A few days ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed regulation that would mandate installation of rollover prevention safety systems in new large commercial trucks and buses.
]]> The aim of these electronic systems is stability control. They enable computer-controlled braking functions when a vehicle is poised to become uncontrollable. Essentially, system sensors can detect when drivers are losing control of a vehicle and apply brakes to certain individual wheels automatically to correct under-steering or over-steering. This response will aid drivers in maintaining control of their vehicles and avoiding rollovers.Research indicates that these systems may prevent more than half of rollover accidents annually. This effort builds upon earlier regulation which mandated these systems in new passenger vehicles, beginning with 2012 models.
NHTSA administrator David Strickland praised the proposed regulation recently, noting that, "We've already seen how effective stability control can be at reducing rollovers in passenger vehicles. Now, we're expanding our efforts to require stability enhancing technology on the many large trucks, motor coaches, and other large buses on our roadways."
Safety advocates are similarly praising the proposal. Hopefully the proposal will swiftly become a mandate, benefitting all commercial drivers, passengers, and everyone else with whom they share the road.
Source: Kentucky.com, "Gov't proposal aimed at bus, truck rollovers," Joan Lowy, May 16, 2012
]]>This is certainly convenient for most Tennessee adults, but a new study reveals that button batteries can be injurious or even deadly for young children. And without proper manufacturing regulations, any number of dangerous and defective products can make it easy for kids to access these batteries and swallow them.
]]> A recent study published in the journal "Pediatrics" reveals how serious and widespread this problem is. It is estimated that between 1990 and 2009, about 66,000 children under age 18 were treated in emergency rooms for battery-related injuries. Among children who suffered such injuries, the average age was four years old.Swallowing a button battery is not just a choking hazard; nor is it a matter of "just letting it pass," like when a baby swallows a coin. Acid and other chemicals in the battery can burn holes in the esophagus or cause internal bleeding. This can lead to permanent injury or even death.
One of the study's co-authors noted: "We've seen children in less than two hours have severe, severe injuries from button batteries getting caught in the esophagus."
There are already safety requirements for manufacturers of children's products to make the battery compartments difficult for kids to open. However, button batteries are in an increasing number of products meant for adults, and children interact with these all the time.
That's why some safety advocates are calling for stricter manufacturing requirements nationwide. One of the study's authors said: "For manufacturers, what we really need is to have an overarching effort by the industry to make battery compartments inaccessible and child-resistant. For all products. Not just toys. Because most were not coming from products intended for children. They were coming from remote controls. Flashlights."
Until or unless such requirements are passed, parents need to keep an extra close eye on what their baby picks up and plays with. Button batteries are everywhere, and they can be lethal.
Source: CBS News, "Button batteries blamed for uptick in emergency room visits, study finds," Ryan Jaslow, May 14, 2012
]]>Some Tennessee residents who can no longer work because of a disability may qualify to receive Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. However, the process is not without complications and a lot of red tape. Many familiar with the program say that some basic reforms are needed.
]]> One advocate for reform is woman from Ohio who has been receiving SSD benefits for about two years. She was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer when she was just 39-years-old.She has beaten the odds and survived much longer than expected, but her chronic illness has robbed her of many important aspects of her life, and has drained her financially. She is now working with others to convince Congress to reform certain laws governing SSD.
First, she believes it is too difficult for most individuals to meet the eligibility requirements necessary to receive benefits under the Supplemental Security Income program. She is asking Congress to raise the resource limit from $2,000 to $20,000 for individuals.
Additionally, she believes there are problems with the SSD insurance program; specifically the credit of work calculator. Currently, only the previous 10 years of an individual's income are taken into account when benefits are awarded.
She explains: "For most people in this situation, the last 10 years is when they were sick or recovering from surgery. They may have worked for 30 years, but their disability income doesn't include the money they put in while they were well." Calculating benefits based on an individual's total working career would be an adequately fair solution, she has concluded.
These are common-sense reform ideas, and the problems she identifies highlight just some of the complications associated with the SSD program. Until and unless significant reforms are enacted, those wishing to apply for SSD benefits may wish to seek the help of a qualified attorney to aid them in navigating this complex process.
Source: Dayton Daily News, "Cancer survivor advocate for disability rights of all," Susan Dalzell, May 2, 2012
]]>This is because they can cause internal damage and may require additional surgery to remove. Recently, a growing number of patients in Tennessee and elsewhere are warning others about an allegedly defective hip replacement made by Tennessee-based Wright Medical Group.
]]> One of these patients is an Arizona man who says he suffered severe pain and required emergency surgery when his hip replacement suddenly snapped less than a year ago. His medical implant was called the Wright Profemur Total Hip System.Recalling the day of his accident, the man said: "I thought for a second that maybe there had been an earthquake. I didn't know. I yelled on the way down. I had no idea why I was falling."
During the subsequent surgery, the surgeon needed to carefully remove metal fragments from inside the man's body. He later learned that the device had broken right where the leg connects to the hip.
The injured man recently filed a lawsuit against the manufacturers alleging "design defects" in the product. He also accuses Wright of failing to warn the Food and Drug Administration or patients about the device's allegedly high rate of failure.
Finally, the man's lawsuit states that Wright Medical Group decided approximately three years ago to change the metal used to make the hip implants. However, the company allegedly took "no corrective action in the form of a recall or even an announcement warning to the medical community or to the public at large concerning its decision," according to the complaint.
Whenever a patient is seriously injured by the failure of a medical device, chances are good that other patients have had similar experiences. In the coming weeks and months, we may see more lawsuits against Wright regarding these defective medical devices.
Source: AZfamily.com, "Lawsuit filed after Phoenix man says hip implant broke," Meredith Yeomans, April 18, 2012
]]>Like most medical devices, it works well when it works. But hundreds or even thousands of women are now reporting debilitating injuries and chronic pain caused by this dangerous and often defective product.
]]> In a recent Canadian news report, several women had the chance to share their own stories. The words of these injured women speak to just how devastating vaginal mesh complications can be.One woman said: "The pain is like a migraine headache... from the knees to navel. Sometimes it is burning; sometimes it is a sharp pain."
Another woman, who has only had the mesh implanted since 2010, noted that the constant pain makes it impossible for her to work a job. She said: "I can't sit, it's difficult to drive. I can't sit more than five minutes before I am in bad pain . . . My greatest fear is that it gets worse than it is now. The mesh could migrate further.
Many of the women interviewed must now rely on powerful pain medications to manage their symptoms. Even with these drugs, they say, the pain is still quite intense.
Unfortunately, many women who have received vaginal mesh implants were not adequately informed about the risks and alternatives. Several of the health problems addressed by vaginal mesh implants can be treated in other ways, while other conditions can safely be left untreated.
As far as the risks are concerned, it seems clear that these and other patients were not adequately warned. That's why hundreds or even thousands of women who have been harmed by defective vaginal mesh are now banding together to sue for the compensation they deserve.
Source: CTV News, "More women describe transvaginal mesh problems," April 30, 2012
]]>Unfortunately, spring generally brings a spike in motorcycle accidents for a number of reasons. Because many riders take the winter off, their skills may have gotten rusty during that time. Similarly, other drivers need time to readjust to seeing more motorcyclists on Tennessee roads.
]]> According to a recent news article, the most dangerous time for any individual motorcyclist is his or her first 30 days as a beginner. This may seem obvious, but it is important to note just how high the crash risk is during this period.According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, beginning riders face four times as much risk in their first 30 days as they do during their whole second year of riding.
This heightened risk is reflected in the institute's insurance claim statistics. The data reveals that between 2003 and 2007, about 22 percent of claims for motorcycle accidents were filed within the first 30 days of the insurance policy. After about six months, the rate of claims dropped by two-thirds.
Just like teen drivers, new riders need to gain experience over time. Motorcycle operation and safety training courses can certainly help, but there is no shortcut.
In the end, becoming a skilled rider likely takes a combination of time, education and a commitment to making smart choices. The director of one training program notes: "We say we improve knowledge, skill sets and increase awareness. We can fix the ignorance part. We can't fix stupid."
Source: TheRepublic.com, "Motorcycle crash risk drops sharply after the first month on the road," Michael Virtanen, April 15, 2012
]]>It will likely not surprise you that the leading cause of death among children aged eleven and under was car accidents back in the day when seat belts were not mandatory. What may surprise you, however, is that even with today's continually improving child safety restraint systems, this reality has not changed.
]]> This astonishing issue has grabbed the attention of both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These two high-profile organizations are joining forces to educate parents about the prevalence of fatal car accidents and on how to keep their children safe.The NHTSA has created a public service announcement for all major forms of media aimed at educating parents about selecting the best safety seat for their child. The agency estimates that approximately 9,000 children's lives have been saved due to proper safety seats over the past few decades. In light of this statistic, this public service announcement is uniquely valuable.
In addition, the IIHS is focusing on the fact that many proper restraint systems are too difficult for parents to reasonably use. Efforts will focus both on seats and on the anchors, rings and tethers that cars are outfitted with.
The lives of our smallest passengers are unquestionably worth protecting. Therefore, the latest safety efforts of the NHTSA and IIHS are most welcome.
Source: Torque News, "What is the biggest threat to your child? The surprising answer," John Goreham, Apr. 4, 2012
]]>More than two years after the Toyota scandal first broke, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has made a formal proposal which would mandate the installation of devices aimed at ending this problem in passenger cars.
]]> Specifically, the proposal insists that brake-throttle override systems be installed in all light trucks and passenger vehicles within the next few years. These systems aid drivers in regaining control of their vehicles after sudden unintended acceleration has occurred.These systems are becoming standard safety equipment in many models, but if the NHTSA proposal is implemented, every car sold in the U.S. would be outfitted with the technology.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recently said: "America's drivers should feel confident that any time they get behind the wheel they can easily maintain control of their vehicles - especially in the event of an emergency. By updating our safety standards, we're helping give drivers peace of mind that their brakes will work even if the gas pedal is stuck down while the driver is trying to brake."
The proposal will not be finalized and submitted to lawmakers before a 60-day comment period has been fully implemented. The comment period will begin soon, for all consumers who wish to express support or concern regarding the proposal.
Source: Chicago Tribune, "Federal regulators want brake-override systems in all cars," Jim Puzzanghera and Jerry Hirsch, Apr. 13, 2012
]]>But there is one driving hazard that is not often addressed despite being somewhat common. Last November, we wrote about the dangers of unrestrained pets in the car, or even worse, pets riding on the driver's lap.
]]> Safety advocates warn that allowing pets to ride unrestrained can be incredibly distracting for the driver and quite dangerous for both the animal and the humans in the car. Despite the dangers, this is an issue which has been largely unaddressed by law makers and law enforcement.However, one Tennessee lawmaker recently introduced legislation that would ban this practice. The Tennessee House of Representatives is considering a bill introduced by Representative Jim Cobb. It would prohibit having a pet on the driver's lap and also having it ride between the driver and the driver's-side door.
Why are unrestrained pets so dangerous? Not only does their unpredictable behavior often distract the driver and make a crash more likely, but they may also make crash more injurious or fatal.
A statistic from insurancequotes.com states that if you got into a crash driving 50 mph, an unrestrained dog weighing just 10 pounds would nonetheless exert 500 pounds of pressure. A larger dog will exert even more pressure in crashes at lower speeds.
Dogs or other pets who ride unrestrained suddenly become projectiles during a car accident. But most pet owners fail to realize the potential dangers to themselves and their beloved family pet. In fact, a 2010 survey by AAA reveals that about 20 percent of drivers who own a dog have allowed the dog to ride on their lap in the car.
Hopefully, the legislation will pass. Most of us love our pets like members of our own family. If we make our children wear seatbelts in the car, we should want the same protection for our beloved animal companions.
Source: Fox 4 Kansas City, "Should Dogs Be Allowed in the Driver's Seat?" Michelle Pekarsky, April 3, 2012
]]>It could be the nice weather or the improving economy putting more cars on Tennessee roads, therefore causing more accidents. But state government and law enforcement officials are betting that many of these accidents are caused by dangerous driving behaviors and could be prevented.
]]> That's why the Governor's Highway Safety Office (GHSO) is launching a comprehensive enforcement campaign called "More Cops. More Stops." Rather than focusing on just one preventable driving hazard at a time, Tennessee law enforcement will be cracking down on a variety of common yet dangerous behaviors.In a recent press release, the director of the GHSO explained: "We know that wearing seatbelts is the single most effective way to protect people in vehicle crashes, so we will be watching closely to make sure everyone is buckling up. But we are also working to prevent crashes in the first place, so we'll be looking for drivers in Tennessee who are engaging in risky behaviors on our roadways like drinking and driving, texting while driving or speeding."
This campaign is rather unique in its broad focus. According to the press release, Tennessee is one of just two states partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to conduct this project. It is meant to be a national demonstration that, if effective, may soon be adopted in other states.
For the foreseeable future, Knoxville drivers need to be aware that any bad driving habits they might have will likely be under closer scrutiny by law enforcement. However, the reward for this increased enforcement will hopefully be a safer driving experience.
Until recently, we have enjoyed years of safer roads and a declining number of car accident fatalities. Hopefully, we will be able to stop this sudden change in statistics and regain our positive safety record.
Source: ClarksvilleOnline.com, "Tennessee Governor's High Safety Office cracks down on Traffic Violations with 'More Cops. More Stops.' Campaign," government press release, April 12, 2012
]]>Until recently, drivers in Knoxville and around the state have been safer due to a seven-year decline in annual road deaths. In 2011, car accident fatalities in Tennessee dropped to their lowest recorded numbers since the early 1960s.
]]> But the first three months of 2012 have ushered in a disturbing rise in fatalities. In all, 238 people have died in car accidents on our state's roads during the first quarter of this year. That's an increase of approximately 28 percent from the first quarter of last year, which saw 186 deaths.The causes of the increase aren't entirely clear yet. Some theorize that the unprecedented warm weather after a mild winter has resulted in more road miles traveled by more Tennessee drivers.
We have previously written that spring often brings an increase in motorcycle accidents, because this is when other drivers need to readjust to seeing these smaller vehicles on the road. If motorcyclists have been getting their bikes out early, motorcycle accidents could certainly account for some of the increase in road fatalities.
An improving economy could also account for more drivers on the road, whether they are commuting or taking family vacations.
Others believe that the increase in fatalities is simply the result of dangerous driving behaviors like texting, speeding and drunk driving. As such, state transportation officials and law enforcement want to see stricter enforcement efforts.
The director of the Governors Highway Safety Office said: "We have encouraged all agencies to really step up enforcement because of the higher number of fatalities we have seen in the first three months of 2012."
Check back next week as we talk about a comprehensive traffic safety campaign that will result in "more cops" and "more stops" on Tennessee roads.
Source: The Commercial Appeal, "Rise in traffic fatalities fuels crackdown on traffic violations in Tennessee," Kevin McKenzie, April 9, 2012
]]>But another one of these risky driving days is coming up early next week. Believe it or not, researchers have found that drivers are actually at a higher risk of car accidents when driving on income tax day, which is Tuesday, April 17 this year.
]]> After looking at 30 years of crash data, Canadian researchers discovered that drivers, passengers and pedestrians are six percent more likely to die in an accident on tax day than on other days around that time.The increase is likely due to the fact that about 20 percent of Americans wait until the very last minute to file their tax returns. All that stress and time pressure likely translates into some pretty careless and aggressive driving.
One of the study's researchers said: "All of a sudden there's one source of stress that's onerous, synchronized, repeated and applies to a huge community,"
After examining crash fatality rates on annual tax days from 1980 to 2009, researchers compared them to rates from days a week earlier and a week later (within the same year). On average, there were about 13 more car accident fatalities on tax day.
And it is likely that non-fatal crashes also go up on income tax day, resulting in injuries and a lot of wasted money. One of the researchers said: "The average crash causes about $8,000 worth of damage. The 6 percent increase in risk would amount to about $40 million in societal costs due solely to the surge of crashes on tax day."
Hopefully, you are not among the 20 percent who have yet to file. If you are, though, there are ways to keep yourself safe while driving next Tuesday. Make sure you buckle up, and take deep breaths to keep yourself calm and focused while behind the wheel.
It has been said that the only two certainties in this life are death and taxes. We know that taxes are due next Tuesday, but if you are careful, death does not have to be.
Source: MSNBC, "Deadly car crashes spike 6 percent on tax day, study finds," JoNel Aleccia, April 10, 2012
]]>According to a couple in nearby LaFollette, which is just north of Knoxville, this is exactly what two Campbell County law enforcement agents did after one crashed through the wall of their home in an alleged drunk driving car accident last fall.
]]> On an early September night last fall, a 52-year-old woman was watching TV in her living room when an off-duty detective from the Campbell County Sherriff's Office crashed his pickup truck through the wall.The crash injured the woman, trapping her under debris and fracturing her clavicle. The driver tried to flee the scene, but the woman's husband held him at gunpoint while calling 911.
While still at the scene, the detective allegedly made a cell-phone call to another man and requested to be picked up. A little while later, a Campbell County officer told 911 dispatchers to essentially stop the Tennessee Highway Patrol from reporting to the scene as originally planned.
The detective was picked up from the couple's home and his truck was towed away. He may have been drunk at the time of the crash, but there is now no way to prove that because no blood tests or field sobriety tests were administered.
The couple recently filed a negligence lawsuit against the County, the Sheriff's Office and individuals involved. The detective and the Chief Deputy who allegedly picked him up have both been fired, but it is clear that this incident was not handled correctly. The couple believes there was a law enforcement cover-up, and it is easy to see why.
Source: Knoxville News Sentinel, "Couple sues Campbell County Sheriff's Office for living room crash," Natalie Neysa Alund, Mar. 23, 2012
]]>On the surface, their efforts appear to be working. Car accident fatalities on U.S. roads have been declining for several years, and are now near their lowest levels on record. Does this mean that we are becoming better and safer drivers? The answer is no, according to a recent comprehensive report by the Governors Highway Safety Association.
]]> The decline in fatalities appears to have very little to do with better driving. Rather, it is largely due to improved safety technology in cars. In fact, the GHSA report shows that speeding and aggressive driving are responsible for about one-third of total road fatalities.According to the report, there were 32,885 car accident deaths on U.S. roads in 2010. Of these, more than 10,000 were related to speeding. And when comparing today's statistics to overall data, it becomes evident that there has not been improvement in speeding statistics for more than three decades.
There may be no easy solutions to these problems. Only 11 states have anti-aggressive-driving laws on the books. And even with laws, enforcement may be an issue. The report shows that Tennessee is one of many states that have reduced the number of law enforcement staff, which means fewer police available on the roads to enforce speed limits and stop aggressive drivers.
It is important to remember that speeding and aggressive driving are also negligent driving. This means that when a driver injures others because he won't slow down or can't keep calm behind the wheel, victims of his negligent driving may be able to hold him liable in a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: Car Connection, "Speeding, Aggressive Driving Still Cause 1/3 Of Fatal Accidents," Richard Read, Mar. 9, 2012
]]>However, 15-passenger vans are particularly susceptible to rollover car accidents. As such, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to issue safety tips related to these vehicles as the busy spring season begins.
]]> The NHTSA wants Americans to be particularly concerned with overloading these vehicles. Overloading not only heightens the risk of a rollover accident, but also makes these vans more difficult to handle due to instability.In addition, tire pressure can greatly affect the safe handling of these vehicles. For this reason, it is crucial to have tires checked before setting out on the road. It is important to pay attention to proper inflation and pressure measurements, as well as how worn the tires are and whether they are appropriately sized.
Passengers are advised to wear safety belts while traveling in 15-passenger vans. This may seem like common-sense advice, but far too few Americans buckle up, and such behavior is particularly important in vehicles prone to rollovers.
Finally, it is critical that 15-passenger vans be checked for regular maintenance issues before setting out on any long trips. Small safety issues can balloon when large vehicles and long distances mix.
15-passenger vans are a popular way to see the country or to simply shuttle people short distances. However, it is important to keep safety in mind when dealing with these large vehicles.
Source: Occupational Health and Safety, "NHTSA Offers Tips for Safe Travel in 15-Passenger Vans," Mar. 24, 2012
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