Month: June 2017

A catastrophic fire in an apartment building across the pond has shown a bright light on orders given to people in tall structures when a blaze erupts. Specifically scrutinized is the long-accepted and seemingly counterintuitive rule to stay in place and far away from the stairs. Residents of London’s 24-story Grenfell Tower heard those demands after the fire broke out on a lower floor. That strategy fell tragically short as the flames spread and soon engulfed the building. Trapped residents had limited options. Some jumped to their deaths rather than

Continue reading The high risk of high-rises…

Fatal boating accidents have reached their highest numbers in the last five years, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s most recent Recreational Boating Statistics Report. From 2015 to 2016, the total number of deaths on the water reached 701, representing a 12 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, injuries increased 11.1 percent from 2,613 to 2,903 during that time. Overall, the total number of accidents was up 7.3 percent, rising from 4,158 to 4,463. The leading factor in the cause of fatal accidents was alcohol, accounting for 15 percent of deaths.

Continue reading Fatal boating accidents are on the rise…

While many think of summer as a time to unwind, parents of teenage drivers have a much more sobering statistic to consider: a greater number of teens are killed in auto accidents during the hundred days following Memorial Day than any another time period of the year. This may sound like a jarring statement, but it is meant to bring awareness to the fact that over 5,000 youthful drivers were killed in auto accidents during the same time period of days between 2010 and 2014. And that figure is only increasing. According

Continue reading The 100 deadliest days for teen drivers…

After five months of regulatory reviews mandated by the current White House administration, national training standards for new truck drivers are now law. As of June 5, carriers, trainers and other stakeholders have until February 20, 2020 to comply with the newly finalized regulations. Commercial driver’s license applicants who receive their CDLs on February 7, 2020 or after will now be required to undergo training based on a specific core curriculum. Specific coursework for Class A certification includes: Basic operation of a vehicle Vehicle control systems and dashboard instruments Pre-

Continue reading Will new regulations for licensed truck drivers improve safety?…

Government and community leaders often tout the economic benefits that come with hosting major marathons. Thousands of runners and visitors from around the world flock to the events, generating millions of dollars in tourism revenue for local businesses. However, a new study may show that these boons to city economies may also come with burdens. Similar to parades and protests, marathons require road closures near the route. These and other disruptions impact local residents, particularly those in need of emergency medical care. “Delays in Emergency Care and Mortality during Major

Continue reading Marathons and delays in emergency medical care…