Federal data suggests that the roads in North Carolina and around the country have become more dangerous in recent years. The surge in traffic accident deaths observed in 2015 and 2016 represented the highest two-year increase in road fatalities in more than half a century according to the National Safety Council, and statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration indicate that fatal collisions involving large commercial vehicles are becoming worryingly common.
Falls big source of fatal brain injuries in construction industry
Construction workers in North Carolina face many hazards from working in high places and in the vicinity of moving or falling objects. Safety researchers have recorded over 2,000 fatal traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in construction workers between 2003 and 2010. They calculated that for every group of 100,000 full-time workers, 2.6 died from this cause. Among workers age 65 and older in this industry, falls represented the top source of these deadly blows to the head.
Brake safety blitz finds trucks with violations
The vehicles of some North Carolina truck drivers may have been inspected on May 3 as part of an unannounced Brake Safety Day. There was a total of 9,524 inspections by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, and 1,989 trucks were found to be in violation and placed out of service. Brake-related violations were the cause of 1,146 of these out-of-service placements.
New study shows drugs cause more fatal accidents than alcohol
You know the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. There are always commercials and huge national campaigns to warn against these behaviors. What you should not overlook is the danger of drugged drivers. According to a recent study released by the Governors Highway Safety Association, more fatal crashes were caused by drugs than alcohol.
Airbag safety
North Carolina motorists may be interested to learn about the supplemental restraint systems that are in their vehicles. Airbags are meant to be used in conjunction with seat belts. Drivers who rely only on airbags without securing their seat belts are not being safe.
3 large sedans earn highest safety scores after crash testing
Car shoppers in North Carolina have many things to consider when picking out a vehicle, and safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety offer many insights. A vice president at the nonprofit that evaluates vehicles said that large sedans provide more protection to drivers and passengers than small cars.
Drug and alcohol use a common problem for truck drivers
Everyone should avoid driving under the intoxication of alcohol or drugs, but the issue is especially troublesome when it comes to commercial truck drivers. According to a recent study reported on by Reuters Health, drug use is common among drivers of big rigs. With the sheer size and weight of these vehicles, the stakes are higher with impaired drivers.
Teens and young adults may be at risk for workplace injury
North Carolina parents of teens and young adults might be concerned about the risks their children face while on the job this summer. Because summer is when young people try to find jobs to work while they are out of school, it is important for parents to be especially aware of their children's exposure to risk during this time.
What to do if you see a drunk driver
You probably associate the Fourth of July with grilling, swimming, going to fairs and watching the fireworks. Did you know that it is also the date with the highest number of fatal car accidents out of the entire year?
