The Governors Highway Safety Association has released a report that looks afresh at the role of speeding in many automobile-related fatalities in New York and across the U.S. It is estimated that excessive speed is behind one-third of all such fatalities. Despite the existence of state and federal policies and programs meant to reduce speeding, it continues to be thought of as culturally acceptable among many drivers.

The GHSA report is titled “Speeding Away from Zero: Rethinking a Forgotten Traffic Safety Challenge.” The hopes of the organization echo those of Vision Zero, the nationwide road project that aims to completely eliminate motor vehicle fatalities. The report mentions how even a small decrease in travel speed can reduce the severity of crashes and injuries. Increase that speed, though, and lives are threatened, especially those of bicyclists and pedestrians.

One limitation that the GHSA points out is the current focus on urban areas. This is because more speeding-related crashes occur on rural roadways. In 2016 alone, there were more than 5,000 speeding-related crash fatalities in rural areas.

This April, the GHSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety will be holding a forum with stakeholders to develop a speed management program. The GHSA is also calling for stricter speeding law enforcement and the building of roundabouts and other traffic calming elements.

Drivers who speed may be to blame for any auto crashes they cause. However, it could be that both parties were negligent to some degree. In that case, the courts will determine the percentage of fault. Someone who wishes to file a personal injury claim will likely have the amount they are eligible for lowered based on this percentage. With a lawyer, a victim can strive for the maximum settlement possible.

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Experiencing a car accident is always a frustrating ordeal, even if you do not suffer serious injuries and all the parties involved work together to reach a fair resolution quickly. However, you face an entirely different set of frustrations if you experience a car accident where the other driver is uninsured.

Recovering fair compensation is possible after an uninsured motorist accident, but it is not simple. As soon as you realize that the other party does not have insurance, you must begin protecting your rights. The sooner you begin building your claim and gathering evidence against the other party, the sooner you can focus on your own needs and losses.

Get the other driver’s information

Even if the other driver does not have insurance, it is always good to get as much information as you can about them. If they stop and interact with you after the accident, be sure to get their name and contact information, as well as their license plate number and drivers’ license number. It is also wise to take pictures of the vehicle and the scene of the accident, to document the damages and the layout of the wreckage, before the cleanup crew clears it away.

Alert the police

Alerting the police to the accident helps create official documentation and puts pressure on the other driver to take responsibility for their fault in the accident, or face potential criminal charges. Once police arrive, they will create a police report, which is very useful when pursuing compensation.

Inform your insurer

Whether the other driver has insurance or not, you should call your own insurance provider as soon as possible. This allows you to report the accident and get your claim moving, if you have uninsured motorist coverage or some other form of coverage that applies.

It is also important to inform your insurer of the accident as soon as possible so that it does not fall to the back of your mind. Many insurance providers require drivers to report an accident in a certain amount of time in order to receive coverage.

Consider your legal options

In many instances, accident claims do not receive proper attention from insurers, or an insurer may drag their feet while settling a claim. Be sure to build a strong case using all the legal tools you have at your disposal, to keep your rights protected while you work through the inconvenience of a car accident with an uninsured motorist.

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New York residents who have been correctly diagnosed with migraines are, in a way, fortunate. One study shows that only one in 20 patients get an accurate headache or migraine diagnosis. The following are seven conditions that migraines are frequently confused with. The opposite, where patients with one of the seven conditions are diagnosed with a migraine, can occur as well.

Like many invisible chronic illnesses, migraines can be mistaken for anxiety and panic attacks. Patients may indeed develop anxiety, but this only results from the stress of living with migraines. A second mistake condition is Meniere’s disease. The symptoms of this disorder of the inner ear include vertigo, hearing problems and a ringing in the ears, which can be mimicked by migraines.

One serious variation, hemiplegic migraines, can be misidentified as strokes. Both cause muscle weakness and a loss of sensation on one end of the body. Fourth, doctors may think that migraine sufferers have epilepsy since both conditions can result in tingling, numbness and both sensory and visual changes.

Migraine attacks can also hurt the face and forehead, causing many doctors to mistake them for sinus headaches. The two last conditions depend on a patient’s circumstances. Migraine symptoms could be misread for post-concussion symptoms, or they could be misinterpreted as side effects to the medications that patients are taking.

A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary tests and treatments as well as personal injuries. The victim of a doctor’s negligence can seek compensation through a medical malpractice claim, but they may want a lawyer who works in this field to evaluate their grounds for a claim. Many malpractice claims end in large settlements, but the other side can be counted on to do everything possible to deny payment. A lawyer could handle negotiations and prepare for a trial in the last resort.

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Infotainment systems can offer several useful features for drivers in New York, but some are irrelevant to driving and only serve as potential distractions. University of Utah researchers analyzed 30 infotainment systems on 2017 model vehicles and found that all of them demanded a moderate, high or very high level of attention. Participants in the study were drivers aged 21 to 36 who were asked to use the systems behind the wheel.

The results of this study, which was conducted for AAA, may be surprising to some. Drivers became quickly distracted, swerving out of lanes, ignoring stop signs and driving far below the posted speed limit. Researchers found that using the GPS and the feature for sending texts were the two most distracting tasks. They mentally and visually distracted drivers for more than 40 seconds each.

For comparison, previous research claims that looking away from the street for 2 seconds could double the risk of a car accident. This study also found that using voice commands, though they free up the hands, will still mentally occupy drivers and make them inattentive. The same goes for listening to the radio.

Researchers are clear in saying that calling, texting and surfing the web are not to be combined with driving. However, they acknowledge that other issues are involved, such as complicated dashboards and a lack of fully tested technology.

Nevertheless, it’s important not to let technology get in the way of driving. If distracted operation is to blame for a motor vehicle crash, an injured victim may be able to file a claim for compensation. Damages could include medical expenses, rehabilitative care, lost wages and more. The victim could hire a lawyer to strengthen the case and negotiate for a settlement.

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It is a common trope in horror movies to see someone get hurt in an elevator or pulled into the gears of an escalator. You might think that these are extreme situations made for movies, but the reality is that these types of accidents do happen. People get hurt in elevators and on escalators many times each year.

The reason that people get hurt on elevators and escalators usually comes down to malfunctions or not paying attention to the risks. Other times, people are hurt when they’re working on these devices, installing them or repairing reported malfunctions. As always, it’s vital that everyone is as cautious as possible when using these potentially dangerous methods of transportation.

How dangerous is it to ride an escalator?

In a functioning escalator that is up to code, the risk of using the escalator should be minor. There is always a potential to fall because of the escalator moving. There is also a risk of being caught in the escalator once you reach the top or bottom of the stairs. In both cases, there is a potential for serious injuries if the escalator is not stopped immediately.

What are common causes of death on escalators or elevators?

Looking at data collected by the Center for Construction Research and Training, some of the common causes of death include falling, getting struck by the elevator or escalator, being trapped due to a collapse of the escalator or elevator, or being struck by one of these machines.The majority of deaths were linked to falls. Many of the deaths and injuries seen each year actually occurred when the escalators or elevators were being installed, repaired or worked around.

How many people are hurt or killed on escalators or elevators each year in the United States?

Based on the most recent data, incidents involving escalators and elevators result in around 30 deaths each year. Another 17,000 people are injured. Elevators are responsible for over half of serious injuries and around 90 percent of deaths.

Although the majority of injuries involve those who are hired to repair or install these devices, the reality is that many people are hurt using them. It is important for business owners and property owners to have someone perform maintenance on their elevators and escalators regularly. This will help prevent serious malfunctions, which could end up harming those who are using these methods of transportation.

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Road rage is a frequent cause of accidents. That’s why drivers will want to follow a few tips for diffusing aggression. For starters, one should always remain calm. Honking the horn, flashing the high beams or making inflammatory hand gestures at the offending driver will only make matters worse. Drivers are encouraged to find their own unique strategy for keeping calm: for example, listening to classical can relieve stress.

In certain cases, such as when someone takes a parking space, the offended driver should try and give the other side the benefit of the doubt. It may be that the other person did not see them. Faced with an aggressive driver, one should never make eye contact as this could be taken as a challenge.

On multi-lane highways, it’s important to open up passing lanes for aggressive drivers. One should neither speed up nor slow down as this could block such a lane. Drivers should let the other know that they will move out of the way as soon as it’s safe by putting on the right turn signal.

In traffic jams, impatient drivers may get close to one’s bumper. To make a quick escape possible, a safe driver should leave a few extra feet of “breathing room” from the vehicle in front. When nothing defuses a driver’s rage, the last step is to call 911.

When aggressive or impatient drivers cause auto accidents, they will be at fault. To obtain compensation for damages, the victim could file a personal injury claim. Filing a claim is difficult without legal representation, so victims are encouraged to have their case evaluated by a lawyer. Legal counsel could negotiate with the auto insurance company for a fair settlement covering medical bills, vehicle damage and more.

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When you place a loved one into a nursing home, it’s with the expectation that the facility is safe and will provide the care they need to remain healthy. The trouble is that not all facilities are the same. Some are more advanced than others, and safety may not always be the most important thing to the facility you choose.

The good news is that there are ways to prevent nursing home injuries before they ever take place. Here are a few things to consider before you choose a nursing home and once you place your loved one in their care.

1. Do your research before choosing a home

Before you choose a nursing home, it’s necessary to do research. This research should involve your going to the facility, meeting the staff or director and having a tour. You want to know what the facility is like when the director or others don’t know you’re coming (if possible). You may wish to schedule a tour and to have an unannounced visit.

2. Make yourself known

Once you decide on a nursing home, it’s best if you make yourself known to the staff and others who work with your loved one. The last thing you want to do is to fail to visit regularly or to make yourself scarce. While you might want to stay out of the aid’s or nurse’s way while they’re working, you still should address them and introduce yourself. Getting to know those who are working with your loved one is a great help in reducing the risk of your loved one getting hurt, neglected or abused.

3. Report problems early

Finally, report problems early on. If you notice your loved one is bruising more than usual, say so. It might be because of a new medication, or they might need more help than usual to avoid falls, bumps and bruises.

If you show that you are noticing changes in behavior, stability or appearance, the facility will take you more seriously and likely provide better care to your loved one. On top of that, you can begin a paper trail, so there are records of your complaints if something bad does happen at the facility. At the end of the day, your intervention could be what is necessary to keep your loved one safe, even if you think the facility, on the whole, does its job correctly.

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Below are just a few safety tips that pedestrians in New York or anywhere else can easily follow to reduce their risk of accidents. The first tip is to make one’s self visible, especially at night and on foggy or rainy days. Pedestrians could wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight.

Pedestrians should always walk on sidewalks or walk facing traffic when there are no sidewalks. In parking lots, they should have eyes and ears open for backing lights and engine noise. They should try to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street because drivers may be calling, texting or engaging in some other distracting activity. Pedestrians should never cross from behind a parked car and always cross at well-lit areas.

All intersections represent crosswalks, even when none are actually marked on the pavement. If individuals cross mid-block, it may be that the crosswalk is supplemented with a rectangular rapid flashing beacon to improve visibility.

Pedestrians can also use median refuges, which allow them to cross half the road at a time. Accessible pedestrian signals exist for the benefit of those with impaired sight or hearing. Regarding countdown timers, pedestrians should not begin crossing when the interval is about to terminate. They could still legally be on the crosswalk, though, when the “Don’t Walk” sign is flashing.

Even safety-minded pedestrians are liable to be injured because of the negligence of drivers. In the event of pedestrian accidents, each side’s degree of fault will need to be determined before victims can file a personal injury claim. Their degree of fault may lower the amount they’re eligible for in damages, but they might still be covered for medical expenses, lost wages and other applicable losses. Hiring a lawyer may be beneficial when it comes to negotiating for a settlement.

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In your home, there is a boiler. It does exactly as its name describes, boiling water to supply hot water around your home.

With boilers, there is normally a safety in place to prevent water from getting too hot. There are also pressure valves to release steam and energy, so there is a lower chance of an explosion.

What are the risks of defective boilers?

A defective boiler could result in scalding, which is a kind of burn injury. The water may come out of the tap so hot that it causes serious burns, permanent physical scars and emotional trauma.

In the event that the boiler can’t release pressure, there is a risk that it could explode in the home. This could spray individuals around it with hot water and debris, causing severe injuries.

Water temperatures: How hot is too hot?

With any home boiler system, you have the ability to adjust the temperature. Some people prefer it hotter, to the point that it has the potential to burn. Others prefer it to be set low enough that burns are impossible.

Burns are possible at a temperature of over 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures over this are considered extremely dangerous and can lead to extreme burns. Usually, a thermostatic mixer valve is installed to control the outlet temperature. In cases where a thermostatic mixer valve was not installed, people often reported burns to themselves, the elderly and children.

Remember that there is also a margin of error in any hot water cycle. The margin of error is between 12 and 18 degrees Fahrenheit, which is partially a result of the hotter water rising to the top of the water heater while the lower temperatures gather at the bottom.

Burns can happen in as few as two seconds once the water temperature exceeds 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, at 120 degrees Fahrenheit, a person would suffer a 3rd degree burn in only five minutes of bathing. At 124 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes only three minutes. At 148 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes two seconds to suffer this serious burn.

Why do water heaters need to reach higher temperatures?

Water heaters have to reach hot temperatures to eliminate the Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease. A mixer helps by allowing the boiler to reach extremely high temperatures but then delivering safe temperatures to faucets by mixing in cooler water as the hot water leaves the system.

Burn injuries can be prevented with the right tools. Always check that a mixer is in place, so your family stays safe.

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Many doctors and nurses in New York are required to work long hours in operating rooms across the state. Some people feel that the hours should be capped similar to the way that hours are limited in other professions. Many doctors feel that this is inappropriate because patients do not expect their physician to leave during the middle of an operation.

A poll by Medscape found some differences between the way that doctors and nurses feel about limiting working hours in operating rooms. When asked whether hours should be limited to reduce mistakes, 57 percent of doctors and 87 percent of nurses said yes.

Another question on the poll asked whether doctors should be routinely monitored for substance abuse and other negative behaviors that could result in harm to patients. Of those surveyed, 82 percent of doctors and 62 percent of nurses answered affirmatively. A similar percentage answered yes when asked if others in the operating room should be monitored for substance abuse and other negative behaviors.

Some of those surveyed felt that money would be a limiting factor for limiting work hours since most people do not want to pay for more than one surgeon to be present during an operation. Some felt that substance abuse should be monitored but that work hours should not be limited.

An attorney experienced in personal injury may be able to help patients who have been harmed by operating room mistakes. Fatigue and substance abuse may contribute to more surgical errors than most people want to believe due to lack of monitoring for these issues at hospitals. A personal injury lawsuit might help individuals who have been harmed by medical malpractice recover damages for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and loss of future enjoyment of life.

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