Atlanta, Georgia Personal Injury Lawyer
Few things are as scary as driving when you can't see much. Reduced visibility conditions include twilight, darkness, rain, snow, fog, smoke, and bright sunshine.
Obviously, if driving in poor visibility can be avoided, it should be. If suddenly faced with bad visibility, consider these suggestions:
* Use moderation in judging safe speed. Slow down enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
* Do no slow down so much that you become a risk to drivers behind you.
* Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them. If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
* Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to deal with bright sunlight.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Obviously, if driving in poor visibility can be avoided, it should be. If suddenly faced with bad visibility, consider these suggestions:
* Use moderation in judging safe speed. Slow down enough to maintain a safe stopping distance.
* Do no slow down so much that you become a risk to drivers behind you.
* Be aware that in reduced visibility conditions, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of vehicles in front of them. If you must pull off of the road, pull as far off of the road as possible, turn off your headlights, take your foot off of the brake pedal, and turn on your hazard lights.
* Make sure you have a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle to deal with bright sunlight.
Sources: National Weather Service, Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Labels: avoid wrecks, safe driving, safety
In action movies, sometimes the hero is faced with a situation where the brakes in his car fails. Here's ideas on what to do if your brakes fail:
* Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and apply the emergency brake.
* If your automobile has an automatic transmission, apply the emergency brake and move the gear lever into the low range position.
* Be Advised: This action can potentially cause damage to the emergency brake and to the transmission, but under the circumstances of brake failure, there is no better choice.
If your brakes become wet, you can dry them by:
* Drive the vehicle a short distance
* Apply light pressure to the brake pedal.
* The heat generated by the friction of the brakes against the brake drum will evaporate the water from the brake linings.
* To prevent excessive wear on brakes when moving down a long hill or steep grade, use a lower gear instead of the brake pedal to control speed. Shift to the lower gear at the top of the hill, before you descend.
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation
* Shift into a lower gear, release the clutch pedal (for manual transmissions) and apply the emergency brake.
* If your automobile has an automatic transmission, apply the emergency brake and move the gear lever into the low range position.
* Be Advised: This action can potentially cause damage to the emergency brake and to the transmission, but under the circumstances of brake failure, there is no better choice.
If your brakes become wet, you can dry them by:
* Drive the vehicle a short distance
* Apply light pressure to the brake pedal.
* The heat generated by the friction of the brakes against the brake drum will evaporate the water from the brake linings.
* To prevent excessive wear on brakes when moving down a long hill or steep grade, use a lower gear instead of the brake pedal to control speed. Shift to the lower gear at the top of the hill, before you descend.
Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation
Labels: avoiding car accidents, avoiding personal injury, safe driving
A broken down car can be a dangerous situation. Keep these suggestions in mind to keep folks safe.
* Move the vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Stopping on the left side of a divided highway is extremely dangerous but sometimes unavoidable. Do not leave the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane.
* Move the vehicle as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as you can. At the very least you should be far enough away that you can open the door without stepping out into traffic. You also want to be visible enough so that people can see you.
* Show clear signs that there is a problem and you need assistance by raising the vehicle hood. This is an internationally recognized sign of distress.
* In addition, turn on your emergency flashers and display any signs you have that indicate you need help (such as shade screens with distress messages).
* If you remain with the vehicle, another motorist will likely report your disabled vehicle to the police, and it will be easier for the police or others to provide assistance.
* Always exit the vehicle by the passenger side, unless you are on the left side of a divided highway.
* Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
* Stay off of the road and away from the vehicle and do not stand in front of or to the rear of the vehicle.
* Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to other traffic.
Be prepared for problem situations:
* Keep items in the vehicle such as flares, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit. Mobile phones in the vehicle also become valuable safety tools during breakdown situations. In addition, have water available in hot climates, especially for children.
* Know where items such as your spare tire, jack, and other tools are in the vehicle and how to use them. Check periodically to make sure they are in working order.
Be familiar with the operation of your vehicle:
* Read your owner’s manual. A motorist who understands how his/her vehicle operates is better able to detect and address problems with the vehicle.
* Conduct periodic and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
* If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation
* Move the vehicle to the right side of the road out of the flow of traffic, if possible. Stopping on the left side of a divided highway is extremely dangerous but sometimes unavoidable. Do not leave the vehicle stopped in a traffic lane.
* Move the vehicle as far away from the traveled portion of the roadway as you can. At the very least you should be far enough away that you can open the door without stepping out into traffic. You also want to be visible enough so that people can see you.
* Show clear signs that there is a problem and you need assistance by raising the vehicle hood. This is an internationally recognized sign of distress.
* In addition, turn on your emergency flashers and display any signs you have that indicate you need help (such as shade screens with distress messages).
* If you remain with the vehicle, another motorist will likely report your disabled vehicle to the police, and it will be easier for the police or others to provide assistance.
* Always exit the vehicle by the passenger side, unless you are on the left side of a divided highway.
* Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
* Stay off of the road and away from the vehicle and do not stand in front of or to the rear of the vehicle.
* Do not attempt to make repairs on a vehicle while it is in an area exposed to other traffic.
Be prepared for problem situations:
* Keep items in the vehicle such as flares, flashlights, blankets, and a first aid kit. Mobile phones in the vehicle also become valuable safety tools during breakdown situations. In addition, have water available in hot climates, especially for children.
* Know where items such as your spare tire, jack, and other tools are in the vehicle and how to use them. Check periodically to make sure they are in working order.
Be familiar with the operation of your vehicle:
* Read your owner’s manual. A motorist who understands how his/her vehicle operates is better able to detect and address problems with the vehicle.
* Conduct periodic and regular maintenance of the vehicle.
* If you hear or sense that something is wrong with the vehicle, have it checked.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and North Carolina Department of Transportation
Labels: avoiding personal injury, safe driving, safety
A blown tire can be a scary proposition. Keeping your cool can mean the difference in a safe exit and serious injury.
* The goal in any rapid loss of tire pressure or “blowout” is to keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. Do not panic. Any over-reaction by the driver – including slamming on the brakes or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator – can result in a loss of vehicle control.
* In any blowout situation, it’s most important to first remember the 2 things you should NOT do:
* Do not step on the brake. As instinctive as it may be, it’s the worst mistake you can make in any tire blowout situation. Applying the brakes will cause an even greater imbalance on the vehicle’s stability.
* Do not abruptly release your foot from the accelerator. This is the second worst mistake you can make. Rapidly releasing the accelerator causes the vehicle to transfer more of its weight from the rear tires to the front tires. With a flat tire, this can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
* Instead, in any blowout situation, you should follow these 3 steps:
* Gradually release the accelerator .
* Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
* Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it’s safe to do so.
* Remember, no matter which tire blows out — front or back — the do’s and don’ts for safely maintaining control of your vehicle are exactly the same. The only difference between a front and rear tire blowout is that you will feel the force of a front blowout more in the vehicle’s steering, while you’ll feel a rear blowout more in the seat or body of the vehicle.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
* The goal in any rapid loss of tire pressure or “blowout” is to keep the vehicle balanced and controllable. Do not panic. Any over-reaction by the driver – including slamming on the brakes or abruptly removing your foot from the accelerator – can result in a loss of vehicle control.
* In any blowout situation, it’s most important to first remember the 2 things you should NOT do:
* Do not step on the brake. As instinctive as it may be, it’s the worst mistake you can make in any tire blowout situation. Applying the brakes will cause an even greater imbalance on the vehicle’s stability.
* Do not abruptly release your foot from the accelerator. This is the second worst mistake you can make. Rapidly releasing the accelerator causes the vehicle to transfer more of its weight from the rear tires to the front tires. With a flat tire, this can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
* Instead, in any blowout situation, you should follow these 3 steps:
* Gradually release the accelerator .
* Correct the steering as necessary to stabilize your vehicle and regain control. Look where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
* Once your vehicle has stabilized, continue to slow down and pull off the road where and when you judge it’s safe to do so.
* Remember, no matter which tire blows out — front or back — the do’s and don’ts for safely maintaining control of your vehicle are exactly the same. The only difference between a front and rear tire blowout is that you will feel the force of a front blowout more in the vehicle’s steering, while you’ll feel a rear blowout more in the seat or body of the vehicle.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Fortunately, this doesn't happen too often. But keeping these suggestions in mind may avoid a car wreck:
What to do if your gas pedal sticks
* Tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage.
* Hook your toe under the pedal to try and free it.
* Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels.
* Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
* If your automobile has power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition or you will lose either your power steering, or the ability to steer.
* Have your vehicle checked with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Transportation, sos.state.il.us
What to do if your gas pedal sticks
* Tap the gas pedal to try to unstick the throttle linkage.
* Hook your toe under the pedal to try and free it.
* Shift to neutral and apply firm pressure to the brakes without locking the wheels.
* Find a safe place to move the vehicle completely off the road.
* If your automobile has power steering or a locking steering wheel, do not turn off the ignition or you will lose either your power steering, or the ability to steer.
* Have your vehicle checked with a mechanic as soon as possible.
Sources: North Carolina Department of Transportation, sos.state.il.us
Labels: car wreck, safe driving, safety
It is an unfortunately fact of life that some feel they own the road and will drive aggressively - putting others at risk for injury or even death. Here are some suggestions.
How to deal with aggressive drivers
Common aggressive driving behaviors
* Running stop signs and red lights
* Speeding, tailgating, and weaving between lanes
* Passing on the right of a vehicle
* Making inappropriate hand and facial gestures
* Screaming, honking the horn, and flashing headlights
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, or witness aggressive driving behavior, follow these guidelines:
* Make every attempt to safely move out of the aggressive driver’s way.
* Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to “hold your own” in the travel lane.
* Always wear your seat belt — not only will it hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, but it will also protect you in a crash.
* Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver.
* Ignore gestures, and refuse to return them.
* Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel.
* If you have a cellular phone, and can use it while driving safely, call the police. Many have special numbers such as 9-1-1 or #-7-7.
* If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop at a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
How to deal with aggressive drivers
Common aggressive driving behaviors
* Running stop signs and red lights
* Speeding, tailgating, and weaving between lanes
* Passing on the right of a vehicle
* Making inappropriate hand and facial gestures
* Screaming, honking the horn, and flashing headlights
If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, or witness aggressive driving behavior, follow these guidelines:
* Make every attempt to safely move out of the aggressive driver’s way.
* Do not challenge an aggressive driver by speeding up or attempting to “hold your own” in the travel lane.
* Always wear your seat belt — not only will it hold you in your seat and behind the wheel in case you need to make an abrupt driving maneuver, but it will also protect you in a crash.
* Avoid eye contact with the aggressive driver.
* Ignore gestures, and refuse to return them.
* Report aggressive drivers to the appropriate authorities by providing a vehicle description, license number, location, and if possible, direction of travel.
* If you have a cellular phone, and can use it while driving safely, call the police. Many have special numbers such as 9-1-1 or #-7-7.
* If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash farther down the road, stop at a safe distance from the crash scene, wait for the police to arrive, and report the driving behavior that you witnessed.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Hopefully we won't have to consider this one when driving in Georgia.
How to Drive During Earthquakes
Experiencing an earthquake while in a moving vehicle has been compared to driving on four flat tires. If an earthquake occurs while you are driving:
* Gradually decrease speed.
* Pull to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
* Do not stop on or under overpasses or bridges.
* Do not drive until local authorities have deemed it safe to do so.
* Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.
* Stop the car and keep your seat belt fastened.
* Remain in your car until the shaking stops.
* Keep in mind that aftershocks follow the initial earthquake.
* Turn on your car radio and listen for advisories (most radio stations are prepared to broadcast emergency information).
* If driving on the freeway, and if it's safe to do so, exit at the first opportunity.
* Be especially careful for mudslides and rockslides as earthquakes can jar loose these materials.
Be prepared by stocking the following items in your vehicle:
* Fully equipped first aid kit
* Bottled water
* Blanket or sleeping bag
* Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
* Fire extinguisher
* Pocket radio with extra batteries
* Local maps
* Matches
* Prescription medicine
Sources: FEMA.gov, US Geological Survey, Association of Bay Area Governments
How to Drive During Earthquakes
Experiencing an earthquake while in a moving vehicle has been compared to driving on four flat tires. If an earthquake occurs while you are driving:
* Gradually decrease speed.
* Pull to the side of the road when it is safe to do so.
* Do not stop on or under overpasses or bridges.
* Do not drive until local authorities have deemed it safe to do so.
* Avoid parking near trees, downed power lines and buildings.
* Stop the car and keep your seat belt fastened.
* Remain in your car until the shaking stops.
* Keep in mind that aftershocks follow the initial earthquake.
* Turn on your car radio and listen for advisories (most radio stations are prepared to broadcast emergency information).
* If driving on the freeway, and if it's safe to do so, exit at the first opportunity.
* Be especially careful for mudslides and rockslides as earthquakes can jar loose these materials.
Be prepared by stocking the following items in your vehicle:
* Fully equipped first aid kit
* Bottled water
* Blanket or sleeping bag
* Flashlight with extra batteries and bulb
* Fire extinguisher
* Pocket radio with extra batteries
* Local maps
* Matches
* Prescription medicine
Sources: FEMA.gov, US Geological Survey, Association of Bay Area Governments
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Flood Safety
Keep in mind suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Flooding can occur as streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, with run-off from deep snow cover, or any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.
* Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.
* You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
* If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
* Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.
* If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
* Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
* One foot of water will float many vehicles.
* Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's and pick-ups.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Keep in mind suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Flooding can occur as streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, with run-off from deep snow cover, or any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.
* Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.
* You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out roadway ahead, turn around and find another route to get to your destination.
* If there is no other route, proceed to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
* Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, do not attempt to cross a flooded road. Water can conceal dips, or worse, floodwaters can damage roadways, washing away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground.
* If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
* Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
* One foot of water will float many vehicles.
* Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUV's and pick-ups.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Hail Storms
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs
* After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
* If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.
Treat Hail storms in much the same way you would handle a thunderstorm.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs
* After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
* If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.
Treat Hail storms in much the same way you would handle a thunderstorm.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoiding car accidents, safe driving, safety
Tornado
Also consider suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Do not drive during tornado conditions.
* Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
* Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
* If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Also consider suggestions for driving in thunderstorms.
* Do not drive during tornado conditions.
* Never try to out-drive a tornado in a vehicle. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air.
* Get out of your vehicle immediately and seek shelter in a nearby building.
* If there is no time to get indoors, or if there is no nearby shelter, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or a low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
* Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
* Avoid flooded roadways.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.
* How to deal with a hail storm.
* Visit our flood safety tips for how to deal with flooding.
Source: FEMA.gov
* Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
* If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. View tornado driving safety tips.
* Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
* Allow extra distance for braking.
* Do not drive unless necessary.
* Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
* Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
* An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
* Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
* Avoid flooded roadways.
* Avoid downed power lines.
* Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
* Approach intersections with caution
* Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.
* How to deal with a hail storm.
* Visit our flood safety tips for how to deal with flooding.
Source: FEMA.gov
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
High Winds
* Be aware of vehicles around you. High winds are more problematic for drivers of trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers who are towing trailers.
* Reduce your speed and correct your steering, especially when moving from a protected area to an unprotected area, or when meeting large vehicles.
* Wind is often accompanied by heavy rain or winter precipitation. Stay alert for slippery areas.
Sources: sos.state.il.us
* Be aware of vehicles around you. High winds are more problematic for drivers of trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, campers, and drivers who are towing trailers.
* Reduce your speed and correct your steering, especially when moving from a protected area to an unprotected area, or when meeting large vehicles.
* Wind is often accompanied by heavy rain or winter precipitation. Stay alert for slippery areas.
Sources: sos.state.il.us
Labels: avoid wrecks, driving, safety
Interesting information from: http://www.truckinjuries.com/trucking_accidents_facts.html
Trucking Accident Facts
Every 16 minutes, a person is killed or sustains injuries in accidents involving 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers or semi-trucks
In 2001, 429,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes (both fatal and minor) in the United States:
* 4,793 were involved in fatal crashes
* 5,082 people died
* 131,000 were injured
In 2001, there were 6,536 total crashes involving tractor-trailer trucks in Pennsylvania;154 were fatal.
In 2003, there were 58,512 total vehicle accidents involved in fatal crashes in the U.S.
* 4,669 were large trucks involved in fatal truck accidents
Large trucks are more likely to be involved in a fatal multi-vehicle crash than are passenger vehicles.
In 2003, Texas witnessed 5040 fatal traffic accidents, of which 438 were fatal truck accidents. This number has risen from 5039 total traffic accidents and 401 fatal truck accidents for the previous year 2002.
Similarly, in Pennsylvania, there were 2233 fatal traffic accidents in 2003, of which 213 were fatal truck accidents, as opposed to corresponding numbers of 2198 and 174 for the year 2002.
Florida had 4432 fatal traffic accidents in 2003, with 343 of them involving trucks, which was higher than 4431 total traffic accidents for 2002 but lower than the 351 fatal truck accidents in the same period.
The highest number of fatal traffic accidents happened in California, with the number being a staggering 5725 fatal auto accidents in 2003. But at 332, the number of fatal truck accidents was not the highest among all states in the US.
Trucking revenues totaled $610 billion last year and revenues are forecasted to nearly double by 2015.
The majority of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas (68 percent) during the daytime (66 percent) and on weekdays (78 percent).
In 2002, the majority of large truck crashes occurred in good weather (71 percent), on dry roads (71 percent), during the daytime (75 percent), and on weekdays (88 percent).
About 27 percent of all large truck drivers involved in fatal truck accidents throughout the United States had at least one prior speeding conviction compared to 19 percent of the passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes.
From 1992 to 2002, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has increased by up to 10% due to driver fatigue, unsafe vehicle operation, large, unstable loads or defective equipment.
Defects contribute to the number of large truck accidents each year. Some of these defects include:
* Tires or wheels: 80 crashes
* Brake-related: 76 crashes
* Engine/Transmission: 52 crashes
* Steering Wheel: 13 crashes
About 700 heavy truck drivers and passengers in truck cabs die each year. In addition, almost 3,700 persons in cars and other passenger vehicles die annually in collisions with heavy trucks.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that in crashes involving large trucks and other vehicles, 98% of the fatalities occur to the people in passenger vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned groups using 15-seat passenger vans about the dangers of fully loading the vans and then putting an inexperienced driver behind the wheel. The NHTSA also stated that 15-passenger vans are large trucks and should only be driven by people with experience driving large trucks.
The FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) classifies a truck as large if its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds.
The majority of fatal crashes involving tractor-trailer trucks include trucks that are pulling one trailer. A recent survey showed that 64% of fatal truck crashes had one trailer. Thirty-two percent of those involved single-unit trucks (no trailer) and fewer than 4% of the those involved multi-trailer vehicles (more than one trailer).
Trucking Accident Facts
Every 16 minutes, a person is killed or sustains injuries in accidents involving 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers or semi-trucks
In 2001, 429,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes (both fatal and minor) in the United States:
* 4,793 were involved in fatal crashes
* 5,082 people died
* 131,000 were injured
In 2001, there were 6,536 total crashes involving tractor-trailer trucks in Pennsylvania;154 were fatal.
In 2003, there were 58,512 total vehicle accidents involved in fatal crashes in the U.S.
* 4,669 were large trucks involved in fatal truck accidents
Large trucks are more likely to be involved in a fatal multi-vehicle crash than are passenger vehicles.
In 2003, Texas witnessed 5040 fatal traffic accidents, of which 438 were fatal truck accidents. This number has risen from 5039 total traffic accidents and 401 fatal truck accidents for the previous year 2002.
Similarly, in Pennsylvania, there were 2233 fatal traffic accidents in 2003, of which 213 were fatal truck accidents, as opposed to corresponding numbers of 2198 and 174 for the year 2002.
Florida had 4432 fatal traffic accidents in 2003, with 343 of them involving trucks, which was higher than 4431 total traffic accidents for 2002 but lower than the 351 fatal truck accidents in the same period.
The highest number of fatal traffic accidents happened in California, with the number being a staggering 5725 fatal auto accidents in 2003. But at 332, the number of fatal truck accidents was not the highest among all states in the US.
Trucking revenues totaled $610 billion last year and revenues are forecasted to nearly double by 2015.
The majority of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas (68 percent) during the daytime (66 percent) and on weekdays (78 percent).
In 2002, the majority of large truck crashes occurred in good weather (71 percent), on dry roads (71 percent), during the daytime (75 percent), and on weekdays (88 percent).
About 27 percent of all large truck drivers involved in fatal truck accidents throughout the United States had at least one prior speeding conviction compared to 19 percent of the passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes.
From 1992 to 2002, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has increased by up to 10% due to driver fatigue, unsafe vehicle operation, large, unstable loads or defective equipment.
Defects contribute to the number of large truck accidents each year. Some of these defects include:
* Tires or wheels: 80 crashes
* Brake-related: 76 crashes
* Engine/Transmission: 52 crashes
* Steering Wheel: 13 crashes
About 700 heavy truck drivers and passengers in truck cabs die each year. In addition, almost 3,700 persons in cars and other passenger vehicles die annually in collisions with heavy trucks.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that in crashes involving large trucks and other vehicles, 98% of the fatalities occur to the people in passenger vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned groups using 15-seat passenger vans about the dangers of fully loading the vans and then putting an inexperienced driver behind the wheel. The NHTSA also stated that 15-passenger vans are large trucks and should only be driven by people with experience driving large trucks.
The FMCSA's Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) classifies a truck as large if its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 10,000 pounds.
The majority of fatal crashes involving tractor-trailer trucks include trucks that are pulling one trailer. A recent survey showed that 64% of fatal truck crashes had one trailer. Thirty-two percent of those involved single-unit trucks (no trailer) and fewer than 4% of the those involved multi-trailer vehicles (more than one trailer).
Labels: injury, trauma, truck accident
Sad story of someone who needlessly died.
Road rage gets Fla. man 25 years after fatal accident
Associated Press
BRADENTON, Fla. -- A man whose road rage scared another driver into a crash that killed a teenager was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
A jury decided that Bruce Eric Payton, 49, was responsible for the crash that happened, witnesses said, after he chased and fired gunshots at a truck that cut him off on a highway on May 27, 2005.
When the truck ran through a red light, it crashed into a vehicle carrying Elizabeth Naomi Toribio, 14, who died. Her brother, sister and a family friend were critically hurt.
Payton was convicted and sentenced Thursday on charges of manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and aggravated assault with a firearm. The driver of the truck was not charged.
Defense attorneys argued Payton brandished a cell phone, not a gun, as he chased the truck, and that he didn’t know a crash had occurred. The weapon was never found.
Before the sentencing, Payton, who said his mother had known the girl, apologized to her family.
”She was a sweet young lady,” he said. ”All I can say is I’m sorry. I’m very sorry.”
Some of the girl’s family previously said they were angered that prosecutors declined to charge the driver of the pest control truck, but her father said that’s no longer the case.
”This is the only time we’ve heard the facts,” Pedro Toribio Sr. told the Bradenton Herald. ”Now we know what really happened.”
Road rage gets Fla. man 25 years after fatal accident
Associated Press
BRADENTON, Fla. -- A man whose road rage scared another driver into a crash that killed a teenager was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
A jury decided that Bruce Eric Payton, 49, was responsible for the crash that happened, witnesses said, after he chased and fired gunshots at a truck that cut him off on a highway on May 27, 2005.
When the truck ran through a red light, it crashed into a vehicle carrying Elizabeth Naomi Toribio, 14, who died. Her brother, sister and a family friend were critically hurt.
Payton was convicted and sentenced Thursday on charges of manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and aggravated assault with a firearm. The driver of the truck was not charged.
Defense attorneys argued Payton brandished a cell phone, not a gun, as he chased the truck, and that he didn’t know a crash had occurred. The weapon was never found.
Before the sentencing, Payton, who said his mother had known the girl, apologized to her family.
”She was a sweet young lady,” he said. ”All I can say is I’m sorry. I’m very sorry.”
Some of the girl’s family previously said they were angered that prosecutors declined to charge the driver of the pest control truck, but her father said that’s no longer the case.
”This is the only time we’ve heard the facts,” Pedro Toribio Sr. told the Bradenton Herald. ”Now we know what really happened.”
Labels: road rage, truck accident, wrongful death
February 16th's Atlanta Journal Consitution had an article again noting the importance of sleep. Sleep is frequently a big problem for all drivers - particularly truck drivers who have to drive long hours or at night. As a result, there are limits on drivers hours. However, those rules are sometimes broken with disaterous results that can cause death or serious injuries.
Read the article below for some important tips
DRIVER'S ED: Tired? Well, big sleep is forever
zzzZZZ...
zzzZZZ...
Uh? Wha? Sorry. Must a dozed off for a bit. Which can be embarrassing behind a keyboard but is flat-out deadly dangerous behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 100,000 crashes a year are caused by DWD —- driving while drowsy.
When you're driving at 65 mph, in just 3 seconds you'll travel more than 100 yards. And that is a long ways to go with your eyes closed and no control of your car. Just being drowsy ups the odds you'll make a mistake like misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic when you're making a left turn.
And don't be too sure you know when you're too sleepy to be driving. In one study of drivers who crashed after falling asleep at the wheel, half said they felt only "somewhat sleepy" or "not at all sleepy" just before the loud bang. Here are some tips:
1 Hot java. A cup of coffee is tasty, but it ain't a magic potion. The caffeine will help you be a bit more alert, but it takes 30 minutes to get into your bloodstream and the effects last just a couple of hours. And you can still nod off for a couple of seconds.
2 Start rested. Working hard all day Friday and heading to Orlando to be at Braves spring training first thing Saturday morning is a bad idea. Less than six hours of shut-eye increases risk of falling asleep.
3 Stop and stretch. Stop every two hours or so and get out of the car to move around. Even if it's just to walk into the convenience store to get a Coke.
4 Warning signs. Pull over soon as you safely can if you find yourself having a hard time keeping your eyes open or focusing on the road ahead. If you're drifting from lane to lane or tailgating or hitting the rumble strips on the shoulder, it's time to stop. It's better to take a little longer to get where you're going than not get there at all.
Ed got his tips from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Ed is a shade-tree mechanic who talks like a dipstick but knows his way around one.
Read the article below for some important tips
DRIVER'S ED: Tired? Well, big sleep is forever
zzzZZZ...
zzzZZZ...
Uh? Wha? Sorry. Must a dozed off for a bit. Which can be embarrassing behind a keyboard but is flat-out deadly dangerous behind the wheel. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 100,000 crashes a year are caused by DWD —- driving while drowsy.
When you're driving at 65 mph, in just 3 seconds you'll travel more than 100 yards. And that is a long ways to go with your eyes closed and no control of your car. Just being drowsy ups the odds you'll make a mistake like misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic when you're making a left turn.
And don't be too sure you know when you're too sleepy to be driving. In one study of drivers who crashed after falling asleep at the wheel, half said they felt only "somewhat sleepy" or "not at all sleepy" just before the loud bang. Here are some tips:
1 Hot java. A cup of coffee is tasty, but it ain't a magic potion. The caffeine will help you be a bit more alert, but it takes 30 minutes to get into your bloodstream and the effects last just a couple of hours. And you can still nod off for a couple of seconds.
2 Start rested. Working hard all day Friday and heading to Orlando to be at Braves spring training first thing Saturday morning is a bad idea. Less than six hours of shut-eye increases risk of falling asleep.
3 Stop and stretch. Stop every two hours or so and get out of the car to move around. Even if it's just to walk into the convenience store to get a Coke.
4 Warning signs. Pull over soon as you safely can if you find yourself having a hard time keeping your eyes open or focusing on the road ahead. If you're drifting from lane to lane or tailgating or hitting the rumble strips on the shoulder, it's time to stop. It's better to take a little longer to get where you're going than not get there at all.
Ed got his tips from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Ed is a shade-tree mechanic who talks like a dipstick but knows his way around one.
Labels: accident, car wreck, drivers, fatigue, sleepy
A recent NIH study determined that an infant is apt to be smarter if the mother eats fish during pregnancy. The study by Emily Oken, M.D., Harvard Medical School finds that 6-month-old babies whose mothers ate two or more servings of fish a week in the second trimester scored highest on visual memory tests, a sign of IQ. But heed this warning: Mothers must eat only fish low in mercury. Babies of fish-eaters with high levels of mercury scored much lower on tests.
Safe choices: Oken advises pregnant women to continue eating fish but to choose fish low in mercury: salmon, canned light tuna, sardines, white fish. Shellfish are OK but low in omega-3 fat. Avoid shark, swordfish, fresh tuna and canned albacore tuna because all are higher in mercury.
ARE capsules OK? Oken says she isn't sure fish oil capsules would work as well as eating fish. But they are safer, says Kent Lewandrowski, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and a pathology professor at Harvard Medical School. In tests, he and his associates found only negligible amounts of mercury and other toxins in commercial fish oil capsules. And he prefers to take fish oil capsules to lower his risk of cardiovascular disease; mercury in fish can negate the benefits of omega-3 fat. He also advises his own teenagers to take fish oil. But he says everyone, especially pregnant women, should check with a doctor before taking fish oil.
Scientific sources
Maternal fish consumption and infant cognition
Oken, E, Environmenal Health Perspectives, 2005 Oct; 113(10):1376-80; http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2005/8041/8041.pdf
Mercury levels in fish oil capsules
Melanson, SF, Arch Pathol Lab Med 2005; 129:74-77
Foran SF, Arch Pathol Lab Med 2003 Dec; 127(12): 1603-5
Fish oil capsule use
Interview with Kent Lewandrowski, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Safe choices: Oken advises pregnant women to continue eating fish but to choose fish low in mercury: salmon, canned light tuna, sardines, white fish. Shellfish are OK but low in omega-3 fat. Avoid shark, swordfish, fresh tuna and canned albacore tuna because all are higher in mercury.
ARE capsules OK? Oken says she isn't sure fish oil capsules would work as well as eating fish. But they are safer, says Kent Lewandrowski, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and a pathology professor at Harvard Medical School. In tests, he and his associates found only negligible amounts of mercury and other toxins in commercial fish oil capsules. And he prefers to take fish oil capsules to lower his risk of cardiovascular disease; mercury in fish can negate the benefits of omega-3 fat. He also advises his own teenagers to take fish oil. But he says everyone, especially pregnant women, should check with a doctor before taking fish oil.
Scientific sources
Maternal fish consumption and infant cognition
Oken, E, Environmenal Health Perspectives, 2005 Oct; 113(10):1376-80; http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2005/8041/8041.pdf
Mercury levels in fish oil capsules
Melanson, SF, Arch Pathol Lab Med 2005; 129:74-77
Foran SF, Arch Pathol Lab Med 2003 Dec; 127(12): 1603-5
Fish oil capsule use
Interview with Kent Lewandrowski, M.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
Labels: baby, health, pregnancy
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Women more likely than men to be hurt in car wrecks?
This was an interesting article that ran in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and other newspapers.
Car crash injuries vary with age, gender
By VIRGINIA ANDERSON
Cox News Service
Sunday, January 07, 2007
ATLANTA — Age and gender play a major role in the severity of injuries in car crashes, a fact that might steer future safety features in automobiles, according to a study by Purdue University researchers.
The findings, published in the Journal of Safety Research, suggest that vehicles designed to adapt to specific drivers could lessen the severity of injuries, said co-author Fred Mannering, a professor of civil engineering at the West Lafayette, Ind., university.
For example, with existing sensor technology, cars could detect the height and weight of a driver and the car's safety system could adjust, Mannering said.
Safety-belt tension could be varied, and the way air bags deploy could be personalized.
"What it really means is that it's an opportunity for auto manufacturers to design cars more safely," Mannering said.
Most automakers already are installing sophisticated air-bag systems — called dual-stage air bags — that adjust to the severity of the crash and the size of the driver, said Joe Nolan, head of the Vehicle Research Center of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, where crash testing is done.
"The [study] author's recommendation is, indeed, happening," Nolan said.
More stringent federal regulations, cheaper technology and buyer demand have moved car makers to quickly improve air-bag systems, Nolan said.
The study, a review of 32,085 Indiana vehicle crashes in 1999, also showed that age and gender play a role in the types of crashes people have.
The findings confirmed again that younger male drivers with passengers in the car were much more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries when they are in a crash than older men or women of all age groups — a fact that parents, lawmakers and auto manufacturers should keep in mind, Mannering said.
Some findings were more surprising to the researchers.
For instance, driving a newer vehicle — less than five years old — actually increased the likelihood of fatality for older men by 216 percent.
A newer vehicle also increased the likelihood of fatality for young men, but by a lower percentage — 71 percent. The age of a vehicle did not have a significant effect on the likelihood of a fatality for middle-aged men.
Among women, safety belt usage in different age groups was a factor in the likelihood of injury, Mannering said.
Not using safety belts increased the likelihood of injury by 119 percent for young women, 164 percent for middle-aged women and 187 percent for older women.
The study did not examine the reasons for the differences. Mannering said he and co-author Samantha Islam could only speculate why the striking differences occurred.
Variations in reaction times among drivers could play a role, as well as the fit of safety belts, based on driver size, Mannering said.
The likelihood of injury from air-bag deployment may vary from age group to age group and between genders, he said.
Decreased bone density among older women may contribute to air-bag injuries, he speculated.
Even though the reasons may be unclear, Mannering said further study may reveal answers that may result in vehicle design changes.
"It's clear that that's the next direction," he said.
While that almost certainly would increase the cost of autos, Mannering said he believes those expenditures would be offset by saving money on lower insurance rates and medical bills for injuries sustained in crashes.
Virginia Anderson writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Journal-Constitution writer Clint Williams contributed to this article.
Women more likely than men to be hurt in car wrecks?
This was an interesting article that ran in the Atlanta Journal Constitution and other newspapers.
Car crash injuries vary with age, gender
By VIRGINIA ANDERSON
Cox News Service
Sunday, January 07, 2007
ATLANTA — Age and gender play a major role in the severity of injuries in car crashes, a fact that might steer future safety features in automobiles, according to a study by Purdue University researchers.
The findings, published in the Journal of Safety Research, suggest that vehicles designed to adapt to specific drivers could lessen the severity of injuries, said co-author Fred Mannering, a professor of civil engineering at the West Lafayette, Ind., university.
For example, with existing sensor technology, cars could detect the height and weight of a driver and the car's safety system could adjust, Mannering said.
Safety-belt tension could be varied, and the way air bags deploy could be personalized.
"What it really means is that it's an opportunity for auto manufacturers to design cars more safely," Mannering said.
Most automakers already are installing sophisticated air-bag systems — called dual-stage air bags — that adjust to the severity of the crash and the size of the driver, said Joe Nolan, head of the Vehicle Research Center of the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, where crash testing is done.
"The [study] author's recommendation is, indeed, happening," Nolan said.
More stringent federal regulations, cheaper technology and buyer demand have moved car makers to quickly improve air-bag systems, Nolan said.
The study, a review of 32,085 Indiana vehicle crashes in 1999, also showed that age and gender play a role in the types of crashes people have.
The findings confirmed again that younger male drivers with passengers in the car were much more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries when they are in a crash than older men or women of all age groups — a fact that parents, lawmakers and auto manufacturers should keep in mind, Mannering said.
Some findings were more surprising to the researchers.
For instance, driving a newer vehicle — less than five years old — actually increased the likelihood of fatality for older men by 216 percent.
A newer vehicle also increased the likelihood of fatality for young men, but by a lower percentage — 71 percent. The age of a vehicle did not have a significant effect on the likelihood of a fatality for middle-aged men.
Among women, safety belt usage in different age groups was a factor in the likelihood of injury, Mannering said.
Not using safety belts increased the likelihood of injury by 119 percent for young women, 164 percent for middle-aged women and 187 percent for older women.
The study did not examine the reasons for the differences. Mannering said he and co-author Samantha Islam could only speculate why the striking differences occurred.
Variations in reaction times among drivers could play a role, as well as the fit of safety belts, based on driver size, Mannering said.
The likelihood of injury from air-bag deployment may vary from age group to age group and between genders, he said.
Decreased bone density among older women may contribute to air-bag injuries, he speculated.
Even though the reasons may be unclear, Mannering said further study may reveal answers that may result in vehicle design changes.
"It's clear that that's the next direction," he said.
While that almost certainly would increase the cost of autos, Mannering said he believes those expenditures would be offset by saving money on lower insurance rates and medical bills for injuries sustained in crashes.
Virginia Anderson writes for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Journal-Constitution writer Clint Williams contributed to this article.
Labels: auto accident, car wreck, injury, trauma
See this link for information on CRPS - formerly known as RSD:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy/reflex_sympathetic_dystrophy.htm
National News
Car Airbags Can Cause Permanent Hearing Loss, Study Says
February 14, 2007
A researcher at a national hearing conference will present data that predicts 17 percent of people exposed to deployed airbags in American cars will suffer from permanent hearing loss. His data also shows, contrary to what experts have previously thought, airbag deployment is more hazardous to the ear when a car's windows are rolled down.
These are among the results that will be presented by auditory physiologist Dr. G. Richard Price at the National Hearing Conservation Association's 32nd annual hearing conference. The conference, titled, "A Passion to Preserve," will be held Feb. 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, Ga.
In Price's study of car airbag deployment, he sought to determine whether the auditory danger was greatest in cars with the windows down or the windows up. Previously, experts thought rolled-up windows were more dangerous because they allow for higher pressure to be created inside the cabin.
The research concludes, counterintuitively, that having car windows rolled up when airbags are deployed is actually less hazardous to the ear than rolled-down windows. This is because the higher pressure generated in the closed cabin actually prevents greater damage to the ear. The pressure causes a displacement in the middle ear that stiffens the stapes, a small bone outside the inner ear. This stiffening limits the transmission of energy to the inner ear, where hearing damage takes place. In airbag experiments where the cabin is completely sealed and pressure is even higher, hearing damage is reduced even further.
Price's study only included cars sold in the United States with front and side airbags. Under U.S. regulations, American cars must have larger, more powerful airbags than cars sold in places like Europe. Cars with smaller airbags sold in other parts of the world would likely pose less auditory danger when tested under identical circumstances, Price said.
"We often consider only the benefits of safety technology, rather than the unfortunate potential side effects," said NHCA Director of Education Brian Fligor. "This type of study highlights how common everyday occurrences present a very real hazard to our hearing."
Find this article at:
http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2007/02/14/76958.htm
Car Airbags Can Cause Permanent Hearing Loss, Study Says
February 14, 2007
A researcher at a national hearing conference will present data that predicts 17 percent of people exposed to deployed airbags in American cars will suffer from permanent hearing loss. His data also shows, contrary to what experts have previously thought, airbag deployment is more hazardous to the ear when a car's windows are rolled down.
These are among the results that will be presented by auditory physiologist Dr. G. Richard Price at the National Hearing Conservation Association's 32nd annual hearing conference. The conference, titled, "A Passion to Preserve," will be held Feb. 15-17 at the Hyatt Regency in Savannah, Ga.
In Price's study of car airbag deployment, he sought to determine whether the auditory danger was greatest in cars with the windows down or the windows up. Previously, experts thought rolled-up windows were more dangerous because they allow for higher pressure to be created inside the cabin.
The research concludes, counterintuitively, that having car windows rolled up when airbags are deployed is actually less hazardous to the ear than rolled-down windows. This is because the higher pressure generated in the closed cabin actually prevents greater damage to the ear. The pressure causes a displacement in the middle ear that stiffens the stapes, a small bone outside the inner ear. This stiffening limits the transmission of energy to the inner ear, where hearing damage takes place. In airbag experiments where the cabin is completely sealed and pressure is even higher, hearing damage is reduced even further.
Price's study only included cars sold in the United States with front and side airbags. Under U.S. regulations, American cars must have larger, more powerful airbags than cars sold in places like Europe. Cars with smaller airbags sold in other parts of the world would likely pose less auditory danger when tested under identical circumstances, Price said.
"We often consider only the benefits of safety technology, rather than the unfortunate potential side effects," said NHCA Director of Education Brian Fligor. "This type of study highlights how common everyday occurrences present a very real hazard to our hearing."
Find this article at:
http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2007/02/14/76958.htm
Labels: accident, air bag, car wreck, hearing loss
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