Author: Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers
Feds investigating second crash involving Tesla’s ‘Autopilot’
In late January, a Tesla Model S sedan rear-ended a parked fire truck at around 65 mph. The driver wasn’t paying attention, apparently because he had set the car to “Autopilot.” Unfortunately, this wasn’t a Star Trek episode. Unlike autopilot systems in science fiction, Tesla’s Autopilot does not fully take over for the driver, performing
Second-hand asbestos exposure affects another generation
Is there a safe amount of asbestos exposure? Can second-hand exposure cause mesothelioma decades later? The answer to the first question is no. The answer to the second question is yes: indirect exposure, such as via contact with work clothing of parents, is creating a second generation of mesothelioma victims. For one woman, breathing in
CDC: Elderly suffer brain injuries at higher rate than others
With the increasing media attention on concussions and mild brain injuries, and the increased risk they create for more serious brain trauma, health officials and others have been paying more attention to brain injuries. Given the increased awareness, it is not surprising reports of brain injuries are up, especially among Americans 75 and older. Apparently
Tennessee bill would prohibit DUI offenders from buying alcohol
A bill recently proposed by State Rep. Bud Hulsey would add a new penalty to a DUI conviction. Those convicted of driving under the influence would be prohibited from purchasing alcohol. The prohibition would last for a year for a first-time offender and could remain in place for the rest of a third-time offender’s driving
Smoking and asbestos-related disease: 5 things to know
Smoking rates have dropped steadily in recent years, but millions of people across the U.S. still smoke cigarettes. Millions more are former smokers or are living with a disease related to smoking. The risk of smoking leading to the development of lung cancer or another smoking-related disease is real. But does smoking tobacco also increase
Report: Spike in accidental deaths fueled by opioid overdoses
There is more bad news about the opioid crisis. Accidental death became the third leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2016, trailing only heart disease and cancer in the number of lives claimed. Accidental deaths as a whole increased by 10 percent over 2015’s numbers. Accidental death is defined here as unintentional, preventable
Sports and brain injuries: 5 FAQs
If you play or follow sports, you have probably heard a lot in recent years about the dangers of head injuries. From the National Football League to soccer and other youth sports, leagues now have concussion protocols, designed to protect against someone trying to go back into action too soon after a hit to the
Scientific panel says that states should lower DUI alcohol limit to 0.05
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration commissioned a report by a panel of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on what strategies for reducing drunk driving have been shown to be effective. The main goal, of course, was to reduce the 10,000 drunk driving deaths that occur each year in the United States.
Appeals court rejects challenge to OSHA’s silica dust standards
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has rejected a challenge to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s latest safety standards for inhaled silica dust. Business groups led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had argued that OSHA had overstepped its authority and that the rule is not feasible to implement. Respirable crystalline
Chattanooga PD announces DUI numbers, decreased traffic tickets
The Chattanooga Police Department announced recently that traffic citations are down for the fifth consecutive year. Before you get too comfortable, though, be aware that the reduction may be due in part to officer attrition in the traffic division. “We have officers retiring, and it takes over a year to train someone to replace them.