In 2018, an estimated 40,000 people died in auto accidents in New York and across the U.S., and 4.5 million were injured as well. Every seven seconds in this country, someone is being injured in a car crash. To reduce the risk for a crash, then, drivers will want to incorporate five tips into their driving.
Distracted driving a concern for teen passengers
Distracted driving poses a real threat on New York roads. Texting, surfing the internet or even using vehicle entertainment system can take drivers' minds and eyes away from the wheel and the road. This kind of dangerous driving has been linked to a disturbing upswing in serious car accidents, especially those involving injuries or fatalities. Teens in particular may be vulnerable to distracted driving, a particular concern as many are inexperienced drivers who are less able to respond to emergency situations.
Effects and consequences of drunk driving
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and even a small amount can lead to a decline in a person's visual functions and ability to judge what is in front of him or her. When combined with driving, it drastically raises the risk for a car crash. New York residents should know that from 2006 to 2017, the annual number of drunken driving deaths was over 10,000.
Birth injuries and other common medical errors
One type of medical error that New York patients may encounter is a medication mistake. This can happen at many different stages, including prescription, preparation and administration. A medication error could involve the wrong medication, the wrong amount or the wrong timing. It could occur because medications have similar names, because of mislabeling or because of poor communication.
Brake Safety Week to take place September 15 to 21
Brake Safety Week is an inspection spree that the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance holds every year across North America to enforce brake safety regulations among CMVs, especially big rigs. CMV drivers in New York will want to mark September 15 on their calendar because this will be the start of the 2019 Brake Safety Week. Inspections are held at random, and those who are caught violating regulations will be put out of service until the issue is fixed.
Keeping away from distractions while on the road
Distracted driving is behind thousands of fatalities every year around the country, so it is important that New York motorists know what to do to avoid it. It begins with knowing what constitutes a distraction, which can include everything from the use of phones and navigation systems to basic activities like eating, drinking and talking. Parents should also ensure that their teen drivers know this.
External airbag technology could reduce injury risk
External airbags might soon be more common on New York roads. A company that designs and manufactures the airbags, ZF, has released research indicating that external airbags can reduce the severity of crash injuries by as much as 40%. The airbags are designed to inflate on the outside of the vehicle immediately before a collision and act as an extra buffer or crumple zone, reducing the force of the impact.
One-third of misdiagnoses lead to death or disabilities
Medical malpractice has led to permanent disability and even death for many patients in New York. According to researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, one-third of all malpractice cases ending in death or a disability involve either a misdiagnosis or a delayed diagnosis. Every year in this country, there are between 40,000 and 80,000 hospital patients who die because of a misdiagnosis.
Feds set to relax trucker hours-of-service rules
New York readers may be concerned to learn that the Trump administration is preparing to ease federal regulations that limit the number of hours commercial truck drivers can be on the road each day. The move has long been urged by trucking industry lobbyists, including the American Trucking Association.
Surgeons' behavior may influence chances of patient complications
The way that surgeons behave in the operating room will influence the chances of a patient developing post-operative complications. The more often a surgeon is reported by co-workers for unprofessional behavior, the higher the risk. This is the conclusion, New York residents should know, of a study just published in JAMA Surgery.
