Author: Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers
In the near future, cars may not allow drunk or dangerous driving
An array of cameras and sensors in upcoming Volvo vehicles could allow the cars to detect drivers who are intoxicated or who seem to be driving erratically or distracted. If bad driving is detected, the vehicle could take action by slowing down, contact an assistance service or even pull over and park, the company said.
Jury: Monsanto knew of Roundup’s dangers, didn’t warn consumers
A California jury has awarded a man $80 million after finding that Roundup weed killer, made by the agrochemical company Monsanto, caused his cancer. The award included $75 million in punitive damages, which were meant to punish Monsanto for acting with “malice or oppression” when it decided not to warn consumers of Roundup’s cancer risks.
SCOTUS rules manufacturers liable when they knew asbestos would be added later
Certain equipment used on Navy vessels and in naval shipyards uses asbestos. However, many are manufactured as “bare metal,” without the asbestos components installed. The asbestos components are added later by the user or a third party, but the equipment manufacturer knows that it will happen. Indeed, the asbestos components are necessary to make the
THP’s Operation Daydreamer targets drugged drivers
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is cracking down on people who drive under the influence of illicit or prescription drugs. And, unlike alcohol-related DUI, drugged driving most often takes place during the daytime. That’s why the THP initiated Operation Daydreamer in Knoxville last year. The initiative went statewide in October. Since that time, the THP has
J&J news: Federal subpoenas, $29-million loss in mesothelioma case
Recently, Johnson & Johnson admitted in its annual report that it has received subpoenas from the Justice Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The subpoenas apparently related to the litigation alleging that J&J’s signature line of baby powder contained asbestos and caused cancer among regular users. Reuters attempted to reach the two agencies for
Reminder: Extra DUI enforcement St. Patrick’s Day weekend
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drunk driving accounts for almost a third of U.S. traffic fatalities each year. DUI can also get you arrested, and a Tennessee DUI conviction is a very serious matter. During the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day enforcement push, 103 people were arrested on suspicion of DUI. Make a plan to
Another state considers lowering DUI BAC limit to 0.05 percent
The state of California is considering two, tough new DUI bills. One would lower the per se blood alcohol content (BAC) for a DUI to 0.05 percent, following the lead of Utah and the recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board. The other bill would make a fifth DUI within 10 years a felony offense.
FDA: Asbestos found in Claire’s Stores cosmetics containing talc
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, its regulatory framework of 80 years needs to be updated to test the safety of cosmetics. Currently, cosmetics manufacturers are not required to test their products for safety before selling them on the American market. The FDA has proposed working with Congress to remedy that. The proposal
Are narcissists bad drivers?
In Greek mythology, many loved the hunter Narcissus for his beauty, but he showed them contempt and disdain. It seems many fellow narcissists exhibit similar behavior on the road. (A narcissist is someone who has an inflated sense of self-importance or who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves). Psychological scientists from Ohio
Will a Missouri Supreme Court ruling help J&J in its talc cases?
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is being sued nationwide for exposing users of its talc-based products, including J&J Baby Powder, to asbestos despite knowing the risk. They are accused of hiding evidence that the talc used in their products was contaminated with asbestos. Plaintiffs claim they used the products-often on themselves and their children-for daily routine