For decades, drunk driving-related crashes consistently accounted for around half of all traffic fatalities in the United States. Even though we had the technology to detect the presence of alcohol in a driver’s system since the 1930s, and even though several studies had been conducted about the dangers of driver impairment on our roads, there […]
In late November, 2016, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) put forward guidelines meant to deal with the problem of driver distraction due to portable electronic devices in vehicles, including mobile devices such as smartphones. The announcement revealed the second phase of the NHTSA’s voluntary guidelines. The first phase addressed […]
The smell and sound of a wood fire, the warmth that it emits, and possibly some savings for your wallet as well—no wonder so many of us enjoy heating our homes with wood stoves. Used properly, wood stoves can be an effective way to heat your place. But wood stoves also carry some risks if […]
In October, 2016, the federal government set a goal of completely eliminating traffic deaths and injuries in the U.S. by 2046. Officials in the Department of Transportation revealed a plan that focuses on increasing seat belt usage; campaigns against drunken, drugged, and distracted driving; and increases the use of rumble strips (strips across the road […]
Yet another fatality involving Takata air bags has happened, but it wasn’t the kind of accident you might be imagining. In August, 2016, near Quemado, Texas, a truck carrying Takata air bag inflators and propellant with ammonium nitrate crashed in a one-vehicle accident, then caught fire and blew up. The explosion demolished a house and […]
The holiday season is a time of joy and festivity. People get together to share good conversation, a home-cooked meal, and, oftentimes, an alcoholic beverage or two. From champagne to eggnog, alcohol is a favorite beverage at all types of holiday celebrations. But only one day has gained notoriety for a tradition of consuming it […]
Popular ridesharing companies, including Uber and Lyft, differ from traditional taxi companies considerably. Because of these differences, the issue of liability in the event of an accident is controversial and confusing. About Ridesharing Ridesharing companies allow consumers to hail vehicles directly from their smartphones. A nearby driver accepts the job, and the consumer is able […]
When parents watch their teen drive away in a vehicle for the first time, they often feel a sense of worry that only a protective parent can truly know. This instinct is, unfortunately, well-founded in the long list of statistics about teen drivers and traffic crashes. While there is a certain amount of risk for […]
The latest gaming craze, Pokemon Go, has captured the imagination of a lot of folks. Called an “augmented reality” game, meaning that it blends the virtual world with the real world, it is free to use and debuted in early July of 2016. The point of the game? To “catch” Pokemon, which are electronic creatures. […]
As of this writing, Prince George’s Hospital Center’s NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) remains closed because of Pseudomonas bacteria in the water pipes. On August 9, 2016, the discovery of Pseudomonas resulted in the transfer of nine NICU babies to another hospital as a precaution. The deaths of seven NICU babies since the beginning of […]