Defective Kenmore Dehumidifiers Recalled Amid 107 Reports of Dangerous Incidents

August 24, 2012,

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a voluntary recall of the 795,000 Kenmore Dehumidifiers. These dehumidifiers present a danger to consumers in that they can easily "overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers". Kenmore-Dehumidifier-Recall-Sears.jpg

The Consumer Product Safety Commission described the dehumidifiers as having fan and humidity controls on their top front panels, and some include remote controls. The product comes with a front-loading water bucket. The model number can be found on the right side of the interior of the unit once the bucket has been removed. Moreover, the Commission has cautioned that consumers should stop using recalled products immediately to avoid the aforementioned dangers.

So far, Kenmore has received 107 reports of incidents, with more than $7 million in property damage and three reports of smoke inhalation injuries. You can click on the link at the bottom of this article to see if your humidifier is being recalled or not.

As an Orange County personal injury attorney, I have seen numerous cases in which a consumer product manufactured and issued by a reputable company ends up endangering the consumer. When a company produces a product and places it on the marketplace for open consumption, that company is responsible for ensuring that its product provides adequate safety to consumers. And when a company's product is defective, like these Kenmore dehumidifiers, they are responsible for the side-effects of its safety hazards as well.

For victims of the hazardous effects of defective products, the costs associated with their injuries can be outrageous. Between medical bills which never seem to end, and the loss of current and future wages due to injury-related debilitation, victims will need some assistance. They would be greatly benefited by the knowledge and experience of a personal injury attorney who can help guide them through the process of obtaining just compensation for their truly unjust experience.

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Widespread Hypopituitarism May Be the Result of Childhood Brain Injuries

August 23, 2012,

Nearly a third of traumatic brain injury survivors suffer damage to the pituitary gland, which can cause hormonal problems including impotence, depression, low libido, infertility and fatigue. Even more distressing was the discovery that this damage can be effectively treated with hormone replacement but many don't know this simple solution. 666035_x-ray_head.jpg

Experts are now warning that hundreds of thousands of people may be living with the effects of post-traumatic hypopituitarism (PTHP) as a result of a brain injury. Hypopituitarism results from damage to the pituitary gland, which controls the thyroid and the adrenal glands, and is responsible for our metabolism, stress and growth hormones, and the male sex hormone testosterone.

The Pituitary Foundation has estimated that between 25 and 30 per cent of people with serious brain injuries sustain pituitary damage. Moreover, they say it can be years after the initial injury before a person starts to show symptoms.

As an Orange County personal injury attorney, I have written in the past about the serious, but often underestimated dangers presented by simple concussions and the long-lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have catastrophic effects on both children and adults who suffer from them.

Though preventative measures must be taken, they are certainly no guarantee that someone you know, or even you, will avoid being a victim of a traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries are highly expensive to treat leaving victims and their families with outrageous hospital bills. Add to that the rehabilitation expenses, the time spent in hospitals and doctors' offices, the loss of current and future wages, and the emotional trauma of having to re-learn the basics of human life and it is easy to see why it would be beneficial to have a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney on your side.

Moreover, approximately 275,000 people are hospitalized annually after having sustained traumatic brain injuries. More than 85,000 are left with long-term disabilities and more than 50,000 die as a result of these injuries. More than 5 million people live with disabilities caused by traumatic brain injuries, which are often the result of car accidents, falls, or multiple concussions.

Continue reading "Widespread Hypopituitarism May Be the Result of Childhood Brain Injuries" »

Troubling Pedestrian Accident Statistics Highlight Danger for Orange County Citizens

August 22, 2012,

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 4,280 pedestrians died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2010. This figure represents a 4% increase from the preceding year. Furthermore, an estimated 70,000 others were injured. 498893_walk_ii.jpg

NHTSA reports that nearly 80% of the deaths in 2010 took place at non-intersections and almost 90% occurred in clear weather. And sixty-eight percent happened at night. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis reports that nearly half of the fatalities occurred on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They also found that alcohol was involved either for the driver or for the pedestrian in 47% of the fatal crashes.

The last finding is the most disturbing to us, as Californians. California ranked first in the country for the most recorded pedestrian deaths in 2010 - there were 599 that year alone. Unfortunately, reports of statistics like those mentioned above do not suggest that these numbers will decline in the near future. Pedestrian accidents are difficult to prevent in that drivers cannot be forced to pay attention to the road and the pedestrians in close proximity to them. However, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does stress that in a crosswalk, the pedestrian has the right of way, and that drivers must, "look for pedestrians and be prepared to stop". Awareness is crucial. If drivers were attentive when making a turn through a crosswalk, they would see the pedestrian and, hopefully, respect the pedestrian's lawful right of way. It is equally as important, however, for pedestrians to make sure that they lawfully cross the street - that means inside the crosswalk.

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Childrens' Trampolines Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

August 15, 2012,

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in conjunction with Panline USA Inc., announced a voluntary recall of the Alex Model 786X Little Jumpers Trampoline. According to the CPSC, the problem is that the trampoline's handlebar can break, causing a fall hazard. About 8,000 trampolines are affected by the voluntary recall. original.jpg

The CPSC also provided information on what to look for on the item. In a press release, the CPSC stated the product is a small, toddler-sized trampoline with a yellow and blue colored handlebar over the top of the trampoline for toddlers to hold on to while jumping. The trampoline has a blue mat and orange pads with different colored circles printed onto the pads, yellow legs and blue feet.

If you own one of these trampolines, the CPSC advises that you stop using it immediately and to call the company for instructions on receiving a replacement trampoline.

As an Orange County personal injury attorney, I have seen numerous cases in which a consumer product manufactured and issued by a reputable company ends up endangering the consumer. When a company produces a product and places it on the marketplace for open consumption, that company is responsible for ensuring that its product provides adequate safety to consumers. And when a company's product is defective, like these trampolines, they are responsible for the side-effects of its safety hazards as well.

For victims of the hazardous effects of defective products, the costs associated with their injuries can be outrageous. Between medical bills which never seem to end, and the loss of current and future wages due to injury-related debilitation, victims will need some assistance. They would be greatly benefited by the knowledge and experience of a personal injury attorney who can help guide them through the process of obtaining just compensation for their truly unjust experience.

Continue reading "Childrens' Trampolines Recalled Due to Fall Hazard" »

Concussions and Lesser Head Impacts May Speed Up Brain's Natural Aging Process, New Study Says

August 14, 2012,

New research conducted at the University of Michigan and published in the July issue of Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews has revealed that concussions and even lesser head impacts may speed up the brain's natural aging process. 718808_emotions_3.jpg

University of Michigan researchers examined college students with and without a history of concussion and found negative changes in walk, balance and in the brain's electrical activity, specifically attention and impulse control.

The declines were present in the brain injury group up to six years after injury, though the differences between the study groups were very subtle, and outwardly all of the participants looked and acted the same.

Researchers asked the participants to perform certain tasks in front of a computer, and took images of their brains. The brains of the non-concussed group showed a greater area of electrical activation than the participants with a history of brain injury.

According to the researchers, our brains start with all pathways clear to transfer electrical signals rapidly. As we age, however, the brain's pathways break down and can't transfer the information as quickly. Concussive and other impacts to the head may result in the speeding up of the natural deterioration of these pathways and, as a result, overall brain function.

As an Orange County personal injury attorney, I have written in the past about the serious, but often underestimated dangers presented by simple concussions and the long-lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have catastrophic effects on both children and adults who suffer from them.

Though preventative measures must be taken, they are certainly no guarantee that someone you know, or even you, will avoid being a victim of a traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries are highly expensive to treat leaving victims and their families with outrageous hospital bills. Add to that the rehabilitation expenses, the time spent in hospitals and doctors' offices, the loss of current and future wages, and the emotional trauma of having to re-learn the basics of human life and it is easy to see why it would be beneficial to have a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney on your side.

Moreover, approximately 275,000 people are hospitalized annually after having sustained traumatic brain injuries. More than 85,000 are left with long-term disabilities and more than 50,000 die as a result of these injuries. More than 5 million people live with disabilities caused by traumatic brain injuries, which are often the result of car accidents, falls, or multiple concussions.

Continue reading "Concussions and Lesser Head Impacts May Speed Up Brain's Natural Aging Process, New Study Says" »

New Technology May Help Prevent Pedestrian Accidents

August 13, 2012,

General Motors' new pedestrian technology has set itself apart from those already in use by companies like Volvo because drivers can operate the technology by using their Smartphone. GM's pedestrian-detection system is based on Wi-Fi Direct, a technology that allows Wi-Fi devices to communicate with one another. Moreover, Wi-Fi Direct does not require a network, at all. 74621_man_on_cell_phone.jpg

Pedestrians download an app to their Smartphones, which runs in the background anytime the phone is on. GM's next-gen cars then use Wi-Fi Direct to "see" any app-using pedestrians in their path. Reportedly, GM vehicles have the ability to keep track of hundreds of nearby pedestrians in crowded or urban areas.

This new technology will certainly be of great use in areas with a lot of pedestrian foot-traffic, and many subsequent pedestrian accidents.

Pedestrian accidents are difficult to prevent in that drivers cannot be forced to pay attention to the road and the pedestrians in close proximity to them. However, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does stress that in a crosswalk, the pedestrian has the right of way, and that drivers must, "look for pedestrians and be prepared to stop". Awareness is crucial. If drivers were attentive when making a turn through a crosswalk, they would see the pedestrian and, hopefully, respect the pedestrian's lawful right of way. It is equally as important, however, for pedestrians to make sure that they lawfully cross the street - that means inside the crosswalk.

Continue reading "New Technology May Help Prevent Pedestrian Accidents" »

BIKEon Program Offers Consumers First "Nationawide, Comprehensive, and Affordable" Accident and Liability Insurance for Bicyclists

August 8, 2012,

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Better World Club (BWC), America's only environmentally friendly auto club, has recently announced that it is partnering with Gales Creek Insurance Services (GCIS) of Portland, Oregon so that its members can receive GCIS's BIKEon. BIKEon is the "first nationwide, comprehensive, and affordable accident and liability insurance for bicyclists". 1059798_cyclist.jpg

BIKEon is offered exclusively to BWC members who are enrolled in the company's "industry-leading" bicycle roadside assistance program. The BIKEon program provides member bicyclists with bicycle accident insurance. According to the Wall Street Journal, it provides up to $100,000 to reimburse cyclists for their bills, and a liability payment of up to $1 million for each occurrence in the event of an accident that is caused by the bicyclist and results in injuries to other people or damage to property.
As a personal injury attorney that deals with numerous bicycle accident cases, this is amazing news, particularly because most car insurance does not cover bicycle riders.

The new BIKEon program was developed over 10 years of research. In developing this product, Gales Creek Insurance Services was sure to listen to individuals, leading organizations in the cycling community, and public policy experts focused on the promotion of alternative transportation in America. The company also studied similar programs that have been made available to consumers in other nations including Australia, Holland and Great Britain. Their goal was to offer Americans who bike to work or for recreation cycle insurance they would be able to afford.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an average of 750 bicyclists are killed annually in bicycle accidents with motor vehicles and 45,000 are injured. This figure is staggering and tragic. This is especially disturbing to members of our community living in area where riding their bicycle is typical, either for transportation or recreational uses.

So, given these odds, what can bicyclists do to ensure that they are not the victims of such horrific bicycle accidents? The bike safety website bicyclesafe.com recommends the following to bicyclists:

  • Get a headlight
  • Honk - purchase a loud horn and use it when a car is approaching
  • Slow down
  • Don't stop or stay in a car's blind spot
  • Look behind you before making a right-hand turn
  • Wear something bright, even during the day
  • Purchase and use a mirror
  • Use arm signals
  • Choose wider, less busy streets
  • Rethink the use of cell phones and music players

Continue reading "BIKEon Program Offers Consumers First "Nationawide, Comprehensive, and Affordable" Accident and Liability Insurance for Bicyclists" »

Parents Take Note: Mitigating the Increase in Children's Injuries In the Summertime

August 7, 2012,

According to a new study by the National Safe Kids Campaign, nearly 40% of playground-related injuries occur between May and September when children are out of school, spending more time outdoors and often without adequate supervision. They estimated that this summer children will be rushed to emergency departments nearly three million times for serious personal injuries and more than 2,500 children will lose their lives due to an unintentional injury. safekidslogo.gif

In order to curb the occurrence of summer-time injuries among children, the Kessler Institute offers the following safety and prevention tips for children and adults:

  • By the water: Always check the depth of the water before entering, whether you're at a pool, lake or beach. If at the ocean, watch for sand bars and changing currents or riptides. Be extra cautious if diving and never dive into an above ground pool. Know your abilities and limits and always swim with another person. It's best to swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present.
  • On wheels: Always wear a helmet when cycling. Studies have found that this can decrease the likelihood of a serious head injury by up to 90%. Chinstraps should be secure and tight enough to only allow one finger between strap and chin and should be adjusted to keep the helmet over the forehead. Make sure the bicycle is the proper size for the individual and that tires are properly inflated. In addition, skateboarders and rollerbladers should wear knee and elbow pads to avoid wrist fractures and other injuries.
  • At Play: A parent or other adult should check swings, slides and other equipment to make sure it is in good condition, and that children cannot reach any moving parts that might pinch or trap a body part. The protective surface of the playground should be constructed of rubber, sand or other soft materials that can reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall. Children should wear sneakers or other well-fitting closed-toed shoes rather than sandals or flip-flops; hats, shirts and other garments should be free of ties or strings that can get caught on equipment. Be aware, too, that that on hot, sunny days equipment can easily become warm enough to cause serious burns.
  • In the Heat: Staying hydrated is critical in helping to reduce the risk of a heat-related illness. Drink plenty of water or sports drinks with electrolytes and, if possible, stay in the shade or an air conditioned place during the hottest part of the day. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headache, muscle cramping, dry mouth or thirst, and fatigue.

Continue reading "Parents Take Note: Mitigating the Increase in Children's Injuries In the Summertime" »

Increased Availability of Local Neurosurgeons May Improve a Person's Chances of Surviving a Car Accident

August 3, 2012,

According to a new study conducted by Dr. Atman Desai and colleagues from Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. and published in the July 24th issue of Neurosurgery, greater availability of neurosurgeons could reduce the number of people who die from brain injuries suffered in traffic crashes. 391477_surgeon_3.jpg

Among people 34 years old and younger, car accidents are the leading cause of death in the United States and traumatic brain injury is the primary cause of death among those people who are injured in car accidents.

In this study, researchers examined data from "more than 3,100 rural and urban counties across the United States between 2004 and 2006. The average rate of car-crash-related deaths, they found, was 226 per 1 million people".

Moreover, "the largest number of neurosurgeons in a county was 372, the researchers discovered, but most counties had no such doctors".

The study's calculations found that "an increase of one neurosurgeon per 1 million people would lead to between one and two fewer deaths from car accidents per 1 million people".

The findings indicate that the availability of local neurosurgeons may improve a person's chances of surviving a car accident, and suggest the need to encourage medical students to choose neurosurgery as a career, the researchers concluded.

As an Orange County personal injury attorney, I have written in the past about the serious and long-lasting effects of traumatic brain injuries. These injuries can have catastrophic effects on both children and adults who suffer from them.

Though preventative measures must be taken, they are certainly no guarantee that someone you know, or even you, will avoid being a victim of a traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries are highly expensive to treat leaving victims and their families with outrageous hospital bills. Add to that the rehabilitation expenses, the time spent in hospitals and doctors' offices, the loss of current and future wages, and the emotional trauma of having to re-learn the basics of human life and it is easy to see why it would be beneficial to have a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney on your side.

Continue reading "Increased Availability of Local Neurosurgeons May Improve a Person's Chances of Surviving a Car Accident" »

Bike and Build Shares Important Bicycle Safety Tips With Kids

August 2, 2012,

A team of fund-raisers with the charity and awareness organization Bike and Build stopped in York this month to offer bicycle safety tips to about 20 neighborhood kids.
When one of the riders asked the group how many of them have bikes, every hand in the crowd went up. He then asked how many of the kids wear helmets when they ride their bicycles. Most hands that had been in the air went down. The speaker pointed out the "practically everybody" has fallen off their bike. He also warned that serious head injuries can result in the riders not knowing who or where they are. 1008533_bike_friends.jpg

He told the group that if they're out riding and a friend falls, they should ask questions to find out whether their friend suffered a concussion. If the injury appears serious, he said they should call 911. He added that kids riding their bikes on local streets should ride in single file and avoid weaving or making any other moves motorists would find unpredictable.

Bike And Build, based in Philadelphia, often partners with Habitat for Humanity affiliates and the group could support a project in York in the future. The tips offered to these New York kids by the Bike and Build team members are the type of tips every kid with a bike should know.

As an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney, I have seen far too many cases of injuries and wrongful deaths that have involved distracted drivers and kids and adults on bicycles. The statistics only confirm the prevalence of these dangers. According to the reputable bicycle safety website, SafeKids USA:

  • Approximately 99 children are killed and 254,000 children are injured on bikes each year.
  • Nearly 630 children are injured each day due to bicycle-related crashes.
  • Of the children injured in 2009 while riding bikes, 11.9 percent were under age 4 and 36.7 percent were 5 to 9 years of age.
  • Approximately 50 percent of U.S. children between 5 and 14 years old own a helmet.
  • Only 25 percent report always wearing their helmet while riding a bike.

Continue reading "Bike and Build Shares Important Bicycle Safety Tips With Kids" »

Use These Tips to Avoid Personal Injuries at the Beach This Summer

August 1, 2012,

For Orange County residents, going to the beach during the summer to enjoy the beautiful California weather is a common pass-time. But, like most things, hanging out at the beach all summer does expose OC beach-goers to the possibility of dangerous personal injuries. In order to prevent some of the most common beach injuries, the Aquatic Safety Research Group has provided the following simple safety tips:

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  • Keep kids within arm's reach, especially in the sea, but also on land.
  • Don't dive in; 2/3 of catastrophic neck injuries occur in open water and the sea.
  • Knee deep is too deep; strong winds, waves and currents create dangerous rip currents that can sweep a child out to sea.
  • Know before you go; know your flags - red means stop; green means go.
  • Take frequent breaks; every hour take a sun, water or bathroom break.
  • Go with the wind; lost children tend to take the course of least resistance - follow the wind to find your kid.
  • Look but don't touch; call local authorities to help injured or stranded animals.
Going to the beach in the summer is supposed to be a fun, carefree, part of growing up in Southern California. But, if the proper precautions are not taken, it can be a dangerous experience that can lead to unnecessary and hazardous personal injuries for adults and children alike. Parents should certainly keep a close watch on their children while at the beach and should take note of the suggestions above. But adults should be weary of the dangers associated with hanging out at the beach all day, as well. Following the suggestions above can save Orange County residents of all ages from personal injuries including drowning, head trauma, sun stroke, infections, and much more.

Drowning accidents, in particular, have become a growing problem in Orange County. Drowning accidents that occur in the ocean typically yield more serious personal injuries than those that occur in the confinement of a pool in a private home. That said, special precautions for swimming in the ocean should be taken. The CDC reports that "participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children ages 1 to 4 years old". Their research suggests (1) swimming lessons, (2) supervision when in or around the water, and (3) use of the buddy system. The Orange County Fire Authority also suggests that adults assign a "water watcher" who can swim and supervise children near water.

Continue reading "Use These Tips to Avoid Personal Injuries at the Beach This Summer" »

New Technology May Reduce the Number of Car Accidents That Occur Annually

July 31, 2012,

Three new safety systems have been introduced, and may reduce the number of car accidents that occur annually. The following new safety technologies have already been implemented in more luxury vehicles, but are now spreading to more "mainstream" consumer vehicles. CBS News explains forward collision avoidance, adaptive headlights, and lane departure warning. eyesight.jpg

Forward collision avoidance: These systems sound an alarm, and sometimes activate the brakes, when a collision is imminent with the car ahead. This system has been studied on Acura, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo vehicles. Insurance claims for the Mercedes and Acura systems that automatically start braking were down by 14 percent, and claims for the similarly equipped Volvo vehicles fell 10 percent. Vehicles with warnings but no automatic braking reduced claims slightly but not significantly.

Adaptive headlights: These headlights move with as a driver steers so that they are pointing where the vehicle is headed. That avoids cars rounding a curve with their headlights pointing off to the side. Claims for cars with this system dropped by 10 percent based on damage to other vehicles involved in an accident. This improvement was larger than researchers had expected.

Lane departure warning: Originally expected to be a significant safety factor, this system sounds a warning when the car is drifting out of its lane because the driver is drowsy or for other reasons. But it did not appear to cut accident claims, and vehicles with the technology even had slightly higher claims. Researchers are not sure why. They speculated that the cameras that track the lane markers may not have worked well or that the alarms were so frequent that drivers turned the system off.

As an experienced Orange County personal injury attorney, I know that car accidents are very frequent in Orange County and affect our community in a significant way. Hopefully, new technologies like these will reduce the number of car accidents that occur annually, both in Orange County and the rest of the country.

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American Academy of Pediatrics Offers Tips for Reducing Children's Dog Bite Injuries

July 27, 2012,

According to Health Day News, "more than half of the 4.7 million people bitten by dogs in the United States annually are children under the age of 14". Moreover, they cite a Center for Disease Control and Prevention statistic that shows that among children, the rate of dog-bite related injuries is highest among those aged 5 to 9.

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In an effort to better equip parents with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect their children from the dangers and hazards associated with dog bite injuries, the American Academy of Pediatrics has put together the following safety tips for both dog owners and parents:

  • Choose a breed with a child-friendly reputation. You can never be 100 percent sure of how a dog is going to behave, but experts recommend breeds such as collies and labradors. Ask a veterinarian about the typical behavior of certain breeds before bringing the dog home.
  • Socialize your dog by continuously exposing the animal to different people and other pets so it is comfortable in a variety of situations.
  • Train your dog to follow commands. Avoid aggressive games, such as wrestling or tug-of-war, which could reinforce bad behaviors.
  • Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases, and neuter your dog, which can decrease aggression.
  • Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
  • Teach children to exercise caution around dogs. Avoid running past dogs and pestering dogs while it's sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
  • Don't let your kids approach dogs without asking the owner's permission first. Children should allow dogs to sniff them first and avoid touching their face, head and tail.
  • If threatened by a dog, children should be told to remain calm, avoid eye contact and stand still until the dog leaves or back away slowly. If that doesn't work and they are knocked down, children should curl into a ball and protect their face with their hands.

Continue reading "American Academy of Pediatrics Offers Tips for Reducing Children's Dog Bite Injuries" »

Evanston Leads the Way in Pedestrian Safety Education, Orange County Should Follow

July 26, 2012,

Officials in Evanston, Illinois, along with their transportation consultants, are set to hold a workshop which will instruct residents of Evanston on safety measures that should be taken in order to avoid pedestrian accidents. 589690_sign_1.jpg

According to Evanston 's Public Works Director, Suzette Robinson, "Pedestrian safety is a growing issue in many communities especially during summer months and as we approach the beginning of the next school year. It is our hope to bring a diverse group of community members together in conjunction with city staff to discuss pedestrian safety and strategies."

Engineering staff, members of the Evanston Police Department and outside transportation consultants will be present at the workshop to discuss and collect feedback on pedestrian crossing designations and priorities, school route safety and education, high volume pedestrian crossings and speed reduction strategies.

Evanston has the right idea regarding pedestrian safety. They have made the education of the members of their community a priority, and pedestrian accidents are more likely to decline as a result. Our Orange County community would certainly benefit from a similar program, and a similar prioritization of the issue of pedestrian safety.

According to the California Highway Patrol's 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), a total of 596 pedestrians were killed after being struck by a vehicle. Unfortunately, the frequency of new stories reporting pedestrian accidents does not suggest that these numbers will decline in the near future.

Pedestrian accidents are difficult to prevent in that drivers cannot be forced to pay attention to the road and the pedestrians in close proximity to them. However, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does stress that in a crosswalk, the pedestrian has the right of way, and that drivers must, "look for pedestrians and be prepared to stop". Awareness is crucial. If drivers were attentive when making a turn through a crosswalk, they would see the pedestrian and, hopefully, respect the pedestrian's lawful right of way. It is equally as important, however, for pedestrians to make sure that they lawfully cross the street - that means inside the crosswalk.

Continue reading "Evanston Leads the Way in Pedestrian Safety Education, Orange County Should Follow" »

Poor Quality of Elder Care Employees May Lead to More Elder Abuse

July 25, 2012,

A new study conducted by Northwestern Medical, published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, found that many agencies nationwide fail to conduct criminal background checks or drug testing for new hires and don't require any real experience or training, which may lead to elder abuse. 1186565_mr__redondo.jpg
Lead author of the study, Lee Lindquist, M.D., made a statement saying, "People have a false sense of security when they hire a caregiver from an agency. There are good agencies out there, but there are plenty of bad ones and consumers need to be aware that they may not be getting the safe, qualified caregiver they expect. It's dangerous for the elderly patient who may be cognitively impaired."

According to the Study, of the 180 agencies researchers surveyed in the study, 55 percent conducted a federal criminal background check and only one-third of those agencies interviewed administered drug tests.

The Huffington Post points out that "since elder-care referral agencies lack federal regulation, almost anyone can set up an agency and refer largely untrained and unexperienced people for in-home senior care. That's why it's so important for caregivers to be carefully screened and monitored"

Dr. Lindquist urges that "The public should demand higher standards, but in the short term, seniors need to be aware what explicitly to look for when hiring a paid caregiver through an agency".

Continue reading "Poor Quality of Elder Care Employees May Lead to More Elder Abuse" »