Every year at about this time--after the tryptophan-induced turkey coma has worn off, when there's no more football to watch and the holiday shopping sprees are over--comes the news reports from the holiday weekend. You read the all-too-familiar stories about tragic accidents at Black Friday events.
This Thanksgiving weekend, beware of these three injury risks
For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends, to share a meal together and be grateful for all you have. However, the risk of injury during this time of year surges--which can quickly turn a light-hearted occasion into a sobering trip to the emergency room.
Risk of injury from household fires skyrockets at Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time to get away from work obligations and get together with family and friends. In addition to camaraderie and interesting, if repeated, family stories, the celebration often centers around a large, elaborate meal. For some families, this means roasting a turkey for hours on end throughout the day. For others, it means dropping the bird into a deep fryer.
Proving fault in a car accident with a pedestrian
Car accidents involving pedestrians can be devastating. Injuries are often severe and life-altering. In such cases, pedestrians will often take legal action seek compensation for their pain and suffering.
A scoot commute could lead to a personal injury dispute
The e-scooter, the latest in urban commuting, is diminutive but potentially powerful. According to proponents, it could well be the big solution for what is a decades old problem – covering the so-called "last mile" – that distance in every city, including Atlanta, that is too far to walk to and too near to drive.
Two of the deadliest days to be on the road are approaching
When you think of times of the year when driving is particularly dangerous, your mind might jump to holidays typically associated with heaving drinking--and consequently, drunk driving--such as St. Patrick's Day or New Year's. Or you may think of times of the year when inclement weather makes for treacherous driving--such as the winter or hurricane season.
If you wouldn't drive drunk, you shouldn't drive drowsy.
Our lives our getting increasingly busy. Multi-tasking is the new norm. We're juggling a seemingly endless list of responsibilities, leaving little time for rest or relaxation. All too often, a solid night's sleep gets prioritized last, and we become accustomed to going through our days in a sleep-deprived state. Some of us even consider our excessive busyness and insufficient sleep to be points of pride.
Car seat confusion: what's the safest practice?
If you're new to the parenting game, you probably have questions. How do you get your baby onto a regular sleep schedule? How does formula compare with mother's milk? How do you know which car seat to pick--and how should you use it?
How crashworthy is your vehicle?
When it comes to buying a vehicle, some research suggests that what reviewers think is more important to consumers than anything else. One recent study reports that of about 2,200 respondents queried, 60 percent said they would be more inclined to look at a vehicle based on reviewer reactions. The next most important factor was safety ratings.
How to prevent barbecue fires
If there's one thing the South does well, it's barbecue. Everyone has their specialty. Maybe you're a rib person, or perhaps brisket is more your style. (Brisket is my favorite!) Maybe you go for charcoal, or you could be a propane convert. Whatever your preference, all barbecues have one thing in common: FIRE!
Don't get hurried into accepting a car accident settlement
You're driving home after a fun night out with friends. Out of nowhere, an inattentive driver runs a red light and side swipes you--sending your car spinning out of control. You wake up in the hospital, with a cast around your arm.
Behind the wheel, hands-free calling poses unexpected risks.
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the dangers of distracted driving. There have been state and national pushes to discourage texting while driving or holding a cell phone while driving. Such practices are rightly seen as risky, as they can take your eyes off the road and a hand off the wheel.
Is laser hair removal safe?
Laser hair removal has mushroomed in popularity in recent years. Clinics are popping up all over the country, offering discounted procedures in tranquil, spa-like settings. For many people, the prospect of permanent hair removal sounds like a dream come true. And as the prices have steadily dropped with increasing supply, this possibility is becoming more accessible to the general population.
The safe way to handle fireworks
Fireworks are a hallmark of any Fourth of July festivity. For some people, that means going to watch a professional fireworks display. For others, it means putting on a show in their own backyard.
Is eating while driving that dangerous?
Last month, we reported on a new law that was recently passed, the Hands-Free Georgia Act. The aim of this act is to help dissuade people from using their cell phones--or any handheld electronic devices--while driving.
The benefits of company policies against drowsy driving
In 2014, an inattentive Walmart truck driver crashed his tractor-trailer into the bus of comic superstar Tracy Morgan. Morgan sustained serious brain injury and another passenger--comedian James McNair--was tragically killed. The driver of the truck claimed that his response time on the road was compromised due to the fact that he had been working without sleep for more than 24 hours.
Why you should turn your phone on silent when driving
You're driving down the freeway to work. It's rush hour, making traffic unpredictable and requiring you to concentrate harder. On top of that, you haven't had your morning coffee yet, and you're aware that you're not as alert as you should be.
Hands-Free Georgia Act signed into law
On April 22, 2015 a distracted truck driver in Statesboro collided his tractor-trailer into an SUV containing seven nursing students at Georgia Southern University--killing five and severely injuring two of the SUV's occupants. The driver was convicted of vehicular homicide and is currently serving a five-year prison sentence.
Underreported distracted driving stats
Are you aware that we are more than halfway through National Distracted Driving Awareness Month? If not, you're not alone. Smart phones are extensions of our lives, tools that are part of daily life to the point we sometimes don't notice them. They're also killers on the road, hence the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "U Drive. U Text. U Pay" ad campaign.
When you're involved in a bicycle hit and run in Georgia
You're bicycling home one night after a long day at work. You're riding in the designated bike lane, you're wearing a helmet and your head and tail lights are on.
