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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What Are Mansfield Bars on a Truck?
You’ve likely noticed steel bars marked with bright reflective tape hanging beneath semi-truck trailers when driving on American highways. These critical safety devices, known as Mansfield bars, have saved thousands of lives by preventing one of the most catastrophic types of accidents on our roads: underride collisions, in which passenger vehicles slide underneath commercial trucks during rear-end crashes.
While Mansfield bars provide essential protection, they aren’t foolproof. Their effectiveness depends on proper installation and maintenance. Over time, damage, rust, or poor upkeep can compromise their ability to protect motorists. Drivers play an important role in highway safety by reporting trucks with missing or damaged Mansfield bars, as these safety violations not only put lives at risk but can also be factors in accident liability cases.
The American Story Behind Mansfield Bars
The history of these safety devices is rooted in tragedy. […]
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Why Do Crowd Surges at Concerts Happen?
Crowd surges occur when large groups of people, typically in a confined space, move in the same direction. With such a mass of people moving at once, many can be injured or lose their lives in crushing accidents. Crowd surges have resulted in serious injury and death at concerts, sports venues, and other such environments.
Understanding crowd surges can help both attendees and organizers prevent dangerous situations. If you’re injured in a crowd surge, you may be entitled to compensation from those responsible. Contact Munley Law for a free consultation about your case.
The Science Behind Deadly Crowd Surges
A crowd surge usually requires two factors:
- A dense crowd, particularly if it’s packed into such a small space that crowd surging could make it difficult for members to move safely or even breathe
- A catalyst which can turn a dense but otherwise safe crowd into a hazard that results in death
An example of a catalyst is shouting “Fire” […]
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Driver, 2 State Troopers Taken to Hospital After Pedestrian Accident in Pittsburgh
A driver and two Pennsylvania State Police troopers were taken to the hospital on December 24 in back-to-back car crashes on Parkway North in Pittsburgh.
According to news reports, state police were called out for a disabled car on I-279 near the East Street Exist at mile marker three just after midnight. The driver had left the vehicle and was trying to push it off the road when a pickup truck drove by, struck the driver and fled from the scene. The driver was treated at the scene and was taken to a nearby hospital.
Troopers arrived on the scene to investigate the crash when a passing SUV struck the marked police car with its emergency lights activated. Both troopers were transported to the hospital for minor injuries.
This is not the first time this week that a trooper was injured while at an accident scene. […]
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6 High-Risk Jobs With Hidden Dangers
While injuries can happen to anyone, some jobs are far more dangerous than others. Employers are responsible for ensuring a safe workplace and offering fair compensation if something goes wrong. In many states, workers’ compensation laws allow employees to receive financial support for job-related injuries without having to prove that their employers were negligent, including coverage for medical expenses and lost income. Here, we take a look at six high-risk jobs with unexpected hazards. 
Lesser-Known But Life-Threatening Occupations
Some jobs come with risks that aren’t immediately obvious, yet they carry life-threatening hazards. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 5,486 total fatal work-related injuries across all sectors in 2022. Roadway incidents were the leading cause, with 1,369 fatalities — and other causes included falls, slips, trips, and homicides.
OSHA violations in these fields often involve inadequate safety protocols and poor hazard management. […]
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Understanding Trucking Hazmat Signs
If you have ever driven behind a truck carrying hazardous materials, you have probably wondered what all the colorful stickers mean and what they are for. These stickers are called hazardous material (hazmat) placards. They notify anyone around the hazmat-carrying truck of the dangers of its contents and guide first responders on how to address the materials in case of an emergency safely. If you have been involved in an accident with a truck carrying hazardous cargo, you need experienced truck attorneys. At Munley Law, our trucking accident attorneys investigate your case and get you the care and compensation you deserve. 
Decoding Hazmat Placards: A Visual Guide to Truck Safety
All hazmat placards have six main components, which we will discuss in further detail below:
- Hazard class number
- UN/NA number
- Compatibility group letters
- Colors
- Text
- Graphics
The Nine Hazard Classes
The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has nine established hazard classes of hazardous materials. […]
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