Auto Insurance Too Expensive for Many Drivers

Car accident

Car accidentUnder the law, Massachusetts drivers must purchase auto insurance before they get behind the wheel. But this is not always cheap. A new study reports auto insurance has become too expensive for 19 million Americans, making it important to shop around so you can find the most coverage for your budget.

The report, “Study on the Affordability of Personal Automobile Insurance,” was released in January by the Federal Insurance Office of the United States Treasury. The Federal Insurance Office (FIO) was created by Congress with the passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. The office is charged with monitoring consumers’ access to affordable insurance products.

The report found basic liability automobile coverage is unaffordable in 845 zip codes where 19 million people live. Households in those areas had average auto insurance costs which exceeded more than 2 percent of average household income.

Massachusetts is the 10th most expensive state for car insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Drivers pay on average $1,007 per year. New Jersey drivers pay the most nationally, with an average expenditure of $1,254.

The cheapest place to drive is Idaho. On average, drivers there pay just $553 for insurance.

Take time to understand your insurance policy. Before you buy car insurance in Massachusetts, remember these points:

Check out our chart. We have developed this chart and article, “Understanding and Buying Auto Insurance in Massachusetts.”

How much insurance do you need? Drivers must purchase Compulsory Coverage, which includes Bodily Injury to Others, Personal Injury Protection (PIP), Bodily Injury from an Uninsured Driver and Damage to Another Person’s Property. But you should also purchase Optional Coverage. Read more about the different types in our article, “Understanding and Buying Auto Insurance in Massachusetts.”

Underinsured and uninsured coverage. While these fall under Optional Coverage, they are essential. Far too often, drivers do not carry enough insurance of their own or outright ignore the law and do not buy insurance. In these cases, you will need to look to your own Underinsured and Uninsured coverage.

Discounts. You may be eligible for a discount if you purchase your auto insurance and homeowners insurance policies through the same carrier. Auto clubs may also offer discounts.

Cycling accidents. If you are a cyclist, you can purchase coverage to protect yourself in a bicycle accident through your auto insurance policy. It may cost more, but it is worth the investment. Many drivers do not carry enough insurance and you may have to turn to your own policy for compensation.

Shop around. This is your right. Massachusetts deregulated the auto insurance market in April 2008, giving drivers the freedom to research the market and find the best policy for their needs. Pay attention to deductibles; often that is where consumers can negotiate lower rates, but you will usually end up paying a higher deductible if you are found at fault for a car accident.

Factors which may increase your cost. Your age, the type of car you drive and the town where you live can all impact the cost of your auto insurance policy. Before you buy your next car, check in with your agent first.

About Breakstone, White & Gluck
The lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 100 years combined experience representing those who have been injured in car accidents. If you have been injured, learn your rights. For a free legal consultation, contact 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form.

 

Breakstone, White & Gluck Partners With Schools During 2016 Project KidSafe Campaign

As part of our commitment to keep children safe, Breakstone, White & Gluck donated bicycle helmets to several schools and safety programs during our 2016 Project KidSafe campaign. We made donations to schools in the Boston area and across the state.

We made our largest donation of 400 helmets to Massachusetts Safe Routes to School, which works with schools, communities, students and families to increase biking and walking among elementary and middle school students. Safe Routes to School offers safety education and organizes bicycle rodeos in more than 50 percent of communities in Massachusetts.

This is the second year our law firm has partnered with Safe Routes to School. In 2016, Breakstone, White & Gluck donated helmets to support Safe Routes to School’s work at schools, including:

  • Brayton Elementary School in North Adams
  • Arlington Elementary School in Lawrence
  • Gibbons Elementary in Stoughton

Last Spring, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School also gave out helmets from our Project KidSafe campaign at a bike rodeo at the South Boston Neighborhood House. Attorney David W. White fit helmets for the kids and participated:

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Left: Attorney White with Moss Lynch and Jana Linhart of Massachusetts Safe Routes to School, Maren Tober of South Boston Healthy Community Champions and Mary Picard Walsh from the South Boston Neighborhood House. Next: Attorney White helping a young cyclist. Next: Group shot of kids with Jana Linhart, Safe Routes to School outreach coordinator and Attorney White. Last: Young cyclist takes to the obstacle course.

In 2015, Breakstone, White & Gluck donated helmets to support Safe Routes to School’s work at:

  • Lawrence Bike Program, Lawrence
  • Avon Bike Rodeo, Avon
  • Reingold School Bike Rodeo, Fitchburg
  • Bike & Trike Parade, Salem
  • Newman School Festival, Needham
  • Greenfield Bike Rodeo at Greenfield Middle School, Greenfield
  • Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem
  • Milton Rodeo at Pierce Middle School, Milton
  • Williams Elementary Bike Rodeo, Pittsfield
  • Ciclovia, Lawrence
  • Springfield Library Bike Rodeo, Springfield
  • Foncesca Bike Summer Session, Fall River

Other Donations to Schools
Through our Project KidSafe campaign, Breakstone, White & Gluck has donated over 10,000 helmets to children in Boston and across Massachusetts since 2013. Our other donations to schools and education centers during our 2016 campaign include:

Somerville Public Schools and CYCLE Kids
In Somerville, we donated 300 helmets to Somerville Public Schools and CYCLE Kids. The helmets were given to fifth graders who completed the CYCLE Kids curriculum as part of their physical education classes. The curriculum teaches students how to ride a bicycle, bicycle safety and nutrition basics. This is the third year we have made this donation. Attorney Marc L. Breakstone joined Somerville Police Officer Marianne Manfra, Physical Education Teacher Kris Savage in handing out the helmets to students at the Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School last June. Read our blog.

Arlington Public Schools

In Arlington, we made a donation to the Arlington Public Schools for the third year. We donated 170 helmets to support the Walk to School Day events for elementary school students. These events focus on encouraging children to safely walk and ride bicycles to school. Our Project KidSafe bicycle helmets were donated to children who needed one during these events. The donation was coordinated through the Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee.

Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center
For the second year, Breakstone White & Gluck donated bicycle helmets to the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center in South Boston. Attorney David W. White fit helmets for the children at the center’s summer party in July.

A boy receiving a new bicycle helmet. 20160707-IMG_1261 20160707-IMG_1351 20160707-IMG_1242  Attorney David White with a young cyclist in South Boston. 20160707-IMG_1293

Haynes Early Education Center
In Roxbury, we donated 75 helmets to the Haynes Early Education Center, which is part of the Boston public school system. The school gave the helmets to children who needed one at its Healthy Families Event. Read our blog.

Photos: Arlington Public Schools left, then the Haynes Early Education Center.

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Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition and Easthampton Public Schools
In Easthampton, we donated 140 bicycle helmets to children at the Event to Celebrate Bike Safety in May. The event was sponsored by the Easthampton Healthy Youth Coalition, Easthampton Police, Easthampton Public Schools and the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Attorney David W. White attended to help fit helmets for the children. Read our blog.

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Breakstone, White & Gluck Makes Helmet Donations in Arlington and Watertown

arlington-elementary-schools-2016-editAs part of our Project KidSafe campaign, Breakstone, White & Gluck recently donated children’s bicycle helmets in Arlington and Watertown.

We donated 300 helmets in Arlington, where we have partnered with the Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee and donated helmets for the past three years.

On September 17th, the Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee distributed 70 of our Project KidSafe helmets at Arlington Town Day.

“Town Day is always a highlight of the year for us and it is great to be able to help people out with the helmets and vests,” Chairman Chris Tonkin wrote us.

The committee also coordinated our donation of 170 helmets to the Arlington Public Schools last Spring. Our Project KidSafe bicycle helmets were donated to children who needed one during Walk to School Day events for elementary school students.  In April, Breakstone, White & Gluck also made a donation to the iCan Shine Bike Camp. The camp meets during April school vacation and teaches individuals with disabilities age 8 and older how to ride a bicycle. We have partnered with the camp to make this donation for the past three years.

arlington-town-day-2016-editOn September 24th, the Watertown Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee donated 100 helmets to children at the Watertown Faire on the Square. This was the third year we have partnered with the committee.

We thank the committee members in both communities for taking time to fit the helmets and answer questions about safety.

Breakstone, White & Gluck cares about the safety of cyclists in Massachusetts and actively supports cycling safety in the Boston area. We launched our Project KidSafe campaign in 2013 to protect children. Our goal was to give children access to a safe bicycle helmet, which properly fits and help them understand the importance of wearing one every time they ride. Read more about our 2016 Project KidSafe campaign.

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Photos: Top, students in Arlington Public Schools receive new helmets during a Walk to School Day event. Middle, Chris Tonkin of the Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee talks about bicycle safety at Arlington Town Day in 2016. Bottom, children at the Watertown Faire on the Square give a thumbs up for our Project KidSafe bicycle helmets.

Attorney Marc Breakstone Reaches $1.375 Million Settlement for Pedestrian Struck and Seriously Injured by MBTA Bus

breakstone_150Attorney Marc Breakstone recently reached a $1.375 million settlement for an elderly man who was hit by an MBTA bus in a pedestrian crash while crossing Dudley Street in Roxbury. The man suffered a traumatic brain injury and bone fractures.

The on-board bus video showed the pedestrian bus accident was preventable. The plaintiff was clearly visible to the operator, who did not respond for several seconds. The investigation revealed the bus driver was traveling above the speed limit.

The video also confirmed the bus driver gave a false account to MBTA Police. The driver said the man had run out from behind parked vehicles. But the video showed there were no parked vehicles obstructing the view and the victim was not running.

The case was settled at mediation in May 2016 and later reported in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Read the case report.

Our Experience: One of the Largest Bus Accident Verdicts in Massachusetts
The attorneys of Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 100 years combined experience representing those who have been injured by the negligence of others in car, truck and bus accidents. Bus accident cases are complex and many attorneys do not have experience investigating these cases or representing those who have been injured or killed. But our attorneys have this unique experience; we have handled motor vehicle and bus accident cases from the insurance claims level through trial and appeal.

Many cases can be settled prior to trial, but not every case. In 2008, Attorney Marc Breakstone took a client’s case against the MBTA to Suffolk Superior Court. After a two-week trial, his client was awarded $5.4 million, including interest. It was believed to be one of the largest verdicts ever in Massachusetts for an injury of its kind.

The MBTA filed a motion for a new trial and was denied. It then appealed the case. The state’s Appeals Court affirmed the judgment and the Supreme Judicial Court denied a petition for further review. By the time the MBTA had exhausted its options, the judgment rose to $7.1 million, with interest and medical expenses and lost earning capacity. Read about this case.

About Attorney Marc Breakstone
Marc L. Breakstone has more than 30 years of experience practicing law in Boston. He has been selected as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in New England and Top 100 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts. He has also been selected by his peers as one of the top medical malpractice plaintiff’s lawyers in the Super Lawyer balloting. In 2002, Attorney Breakstone was honored as one of ten “Lawyers of the Year” by Massachusetts Lawyers WeeklyMore on Marc Breakstone.

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Breakstone, White & Gluck and Project KidSafe Campaign Recognized for Bicycle Helmet Donations and Commitment to Safety at Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Awards Event

Massachusetts Safe Routes to School, the statewide program which teaches children how to walk and bike to school safely, honored 14 communities with awards at the State House this morning. Breakstone, White & Gluck and our Project KidSafe campaign were also recognized for donating children’s bicycle helmets to the program.

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Attorney David White of Breakstone, White & Gluck attended the 2016 Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Awards and is shown here with Jana Linhart, a school outreach coordinator with Massachusetts Safe Routes.


Lt. Governor Karyn Polito was the keynote speaker at the 2016 Safe Routes to School Awards ceremony, which was held in the Grand Staircase Hall. Other speakers included: Scott Bosworth, the chief strategy officer for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT); Michael Cahill, mayor of the City of Beverly and Diane Hanson, program director for Massachusetts Safe Routes to School.

Breakstone, White & Gluck has partnered with Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (Massachusetts Safe Routes) for the past two years, by donating bicycle helmets to children who need one and participate in the organization’s bicycle safety programs. In 2016, we donated 400 new bicycle helmets for children.

“We have already given away a third of the helmets this year. We are so thankful for their support,” said Nikki Tishler, of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), while addressing the event. MassDOT manages the Safe Routes to School program.

Breakstone, White & Gluck has made these bicycle helmet donations as part of our Project KidSafe campaign, which we launched in 2013 with a goal of keeping children and families safe. We have since donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets to children across Massachusetts, with help from organizations such as Massachusetts Safe Routes, Boston Bikes’ Roll It Forward, Bikes Not Bombs, CYCLE Kids and many local bicycle committees, schools and police departments.

Our law firm wants to help promote bicycle safety in Massachusetts. Wearing a bicycle helmet is the most effective way for cyclists to protect themselves from a head injury and is especially important for children in case of a bicycle accident or fall. Still, many children and families do not wear one and we want to help make a difference.

Massachusetts Safe Routes has been making a difference and protecting children for 10 years. It was one of the first Safe Routes programs in the country and today, its programming reaches over 333,000 students. It works with 51 percent of schools in Massachusetts, has 740 partner schools and is active in 199 communities. In addition to educating students, it works with school resource police officers and organizes fun events such as bike rodeos. It has also started developing programs to help children walk and bike to school safely in the winter.

If you are a parent, you may be familiar with Safe Routes programming. If not, visit the website for a list of important safety tips: http://www.commute.com/safe-routes-to-school/resources.

The 2016 Massachusetts Safe Routes to Schools awards list:

Exemplary Program North Region
Lincoln Elementary School, Winchester

Exemplary Program South Region
Joseph H. Gibbons Elementary School, Stoughton

Exemplary Program Central Region
Burbank Elementary School, Belmont

Exemplary Program West Region
Rebecca M. Johnson Elementary School, Springfield

Community Collaboration
Milton Transportation & Traffic Sub-Committee

Measurable Impact
New Bedford Public Schools

Biking All-Star
Leroy Wood School, Fairhaven

Walking All-Star
Letourneau Elementary School, Fall River

Winter Walking and Biking
Marcella R. Kelly Full Service Community School, Holyoke

Regional Superheros of the Year
Mass in Motion Coordinators, Lynn
The Supervisor of Health Services, Stoughton Public Schools
Newton Safe Routes to School Task Force Founder, Newton
Mass in Motion Coordinator, North Adams

 

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Attorney Marc Breakstone Settles Motorcyclist Wrongful Death Case for Family for $3.5 Million

A truck and a motorcycle after a fatal accident in West Bridgewater, MassachusettsAttorney Marc Breakstone recently settled a wrongful death case for the family of a motorcyclist for $3.5 million. The case was settled in March 2016.

The motorcyclist was tragically killed by a waste disposal truck in West Bridgewater in 2013. The truck, which was being operated by a subcontractor, pulled out across the road in the path of the motorcyclist. The motorcyclist applied the brakes and laid down his motorcycle, attempting to avoid the collision and struck the defendant’s truck at less than 5 mph.

The motorcyclist continued to roll under the truck. The truck driver did not see him and ran the rear tires over his body, killing him.

The truck driver should never have been behind the wheel. The driver had a “Z” restriction on his license, which prohibited him for operating any vehicles that did not have a breathalyzer interlock on the ignition. The truck had no interlock and the driver was criminally charged.

Read the full trial report.

About Attorney Marc Breakstone

Boston Attorney Marc BreakstoneMarc L. Breakstone has established a reputation as one of the top medical malpractice and personal injury lawyers in New England. His record-setting settlements and verdicts have earned him the distinction of being selected as one of the Top 100 Super Lawyers in New England and Top 100 Super Lawyers in Massachusetts. He has also been selected by his peers as one of the top medical malpractice plaintiff’s lawyers in the Super Lawyer balloting. In 2002, Attorney Breakstone was honored as one of ten “Lawyers of the Year” by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. More on Marc Breakstone.

About Breakstone, White & Gluck

The Boston personal injury attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 100 years combined experience handling motor vehicle accident cases resulting in serious personal injury or wrongful death. If you have been injured, it is important to learn your rights. For a free legal consultation, contact us at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form.

Breakstone, White & Gluck Donates 300 Bicycle Helmets to Help Somerville Students Ride Safe

Attorney Marc Breakstone visited Somerville yesterday to help distribute new bicycle helmets to fifth-graders. But first he wanted to talk about their commitment to bicycle safety. “Is everyone ready to take a pledge?” he asked.

Click the video to watch:

For the third year, Breakstone, White & Gluck was pleased to donate 300 bicycle helmets to fifth graders in Somerville schools who completed the CYCLE Kids curriculum, which teaches bicycle riding and safety. Attorney Breakstone visited with about 60 students at the Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School at Lincoln Park and helped hand out the new bicycle helmets and certificates of completion for the CYCLE Kids training program.

Breakstone, White & Gluck is committed to helping children ride bicycles safely. Since 2013, we have donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets as part of our Project KidSafe campaign. Every year has brought a donation in Somerville, which actively promotes bicycle safety for children, through the schools, dedicated school resource officers and community organizations which promote safety events.

Our goal is simple: to encourage children to wear helmets and prevent head injuries in falls and bicycle accidents. Massachusetts law requires cyclists who are 16 years old and younger to wear bicycle helmets, though it is recommended for cyclists of all ages.

CYCLE Kids is a Cambridge non-profit organization which provides bicycle safety and nutrition curriculum for schools across the country. Locally, Cambridge and Somerville schools teach the curriculum in physical education classes.somerville-cyclekids-2016

Attorney Marc Breakstone with the fifth-graders from the Dr. Albert F. Argenziano School in Somerville. 

The Somerville fifth graders who completed the CYCLE Kids curriculum learned how to ride a bicycle, safety skills such as wearing a helmet and using hand signals and nutrition fundamentals. Students are also encouraged to share their experience – and any fears they have – through essay writing.

“It can be scary for the kids who don’t know how to ride,” physical education Kris Savage said. “It is a brave thing for them to ride in front of their peers.”

Breakstone, White & Gluck coordinated the donation with CYCLE Kids, Somerville Public Schools and Somerville Police Officer Marianne Manfra. Attorney Breakstone, Officer Manfra and Kris Savage, physical education teacher at the Argenziano School, handed out the new Project KidSafe bike helmets to the children.

This year, we learned one of the fifth-graders who received a new bicycle helmet had taken his own steps for bike safety for his school and classmates. Caleb Piehl won the Saris National Bicycle Poster Contest last fall. As part of his prize, he won a trip to the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. in March, a new Scwhinn bicycle, safety gear and a great prize for the school: a new 20-rack bicycle parking system that can track users’ mileage.

About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck is a Boston personal injury law firm which is committed to the safety of all bicyclists in Massachusetts. We have over 100 years combined experience representing bicyclists injured by the negligence of others. If you, or a member of your family, has been injured in a bicycle incident, please feel free to contact us for a free legal consultation at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form. Thank you and RIDE SAFE!

 

Breakstone, White & Gluck Donates 100 Children’s Bicycle Helmets to Norwood Police, Norwood Bike Safety Day

With a donation from Breakstone, White & Gluck, Norwood Police distributed free bicycle helmets to children who needed one at Norwood Bike Safety Day over the weekend.

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Attorney David W. White with Norwood Police Chief William G. Brooks III and Officer Paul Murphy. Photo courtesy: @ChiefBrooksNPD.

This is the second year Breakstone, White & Gluck has donated helmets for distribution on Bike Safety Day, which was held at the Balch Elementary School. Bike Safety Day was organized by the Norwood Police Department and the Norwood Bike Depot, a local bicycle shop. Norwood Police school resource officers and the Mountain Bicycle Unit were out to meet the community.

Parents and children had the opportunity to learn how to fit a bicycle helmet directly from police officers. Bicycle safety inspections were also offered for all ages.

Breakstone, White & Gluck donated the bicycle helmets as part of our Project KidSafe campaign, which has donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets in eastern Massachusetts. We launched our campaign in 2013, with a simple goal: to help children ride their bicycles safely and to prevent head injuries.

In Massachusetts, cyclists 16 years old and younger are required to wear a bicycle helmet. By wearing a helmet, cyclists can reduce their chance for head injury by 50 percent, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Yet many cyclists still do not wear helmets.

Breakstone, White & Gluck will make several bicycle helmet donations to local police departments this year. In recent weeks, we have made donations to the Cambridge Police Department as well as the Boston Police Department and others. These are important partnerships because local police departments regularly encounter children who are riding without helmets. By donating a bicycle helmet, we hope to encourage safe riding and create an opportunity for a positive interaction between police and youth.

Bicycle Safety Resources for Parents

bike-safety-pageWe invite you to visit our website and view our bike safety page. There is a video on how to properly fit a bicycle helmet as well as articles on cyclists’ rights in Massachusetts and understanding how car insurance impacts cyclists.

About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck is a Boston personal injury law firm which is committed to the safety of all bicyclists in Massachusetts. We have over 100 years combined experience representing bicyclists injured by the negligence of others. If you, or a member of your family, has been injured in a bicycle incident, please feel free to contact us for a free legal consultation at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form. Thank you and RIDE SAFE!

Breakstone, White & Gluck Donates Children’s Bicycle Helmets for Lexington Bike Walk ‘n Bus Week

Cyclists of all ages came out strong for Lexington’s Bike Walk ‘n Bus Week in May. Breakstone, White & Gluck was pleased to donate bicycle helmets to children who needed one at events such as the Bike Smart Class for fourth- and fifth-graders and the Bike Art Contest. With each helmet given, children and parents were shown how to properly fit them on their own.

We are also happy to see these two little cyclists stopped by for a Project KidSafe helmet. Thanks ArtsOffRoad Lexington for sending along the photos.

Child wearing a bicycle helmet.

Photos courtesy: ArtsOffRoad Lexington.

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Bike Walk ‘n Bus Week was held from May 14-22 and coincided with Bay State Bike Week. While the rest of the state celebrated cycling, Lexington focused on bicycling, walking and encouraging use of alternate transportation, such as buses.

The organizers were the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee, Greenways Corridor and Massachusetts Safe Routes to School. Events included breakfasts, bike rides, a bike parade and bike maintenance workshops.

There are two active committees representing cyclists in Lexington: the Lexington Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Friends of Lexington Bikeways, which coordinated the bicycle helmet donation from Breakstone, White & Gluck. Because of their work and the strong local interest in cycling, Lexington was named a bronze level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Cyclists in 2015.

Breakstone, White & Gluck donated 140 bicycle helmets in Lexington this Spring. It is the third year we have made a donation and it is nice to see the community’s interest. In addition to Bike Walk ‘n Bus Walk Week, Lexington Police gave out bike helmets at Discovery Day on May 28th and showed children and families how to properly fit them.

Breakstone, White & Gluck donated the bicycle helmets as part of our Project KidSafe campaign. Since 2013, we have donated more than 10,000 bicycle helmets to help children prevent head injuries and ride their bicycles safely.

Read about our past events and donations here.

Visit this page to view bicycle safety resources.

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Breakstone, White & Gluck Donates Over 300 Children’s Bicycle Helmets in Westborough, Lexington and Dorchester

These are the days when children just want to be outdoors, riding their bikes. We want them to enjoy the experience and always, always wear a bicycle helmet.

Breakstone, White & Gluck recently made bicycle helmet donations in Westborough, Lexington and Dorchester as part of our Project KidSafe campaign. We are committed to protecting young cyclists and are now in the fourth year of our campaign. Along the way, we have donated over 10,000 bicycle helmets to children who need one, with support from community groups, bicycle safety organizations, police departments and schools which organize bike helmet giveaways.

Wearing a properly fitted bicycle helmet is the best way for cyclists to protect themselves against head injuries from falls and bicycle accidents. Under the law, anyone who is 16 years of age or younger in Massachusetts is required to wear one while riding.

Westborough Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee

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Attorney David White and Bruce Tretter, Westborough Selectman and Chair of the Westborough Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, with fellow committee members Ellen Gugel and Glenn McLeod, at Spring Festival in Westborough on May 7, 2016.

We recently partnered with the Westborough Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee for a third year and distributed nearly 200 bicycle helmets over two weekends.

On April 30th, 120 children’s bicycle helmets were distributed to families at the Boroughs Family Branch of the YMCA of Central Massachusetts. The giveaway was part of Healthy Kids Day. On May 7th, Attorney David White joined committee members and together distributed about 80 helmets at the Spring Festival, a three-day event sponsored by the Rotary Club of Westborough.

Discovery Day in Lexington
Over Memorial Day, Lexington held its 37th Annual Discovery Day, a chance for residents to enjoy music, food and learn about local businesses and town government. Families also had the opportunity to learn about bicycle safety at the Lexington Police Department tent. Police officers gave away 100 of our Project KidSafe bicycle helmets to children, while also showing them and their parents how to properly fit the helmets.

This was the third year Breakstone, White & Gluck has donated children’s bicycle helmets in the Lexington community. The donations have been arranged by the Friends of the Lexington Bikeways.

UP Academy Dorchester

Bicycle helmet donated to UP Academy by Breakstone, White & Gluck and its Project KidSafe campaign.

The UP Academy Dorchester wanted to start a conversation with middle school students about bicycle safety. To help, Breakstone, White & Gluck recently donated bicycle helmets and provided safety literature. The UP Education Network is a non-profit management organization which works to turnaround low-performing schools. It operates three tuition-free schools in Boston and two in Lawrence, serving 2,600 of the state’s historically underserved students. A new academy will open in Springfield next Fall.

The UP Education Network was founded in 2010, the year Massachusetts passed education reform to re-start low performing schools. Once a school district, city or state identifies a school needs a restart, the UP Education Network can take on full management for the school. The academies operate inside – not independent of – school districts.

About Breakstone, White & Gluck
Breakstone, White & Gluck is a Boston personal injury law firm which is committed to the safety of all bicyclists in Massachusetts. We have over 100 years combined experience representing bicyclists injured by the negligence of others. If you, or a member of your family, has been injured in a bicycle incident, please feel free to contact us for a free legal consultation at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form. Thank you and RIDE SAFE!