Motorcycle collisions: what the data shows
Motorcycling can be fun. It’s also popular, especially this time of year. Yet motorcyclists are much more likely than occupants of passenger vehicles to be injured or killed when involved in crashes. Motorcycle crashes are responsible for billions of dollars in costs to riders and society. What do we know about preventing these crashes? The
Did protective gear put firefighters at risk of asbestos exposure?
Builders often used asbestos in the construction projects until the late 1970s or even early 1980s. If those old buildings burn, the debris left behind and the disturbance of that debris can release carcinogenic asbestos fibers into the air. That is one reason why firefighters face such a high risk of developing mesothelioma. Unfortunately, burning buildings
Could technology really prevent DUIs?
In Tennessee, even a first-time DUI offense could result in the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. These devices obligate drivers to test their breath – and blood alcohol content (BAC) – before they can drive. Installing the ignition interlock device is one of the consequences of a DUI conviction. However, lawmakers
Are Tesla’s self-driving systems dangerous and defective?
It sounds like a futuristic dream: a fully self-driving car. No more need for human navigation, which could mean an end to crashes caused by driver error, inattention or impairment. Wanting to take a nap or read a book instead of driving? Turn on the autopilot. Unfortunately, today’s semi-autonomous vehicles are not fully self-driving. Many
UPDATE: Peloton recalls its treadmills after child death, injuries
Late last month, we discussed an urgent warning issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that Peloton’s Tread+ treadmill could pull in and entrap children and pets. The agency had received at least 39 complaints of objects, pets or children being pulled under the device’s rear roller and entrapped there. One child died because
How long until in-person court recovers in the face of the pandemic?
Defendants are starting to see trials now that the courts are resuming some in-person operations of the past. But do safety rules change what your day in court means? The Tennessee Supreme Court suspended many in-person court proceedings through the beginning of this year because of COVID-19. Only recently, have trials begun to make a comeback. But
CPSC: Peloton Tread+ can pull children, pets under the treadmill
Sales of Peloton equipment, including both stationary bikes and treadmills, have taken off during the pandemic. According to the Associated Press, New York-based Peloton Interactive, Inc., brought in $1 billion in revenue during the final three months of 2020 – more than double its revenue from the same period in 2019. Peloton sells two types
Is there asbestos in my home?
Depending upon the age of your home, the answer may well be yes. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber with heat-resistant properties that was widely used in construction and consumer products for years. Although it is less common in newer construction, it can still be present. Usually if the asbestos material is in good
Johnson & Johnson sets aside $3.9B to settle talc suits
Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson now has set aside $3.9 billion to settle lawsuits over use of its popular talc-based baby powder containing asbestos. That far exceeds the $400 million the company put aside to settle these lawsuits in 2019. Number of suits against J&J grows Now, as of January 2021, more than 25,000 users
Study: DDT exposure affects granddaughters’ breast cancer risk
The insecticide DDT was developed in the 1940s to fight insect-borne diseases such as typhus and malaria. In 1972, the United States banned DDT. It is known to be an endocrine disrupter, meaning that it interferes with hormones and development. Although it was banned, many people were exposed to it, and many are still experiencing