Amusement Park Ride Dangers
August is the start of county fair season! The last month of summer break is often saved for fair food, farm animals, and carnival rides. But before you jump on the nearest roller coaster, parents should be aware of the dangers these parks and pop-up rides can pose when it comes to their children: At a fair in Tennessee back in 2016, three girls were injured after falling off a Ferris wheel. All the girls were taken to the hospital to treat injuries sustained from falling 35 to 40 feet down from the ride. In 2007, a teenager from Kentucky lost both her legs in a free-fall ride at Six Flags. The ride somehow malfunctioned and a cord was wrapped around the teen’s feet before the ride forcefully dropped. A 14-year-old girl in New York fell 20 feet down from an amusement park ride in Six Flags just last June. Luckily, a crowd of people banned together to catch her when she fell, but her injuries could have been extremely serious if the cable car had not been forcefully stopped. At least 4,400 children every year are injured at amusement parks! Amusement parks were created for the purpose of amusing visitors, yet thousands of children every year walk away from these experiences with injuries rather than happy memories. In a study performed by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, 92,885 children (ages 17 and under) were treated in emergency departments across the country for amusement ride-related injuries between 1999 to 2010, averaging about 4,423 a year. Most of the injuries occurred during the summer months- at least 20 children treated a day for injuries between May and September. Most Common Ride Injuries County fairs, standing amusement parks, and even arcade rides can all pose a danger to children, according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The most common injuries sustained by kids on all of these rides combined include: bumps and bruises (29%) sprains and strains (21%) cuts (20%) fractures (10%) other (20%) The head and the neck were the most commonly injured body parts, accounting for 28% of ride-injures. Kids who sustain head injuries could suffer traumatic brain injuries depending on the impact, setting them up for the possibility of lifelong health consequences and developmental delays. What’s Causing Ride Injuries Sometimes, just getting on the ride can cause injury to your child! Most amusement park rides are made with durable materials that are not necessarily comfortable when you’re being jolted, jumbled, and flipped around at high speeds. Children sustain both minor and serious ride-related injuries caused by: falling on or against a ride (31.7%) hitting their body on a ride or being hit by something while riding (17.7%) catching a body part or their clothing on a ride component (7.2%) getting on or off the ride (6.3%) being struck by the ride, moving or stationary (2.6%) Children are especially susceptible to injuries on amusement park rides because they may not know the safest ways to position their bodies or prepare for upcoming turns and twists. They also have a false belief that rides are safer than they really are, unable to understand the consequences of failed inspections or malfunctioning parts. Inspection Slips for Rides Injuries are not always the fault of the rider. There are several unsafe rides around the country that continue to operate every year, even with known risks of injury or even deaths- how are these parks getting away with operating dangerous rides? According to an article released by CNN, not every amusement park is regulated as strictly as others. Fixed amusement parks were regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission until the 1980’s when the government turned the responsibility of park regulation over to state and local governments. Since every state is different, park and ride regulations are not standard across the country- some states don’t regulate rides at all. Parents should always be aware that just because a ride is up and running at a fair or amusement park, does not ensure its safety. New York State rides are regulated through the NYS Department of Labor. They are responsible for inspecting amusement park and fair rides outside of New York City and require that all rides have a permit to operate. New York City rides are regulated by the city and must be licensed to operate. Licenses depend on the type of ride and duration of stay, and portable rides must be inspected each time they relocate. If parents are concerned about any ride they are seeing in operation, they can contact either of these institutions to report a problem. Food Can Hurt Too Food-borne illnesses, when it comes to carnival and amusement park treats, can also cause your child pain and suffering this summer. Food trucks at fairs and festivals may not have easy access to the safety controls as restaurants do, such as the ability to monitor food temperatures, refrigeration, or provide proper hygiene practices for their employees. When they skip these steps, bacteria can easily contaminate your food, causing an unpleasant effect on your poor children as a result. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests inspecting food vendor trucks and carts for these safety concerns before purchasing any food: Clean/tidy workstations free from garbage and food debris. A sink for employees to wash their hands. Employees wearing gloves or using tongs when handling food. Refrigeration on site for raw ingredients or pre-cooked foods. A visible, recent inspection report or online version showing they are safe and hygienic. If you’re not sure about any of these factors, it never hurts to ask. And if you’re truly worried about food poisoning from carnival food, bringing your own snacks is always the safest option. Ride Precautions for Safer Rides Parents are responsible for educating their kids on how to ride safely on rides, especially when it comes to younger children. Nationwide Children’s Hospital recommends reviewing these safety precautions before allowing your children on any rides this summer: Follow ride recommendations: If
Summer Camp Danger
This week, a 17-year-old student from Sachem High School North fell ill and died after a four-hour practice at band camp. The cause of death has yet to be determined, but witnesses say the practice seemed routine, held both inside and outdoors. Could this tragic summer camp incident be related to heat? Hidden Heat Dangers of Summer Camps Summer camps can be an exciting adventure for kids. Between sports camps, music camps, and general recreational summer camps, there are hundreds of activities to provide joy to kids and allow them to learn new skills along the way. Unfortunately, with the joys of summer camp also comes extreme risks, particularly when activities are outdoors in hot temperatures or high humidity. The majority of summer camps do their best to ensure the safety of their campers but oversights in safety can occur- most of the time when it’s too late. Heat Causes Summer Camp Injuries…and Death Heat is one of the deadliest factors affecting our kids every summer. Kids are not only at risk of developing deadly heat-related illnesses from prolonged exposure to high temperatures but they can easily sustain serious injuries participating in activities from the heat’s weakening and dehydrating effects. Medline Plus identifies these as the four heat-related conditions that could affect your child’s health and safety this summer at camp: Heat Cramps: This condition can cause children to experience spasms and muscle pains when participating in strenuous exercise. Children enrolled in sports camps or in camps with a lot of physical activities could feel these cramps in their arms, legs, and abdomen which could cause injuries from feelings of weakness or lack of control. Heat Rash: These types of rashes can cause excessive sweating due to skin irritation. Young children often experience heat rash which can be the first sign that your child needs a break or more hydration. Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is not instant. This condition reveals itself after several days of exposure to high heat and dehydration. Children suffering from heat exhaustion show symptoms of heavy sweating, weak pulse, and rapid breathing. Heat exhaustion can set children up for serious injuries if they are participating in sports or activities at camp and must be treated immediately or it can lead to heat stroke. Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is the deadliest of all heat-related illnesses. This condition is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and severe overheating of the body. Children experiencing heat stroke may be dizzy confused, nauseous, confused, lack sweating, and have a strong or rapid pulse. Heat stroke victims must get help right away to avoid organ damage or even death. Campers with pre-existing or chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable to the heat. These individuals could be less likely to respond to temperature changes, retain more body heat, or be taking medications that react poorly to heat, elevating their chances of severe heat-related illnesses or injuries. Sports Camps In The Heat Athletes attend sports camps to improve their skills and get season ready for the competition year ahead. Some coaches who run sports camps are tougher than others, yet this is no excuse to ignore the dangers of the heat and misdiagnose heat-illnesses for ‘laziness’. In addition to displaying the typical signs of an heat illness, ScienceNordic reports athletes whose health is suffering from the heat may be more likely to… think less clearly/use poor judgment move slower, even when putting in more effort deny hydration if feeling nauseous slip and fall from dizziness or lack of coordination experience impaired performance The risk of performing any type of physical activity can be doubled when an athlete is not thinking clearly or in complete control of their body, resulting making dangerous mistakes they normally would not make despite the heat. Is Your Kids Summer Camp Safe? Your kids go to camp to have fun, not to look out for signs of health and safety risks. Camps are responsible for constantly monitoring their campers and creating precautionary measures for preventing injuries and illnesses, especially in the heat. Not all camps and counselors are as capable of identifying signs of heat-illnesses as others so parents should keep an eye for warning signs that their children’s camp could be dropping the ball on safety. An article published by SafeBee highlights critical safety questions parents should be asking before enrolling their children in any camp: How are staff hired and screened? What are the policies for handling medical emergencies? What licensing and accreditation does the camp have? How many children does each staff supervise at a time? Is there a doctor or nurse on the premise and what hours are they there? How are medical emergencies handled if medical staff is not available? How are parents notified in the case of an emergency? When it comes to the heat, parents should be asking specific questions to assess the camp’s policies on preventing and reducing the risks of heat-related illnesses. The Gatorade Sports Science Institute provides some excellent resources for parents to learn about what precautions camps should be taking, particularly with sports camps and those with a lot of physical activity: How are the counselors/coaches acclimating campers to strenuous physical activity in the heat? Are the camps following recommended hydration policies, providing adequate water and sports drinks, as well as breaking every 20 minutes? Does the camp require campers to wear heavy uniforms or equipment in the heat? Is the camp considering each individual’s body mass during drills and activities? Is the camp monitoring for uses of harmful supplements that could increase the risk of sustaining a heat-illness? Are the counselors and coaches able to recognize the signs of heat-illnesses? Are there cool places for the campers to rest? Are the campers eating enough throughout the day? Does the camp have policies for reduced activity under high heat and humidity levels? The most critical advice for parents is to do your research on the camp and its staff before ever sending
NY Labor Law 241: Excavation, Demolition and Safety Equipment
Employees on construction sites face risks every day. Even in areas where there are safety practices in place, risks still exist. It is essential for contractors, as well as property owners, to take every step possible to keep workers safe. Furthermore, workers who struggle with an injury on a job site can face years of pain, suffering, and financial loss for the negligence of their employers. New York Labor Law 241 helps to avoid these types of risks.. What Is Labor Law 241? Labor Law 241 encompasses the safety requirements for work sites. Employers are required to ensure that all work site locations remain safe from risks. Whereas Labor Law 240 focuses on falls from heights, this law focuses on other types of job site risks. It applies to all construction workers. One of the key components of this law is that property owners, landlords, and contractors must provide construction site employees with the proper safety equipment to needed perform their job. There are also requirements for the following areas: How the construction site is constructed How the construction site is equipped The proper arrangement of the construction site Guarding of the construction site The safety equipment provided (and used) by workers This construction site safety law is meant to minimize risks associated with construction sites. When Does Labor Law 241 Apply? This labor law applies to construction work sites and workplaces. It includes any type of construction performed on the building or structure. This includes demolition, construction, and excavating projects. Here are some other components of Labor Law 241: Floors The “floors” component of Labor Law 241 emphasizes floor safety. It outlines requirements for the use of beams, fireproof material, and filling. It also outlines how these materials should be planked to ensure safety. Further, all walking spaces and flooring within the work site must be safe. They must be kept clear, and steps must be taken to prevent employees from slipping or tripping. Elevators Elevators and any machines that elevate equipment must be safe. Standards for safety equipment necessary, the process of hosting, and the raising or lowering of materials along stairways is outlined in this section of Labor Law 241. Additionally, all elevators must be enclosed on at least two sides when used to hoist materials on the work site. Hazardous Materials The owner and contractor must conduct a thorough investigation to determine if any hazardous materials are located on the site before any type of demolition takes place. This includes inspecting for and managing asbestos materials. Safety Equipment All employees on the work site (regardless of their job) must have equipment and tools used for safety. The employer must ensure these tools are being used. Also, worker safety is priority number one. For example, the requirements and needs for excavation site equipment differ from the construction site. The law applies to all types of excavation, demolition, and construction projects. It also applies to all types of structures except for single family and two-family homes. What Happens When Violations Occur? If you have suffered an injury while on a construction site, and you believe it was a result of a Labor Law 241 violation, it is important for you to seek out legal defense. While the operation may wish to push through a settlement quickly, it is never acceptable to rush it. Instead, it is important to ensure your full compensation is obtained. This can only happen when you fully understand what your risks are. Our legal team can help you to determine if you have a case and what steps you should take. Schedule a FREE Case Review to Discuss Construction Site Injuries The attorneys Siler & Ingber, LLP are aggressive, experienced lawyers capable of helping you with your construction site injury claims. Because this is one of the hardest types of negligence claims to prove, we encourage individuals to seek out legal support from our team before settling claims with their insurance companies. Our team has helped many injured construction workers obtain the compensation they deserve after negligence incidents like this. Call us at 877-718-6079 or use our online contact form for a free case review. Related Information NY Labor Law 200 NY Labor Law 240 Construction Accidents in NYC
NY Labor Law 240: Scaffolding and Ladder Laws
About 2.3 million construction-related workers spend some of their time on scaffolds each day. According to the US Department of Labor, this accounts for 65 percent of the industry’s workforce. Scaffold falls contribute to the 40 percent of all work-related fatalities in the U.S. Many more people suffer injuries and life-changing conditions as a result of these scaffolding incidents. At Siler & Ingber, LLP, we aim to help you obtain the compensation owed to you after such an event takes place. Construction Workers Have Rights Every worker has the legal right to a safe, secure place to work. Employers are responsible for providing this type of environment. Construction work environments tend to be the most challenging places to keep safe due to the numerous risks and dangerous tasks associated with this job. However, there are several laws that aim to protect workers in these situations. In New York, Labor Law Section 240 specifically deals with scaffolding and ladder-related falls. This law provides workers with protection from injuries and death from falls/falling objects. Workers have the right to recover damages after these types of injuries occurs on a construction site. It applies to: Construction workers that fall from elevated platforms (such as ladders, scaffolding, or planks) Construction workers injured by falling objects from any height The NY scaffolding law provides some of the most important liability protections for construction workers. It provides coverage where other laws do not. Specifically, this law imposes absolute liability. It is applied directly to the owner or his or her agent in the incident. If a worker falls, suffers damage and losses, and goes to court, the case will focus solely on the amount of damages to be awarded. Challenges of the Scaffolding Law Because of how intense and absolute this law is, that employees who fall should have compensation, it is one of the most challenging cases to take to court. These cases are heavily contested and almost always end up in appeals courts. For this reason, it is critical to have a well-established case and an aggressive attorney. What Are the Requirements of Labor Law 240? The following requirements must be met before the law can be applied to a case: Structures The law does not apply to property owners or contractors working on one- or two-family homes. Specifically, this law does not apply when the owner does not have control over the work. If the homeowner directs the work and an incident occurs, then the homeowner can be liable. This law does directly apply to larger homes (over three families) as well as all commercial buildings and apartments. Work Done to the Structure The law only applies if the work is done on the structure itself and not other items (such as trees). All types of structures are covered under this requirement including tunnels, cars, boats, bridges, garages, and buildings. In addition, the type of work matters. Labor Law 240 only applies if there is demolition, cleaning, erection of the structure, altering, painting, pointing, and/or repairing. This also includes erecting scaffolding, ladders, braces, and other devices. The law only applies to construction, not the decoration of, maintenance of, or manufacturing of the structure. Here are some examples of work that does not apply: The installation of holiday decorations Cleaning by maintenance staff Changing light bulbs or handling ceiling cleaning Installing HVAC filters or other routine maintenance Inspection of construction sites The Rule of Gravity Labor Law 240 also protects workers from the dangers associated with gravity. In other words, gravity caused the individual or an object to fall. Working at heights where an injury occurs – but not a fall – does not qualify A worker’s thermos falls from the scaffolding does not apply because this instance is a result of carelessness, not the failure of the scaffolding As you may notice, these laws are very extensive, and obtaining liability from them can be challenging. As a result of this, it is important for individuals to seek out the support of an attorney. There are many necessary steps in ensuring you receive the compensation owed to you in scaffolding and ladder injuries. Schedule a FREE Case Review About Your NY Scaffolding Accident Individuals who suffer injuries from ladder or scaffolding falls in New York while working may be eligible for compensation. However, proving your injuries and losses can be challenging. For this reason, we highly recommend working with the skilled, experienced liability compensation attorneys at Siler & Ingber, LLP. To learn how we will help you receive the compensation you deserve, call us for a free case review at 877-718-6079 or use our online contact form for more information. Related Information Labor Law 200 Labor Law 241 Is NYC Safer for Construction Workers Than NY State?
NY Labor Law 200: Common Law & Negligence
Maintaining a safe work site makes a difference in a variety of ways because of the risks involved. A worker can be hurt at a job site; a person may visit or pass by the property; an unsafe job site can leave people who are not affiliated with the construction process at risk. Labor Law 200 in New York provides specific rules about construction safety and the level of negligence a property owner has when a third-party is at risk. What Is Labor Law 200 in New York? Often called Common Law Negligence, Labor Law 200 is one of the foundations of construction safety in the city of New York. It aims to improve the amount of safety present on job sites This law addresses the safety of locations under construction for those who work in those buildings or those who are otherwise frequenting the area. Providing adequate and reasonable protections for individuals is critical, and it is now a requirement of providing construction work in the city. Most importantly, this construction site injury law applies to people who are employees of the building or those who otherwise (and lawfully) frequent the location or worksite. Additionally, there are other construction laws that protect workers and other parties associated or injured on the property. The law holds both the property owner and the landlord responsible. It also holds the contractor responsible for the supervision and the control over the site to ensure it is safe for everyone. When Does Labor Law 200 Apply? Labor Law 200 applies when most types of construction work done at the location. This includes: Demolition work Alterations of the property Any renovations Repairs to the building Most other forms of construction on a structure or building (it does not apply to just commercial buildings) During construction, the property owner or contractor is held liable for the safety of those who move throughout the area. Specifically, this law requires that all components of the operation be conducted in such a way that provides reasonable safety for those who visit the property. This includes: Machinery used in the operation All equipment required for the project All devices used during the process Under Labor Law 200, which identifies locations as a worksite or a workplace, the owner of the property and the contractors must ensure the space is safe. However, the term “worksite” is very broad. It is important to keep in mind that “worksite” indicates that not only is the specific area of construction required to be safe, buy any other nearby areas are included as well (such as walkways or passageways). Is the Area Safe? The most important requirement for any construction site is ensuring the property is safe for those who will be on that property. This includes taking account of all risks in the area as it relates to the construction of the building, the construction process, the equipment and operation, and guarding the equipment to ensure no one is hurt as a result of a lack of proper monitoring. Do You Have a Negligence Claim? It is important to recognize Labor Law 200 negligence can be hard to prove. However, with our team of professionals, we can help you address all aspects of this. In short, you may have a claim if: You were hurt as a result of the way in which the work was being performed at the worksite You were hurt as a result of defective or dangerous premises or due to the conditions present You had the right to be on the property at the time If you have been in this type of construction site accident, it is best to document what occurred and to contact our team. Because these projects receive a lot of attention, many contractors and property owners will try to settle them quickly. This is not advisable. Rather, allow our construction site attorneys to help you determine what your total compensation is. Allow us to ensure the construction site losses you face are always fully understood. Schedule a FREE Case Review for Common Law Negligence If you have been injured in this type of situation, take action.Our team of experienced, aggressive attorneys can help you to get the financial compensation owed to you. It can be difficult to prove Labor Law 200 negligence, but our team of injury attorneys has the experience necessary to help you throughout this process. We encourage you to get a free case review from our team today. Call 877-718-6079 or fill out our contact form now. Related Information NY Labor Law 240 NY Labor Law 241
Long Island Businesses with Most OSHA Violations
Notes: Addresses are not necessarily of businesses that committed violations but where they committed the violations. Businesses with multiple locations (ie Walmart) are on the map once but violations across all locations are counted. Ever see that big, laminated chart in your office break room? You know, the one describing what workplace safety regulations you are legally entitled to and how to report an unsafe workplace? That is the result of efforts of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), whose job it is to inspect and enforce safety in the workplace. However, before 1970, you would not have had such enforcement, nor any government agency to report unsafe working conditions to. The US Congress created the OSHA in 1970, as a part of the Department of Labor, in response to public outcry from increasing numbers of injuries and illnesses at workplaces across the country, and, by and large, the program has been successful at reducing incidents and workplace injuries since its inception 48 years ago. The OSHA points to a couple of stats (below) to indicate the effectiveness of the program: Worker deaths in America are down-on average, from about 38 worker deaths a day in 1970 to 14 a day in 2016. Worker injuries and illnesses are down-from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.9 per 100 in 2016. OSHA Violations By the Numbers – Long Island Case Study Over the past 10 years, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has levied out 7000 violations to businesses on Long Island, for various job site infractions in a wide range of industries. On the island, from 2007 – 2017, the OSHA found violations within 18 different NAICS Industry Sectors. The numbers over the years follow a pretty consistent pattern. Construction was by far the greatest offender, followed by Manufacturing. All others industry sectors, such as Information and Health Care, have a drastically smaller contribution to the total infraction numbers. For example, in 2014 there were 755 OSHA Violations. A small sample breakdown of the violations can be seen in the table below: Over the 10 years of data analyzed, this proportional distribution of infractions remained pretty consistent, with Construction and Manufacturing receiving the most violations, and all other industries receiving far less. Yearly Changes In the last two years, 2016 and 2017, the total number of violations per year dropped significantly for Long Island based companies. Prior to that, from 2007 – 2015, the violations did fluctuate, but were still significantly higher than the most recent examples, and averaged 700+ violations per year as seen in the table below: While we probably can’t attribute the sudden decrease to a single source, particularly the extremely low numbers in 2016, it does seem likely that the fine increases, passed in 2015 and enacted in 2016 had something to do with it. In 2015, Congress passed the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act to adjust for inflation, and to maintain the effectiveness of the penalties. The new law directed agencies to adjust their penalties for inflation each year using a much more straightforward method than previously available, and required agencies to publish “catch up” rules to make up for lost time since the last adjustments. The rules published under the 2015 law had the following effects: OSHA’s maximum penalties, which had not been raised since 1990, increased by 78 percent. The top penalty for serious violations rose from $7,000 to $12,471, per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations increased from $70,000 to $124,709. OWCP’s penalty for failure to report termination of payments made under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, had only increased $10 since 1927, and rose from $110 to $275. Not that employers desired to have unsafe workplaces, but it does seem convenient that the moment pocketbooks and bottom lines become threatened, Long Island companies committed the least number of safety violations in years. Disparity Between Industries Our analysis found that every year, the construction industry in Long Island has landed between 40% to a whopping 78% of the total OSHA fines for the year. Over the 10 years analyzed, construction companies accounted for 3,938 violations out of the 7,001 in that time frame (56%). Of course, this is likely due to the nature of the job. First and foremost, construction is a far more dangerous job than most other industries. This leads to far more safety regulations both within private companies, and as part of the general legal code. An industry that has more inherent risk and far more hazardous conditions, combined with greater numbers of regulations, simply leads to more potential for infractions. Likely this is an accepted fact of the industry. The manufacturing industry has also incurred a significant proportion of the fines given out by OSHA on the island. Over the 10 years, manufacturing received 1,572 violations (22% of the total for that period of time). Similar to construction, manufacturing can involve heavy machinery, and potentially dangerous working environments, undoubtedly leading to the larger amount of violations than other industries By contrast, other, less dangerous industries, received far less infractions. For example, Finance and Insurance received a total of 2 OSHA violations from 2007 – 2017, and Education Services received a total of 4. Both industries having little to no inherent danger in the nature of the job and minimal safety restrictions that could lead to violations. No hard hats required, no safety lines needed. When all you basically have to do to be compliant is put in a fire extinguisher and have an emergency exit route, it’s a lot easier to stay on the good side of the OSHA. The Biggest Offenders Some businesses have significantly more violations, and many more years with a violation than others. Our research found that large corporations with multiple job locations, often had many years with at least 1 violation reported, which is not surprising considering they have much greater opportunity to be reported. For example, the US Postal
NYC Named one of the Worst Driving Cities in the U.S.
No one likes to drive in New York City. Between the congestion, honking, and hundreds of pedestrians crossing at any point in time, driving is one of the last methods of transportation commuters want to take. However, as bad as we thought driving in NYC was before, a new report has highlighted even more reasons to take the train your next time through… NYC Was Named One of the Worst Driving Cities in the U.S.! In a new list published this week by WalletHub, New York City was ranked as the seventh-worst city to drive in across the United States! Comparing 100 of the largest cities in the country, WalletHub created four main categories to measure driver friendlessness: traffic and infrastructure, cost of ownership, access to vehicles and maintenance, and overall safety. Using a point system, each city was graded on 29 key indicators to find out which cities travelers and locals were most satisfied driving in- NYC did not fair well. Traffic and Infrastructure New York City ranked dead last when it came to satisfaction with traffic and infrastructure. This category focused on evaluating factors such as annual hours commuters spend in traffic, average commute time by car, quality of roads, and quality of bridges, all areas NYC has been struggling with for decades: Traffic: Congestion is a constant concern when it comes to driving in NYC. According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, NYC ranks as the third most congested city in the world, only beat by Los Angeles (#1) and Moscow (#2). The report also named the Cross Bronx Expressway the most congested road in the nation, where travelers spend endless hours just sitting and waiting in traffic. Infrastructure: The crumbling state of NYC bridges and roads have been a major topic this year. In 2017, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave New York bridges a rating of D+, with 2265 bridges under the category of structurally deficient. Potholes were also at an all-time high this year, partially due to the weather, but mostly due to delays in repairs or faulty fixes that did not hold up. Stretched budgets and indecisive policies have kept these issues from improving for quite some time. Many city officials have offered up suggestions to solving these transportation nightmares, but politics always seem to get in the way of making any real improvements in the city. Cost of Ownership Not only are New York City commuters stuck in traffic on crumbling bridges and roads, drivers are shelling out more money just to own and maintain their vehicles than most other people around the country. NYC ranked as the 8th most expensive city when it came to the cost of car ownership, charging drivers escalated prices for vehicle necessities including: Gas: New York has the ninth highest gas prices in the country. However, New York City pricing is higher, with averaging costs closer to the top three most expensive states. This Memorial Day, one gas station was charging an astounding $5 per gallon! Car Insurance: NYC is the 13th most expensive city for car insurance. Traffic conditions, local laws, congestion, road conditions, and high crime rates all factor into what insurance companies will require drivers to pay to be covered for accidents. Parking: Some of the most expensive parking spots in the world can be found right in New York City. In 2017, NYC was known for the highest two-hour parking fee ($62) and monthly parking average parking rate ($606.37). Car Maintenance: An article released by U.S. News earlier this year named New York as the 13th most expensive place to own and maintain a car, with an estimated yearly cost of $12,835. Access to Vehicles and Maintenance If New York City drivers are going to be forced to pay high prices for vehicle maintenance, they might as well have easy access to services. NYC ranked third when it came to access to vehicle and maintenance services which include car dealerships, car washes, and repair shops- NYC ranks fourth in the nation for most auto-repair shops per capita! Gas stations were also included in this category, however, not every NYC resident would agree there are enough. Last year, a record number of gas stations in Manhattan were closed. Drivers were so frustrated, they resorted to taking the tunnel to New Jersey to fill up rather than wait on line for an hour at one of the only pumps left in the borough. Road Safety Despite falling short in some of the categories above, it was a relief to see that NYC ranked 26th in overall road safety. Since beginning the Vision Zero plan in 2014, several initiatives have positively impacted the way drivers are getting around NYC, reducing the need for dangerous driving and placing heavy fines on those who violate traffic laws. Some of the areas NYC has improved on over the past few years include: Traffic fatalities Accident likelihood Rate of car thefts and larceny DUI penalties Rate of hard braking A recent report even showed traffic fatalities in NYC are significantly down in the first six months of 2018, providing a glimmer of hope that the city will continue to rise up in the rankings regarding safer streets for drivers, riders, and pedestrians. Tips For Driving in NYC Sometimes you cannot avoid having to drive in the dangerous and stressful concrete jungle that is New York City. It may not be driver friendly today, tomorrow, or in the near future, but if you prepare yourself enough it doesn’t have to be so terrible. Trippsavvy and Action Care Rental New York offer some excellent advice to drivers visiting NYC that could also be helpful for residents and frequent commuters who still find it hard to navigate around this massive city: Relax and don’t panic. Watch your speed. Make use of your mirrors. Don’t challenge buses and taxi drivers. Don’t turn on red. Read the traffic signs carefully. Beware of bikers. Turn with
Sunscreens That Don’t Work
Nearly 67% of Sunscreens Don’t Work! Sunscreen is a summer essential for beach and pool lovers. The sun can provide a beneficial dose of Vitamin D, but too much can cause serious damage to your skin. However, a new 2018 report released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has revealed shocking findings about these ‘protective products’ that has consumers puzzled in the sunscreen aisle…nearly 67 percent of sunscreens don’t work! Horrifying Reaction to Sunscreen Toxins In May 2017, a Canadian mother applied a Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 on her 14-month-old daughter’s nose and cheeks. Within 24 hours, the mother noticed her daughter’s face developed severely swollen blisters. A dermatologist later diagnosed the blistering as a second-degree chemical burn from the toxins found in the sunscreen- the product that was supposed to protect this child from similar effects caused by the sun! Is Sunscreen Causing More Damage Than Good? For as long as sunscreen has been on the market, consumers have been told to use it whenever in the sun and to reapply often. Sunscreen is supposed to protect our bodies from the sun’s harmful effects such as skin cancer, wrinkling, skin aging, sunburns, and even cataracts. But what safety groups like EWG are finding is not only are sunscreen products falling short of these protections, most U.S. products contain harmful chemicals causing further health concerns, such as: Hormone disruptions Altered birth weight Serious skin allergies Reproductive and thyroid alterations Behavioral changes Inhalation concerns Instability in the sunlight False sense of security (only protecting form sunburns, not sun cancer) Living by the philosophy that some sunscreen is better than none may lead you down a dangerous path. Not all sunscreens are created equal and knowing which sunscreens you can trust and which you should keep out of your beach bag will immensely increase your chances of protecting your skin and health this summer. Best and Worst Sunscreens on the Market EWG conducted a widespread study of American brand sunscreens to test for protection against harmful sun damage and health concerns due to toxic ingredients. Here are some of the brands that met EWG’s criteria for best sunscreens: Best Sunscreen Brands Alba Botanica (5 products) All Good (7 products) Aveeno (2 products) Babo Botanicals (4 products) Babyganics (2 products) Badger (12 products) Bare Republic (11 products) COOLA (4 products) CoTZ (4 products) Goddess Garden (11 products) Kabana Organic Skincare (8 products) Love Sun Body (4 products) MDSoalr Sciences (7 products) Neutrogena (4 products) Raw Elements USA (4 products) sunmbra (4 products) thinksport (4 products) Tropical Sands (4 products) True Natural (6 products) Waxhead Sun Defense (5 products) Best Sunscreens for Kids Adorable Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+ All Good Kid’s Sunscreen, SPF 30 Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Lotion Sunscreen, Sensitive Skin, SPF 50 Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, Tangerine & Vanilla, SPF 30 Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Baby, SPF 50 Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Baby, SPF 30+ BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35 California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+ COOLA Suncare Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50 Equate Baby Zinc Sunscreen Mineral Lotion, SPF 50 Goddess Garden Organics Kids Sport Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 Hawaiian Sol Sol Kid Kare, SPF 50 Kiss My Face Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 MDSolarSciences KidCreme Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40 Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50 Nurture My Body Baby Organic Sunscreen, SPF 32 Sunology Mineral Sunscreen, Kids, SPF 50 thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+ thinksport Kids Sunscreen, SPF 50+ Tom’s of Maine Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 TruBaby Water & Play Sunscreen, SPF 30+ TruKid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30 Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 35 (6) The EWG also listed sunscreens that failed to meet the safety standards based on toxicity levels and inability to appropriately protect skin against the sun. Here are sunscreens to avoid purchasing this summer: Worst 10 Sunscreens to Buy (Adults) Panama Jack Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 85 Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen, SPF 60+ CVS Health Sun Lotion, SPF 60 Up & Up Sport Sunscreen Spray, SPF 15, 30 & 50 Panama Jack Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 15, 30 & 70 NO-AD Sun Care Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50 Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 & 85+ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen Spray, SPF 30 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70, 85+ & 100+ Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70, 85+ & 100+ Worst 10 Sunscreens to Buy (Kids) Banana Boat Kids Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100 Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100 Coppertone Water Babies Foaming Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70 Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous AccuSpray, SPF 70 Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50 Coppertone Wet’n Clear Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50+ Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55 CVS Health Kids Clear Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 & 70 Equate Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70 Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 60+ For more on product ratings, take a look at EWG’s complete list of sunscreens on the market rated from 1-10 for safety. Avoid Tricky Marketing If you can’t remember the brands of sunscreen that are most recommended by the experts when it comes time to purchase some, being aware of tricky marketing schemes will help reduce your chances of buying a harmful or ineffective product. Look for products with protective properties on the label such as: UVA (Ultraviolet A) Protection- causes skin aging and cancer UVB (Ultraviolet B) Protection- causes sunburns and more intense than UVA Broad Spectrum- protects against UVA and UVB Water resistant- can last in the water up to a certain time period Be extra cautious of products that contain promised protections unregulated by the FDA, including: Natural Sport Waterproof Dermatologist Recommended Pediatrician Recommended 100% SPF (higher SPF’s are often false) Products with these terms on the label often attract consumers because they make the products seem as if they work better. In reality, any company can put these terms on their
The Odds of an Injury this 4th of July are High
It’s that time of the year again! Fourth of July firework festivities and exciting summer parties are right around the corner and the weather is looking perfect to celebrate. However, if you’re hoping to have a memorable July 4th weekend, you may want to put just as much focus on planning for safety as you do your recreational activities to prevent your holiday memories from including an unpleasant trip to the hospital. The Dangers of Independence Day In the last few years, Long Island has seen its fair share of injuries and fatal accidents surrounding Independence Day celebrations: Last July, a Fort Salonga man had his fingers amputated after a firework exploded in his hand. He had injuries on both hands and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital for burn treatment. Not more than a few days after the Fort Salonga man’s accident, another man in Uniondale also blew off several fingers and sustained severe burns to his face, neck, and hands when he attempted to light a mortar firework while holding it. Four people were killed in a two-vehicle crash in Yaphank on July 4th in 2016. The driver of a truck was erratically driving on slick roads when he crashed into another car. The driver of the truck along with three individuals in the other car were killed, while two additional passengers in the car that was hit sustained injuries. These tragic examples are only a few of the possible dangers Long Island patriots could run into when celebrating this weekend. Being aware of the hazards and how to prevent them is the first step to keeping your family and loved ones safe on Fourth of July. Firework Disasters Thousands of fireworks are set off every year in celebration of American Independence. Unfortunately, a number of the products are used incorrectly and can cause horrific injuries. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports fireworks are responsible for an average of 18,500 fires and 10,500 injuries every year. NFPA reports injuries can include amputations, first and second degree burns, fractures, or vision/hearing loss, affecting parts of the body such as… hand or finger (36%) head, face or ears (19%) eye (19%) trunk or other (11%) leg (10%) arm (5%) Out of all the firework injuries, the NFPA reports that sparklers accounted for a quarter of the emergency room visits; one of the reasons why Nassau County recently banned the use of sparklers in their communities. Some of the most dangerous fireworks on the market consumers show be cautious of aside from sparklers are fountains, roman candles, homemade fireworks, mortars and bottle rockets. The easiest way to avoid firework danger is not to buy them in the first place. However, if you are planning to use fireworks this holiday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises consumers to use these safety steps to reduce the number of firework-related accidents and injuries: Only use legal fireworks Never allow children to play with fireworks Light fireworks one at a time Never place a body part directly over a firework Don’t make your own fireworks or buy homemade fireworks Never shoot fireworks in metal in glass contains Never point or throw fireworks at anyone Aside from the physical dangers of these products, Long Island residents caught illegally using fireworks can face criminal charges depending on the offense. Looking into the New York State and Long Island laws regarding firework use should be your first step before buying any products for your celebration this weekend. Driving Dangers Driving on Independence Day is not piece of cake. In fact, according to numerous studies, such as this one from ValuePenguin, July 4th ranks as the third deadliest driving holiday of the year, averaging around 307 fatal accidents. Keeping you and your family safe on the road this summer should be the number one priority when it comes to holiday travel, but it can be difficult with an increase of congestion, drinking and driving, aggressive road behaviors. To reduce your chance of being involved in a serious or fatal accident, Nationwide suggests sticking to the basic safe driving tips whenever behind the wheel this weekend: Focus on driving: Keep 100% of your attention on the road. Don’t use your cell phone or other electronic devices and watch your speed. Drive defensively: Be aware of other drivers on the roads, especially those who appear to be driving aggressively or under the influence. If the weather is bad, anticipate slow break times and the possibility of hydroplaning in rainy weather. Plan ahead: For long trips, schedule stops ahead of time for meals and bathroom breaks. Check the weather and traffic reports before you leave so you are prepared for any accidents or traffic ahead of time. Practice safety: Safely secure cargo and luggage to your vehicle before you leave. Do not reach for fallen items when driving, try to multitask, or attempt to watch firework shows out the window on the highway! Above all else, always stay sober if you are the driver. Your chances of getting into an accident with a drunk driver on and around July 4th is nearly 40% higher than on any other non-holiday. Making sure you are not adding to the number of drunk drivers on the roads can make a significant impact when it comes to saving someone’s life. Deadly Swimming Conditions There have been two suspected cases of ocean drowning this week on Long Island: one involving a 10-year-boy swimming with his brother by the rocks and another involving a 31-year-old man swimming with friends at night. Both incidents were on Long Beach and both involved swimming in risky areas or at times of the day when lifeguards were not on duty. Pools, oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water all pose drowning risks if swimmers are not taking the proper precautions. The Long Island Drowning Prevention Task Force is dedicated to reducing the number of child drowning deaths this summer by offering these
PARENTS OF TEENS ALERT: Serving to Minors is ALWAYS Illegal
It’s graduation season for high-school seniors, which also means an increase in celebratory parties and a spike in teenage drinking. Every year, underage drinking is responsible for at least 189,000 emergency room visits and approximately 4,300 fatalities of youth between the ages of 12 to 20 according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Statistics show June and July are the most popular months of the year for teen drinking and that most teens try their first taste of alcohol in the summer- about 940,000 by the end of the season! If it’s illegal for minors to buy alcohol on Long Island and across the United States, how are they getting their hands on it? Unfortunately, their own parents are sometimes to blame. Serving to Minors is ALWAYS Illegal No matter who or where you are, serving alcohol to minors is never legal. Parents who serve or allow minors to consume alcohol at their residence are in for a big shock if they believe their own homes are safe territories for underage drinking. In fact, in the last few years on Long Island… The parents of a house party in Sound Beach were arrested after a teen was taken to the hospital for drinking too much. The couples claimed there were only supposed to be a ‘few friends’ but at least 100 minors showed up to drink. Parents from Dix Hills were arrested back in 2011 for hosting a party that caused the death of a 16-year-old girl. She was hit by a car walking home from the party after having too much to drink. A Deer Park mom was charged with violating the law in 2017 after hosting a party with at least 200 people in her home and alcohol freely flowing to minors of all ages. Last summer, Suffolk County launched a social media trolling initiative to significantly reduce the number of adults serving alcohol to minors. Using online clues, authorities were dispatched to either warn parents that an underage keg party was set to occur or arrest parents clearly condoning dangerous behaviors. This year, both Suffolk and Nassau County police departments are prepared to crackdown on underage drinking and are warning parents to be aware of the serious and possibly fatal consequences of allowing teens to consume alcohol in their home. Social Host Laws: What You Need To Know Social host laws came about to hold adults and homeowners responsible for any injuries or deaths resulting from serving alcohol to minors under their roof. Suffolk and Nassau counties both have strict regulations when it comes to violating social host laws and it’s important for parents and their children to understand the legal implications before graduation party season begins. If you host a party with underage drinkers, you can be liable for: Injuries sustained in your home Injuries sustained outside of your home Car accidents Pedestrian accidents Drinking illnesses Assault and rape resulting from party drinking Other criminal actions performed by party guests Parents could not only be criminally charged for these incidents but financially held accountable for damages. It is also possible for parents to be held liable even if they are not home, as long as it can be proven they had prior knowledge of the drinking or a history of allowing minors to drink at their residence. If your child is 18-years-old or older and hosts a party with underage drinkers without parental supervision, consent, or knowledge, your child could be the one held legally accountable. Making sure to review the laws with your teens, especially if they are no longer minors, is extremely important in helping to prevent serious and long-term consequences of a party gone wrong. Serious Risks of Underaged Drinking More importantly than getting into trouble, parents should be worried about the health risks of minors consuming alcohol. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 90 percent of teen alcohol consumption is in the form of binge drinking, which is defined as consuming five or more beverages in a sitting for men or four or more beverages for women. Binge drinking is a dangerous habit that could lead to a number of immediate and future health conditions, including: Seizures Alcohol poisoning Nausea and/or vomiting Fainting (blackouts) Impaired breathing Liver problems Coma Neurological issues Stomach ulcers Cardiovascular disease Death Binge drinking at a young age makes teens highly susceptible to longterm addictions, interfering with the brain’s growth at one of the most critical stages of development. The CDC reports teens who drink alcohol are more likely to… Be absent from school. Achieve poor or failing grades. Engage in violent behaviors. Acquire legal problems such as assault, drunk driving, or truancy. Participate in unwanted, unplanned or unprotected sexual behaviors. Experience disruption in growth (physically, mentally, and sexually). Become a victim of physical or sexual assault. Experience memory problems. Abuse other drugs. Elevate their risk for suicide and homicide. What To Do About Underage Drinking The safest move to make as a parent when it comes to underage drinking is to never allow it in your home. It’s not worth the risks, the consequences, or the possibility of someone’s life, to throw a graduation party that makes your child popular with their friends. If you’re a parent who has become aware that underage drinking is occurring when you are not home or were surprised upon arriving home to find drunk minors scattered about, here’s what you should do to protect everyone involved: Immediately demand the drinking/party to cease and ask everyone to leave the premises. Involve local authorities to help remove minors from your home if you are unable to come home, if teens are extremely intoxicated or if guests refuse to disperse. Set ground rules with your children when it comes to alcohol consumption in your home or at the homes of their peers. Review the health consequences of mild or excessive drinking in regards to teenage development in hopes to prevent your child from binge drinking
