VanMeveren Law Group August 2017

VanMeveren Law Group August 2017

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August 2017

Colorado’s ‘Move Over’ Law Just Got Tougher

A s we discussed last month, slow drivers in the fast lane can be frustrating and lead to dangerous passing situations that often create accidents. But as dangerous as slow left lane drivers can be, there is a more serious roadway issue involving Colorado’s “Move Over” law. In short, the penalties for ignoring this important law just got tougher. What is the Move Over law? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. In fact, a national survey revealed that 71 percent of Americans have never heard of Move Over laws. The law has been around for some time, and it’s part of every state’s overall highway laws. In Colorado, the Move Over law was enacted in 2005. It has resulted in 417 convictions statewide over the past three years alone. The law’s purpose is to protect emergency personnel stopped alongside our busy roadways. The law has two critical components designed to save the lives of first responders and state patrol officers. First, the law requires that drivers approaching emergency vehicles move one lane over and away from emergency vehicles to allow for maximum clear space for personnel to respond. Second, the law also requires drivers to pull over to the right side of the road and stop when an emergency vehicle approaches with sirens or flashing lights, yielding until the emergency vehicle has passed. Imagine a Colorado state patrolman making a routine traffic stop. He or she pulls the violator over, exits the patrol car, and approaches the driver’s side door of the car ahead. As the officer approaches the other vehicle, an inattentive motorist traveling too fast in the right lane hits and kills the officer.

officer was hit and killed every month on our nation’s highways. In 2015, 52 law enforcement officers died as a result of traffic-related incidents, 11 of whom were killed while standing outside their own vehicle. Just last month, Governor Hickenlooper signed into law the “Move Over for Cody Act.” This legislation raises penalties against drivers who ignore the existing law protecting emergency personnel. The bill is named after a Colorado state patrolman, Cody Donahue, who was struck and killed by a semi while investigating an accident. The new penalties associated with ignoring the Move Over law include potential jail time (between 12 and 18 months) and fines of up to $100,000. If the violation results in death, it is now considered a class 6 felony. The new, more stringent, Move Over law goes into effect September 1 and should be a sobering reminder to slow down, move over, and allow emergency personnel to do their job in a safer environment.

~ Bryan VanMeveren

This isn’t a fictional scenario. This happens far too frequently on our roadways. Between 1993 and 2009, one

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They Say Ignorance Is Bliss … But Is It Healthy? The Effects of Negative News

world around you. As you consume threatening news, you’re more likely to spot threats in your day-to-day activities that aren’t there, which leads to anxiety. WHY IS THE NEWS SO NEGATIVE? As news media revenue goes down and people become desensitized, news organizations feel the pressure to show emotionally relevant material such as crime and accidents. At a basic level, for something to be “newsworthy” — negative or not — it needs to be the exception to the rule, not the norm. That means watching the news might give you an inaccurate view of what daily life is like in the world. HOW TO FIGHT THE NEGATIVITY It’s important to understand important issues of the day. But when the news becomes too much, psychologists encourage you to take a break with some good news — or no news at all. Advances in medicine and technology happen all the time! Seek out those stories or take a break from news altogether. That’s when no news can become good news.

It’s nearly impossible to log on to social media or turn on the TV without seeing something distressing. Rather than dwelling on what’s troubling, let’s focus on how to protect our mental health. THE PSYCHOLOGY OF BAD NEWS A study by Psychology Today found that people who watch negative news feel worse about pre-existing

worries than people who watch happy or neutral events. That means people watching the news don’t just feel anxious about the world — they feel more anxious about their own lives. British psychologist Dr. Graham Davey, who specializes in the effects of media violence, says negative news can affect how you interact with the

Testimonial

My experience with Bill Doutt at VanMeveren Law Group was absolutely great! Bill is a wonderful person to work with. He is very honest, hardworking, reliable, and extremely personable. Any time something new came up with the case or he had new information, he always called or emailed right away to let me know. He went far beyond my expectations in regards to the final return. I would highly recommend using Bill at VanMeveren Law Group. I know I sure will if the need arises again. Thank you, Bill!

–Anonymous

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Oral Surgery and SoMuchMore

When you need oral surgery or another procedure that your general dentist doesn’t provide, it can be a challenge finding the right specialist. Most dentists have specialists they refer, but when you don’t know anything about them, you may be hesitant to commit without first doing your due diligence. That’s why Fort Collins Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, L.L.C. has earned a mention in this month’s newsletter. Dr. Mark Orr, D.D.S., M.D., has earned a reputation for providing excellent care for his many patients. Within the scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Orr specializes in a number of procedures, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and facial reconstruction. Additionally, he works with patients suffering

from TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and sleep apnea.

When it comes to mouth, jaw, head, and neck issues, Dr. Orr is exceptionally educated and accomplished. And as a Colorado native hailing from Grand Junction, the high mountain lifestyle is in his blood. For more on Dr. Orr and Fort Collins Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, as well as a complete look at the OMS and cosmetic procedures he specializes in, visit fortcollinsoms.com. Fort Collins Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 2014 Caribou Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-225-9555

AVOCADO

and Cucumber Cold Soup

Summer may be drawing to a close, but the heat doesn’t feel like it’s going anywhere soon. Cool off with this light, cold soup and enjoy those last few sunny summer afternoons!

Ingredients: • Olive oil •

• • • • •

1 lemon, juiced ½ cup cold water

2 medium ripe avocados, halved

1 clove garlic

• • •

1 large cucumber, halved

¾ teaspoon salt

6 stalks spring onions

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 jalapeno

Directions: 1. Preheat grill to medium-high. 2. Coat halved avocados with lemon juice to avoid browning. Brush olive oil over avocados, cucumber, spring onions, and jalapeno. Oil grill while hot. 3. Grill vegetables until everything is grilled or slightly charred. Once grilled, remove and place on platter to cool.

4. Chop grilled veggies and puree with lemon juice, cold water, garlic, salt, and black pepper. 5. Once smooth, portion soup into bowls and refrigerate to cool before serving. 6. Garnish with toasted cubed bread, avocados, spring onions, chives, lemon zest, or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Recipe inspired by kirantarun.com.

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THE BEST OF AUGUST in Fort Collins

Outdoor Movie Night August 1, 8, and 15, 8 p.m. Downtown Fort Collins 19 Old Town Square Fort Collins, CO 80524

Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest August 11, 12, and 13 Downtown Fort Collins 19 Old Town Square Fort Collins, CO 80524 The Bohemian Nights summer concert series is set to conclude with Bohemian Nights at NewWestFest. The three-day music festival is expected to showcase over 80 Colorado bands. And it wouldn’t be a music festival without plenty of food and drink. As always, the event is free and great for the whole family. Be sure to check bohemiannights.org for the complete festival schedule.

Peach Festival 5K August 19, 8 a.m. Civic Center Park 225 LaPorte Ave Fort Collins, CO 80521

Need something to do on a Tuesday evening? Why not head to Old Town Square for a free movie and some free popcorn? This month, Outdoor Movie Night is playing the 1984 version of “Ghostbusters” (9/1), “Inside Out” (9/8), and “The Sandlot” (9/15). Movies are scheduled to start at dusk (about 8 p.m.), but you might want to show up a little early to get situated.

On August 19, Fort Collins celebrates all things peach with the seventh annual Peach Festival. For the runners out there, if you’re looking for a 5K for August, the Peach Festival has you covered with their 5K run/walk. It’s ideal for both solo runners, groups, and families. And, after the race, you can enjoy a peach pancake breakfast. Find more details, as well as registration information, at fortcollinspeachfestival.com.

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