road safety

Tips to Ride an ATV Safely

Now that the warm weather is here, there are so many outdoor activities to try like ATV riding. ATVs and other off-road vehicles (ORVs) can be a lot of fun, but there are rules to follow to ensure safe driving. ATVs do not have the same amount of safety features that other vehicles have so it is important to be aware of this.

ATVs, much like other motor vehicles, present their own set of risks. Driving an ATV is a very different experience than driving a car so it is imperative that you have the right experience for this type of vehicle. Depending on the type of ATV you have, some ATVs can reach highway speeds. However, ATVs are not built with the same safety features as cars and other motor vehicles like seat belts, crumple zones and airbags. All of these risks should be considered before you begin riding your ATV.

5 Safety Tips for ATVs and RVs

Follow local laws for ATVs or Off-Road Vehicles

Before you hit the road, it is important that you understand your province’s ATV or Off-Road Vehicle laws. It will cover everything you need to know including where you can ride and tips on how to ride safely.

Your ATV is not a toy

ATVs can be a lot of fun, but it is crucial to take the necessary precautions to prevent any potential injuries. ATV/ORV safety should be taken seriously to prevent any potential accidents.

Safety gear is important

One of the best ways to stay safe while riding an ATV is wearing the right safety equipment. Some of this safety gear includes helmets, goggles, long shirts and pants, and boots. Wearing the right safety gear will help to protect you if you get into an accident.

Maintain your ATV on a regular basis

There is nothing more important than staying on top of your ATV maintenance. Regularly maintaining your ATV is crucial in preventing breakdowns and avoiding potential accidents.

Steps to Take After an ATV Accident

If you have been in a collision or car accident, the steps you take afterwards are critical. Getting in touch with a personal injury lawyer that specializes in ATV accidents will help you determine if you are entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

Practicing ATV safety is essential to ensure a fun and enjoyable riding experience. By following these ATV safety tips, including wearing appropriate protective gear, maintaining the ATV properly, and avoiding dangerous riding behaviors, riders can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. It is crucial to always prioritize safety while riding an ATV to prevent potential harm to oneself and others.

To learn more about ATV safety tips, contact Dye & Russell. Whether you have questions about slip and falls, car accidents or trauma, we can answer any questions or concerns you may have about staying safe on the road.

May 25, 2023 Uncategorized

Spring in to Cycling Season

One of the more popular past times when the weather starts to get nicer is cycling. Now that Spring has finally sprung, you can expect to see an increase in the number of people spending time outdoors. Cycling is a great way to stay healthy, remain active and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Among all the benefits cycling has to offer, there are also a number of risks. Here are our tips on how to stay safe as you kick off this cycle season.

Check your bike

Its been a while since your bike has seen the outdoors. Make sure you give it a once over before you take it out for the first ride of the season. Check for things such as tire pressure and whether the tire spokes are secure and undamaged. Do your brakes work? What about the chain, has it rusted? Determine what, if any, issues you have and what your next step is. Can you fix it yourself, or do you need to call a repair shop? If you are unsure, bring it in to a bike shop just in case.

Safety equipment

Hitting the road again after a long winter can be a bit nerve wracking. Taking things slow and following the proper steps to being safe on the road can help prevent injury later. We can argue that a helmet is the most important piece of equipment for a cyclist. It can help prevent against concussions and even brain injury. Other preventative safety measures can include adding reflectors and lights to your bike and wearing bright clothes. Keeping yourself visible is the key.

Hit the Road

At last, the time has finally come. Your bike has been through its version of spring cleaning and you are ready to go. Make sure you check both ways before you cross the street, brush up on your hand signals, and be careful around areas that can become slippery and dangerous when wet (e.g., wood, painted brick).

Even if you and your children are practicing safe cycling, sometimes you can still be injured by others. If you or someone you love has been injured by another party’s negligence while cycling we can help with their recovery journey

April 14, 2023 Road Safety

Can Social Media Impact the Outcome of your Injury Claim?

In the present day, it is no secret that anything you post online goes onto your digital permanent record. Deleted posts, while not visible to your friends or family, never fully disappear. Therefore, it is extremely imperative that those who enjoy sharing photos, status updates, and location information with their social media audiences be mindful of what they choose to post.

You would not want your boss to see your long-winded status update complaining about the new office policy, would you? Our guess is no. However, job security is no longer the only thing that can be threatened by social media – personal injury claims are too. Allow us to explain:

Inconsistent Images

Social media is not typically the most authentic place. Your feeds have given you the opportunity to present the most envy-inducing version of yourself to anyone who views them, and most people take advantage of that power.

Including defence lawyers.

If your life were dramatically altered after a car accident-related brain injury, chances are that you would not post or feel like posting when you were in the midst of dealing with painful side effects. Mental health issues caused by the accident will likely go unmentioned on your Facebook timeline, and details about the physical injuries you sustained will not be described in detail, if at all.

So how does it look to an opportunistic defence lawyer, when on the one evening you decided to go to your friend’s annual Labour Day barbecue, multiple photos were taken and posted online that made it appear that you were out and about, having the time of your life?

This is where many sufferers who are seeking compensation for their injuries misstep. If you are claiming the accident has dramatically affected your emotional life, but meanwhile, you are trying to portray a carefree and happy image on social media, the defence could use that as evidence to have your case thrown out.

Proper Protocol

If you experience a personal injury, it is wise to avoid posting anything on social media from the day you are injured until the day your case has been settled in court. Despite your abstinence from social media, friends and family still have the power to post updates and images related to you. Therefore, it is highly advised that you speak to those within your inner circle about the potential risks associated with your social media presence and ask them to avoid mentioning you online. Furthermore, while having airtight privacy settings is a good security step to take, the settings may not protect you from the defence gaining access to your posts.

Social media can be great fun, however, suffering after a personal injury is far from it.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages you faced. Contact us to book your free consultation.

October 15, 2022 Driving, General surgery, Liability Claims, Road Safety, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries

5 Road Safety Tips

Fall is an exciting time of the year. The leaves are changing colours, the air is getting cooler and the idea of wrapping up in a blanket with a warm beverage is too good to resist. There are pumpkin patches to visit, apples to pick and piles of leaves to jump in.

Going for a car ride to admire the beautiful colours and scenery Ontario has to offer is a great way to spend time with your family outside of your home in a safe environment. While these mini-road trips can induce a sense of freedom and possibility, they can also pose a serious risk when drivers fail to navigate the roads safely.

So, before you embark upon your next adventure, ensure that you’re aware of these safety precautions that must be taken to ensure a safe arrival at your destination:

Plan Ahead

First and foremost, it’s crucial to map out your route before you sit down in your vehicle. In doing so, you will learn ahead of time if you will be encountering any obstacles such as construction zones. In addition, planning ahead gives drivers the confidence of knowing how long the drive will take, so they can plan accordingly and avoid rushing through traffic to make it to their destination on time.

Double Check Items in Tow

It’s imperative that if you are towing a trailer, a boat, or any other item behind your vehicle, you ensure that it is secured properly. If it’s a trailer, double-check that the lights on it are working, so that the traffic following behind you can see if you are about to pull over or turn. Furthermore, confirm that the trailer tires are in good shape, to avoid any potentially dangerous accidents on the highway.

Avoid Distracted Driving

The digital age has created the pressing issue of smartphone addiction. If you’re operating a vehicle, you should comply with a strict “no cell phone” rule, to avoid any temptation to check your phone. Distracted driving is a highly dangerous plague to the safety of drivers everywhere.

Luckily, Ontario law now deems it illegal for drivers to use their phones for communication purposes while on the road. Still, not everyone adheres to these laws, and those who use their cell phone behind the wheel are four times more likely to crash than those who focus on driving. Not only do you amplify the risk of causing your passengers harm by checking your phone, you further put the safety of surrounding vehicles in jeopardy.

However, if you’re on the road and desperately need to make a call, you are permitted to do so using Bluetooth technology and the hands-free function on your phone.

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving entails driving with the sole intent of avoiding a collision. This may mean remaining even-tempered when faced with aggressive drivers, maintaining a comfortable speed, and a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. By having patience and practicing defensive driving, you limit the risk of injuring yourself, your passengers, and the people in surrounding vehicles.

Stay Focused

If your trips Point A is a considerable distance from its Point B, you’re going to need to ensure that you get the rest you require to avoid a fatigue-related collision. You should not allow the excitement and anticipation of reaching your destination to impair your judgment of when it’s time to take a break from driving. Furthermore, be sure to make frequent stops at gas stations, even if you don’t need to purchase anything so that you can stretch and increase your alertness and blood circulation.

By taking these safety precautions on your road trip, you’ll dramatically lower your risk of getting into an accident on your journey. However, if you have been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be able to receive compensation for the damages you faced. Contact us to book your free consultation.

September 15, 2022 Driving, Road Safety, Safety

Motorcycle Safety and Awareness

With the cold months almost behind us, it is time for people to take advantage of the warm weather outside. May is just around the corner, and with it comes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Most motorcycle accidents occur in the spring and summer months when the weather is better for driving. Last year the OPP said there was a 60% increase in fatalities while travelling where a motorcycle was involved. If you have been in an accident expert personal injury lawyers at Dye and Russell can aid in informing you of your legal rights, how damages are measured, and the best course of action moving forward.

As new motorcyclists join the road it is important to be knowledgeable of road safety and the possible injuries that can happen while on a motorcycle. Here are some tips for driving on the road as safely as possible.

Common Motorcyclists Injuries and How to Avoid Them:

Head Injury
This can be the most dangerous while riding a motorcycle, it is imperative to wear a well secured helmet to prevent brain injuries and lower the risk of head trauma or disabilities as the result of an accident.

After an injury it is important to reach out to emergency services as well as qualified lawyers to help you ensure you receive the compensation you deserve while pursuing legal action.

Muscle, Bone, Skin, and Nerve Damage

Motor vehicle accidents are one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries. Without a seatbelt there is nothing to help motorcyclists to brace themselves from impact during an accident. Wearing the right safety gear such as thicker pants and jackets, safety pads, and gloves can aid in preventing road rash, muscle injuries, and nerve damage to the body upon impact.

Since motorcycle accidents are common it is important that you seek the right representation when making your case and claiming your earned compensation. The lawyers at Dye and Russell are highly qualified to help you through this process.

Mental Trauma

Being in an accident is a scary experience and can often cause anyone involved to experience shock immediately or after the accident. Mental stress is difficult and overwhelming, but it is important to try and take the right steps after an accident.

Knowing these safety rules of the road and how to properly operate a motorcycle can lower the risk of traumatic accidents. After an accident has occurred reaching out to a personal injury lawyer like the ones at Dye and Russell can help quickly answer any questions you have.

Safety Tips for Drivers and Motorcyclists:

Check the Weather

The roads can still have rough conditions in the warmer summer months due to heavy rain, dust and debris, and high winds which can be difficult to handle while operating a vehicle. Here are some of our helpful tips on how to drive safely during the rainy months. Checking the weather before traveling will allow proper preparations for what to do in climate change.

If you’ve been in an accident, you can reach out to Dye and Russell for a free claim evaluation and answers to any legal questions you may have.

Check for Blind Spots

Motorcycles are smaller than cars and thus harder to see while driving. When trying to change lanes or make turns on the road, thoroughly check your vehicle’s blind spots to lower the risk of collision.

Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be eligible to claim some compensation and accident benefits. At Dye and Russell guiding clients down the road to recovery is the main goal. Reach out for answers to any questions regarding your case.

Slow Down and Leave Room

Speeding is often one of the main causes of fatalities involving motorcycles. Due to the size and speed of motorcycles they are more sensitive to any changes in the road, so slowing down will allow for more time to react and lower the force of impact of a collision. A common occurrence with motorcycle accidents is rear ending. Making sure to give adequate space between you and any vehicle will make driving safer.

Being the victim in a hit and run can happen, so it is important to immediately contact a personal injury lawyer to get the compensation you deserve.

Remaining knowledgeable of the risks of riding and sharing the road with motorcycles is important for more than only the month of May. Knowing how to drive safely and sharing these tips is a great way to have a safer summer while spreading information for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Have any questions? Reach out to Dye and Russell today.

For more information on Ontario motorcycle laws and safety tips, visit the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website. If you or a motorcyclist you know of has been involved in an accident, have them contact us at our Ajax (905-427-2000) or Barrie offices (705-726-2146) for their free consultation. Your road to recovery is important to us.

May 6, 2021 Driving, Road Safety, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Staying safe and following the rules of the road is always important. It becomes even more important during the winter months when roads and driving conditions are less than ideal.

It is during this time that our team at Dye and Russell Personal Injury Lawyers see an increase in vehicle accidents among other seasonal accidents such as a slip and fall.

Contacting a #personalinjury lawyer if you have been involved in an accident is one of the first things you should do. The experts at Dye and Russell have experience working with #vehicleaccident claims and understand your frustrations. We are here to get you what you deserve and make recovery as smooth as possible.

If you plan on driving anywhere this winter, here’s what you should know.

Winterize your vehicle.

Prepare your vehicle for the Canadian winters by taking the necessary precautions.

Change your tires from all-seasons to winter tires.
Properly defrost windows and remove any obstructions like ice.
Update your car safety-kit with winter items like an ice scraper.

Failing to equip your vehicle with the proper tires or performing regular maintenance could lead to an accident and potentially cause serious #injury. In instances when an accident has occurred reaching out to an experienced personal injury lawyer can help answer many of the questions you will no doubt have.

Keep fluid levels topped up.

In addition to regular maintenance, it is important to keep your fluids (like gas and windshield-washer fluid) topped up. Condensation in the gas tank has the potential to freeze and cause problems and a lack of windshield-washer fluid can limit visibility when driving.

The lack of visibility is a serious risk while driving in winter conditions. It is easy for ice to build up and for a vehicle to spin out of control. Should you find yourself in this situation and an accident you have been involved in has caused injuries, you should contact an expert like the lawyers at Dye and Russell. They work quickly and diligently to ensure you receive the financial and physical compensation you deserve.

Wipe off your vehicle.

Wiping snow off your vehicle reduces the likelihood of snow sliding off and obstructing the view of drivers behind you. Drivers who have been involved in an accident because of the #negligence of another person should speak with a lawyer immediately.

Have a cellphone.

In the event of an accident, having a cellphone will allow you to connect with help and emergency services (if needed). It also gives you the ability to connect with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible following the accident. When you fast dial #1000 from your cellphone, you will be connected with our team at Dye and Russell Personal Injury Lawyers. Helping you from the start is part of the Dye and Russell experience.

By no means should a cellphone be used by the individual while driving; drivers should pull off to the side of the road before making a call.

Adjust for the road conditions.

No matter what tips you follow, adjust your driving to match the road conditions. It is your responsibility to be a safe driver and take the necessary precautions.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, contact the experts at Dye and Russell Personal Injury Lawyers. Their team of professionals have years of experience in #personalinjury law and fighting for the compensation you deserve. Call and book your FREE consultation today at 1-877-883-6171 or fast dial #1000 on your cell phone.

January 31, 2021 Driving, Road Safety, Safety

Hit and Run Accident: Why You Should Contact A Lawyer

A hit and run accident is an accident where one of the parties involved leaves the scene of the accident. Often the vehicle that leaves the scene is unidentified and has failed to exchange information with the other driver, however, this is not always the case. There are instances where the other vehicle has been successfully identified whether by someone at the scene or at a later date. Hit and run accidents can also involve pedestrians who have been struck by a vehicle that has then fled the scene.

Leaving the scene of a hit and run accident between vehicles is a criminal offence under the Highway Traffic Act – especially if an individual is injured because of the accident.

These types of accidents can have serious consequences. It becomes harder to determine liability and collect accident details when there is no one at the scene to be held accountable or question. Hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer right away will help ensure victims are fully compensated.

Accident Claims
Even if an individual is involved in a hit and run accident that results in injury and the other vehicle cannot be identified, our team of professionals will find you coverage through your own insurance policy. In Ontario, the standard policy of insurance, referred to as OAP 1, contains provisions that allow you to seek recourse through unidentified and/or uninsured conditions of your own insurance policy. An experienced lawyer at Dye and Russell can help explain these legal difficulties & help recover fair compensation for your injuries.
Persons injured as a pedestrian, even while lacking an OAP 1, are still eligible to receive compensation. The Motor Vehicle Accident Claims Fund (MVACF) is a provincial body, set by the Province of Ontario, to assist persons without insurance. It is through this fund that a person can obtain accident benefits. Connecting with a personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Working with a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you work with a personal injury lawyer from Dye and Russell, we’ll make sure you have access to certain types of benefits and provide the help you need to navigate the system of insurance. Often times people think because the vehicle or person responsible for the accident cannot be identified, they have no options.
Our lawyers have experience working with big insurance companies and know how to get you maximum coverage. It is our responsibility to help identify the opportunities of recourse available to you. For instance, your own insurance policy. Any dependents, such as a spouse or child, are able to seek legal remedy under that policy.

Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
An expert lawyer from Dye and Russell can help you navigate the insurance system and help you get the fair and rightful compensation you deserve. They can assist with getting access to additional coverage under your policy and help you understand the legal side of your case.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a hit and run accident, call the professional lawyers at Dye and Russell today at 1-877-883-6171.

December 1, 2020 Driving, Road Safety, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries

Common Questions Personal Injury Lawyers Get

The field of personal injury law can be unclear and often leave people feeling confused and overwhelmed. There is emotional and financial stress that coincides with an injury and navigating the recovery process, both legally and health wise, can be daunting.

At Dye & Russell it’s our mission to help guide you and your family through the entire process, protecting your rights and fighting to make sure you receive what you’re entitled to. Big insurance companies don’t have your best interests at the forefront and aren’t going to fight to get what you deserve; they want to pay out as little as possible.

As personal injury lawyers, it’s important that our clients feel empowered and knowledgeable about their case; after all it’s their lives that are impacted. To alleviate some of the unknown, here are some of the common questions asked of our lawyers at Dye & Russell.

Why do I need a personal injury lawyer?

Simply put, personal injury law is one of, if not the most, complex areas of law. It requires going after compensation from large insurance companies, all while navigating the elusive, ever changing laws and regulations. Having been in the industry for over 20 years, our personal injury lawyers have the experience and expertise to protect your rights and get you on the right path to a complete recovery.

How soon after and accident or injury can I contact a personal injury lawyer?

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, it’s important that you contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. There are certain cases that require you to put the defendant on notice within a matter of days if you will be suing. If this doesn’t occur, the defendant can argue the claim is out of time & that you weren’t really injured, potentially barring your claim. Dye & Russell aims to protect your rights and provide you access to the treatment needed in the beginning stages of your injury. Acting quickly to collect and preserve necessary evidence to present your case makes a difference in receiving what’s fair.

How do I pay for the legal services?

One of the common reason’s individuals don’t seek out a personal injury lawyer is the fear of what it will cost. Often their injury has prevented them from working so the thought of another expense is off-putting. At Dye & Russell we offer a free claim evaluation of your case, no obligation. When you do decide to have us represent you, you don’t pay until we’ve settled or won your case. We ensure you receive the proper funding for necessary treatment and do whatever it takes to properly assess and present your claim. Little things like this can help relieve some of the stress and financial burden that is tied to a personal injury case.

How long does it take to settle my claim?

The amount of time it takes to settle a personal injury claim can change based on the complexity of the case. It isn’t uncommon for cases to range from 2-3 years before being resolved; although some are resolved much quicker. When you contact Dye & Russell we’ll happily explain the claim and litigation process, in addition to providing you with an estimate on how long it will take to resolve the claim.

If you feel you have been wrongfully injured in an accident due to the negligence of another or have had your claim denied, contact Dye & Russell.

January 26, 2020 Driving, General surgery, Orthopedic, Road Safety, Safety, Spinal Cord Injuries

Spring in to Cycling Season

Among all the benefits cycling has to offer, there are also a number of risks. Here are our tips on how to stay safe as you kick off this cycle season.

Check your bike

Its been a while since your bike has seen the outdoors. Make sure you give it a once over before you take it out for the first ride of the season. Check for things such as tire pressure and whether the tire spokes are secure and undamaged. Do your brakes work? What about the chain, has it rusted? Determine what, if any, issues you have and what your next step is. Can you fix it yourself, or do you need to call a repair shop? If you’re unsure, bring it in to a bike shop just in case.

Safety equipment

Hit the Road

At last, the time has finally come. Your bike has been through its version of spring cleaning and you’re ready to go. Make sure you check both ways before you cross the street, brush up on your hand signals, and be careful around areas that can become slippery and dangerous when wet (e.g., wood, painted brick).

Fast dial #1000 free from your cell and we’ll get you the support you need.

April 25, 2019 Road Safety

How to be safe on a jog

Summer jogging is a great way to stay fit without shelling out big bucks on a gym membership. It’s also a great way to see more of your neighbourhood. Many areas of Ontario have jogging trails and paths of varying length and incline.

Staying safe on a jog, however, can be a challenge. By following some safety steps, you can greatly reduce your risk of injury while on a run. You might not know about many of the safety risks you could face while jogging. Here are some helpful tips on staying safe on a jog.

1. Bring some basics

When disaster happens, be it injury or crime, what you’re carrying can be vital and even save a life. Bringing a phone with you on a jog can mean a way to call for help. A phone can also be a map if you’re lost. Carrying some form of identification can come in handy in case of an emergency.

Other basics for jogs include water, keys, a whistle and even mace (if jogging in a wild or unsafe area). Much of this depends on when you’re jogging, how long the jog is and where it’s happening. It’s always good to be overprepared rather than underprepared.

2. Don’t jog alone

Bringing a jogging buddy can greatly reduce the risk of injury. Wild animals are less likely to attack, and someone may think twice about committing a crime if it’s double the risk. Bringing another jogger also means that if injury happens there is someone to call for help, give a statement and ensure immediate danger is minimized.

This is also a great way to enhance the overall jogging experience and motivate yourself to jog faster and longer.

3. Be traffic safe

Traffic collisions are a common cause of injury to joggers. For joggers, there are ways to avoid traffic-related injuries. By facing oncoming traffic, you have more of a chance to see an approaching vehicle and you improve your response time significantly. For vehicles, this gives them a clear view of you, meaning collision is less likely.

Wearing brightly-colored clothing, such as glow-in-the-dark clothes or runner’s lights, can reduce risk of injury as well. Most of all, don’t jog on the road at night.

4. Know yourself

Jogging is physical activity and we all have limits. It’s good to be ambitious with your fitness plan but also be realistic. If you’re planning to do a marathon distance on a jog, bring enough water to last you and maybe a small snack, especially if your blood sugar drops routinely. Account for distance back home on the jog.

On the jog, monitor yourself. If you’re struggling, don’t force yourself to finish a jog that’s going to injure you. It’s better to slowly make progress than injure yourself and make no progress at all.

If you have been injured, and need legal assistance, call #1000 on your cell phone for free. We will offer you a free claim assessment.

July 6, 2018 Road Safety, Uncategorized

Tips to Ride an ATV Safely

Spring in to Cycling Season

Can Social Media Impact the Outcome of your Injury Claim?

5 Road Safety Tips

Motorcycle Safety and Awareness

Tips for Safe Winter Driving

Hit and Run Accident: Why You Should Contact A Lawyer

Common Questions Personal Injury Lawyers Get

The field of personal injury law can be unclear and often leave people feeling confused and overwhelmed. There is emotional and financial stress that coincides with an injury and navigating the recovery process, both legally and health wise, can be daunting.

As personal injury lawyers, it’s important that our clients feel empowered and knowledgeable about their case; after all it’s their lives that are impacted. To alleviate some of the unknown, here are some of the common questions asked of our lawyers at Dye & Russell.

Why do I need a personal injury lawyer?

How soon after and accident or injury can I contact a personal injury lawyer?

How do I pay for the legal services?

How long does it take to settle my claim?

If you feel you have been wrongfully injured in an accident due to the negligence of another or have had your claim denied, contact Dye & Russell.

Spring in to Cycling Season

How to be safe on a jog

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