New Jersey Bus Driver Arrested after Causing Death of Passenger

The driver of a New Jersey Transit bus has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of a passenger at an intersection in Passaic last month. The collision occurred after the man exited the bus and tried to cross in front of it as the driver accelerated through the intersection, according to a news report. Documents filed in the case allege that the bus driver ran a red light, hit the passenger and refused to stop despite that fact that passengers were yelling for her to stop. The driver has been a New Jersey Transit driver for 25 years.

Bus Accidents Are Common

Bus accidents are far more common than most people realize. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were more than 11,000 bus accidents across the country in 2008, injuring about 24,000 people. For those who depend on buses for transportation, […]

Take the Time During National Fire Prevention Week to Protect Your Family Against Fires

Residents of Pennsylvania are urged to take the time this week to participate in National Fire Prevention Week.  Fire Prevention Week, celebrated Oct. 7-13, has been set aside through a Presidential Proclamation as a time “to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from fires, and we honor the courageous first responders who put their lives at risk to keep us safe.”

According to the National Safety Council, in 2010, there were 3,100 unintentional deaths related to fire, smoke and flames.  Many of these fires resulted in death, serious injuries and destroyed homes.

The National Safety Council offers the following steps for families to take to prevent fires:

• Have properly working smoke alarms
• Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year
• Place smoke alarms on each floor of your home and in each bedroom
• Plan a family escape route and practice it once a month
• Install a home sprinkler system
• Place fire extinguishers throughout your home and make sure everyone in the house knows how to use them

One key theme of the week is to “Have 2 Ways Out!”  According to Firehouse.org, […]

Victims Win Record Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Truck Accident Settlement

The victims of a 2010 Pennsylvania wrongful death truck accident recently agreed to a record $26.1 million settlement of their claims against the truck driver, the truck company and other defendants. The accident occurred on June 6, 2010, on Interstate 80 East when a tractor-trailer rear-ended a Toyota Matrix that was stuck in traffic for road construction.  One occupant of the Toyota, the driver’s father, was fatally injured. Two others, including the driver, received serious, life-threatening injuries. Two dogs in the car were also killed.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, who apparently was speeding, said the sun was in his eyes; however, the sun was actually behind him at the time. Because the driver’s recollection of the accident appeared fuzzy, it was alleged that he may have been driving drowsy or even fallen asleep at the wheel, though this was never proven.

Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Actions

The victim of a truck accident has the option to file a personal injury accident lawsuit to recover compensation for any injuries. […]

Lightning Strike at Pennsylvania Racetrack Raises Concern of Spectator Safety

As severe thunderstorms rolled through the area on Sunday, 85,000 fans were sitting in stands and in the infield at the Pocono Raceway watching the Pennsylvania 400 NASCAR race.  For the safety of the drivers and the fans, the race was called off, but it was too late – two lightning strikes hit 10 spectators.

According to WNEP, the Monroe County EMA alert system issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the area at 4:12 p.m. NASCAR stopped the race at 4:54 p.m. The first lightning strike was shortly after 5 p.m., killing one man and injuring eight others. The second strike was reported at 6:35 p.m., injuring one person.

Officials with the Pocono Raceway and NASCAR are investigating the hour leading up to the tragedy.  While the racetrack officials contend warnings were issued, some of the attendees are disputing that claim.  […]

Pennsylvania Student Athletes Offered Protection Under Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Bill

Earlier this month we reported on the safety ranking of Pennsylvania in respect to safety initiatives states take to prevent injuries and death among their residents.  Pennsylvania was recognized for having a strong youth sports concussion safety law. Now, Governor Tom Corbett has signed a new law that will offer additional protection to young athletes – an act establishing standards for preventing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and death in student athletes.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, SCA is the abrupt and unexpected loss of heart function, and can cause death if not treated within minutes.  SCA is attributed to more than 2,000 deaths in the United States each year.  The New York Times reports that while sedentary youths are susceptible to SCA, the risk is nearly three times higher in competitive athletes. In addition, a high school student dies of cardiac arrest as often as every three days. […]