unlicensed drivers are found to be 66.36 times more likely to be a hit-and-run driver than a licensed driver.
A report by FARS indicated that the seven states with the highest hit and run fatalities directly corresponded to the states with the largest populations of illegal immigrants.
Hit-and-Run Crimes
It is important to note that there are several crimes that could pile up on a person involved in a hit-and-run accident. The initial accident may not be a crime but if a person is unlicensed or intoxicated they could end up facing criminal charges. Fleeing the scene is a serious crime but in the moment, many feel it is easier to run then face other consequences. Strict drinking and driving polices have done much to decrease drunk driving (since 1991 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities have declined by 26 percent) but sadly they may also be contributing to higher rates of hit-and-run accidents as people fear the ramifications of being caught for driving while intoxicated. A person with a warrant for a very serious crime may deduce that getting caught for fleeing the scene of an accident is less of a risk than facing consequences for a previously committed crime.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation!
Read MoreHow to Reduce Teen Drivers Fatalities?
Car crashes are the number one killer of teens. The younger the teen, the higher the rate of car crashes. Teenage brains are still developing and as a result teens tend to be impulsive and use poor judgment. Poor decisions often include drinking and driving or texting and driving, two of the most risky behaviors when getting behind the wheel.
How Do We Protect Teen Drivers?
Graduated licensing is a highly successful idea and has been implemented in many states: it allows teens to gain driving experience under certain restrictions while they work toward getting their full license. The law is different from state to state but often includes restrictions such as:
- the number of passengers
- the age of passengers
- a minimum number of supervised driving hours with a parent or driving professional
- nighttime driving
- zero alcohol limits
Teen deaths from car accidents have dropped 62 percent since 1975 and graduated licensing is given a lot of the credit as studies have shown a clear link between these programs and lowered crash rates.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) website has a calculator that estimates how many lives could be saved if states strengthened their graduated licensing laws. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers incentives like extra highway safety funds to states that improve their graduated licensing laws.
If your state has poor graduated licensing laws, consider creating your own contract with your teenager. Talk to your teen about the risks of driving while intoxicated or distracted. Help them understand that while they are learning it is best to be alone in the car or with one adult and avoid driving at night.
Technology like Ford’s MyKey is also proving helpful in reducing teen accidents. MyKey allows parents to set the driving rules and store them electronically in the ignition key. Features that can be controlled include the vehicle’s top speed, the volume of the radio, or even whether the radio can be turned on until the driver’s seat belt is secured.
Driver education in the form of advanced driver training can help reduce teen car crashes. When drivers are taught what to do when they are faced with an emergency they are more likely to avoid a car accident. There are many defensive driving courses available through public and private organizations such as the Tire Rack Street Survival School. These courses help teens to improve their driving skills, gain confidence, and learn the limits of their cars.
What to Look for in Car for a Teenager
If you are buying a car for your teen you may be deciding what you can afford versus what is safest. You should be looking for a vehicle that has advanced safety features like electronic stability control and third-generation air bags. Read consumer reports for a vehicle that has performed well in independent crash tests. Avoid a large truck or SUV because their high center of gravity makes them more prone to a roll over. Other disadvantages to a large vehicle include poor handling, poor fuel economy and more passenger seating which is just asking to be filled with distracting teen passengers. Sports cars are too tempting to drive fast. Choose a modest car with the best possible safety features.
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to seek the help of a knowledgeable car accident attorney. The insurance companies are there to pay you the lowest settlement possible; it is not uncommon that a victim who hires an accident lawyer receives up to three times the settlement of someone who fights alone. Please call the caring, experienced accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation.
Read More2008-2011 Car Crash Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has just released their latest report on car crash statistics covering 2008-2011. It is important to understand accident statistics in the context of driver behavior and safety features in vehicles so that we can decrease accidents and corresponding fatalities and injuries with education and improved safety features.
Fatalities and Injuries in Non-Traffic Crashes
On average, 1,621 people were killed each year in non-traffic car accidents between 2008-2011. Approximately 39 percent of these people were not in the vehicle and were pedestrians or bicyclists. On average, 91,000 people were injured in car accidents in each of these years and 35 percent of those were non-vehicle occupants.
Child Fatalities and Injuries in Non-traffic Crashes
Between 2008-2011, non-traffic car accidents took the lives of about 1,043 children under the age of 14. Thirty thousand children were injured in car accidents during the same time frame. Interestingly, about 85 percent of those killed and 60 percent of those injured were not occupants of the vehicle but were instead pedestrians or bicyclists. Eighty-four percent of the non-occupant children who died were aged four and younger. In 2012, there were 33,561 fatalities from traffic accidents and children 14 and younger accounted for just three percent of them.
Distracted Driving
In 2012, ten percent of all fatal car crashes, 18 percent of car crashes resulting in injuries, and 16 percent of all car crashes were as a result of distracted driving. Distracted driving includes cell phone use, eating, talking to other passengers, adjusting the radio, applying makeup, etc.
Senior Drivers
In 2012, 5,560 people aged 65 and older were killed and 214,000 were injured in car crashes. Senior drivers were involved in 17 percent of all traffic fatalities and nine percent of all people injured in traffic crashes during the year. The 2012 numbers showed a 16 percent increase in senior driver fatalities over 2011.
Seat Belt Safety
In 2012, 21,667 passengers in motor vehicles (passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, and SUVs) died in car crashes. Of these occupants, 9,679 were wearing seatbelts (restrained). It was not known whether 1,653 of these occupants were restrained. Where it is known definitively, 52 percent of passengers who died in motor vehicle crashes were not restrained at the time of impact.
Use of Electronic Devices While Driving
Research showed that the percentage of drivers’ text messaging or visibly using their hand-held electronic devices increased from 1.3 percent in 2011 to 1.5 percent in 2012. Hand-held cell phone use remained stable at five percent of drivers with usage higher among female drivers and those between the ages of 16 and 24 years old.
Accidents with Large Trucks
In 2012, there were 3,921 people killed and 104,000 people injured in 317,000 car crashes involving large trucks. Large trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 10,000 pounds.
2013 Projection
A projection for the first nine months of 2013 shows that an estimated 24,270 people died in car crashes during that period. These numbers are a welcome decrease of about 3.7 percent when compared to the 25,214 fatalities that occurred in the first nine months of 2012.
If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident, do not hesitate to seek the help of a knowledgeable car accident attorney. The insurance companies are there to pay you the lowest settlement possible; it is not uncommon that a victim who hires an accident lawyer receives up to three times the settlement of someone who fights alone. Please call the caring, experienced accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE Consulation.
Read MoreCar Accidents: Men versus Women
It’s an age old joke: women are bad drivers. Or are they? Women don’t seem to think so; a recent MetLife study found that 51 percent of them say that females are safer drivers. Of the men surveyed by MetLife, 39 percent said that male drivers were safer and 35 percent weren’t sure which gender was safer.
The statistics don’t lie! Quality Planning Research found that men are 3.4 times more likely than women to get a ticket for reckless driving and 3.1 times as likely to be caught drunk driving. Women tend to drive less aggressively and follow the rules of the road more closely which leads to fewer accidents. Compounding the issue, men are also more likely to violate laws for speeding and passing and yielding. These types of violations can lead to bigger accidents and more expensive claims than the minor fender benders caused by women.
Higher Death Rates for Men
There is no contest when it comes to death rates between men and women in automobile accidents. In 2009, more than 11,900 male drivers died in U.S. traffic accidents, compared with just under 4,900 female drivers. Men died at a rate of 2.5 deaths per 100 million miles traveled versus 1.7 deaths per 100 million miles traveled for women. Teenage boys are particularly prone to carnage with 9.2 deaths per 100 million miles travelled compared to 5.3 deaths for teenage girls. Men take more risks behind the wheel and are therefore more likely to get into a serious car accident that causes serious injury or death. The numbers become about equal in the 70 plus age range, so age does appear to be a factor in risky behavior behind the wheel.
Women Pay Lower Car Insurance Rates
Insurance companies don’t care about old jokes or stereotypes; they are looking at the bottom line. Men cause more accidents and therefore have more claims so they pay higher premiums. Overall, women pay about 9 percent less for auto insurance than men. In Washington State, women pay 9.6 percent less than men ($596 versus $659 for a six month policy).
Why do Women Pay Lower Car Insurance Rates?
- Women are almost 50 percent less likely than men to have a DUI/DWI on their driving record
- Women are approximately 10 percent less likely to have a moving violation on their record
- Women tend to own vehicles with a lower value which makes them less expensive to insure ($22,815 versus $24,861)
- Women are less likely to request insurance for multiple drivers/vehicles
There is some silver lining for Men: they do appear to have more automotive knowledge than women. For example, men are more familiar with vehicle safety equipment such as electronic stability control, which can help prevent rollover accidents. In truth, men ages 16 to 29 are skewing accident statistics against men of all ages since older men seem to take fewer risks and therefore cause fewer accidents. Sadly, teenage girls seem to be playing catch up. They are beginning to cause more accidents because of distracted driving.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation!
Read MoreSpring Break Brings Risk of Injury
A Spring Break getaway is supposed to be fun but there are many risks for injury as students drink and party excessively. Sadly, Spring Break injuries have been on the rise in the last decade. Spring Break trips often coincide with DUIs and DUI related car accidents making the nine days of spring break a very dangerous time on the roads in destination towns. Spring Break partiers tend to be in their late teens and early twenties and as such are most likely to be involved in an accident.
Other accidents common during Spring Break include fights, diving and swimming accidents. Be prepared to be patted down for weapons at a nightclub.
Top Spring Break Destinations and Their Dangers
Acapulco is a resort destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast. About 22,000 American students party in Acapulco during Spring Break every year. What draws Americans in such great numbers is the city’s many late night “discotecas,” or dance clubs.
Dangers:
Alcohol or food poisoning is all too easy in a place flowing with all-inclusive alcohol and unfamiliar food.
Petty crimes such as being robbed are very common. You should be aware that the police are not always on your side; arrests for small infractions are common.
Be careful to avoid a swimming accident.
The Mexican drug war has caused a rise in kidnapping, murder, rape, and assault so be on the lookout for dangerous situations and stick to tourist areas.
Look for Acapulco’s dedicated tourist police in place during Spring Break; they speak good English and are dressed in white and light-blue uniforms.
Cancun, Mexico is like Acapulco but on the Caribbean coast. Cancun is popular for its all inclusive resorts, night clubs, Mayan Ruins, sport fishing, and snorkeling.
Similar dangers exist in Cancun as they do in Acapulco.
Negril is Jamaica’s leading Spring Break destination with the focus on a well developed Seven Mile Beach. It’s an open resort which makes it authentic as you are close to the people but also opens the risks to tourists.
Dangers:
Petty crimes like robbery are common along Jamaica’s deserted roadways as police protection becomes thin; it is advisable to stay in the popular tourist areas.
Drugs are sold everywhere but if you’re caught buying you could be hauled off to jail and dealt a stiff penalty.
Be careful to avoid a swimming accident.
Panama Beach, Florida, is a hotspot for Spring Break fun, drawing thousands of students every year. Nightclubs and beaches abound.
Dangers:
In the last decade, there have been horrible acts of violence and tragedy in Panama Beach during Spring Break: a woman was shot, two people were stabbed with beer bottles during a Lil’ Wayne concert and others died in a horrible car crash.
Panama Beach is home to MTV Spring Break so be aware that your actions could end up on national television.
Beware of rip currents while swimming, and watch out for flags indicating that it is not safe to go into the water.
South Padre Island is a barrier island on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Its most popular Spring Break spot is Coca-Cola Beach, which is sponsored by the soft drink.
Crime is low in South Padre, compared to other spring break destinations and there is ample police to keep people in line. The main thing to remember is to stay on the island. Nearby Matamoros, a Mexican border town popular with students, has been named in a State Department travel advisory as an area that has seen increased violence from an ongoing drug war.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident, get an accident attorney to fight for your rights. You could be eligible for compensation for your injuries. Please call the experienced Personal Injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. today!
Read MoreAre Senior Drivers Safe on the Road?
In 2009, there were more than 33 million licensed drivers over the age of 65 in the United States and that number is likely to grow as our population ages. On average, 500 senior drivers are injured in car accidents every day. According to the NHTSA, “on the basis of estimated annual travel, the fatality rate for drivers 85 and over is nine times as high as the rate for drivers 25 through 69 years old.” In addition, older people made up 9 percent of the population in 1997 but accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 17 percent of all pedestrian fatalities.
Per mile traveled, fatal crash rates increase starting at age 75 and increase considerably after age 80. Although this is largely due to a higher susceptibility to injury and medical complications among older drivers, age-related declines in vision and cognitive functioning as well as physical changes do affect some seniors’ driving abilities.
Do Driving Skills Actually Decline with Age?
In general yes they do but declines don’t affect every senior personally. With that in mind, we cannot simply say that anyone over a certain age cannot drive.For those whose skills do decline towhere they are a danger to themselves and others, caregivers can expect a difficult situation. Many elderly drivers become defensive or even angry when they are told that they are no longer safe to drive. The decision may come down to their medical doctor or the department of licensing.
How Does Aging Affect the Abilities of Senior Drivers?
The physical and mental changes that come on as we age can diminish the abilities of senior drivers:
- A slower response time
- A decrease in vision and/or hearing skills
- A loss of muscle strength and flexibility
- Drowsiness due to medications
- A reduction in the ability to focus or concentrate
- Lower tolerance for alcohol
Tips for Elderly Adults to Stay Fit for the Road:
- Exercise regularly to increase strength and flexibility.
- Ask the doctor or pharmacist to review medicines (both prescription and over-the counter) to reduce side effects and interactions.
- Get eye exams at least once a year. Wear glasses or corrective lenses if required.
- Drive during daylight hours and in good weather.
- Find the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left turn arrows, and easy parking.
- Plan the route ahead of time.
- Leave a large following distance behind the car in front of you.
- Avoid distractions such as loud music.
The bottom line is that we should be compassionate to our parents’ desire to maintain independence through driving but equally aware of changes in their ability. If you believe that your elderly parent or patient is experiencing medical or other problems due to aging that could impair their ability to drive safely you should address the issue right away; involving their medical doctor if necessary.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation!
Read MoreIs Mom Still Safe to Drive?
Most North Americans depend on cars to get us around; driving gives us independence and freedom. The problem is that as we age our motor skills, vision, and response times can deteriorate, making us a danger to ourselves and others. Many families agonize over the decision to take their parents’ car keys away and most are met with resistance. How do you know if your elderly parent is still safe to drive?
Signs of Elderly Driver Decline:
- Drives either too fast or too slow for the road and traffic flow
- Relies on passengers for line of site questions
- Responds too slowly or doesn’t see bicyclists, pedestrians, or other drivers on the road
- Ignores, disobeys or misunderstands traffic lights and street signs
- Stops being able to gauge the distances between or approaching cars
- Doesn’t yield to others that have the right of way
- Seems drowsy, confused, or frightened, or easily angered or frustrated
- Drifts across lanes or bumps into curbs
- Forgets to turn on headlights after dusk
- Seems to be having a lot of near accidents or is having car accidents
- Lacks the strength to turn the wheel quickly in case of emergency
- Gets lost on the road, even in familiar areas
- Has difficulty maneuvering their neck, head, or shoulders while driving or parking
- Experiences night blindness when glare from oncoming headlights or streetlights appears
- Ignores needed mechanical repairs
If you can identify one or more of these issues in your elderly parent, suggest they be assessed by their medical doctor as they may be unfit to drive.
Caregivers Should Look at These Medical Issues:
- Has the elderly person had a physical exam in the last year to test reflexes, vision, and hearing?
- Have they been diagnosed with any medical illness that could affect their ability to drive?
- Has a physician recommended that they stop driving?
- Are they on any medications that could make them drowsy?
- Have they reduced their alcohol intake to compensate for a decreasing tolerance?
- Have they had a serious fall in the last year?
- Do they have difficulty climbing a flight of stairs or walking more than a city block?
Easing into Decreased Driving Ability
Just because your elderly parent is experiencing declines in their abilities doesn’t mean that they have to give up driving all together:
- Stop driving at night
- Only drive in familiar areas
- Avoid highways and rush hour traffic
- Leave plenty of time to get to destination
- Don’t drive alone
The AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons) sponsors a program called the 55-Alive Mature Driver Program, which helps older people deal with issues such as compensating for vision problems associated with aging. And, the Association for Driver Rehabilitation offers referrals to specialists who teach people with disabilities, including aging drivers, how to improve their driving. Some states, including Washington, offer seniors a discount on car insurance in exchange for taking a safe driving course each year.
If you or a loved one were injured in a car accident, you have enough to deal with. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is two to three times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. today for a FREE consultation!
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