Washington Personal Injury Lawyer & Attorney : Regan Zambri & Long Law Firm : DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog

Local News4 has reported that a 18-year-old Oxon Hill, Maryland girl recently was struck by lightning, and later died from her serious injuries. She was waiting beneath a tree at a bus stop.  It was National Lightning Safety Week.  Last year alone, 246 U.S. residents were injured by lightning and 47 were killed. 
Experts recommend that if you find yourself outdoors in lightning, you should quickly take shelter in a large, enclosed building -- its wiring and plumbing will direct lightning bolts away and from you and into the ground.  If one isn't available, the next safest place is an enclosed metal vehicle (though not a convertible).  Carports, pavilions or sheds without electricity or plumbing are not safe.

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As of July 1, 2007, children under the age of 8 must be secured in a booster seat when riding in a motor vehicle in Virginia.  According to a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) news release, the new law also requires that rear-facing child seats be placed in the back seat of vehicles.  Those seats may be placed in the front if the vehicle has no back seat, but only if the passenger seat has no airbag, or if it has been disabled.  An exemption to the booster seat rule is permitted if a physician certifies that a child's weight or other physical or medical limitation make it inadvisable.  Virginia law has previously only required safety seats for children through the age of 5.

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A local 9-year-old Queen Anne's County boy was seriously burned this week by an ignited sparkler, an incident that serves as a reminder of the dangers posed even by novelty fireworks. 

Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted:

• Independence Day Saftey Tips
• Fireworks Safety Advice

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Recently, a "lost pants" case became high profile because the plaintiff was an administrative law judge and the complaint was perceived as being outrageous.  As Richard Alderman, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Director of the Center for Consumer Law at the University of Houston Law Center, wrote in the Houston Chronicle, the justice system works to protect consumers who suffer injuries due to someone else's fault.  We have reproduced Mr. Alderman's article in its entirety below. 

For information about your legal rights, please click here or call
the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.    

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This Fourth of July, personal fireworks and sparklers could easily spark forest fires, according to the Virginia Dept. of Forestry.  In a recent news release, the agency warned that a lack of rain throughout the month of June has left much surrounding timber particularly dry and vulnerable to wildfires this summer.  As an alternative to personal fireworks displays this year, they urge residents to attend one of the many public events scheduled around the D.C. Metro area.

Previously, we have posted fireworks safety guidelines on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog.

For information about your legal rights, please click here or call the law firm of Regan Zambri & Long, PLLC at 202-463-3030.

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On July 1, 2007, The Commonwealth of Virginia will begin imposing "civil remedial fees" (CRFs) for certain driving infractions.  Imposed in addition to present fines for traffic violations, the fees will make the final cost of bad driving significantly higher. 

A first-time drunk driving violation, for instance, will remain an infraction punishable with a $300 fine, but in addition to the fine, Virginia will impose a civil remedial fee of $2,250.00.  Fees for some felony driving infractions, such as felony driving too fast for road conditions, will be as high as $3,000.00.   The fee will be payable in three installments, the first of which will be due immediately. 

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Traditionally, summer is a time to enjoy many outdoor recreational activities.  Unfortunately, it's also the time of year when people are most likely to be injured.   A little awareness of some basic summer hazards can help ensure that you spend your vacation time relaxing, and not racing to the nearest emergency room. 

The DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog frequently posts safety guidelines for summer activities:

• Swimming safety guidelines
• Swimming pool dangers
• Night time bicycle riding
• Bicycle helmets
• Bicycling with a baby
• Amusement park safety
• Grilling safety
• Summer food handling tips

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A longstanding safety problem with kitchen ranges could affect as many as 20 million homes in the U.S., consumer advocates warn.  Affected ovens tip forward when weight is applied to open doors or lower drawers, crushing and burning consumers in the process.  According to Public Citizen, a national non-profit public interest group, reports of fatalities include children as young as 12 months, weighing as little as 24 pounds, and elderly people who lean on the appliances for support, particularly when cleaning or cooking.   More than 100 reported cases of death and injury from scalding due to hot foods have surfaced to date.  Officials believe the true number is actually much higher.

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A 35-year-old homeless shelter worker in Oklahoma City died recently after being shocked with a police Taser, renewing public debate about the appropriate use of non-lethal weapons by police officers. 

According to a press account, Milisha Thompson was already handcuffed and lying on the ground when she was shot with the Taser.  Police reports indicate that officers attempted to shock her five times, succeeding only twice.  Her husband, who also worked at the homeless shelter, denies that report and claims that his wife was shocked more than 20 times prior to her death.   He also says that she was initially subdued by police while trying to alert them to a crime, rather than committing one herself.  He is suing the city for $1.5 million, accusing the police department of excessive force, and failure to train officers properly.

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Independence Day is celebrated across the U.S. each year with spectacular public fireworks displays, as well as smaller private ones.  Each carries a potential for personal injury.  As you prepare to celebrate this holiday season, we hope you'll exercise good judgment in preventing injuries when possible, and by being prepared to respond should an accident occur.  The following tips are offered by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

• "Do not allow young children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. Sparklers, considered by many the ideal 'safe' firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
• Older children should only be permitted to use fireworks under close adult supervision. Do not allow any running or horseplay.
• Light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from houses, dry leaves or grass and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that don't go off.
• Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Douse and soak them with water and throw them away.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Observe local laws.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting."

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Senior Beach Week is a popular June event in the DC Metro area in which many area graduates and other young people take to area beaches in celebration.  Unfortunately, it's a tradition associated with an increased incidence of binge drinking, underage drinking, unprotected sex, and illicit drug use.  

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George Robinson and Elisa Kelly are in jail in Virginia  for providing alcohol to their 16-year-old son and his friends, as part of a 16th birthday party celebration.  The story, widely covered in the national media, prefaces a season of graduation and prom parties, and serves as a warning to adults who may consider purchasing alcohol on behalf of minors. 

The teen celebration, with 30 underage attendees,  was held five years ago and supervised by the couple, who collected the keys of all party-goers before serving alcohol.  The party was later interrupted by police, who determined that nine minors had been drinking, though none had consumed enough to reach the legal blood alcohol limit for adults.  The parents' original sentence of eight years was reduced to 27 months, and the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear their appeal.

The Century Council and the American School Counselor's Association offer the following prom tips for parents, to safeguard the health of your teens this summer:

• "Make sure your child has a plan for the evening and that you know it.
• Work with the school to have food served during the prom.
• Know all of the 'hot spot' destinations.
• Take stock of the alcohol in your home.
• Know who is driving -- if it's a limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.
• Discuss the school's prom rules with your child and the consequences for violating them.
• Encourage seatbelt use -- the best accessory!
• Do not rent hotel rooms for prom-goers.
• Communicate with other parents and school officials.
• Stay up for prom-goer's return home."

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Bills under consideration in the U.S. Senate and House would require visibility standards for all cars, SUVs and light trucks to prevent accidents involving small children in driveways and parking lots.

According to a report in the May / June 2007 issue of Public Citizen News, as of May 7th, 2007, there have been 235 non-traffic motor vehicle accidents reported this year, involving a total of 261 children, and 77 child fatalities. 

A Senate Bill under consideration, named The Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2007, would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to devise a rear visibility standard for automakers, as well as require manufacturers to install technology that would make brake pedals be fully depressed before vehicles could shift into gear.  It would also force manufacturers to install technology that would automatically retract a power window when sensors detect an obstruction.

Data concerning non-traffic automobile injuries has recently become more available, due to the passage of the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act.  The law required the NHTSA to begin compiling statistics concerning child injuries in driveways and other off-road locations.

If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving an automobile accident, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation.  If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that each year, 260 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools, and many are entrapped by the suction from dangerous pool and spa drains. To help keep people safe in a season when many people seek relief from the heat in pools, the American Red Cross offers the following swimming safety guidelines:

• "Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is learn to swim well.
• Never leave a child unattended around water. Children should never swim unsupervised, and everyone should always swim with a buddy.
• Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the pool and know how to use it. A reaching pole, a ring buoy, a portable phone and U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are recommended. A pool alarm can also add a layer of protection.
• Be sure the pool is surrounded on all sides by a fence that is at least four feet high. It should not provide any footholds which would allow a child to climb over or spacing to climb through. The fence should have a self-closing, self-latching gate that is locked when the pool is not in use.
• Learn Red Cross CPR. Insist that babysitters, grandparents and others who care for your child know CPR. Post CPR instructions in the pool area."
  

The American Academy of Pediatrics, among other recommendations, advises the following:

• "Do not let your child use air-filled 'swimming aides' because they are not a substitute for approved life vests and can be dangerous.
• Remove all toys from the pool after use so children aren't tempted to reach for them."
  

The CPSC advises that the dangers of drain-related entrapment can be reduced by heeding this advice:

• "Never use a pool or spa with a missing or broken drain cover. Be sure a newer, safer drain cover is in place. The new drain covers are normally dome-shaped -- instead of the old flat drain covers.
  

• Consider adding a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), a device that will automatically shut off the pump if a blockage is detected. 

• Have a professional regularly inspect your pool or spa for entrapment or entanglement hazards.

• Plainly mark the location of the electrical cut-off switch for the pool or spa pump. 
  

• If someone is entrapped against a drain, cut off the pump immediately. Instead of trying to pull the person away from the powerful suction, pry a hand between the drain and the person’s body to break the seal." 

Area residents of Montgomery County, MD are also encouraged to call that county’s Pool Safety Hotline this year to request a free evaluation of their private swimming pool.  The hotline number is (240) 777-2239.

If you or a family member has suffered injuries from defective swimming pool conditions, please contact Regan Zambri and Long at 202-463-3030 or contact us on line.

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A recent article in the journal Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the orthopedic dangers of "Heelys" -- popular kids' shoes that feature a partially-embedded, removable wheel in the heel.  Authors of the study recommend that protective gear be worn at all times while using the products, and that children learning to use the shoes be closely supervised. 

"Heelers" -- those using the devices -- can alternate between walking and rolling by shifting their weight to various parts of their feet while wearing the popular shoes.  "Street Gliders," another type of product, operate similarly, but are designed to temporarily attach to regular sneakers.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has also reported an increased incidence of injuries related to the sneakers.  Those injuries predominately affect the wrists, hands and elbows, but the group also notes a potential for head injury among users.  They recommend the following guidelines for those who may decide to use the new products:

• "Learn the basic skills of the sport; particularly how to stop properly, before venturing out.
• Wear a helmet, wrist protectors and knee and elbow pads.
• Avoid rolling in crowded walkways.
• Avoid rolling in traffic. If you come to a cross walk, obey traffic signals, stay to the right side of the sidewalk and don’t weave in and out of crowds.
• Heel on smooth surfaces, away from traffic.
• Do not let a young child heel unsupervised."

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Local News4 has reported that four teenage girls were killed in a Beltway crash Thursday night, just hours after two of them had graduated from West Potomac High School.  A fifth girl was hospitalized.  Reports indicate that their 2002 Volkswagen convertible was traveling in a restricted zone on an Interstate 95 ramp when it was struck by a tractor-trailer.  Though alcohol is not yet known to have played a role in the accident, alcohol was discovered in the Volkswagen.  Police say the truck driver is unlikely to be charged.
 
The presence of young drivers on the roadways increases during summer months, and parents play an important role in ensuring their safety and reducing motor vehicle fatalities.  In light of this, the National Safety Council (NSC) recommends that parents educate themselves about the risks that inexperienced, young drivers face and keep the following statistics in mind:

• "Traffic crashes are the number one cause of death among children and young adults.
• More than 3,800 young drivers age 15-20 are killed every year in traffic crashes. More than 326,000 young drivers are injured.
• Young drivers are involved in fatal traffic crashes at over twice the rate as the rest of the population.
• Exceding the posted speed limit or driving at an unsafe speed is the most common error in fatal accidents.
• About 30% of crashes killing young drivers involve alcohol.
• More than 1,000 young drivers lose their lives every year in crashes because of an impaired driver... be it themselves, or someone else.
• It is illegal in every state for a person under 21 to buy and/or publicly possess alcoholic beverages.
• All states and Washington, D.C. have zero tolerance laws. It is illegal for a minor (under 21) to purchase alcohol, so no amount of alcohol should be allowed in an underage driver.
• Zero tolerance laws are typically set between .00 and .02 per se as opposed to .08 or .10 for drivers 21 and older. Per se means that regardless of outward signs of intoxication, the amount of alcohol detected in the driver determines legal intoxication."

To become certified to teach the new driving course, visit the NSC website.

If you or a family member has been involved in an automobile accident, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation.  If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.

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June is a month of many graduation celebrations in the metro area.  Too often, post-graduation parties end in tragedy when hosts or party-goers drink and drive, or make other poor decisions.  Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD, formerly Students Against Driving Drunk), along with the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) offer this advice to parents of teenagers who will be attending graduation parties:

• "Reinforce your expectations.  Throughout their high school years, you've set rules and established the consequences for breaking them.  Perhaps you've loosened up on a few rules, like curfew.  But be clear -- drinking or drug use remains unacceptable.  Being an upperclassman has privileges, but it also has responsibilities. 
  
• Encourage your teens to make each moment count.  They only get one senior year.  Let them know you don't want them to miss out on things because of bad choices, like drinking or drug use.  One bad choice could change their lives forever.
• Provide safe alternatives.  Parties abound during senior year.  Plan chaperoned alcohol-free parties around graduation."
  

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A Summer Crime Initiative is underway in the District of Columbia to help curb the increase in violent crime that tends to occur throughout cities during warmer months.  The summer initiative includes mandatory overtime for officers, as well as 12-hour shifts of street patrol.  According to the D.C. police chief, the first weekend of the initiative resulted in a 10 percent dip in crime rates.  Neighborhood activists also praised the initiative for creating a high profile presence for police officers and sending a message that the police department is responsive to community concerns.  The summer crime-fighting plan relies on proactive patrols and other tactics developed after analyzing a pattern of crime trends for the past five years.

If you're out and about in the city this summer, the Metropolitan Police Department offers the following advice to keep you from becoming the target of robbery or assault:

"Personal Safety Tips on the Street

• If possible, don't walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is always safety in numbers.
• Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes, and other potential hiding places.
• If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
• Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Don't stop to talk to strangers.
• Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don't burden yourself with too many packages or items.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don't turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
• Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
• Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Metropolitan Police Department at 3-1-1. Or, if it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewelry in public."

To stay safe on the metro transit system, in particular, the Metro Transit Police Department offers the following tips:

"Late Night Travel Tips:

• Travel with someone you know.
• Stand near other passengers when waiting for a train or Metrobus
• If you feel uncomfortable, move near other people or look for a Metro employee for assistance.
• Ride in a rail car occupied by other people or sit in the first car where the train operator is located.
• Be alert to your surroundings.

• Carry your electronic device in a pocket or a place where it is not easily seen or in easy reach of others.
• Be smart about when and where you use your electronic device.
• Change the color of your ear piece so that it does not readily suggest you carry an expensive electronic device.
• Avoid sitting or standing near the doors of rail cars or Metrobuses.

• Call the Metro Transit Police at (202) 962-2121
• On a Metrobus, tell the operator.
• In a station, use the emergency telephones located on platforms to talk to a station manager.
• In a rail car, use the emergency intercoms located at both ends of the rail car to talk to the train operator."
  

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If you're in the market for a used car, shop carefully.  Just because the dealer indicates that a used car is "certified," that's not necessarily an indication of whether there has been a thorough inspection or even if a supposed warranty has been voided.  California state estimates suggest that one in 25 used cars involved in an accident has had stolen, fake, or salvage airbags installed, in part because new ones can cost upwards of $3,000. 

You can search the airbag deployment history of any vehicle for free on the Carfax website (other Carfax services require a fee), but beware -- there's no guarantee that all airbag deployments have been reported to that database.   A reality check by an independent and reputable inspector should always be done before any potential used car purchase. 

General information about air bags is available on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website and the Insurance Industry for Highway Safety (IIHS) website. 

Consumer Affairs.com notes that unlike new car purchases made from a dealership, no safety standards protect used car buyers from falling prey to unscrupulous re-builders who may install replacement airbags incorrectly, or who don't actually replace them at all. 

If you're buying a used car, the Automotive Occupants Restraint Council (AORC) recommends that you watch for the following signs that its airbags are missing, re-manufactured, or fake:

• "Peeling paint or paint and glue drips on the airbag cover.
• Unclear, illegible, or messy lettering or logos on the outside.
• Uneven or lopsided look to the airbag cover.
• Torn, frayed or warped cover.
• The outside color of the airbag module does not match the rest of the vehicle's interior colors.
• The airbag warning light remains on or the warning light does not illuminate during vehicle startup.  (During vehicle startup, the airbag warning light on the instrument panel should illuminate and stay on for four to seven seconds, then remain off.  This brief illumination indicates a normal self-diagnostic check of the airbag wiring system."

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a voluntary recall by BSH Home Appliances Corporation, a subsidiary of Bosch Appliances, of two models of its Thermador ceramic cooktops, which turn on by themselves.   Consumers are urged to turn off these affected units at the circuit breaker between uses, and immediately contact the manufacturer to arrange a free in-home repair.  BSH's Recall Hotline is 1-800-758-1001.

June is also National Home Safety Month, and to heighten awareness of home safety issues like those posed by defective appliances, the Home Safety Council offers these kitchen and burn safety tips:

"Cooking Safety:

• Always stay in the kitchen while cooking.
• Keep things that can burn, such as dishtowels, paper or plastic bags, and curtains at least three feet away from the range top.
• Keep the range top and oven clean.
• Before cooking, roll up sleeves and use oven mitts.  Loose-fitting clothes can touch a hot burner and catch on fire.  If clothes do catch fire, "Stop, Drop and Roll" by dropping immediately to the ground and rolling over and over or back and forth to put out the flames.  Cool the burned area with cool water and seek medical attention for serious burns.
• Always turn pot handles inward to prevent small children from reaching and pulling down a hot pan.
• Keep hot items, such as hot beverages and trays that have just come out of the oven away from the edge of counters, so that children are not able to reach them. 
  
• Hot liquid and food burns often occur when children pull hanging tablecloths or placemats.  Use tablecloths and decorations with care.
• Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot.  Remove the lids or other coverings from microwaved food carefully to prevent steam burns.
• For extra care with toddlers and infants, use travel mugs with a tight lid for coffee, tea or other hot beverages.
• Keep children and pets away from the range when anyone is cooking and keep a close eye on them at all times. 
  
• Every kitchen should be protected by Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs).  If you don't have them, hire an electrician to install these devices to protect electrical receptacles in the kitchen. 
  
• For safer water temperatures to prevent scalds from hot tap water, keep your hot water heater set 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
• Store knives and other sharp objects out of the reach of children and make sure children are a  safe distance away when you are using knives to avoid injuries. 
  
• Never leave barbecue grills unattended while in use.
• Keep grills at least three feet away from other objects including the house and any shrubs or bushes.
• Douse cigarette and cigar butts with water before dumping them in the trash.
• Post emergency numbers in visible areas."

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced a recall of 450,000 infant car seats by manufacturer, Evenflo.  The carrying handle on many units can release unexpectedly, causing falls and other injuries.  One hundred sixty child injuries have been attributed to the handles; among them, two concussions and a fractured skull. 

The recall notice advises that the child seat is safe to use for travel when properly belted into an automobile, but consumers should not rely on the carrying handle until a repair kit has been fitted to the product.

For additional information regarding this product safety recall, call Evenflo at (800) 490-7497, or visit the company's recall website.

If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving Evenflo infant car seats, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at 202-463-3030 for a free consultation.  If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a unique warning that the Kazuma Meerkat 50 youth model of ATV is unsafe for use.

The warning is unique in that it carries no legal weight, as the understaffed agency lacks the number of commissioners necessary to compel Kazuma to comply with an investigation. 

According to CPSC, however, owners should stop using the ATV immediately, and demand a refund from the importer or dealer from whom it was purchased. The model’s lack of front brakes and parking brake, as well as its missing neutral indicator light, and ability to be started while in gear, make it a particularly unsafe vehicle. Additionally, the owner’s manual lacks important information regarding its safe operation. Because this model is designed for users between 6 and 11 years of age – riders whose handling skills are under-developed – the defects are considered especially dangerous.

Even “safe” ATVs can be dangerous if not used appropriately. If your summer vacation plans include ATV use, do yourself a favor and consider these ATV recommendations from the National Safety Council:

• "An ATV is not a toy. Children should not be permitted to operate ATVs without specialized training and then they should be allowed to only operate an ATV of an appropriate size. Contact the ATV Safety Institute to enroll in a course.
• ATVs with an engine size of 70cc to 90cc should be operated by people at least 12 years of age.
• ATVs with an engine size of greater than 90cc should only be operated by people at least 16 years of age.
• Wear appropriate riding gear: DOT-, Snell ANSI-approved helmet, goggles, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
• Read owners manuals carefully.
• ATVs are not made for multiple riders. Never carry anyone else on the ATV.
• Any added attachments affect the stability, operating and braking of the ATV.
• Just because an attachment is available doesn't mean that it can be used without increasing your risk of being injured.
• Do not operate the ATV on streets, highways or paved roads."

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DC, Maryland, and Virginia authorities will focus more intently on aggressive driving infractions in the metro area as part of the Smooth Operator program – an initiative to curb unsafe driving.

 For the purposes of this campaign, aggressive driving is defined as, “…a combination of unsafe and unlawful driving actions, which demonstrate a conscious and willful disregard for safety.  Aggressive driving includes such offenses as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, speeding, running red lights and stop signs, following too closely, improper passing and failing to yield the right of way.”

According to promotional literature for the Smooth Operator program, aggressive driving has become a problem in the metro area, in part, because:

• “The Washington region has the third-worst traffic congestion in the country.
• Drivers in the Washington area lose more hours to traffic delays than anywhere else in the country.
• Over the past 20 years, traffic on area roads has nearly doubled.”

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Outdoor cooking has become tremendously popular, especially during long weekends and holiday breaks.  As we prepare more of our meals outdoors, we also increase the risks for bacteria and foodborne illness.  Following safe food handling and grilling practices can help prevent many of the dangers of outdoor cooking.  These guidelines are presented by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS.USDA).

• Take food directly home from the grocery store and refrigerate it promptly.
• Completely thaw food in the refrigerator before grilling it.
• Marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
•  When carrying food to another location, keep it cold to minimize bacteria growth.
• Keep meat and poultry refrigerated until ready to cook and store beverages and perishable food in separate coolers.
  
• Keep everything clean. Don't use the same platter and utensils for both raw and cooked food.
• Reduce grilling time by precooking food partially in the microwave.
• Cook food thoroughly.  Never partially grill meat or poultry and finish cooking later.
• Use a food thermometer.  Safe minimum temperatures for various foods are:
  • whole poultry:  165 degrees
  • poultry breasts: 165 degrees
  • ground poultry: 165 degrees
  • hamburgers, beef: 160 degrees
  • beef, veal and lamb (steaks, roasts and chops) 
    
    • medium rare: 145 degrees
      
    • medium: 160 degrees
• When reheating fully cooked meats, grill to 165 degrees or until steaming hot.
• Keep hot food hot until it is served - at 140 degrees or warmer.  Set them by the side of the grill rack to stay hot, but not directly over the coals where they will overcook.
• Use a clean platter for serving food, not the same one previously used for the raw food.
• In hot weather, above 90 degrees, food should never set out for more than 1 hour.
• Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in shallow containers. 
  
• Discard any food after 2 hours left out or 1 hour if temperatures are above 90 degrees.
• For smoking food, keep the smoker temperature at 250 - 300 degrees for safety.  Use a food thermometer to verify a safe internal temperature.
• For pit roasting, use a food thermometer to determine the food's safety and doneness.
• To prevent charring, remove visible fat and precook meat in the microwave.  Cut off any charred portions prior to serving the meat.

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In a move that could ultimately save up to 10,000 lives each year on U.S. roadways, the Department of Transportation recently announced plans to make new crash prevention technology standard equipment on every new passenger vehicle sold in America by 2012.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters and National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator Nicole R. Nason announced the final rule to require the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) on all new passenger vehicles.  ESC uses automatic computer controlled braking to keep drivers from losing control on slippery roads or in emergency maneuvers, in many cases preventing deadly rollovers from occurring. 

Please view the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's announcement for more details. 

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Do you recognize this image?  It's the new logo for the most successful seat belt enforcement campaign ever. The Click It or Ticket campaign has helped create the highest national seat belt usage rate of almost 82 percent.  As indicated by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) seatbelt charts for 2006, jurisdictions with stronger belt enforcement laws continue to have higher rates than those with weaker laws.

According to the NHTSA, the current promotion is aimed at raising awareness of the extra dangers of nighttime driving.   Seat belt usage declines substantially at night, increasing the risk of being killed in a crash by three times the daytime rate. 

“It’s alarming that fewer people are buckling up at night, a time when the odds of being killed in a motor vehicle crash triple. This year, law enforcement officials will be ticketing violators who are not wearing their seat belts, especially during the evening hours,” Administrator Nason said.

The NHTSA study found that in 2005, more than 15,000 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the nighttime hours of 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and nearly two-thirds of those killed were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. Additional NHTSA survey data indicate that nighttime seat belt use is often 10 percent lower than the nation-wide average 82 percent daytime belt use.

“The annual Click It or Ticket campaign has helped increase seat belt use for over a decade, but despite these gains, too many of our family and friends continue to die on our roadways,” said Nason. “Not wearing your seat belt, day or night, is a huge and unnecessary gamble.”

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced that the Holmes Group has recalled oil-filled electric heaters due to fire concerns.   The recall involves Holmes oil-filled electric heaters with model number HOH2505 and HOH2520. The model number and “Holmes®” are printed on the side of the unit near the bottom.

The Holmes Group has received reports of 59 incidents involving the recalled heaters. There were 12 reports of minor injuries including four reported burns. There were 36 reports of property damage including four fires that caused between $41,000 and $200,000 in damage.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact the Holmes Group to receive a free replacement heater.  Please review the recall for more information. 

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Grilling season traditionally begins on Memorial Day weekend.   According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), every year 30 people die as a result of gas grill fires and explosions and another 30 people die from CO poisoning from their charcoal grills.  In addition, more than 100 people are injured in grilling accidents. 

Before beginning your grilling season, conducting a quick inspection of your grill will help ensure that you and your family will be safe.  CPSC offers the following safety tips for gas grilling:

• "Check the tubes that lead into the burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease.  Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockage and push it through the main part of the burner.
• Check grill hoses for cracking, brittleness, holes and leaks.  Make sure there are no sharp bends in the hoses or tubing.
• Move gas hoses as far away as possible from hot surfaces and dripping hot grease.  If you can't move the hoses, install a heat shield to protect them.
• Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can eventually leak gas.
• Check for gas leaks, following the manufacturer's instructions, if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill to the LP gas container.  If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed.
• Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open flames away from a leaking grill.
• Never use a grill indoors.  Use a grill at least 10 feet away from your house or any building.  Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire.
• Do not attempt to repair the tank valve or the appliance yourself.  See an LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill."

Storage of LP gas containers requires caution.  Always keep containers upright and never store them under or near the grill or indoors.  Never store or use flammable liquids near the grill.  When transporting LP gas containers, never keep a filled container in a hot car or car trunk and always transport the container in a secure upright position.  Follow manufacturer's instructions carefully when connecting or disconnecting LP gas containers.

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