The National Safety Commission Alerts
Safety is No Accident
Thursday, July 02, 2009
Tips for Safe Summer Driving: Safety Tips for 4th of July
John Adams, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and our second president, wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, expressing his feelings on how the Fourth of July should be celebrated: "It should be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forward forever more."
Commemorating our Independence should be celebrated with joy and great fanfare; however, for too many Americans, this holiday will have a tragic turn. To prevent becoming a statistic on this Fourth, here are a few safety tips:
Driving - This is a holiday that requires great patience behind the wheel. Wherever crowds gather, such as at the beach and fireworks displays, there are going to be traffic issues.
A long day at the beach under the hot sun will tire you out. To prevent fatigue and dehydration, make sure you eat well, and don't use alcohol to satisfy your thirst. Alcohol will increase your dehydration, and the hot sun combined with the dehydration will only compound the effects of the alcohol. Don't stay so long that you are totally worn out before you hit the road. If necessary, take turns driving home to avoid falling asleep behind the wheel.
If you attend a fireworks display, understand that when everyone tries to leave at once, there are going to be frayed nerves. This is where your patience will be put to the test. If someone tries to fight you for a parking space or an opening to get out onto the road, let them have it. The short amount of time it will cost you isn't worth a road rage incident.
This isn't the time to step on the gas in hopes of making it through that yellow light, nor should you step on the gas as soon as the light turns green. There will be a lot of drivers on the road who have been drinking, so you need to make sure that the intersection is clear before proceeding. Watch out for and avoid drivers who are driving erratically.
Boating - US Coast Guard statistics from 2007 show that there were 5,191 boating incidents, with 3,673 injuries and 685 deaths. The Coast Guard data showed that:
•Operator inattention, careless/reckless operation, passenger/skier behavior, excessive speed, and alcohol use rank as the top five primary contributing factors in mishaps.
•Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating mishaps; it was listed as the leading factor in 21% of the deaths.
•Over two-thirds of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, ninety (90) percent were not wearing a life jacket.
•The most common types of vessels involved in reported mishaps were open motorboats (44%), personal watercraft (24%), and cabin motorboats (15%).
Fireworks - According to statistics compiled by the Centers for Disease Control, in 2006 eleven people died and an estimated 9,200 were treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in the United States. According to the CDC findings:
•One-third of the fireworks-related injuries involved children under 15 years of age.
•The body parts most often injured were hands (2,300 injuries), eyes (1,500 injuries), and the head, face, and ear (1,400 injuries).
•More than half of the injuries were burns. Burns were the most common injury to all body parts except the eyes and head areas, where contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies in the eye occurred more frequently.
•Firecrackers were associated with the greatest number of estimated injuries.
•Sparklers accounted for one-third of the injuries to children less than 5 years of age.
•Between 2000-2005, more than one-third of fireworks-related deaths involved professional devices that were illegally sold to consumers.
Fireworks aren't toys; they are explosive devices. Never allow children to use fireworks without close adult supervision. If you want to make fireworks a part of your Fourth of July celebration, attend a professional fireworks display.
Alcohol - Whether it be driving, boating, or fireworks, the one common thread that runs through most of holiday-related injuries and deaths is alcohol.
Boating - Remember that you can be charged with BUI (Boating Under the Influence) and the alcohol limits and penalties are essentially the same as for a DUI.
Fireworks - Alcohol and explosives don't mix.
Driving - According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashes during the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007 to 5:59 a.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2007) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states. NHTSA suggests that before you begin your Fourth of July Celebration:
•Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
•Before drinking, designate a sober driver and give that person your keys
•If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
•Use your community's Sober Rides program
•If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact local law enforcement
Remember that buzzed driving is driving impaired.
Have a safe and happy Fourth of July celebration!
For more information visit; www.StopImpairedDriving.org
Labels: fourth of july, holiday driving, july 4th
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Tips for Safe Summer Driving: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
As the fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, families and friends, retailers and law enforcement all gear up for what the celebration will bring. While everyone is making their plans, special attention needs to be given to the responsible use of alcohol.
•Be sure to limit access and take steps to prevent the use of alcohol to minors.
•Take steps to ensure that anyone who has consumed alcohol does not drink and drive.
Many people mistakenly think that if they are just slightly impaired, they are still capable of driving. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.
In 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic-related crashes during the July 4th holiday period (6 p.m. Tuesday, July 3, 2007 to 5:59 a.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2007) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, the legal limit in all states.
Much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate:
•Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin
•Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys
•If you’re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
•Use your community's Sober Rides program
•If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement
If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk, no matter the level of impairment. Alcohol not only affects each person differently, it can affect the same person differently. The effects change based on your food consumption, chemical interactions with other medications and general health.
The consequences of driving impaired are serious and real. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant. Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses.
Don't let this Fourth of July blow up in your face. Remember, Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Designate your sober driver before the parties begin.
For more information, please visit http://www.stopimpaireddriving.org/.
Labels: buzzed driving, drunk driving, holiday driving
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Texas Teens Admit Drinking and Driving
New Allstate Study Reveals Disturbing Practices Amongst Teen Drivers
According to a new Allstate Insurance Company study of Texas teen driving habits, fifty-two percent of Lone Star teens admit to driving a car after drinking alcohol or have been a passenger in a car operated by a teen driver who had been drinking.
Allstate agents asked teens in and around eleven Texas cities, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, about their highway habits. Researchers found:
• 88% report text messaging or talking on their cell phones while driving.
• 48% reveal police stopped them during their first year of driving.
• 33% admitted to getting in a collision during their first year of driving.
• 30% report driving so fast they've lost control of their car, or have been a passenger in a car with a teen driver who lost control.
"These numbers are disturbing and show there is a critical need for parents and teens to talk about safe driving," said David Christopher, an agent in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. "Car crashes are the number one killer of teens and summer is the deadliest time of the year for teen drivers. The time to act is now."
One Hundred Deadliest Days
For teen drivers, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the "100 Deadliest Days." Allstate says that on average, 15 teens die in traffic crashes every day during the summer months.
Five Tips For Safe Teen Driving:
1. Don't Drink and Drive
In 2006, 25 percent of 15- to 20-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes had a Blood Alcohol Content level of .08 g/dl or higher.
2. Establish Rules of the Road
Put written expectations for safe driving behaviors in writing with a parent-teen driving contract.
3. Focus on the Road, Forget Your Social Life
Driver error is responsible for a shocking 87% of all teen driving accidents. Texting, eating, and playing with the radio are all avoidable driving distractions.
4. Buckle Up and Slow Down
In Texas, speeding is the number one cause of fatal crashes involving teen drivers, followed by failure to wear safety belts.
5. Learn the Law
Texas graduated driver licensing laws restrict nighttime driving and implement passenger limitations for teen drivers.
According to a new Allstate Insurance Company study of Texas teen driving habits, fifty-two percent of Lone Star teens admit to driving a car after drinking alcohol or have been a passenger in a car operated by a teen driver who had been drinking.
Allstate agents asked teens in and around eleven Texas cities, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, about their highway habits. Researchers found:
• 88% report text messaging or talking on their cell phones while driving.
• 48% reveal police stopped them during their first year of driving.
• 33% admitted to getting in a collision during their first year of driving.
• 30% report driving so fast they've lost control of their car, or have been a passenger in a car with a teen driver who lost control.
"These numbers are disturbing and show there is a critical need for parents and teens to talk about safe driving," said David Christopher, an agent in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. "Car crashes are the number one killer of teens and summer is the deadliest time of the year for teen drivers. The time to act is now."
One Hundred Deadliest Days
For teen drivers, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the "100 Deadliest Days." Allstate says that on average, 15 teens die in traffic crashes every day during the summer months.
Five Tips For Safe Teen Driving:
1. Don't Drink and Drive
In 2006, 25 percent of 15- to 20-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes had a Blood Alcohol Content level of .08 g/dl or higher.
2. Establish Rules of the Road
Put written expectations for safe driving behaviors in writing with a parent-teen driving contract.
3. Focus on the Road, Forget Your Social Life
Driver error is responsible for a shocking 87% of all teen driving accidents. Texting, eating, and playing with the radio are all avoidable driving distractions.
4. Buckle Up and Slow Down
In Texas, speeding is the number one cause of fatal crashes involving teen drivers, followed by failure to wear safety belts.
5. Learn the Law
Texas graduated driver licensing laws restrict nighttime driving and implement passenger limitations for teen drivers.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Florida Paying $3 Billion a Year in Underage Drinking Costs
Taxpayers Footing Almost 39% of Total Bill
Recently, the Florida Department of Children and Families released a new study entitled Economic Costs of Underage Drinking in Florida. Amongst its findings are that the statewide economic impact of underage alcohol-related crime, traffic crashes, health care and other costs Floridians over $3 billion each year.
Violent crime linked to alcohol was society’s greatest cost, accounting for $316.3 million, or 48%, of total underage drinking costs.
Taking third place were traffic crashes, with a fiscal tab of $642.7 million for medical and emergency services, lost productivity, workplace and legal costs, property damage and other costs.
Other economic impacts detailed in the county-by-county report included:
• Unsafe sexual behavior - $291.1 million
• Fetal alcohol syndrome - $75.4 million
• Alcohol-related medical and other costs resulting from injuries — $202.5 million
• Suicides and attempted suicides - $48.3 million
• Alcohol abuse treatment - $2.8 million.
Six Florida counties alone were responsible for 52% of the total estimated cost: Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Palm Beach, Hillsborough and Duval. According to the study's authors, the higher costs were associated with higher crime and traffic crash rates in these counties.
The study revealed that most of the economic burden of alcohol abuse falls on those who do not abuse alcohol. Florida taxpayers bore 38.6% of the total costs.
The overall cost per youth was also computed by researchers, which averaged $627 per person under the age of 21 and $1,818 per youth between the ages of 14 and 20. These expenditures were the result of roughly 180 youth deaths and 71,602 injuries and other events directly ascribable to alcohol use by minors.
"This study shows that in addition to the human toll of underage drinking, there is also an economic cost that affects us all," said Bill Janes, DCF Assistant.
"We especially want to involve parents in our prevention efforts, because research shows that parents and other significant adults are the key factors in determining whether or not a teenager decides to drink," Janes continued. "Communities also have a role to play in protecting teens and promoting alcohol and drug-free lifestyles."
According to a 2008 survey of alcohol and drug use by Florida's middle and high school students, most do not drink and the number of those who do is on the decline. However, a cause for concern is that the percentage of those who reported drinking during the past month continues to exceed the national average - 37% compared to 29.3%.
The study provides a "blueprint" for Florida's state and local policy makers. "It has implications for law enforcement and the health care and insurance industries, as well as for health and social services agencies," Janes said.
Economic Costs of Underage Drinking in Florida was a State Epidemiology Workgroup project, a multidisciplinary group comprised of a range of experts from Florida. The study's corresponding author is Michael T. French, Ph.D., of the Treatment and Prevention Evaluation Group at the University of Miami's Comprehensive Drug Research Center. The study's cost estimates are for 2007.
Recently, the Florida Department of Children and Families released a new study entitled Economic Costs of Underage Drinking in Florida. Amongst its findings are that the statewide economic impact of underage alcohol-related crime, traffic crashes, health care and other costs Floridians over $3 billion each year.
Violent crime linked to alcohol was society’s greatest cost, accounting for $316.3 million, or 48%, of total underage drinking costs.
Taking third place were traffic crashes, with a fiscal tab of $642.7 million for medical and emergency services, lost productivity, workplace and legal costs, property damage and other costs.
Other economic impacts detailed in the county-by-county report included:
• Unsafe sexual behavior - $291.1 million
• Fetal alcohol syndrome - $75.4 million
• Alcohol-related medical and other costs resulting from injuries — $202.5 million
• Suicides and attempted suicides - $48.3 million
• Alcohol abuse treatment - $2.8 million.
Six Florida counties alone were responsible for 52% of the total estimated cost: Miami-Dade, Broward, Orange, Palm Beach, Hillsborough and Duval. According to the study's authors, the higher costs were associated with higher crime and traffic crash rates in these counties.
The study revealed that most of the economic burden of alcohol abuse falls on those who do not abuse alcohol. Florida taxpayers bore 38.6% of the total costs.
The overall cost per youth was also computed by researchers, which averaged $627 per person under the age of 21 and $1,818 per youth between the ages of 14 and 20. These expenditures were the result of roughly 180 youth deaths and 71,602 injuries and other events directly ascribable to alcohol use by minors.
"This study shows that in addition to the human toll of underage drinking, there is also an economic cost that affects us all," said Bill Janes, DCF Assistant.
"We especially want to involve parents in our prevention efforts, because research shows that parents and other significant adults are the key factors in determining whether or not a teenager decides to drink," Janes continued. "Communities also have a role to play in protecting teens and promoting alcohol and drug-free lifestyles."
According to a 2008 survey of alcohol and drug use by Florida's middle and high school students, most do not drink and the number of those who do is on the decline. However, a cause for concern is that the percentage of those who reported drinking during the past month continues to exceed the national average - 37% compared to 29.3%.
The study provides a "blueprint" for Florida's state and local policy makers. "It has implications for law enforcement and the health care and insurance industries, as well as for health and social services agencies," Janes said.
Economic Costs of Underage Drinking in Florida was a State Epidemiology Workgroup project, a multidisciplinary group comprised of a range of experts from Florida. The study's corresponding author is Michael T. French, Ph.D., of the Treatment and Prevention Evaluation Group at the University of Miami's Comprehensive Drug Research Center. The study's cost estimates are for 2007.
Labels: underage alcohol use, underage drinking
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Driver Training: Managing Blind Spots
You may have experienced a situation where you started to change lanes or pass another vehicle only to see another vehicle alongside yours at the last instant. One report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that 18% of collisions are "sideswipe" collisions involving vehicles in the process of changing lanes and crashing into a vehicle that the driver did not see. Another tragic consequence of blind spots is the large number of deaths due to a driver backing over a person (usually a child) who was hidden in the large blind spot behind the vehicle. The web site Kids and Cars reports that an average of two children per week are killed in back-over incidents.
Blind spots exist in all vehicles. Cars with higher rear ends, small windows and large headrests all contribute to the problem. These blind spots can be reduced, but they can't be eliminated completely. As a driver, there are a few easy steps you can take to reduce blind spots.
Adjusting the mirrors - Before you start the car, put on your seat belt and adjust your seat so that you are high enough to see ahead and reach all of the driving controls. From this position, adjust your interior rearview mirror to provide a full view outside your rear window. Once the interior mirror is properly adjusted, set your outside rearview mirrors so that the interior edge of the mirror shows the same view as the extreme edge of your interior mirror. Don't make the mistake of turning your exterior mirrors so far inward that you can see the side of your car. That view will prevent you from seeing vehicles coming up alongside in an adjoining lane.
Look over your shoulder - Even with your mirrors properly adjusted, you will still have blind spots to the left and right rear of your vehicle. You don't have to turn your body around to look for vehicles in your blind spot; just turn your head so that your chin is in line with your shoulder to allow your peripheral vision to take in the view behind. Before you turn your head, make sure the road ahead is clear and that you can afford to move your eyes off of the road ahead for no more than a second or two. Learn more about managing blind spots and how to back up safely.
Motorcycles and bicycles have a very low profile, requiring that drivers be especially alert for them. Bicycles are a particular problem when making a right hand turn at an intersection. Before turning right, check your right side blind spot for bicycles that may be approaching.
Avoiding the blind spots of other vehicles – You may have seen signs on the backs of large trucks that say "If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you." That is also true for cars. When you are positioned to the left or right rear of a car ahead, look to see if you can see the other car's inside rearview mirror. If the view of that mirror is blocked, the other driver cannot see you. It is never wise to travel for any length of time in another vehicle's blind spot. If you find yourself in this position, pull up ahead (without breaking the speed limit) or back off until you are clear of the blind spot.
Large trucks and buses have large blind spots to the rear and each side of the vehicle. The trucking industry refers to these blind spots as "No-Zones." If you drive in one of these no-zones, the trucker will be unaware of your presence and may hit you when changing lanes. A good rule of thumb to avoid a large vehicle's no-zones is not only to be able to see the other vehicle's rearview mirrors but to see the driver's face in his rearview mirror.
Backing up - Even small cars have an amazingly large blind spot directly to the rear. Consumer Reports has measured rear blind spots on a variety of vehicles since 2002. Medium sized SUVs and minivans have blind spots of up to 23 feet behind the vehicle and average sized sedans have rear blind spots of up to 17 feet. Before backing up, especially if your household includes small children, check the rear of the vehicle for hazards.
Manufacturers are creating new technological innovations to reduce blind spots:
Mirrors - There are extra wide concave mirrors available from auto parts suppliers that clip onto your current mirror and extend the interior view out to the sides by a significant amount.
Sonar - Some vehicles have sonar that warns a driver of objects behind when backing up, but they can be unreliable; snow, rain, and fog can affect their performance. Small objects or children that are not directly in the path of the sonar beam can also be missed.
Blind spot detection systems - These systems provide a warning tone and a visual warning by flashing a light in a side view mirror when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) warns that these can be unreliable, because drivers do not always check their outside mirrors or tend to ignore them when they give continuous warnings in heavy rush hour traffic.
Rearview camera systems - This is a new and surprisingly cheap technology that gives a full view to the rear of the vehicle on a monitor attached to the dash or the interior rearview mirror. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests this technology as one of the best available to avoid back-up collisions. These systems are readily available and can be easily installed on an existing vehicle.
Blind spots exist in all vehicles. Cars with higher rear ends, small windows and large headrests all contribute to the problem. These blind spots can be reduced, but they can't be eliminated completely. As a driver, there are a few easy steps you can take to reduce blind spots.
Adjusting the mirrors - Before you start the car, put on your seat belt and adjust your seat so that you are high enough to see ahead and reach all of the driving controls. From this position, adjust your interior rearview mirror to provide a full view outside your rear window. Once the interior mirror is properly adjusted, set your outside rearview mirrors so that the interior edge of the mirror shows the same view as the extreme edge of your interior mirror. Don't make the mistake of turning your exterior mirrors so far inward that you can see the side of your car. That view will prevent you from seeing vehicles coming up alongside in an adjoining lane.
Look over your shoulder - Even with your mirrors properly adjusted, you will still have blind spots to the left and right rear of your vehicle. You don't have to turn your body around to look for vehicles in your blind spot; just turn your head so that your chin is in line with your shoulder to allow your peripheral vision to take in the view behind. Before you turn your head, make sure the road ahead is clear and that you can afford to move your eyes off of the road ahead for no more than a second or two. Learn more about managing blind spots and how to back up safely.
Motorcycles and bicycles have a very low profile, requiring that drivers be especially alert for them. Bicycles are a particular problem when making a right hand turn at an intersection. Before turning right, check your right side blind spot for bicycles that may be approaching.
Avoiding the blind spots of other vehicles – You may have seen signs on the backs of large trucks that say "If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you." That is also true for cars. When you are positioned to the left or right rear of a car ahead, look to see if you can see the other car's inside rearview mirror. If the view of that mirror is blocked, the other driver cannot see you. It is never wise to travel for any length of time in another vehicle's blind spot. If you find yourself in this position, pull up ahead (without breaking the speed limit) or back off until you are clear of the blind spot.
Large trucks and buses have large blind spots to the rear and each side of the vehicle. The trucking industry refers to these blind spots as "No-Zones." If you drive in one of these no-zones, the trucker will be unaware of your presence and may hit you when changing lanes. A good rule of thumb to avoid a large vehicle's no-zones is not only to be able to see the other vehicle's rearview mirrors but to see the driver's face in his rearview mirror.
Backing up - Even small cars have an amazingly large blind spot directly to the rear. Consumer Reports has measured rear blind spots on a variety of vehicles since 2002. Medium sized SUVs and minivans have blind spots of up to 23 feet behind the vehicle and average sized sedans have rear blind spots of up to 17 feet. Before backing up, especially if your household includes small children, check the rear of the vehicle for hazards.
Manufacturers are creating new technological innovations to reduce blind spots:
Mirrors - There are extra wide concave mirrors available from auto parts suppliers that clip onto your current mirror and extend the interior view out to the sides by a significant amount.
Sonar - Some vehicles have sonar that warns a driver of objects behind when backing up, but they can be unreliable; snow, rain, and fog can affect their performance. Small objects or children that are not directly in the path of the sonar beam can also be missed.
Blind spot detection systems - These systems provide a warning tone and a visual warning by flashing a light in a side view mirror when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) warns that these can be unreliable, because drivers do not always check their outside mirrors or tend to ignore them when they give continuous warnings in heavy rush hour traffic.
Rearview camera systems - This is a new and surprisingly cheap technology that gives a full view to the rear of the vehicle on a monitor attached to the dash or the interior rearview mirror. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggests this technology as one of the best available to avoid back-up collisions. These systems are readily available and can be easily installed on an existing vehicle.
Labels: blind spot, driver training
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Driver Education: Summer Heat Warning - Never Leave Children Alone in Cars
Hyperthermia is Leading Cause of Non-crash Child Vehicle Deaths
Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warned parents that the risk of a serious injury or death during hot weather is greater for children left alone in vehicles. Recently released research shows that hyperthermia (heat-stroke) is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths for children.
"Even with the windows rolled down two inches, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures on a hot summer day," said Ronald Medford, Acting Deputy Administrator of NHTSA. "Children should never be left alone in or around a motor vehicle, not even for a quick errand. Any number of things can go critically wrong in the blink of an eye."
According to a new NHTSA study, 262 children under the age of 14 are killed and 115,000 are injured in non-crash incidents on private roads, driveways and in parking lots each year. Of that number, 44 fatalities and 105,000 injuries are the results of non-crash incidents such hyperthermia, strangulation by power windows, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Many of the remaining deaths and injuries in non-crash incidents are the result of a child being backed over by a vehicle where the driver did not see the child.
The NHTSA's safety tips to prevent hyperthermia include:
• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle.
• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Make sure they understand that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open or if the engine is running and the air conditioning is on.
• Always inspect the front and back seats of the vehicle before locking the door and walking away.
• If your spouse or partner is taking your child to daycare, and normally it's your responsibility, call your spouse or partner to make sure everything went according to plan.
• Ask your childcare provider to phone you immediately if your child does not show up for childcare. To remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle:
—Write a note and put it on the steering wheel or anywhere you will see it when you leave the vehicle.
—Place your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle.
—Keep an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy, to remind you that a child is in the vehicle. When the child is buckled in, place the object where you will see it when exiting the vehicle.
• Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of the reach of children. If a child is missing, inspect your vehicle first, including the trunk.
• Call 911 if you see a child alone in a hot vehicle. Get them out as quickly as possible if they are in distress due from the heat. Cool the child as quickly as possible.
Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warned parents that the risk of a serious injury or death during hot weather is greater for children left alone in vehicles. Recently released research shows that hyperthermia (heat-stroke) is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle deaths for children.
"Even with the windows rolled down two inches, it only takes 10 minutes for the inside of a vehicle to reach deadly temperatures on a hot summer day," said Ronald Medford, Acting Deputy Administrator of NHTSA. "Children should never be left alone in or around a motor vehicle, not even for a quick errand. Any number of things can go critically wrong in the blink of an eye."
According to a new NHTSA study, 262 children under the age of 14 are killed and 115,000 are injured in non-crash incidents on private roads, driveways and in parking lots each year. Of that number, 44 fatalities and 105,000 injuries are the results of non-crash incidents such hyperthermia, strangulation by power windows, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Many of the remaining deaths and injuries in non-crash incidents are the result of a child being backed over by a vehicle where the driver did not see the child.
The NHTSA's safety tips to prevent hyperthermia include:
• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle.
• Do not let your children play in an unattended vehicle. Make sure they understand that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Never leave infants or children in a parked vehicle, even if the windows are partially open or if the engine is running and the air conditioning is on.
• Always inspect the front and back seats of the vehicle before locking the door and walking away.
• If your spouse or partner is taking your child to daycare, and normally it's your responsibility, call your spouse or partner to make sure everything went according to plan.
• Ask your childcare provider to phone you immediately if your child does not show up for childcare. To remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle:
—Write a note and put it on the steering wheel or anywhere you will see it when you leave the vehicle.
—Place your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat so that you will have to check the back seat when you leave the vehicle.
—Keep an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy, to remind you that a child is in the vehicle. When the child is buckled in, place the object where you will see it when exiting the vehicle.
• Always lock vehicle doors and trunks and keep keys out of the reach of children. If a child is missing, inspect your vehicle first, including the trunk.
• Call 911 if you see a child alone in a hot vehicle. Get them out as quickly as possible if they are in distress due from the heat. Cool the child as quickly as possible.
Labels: child safety, driver education
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Trucker Dies in Fiery California Freeway Crash
Tanker Carrying Ethanol Explodes in Huge Fireball
Recently, a gorgeous Long Beach, California Saturday afternoon was shattered when a tanker truck hauling 8,000 gallons of ethanol crashed and exploded into an intense inferno that sent streams of fire into storm drains, killing the driver and clogging major highways.
According to witnesses on the scene, the heat from the blazing ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, was so scorching that it melted guardrails, and all that remained of the truck were its axles and small sections of the cab.
In a statement, the Long Beach Fire Department said the truck smashed into the side rail of eastbound State Route 91 at the transition to Interstate 710. The cause of the crash was under investigation.
Long Beach Fire Department Capt. Jackawa Jackson said that a tremendous fireball enveloped the I-710 overpasses.
Fire department officials were concerned the fire may have weakened the elevated portion of the road.
Despite concerns, the California Highway Patrol deemed the interstate fit to reopen several hours after the crash, and all but one lane of the state route were open to traffic the next day.
A river of burning alcohol poured from the tanker into a storm drain, shooting pyres of flame 20 feet in the air from other storm drains.
Jackson said firefighters used foam to tame the flames.
The driver's name was not released at press time.
Recently, a gorgeous Long Beach, California Saturday afternoon was shattered when a tanker truck hauling 8,000 gallons of ethanol crashed and exploded into an intense inferno that sent streams of fire into storm drains, killing the driver and clogging major highways.
According to witnesses on the scene, the heat from the blazing ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, was so scorching that it melted guardrails, and all that remained of the truck were its axles and small sections of the cab.
In a statement, the Long Beach Fire Department said the truck smashed into the side rail of eastbound State Route 91 at the transition to Interstate 710. The cause of the crash was under investigation.
Long Beach Fire Department Capt. Jackawa Jackson said that a tremendous fireball enveloped the I-710 overpasses.
Fire department officials were concerned the fire may have weakened the elevated portion of the road.
Despite concerns, the California Highway Patrol deemed the interstate fit to reopen several hours after the crash, and all but one lane of the state route were open to traffic the next day.
A river of burning alcohol poured from the tanker into a storm drain, shooting pyres of flame 20 feet in the air from other storm drains.
Jackson said firefighters used foam to tame the flames.
The driver's name was not released at press time.
