Last month, the National Transportation Safety Board issued several important recommendations at a hearing in Washington. After studying two school bus accidents in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Baltimore, Maryland, the Board suggested that all school buses be outfitted with lap and shoulder straps. Though the NTSB has no regulatory authority, it’s safety recommendations are taken seriously […]
The Struggle for Safer Streets in Florida
After losing her husband in a fateful pedestrian traffic accident in 2003, Melissa Wandall made a point to find some reason in the seemingly random act. She didn’t advocate for the imprisonment of the woman who ran a red light and killed Mark Wandall; instead, she sought ways of preventing further harm from happening in […]
Backup Cameras Required in New Vehicles
Federal regulations pending since 2008 finally took effect earlier this month, requiring automakers to attach backup cameras to all new vehicles. Many high-end cars already have this feature, but now all newly-manufactured vehicles must contain a rearview camera. Regulators and lawmakers hope the device will reduce the number of pedestrian deaths – especially those involving […]
Financial Incentives Could Sway Teenagers Prone to Distracted Driving
A survey conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found that a huge majority (nearly 90 percent) of teenagers would be willing to put aside their phones while driving if given certain financial incentives. Teenagers were asked if they would sacrifice texting when behind the wheel if their phone […]
Insurers Seeking Ways to Monitor Distracted Driving
Recent reports suggest that distracted driving could come with a hefty price tag in the form of insurance premiums. But when compared to other infractions, distracted driving penalties are barely a drop in the bucket, according to a recent report from Bloomberg. Slow driving, for instance, can cause a $345 surge in yearly insurance payments. […]
If Your Child Has Been Hit While Riding a Bike…
The world is a chaotic place, and sometimes worst-case scenarios become a reality in an instant. Your child might, for instance, be struck by a vehicle while riding a bike. This incident – a parent’s worst nightmare – requires a certain amount of gravitas and composure. For this reason, it’s a good idea to be […]
Liability and Airbnb
When traveling, many people are finding that there is no better way to get accommodations than to use Airbnb. Renters and homeowners can use their property to make some extra money – either to subsidize the rent or to save some extra holiday cash – and vacationers looking to save a buck can use Airbnb […]
Uber Tackles Drowsy Driving
In an attempt to dissuade drowsy driving, Uber has introduced a mandatory six-hour rest period for drivers who choose to work for 12 straight hours. Though this measure will only affect a small percentage of Uber employees, it may help prevent unnecessary collisions caused by fatigue. In its announcement, Uber cited statistics that may surprise […]
Slip and Falls in the Winter
The winter has been long and seemingly without end. With low temperatures and consequent freezing, the sidewalks and streets may be laden with black ice and uneven walkways. When you’re facing such hazards on a daily basis, it’s important to be as safe as possible and to do everything in your power to avoid an […]