Posted on August 31, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Not just your driving record and type of car you drive can affect your insurance rates.
Consumer Reports has found that insurance companies are now using bill paying and loan data collected from major credit companies to determine what your monthly payment will be, in some cases raising rates as much as 25-47%.
Even though the data from which these scores are derived is often out-dated and inaccurate, most states allow insurance companies to use it for credit scoring purposes. Consumer advocates are trying to get legislatures to ban this sort of scoring, but so far they have been unsuccessful. Lobbyists for the insurance industry, on the other hand, have succeeded in stopping such legislation in Colorado, Delaware, and Minnesota.
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Posted on August 30, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Everyone is aware of the need to have a first aid kit or a safety kit handy, but few of us take the time and effort necessary to prepare one. With some advance preparation, accidents don't have to turn into second disasters. In a recent press release by PRWeb, Disaster Planning and Preparation of Safety Kits and First Aid Kits No Easy Task for Families at Home and Businesses in the Workplace, common sense guidelines are available. Specifics include:
- Obtain answers to your preliminary questions from a local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter.
- Determine which disasters are likely in your community.
- Plan with your family or business for evacuation and supply needs.
- Prepare well stocked first aid kits and safety kits for home and workplace.
- Post emergency numbers.
- Install smoke detectors.
Posted on August 30, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is the state agency which directs the administration of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act and its related funds. It also manages the Birth-Related Neurological Injury Program to provide benefits for certain birth injuries and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund. Its stated goal is to administer these funds in a fair, unbiased and efficient manner.
Posted on August 30, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services provides current information regarding Workers' Compensation claims, monitors employers to ensure compliance with insurance coverage requirements, administers the special/second injury fund, approves lump-sum settlements, assesses penalties and fines for non-compliance with the law, and monitors vocational rehabilitation.
Posted on August 30, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission provides consumer information and forms regarding employee benefits, claims and processes. "The Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission seeks to secure the equitable and timely administration of the provisions of the Maryland Workers' Compensation Law on behalf of its customers, the injured workers and their employers, by providing an efficient and effective forum for the resolution of individual claims."
Posted on August 30, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The Civil Rights Act of 1871, now known as 42 U.S.C. § 1983, is one of the most important federal statutes in force in the United States. It was originally enacted a few years after the American Civil War, and consisted of the 1870 Force Act and 1871 Ku Klux Klan Act. The statute has been subjected to only minor changes since then, but has been the subject of voluminous interpretation by courts. Section 1983 does not create new civil rights. Instead, it allows individuals to sue persons in federal courts for civil rights violations. To gain federal jurisdiction, i.e., access to a court, the individual must point to a federal civil right that has been allegedly violated. These rights are encoded in the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes.
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Posted on August 28, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Most parents who work rely on child care services to care for their children during the work week. At some point or another, due to the environment and the close proximity of children in day care, that infants and toddlers are bound to be exposed to infection and illnesses.
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Posted on August 27, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The Houston Chronicle reports that the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating a fire that killed 23 nursing home patients last fall. A fire quickly spread throughout the bus.
The federal government requires that all buses carry a 5-pound fire extinguisher, but the NTSB has found the extinguisher to be completely ineffective against tire fires such as the one here. Larry Plachno, publisher of National Bus Trader, explains that, “Once a tire catches fire, it’s hopeless.” However, the NTSB was told that the extinguisher is able to put out almost any other type of fire it might encounter on the bus.
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Posted on August 24, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The National Resources Defense Council has issued a study called Testing The Waters, which discusses their annual survey of water quality on U.S. beaches. Maryland residents may be surprised to find that three beaches in Rock Hall - Bay Country Campground and Beach, Ferry Park, and Rock Hall Beach – violated federal water standards at least fifty percent of the time they were tested.
The NRDC estimates that at least 7 million Americans get sick each year swimming in polluted ocean water. The Great Lakes are even worse, as experts estimate that 11% of swimmers who put their heads underwater experience gastrointestinal problems.
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Posted on August 24, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the Kia Sedona and Subaru Impreza were the best performers in this spring’s test of minivans and small cars. The Sedona is the first minivan to earn the Top Safety Pick award and the Impreza is only the second small car to earn the award.
While other minivans perform well in front and side crash tests, the Sedona is the first to achieve a satisfactory level of rear crash protection, reports Institute president Adrian Lund. Lund praised Kia for designing the seat and head restraints for protection in “the most common kinds of commuter traffic crashes.” The most common form of injury from rear impact crashes is whiplash, which costs insurance agencies about $8.5 billion a year for about 2 million claims.
The Institute also tested a hybrid car for the first time, the Toyota Prius. The Prius performed well in front crash testing. However, when it came to side crash testing, the presence of the optional side air bags made a world of difference. Without the airbags, the dummy’s head struck the car with a force that was likely to cause serious skull fracture and brain injuries. With the optional airbags, all injury measures were low. Optional side airbags also proved critical in the side impact crashes of the Dodge Grand Caravan, which had similar results.
Posted on August 23, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
In D.C., if a new car does not conform to all warranties for the first 18,000 miles or two years (whichever comes first), the dealer is obligated to correct the defect at no charge, after being given written notice.
If the defect is uncorrectable after a “reasonable number of attempts,” the dealer must give the consumer a refund if the defect substantially impairs the use and market value of the car.
A “reasonable number of attempts” means (a) four or more attempts to fix a non-safety feature over two years, (b) one or more failed attempts to fix a safety feature, or (c) that the car has been out of service for more than 30 days during the time of ownership.
Source: D.C. Lemon Law Statute
Posted on August 23, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced earlier this month that all uses of lidane as an agricultural insecticide would be banned in the future. Although existing supplies can be used up, manufactures have agreed to stop any new sales in the United States. Lidane is a toxic chemical known to cause seizures, damage the nervous system, and weaken the immune system. It was previously banned in 52 other countries.
However, the Food and Drug Admimistration (FDA) continues to allow lidane to be used in shampoos and lotions for the treatment of lice and scabies, even though a caution is included in the FDA's lice treatment article as well as alternative treatment suggestions. The state of California has already banned lidane for lice and scabies treatment and other states are considering following suit. Consumer safety groups, including the Pesticide Action Network have asked that the FDA withdraw lidane for pharmaceutical uses, because of its link to brian tumors and hormone disruption.
If your doctor recommends using a lidane-based shampoo or lotion for your child's lice or scabies, ask about the risk of long-term potential side effects as well as alternative medication.
Posted on August 22, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently launched a crackdown on impaired drivers. The nationwide campaign, Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. began Friday, August 18, 2006, and will be running through Labor Day.
2006 National Impaired Driving Crackdown
According to the
joint press release, the enforcement crackdown includes sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols, and a national advertizing blitz, as well as cooperation among law enforcement and advocacy agencies. As part of the campaign, NTHSA released the final 2005 statistics for alcohol-related fatalities. "The new statistics show that in 2005, there were 12,945 fatalities in crashes involving a driver or motocycle operator with a BAC of .08 or higher, the legal limit throughout the U.S. Fully 39 percent of all traffic deaths last year involved alcohol. All told, 16,885 people died in alcohol-related crashes."
NHTSA Administrator Nicole Mason emphasized, "We're taking the gloves off. This hard-hitting enforcement crackdown, coupled with a new nationwide advertising campaign, serve as a stern warning: If you drive drunk, you will be arrested."
MADD's national president Glynn Birch added, “Sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols absolutely deter drunk drivers and save lives — especially when combined with aggressive advertising. We salute law enforcement in communities nationwide for their commitment to keeping the roadways safe for everyone.”
Posted on August 22, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
A disturbing number of individuals each year are seriously injured or killed as a result of high speed police pursuits. In the majority of the cases, those injured or killed are innocent pedestrians or other drivers. In many cases, the harmed parties are entitled to compensation. A variety of legal claims maybe appropriate including constitutional claims as well as standard tort actions.
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Posted on August 22, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Fun Express, Inc. in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling about 340,000 small bendable toys shaped like cats and dogs. Although no injuries have been reported, it has been determined that the toys contain excessive levels of lead. The toys were given away by libraries nationwide as incentives in reading programs.
For more information, please call Fun Express directly at 1-800-723-6155. The toys should be destroyed immediately.
Posted on August 20, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
State and Federal Regulations require that truck drivers carrying more than 26,000 pounds or hazardous materials must first obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from the State in which they live. However, in many states, those driving “light” trucks and vans are only required to obtain a regular driver's license.
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Posted on August 20, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
As we previously reported, the Justice Department is investigating over 30 deaths caused by Tasers or "stun guns," used by police departments across the country.
Taser guns are used by some area police forces. Arlington County, Prince George's County and Montgomery County are a few local forces that have implemented the use of these "less than lethal" weapons. On the other hand, the District of Columbia does not use them and has no immediate plans to begin using them.
The Taser works in one of two ways. It can be used at close range by making direct contact with the body or it can be used from a distance. The Taser is capable of firing its two electro-magnetic prongs up to 15-20 feet. The prongs have barbs attached, which adhere to the suspects clothing during the shock, which lasts about five seconds.
On NBC4's website, you can view a video of an officer who was voluntarily shocked with one of these weapons.
Posted on August 20, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
A recent article posted on WebMD noted the increased popularity of tattooing among younger individuals. Given this increase, it becomes important to have a clear understanding of the procedure and the risks involved. When thinking about getting a tattoo, here are a few things to consider:
- Choose a facility carefully. Make sure the establishment is licensed in tattooing.
- Keep your tattoo simple. Smaller tattoos are easier to remove should you desire to do so.
- Insist that you view the tattoo artist remove sterile instruments from the envelope.
- Make sure that the tattoo is placed in an appropriate location on your body. If you should decide to have a tattoo removed a scar could be visible.
- If you experience a great deal of redness or soreness, contact a physician immediately.
For more information about safety issues regarding tattoos, please visit the
Mayo Clinic website.
Posted on August 16, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Have you ever wondered how long the truck driver speeding up behind you at 75 m.p.h. has been on the road? Most trucking companies pay by the mile, so the driver will make more money if he drives further and faster. However, relatively recent federal regulations have been put in place to make the roads safer for everyone by limiting the number of consecutive hours a truck driver can be on the road.
The U.S. Department of Transportation, which regulates truck drivers, mandates that a driver can drive straight for 11 hours or work up to a 14 hour shift (which includes rest stops and breaks for food). Additionally, no driver may work more than 60 hours in a 7 day period or 70 hours in an 8 day period, unless they have had 34 straight hours off in that time.
Here are a few tips to help keep you safe around 18-wheelers:
- Don’t ride in the trucker’s blind spot! If you spend a long time in the right or rear blind spot, a trucker might forget where you are and start to merge into you. When behind a trucker, remember that if you can’t see his mirrors, he probably can’t see you.
- Don’t cut truckers off either. Those heavy trucks take much longer to slow to a stop than your car does, so if you don’t allow the driver enough space he may end up rear-ending you.
- Don’t pass a truck on the right when he might be turning. Believe it or not, this maneuver, sometimes a called a “right turn squeeze,” is the second leading cause of truck accidents, according to John Deere Transportation Insurance.
Posted on August 15, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
You've probably heard of tasers (or "stun guns") and you may have even seen some television personalities get shocked by them and live to tell about it. But did you know that the Justice Department is reviewing the deaths of 180 people killed by these "less than lethal" devices in the last four years or so?
The study could take up to two years and the Justice Department is not urging any limits in the deployment of these electro-shock guns, writes Kevin Johnson of USA TODAY. Among the factors being considered by the study are the ages, weight, physical impairment, and drug use of each of the victims.
Taser International, the company that manufactures and distributes the guns to some 7,000 law enforcement agencies nationwide, is named a defendant in at least 49 lawsuits nationwide alleging wrongful death and personal injury.
Posted on August 15, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Parents looking for child care facilities have a number of resources to use in evaluating a potential child care facility. The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education provides a comprehensive study of the 13 indicators for quality child care:
- Child Abuse Indicator
- Immunization Indicator
- Staff Child Ratio and Group Size Indicator
- Staff Qualifications Indicator
- Director Qualifications Indicator
- Staff Training Indicator
- Supervision/Discipline Indicator
- Fire Drills Indicator
- Medication Indicator
- Emergency Plan/Contact Indicator
- Outdoor Playground Indicator
- Toxic Substances Indicator
- Handwashing/Diapering Indicator
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Posted on August 14, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The National Association of Auto Dealers (NADA) has announced a special promotion to host child safety seat inspections at their dealerships during the month of September, as summarized in the press release, Auto Dealers to Promote Child Passenger Safety in September.
This program is part of its "Boost for Safety" campaign, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to NHTSA statistics, more than 40,000 child passengers under the age of four are injured or killed in auto crashes each year.
The participating dealers will be posted on the NADA website in mid-August.
Posted on August 13, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
D.C. defines a “dangerous” dog as one who has been trained to be vicious or has demonstrated behavior that threatens the public.
Dangerous dogs are impounded by the City until a licensed veterinarian has cleared them to be re-released to the owner.
D.C. does not establish any criminal punishment for the owner of a dangerous animal, but does hold owners civilly liable for any bites the animal inflicts.
Source:
DC Consolidated Dog Laws
Posted on August 13, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Maryland defines a “dangerous” dog as one that has killed or inflicted serious injury on a person without provocation, been determined to be “dangerous” by a state official after (1) biting a person, (2) killed or severely injured a domestic animal when not on its owner’s real property, or (3) attacked without provocation.
If your dog is found to be “dangerous,” you may not leave him alone at home unless:
the dog is confined indoors; or the dog is securely enclosed in a locked pen; or the dog is securely enclosed in another structure designed to hold him.Additionally, you may not take him off your property unless he is leashed and muzzled.
Failure to comply with these laws results in a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2500.
Source:
Maryland Animal Statutes
Posted on August 13, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Virginia classifies dogs with a history of attacking people or animals in two ways.
The state labels as “dangerous” any dog that has bitten, attacked, or inflicted injury on another person or domestic pet, or killed a domestic animal.
If a dog is labeled “dangerous,” his owner must obtain a license to possess the dangerous dog. To do this, the owner must present evidence that the dog will either be confined to the owner’s yard (fenced or confined indoors) or muzzled, he must post a sign warning others of the dog, and the dog must be permanently identified with a tattoo or electronic device implantation. If the dog is to be taken off the property (i.e. walked), he must be on a leash and muzzled. Failure to comply with this is a Class 1 Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, up to a $2500 fine, or both.
The state labels as “vicious” any dog who has (1) killed a person, (2) inflicted serious injury on a person (several bites, serious disfigurement, etc.), or (3) be determined by an animal control officer to be continuously dangerous.
If a court determines a dog to be vicious, it shall be euthanized.
No dogs are per se dangerous of vicious solely based on their breed.
Source: Virginia Animal Law Statutes
Posted on August 12, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
As reported recently by the Washington Post, the District of Columbia is implementing new enforcement techniques in efforts to improve pedestrian safety, following the deaths of ten people walking on District streets this year. The District ranks second for pedestrian injures among U.S. cities in the proportion of commutes by foot, with an average of 550 walkers being hit on D.C. streets each year. As of this year, the District’s 10 pedestrian deaths, account for 43 percent of all traffic fatalities.
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Posted on August 11, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
According to Safer Parks, a consumer’s guide to safety at amusement parks and carnivals, amusement rides are “complex, powerful machines that expose children and adults to extremes of speed, height, and dynamic force. Although the rate of injury is low, the consequences of even a single failure can be catastrophic to the individuals involved.” Safer Parks recommends the following safety tips for amusement park patrons of all ages:
- Read and obey all posted rules and regulations.
- Make sure the ride is appropriate for the rider.
- Securely latch all restraints and use grab bars.
- Stay in the "locked and loaded" position for the entire ride cycle.
- Take frequent breaks if you're riding high-g rides. High-g refers to the force of gravity.
- Stop riding before you get excessively tired.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout your stay at an amusement park or carvinal.
- Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Don't get on any ride that looks poorly-maintained or if the operator is inattentive.
- Report any accidents, problems, or safety concerns to the appropriate officials.
For guidelines on how to report an accident or safety concern, an overview of reporting steps, reporting forms, and links to the apropriate government agenies are located on the
Safer Parks website.
Posted on August 10, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center may have discovered a better way to treat burn victims. As burn victims recover, they often suffer from a condition referred to as the “diabetes of trauma,” where the body cannot properly regulate its level of blood sugar. However, a study by Sherry Kasper of the UTHSC’s Graduate School of Medicine has discovered a link between burn-related diabetes and problems with the renin-angiotension system (which regulates blood pressure).
About 70% of serious burn victims develop an insulin resistance attributed to elevated levels of glucose and insulin in their blood. Later studies hope to help reverse this condition, which will reduce mortality rates, time spent in intensive care units, and rates of infection for these patients.
Posted on August 9, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The seriousness of a burn injury depends on two things: how deep the injury is and how much of the body it covers. Burn depth is measured by how many layers of skin are injured. Deep burns can destroy sweat glands, hair follicles, muscles and tissue, and nerves. As a general rule, the deeper the burn, the longer it will take to heal.
First Degree: First degree burns are often called "superficial" burns and only affect the top layer of skin. These normally heal within 5-7 days because the top layer of skin is easily replaced by the body. The most common form of first degree burn is sunburn.
Second Degree: Second degree burns are those that have reached the second layer of skin, the dermis. It is difficult to gauge how long a second degree burn will take to heal, because the dermis of the skin is betweent 15-40 times thicker than the first layer (depending on the placement on the body). Second degree burns usually leave some scarring and sometimes require a skin graft.
Third Degree: Third degree burns are the most serious. These are burns that have reached beyond the dermis into the subcutaneous layer, which contains fat. Third degree burns can go past the subcutaneous layer to damage muscles. Because third degree burns destroy the layer of skin where new skin is produced, these burns require grafting.
For more information on how to prevent and treat burns, please visit Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
The attorneys at Regan Zambri and Long understand how traumatic a serious burn injury can be for a family and have experience in investigating and prosecuting burn injury claims. Burn injuries are commonly caused by fire, scalding liquids, contact with chemicals, electric shock, motor vehicle and aircraft crashes, and defective products.
Posted on August 9, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
According to the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, attempts to modify existing laws at the state and federal level could all but end some people's right to assert a claim when they are injured by a defective product.
Here are some interesting statistics ATLA cites, with sources, that you don't hear from the manufacturers and insurance proponents who are pushing to limit the right of indivduals to bring these claims:
- "Products liability cases account for only 4 percent of all tort cases in state courts, according to the National Center for State Courts.
- Non-asbestos products liability cases in federal courts declined by 40 percent between 1985 and 1991, reports law professor Marc Galanter of the University of Wisconsin.
- The real increase in litigation these past few years has been in businesses suing each other over contracts, not consumers seeking redress through products liability. The Wall Street Journal has reported that businesses suing each other comprised nearly half of all federal cases filed between 1985 and 1991. These legal revisions would not limit the rights of business and industry, but only those belonging to individuals.
- Products liability awards are closely related to the severity of consumer injury, while punitive damages are rare and thus have little impact on the majority of businesses, according to a U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) study.
- The most comprehensive study ever of punitive damages in products liability cases found only 355 punitive awards between 1965 and 1990. The study, by law professor Michael Rustad of Suffolk University in Boston, found that in nearly 80 percent of those cases the manufacturer took some subsequent safety measure in the wake of punitive damages.
- A 1995 U.S. Department of Justice study analyzing civil jury cases in the nation's 75 most populous counties found that juries disposed of about 360 product liability cases during the 12-month study period. Plaintiffs won 41 percent of these case. Of the 142 winning cases, just three resulted in punitive damage awards. The total punitive damages awarded in these three cases was $40,000.
- Products liability insurance only costs American consumers 26 cents out of a purchase of $100, according to a 1995 report by the Consumer Federation of America. The study also found that products liability premiums dropped 45 percent between 1987 and 1993.
- The GAO has found that liability insurance costs large businesses about six-tenths of 1 percent of annual gross receipts and costs small businesses about 1 percent. The National Insurance Consumer Organization found that liability insurance premiums in 1991 accounted for only fourteen one-hundredths of 1 percent of product retail sales."
If these claims are only a small portion of the cases before courts, it seems a pretty reasonable price to pay for safety.
Posted on August 9, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) within the Department of Transportation and the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) parents, teachers and motorists should take special precautions to prevent accidents and injuries, as more and more children are riding bicycles during the summer and throughout the school year.
The NHTSA and CPSC list the following recommendations on the proper use of bicycle helmets, clothing, rules of the road, and education and training programs in efforts to ensure safer bicycle usage:
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Posted on August 9, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care and Early Education provides a link to each states' licensing and regulation information.
Following are the links for each of the local jurisdictions:
Each site provides a listing of regulations, state contact information and other guidelines for child care and early childhood education.
Posted on August 9, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
Now that school is over and summer has arrived, families frequently are looking for outdoor activities.
The American Red Cross website provides guidlines for Summer Safety Tips for consumers. Topics of interest include water safety, boating safety, sun safety, hiking and camping safety, beach safety and backyard safety. To protect your family and prevent a family vacation from turning into a disaster, use common sense and follow safety guidlines.
Posted on August 9, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
As is standard during the summer and New Year's Eve, many people light sparklers, ground-based fireworks, and other forms of pyrotechnics. Here are a few safety tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:
- Always read and follow label directions.
- Have an adult present.
- Buy from reliable sellers.
- Use outdoors only.
- Always have water handy (a garden hose and a bucket).
- Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never re-light a "dud" firework (wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water).
- Never give fireworks to small children.
- If necessary, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water and then disposing of them in your trash can.
- Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
- Stay away from illegal explosives.
For more information on your state's laws concerning fireworks:
National Council on Fireworks Safety.
Posted on August 8, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
A timely article by the Washington Post gives us an opportunity to follow up on our recent post about Virginia's new law regarding parental liability for teenage drinking. Marc Fisher of the Post wrote an informative article about the indifference of some parents towards teenagers drinking in their house. We’d like to pass along some highlights, but be sure to read the entire article when you have time.
Continue Reading...
Posted on August 4, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released their 2006 ratings for Child Safety Seats in June. In general, the seats are safer than they were last year. In 2006, 85 of 99 seats received an “A” rating, as opposed to only 74% of the seats in 2005. The administration attributes this to clearer instructions and labels.
In addition to the overall rating, the administration rates how well the seat performs in five categories: assembly requirements; clarity of label; clarity of written instructions; ease of securing child; and ease of installation in a vehicle.
To find out how your child’s safety seat compares, review the NHTSA Child Seat Charts.
In addition to these rankings, it is very important that the safety seat be properly installed. Most local fire stations assist parents with this.
D.C. offers inspection and instruction once a month from 11-3 on a drop-in basis. To find out which day the service is being offered or to schedule an appointment on a different day, call (202) 727-1778.
Outside of D.C., please contact your local fire station.
Here are links and contact information for Maryland fire departments.
Here are links and contact information for Virginia fire departments.
Posted on August 3, 2006 by Regan Zambri & Long
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have some law regarding child safety seats.
In Maryland, children under 5 or less than 40 pounds must be in a child restraint. Children over 40 pounds or between the ages of 6 and 15 must wear a regular seatbelt.
Virginia is similar; however, the state leaves out the weight restriction. Virginia requires children under 5 to be in safety seats and children between 5 and 16 to wear seatbelts.
The District of Columbia requires children under 7 to be in safety restraints and children between 8 and 15 to wear seatbelts.
Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Seatbelt Laws
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Child Restraint Laws
