Driver fatigue has long been recognized as a major contributor to truck accidents. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), fatigue causes nearly one-third of all truck accidents. With trucks averaging 80,000 pounds, they are easily the largest and most dangerous vehicles on the road, especially when compared to passenger cars, which commonly weigh 3000-4000 pounds. Because of the catastrophic damage that trucks can inflict, it is critical that truck drivers stay awake. Hours of Service Rules Truck drivers are subject to federal "hours of ...

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration -- the government agency in charge of writing and enforcing auto accident safety protocols -- says over 33,000 automobile accident fatalities involving drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists occurred in 2009. Approximately 1300 happened in North Carolina alone. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -- the government agency under the Department of Health that provides information to the public regarding health and safety -- reports that approximately $41 billion is spent each year ...

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's multi-employer citation policy, several employers may be cited at once for OSHA violations at a worksite where more than one company is operating. This helps ensure safe working conditions at multiemployer worksites because all employers present could be on the hook for workplace safety violations. Examples of multiemployer worksites are construction projects with several contractors. Additionally, if a worker is injured at a construction or job site, citations for OSHA violations are strong evidence of hazardous ...

After the dust clears, the cars have been fixed and the insurance claims have been settled, most victims of traffic accidents assume that life will get back to normal. For some, however, the trauma of the accident triggers a persistent pain that never goes away. This type of pain is known as chronic pain, and it can last for weeks, months or even years. Chronic pain is a persistent pain that lasts long after the incident that triggers it. Someone suffering from chronic pain is constantly uncomfortable, and if the pain lingers, it can cause mental and emotional side effects ...

Texas Governor Rick Perry Signs "Who's The Daddy?" Bill Into Law Texas fathers who suspect they may not be the biological parent of their child have a new option: they can now petition the family law court to challenge paternity and request a DNA test to determine if they are, in fact, the biological father. Texas Senate Bill 785 was signed by Governor Rick Perry in early May after a long legislative battle spanning several years. Supporters of the law say that it's needed since technological advances now allow the scientific community to prove paternity ...

Traumatic brain injuries affect thousands of American families. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.7 million individuals suffer from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year. TBI issues are widespread, and there are a few essential pieces of information victims and their families should be aware of. Common Causes of TBI TBIs are typically caused by a blow to the head that such that the natural functioning of the brain is impacted. Car accidents and falls are the most common causes of TBIs, though these sorts ...

Conservatorships in Michigan With more baby boomers turning 65 every day, families across Michigan will be faced with the question of how to care for their elders as they grow older. There may be times where an elderly person may not be able to make complex decisions for themselves or may need someone to help them through legal proceedings. Assistance in understanding mortgage or loan documents, managing investments, completing tax forms and seeking legal remedies are prime examples of such actions. In these situations, a conservatorship would be very helpful in protecting ...

When a child is killed in an entirely preventable accident, someone must be held accountable for the tragedy. One such death occurred in January of this year when a bus driver ran over and killed a six-year-old boy in Missouri after dropping him off in front of his home. The Missouri State Highway Patrol recently ended its investigation, concluding the driver should have waited longer for the child to move out of the bus's path. Charges of second degree involuntary manslaughter were filed against the driver in Callaway County. Tragic Bus Accident Six-year-old Hunter ...

The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) was touted as a solution for millions of Americans struggling to pay their mortgages. Homeowners could seek modification of loans to reflect the current value of their properties. Unfortunately, only a fraction of mortgages have been modified through this program, when it was initially estimated that 3-4 million mortgages would be modified by the end of 2012. Even worse, scores of homeowners still face foreclosure, even after going through the lengthy process of petitioning for a loan modification and participating in a ...

According to estimates from the Institute of Medicine, every year preventable medical errors are responsible for as many as 98,000 deaths in the United States. In addition, billions of dollars are squandered due to increased health care costs. According to estimates from the Institute of Medicine, every year preventable medical errors are responsible for as many as 98,000 deaths in the United States. In addition, billions of dollars are squandered due to increased health care costs. A program recently launched by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ...

Dallas Same Sex Custody Dispute: Battle For Recognition of Parental Rights by LGBT Parents Child custody battles are always difficult, and can be ugly. But a recent Dallas child custody dispute shows the lengths that gay parents must go to fight for the right to parent their non-biological children if they split up from the child's biological parent. In the case fought out in Dallas family law courtrooms, a Texas mother petitioned for custody of a child she had raised since birth with her lesbian partner (the child's biological mother). The former partner denied the ...

"Crash taxes," or accident response fees, are sweeping the nation. Cities in 27 states have adopted them in one form or another, including Dallas, Texas; Buffalo, New York; Toledo, Ohio; and New Haven, Connecticut. But not every state has been eager to bill those involved in motor vehicle accidents for the services of responding firefighters and police officers. According to Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, 13 states, including neighboring Pennsylvania, have outlawed accident fees, preventing their municipalities from billing those injured ...

Many people believe that sepsis is a blood infection or blood poisoning. However, sepsis occurs as a result of your body's response to an infection. The infection usually is a bacterial infection, but it also may be a viral, fungal or parasitic infection. In fighting the infection, the immune system goes into overdrive and produces a response that can result in damage to the body. If sepsis syndrome is not diagnosed and treated quickly, the organs of the body can be permanently damaged by lack of blood perfusion to them. Widespread organ failure and death may follow. ...

Separating or divorcing parents in Florida need to be aware of the state's laws about child custody and support determinations. Florida statutes Title VI, Chapter 61, Section 61.13 (and following) detail the standards used to make custody decisions that are in the best interests of the children affected, making sure that even the most heated custody disputes focus on the needs of the children first and foremost. Factors Used to Make Custody Determinations Florida's "best interests of the child" standard is in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction ...

Expecting parents place enormous amounts of trust in the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals responsible for successfully delivering their babies. Most of the time, health-care providers perform their jobs carefully and handle and timely recognize potential health risks that arise during labor and delivery. However, occasionally doctors and nurses mishandle or negligently overlook problems that can result in lasting injuries to the baby or mother. Of these medical errors, one of the most distressing is confusion between the mother's and baby's heart rates ...

Every year, about a quarter of a million Americans undergo hip replacement procedures. For a third of them, metal-on-metal ("MoM") implants are used to replace worn-out or damaged hip joints. MoM hip replacements were once believed to be more durable than other available counterparts. But growing concerns over the safety of these hip replacement devices have many medical experts cautioning that MoM replacements should be used far more sparingly, if at all. What Is a Metal-on-Metal Hip Implant? In a procedure for hip replacement, the ball at the top of the ...

After experiencing a tornado, hurricane or other disaster, people's world can be turned upside down. Many families and business owners are not sure where to begin as they attempt to both meet immediate needs and plan for how they will recover in the long-term. A major part of a homeowner's long-term recovery includes repairing the home or finding a new house elsewhere. Businesses may need to recoup lost income. To accomplish either of these goals, property owners need to obtain appropriate compensation from their insurance companies for the damage they sustained. Many ...

Every year, the onset of warmer weather inspires millions of Americans to get their motorcycles out of the garage and onto the streets; few pastimes capture the carefree nature of the season quite as well as motorcycling. But, as you prepare to ride, you should keep in mind a few tips that will better ensure that your biking season is both safe and enjoyable. Dusting off the Cobwebs For many riders, motorcycling is not a year-round pursuit. As such, your abilities might need some fine tuning after months of dormancy. Consider taking a refresher motorcycle skills course, ...

While all court cases are emotionally taxing, cases involving children are especially so. Judges and lawyers must consider nuances in each individual case about what actions are in the best interests of the child or children involved and balance that with what is best for the family. Determining the "best interests of the child" can be a daunting task. At the end of the day, the child's safety and well-being are essential to a court's decision. Some states, including North Carolina, have adopted several principles to guide court decisions. These principles ...

You've got a Parenting Plan that spells out your residential schedule, but what about those other big decisions that affect your kids -- like school projects, religious upbringing and doctor's appointments. How on Earth are you supposed to begin to approach your ex about that stuff? Just because your relationship with your ex was unworkable, it doesn't mean that co-parenting is unworkable. In 2009, Washington saw 13,297 marriages with children end in divorce. And that doesn't include the unmarried parents who found themselves breaking up. Nowadays, there are so many ...

If you currently have plans to sell a business or franchise, you should know about the huge success business owners are having online. Most people (about 97%) looking for a business opportunity will start their search via the Internet. The ability to narrow the listings by factors such as category and location makes the Internet superior to traditional methods like scouring the newspaper. Business Trader is a leader in the online business for sale industry, and is now Australia's most visited website within this niche. Business Trader now offers 4 additional 'featured' ...

Confused.com has released new research which reveals that dawdling drivers are the top cause of irritation for UK drivers. The survey by the car insurance experts shows that over half (60%) of motorists experience an increase in stress levels and a heightened irritability when faced with a vehicle driving slower than the rest of the traffic. In reaction to these slow drivers, almost half (45%) of motorists risk overtaking, thus increasing the chances of an accident. Research from the Department for Transport also reveals that 143 accidents a year are caused directly ...

British Airways has revealed that more families than ever are choosing to fly from Gatwick airport as they jet off on holiday this year. The airline has already seen a ten per cent increase in family bookings compared to last year and the trend is set to continue through the summer. In July and August, British Airways will serve around 7,000 child meals on its long haul and European flights from Gatwick, and cabin crew will give out over 26,000 special Paddington Bear Skyflyer packs to keep its young customers entertained. Florida is the number one destination ...

Anchorage pediatrics practice Full Spectrum Pediatrics is announcing the launch of their new website, fullspectrumpeds.com. With educational resources and an online Patient Portal, the new site reflects the practice's commitment to high-quality and accessible care. Headed by Dr. Stephen Baker, a pediatrician Anchorage AK families have trusted for over thirteen years, Full Spectrum Pediatrics opened in June of 2011 and provides comprehensive pediatric care for patients ranging in age from newborn to eighteen. Dr. Baker - who has served in the Air Force as a pediatrician ...

If the proliferation of sales books in the market is any indication, there is a vast number of professionals who are in a genuine search for the "one" approach that could make their lives at work, easier. The sales material available is plenty; yet somehow, sales is an occupation that is rather becoming more demanding and strenuous on the individual. Now more than ever, professionals are faced with ailments that worsen along with heightened levels of anxiety and stress. While the conventional sales approach aims to highlight the value of competition, or the ...