Kirk Bernard

Cellphone Driving Officially Banned in Hawaii

Bernard Law Blogger — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:33:28 +0000

Earlier this week, the Governor of Hawaii affixed his signature to a bill making it illegal to use a cellphone or any other type of electronic device at the wheel throughout the state, a move that was praised by the Governors Highway Safety Association. Another measure signed by the Governor made it illegal for persons in backseats to not wear a seatbelt. Although distraction was already targeted by county lawmakers and enforcement officials, the thought was that this type of unifying law will simplify matters and make the roads safer as a whole. The measure makes Hawaii the 40th state to ban texting and driving and the 11th state to make cellphone usage illegal.

Click here for more about the law.

Cellphone Driving Officially Banned in Hawaii is a post from: Kirk Bernard

California Distracted Driving Rates Down While Citations Remain High

Bernard Law Blogger — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:31:23 +0000

Although cellphone usage at the wheel appears to be going down throughout California, the numbers are still too high as far as the director of the California Office of Traffic Safety is concerned. This year, officials estimate that 7.4% of drivers are using their cellphones at a given time on the state’s roads. This is actually a decrease from last year, when the figure stood at 10.8%. These findings were released in conjunction with posted results from the California Highway Patrol’s and local law enforcement agencies’ distracted driving crackdown effort held in April. 57,000 tickets were issued by the various entities taking part in the crackdown, bringing the level of citations in line with figures from 2012.

Follow this link for more information.

California Distracted Driving Rates Down While Citations Remain High is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Advisory Panel Not As Worried About Suvorexant As The FDA

Bernard Law Blogger — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:28:08 +0000

In a move that came as somewhat of a surprise given the Food and Drug Administration’s initial feelings on the matter, an advisory panel has recommended the approval of an anti-insomnia drug from Merck. The panel convened yesterday let the FDA know that the drug known as suvorexant appears to be both effective and safe for patients. They explained that doses recommended by Merck seemed appropriate and that insomnia sufferers appear to have been able to get sleep. What’s interesting is that this runs somewhat counter to the FDA’s own findings. Reports from earlier in the week suggested that the FDA was concerned about issues with extensive drowsiness after the effects of the drug were supposed to have worn off. Also troubling the FDA were reports about the onset of suicidal thoughts.

Click here for more about the panel’s thoughts.

Advisory Panel Not As Worried About Suvorexant As The FDA is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Washington Teacher Raises Awareness About Texting Dangers

Bernard Law Blogger — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:25:17 +0000

A teacher from Shelton, Washington is attempting to spread the word about the importance of always refraining from texting at the wheel. She became an advocate for safety after her own actions led to a texting and driving accident in 2009. Although the pedestrian victim lived, he suffered serious brain damage. Feeling guilty about her role in the incident, the teacher has been sharing her experience in public with all those who will listen. Not only does she warn students in her own classroom, but she acts as a speaker at other schools in the Shelton-area. She seeks to place a particular emphasis on getting teens to put down their phones when at the wheel, and her students and other safety advocates have praised her efforts in turning her negative experience into a positive for the community.

Click here for more about her experience.

Washington Teacher Raises Awareness About Texting Dangers is a post from: Kirk Bernard

AC35/38 Cranes Recalled Due To Falling Jib Hazard

Bernard Law Blogger — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:23:30 +0000

AC35/38 cranes are being recalled by Altec because of a failure issue that could pose a serious injury threat. A total of 56 cranes are impacted, and each will have a 2010 or 2011 model telescopic jib capable of reaching distances of 31 to 55 feet. Unfortunately, the attachment bracket on this component might not be able to handle certain loads when a user attempts to lift the fully extended jib. If this leads to a failure, the unit could fall and injure anyone beneath or around the jib. There’s no indication as of yet when this recall is going to start, but once it does, owners will hear from Altec. The jib will be reinforced by dealers, and any damage will be repaired for free.

For more about the recall, follow this link.

AC35/38 Cranes Recalled Due To Falling Jib Hazard is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Gauging The Reaction To The NTSB’s Lower Legal BAC Limit Proposal

Bernard Law Blogger — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:42:05 +0000

Recently, the National Transportation Safety Board came out with a series of recommendations that sought to limit occurrences of drunk driving. The suggestion that garnered the most media attention, though, was the one calling for a lower legal Blood Alcohol Content limit of .05%, which is down from the current .08% standard. Groups responded to this recommendation in some interesting ways. The American Beverage Institute, for instance, argues that responsible individuals will be unfairly targeted by such a move, and the Beer Institute figures that resources are better directed toward cracking down on repeat offenders. But Mothers Against Drunk Driving, a big proponent of the previous act of lowering the limit to .08%, appears nonplussed by the recommendation, saying that they are neutral on the matter.

For more information, follow this link.

Gauging The Reaction To The NTSB’s Lower Legal BAC Limit Proposal is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Learn How To Properly Operate a Pallet Truck

Bernard Law Blogger — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:39:26 +0000

If your worksite uses a pallet truck, then you might take a look at some of the safety tips included in a new report out of the United Kingdom. Even slight mishandling of such a device can lead to a potential tragedy, and it’s essential that you not make a mistake with long-lasting consequences. First, always follow the manufacturer’s usage recommendations, especially in regards to the weight limit. Overloading a pallet can cause a potentially injurious malfunction. Caution also needs to be taken while moving on a slope. You should move uphill when possible so that you can maintain control of the load. If on a flat area, though, pulling is acceptable. Limit your speed, especially if people are around and your particular unit does not contain a hand brake.

For more tips, click here.

Learn How To Properly Operate a Pallet Truck is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Social Media Driving Ban Approved By Louisiana Senate

Bernard Law Blogger — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:37:54 +0000

Lawmakers in the state of Louisiana have officially bestowed their approval upon a bill that would make it illegal to engage with social media while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Yesterday, the Senate approved the proposed bill by a nearly unanimous margin, paving the way for the measure to be sent to the desk of the Governor. Anecdotal evidence from law enforcement officials had suggested that drivers being pulled over were consistently arguing that they were using Facebook or some such outlet rather than texting, and thus this new bill was set up in order to erase any such doubts as to the illegality of the act. If caught, a driver using social media would face a $175 fine.

For more about this law, click here.

Social Media Driving Ban Approved By Louisiana Senate is a post from: Kirk Bernard

New Jersey To Alert Drivers to Anti-Texting Laws Via Billboards

Bernard Law Blogger — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:35:56 +0000

Concerned that various distracted driving laws aren’t having the intended effect on drivers, lawmakers in the state of New Jersey are attempting to spread awareness about the necessity of putting one’s phone down while driving. The Senate Transportation Committee recently approved a measure which would require billboards detailing the fact that texting at the wheel is illegal within New Jersey to be placed along the side of the road. Responsibility for carrying out this task would fall to the Department of Transportation’s Commissioner. One Senate proponent of the law explains that drivers might not realize the law or that what they’re doing is dangerous, and thus the hope is that these billboards will enlighten them as to the danger.

For more about the law, follow this link.

New Jersey To Alert Drivers to Anti-Texting Laws Via Billboards is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Balsi Beam Seeks to Protect Caltrans Workers

Bernard Law Blogger — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:30:32 +0000

A new article looks at the development of the Balsi Beam, which seeks to protect workers in California from the threat of injury or death. Named after a Caltrans employee who lost a leg in a roadside accident, the device is basically a guard rail attached to a state-operated truck parked along the road. The thought is that an errant motor vehicle that would have struck a worker will instead hit the guardrail, protecting the individual in the process. The device was recently put to the test at a West Sacramento track, and by all accounts, things looked to have gone well. A team will analyze the data from that crash test in order to determine the Balsi Beam’s efficacy. At the moment, five of the devices are available throughout California.

For more about the test, click here.

Balsi Beam Seeks to Protect Caltrans Workers is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Stay Safe Around Big Rigs This Memorial Day Weekend

Bernard Law Blogger — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:02:09 +0000

If you are headed out onto the road this Memorial Day weekend, then you might want to consider some of the tips provided by the California Highway Patrol in a new report. The advice was touted during a recent event held by the CHP, the California Trucking Association, and the California Insurance Information Network that sought to impress upon drivers the importance of taking necessary precautions around big rigs. Automobile drivers should always pass trucks as quickly as possible on the lefthand side, where blind spots tend to be smaller. Smaller vehicles should never stay for an extended period of time in a trucker’s blind spot, because if they can’t see you, the threat of a crash becomes far greater. If you’re traveling behind a tractor trailer, make sure to give it up to 25 car lengths of space. Also give yourself plenty of room at intersections, as a truck in the midst of a turn requires a lot of space to navigate properly.

For more information, follow this link.

Stay Safe Around Big Rigs This Memorial Day Weekend is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Concerns About Merck Insomnia Drug Currently Seeking FDA Approval

Bernard Law Blogger — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:00:03 +0000

The Food and Drug Administration is currently in the midst of reviewing a drug from Merck that would be used for the treatment of insomnia. Known as suvorexant, the drug has been shown in clinical trials to assist persons in falling asleep and then staying asleep once under, but those same trials have also illuminated a startling trend. When the dosage is upped to 20 or 40 milligrams, drowsiness became a possibility the day after administration of the drug, and driving ability was also compromised. Four females involved in the driving test had to actually cease driving in the middle of the test because they were so tired. The FDA is also troubled by eight instances of patients experiencing thoughts of suicide. An expert panel will advise the FDA tomorrow and a decision will follow after that. It’s possible the FDA will want further study into the risks posed by low dosages.

For more information, follow this link.

Concerns About Merck Insomnia Drug Currently Seeking FDA Approval is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Freestyle Insulinx Blood Glucose Meters Recalled Over Error Risk

Bernard Law Blogger — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:56:26 +0000

Blood Glucose Meters under the Freestyle Insulinx brand are being recalled by Abbott because of an issue that could impede proper patient therapy. The items, which measure blood sugar levels via a finger prick, could cease to work properly if the individual is suffering from the abnormally high blood glucose level of 1024 mg/dL. When this occurs, the devices are in danger of actually subtracting the 1024 figure from the actual amount, thus displaying a level that is far less than what the patient’s glucose is currently at. Consumers might then not seek out the medical intervention that would be advisable when blood glucose levels are that high. Consumers are advised to update their software via the Freestyle Insulinx website or to get in touch with Abbott to obtain a free replacement item.

Click here for more about the recall.

Freestyle Insulinx Blood Glucose Meters Recalled Over Error Risk is a post from: Kirk Bernard

169 Allstar Buses Recalled by Starcraft Over Possible Fire Threat

Bernard Law Blogger — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:54:42 +0000

An estimated 169 Allstar buses of the 2006 through 2012 model years have been recalled by Starcraft Bus because of a potential issue with their Ricon wheelchair lifts. If the lifts have an armored pendant cable installed, that cable might not have the appropriate protective cover, and it would also be in danger of making contact with the lift itself. If the cable is not covered and ends up touching a nearby power lug, a short circuit becomes a possibility, as does an ensuing fire. There’s no word at this time when the recall is going to start. When it does begin, Starcraft will be urging consumers to get in touch with Ricon, who has pledged to instruct consumers on how to install a supplement cover at no cost.

For more about the recall, follow this link.

169 Allstar Buses Recalled by Starcraft Over Possible Fire Threat is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Digger Derrick and Aerial Device Vehicles Recalled Over Tipping Risk

Bernard Law Blogger — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:53:10 +0000

Digger Derrick and Aerial Device vehicles of the 2012 and 2013 model years are being recalled by Terex because of a potential injury threat. Around 118 units are impacted, and each could have an outrigger cylinder whose lock valve cavity did not receive the appropriate machining. If this leads damage to accumulate in the seals, drifting of the cylinder can occur and the entire vehicle would be in danger of tipping over, injuring those onboard or in the vicinity. Although there’s no indication as of yet on when we can expect this recall to start, owners will hear from Terex once it does. They will then be able to seek out a free inspection and repairs from dealers.

Click here for more about the recall.

Digger Derrick and Aerial Device Vehicles Recalled Over Tipping Risk is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Sterility Fears Lead Pentec to Recall Prescriptions for Renal Patients

Bernard Law Blogger — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:41:53 +0000

A number of items are being recalled by a compounder once again, this time because a certain component involved in the compounding procedure can’t have its sterility assured. Pentec Health announced the recall, which affects nutritional prescriptions provided to 163 renal patients receiving dialysis in either a home or hospital setting. Each prescription would have been compounded in a certain laminar flow hood whose sterility might have been compromised. No instances of adversity have been reported at this time, and Pentec explains that sterility tests have yet to turn up a problem. Affected products would have been compounded prior to May 2. Patients who know their prescription came from Pentec are advised to get in touch with their doctors if they have questions.

For more about the recall, click here.

Sterility Fears Lead Pentec to Recall Prescriptions for Renal Patients is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Arkansas Teen Raises Awareness of Texting and Driving Dangers

Bernard Law Blogger — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:38:31 +0000

A teenager from Little Rock, Arkansas is taking it upon herself to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. The 15-year old has used her own money to put together a safety campaign going by the moniker “Survive: Don’t Text and Drive.” The campaign can be found on a number of mediums and has earned the thumbs-up from local safety advocates, media organizations, and law enforcement officials. Billboards and television commercials explain the dangers of distraction and ask teens to pledge never to text, and the girl responsible has even traveled to local school to get elementary students more involved. At the end of that presentation, kids release balloons that echo the campaign’s message.

For more about her efforts, click here.

Arkansas Teen Raises Awareness of Texting and Driving Dangers is a post from: Kirk Bernard

FDA Warns Patients and Doctors To Avoid NuVision Sterile Products

Bernard Law Blogger — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:35:23 +0000

The Food and Drug Administration is attempting to steer healthcare professionals and patients alike away from any sterile products hailing from the Dallas, Texas-based NuVision Pharmacy. This past April, that company recalled certain injection products because of concerns that sterility could not be guaranteed, and since then, the FDA has been the recipient of reports detailing such adversity as fever, soreness, and symptoms often associated with the flu. A recent facility inspection uncovered the types of manufacturing procedures that could compromise the sterility necessary to ensure the safety of the drugs. Doctors are being asked to comb through their inventory to look for the medication. If found, they should be quarantined and kept away from patients to prevent an infection.

Click here for more about the recall.

FDA Warns Patients and Doctors To Avoid NuVision Sterile Products is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Fire Risk Prompts Gulf Stream Coach to Recall 126 Motorhomes

Bernard Law Blogger — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:33:43 +0000

Conquest, Ultra Supreme, Ultra, Cavalier, Yellowstone, and Indepedence motorhomes of the 2001 model year with “6316” or “8325” floorplans are being recalled by Gulf Stream Coach. 126 of these motorhomes could suffer from inadequate securing of electrical wiring. Over time, this can lead to excessive wear and overheating in the area between the affected wiring and the coils of the refrigerator. This can cause a fire to break out, a condition which has the potential to create property damage or even an injury if someone is inside or in the vicinity of the trailer at the time of the failure. The recall should start by month’s end, at which point owners will hear from Gulfstream and be able to seek free repairs from a dealer.

Click here for more about the recall.

Fire Risk Prompts Gulf Stream Coach to Recall 126 Motorhomes is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Website Suggests Florida Texting Ban Will Be Signed Next Week

Bernard Law Blogger — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:31:29 +0000

Early rumblings suggest that the Governor of Florida will finally sign into law a ban on texting and driving at the state level next week. Although the Governor’s office refrained from confirming the pending signature, an email posted on the Project Sunburst website details a May 28 signing ceremony set to take place in Miami. A spokesperson said that the Governor is still in the process of looking over the bill, which would make texting at the wheel an offense costing $30, a number that would go up for subsequent violations. However, because texting would be a secondary offense, an officer must identify some other illegal behavior before they’re able to pull the individual over.

For more information, follow this link.

Website Suggests Florida Texting Ban Will Be Signed Next Week is a post from: Kirk Bernard

Kirk Bernard

Cellphone Driving Officially Banned in Hawaii

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