On Friday, January 30, 2009, at 4:06 p.m. MST, a 2007 Chevrolet/Starcraft 29-passenger bus, operated by DW Tour and Charter and carrying 16 passengers and the driver, crashed on U.S. Highway 93 on a return trip from Grand Canyon West to Las Vegas. The bus came to rest on the southbound side of the four-lane divided highway after veering out of its northbound lane, crossing the median and rolling over. Seven passengers were killed, and nine passengers and the driver sustained minor to serious injuries.

In its investigation the NTSB found that other factors, in addition to the driver’s failure to maintain control of his vehicle, contributed to the accident and its severity.

Had the vehicle been equipped with a lane departure warning system, the driver would have been alerted upon the initial drift from the driving lane. A stability control system, already widely used in automobiles, could have reduced the likelihood of the driver losing control of the bus and rolling over.

“Along with the efforts being made to address the issue of distracted driving, lane departure warning technology and stability control systems can help prevent accidents like the one in Dolan Springs from ever occurring,” said NTSB Chairman Deborah A.P. Hersman.

The Safety Board determined that because the U.S. Department of Transportation has yet to establish consistent classifications for each bus body type in operation, it is unclear whether current bus safety initiatives affect medium-sized buses. The Board also found that if there were Federal standards addressing occupant protection, roof strength and window-glazing, the likelihood of catastrophic outcomes in medium-sized bus and motorcoach rollovers would be reduced.

From this investigation the NTSB made the following recommendations to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): require new commercial vehicles exceeding 10,000 pounds to be outfitted with lane departure warning systems, stability control systems, and safer overhead luggage racks; develop standard regulatory classifications and definitions for all bus body types; include all buses above 10,000 pounds, other than school buses, in rulemaking on occupant protection, roof strength and window glazing; and require all buses above 10,000 pounds to be equipped with data recording systems.

A synopsis of the Board’s report, including the probable cause, conclusions, and recommendations, is available on the NTSB’s website, at http://www.ntsb.gov/Publictn/2010/HAR1001.htm

The Board’s full report will be available on the website in several weeks.

The purpose of the meeting will be to determine probable cause of the accident and to consider proposed safety recommendations to reduce the likelihood of future such mishaps.

On Friday, January 30, 2009, at 4:06 p.m. MST, a 2007 Chevrolet/Starcraft 29-passenger bus, operated by DW Tour and Charter and carrying 16 passengers and the driver, crashed on U.S. Highway 93 on a return trip from Grand Canyon West to Las Vegas. The bus came to rest on the southbound side of the four-lane divided highway after veering out its northbound lane, crossing the median and rolling over. Seven passengers were killed, and nine passengers and the driver sustained minor to serious injuries.

The Board meeting will be held in Washington on Tuesday, June 22, 2010, at 9:30 a.m. EDT, in the NTSB Board Room and Conference Center at 429 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W.

A live and archived webcast of the proceedings will be available on the Board’s website at http://www.ntsb.gov/Events/Boardmeeting.htm. Technical support details are available under “Board Meetings.” To report any problems, please call 703-993-3100 and ask for Webcast Technical Support.

A summary of the Board’s final report, which will include its findings, probable cause and safety recommendations, will appear on the website shortly after the conclusion of the meeting. The entire report will appear on the website several weeks later.

Directions to the NTSB Board Room: Front door located on Lower 10th Street, directly below L’Enfant Plaza. From the L’Enfant Plaza Metro station, exit via the 9th and D Street escalator, walk through corridor and shopping mall, and take the escalator (adjacent to the CVS store) down one level. The Board Room is on the left.

Personal injury lawsuits often involve a number of emotional and psychological disorders in addition to medical and financial issues. One psychological disorder commonly found in conjunction with serious accidents is post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. PTSD is a psychosocial disorder that develops after an instance or period of severe trauma or stress. PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder and, depending on the degree of severity, can be crippling for sufferers. PTSD can interfere with work & personal relationships and severely hinder one’s quality of life.

Symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

It is important that loved ones look for symptoms of PTSD in victims of serious accidents in the months following the incident. There may be a significant lag time before PTSD symptoms become noticeable, so symptoms could still develop later even if they aren’t immediately visible.

Potential warning signs to look out for include the following:

• • If the accident victim complains of frequent flashbacks to the time of the event. These flashbacks are often very vivid and can cause serious anxiety and upset when they occur.
• Recurring and upsetting memories of the accident that interfere with normal thought processes throughout the day
• Amnesia in regards to certain aspects of the event
• Upsetting dreams and nightmares
• Agoraphobia, or fear of social interaction
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability or anger outbursts that cannot be controlled and interfere with relationships
• Difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep throughout the night

If left untreated, PTSD can continue to worsen until the accident victim is no longer able to function. As soon as symptoms of PTSD are observed in an accident victim, treatment should be sought with an experienced psychiatrist or psychologist.

To find out more about PTSD and personal injury cases, visit the website of the Iowa personal injury lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C.

Chris Le, a scientist in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, can put to rest any safety concerns regarding playgrounds made of chromated copper arsenate-treated wood. This is good news to parents planning to begin the summer ritual of taking their children to the local playground.

The study compared arsenic levels in urine and saliva samples of children playing in eight pressure treated wooden playgrounds and those in eight playgrounds made of other materials. The study found no significant difference in the concentration of arsenic species in children playing on playgrounds with or without the chemically-treated wood. The study suggests that contact with CCA treated wood in playgrounds is not likely to significantly contribute to the overall arsenic exposure in children.

Around 70 per cent of playgrounds in North America are made with pressure-treated wood. Le and his group want to encourage children to stay physically active, just make sure to wash their hands after play.

The Fairfax County Police Department encourages dog owners, and residents alike, to learn what they can do to make dog bites less likely and to help prevent dog bites. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention.

Most at risk of dog bites are children. Most injuries occur among children between the ages of 5 to 9 years. Adult males and people with dogs in their homes are also more likely to become victims.

Prevention tips include:

• Consult with a professional, such as a veterinarian or breeder to learn what type of breed best fits your household and lifestyle.
• Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it.
• Use caution when bringing any dog into a home with a baby, toddler, or young child.
• Make sure your children do not approach unfamiliar dogs.
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
• Allow a dog to see and sniff you prior to attempting to pet it.
• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

Since 2006, Best Authority has been the leading software application for creating professional-quality Tables of Authorities in legal briefs, and it continues to receive rave reviews from the legal industry. Currently, Best Authority serves a wide variety of law firms, ranging from 6 of the top 10 largest law firms down to sole practitioners. Best Authority is available in Premium and Light Editions to suit any law firm’s size and feature/cost requirements.

Levit & James Vice President Ian Levit noted, “Microsoft technology comprises the backbone of legal technology infrastructure. Therefore, we are pleased to be rolling out a new version of Best Authority with compatibility with Microsoft Office 2010. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Levit & James stays current on all new developments in Office technology, for the direct benefit of our customers.”

via Levit & James Announces Release of Best Authority Version 2.7 : NOVA Business News.

Throughout the world, roads are bustling with people operating cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, and mopeds; with pedestrians; and with other types of travelers. Travel made possible by motor vehicles supports economic and social development in many countries and makes transporting goods and people fast and easy. Despite these benefits, however, motor vehicles are involved in crashes that are responsible for millions of deaths and injuries every year worldwide.

Consider the following:

• Globally, every year, about 1.3 million people are killed in motor vehicle crashes and 20–50 million more are seriously injured.
• Half of those people killed in crashes, globally, are pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.
• By 2020, motor vehicle crashes are expected to become the third most serious threat to human health in the world.
• Road traffic crashes are the world’s leading cause of death for individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 years.
• Road traffic and transport accidents at work account for a high proportion of total roadway fatalities in the European Union—41% in 1999.

Steps for Safety At Home and Abroad

Motor vehicle crashes are a public health concern both abroad and in the United States. Crashes are a leading cause of death for Americans of all ages. More than 3 million people in the United States are treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries each year. More than 40,000 die as a result of their injuries. These injuries and deaths are preventable.

Whether you’re a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian in the United States or abroad, take the following steps to stay safe on the road:

• Remember to always buckle up. Wearing your seat belt can reduce your risk of dying in a crash by about half.
• Make sure your young passengers are buckled into appropriate safety seats.
• Transport children in the back seat of your vehicle.
• If you have a teenage driver, sign an agreement with your teen to limit his or her risky driving, such as having multiple passengers and driving at night.
• Avoid drinking before driving, even in small amounts.
• Avoid activities that distract you from driving, like texting or talking on a cell phone.

After FDA completes its review, the agency will hold a public meeting in July 2010 to present all the known heart-related safety data on rosiglitazone provide an updated assessment of the risks and benefits of rosiglitazone in the treatment of type 2 diabetes

Advice for People Who Take Rosiglitazone

Don’t stop taking your medication without talking with your health care professional. Discuss any questions or concerns you have about rosiglitazone with your health care professional. Read the Medication Guide that comes with each rosiglitazone prescription to better understand the risks and benefits of your medication.

Report any side effects with rosiglitazone to FDA’s MedWatch program either online, by regular mail, by fax, or by phone.

• Online3
• Regular Mail: Use postage-paid, pre-addressed FDA form 35004
• Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178
• Phone: 1-800-332-1088

Brand Name Drugs Containing Rosiglitazone

Rosiglitazone is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is sold as a single-ingredient product under the brand name Avandia. It is also available in combination with other diabetes medications:

• metformin under the brand name Avandamet
• glimepiride under the brand name Avandaryl

Previous FDA Actions

FDA has been reviewing other studies of rosiglitazone on an ongoing basis as these studies are published. In 2007, FDA issued a safety alert5 about a possible association between rosiglitazone and increased heart-related risk. On July 30, 2007, FDA sought advice from experts outside of the agency at a joint meeting6 of two of FDA’s advisory committees.

Numerous factors have caused fatalities to decline nationwide, including better vehicle safety standards and improved highway design. Former Governor Timothy Kaine, however, gives some of the credit to improvements at the state level.

Read full article via Burnett & Williams Personal Injury – News.

The findings, from researchers at the University of Illinois, appear in the journal Psychonomic Bulletin & Review.

This is the first study to find that driving impairs language skills, said Gary Dell, a psycholinguist in the department of psychology at Illinois and corresponding author on the study. Two previous studies had reported that driving did not impair the accuracy and comprehension of speech.

“The previous findings made no sense to those of us who have studied language,” Dell said. “You might think that talking is an easy thing to do and that comprehending language is easy. But it’s not. Speech production and speech comprehension are attention-demanding activities, and so they ought to compete with other tasks that require your attention – like driving.”

The new study was conducted in a driving simulator at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at Illinois. The participants worked in pairs – one as a driver and the other as a conversation partner who was either in the simulator with the driver or talking with the driver via a hands-free cell phone from a remote location. Half of the 96 participants were adults over the age of 65 and half were in their late teens and early 20s.

Participants either sat in an unmoving vehicle or navigated through busy urban traffic while listening to, and then retelling, a brief story that they had never heard before. Using a headphone and a microphone, each participant heard and retold four stories. After leaving the simulator, all participants were asked to recall everything that they remembered about the stories.

As the researchers expected, a participant’s ability to remember and retell a story declined significantly if he or she was also driving during the exercise. The older subjects performed more poorly on these tasks to begin with, and their ability to retain and retell the stories worsened as much as that of their younger peers.

In contrast to their performance while sitting still, Dell said, “the drivers remembered 20 percent less of what was told to them when they were driving.” Declines in the accuracy of retelling the stories were most pronounced while drivers navigated through intersections or encountered more demanding traffic conditions.

“This study shows that various aspects of language go to hell when you’re driving,” said psychology professor Art Kramer, who collaborated on the study.

The study reflects the tradeoffs that occur when people try to communicate while performing other tasks, Dell said. “The relative balance of attention to any two tasks is going to vary,” he said. “And perhaps we don’t understand one another as well as we should because of this. With modern technology, we’re talking more and more while we are doing other things, but we may be understanding one another less and less.”

Source http://www.news.illinois.edu/news/10/0122distraction.html