Aggressive driving is easy to spot, but not necessarily easy to define. The Indiana law focuses on behaviors such as tailgating, unsafe stopping, failing to yield and speeding. If a driver commits three of the nine elements used to define aggressive driving during one driving session, that driver can be charged with aggressive driving.
]]> Laws against speeding exist in all 50 states. The problem with many of those laws is that they are ineffective at preventing drivers from traveling at unsafe speeds. Only two states have upped the penalties for speeding in the last seven year. If the penalties do not prevent dangerous driving, some might question why they exist at all. The GHSA report suggested that, to overcome the indifference people have to speeding, states should focus on speeding in school and construction zones. These behaviors tend to evoke a stronger response and may serve as a gateway for showing how dangerous speeding is in any situation.Campaigns aimed at reducing drunk driving and encouraging the use of seat belts have helped reduce the number of fatal car and truck accidents. When presented with compelling evidence that a behavior is unsafe, the public often responds. Speeding and aggressive driving are a threat to everyone on the roads. Every driver plays a part in making sure that their vehicles are operated in a safe and calm manner.
Source: The Car Connection, "Speeding, Aggressive Driving Still Cause 1/3 Of Fatal Accidents," by Richard Read, 9 March 2012
]]>Nearly half of all backover fatalities involve children under the age of 5. Roughly two-thirds of those accidents involve a parent or close relative driving over the child. Few accidents are as horrifying and heart-wrenching as those involving the so-called "bye-bye syndrome" where children hurry out to wave goodbye to a parent and the parent does not see them. A non-profit group organized to improve safety for children in and around cars was a major proponent of the proposed legislations.
]]> The requirement may hasten a process that was already well under way. Forty-five percent of 2012 motor vehicles already have a rearview camera as standard equipment. Many more offer a camera as an optional feature. By requiring these safety devices, auto makers could greatly reduce the number of backover injuries affecting children and adults.This type of injury has been on the rise in recent years. Ironically, in an effort to improve the safety of drivers and passengers in on-road accidents, vehicle makers have reduced drivers' ability to see objects directly behind them. The cameras would rectify that problem without sacrificing the safety gains of having less glass to see through. Reducing every form of car accident is a laudable goal. Hopefully, this measure will help protect pedestrians from the growing threat of backover injuries.
Source: The New York Times, "U.S. Rule Set for Cameras at Cars' Rear," by Nick Bunkley, 27 February 2012
]]>Missouri is currently considering massive changes to its workers' compensation system. The changes would force certain types of workplace injury claims out of the workers' comp system and into local courts. They would also cap the amount of money that could be obtained by workers in certain cases. The rights of injured workers in Illinois might be affected by laws in Indiana, Missouri and other states which make it easier for businesses to avoid covering their employees when accidents happen.
]]> For now, no significant changes to the Illinois workers' compensation system are being seriously considered. That could change if employers begin to leave the state in large numbers. While many factors play a part in how attractive a state is to an employer, workers' compensation might be the easiest target for those looking to make an impact. Workers' rights are often the first thing to be sacrificed when the economy is suffering.For now, workers everywhere should be aware that their rights are always at stake. Suffering a work injury is a terrible ordeal. There are better ways to address our business climate than to punish a person who has already been made a victim once.
Source: Pantagraph, "Quinn defends Illinois after Caterpillar CEO blasts jobs climate," by Janaye Nealy, 12 February 2012
]]>The numbers are staggering. Some estimates suggest that up to 85 percent of people receiving worker's compensation benefits are given narcotics to manage their pain. There is no industry oversight to analyze the impact these drugs are having on workers across the nation. The abuse of pain killers comes as no surprise to many workers. They see it on a daily basis to the point that some believe pain killers are a necessary part of doing the job long-term. Part of the program to combat this problem includes peer-to-peer intervention, giving fellow employees a chance to help a worker they know is struggling with addiction.
]]> Too many workers are placed in the cycle of addiction by a workplace injury. A slipped disc or injured neck is treated with opiate-based medication. The worker feels hurried back to work and begins to rely on pain medication to get through the day. The worker becomes dependent on the drugs and what started as a routine injury has turned into a disability that might force the worker out of the workplace altogether.Employers and worker's compensation insurance providers need to do more to protect their employees. Worker injuries should be eliminated wherever possible. When they do occur, treatment needs to be carefully structured so that the worker gets the medical help and support they need to get back to work in a safe and healthy manner.
Source: EHS Today, "Workers' Comp Woes: Inured Workers and Opiate Addiction," by Laura Walter, 9 February 2012
]]>Infants and toddlers suffer a much higher rate of fatal injury in car accidents when they are not properly placed in child safety seats. Older children who are too big for car seats but too small for regular seat belts need booster seats to prevent them from sliding under the seat belt or suffering head or neck injuries from the belt itself. Most states have laws requiring such booster seats, but they are still underused in most places. All children less than 4 feet 9 inches tall need a booster seat to ride safely in a car. All children under the age of 13 should be placed in the back seat.
]]> Finding people you can trust with the safety of your children can be a challenge. When kids ride together to birthday parties or after school activities, they can be noisy and distracting. Anyone with children appreciates the effort it takes to get them from place to place. Many parents are reluctant to ask that their child be placed in a booster seat. Others will allow their children to ride without the seat if the child's friends aren't using one. The kids in your car are your responsibility. It is always appropriate to see to their safety.As with many safety precautions, people do not consider the risks until it is too late. A car accident can claim the lives of children more easily if they are not properly secured. It is worth the time and potential discomfort to see that your children are transported safely, even when riding with someone else.
Source: eMaxhealth, "Parents Not Consistent About Safety When Carpooling," by Denise Reynolds, 30 January 2012
]]>The study focused on data from 2007. In that year, more than 8.5 million work injuries were suffered, as well as an additional 516,100 work-related illnesses. An estimated 59,000 people died from injuries and illnesses related to their jobs that year. While the study used the decline in productivity to generate a cost estimate, it should not be forgotten that each injury and illness strikes an individual and can turn a worker's life upside-down in an instant. The numbers do make it clear that there is an urgent need to do more to ensure the health and safety of all American workers.
]]> Workers' compensation is intended to offset the cost of workplace injuries and help employees pay the bills during the recovery process. The author of this study points out that workers' comp covered less than 25 percent of the total costs of these injuries and illnesses. Medical insurance, Medicare and Medicaid were used to cover the remaining 75 percent.Employers have the greatest power to reduce the instances of injury and illness in the workplace. By placing greater emphasis on safety and by directing the proper resources to training, equipment and other safety measures, employers have the power to help their workers stay safe and healthy. Hopefully this study serves as a wake-up call to the nation to take this problem seriously.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, "U.S. Work-Related Injuries, Illnesses Take Toll on the Till," 20 January 2012
]]>The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign has also targeted impaired driving this holiday season. Both campaigns are timed to curb impaired driving during the time of year when it is most likely to occur. The holidays are a time of celebration, but they are also a time when too many drivers make poor decisions about driving under the influence. Every year, fatal car accidents change the way some families view the holidays.
]]> The death of a mother or father, a son or daughter, or a friend in an impaired driving accident is a tragedy that can be avoided. Police work hard to catch violators who combine drinking or drug use with driving. Lawmakers pass stringent measures designed to punish offenders and hold them accountable for the harm they cause. These measures often come too late. It is up to all of us to help people make smart decisions about impaired driving. By stopping someone from getting behind the wheel while drunk or high, you could be saving their life and the lives of others on the roadways.Drugged driving, drunk driving, and distracted driving cost Americans billions of dollars and steal the lives of thousands of people every year. Hopefully this proclamation will help people be mindful of the dangers of these negligent behaviors. Help make the holidays a safe and enjoyable time for everyone by working to prevent impaired driving.
Source: Institute for Behavior and Health, "Presidential Proclamation Announces National Impaired Driving Prevention Month," 30 November, 2011
]]>Childproofing can seem like an impossible task for the parents of an active toddler. Sometimes it can feel like your children are on a mission to run into every sharp-edged corner, break every piece of glass and place every small object available into their mouths. The problems are only made worse when taking your children to friends' or relatives' homes. People without small children generally do not consider the hazards posed by holiday items.
]]> The most common objects that can lead to harm are exposed candles, glass decorations, hard candy, ribbon, and the worst offender of all, the Christmas tree. A Christmas tree can contain almost every major threat of child injury all wrapped up in one package. Ornaments, tinsel and lights are often a colorful and therefore tempting choking hazard. Trees are heavy and can easily be toppled to crush a child. The lights can electrocute a child with one bite. Glass bulbs can be broken into a handful of razor sharp edges.In addition to the dangers of decorations, parents should be on the lookout for dangerous or defective toys. If heavy objects, such as televisions, have been moved to make room for the tree or for guests, they can be unstable and present an additional risk of crushing a child. Holiday gatherings generally include lavish meals and an opportunity to catch up with family you don't see every day. The temptation to become distracted and to assume someone is watching your child can be overwhelming. By taking the time to check your surroundings and see to the health and safety of your child, you can avoid a potential tragedy and enjoy a happy holiday season.
Source: Medill Reports, "Deck the halls, and childproof them too," by Natalie Brunell and Zack Aldrich, 16 November 2011
]]>It's encouraging to see Illinois officials take a serious interest in these bicycle-v-car-door accidents. In these collisions, the best-case scenario is when the cyclist flies to the ground and suffers scrapes and bruises. However, the "dooring" action often causes a much bigger problem: the cyclist being launched out of the bike lane and into traffic. This will often cause serious trauma and crush injuries, leading to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and internal organ injuries.
]]> What makes these accidents especially tragic is that they are so easy to prevent. If motorists would just get in the habit of checking their rear-view mirror and blind-spots before exiting their car, this type of bicycle accident would never happen. This is the very reason that the Illinois government is going to start recording dooring accidents, to pinpoint the geographic areas where these collisions most frequently occur and determine how best to prevent them. The City of Chicago has been recording dooring data for three years now; it is good to see the rest of Illinois follow suit.In Chicago, motorists can be fined $500 for a dooring offense, while the motorist also remains civilly liable for any harm caused to the cyclist. While the high fine has gotten the attention of some drivers, bike lane intrusion remains a serious problem in The Windy City.
If you are cycling in the greater Chicago Area, please remain wary of parked cars. While there isn't much the cyclist can do to prevent dooring accidents, remaining cautious of the looming threat may just end up saving your life.
Source: Chicago Tribune, "Illinois to start tracking bicycle 'dooring' collisions," April 24, 2011.
]]>At roughly 6 a.m. Saturday morning, a 60-year-old man was killed when a motor vehicle struck him in River North. The man was found lying in an alleyway when responders arrived at the scene. He was pronounced dead at 6:20 a.m. Unfortunately, this man's death is far too common in Chicago, as another pedestrian accident a day earlier sent two boys to the hospital.
]]> On Friday at 8 a.m. a six-year-old boy and his 18-year-old brother were crossing a street on the Southwest Side when they were struck by a motorist. The brothers were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where they were evaluated for injuries. Fortunately, the two are supposed to make a full recovery. The driver of the car was issued a ticket for striking a pedestrian in the road and failing to exercise due care.At 1 a.m. on Monday a man lost his life in a fatal pedestrian accident on the Far South Side. The 63-year-old man was killed by a car near his home on the 11100 block of South Kedzie Avenue. While the details remain murky at this point, the driver said he felt something impact the passenger's side of his windshield and pulled a U-turn to examine what struck his car. To his horror, the man laid unconscious on the side of the road. Responders were unable to save his life.
Sources: SunTimes.com, Chicagotribune.com
]]>The next day, the woman was driving to work on I-90 when her car's hood suddenly flew up, smashing her windshield and blinding her vision! The driver coolly - but not calmly - got her car across three lanes of traffic and avoided a highway accident by pulling safely onto the shoulder. An Illinois State Police Trooper showed up and asked her if she had recently had the car in the shop. Unsurprised by her response, he wrote up a police report for her.
]]> Not surprisingly, the car shop didn't admit to the mistake, but conceded that they do routinely pop the hood for an inspection. Presumably, a mechanic at the muffler shop forgot to properly secure the hood latch. While this story leaves an it-will-never-happen-to-me feeling, it can provide a safety lesson.Mechanics are human beings and they can make mistakes. There are a few things you need to do before driving away from the shop or rental car company.
Sometimes motorists may put a little too much blind faith in mechanic shops because they have little car knowledge themselves. However, a short self-inspection can save one some time, money and maybe even their life.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
]]>What is even more startling is that experts predict these numbers to be even higher during the upcoming New Year's 2011 celebration, because the holiday falls on a Saturday. While Chicago already experiences a serious drunk driving epidemic, the problem will dramatically spike during this weekend's festivities.
The new study only highlights the death toll for drunk driving fatalities each holiday, it doesn't account for the thousands of serious injuries that drunk drivers will cause their victims. Some of the victims may escape with bruises, scrapes, muscle soreness or whiplash, but many of the accidents will cause spinal cord injuries, or even traumatic brain injury.
Prevent Becoming a Drunk Driver Victim on New Year's
The safest plan for New Year's is to stay at home and avoid the roads altogether. For the serious reveler, this isn't even an option. For those folks, here are some other practices that will hopefully lower that deadly 150 percent mark:
]]>Regardless of your plans on, have a safe and happy New Year's 2011.
Source: U.S. News
]]>Thanksgiving is the largest travel day in the U.S., resulting in an unusually high amount of drivers on the road. This heavy traffic is coupled with the busiest days of the year for bars and nightclubs, providing a deadly mix ripe for drunk-driving accidents.
How to avoid becoming a Drunk-Driving Victim
While there is no way to eliminate the entire threat that drunk drivers present to our families, there are some ways to reduce the likelihood of an intoxicated driver seriously injuring or killing you or family members on Thanksgiving:
]]>Unfortunately, drunk drivers will inevitably get on the roads this Thanksgiving. If you or your family is seriously injured or killed by a drunk driver, get immediate medical attention and preserve all evidence involved.
Please have a safe Thanksgiving and avoid the busy roads as much as possible.
]]>The bus was shuttling 20 children to a Peoria district school when it jumped a curb and stopped in a residential driveway, striking two vehicles in the process. Bus driver Gary Stewart, 46, was arrested and booked for DUI after testing showed a blood-alcohol content of .04 percent. While that would typically be under Illinois' legal limit of .08, for a commercial school-bus driver the limit is .04, which Stewart allegedly exceeded.
Stewart is likely going to contest the charges, as he says the .04 percent alcohol content is inexplicable. Stewart admitted to drinking 48 ounces of beer the night before the crash while he watched an ugly Chicago Bears' loss on television. He also stated that he ingested an unmeasured amount of cold medicine at around 12:30 AM on Monday.
]]> Assuming Stewart's story to be true, there is no way that three beers alone could have given him a .04 percent level; his body would have metabolized the alcohol throughout the night and he should have had no detectable amount by the time of the 8:45 AM accident. He would have had to drink a considerable amount of cold medicine to achieve that .04 concentration, as the Nyquil he alleges to have consumed only contains 10 percent alcohol.While Stewart is presumed innocent until proven guilty, he is currently on unpaid leave while the school district investigates the accident. If convicted, he will lose his commercial driver's license (CDL) for one year and may face an even longer ban on transporting school children. Stewart has a prior criminal history, including felonies for delivery of a controlled substance and theft.
If any of the children suffered injuries in the event, their families may seek compensation for the harm done. Some parties that could potentially be liable include Gary Stewart, the bus company and the school district.
Source: Peoria Journal Star
]]>A three-vehicle collision caused by a big rig on I-90 somehow avoided fatal consequences. The accident occurred near Gary when the truck driver believed he saw a deer on the interstate and over-corrected his semi. The 18-wheeler crashed through the median before blocking off the entire expressway - bringing morning commuters to a halt. The drivers of the two other vehicles struck by the semi went to the hospital but had no life-threatening injuries. The police stated that the deer was actually a paper bag.
In Stevenson, a semi truck made an illegal turn in a construction area and crushed a worker, accidentally killing him. After exiting the expressway, the driver disobeyed the signs forbidding right turns. The truck turned into the narrow bridge-construction area and the construction worker was pinned between the truck and a metal barricade. The driver received several traffic tickets and may still face prison time under Illinois law.
]]> Crashes involving large vehicles such as 18-wheelers, dump trucks, cement trucks, school buses, CTA buses, and even RVs are especially devastating. These large motor vehicles have extra size and weight coupled with longer braking distances and less mobility. When these vehicles are involved in crashes, the probability of severe damages, injuries and even death is much higher than crashes involving only traditional passenger vehicles.Insurance alone is usually inadequate to compensate victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured by an oversized vehicle, it is crucial to contact a personal injury attorney experienced in trucking and bus accidents. A lawyer can discuss your legal rights and potential claims.
]]>