What Is a Hazard?
Hazards are conditions that increase the probability of damage or injury, like a crack in a sidewalk, a spill in the aisle, a work truck without proper lighting, or inadequate lighting on the steps in front of a business.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), a driving hazard is “Any condition or object that increases the risk of a traffic collision.” Hazards are potential dangers that various factors on the road can present, highlighting the importance of hazard awareness and mitigation for safe driving.
The benefits of recognizing and addressing driving hazards include improved safety for all road users, reduced likelihood of accidents and injuries, and lower vehicle repair costs.
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Swimming Pool Accidents a Leading Cause of Death Among Children
Swimming pool accidents and drownings can occur at any time of the year, but during the summer, people are especially likely to be swimming in a pool whether it is at home, at a friend’s house, or a private or public swimming pool. Even seemingly safe swimming areas can present hazards, and children are most at risk. Fortunately, a little knowledge of the hidden dangers can help prevent swimming accidents from happening.
When children are swimming in an in-ground pool, above-ground pool, public pool, lake, pond, creek, or any other body of water, large or small, close and constant supervision is of the utmost importance, even when a lifeguard is on duty. This is especially true for parents of very young children. For children ages 1-4, an adult should be within arm’s reach at all times, and not be distracted by any other activity.
Helping Older Kids With Swimming Dangers
For older children, […]
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Proposed Law: Fine Truckers for Uncleared Snow, Ice
A law proposed by state Senator Lisa Boscola would impose fines on truck drivers who do not clear ice and snow from their vehicles before driving.
In the winter, it’s common to see chunks of ice and snow flying off the tops of large trucks as they go barreling down the highway. For drivers traveling behind these trucks, frozen projectiles can hit their windshields and obstruct their vision, or even cause damage. Or, drivers might swerve to avoid being hit, and get into an accident. The proposed bill has been re-introduced with safety in mind. In 2005, a woman from Jim Thorpe, PA, was killed when a chunk of ice dislodged and flew into her windshield.
Under the current law, truck drivers are only penalized if someone gets seriously injured or killed. Fines range from $200-$1,000 for each offense. […]
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Watch your step! Lawyers warn, it’s slip and fall season
It’s slick out there today. Winter in our home region of Northeast Pennsylvania means the roads, parking lots, and sidewalks are likely to be slippery this time of year.
Slip and fall injuries are more common than you might think – according to the National Floor Safety Institute, 8 million people end up in the emergency room each year as the result of a fall. Slip and fall incidents are also the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims and lost days from work.
The results of a slip and fall can be very serious. Injuries can range from sprains and bruises to broken bones, back, neck, spine, or brain injuries.
Elderly people are even more at risk for falls. The New York Times recently published a fascinating two-part series titled, “After the Fall,” illustrating the risks faced by America’s aging population, and how a fall can be a life-altering event. […]
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GM issued 75th recall of the year this week while ignition switch death toll rose to 24
Not even the police are safe in General Motors cars. GM announced its 75th recall of 2014 earlier this week, recalling 7,600 Chevrolet Caprice police vehicles, because of a transmission issue. The Detroit News reported that the vehicles could roll away when the drivers believed they were in park. This recall marked GM’s seventh recall in nine days.
GMs recalls now total approximately 30 million vehicles. The most recent recall includes the Chevrolet Caprice police vehicles from the 2011-2013 model years. GM said that the cars, which were imported from Australia, could be shifted out of park without a foot on the brake pedal. The problem may also enable the driver to remove the ignition key without the transmission being in park. This could cause a potential roll away hazard and increasing the risk of injury to occupants exiting the vehicle or people walking nearby. […]
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GM issues more recalls for safety issues
General Motors issued six more recalls on Friday totaling more than 312,000 vehicles. The recalls put GM’s total for the year to 66 recalls of just over 29 million cars and trucks.
Friday’s recalls included more than 215,000 Saturn Vue SUVs, 2002 through 2004 model years for an ignition key cylinder problem, saying the keys can be removed when the ignitions are not in the off position and the engine is still running. The problem has been linked to crashes. GM has discontinued this vehicle and the Saturn brand.
Other GM U.S. recalls that were announced Friday include:
- 2013 Cadillac ATS four-door sedans and 2013 Buick Encores in the U.S. for an issue with front seat belt pretensioner cables.
- 2014-2015 Chevrolet Impala sedans for a problem with the front console storage compartment latch opening in a rear crash. […]
