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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There are many risky behaviors associated with higher incidents of traffic collisions. Drinking and drugged driving clearly create dangers on New York highways. Also problematic are driving at excessive speeds and what has been identified as distracted driving, primarily from cell phone use and texting. However, there is another “silent killer” that many motorists don’t think twice about.

A Department of Transportation study looked closely incidents of vehicle crashes, which included interviews with the drivers. The DOT report verified what had long been suspected — driving with insufficient sleep carries risks similar to drinking and driving. The scope of the problem is underlined by the numbers, which show 7 percent of all vehicle crashes and 16 percent of all fatal crashes are related to driver drowsiness.

Although falling asleep behind the wheel poses the greatest danger, the fatigue issue is broader. Driving while fatigued can cause a measurable decrease in the ability to concentrate, analyze distances and react normally to a changing situation. Furthermore, the cause is not only total sleep deprivation, but higher risk potential has been noted for drivers who are behind the wheel for periods longer than three hours, those whose sleep pattern has been disrupted in the past three weeks and those who suffer from sleep apnea.

People are busier than ever and driving is an integral part of the day’s activities. However, every time a driver gets on the road, there is a duty to drive in a safe and reasonable manner so as not to cause harm to others. A personal injury lawyer can explain the issues of vehicle crashes and liability.

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Car accidents both big and small happen often on the busy New York roads, keeping insurance companies just as busy. However, in recent years studies have found that nearly 6 percent of motorists drive without insurance in New York.

This is illegal, but it does not stop some people without insurance from continuing to drive. Fortunately, uninsured motorist coverage can protect you and your family in the event of an accident.

New York law requires coverage

New York law mandates citizens to have uninsured motorist (UIM) coverage. This coverage specifically protects you in the event of an accident with a driver who does not have liability insurance. It also covers you in the event of a hit and run accident. UIM coverage pays for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain suffered

You can also obtain extended UIM coverage for any damage caused to your vehicle or property.

UIM insurance can significantly reduce your worries about any potential accident. It ensures you and your family do not have to depend on the other driver’s circumstances to get compensation for your pain and suffering.

File your claim as soon as possible

Filing an insurance claim is often the last thing you want to think about after an accident. However, it is crucial to file a claim as soon as possible after an accident, so you can get the most aid from your insurance company and a head start on your recovery.

Filing a lawsuit

New York is a no-fault state. This means that no matter who was at fault for the accident, usually your own insurance companies pays for any medical expenses or damages to your property.

Most New York insurance policies look out only for the individual who owns the policy, not other drivers. However, it is understandable that you may want to hold an uninsured driver accountable for their negligence. Although it is difficult to file a lawsuit in a no-fault state, if you or a family member suffered serious injuries from an uninsured driver, you may have the ability to pursue legal action.

Some of these injuries include:

• Fractures
• Impairments
• Disfigurements
• Wrongful death

All motorists have a duty to drive safely. Having proper insurance coverage is a part of that duty, and you have options to take action and hold uninsured drivers responsible for breaching that duty.

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School drop-off and pick-up can frazzle the steadiest of nerves, whether you walk your child to school, or drive them. Children appear from every direction and everyone is in a hurry. Throw in buses, and it’s no wonder that pedestrian accidents in school zones continue to happen at a disturbing rate. Luckily, there are things you can do to help.

Your child walks or bikes to school:

Depending on your child’s age, you may walk with them to school, or they may walk or bike on their own. Either way, consider walking with them a few times to make sure they are following these safety tips:

• Stay on the sidewalk. If your community does not have sidewalks and you cannot walk on the boulevard, walk facing traffic.
• Wear a helmet anytime you bike.
• Stop at crosswalks to look for cars. Check left, then right, then left again. Don’t walk between parked cars. If you ride a bike, walk it across the crosswalk.
• Teach your cyclist to follow the rules of the road: staying to the right, using hand signals, and following traffic signals. You should also teach them to look out for danger, such as road debris and people opening car doors.
• No distracted walking. This goes for parents, especially. Do not contribute to this growing problem by looking at your phone while. Even if your child is too young to have a phone now, remember that you are modeling safe behavior for them for the future.

You drive your child to school:

You probably already drive carefully in a school zone, but a surprising number of parents fail to do these few simple things to improve safety:

• Slow down and stop completely at stop signs and crossing guards. Follow the crossing guard’s signals.
• Check all directions before pulling out or backing up– remember that children might be behind or beside you.
• Do not double-park. It limits the view of other drivers, not to mention annoying the driver you block in.
• Look for bicycles. Many children bike to school, and they lack experience with bicycle handling, safety, and traffic rules.
• Put down the phone. This one should be obvious, but too many parents still talk on their phones while navigating drop-off. Distracted driving is especially dangerous in a school zone.

School zones will probably always be hectic, but you can do your part to improve safety, as well as sanity, during the school year.

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