According to statistics collected by the National Safe Kids Campaign, scald and burn injuries for children under the age of 14 cost more than $44 million a year. These costs include emergency treatment for scald burns, as well as costs associated with deaths resulting from scald injuries. Of those, 90 percent of these costs are for injuries to children ages 4 and under.
]]> Children have thinner skin, so when they do come into contact with hot liquid they suffer deeper burns than adults. Additionally, young children tend to be less aware of potential dangers and often do not exercise the care that adults do around hot liquids.It is no surprise then, that more than 21,000 children are treated for scald burns each year. And most children hospitalized for burn injuries are under the age of 4.
Older adults are also more susceptible to burn injuries. Like children, they typically have thinner skin and thus sustain deeper burns. Many older adults are also on prescription medications so they have slower reaction times. This can not only lead to longer exposure to scalding liquids, but also increases the chance of a slip and fall while carrying hot liquids.
To learn more about how to prevent scald injuries, please check back for our next blog post.
Source: American Burn Association, "Scald Injury Prevention Campaign."
]]>Last weekend, a 56-year-old upstate New York man was thrown from his sled on a snowmobile trail near West Turin. Another snowmobiler, heading in the opposite direction on the trail, hit the man. He died on the scene from his injuries.
Just over 12 hours later, a 34-year-old man was killed after he fell from his sled while trying to negotiate a curve. The momentum propelled the man into a tree. He also died from his injuries.
]]> Both of these tragic accidents serve as a reminder for safe snowmobile operation this winter. To stay safe on the snowmobile trails throughout upstate New York this winter:Watch your speed. As was the case in the two fatal accidents this past weekend, speed is a factor in most fatal snowmobiling accidents. Drive at moderate speeds, and slow down when in heavily wooded areas and curvy trails.
Stay on marked trails. Watch for items that could be concealed by snow, such as fences, posts, wires and tree stumps.
Dress proper and carry safety equipment. Wear water-repellant clothing in layers and carry a first-aid kit. Be sure to include a flashlight, knife, compass, map and waterproof matches.
Travel in pairs. The most dangerous situations often occur when a person is injured and alone. Snowmobile with friends. If you do have to travel alone, always tell someone where you are going and what route you are taking so you can be found.
Related resource: Watertown Daily News, "Two men killed in separate Lewis County snowmobile accidents," 1/23/12.
]]>According to investigators with the New York state police, the 24-year-old had met his friends in downtown Albany earlier that evening for drinks. They hit the bar scene for several hours, staying out until the early hours of the morning.
At 4:20 a.m., the 24 year old was crossing the Thruway near Exit 23 on foot when he was hit and struck by a car. The driver of the car that hit the young man reported the accident. He was not charged in the incident.
]]> But police remain puzzled about how the 24 year old got to the Bethlehem exit - just over three miles from the downtown bars in which he and his friends had been drinking earlier that night. Investigators have interviewed over a dozen witnesses, but still have not determined how the young man ended up there. The possibility that he took a taxi to the area has been ruled out.It is still possible that friends dropped him off in the area, said one state police investigator, but police have yet to speak to that friend. At this point the quest for information is simply to inform the 24 year old's family what happened the night of the fatal accident so that they can have closure.
Authorities encourage anyone that may have knowledge regarding the incident to contact the State Police at 518-783-3211.
Source: Albany Times Union, "Clues still elusive in man's death," 1/23/12.
]]>Could cellphone use behind the wheel be as addictive as smoking? A chairwoman on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) thinks so. When compared to an addiction, it becomes more obvious as to why it is so difficult for people to stop using their phones while driving their car. If cellphone use really can be likened to an addiction, then it could be argued that regulation of phone use is futile. Cellphones have been integrated into daily life - used not only for making calls, but taking photos, maintaining busy schedules, recording notes, writing emails, updating social media sites, planning meals, doing research, etc. The list goes on and on, suggesting that people may not be able to set down their mobile devices even if they want to. (Not long ago Blackberrys were jokingly referred to as "Crackberrys.")
Still, addiction or not, it is unsafe to use a cellular phone while driving a car. So what is the solution?
]]> Some policymakers believe the answer to the problem of continued use lies in changing the perception that using a cellphone while driving is a risk worth taking. Smoking used to be considered "cool" and "grown-up," but now most people understand the dangers and many cannot comprehend why anyone would still smoke. These policymakers believe a similar change in mindset could be the only way to curb distracted driving. The goal is to make cellphone use while driving as taboo as smoking. If this happened, people might make safer choices themselves instead of reacting to laws.People are beginning to understand the risks of driving and texting, and are starting to understand that using a cell phone while driving can be a distraction that can have awful consequences. The facts speak for themselves, but it may take a change in the nation's perception regarding the safety of using cellular devices while driving to ensure safer roadways.
Source: Albany Times Union, "The addictive call of distracted driving," 12/17/11.
]]>In New York, licensing starts with a junior license. A number of restrictions are placed on junior license holders, including:
These restrictions are lifted as drivers move through the levels of a system to become fully licensed, receiving a "senior license" after meeting certain requirements and reaching the age of 18.
With the success seen from graduated licensing measures across the nation, it is likely that more states will adopt similar policies or further expand their programs. For many young drivers, such rules may be viewed as an inconvenience, but the reduction in accidents and roadway deaths is a step forward in making our streets as safe as possible for everyone.
Source: New York DMV, "Resources for the Younger Driver: Graduated License."
]]>In the last 10 years, 81,000 young adults (ages 15 to 20) have been killed in car accidents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC). Based on this number, it is no surprise that the leading cause of death among teenagers is motor vehicle accidents. Recognizing this problem, a number of states have established graduated driver licensing systems to allow teens to gain experience while limiting risk.
Graduated driver licensing places restrictions on teen drivers, such as limits on use of cell phones, number and age of passengers and restricted driving based on time of day.
]]> A recent report from the National Safety Council (NSC) believes that a nationwide comprehensive graduated driver licensing program would save more than 2,000 lives and over $13 billion a year.This conclusion was reached after evaluating traffic accident data from 1994 to 2007. Based on this data, states that enacted even one component of a graduated driver licensing system saw fatal accidents involving teens reduced by 4 percent annually.
The financial savings estimate of $13 billion is based on the typical costs of a fatal car accident: damage to motor vehicles, first responder expenses, medical costs, lost wages and productivity and insurance losses. (Projected total costs based on reduction in accidents due to uniform graduated driver licensing were compared to costs from 2009, when the NSC estimated that accidents involving teenaged drivers cost more than $38 billion a year.)
To learn more about graduated drivers licensing in New York, please check out our next blog post.
Source: MSNBC.com, "Study: Tougher teen driving laws would save lives, money," 12/6/11.
]]>Thanks to a new smartphone app - available on iPhone and Android - if you do end up stranded in your vehicle during a winter storm, you can easily notify authorities and your emergency contacts.
The app, called Winter Survival Kit, has a number of features, including activities to keep the motorist stranded while waiting for help - such as reading tips on what to do and what not to do while stranded in the cold.
]]> When stranded drivers click the large red "I'm stranded" button on the main display, the app jumps into action. It immediately helps the driver determine their current geographic location and call 9-1-1. In addition, users can input the number of gallons remaining in their gas tank and the app will calculate how long the driver can keep the engine running before the car will run out of fuel.The app also has several helpful reminders, including one to notify friends and family of where the vehicle is stranded, and second one that will remind the driver to turn off the engine every 30 minutes and check the exhaust pipe for snow buildup, in order to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The app, created by the North Dakota State University Extension Service, was made after a number of severe winter storms in 2010 in North Dakota and South Dakota that resulted in whiteout conditions on the interstates. A number of motorists were stranded in ditches or on rural roadways due to these blizzards.
Source: Government Technology, "App Helps Drivers Stranded in Winter Storms Contact Help," 12/5/11.
]]>In addition to checking the wiper blades and exhaust in order to prevent injury to yourself and your passengers, there are a number of other items on your vehicle that should be regularly serviced - especially as the weather grows colder and more severe.
Other vehicle parts that should be periodically checked are the belts, fans, brake lines and brake pads. Keeping a safe driving distance behind other vehicles is important as well as adding time for any commute. If the brakes fail, even extra time and increased following distance will not be enough. To avoid a potentially serious crash, make sure brakes are in excellent condition leading into the winter months.
]]> As the roads become snowy and icy, many drivers begin to encounter sliding and skidding, particularly during turns. Many new vehicles have traction systems built-in to control some of the skidding by putting extra power to certain tires. When a driver begins to slide during a turn, the best rule is to turn into the skid and to anticipate the next skid as the car begins to straighten out.Finally, drivers should keep blankets, warm clothes and a first aid kit in the vehicle. If a driver gets stranded in freezing temperatures, having these items and even snacks and other tools can help during an emergency. Many drivers even keep a shovel and jumper cables to get out of the ditch or to jump start the vehicle. All of these safety precautions will pay dividends if an emergency occurs.
For more on winter survival safety, check out our final post in this series that examines how technology in the form of a smartphone app could help save you in the event that you are stranded in your car in sub-zero temps or stormy winter conditions.
Source: Herald-Tribune, "KHP offers some winter driving tips," 12/24/11.
]]>Because relying too heavily on a vehicle's safety features is often what gets drivers into trouble in the winter months, there are a few basic driving tips to keep in mind in order to stay safe even in the worst winter conditions:
First, check wiper blades every four to six months. Blades can get cracked or stiff and will become streaky. Even worse, they may get stuck or not work properly. This is especially tough when difficult visibility reaches zero. Good wiper blades and a functional scraper are basic necessities for winter driving that are essential when driving in an ice or snow storm.
Second, have exhaust checked for carbon monoxide leaks that may seep into the passenger cabin. Carbon monoxide is unhealthy and even deadly. Moreover, it doesn't have a scent so the driver and passengers may be exposed without even knowing it. This is an easy check for any mechanic and an important one as the weather gets harsh and the riders are in a closed vehicle for potentially longer periods of time and running the heater.
For additional tips on importance vehicle maintenance in the winter months, please check out part 3 in this series.
Source: Herald-Tribune, "KHP offers some winter driving tips," 12/24/11.
]]>While we have yet to be buried by snow (unlike this time last year), it is undeniable that winter is here. And before long, drivers throughout New York state will be faced with slippery roads, difficult visibility, longer commutes and close calls on the highway.
Most hazards during the winter are centered on driver error, which means that even a vehicle with four-wheel-drive and all of the technological safety features may not be enough. So it is important that all drivers make a conscious transition from fall driving to winter driving; in the end, it comes down to paying close attention to surroundings and conditions.
]]> Many drivers rely on the safety features of their vehicles - such as anti-lock brake systems and electronic stability control - and therefore fail to respect the conditions on the road. This false sense of security often leads drivers to drive too fast, which can lead to sudden breaking and then sliding or losing control of the vehicle.Poor weather contributes to over 7,000 deaths and 800,000 injuries annually, according to a professor at the University of California. These injuries and fatalities are connected to over 1.5 million motor vehicle crashes and over $42 billion in costs to individuals, companies and government agencies.
To learn about important safety precautions you can take while driving and to prepare your vehicle for the winter months, please check out the next post in this series.
Related resource: Forbes.com, "Ten deadly mistakes of winter driving."
]]>In August 2009, the then-37-year-old woman was pulled out of the water by her son after he found her floating lifelessly in the pool. According to documents filed with the court, the pool was extremely crowded that day and the two lifeguards on duty failed to see her distress, nor did they aide her son in his rescue.
]]> The lawsuit alleged that the county did not properly train or supervise the lifeguards on duty at the municipally-owned pool. Documents filed included testimony that the two lifeguards had been texting on their phones at the time of the incident and did not render CPR in a timely manner.The settlement in the swimming pool injury lawsuit was reached less than a month before the severe injury case was scheduled to go to trial.
At the time of the incident, Erie County and the city of Buffalo had an agreement that the county would maintain and operate all city owned pools and parks. As a result, there is disagreement between the county and city as to who will pay the multi-million dollar settlement.
It is believed that the $7 million settlement is the largest personal injury settlement by Erie County in recent years.
Source: Buffalo News, "Brain-damaged woman to get $7 million," 12/21/11.
]]>False. Despite the fact that many revelers ring in the New Year with champagne toasts and alcohol-fueled celebrations and then hit the roads as they head home for the night, the wee hours of New Year's Day is not the worst time of the year for drunk driving accidents.
While alcohol and driving are never a good mix, statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that the Fourth of July is actually the deadliest driving day of the year. (Deadliest defined as the day of the year that that sees the greatest number of auto accident-related deaths.) More drunk driving accidents occur on July 4 than on New Year's.
]]> And despite the myth that more accidents happen in the winter months - because of snowy and icy conditions - statistics also show that the summer months tend to have more injury-causing motor vehicle accidents. August, in fact, tends to have the highest number of car accidents recorded throughout the year. Granted, more drivers are typically on the road in the late summer months, which likely explains the increased number of fatal accidents.But despite all of these statistics, like most holidays, New Year's still tends to have a high number of car accidents. The bottom line is that alcohol and cars do not mix. So if you are traveling during the wee hours of the night or during New Year's Day, please exercise caution. Happy holidays to you and yours and a safe New Year to all!
Source: Forbes.com, "In Depth: Most Dangerous Times to Drive," 1/21/09.
]]>In 2010, the number of pedestrians killed in car accidents actually increased by 4.2 percent compared to the previous year. And the number of pedestrians injured in collisions with cars also increased by 19 percent - resulting in over 70,000 pedestrians being injured after being involved with a motor vehicle accident.
]]> Prior to 2010, pedestrian fatalities had actually fallen four years in a row. This sudden increase has experts puzzled. A former NHTSA official said that the data is too new and no one has yet studied the issue. But a number of preliminary explanations have been offered:While no exact answers exist, it is likely that NHTSA and other agencies will continue to research this spike in hopes of preventing future pedestrian accidents.
Source: USA Today, "As U.S. road deaths drop, more pedestrians getting stuck," 12/8/11.
]]>According to a recent survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) more drivers have admitted to using their phones to send and receive messages while driving. About half of all drivers between ages 21 and 24 say that they have emailed or sent text messages from the drivers' seat.
At any given moment about one in 100 drivers on the roads were "texting, emailing, surfing the Web or otherwise using a hand-held electronic device," according to statistics gathered by NHTSA, It is believed that these numbers actually increased by 50 percent this past year - even as 35 states have now banned texting while driving.
]]> It is believed that in 2010 just over 3,000 traffic deaths were due to distracted driving - including reading emails, texting and eating while driving. As mentioned in a previous blog post, NHTSA is working to gain more meaningful information about "distraction-affected accidents."In one study, NHTSA staked out certain intersections in order to observe driver behavior. The agency counted the number of people using handheld devices or involved in other distracted behavior.
Perhaps the most alarming factor is that most drivers do not think they are causing a danger when they use their cell phones or text while behind the wheel - they only think it is dangerous when others do it. A survey by NHTSA revealed that most drivers would answer a cell phone call while behind the wheel and continue to drive while taking the call. Twenty percent of those also admitted to sending texts or emails while driving. Many of these drivers felt that making a cell phone call or texting had no affect on their driving performance. But when asked if they felt safe as a passenger when a driver was texting or emailing, 90 percent responded with a resounding "no."
This survey suggests that everyone thinks he or she is an above average driver. NHTSA said the results of the survey have helped agency officials to understand why some people make bad decisions about driving, but concerns have increased about whether laws against texting will actually lead to safer roads.
While many states ban texting while driving, the penalties in place for those caught are minor - and catching the offenders often proves to be difficult for law enforcement authorities. Perhaps further measures will be taken if injury-causing accidents continue to be linked to distracted driving at an increasing rate.
Source: Fox News,"More Drivers Texting At Wheel Despite State Bans, Study Finds," 12/8/11.
]]>Anyway you put it, these numbers appear staggering. But according to federal officials, they are good news. It is the lowest number of fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in 62 years. A historic low when considered that more and more Americans are driving on the nation's roadways.
]]> In 2005, 14.7 people out of every 100,000 died in a car accident. By 2010, this number had fallen to 10.7 traffic deaths, suggesting that improved traffic and roadway safety have made a difference. It is believed that improved safety features on motor vehicles, advances in emergency care and better designed roads may have helped decrease the fatality rate.While 2010's numbers show improvement, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) believes that further measures need to be taken to continue to reduce the number of roadway deaths and injuries. NHTSA recently announced new measures being taken to track distracted driving. Crash statistics will now include designations of "distraction-affected crashes" - that accounts for whether dialing a cell phone or texting while behind the wheel played a role in the crash.
In addition, NHTSA is initiating a two-year study into driver behavior to more closely study the relationship between distracted driving and road injuries. Over 2,000 cars will be equipped with cameras and other devices to help measure this. The hope is that the results of the study will show a correlation between driver behavior and injuries related to car accidents.
Source: Press Release - U.S. Department of Transportation, "U.S. Transportation Secretary LaHood Announces Lowest Level of Annual Traffic Fatalities in More Than Six Decades," 12/8/11.
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