Assignment 1)
1. Park the car on flat ground. Put the Parking Brake up.
2. Place blockers around the tire diagonally opposite the one you are changing.
3. Take out Jack, Wrench, Crank handle, and the Spare Tire.
4. Loosen the lug nuts 1/2 turn using the wrench
5. Raise the Jack to a spot where it can still be put under the car to the place your manual says to put it, with the Crank handle.
6. Raise the Jack up (using the crank handle) so that the Tire is just off of the Ground.
7. Take off the lug nuts
8. Lift the tire slightly so that you can pull it off of the lugs.
9. Place the tire to the side so that you can put it in the trunk later.
10. Lift the Spare tire onto the lugs.
11. Place the lug nuts on the lugs and tighten them to the best of your abilities using the wrench. When you get to a gas station, you can ask if they have the tools to tighten it further.
12. Place the old tire in your trunk, or back where the new tire came from.
Assignment 2)
Bodily Injury Liability pays for injuries to others for which you are partially or entirely responsible, covers your legal fees whether or not you were at fault. Property Damage Liability pays for damage to the property of others, if you are partially or entirely responsible, covers your legal fees whether or not you were at fault. Collision Insurance pays for the cost of repairing your vehicle or replacing your car when you or another driver was at fault. Comprehensive Insurance protects your car against damage caused by theft, fire, earthquake, vandalism, flood, etc. Uninsured and Under insured bodily and property damage liability covers damages done to you or your property by a driver who does not have insurance, or doesn't have insurance that covers things like what happened. A deductible is the amount for which the insured is responsible for. It relates to Collision or Comprehensive insurance because if the damage is $1000 and your deductible is $250 then your insurance will provide you with $750 and you have to pay the $250 to cover the rest.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Crash CD, Final Assignment
On the crash CD I was identified as the Bicyclist. After the Crash I went to the hospital, and when I woke up I had some injuries, but also had some memory loss. There were Four places I went to find out what happened to me, some facts about drunk driving, what can happen when you let your friends do it, and what can happen when people who aren't stopped by friends and family, hit other cars/people in the roadway.
The First place I went in the virtual world was to the Hospital. At the Hospital I was told that beginning drivers have the highest crash rates and the risk of a teen crash increases 50% after one or two drinks. A crash doesn't have to be severe or at high speeds to cause damage. When a crash occurs, 3 collisions happen, your car into another object, your body into the inside of the car/another object, and your organs to the inside of your body. They told me that in these types of crashes, ones involving drunk drivers, that injuries are common. I learned that a seat belt reduces your risk of dying in a car crash by 60%. In fact in one case, when a driver was wearing his seat belt and totaled the car, the driver left the crash sight with a few scratches. Then I learned about the effects of alcohol. Some effects of alcohol are, slowed messages to the brain(slow reaction time), slurred speech, blurred vision, and poor judgement. I also learned about the effects of Marijuana. Marijuana can make you misjudge your speed, misjudge your braking, it can also affect your perceptions. With Alcohol and Marijuana there are 5 different parts of the brain effected. The frontal lobe under the effect of alcohol, causes bad decisions. The Hippocampus under the effect of alcohol can cause memory blackouts; under the effect of marijuana, can cause memory loss, and reduced attention. The Medula under the effect of alcohol, can cause brain damage or death. The Limbic System under the effect of marijuana, can cause missing danger signals, and emotional disruption. The Cerebellum under the effect of marijuana, can cause poor coordination, and poor road tracking.
The Second place I went was the School. When I went to the school I found out that for every teen killed in a motor vehicle crash, about 100 others suffer non-fatal injuries. I also learned about healthy thrills that should be used in place of drinking and smoking. Some healthy thrills are, trying new foods, sports, or bungee jumping. The Emotional Impact of a drunk driving accident is different for every person who is involved. For the impaired driver, they feel regret, and strongly for what they have done. The impaired driver that I learned about was aware of his condition, when he saw the car ahead lose control and become airborne. He saw a body get ejected, he pulled over, and saw that the body was on the ground shaking. When the police arrived he failed a sobriety test and was arrested for a DUI. The man said that the first night in prison was the hardest and he felt horrible. Later he was charged with negligent homicide and spent time in prison for it. The second person that I learned about was a victim. She had been driving to a friends 16th birthday party, and it was the farthest she had ever driven at night. It was 10 miles away from her house, and the drunk driver was driving coming the other direction. The driver drifted over the center line and she was hit drivers side to drivers side. She is ashamed of what happened to her, when she came home from the hospital she could not use the shower, so she had to be hosed down outside of her house. She also said that she still limps, her ankle swells and she has many scars. The third and final group I heard about was a husband and wife who had lost there daughter. She was an athletic girl and had a scholarship to an art school. The crash happened during the summer, and she was coming home from the beach with friends. When they had a green light a car ran a red light and T-Boned them on the Passengers Side. The car with the impaired driver was going 70 mph. The parents of the girl said that when you are watching TV or a movie, the emotions that they feel on screen, are real. The Parents of the girl also said that if you are a teenager and have been drinking to call your parents, They would much rather get that call then one that you are dead.
While I was still at the school I learned about ways to get your friends to not drive drunk. First, I learned that dealing directly and firmly with people taking the risk has bee shown to be effective more than 50% of the time. Here are 5 ways I learned about to directly deal with a friend who has been drinking and wants to drive.
1) Get the keys: do it away from the crowd so that they will be less embarrassed.
2) Find another driver: get another driver and tell the drinking friend about it while you are relaxed so that they don't get defensive.
3) Delay the driver: tell them to wait a while, that they don't need to leave just yet, it works well when your friend trusts you.
4) Use another Angle: use different words than drunk or high to describe your friends condition. Tell them that they are out of it, and that's why they can't drive.
5) Let them go: This is when your friend doesn't trust you or you can not convince them to stay. Call someone and let them know what is going on.
The 3rd place I went was the Lawyers office. While there the first thing I learned about while there was a case where a woman had been driving drunk and hit a car full of teenagers. This case is actually the same case where the daughter of the couple I learned about died. Some facts from the case file, were that there were 4 dead and one was injured, the defendant had had 2 previous DUI charges, and they were looking to charge her with 4 counts of 2nd degree murder, and 1 count of assault. The Defense's story was not very good. People had not seen the defendant intoxicated, and when she was taken to the hopital, the medication she was given could have effected her blood tests, and that her blood samples were not refridgerated. The Prosecution said that between the hours of 12 and 2:30 she had had 5 drinks, she ran a light at 60 mph, lied to the police about the number of drinks she had, and had a BAL of .21 - .28. There were statements made by the family members of the Deceased, about why they did not deserve to die. The Verdict was 14 1/2 - 16 years for each count of 2nd degree murder, and 2 years for the DUI and assault. making it so that she spent a minimumof 60 years in prison. The second thing I learned about at the Lawyers office was the Financial costs of a DUI. The Definition of a totaled car is when the cost to repair the damage is greater than the value of the car. The costs for different problems are really quite large. A car tow costs $50, a car storage per day is $137, a restricted liscens is $100, the insurance is $10,800, an Alcohol Education Program is $585, The Minimum fine is $480, the cost for a defense attorney is $2000, the court cost is $406, a Probation fee is $44, and the fund for a head injury is $120. The total cost is $14,722, this is just on your first offense, you also get 2 points on your license and they stay there for 7 years, you also get 3 years of probation.
The fourth and final place i visited was the police station. Here I learned that crashes are twice as likely when teenage drivers have teenage passengers. I also learned that from 10 pm - 1 am drivers are most likely to be drunk. I also learned how to identify a drunk driver, they might have a slow respose to signals, they might have their head lights off, they may be weaving, following too closely, turning abruply, drifting, swerving or making wide turns. I also learned that inorder to get federal money, states are required to have zero tolerance for underage drinkers. This means that even if you have a very low BAL you can be arrested for DUI. When you get pulled over they have to have a reason for suspicion of DUI, for example speeding, weaving, or not signaling. When you are pulled over, you are required to provide your license, and proof of insurance, you also may be asked to perform a field sobriety test. I f you are arrested, you are read your miranda rights, are handcuffed, placed in the back of the police car, and taken to the station. When you get there they will test your BAL using your breath, urine, or blood. Afterwards there will be bail to post or you will be released on your own recognizance. Soon after you will be arraigned, then you will have a trial, where you will be sentenced.
I think that if people just didn't drink then they would never have this problem. Also that if you are going to drink that you should be sure to travel in a group so that you can have one person who will not drink and then drive everyone else home. That would be the best option. But other people should always listen to their friends, because if they are truly your friend then they will always be trying to help you.
The First place I went in the virtual world was to the Hospital. At the Hospital I was told that beginning drivers have the highest crash rates and the risk of a teen crash increases 50% after one or two drinks. A crash doesn't have to be severe or at high speeds to cause damage. When a crash occurs, 3 collisions happen, your car into another object, your body into the inside of the car/another object, and your organs to the inside of your body. They told me that in these types of crashes, ones involving drunk drivers, that injuries are common. I learned that a seat belt reduces your risk of dying in a car crash by 60%. In fact in one case, when a driver was wearing his seat belt and totaled the car, the driver left the crash sight with a few scratches. Then I learned about the effects of alcohol. Some effects of alcohol are, slowed messages to the brain(slow reaction time), slurred speech, blurred vision, and poor judgement. I also learned about the effects of Marijuana. Marijuana can make you misjudge your speed, misjudge your braking, it can also affect your perceptions. With Alcohol and Marijuana there are 5 different parts of the brain effected. The frontal lobe under the effect of alcohol, causes bad decisions. The Hippocampus under the effect of alcohol can cause memory blackouts; under the effect of marijuana, can cause memory loss, and reduced attention. The Medula under the effect of alcohol, can cause brain damage or death. The Limbic System under the effect of marijuana, can cause missing danger signals, and emotional disruption. The Cerebellum under the effect of marijuana, can cause poor coordination, and poor road tracking.
The Second place I went was the School. When I went to the school I found out that for every teen killed in a motor vehicle crash, about 100 others suffer non-fatal injuries. I also learned about healthy thrills that should be used in place of drinking and smoking. Some healthy thrills are, trying new foods, sports, or bungee jumping. The Emotional Impact of a drunk driving accident is different for every person who is involved. For the impaired driver, they feel regret, and strongly for what they have done. The impaired driver that I learned about was aware of his condition, when he saw the car ahead lose control and become airborne. He saw a body get ejected, he pulled over, and saw that the body was on the ground shaking. When the police arrived he failed a sobriety test and was arrested for a DUI. The man said that the first night in prison was the hardest and he felt horrible. Later he was charged with negligent homicide and spent time in prison for it. The second person that I learned about was a victim. She had been driving to a friends 16th birthday party, and it was the farthest she had ever driven at night. It was 10 miles away from her house, and the drunk driver was driving coming the other direction. The driver drifted over the center line and she was hit drivers side to drivers side. She is ashamed of what happened to her, when she came home from the hospital she could not use the shower, so she had to be hosed down outside of her house. She also said that she still limps, her ankle swells and she has many scars. The third and final group I heard about was a husband and wife who had lost there daughter. She was an athletic girl and had a scholarship to an art school. The crash happened during the summer, and she was coming home from the beach with friends. When they had a green light a car ran a red light and T-Boned them on the Passengers Side. The car with the impaired driver was going 70 mph. The parents of the girl said that when you are watching TV or a movie, the emotions that they feel on screen, are real. The Parents of the girl also said that if you are a teenager and have been drinking to call your parents, They would much rather get that call then one that you are dead.
While I was still at the school I learned about ways to get your friends to not drive drunk. First, I learned that dealing directly and firmly with people taking the risk has bee shown to be effective more than 50% of the time. Here are 5 ways I learned about to directly deal with a friend who has been drinking and wants to drive.
1) Get the keys: do it away from the crowd so that they will be less embarrassed.
2) Find another driver: get another driver and tell the drinking friend about it while you are relaxed so that they don't get defensive.
3) Delay the driver: tell them to wait a while, that they don't need to leave just yet, it works well when your friend trusts you.
4) Use another Angle: use different words than drunk or high to describe your friends condition. Tell them that they are out of it, and that's why they can't drive.
5) Let them go: This is when your friend doesn't trust you or you can not convince them to stay. Call someone and let them know what is going on.
The 3rd place I went was the Lawyers office. While there the first thing I learned about while there was a case where a woman had been driving drunk and hit a car full of teenagers. This case is actually the same case where the daughter of the couple I learned about died. Some facts from the case file, were that there were 4 dead and one was injured, the defendant had had 2 previous DUI charges, and they were looking to charge her with 4 counts of 2nd degree murder, and 1 count of assault. The Defense's story was not very good. People had not seen the defendant intoxicated, and when she was taken to the hopital, the medication she was given could have effected her blood tests, and that her blood samples were not refridgerated. The Prosecution said that between the hours of 12 and 2:30 she had had 5 drinks, she ran a light at 60 mph, lied to the police about the number of drinks she had, and had a BAL of .21 - .28. There were statements made by the family members of the Deceased, about why they did not deserve to die. The Verdict was 14 1/2 - 16 years for each count of 2nd degree murder, and 2 years for the DUI and assault. making it so that she spent a minimumof 60 years in prison. The second thing I learned about at the Lawyers office was the Financial costs of a DUI. The Definition of a totaled car is when the cost to repair the damage is greater than the value of the car. The costs for different problems are really quite large. A car tow costs $50, a car storage per day is $137, a restricted liscens is $100, the insurance is $10,800, an Alcohol Education Program is $585, The Minimum fine is $480, the cost for a defense attorney is $2000, the court cost is $406, a Probation fee is $44, and the fund for a head injury is $120. The total cost is $14,722, this is just on your first offense, you also get 2 points on your license and they stay there for 7 years, you also get 3 years of probation.
The fourth and final place i visited was the police station. Here I learned that crashes are twice as likely when teenage drivers have teenage passengers. I also learned that from 10 pm - 1 am drivers are most likely to be drunk. I also learned how to identify a drunk driver, they might have a slow respose to signals, they might have their head lights off, they may be weaving, following too closely, turning abruply, drifting, swerving or making wide turns. I also learned that inorder to get federal money, states are required to have zero tolerance for underage drinkers. This means that even if you have a very low BAL you can be arrested for DUI. When you get pulled over they have to have a reason for suspicion of DUI, for example speeding, weaving, or not signaling. When you are pulled over, you are required to provide your license, and proof of insurance, you also may be asked to perform a field sobriety test. I f you are arrested, you are read your miranda rights, are handcuffed, placed in the back of the police car, and taken to the station. When you get there they will test your BAL using your breath, urine, or blood. Afterwards there will be bail to post or you will be released on your own recognizance. Soon after you will be arraigned, then you will have a trial, where you will be sentenced.
I think that if people just didn't drink then they would never have this problem. Also that if you are going to drink that you should be sure to travel in a group so that you can have one person who will not drink and then drive everyone else home. That would be the best option. But other people should always listen to their friends, because if they are truly your friend then they will always be trying to help you.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Assignment 7/23
Assignment 1)
8 places where it is unsafe to pass is at curves, intersections, railroads, hills, on a two-lane bridge or underpass, when the vehicle ahead is travelling at or near the speed limit, When your line of sight is limited by fog, snow, or rain, and When you cannot complete a pass before the start of a no passing zone.
Assignment 2) A car going 60 mph goes 90 ft per second. A car going 40 mph goes 60 ft per second. At these speeds it takes 3 sec to initiate the pass If the car is going 40 mph then this is 180 ft, and that is before you start to pass them. It takes 10 seconds to pass the slower car if you are going 60 mph which is 900 ft. Then it takes 2 seconds to return to your lane, which at 60 mph is 180 ft. The pass took 15 seconds. In that 15 seconds you covered 1260 ft, which is a little more than 3 and 1/3 the length of a Football Field.
Assignment 3)
1) Hybrid Car Crash Prompts Warning
Fire Official Says Electrical System Poses Threat
POSTED: 10:58 am EDT May 5, 2006
UPDATED: 11:59 am EDT May 5, 2006
BOSTON -- Rescuing crash victims from hybrid cars could pose additional safety concerns, according to a Massachusetts fire lieutenant.
The warning came after a recent car crash that left a woman trapped in a Toyota Prius in Marblehead. Officials said that Patricia Lee, 68, crashed her car Monday night on Washington Street.
When fire officials responded to the crash, Marblehead Fire Lt. Michael Porter said that in freeing Lee from the car, the vehicle posed a danger.
"These new hybrid cars can make our rescue process after a car wreck slightly more dangerous," Porter said. "Not only do we need to worry about disconnecting the battery, but we now need to worry about the possibility of being electrocuted by the car's additional high-powered electrical system."
Lee, who was not seriously injured in the accident, said that her brakes did not appear to be working at the time of the crash.
1) I guess, that even though hybrid cars get good gas milage, they are unsafe. It would be a bad thing if you got into a crash, were seriously injured, and they couldn't get you out because your car was eletricuting the firemen.
2) St. Johnsbury man injured in pickup crash on I-91
Published: Friday, July 20, 2007
A St. Johnsbury man suffered multiple injuries after a one-car accident Thursday on Interstate 91 in Newbury. Vermont State Police said Blake Jenkins, 22, and a passenger were driving northbound in a 2005 Dodge Pickup when Jenkins lost control of the truck and went into the median. The pickup struck several trees in the median. Police found Jenkins lying next to his truck. Woodsville, N.H., ambulance treated Jenkins at the scene and transported him to Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. It was later determined that Jenkins had suffered a fractured neck and a broken hip from the accident. The passenger was not injured
2) I think that the driver of this car was not only speeding but was not wearing his seatbelt. If he was wearing his seatbelt then the might not have fallen out of the truck and gotten hurt. I think that the passenger was wearing their seatbelt because they stayed in the truck and suffered no injuries.
3) 19-Year-Old Killed In Car Crash
July 14, 2007
NEW BRITAIN - -- A 19-year-old city man was killed Thursday night when his car crashed off McClintock Street.Gregory Jurczyk of 409 Francis St. was declared dead at the scene. Police gave the following account:
Jurczyk was driving a 2003 Subaru north on McClintock Street, approaching Magnolia Street, shortly after 11 p.m., when he lost control of the car. The car traveled through front yards on McClintock Street and went airborne, hitting two trees. It then ricocheted off a parked Ford Taurus, rolled through a yard and came to rest, upright, in the backyard of 416 Eddy Glover Blvd. New Britain police are investigating.
3) This man, I think, was obviously speeding, or not using the Basic Speed Law. It is unclear if he was wearing a seatbelt or not, but i think he wasn't because he was pronounced dead on the scene. and even thought he car went through a lot of trauma, if he was wearing a seat belt, i feel he would only have suffered injuries.
8 places where it is unsafe to pass is at curves, intersections, railroads, hills, on a two-lane bridge or underpass, when the vehicle ahead is travelling at or near the speed limit, When your line of sight is limited by fog, snow, or rain, and When you cannot complete a pass before the start of a no passing zone.
Assignment 2) A car going 60 mph goes 90 ft per second. A car going 40 mph goes 60 ft per second. At these speeds it takes 3 sec to initiate the pass If the car is going 40 mph then this is 180 ft, and that is before you start to pass them. It takes 10 seconds to pass the slower car if you are going 60 mph which is 900 ft. Then it takes 2 seconds to return to your lane, which at 60 mph is 180 ft. The pass took 15 seconds. In that 15 seconds you covered 1260 ft, which is a little more than 3 and 1/3 the length of a Football Field.
Assignment 3)
1) Hybrid Car Crash Prompts Warning
Fire Official Says Electrical System Poses Threat
POSTED: 10:58 am EDT May 5, 2006
UPDATED: 11:59 am EDT May 5, 2006
BOSTON -- Rescuing crash victims from hybrid cars could pose additional safety concerns, according to a Massachusetts fire lieutenant.
The warning came after a recent car crash that left a woman trapped in a Toyota Prius in Marblehead. Officials said that Patricia Lee, 68, crashed her car Monday night on Washington Street.
When fire officials responded to the crash, Marblehead Fire Lt. Michael Porter said that in freeing Lee from the car, the vehicle posed a danger.
"These new hybrid cars can make our rescue process after a car wreck slightly more dangerous," Porter said. "Not only do we need to worry about disconnecting the battery, but we now need to worry about the possibility of being electrocuted by the car's additional high-powered electrical system."
Lee, who was not seriously injured in the accident, said that her brakes did not appear to be working at the time of the crash.
1) I guess, that even though hybrid cars get good gas milage, they are unsafe. It would be a bad thing if you got into a crash, were seriously injured, and they couldn't get you out because your car was eletricuting the firemen.
2) St. Johnsbury man injured in pickup crash on I-91
Published: Friday, July 20, 2007
A St. Johnsbury man suffered multiple injuries after a one-car accident Thursday on Interstate 91 in Newbury. Vermont State Police said Blake Jenkins, 22, and a passenger were driving northbound in a 2005 Dodge Pickup when Jenkins lost control of the truck and went into the median. The pickup struck several trees in the median. Police found Jenkins lying next to his truck. Woodsville, N.H., ambulance treated Jenkins at the scene and transported him to Cottage Hospital in Woodsville. It was later determined that Jenkins had suffered a fractured neck and a broken hip from the accident. The passenger was not injured
2) I think that the driver of this car was not only speeding but was not wearing his seatbelt. If he was wearing his seatbelt then the might not have fallen out of the truck and gotten hurt. I think that the passenger was wearing their seatbelt because they stayed in the truck and suffered no injuries.
3) 19-Year-Old Killed In Car Crash
July 14, 2007
NEW BRITAIN - -- A 19-year-old city man was killed Thursday night when his car crashed off McClintock Street.Gregory Jurczyk of 409 Francis St. was declared dead at the scene. Police gave the following account:
Jurczyk was driving a 2003 Subaru north on McClintock Street, approaching Magnolia Street, shortly after 11 p.m., when he lost control of the car. The car traveled through front yards on McClintock Street and went airborne, hitting two trees. It then ricocheted off a parked Ford Taurus, rolled through a yard and came to rest, upright, in the backyard of 416 Eddy Glover Blvd. New Britain police are investigating.
3) This man, I think, was obviously speeding, or not using the Basic Speed Law. It is unclear if he was wearing a seatbelt or not, but i think he wasn't because he was pronounced dead on the scene. and even thought he car went through a lot of trauma, if he was wearing a seat belt, i feel he would only have suffered injuries.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Assignments Due, 7/22
Assignment 1)
1) Drivers: Stop Waving E-Z Passes
Signs Posted at Toll Booths
POSTED: 7:55 am EDT July 22, 2007
UPDATED: 8:02 am EDT July 22, 2007
DERRY, N.H. -- The state Department of Transportation has a message to turnpike drivers: Stop waving those E-ZPass transponders!
After observing a third of E-ZPass users holding and waving their transponders back and forth, toll plaza attendants posted new signs: "Transponder Waving Causes Violations."
Properly used, E-ZPass transponders are attached to car windshields so they can be electronically read. Drivers who treat transponders like hand-held devices, waving them to and fro as they drive through the tolls, cause a couple of problems, said Transportation Department spokesman Bill Boynton.
First, transponder readers often can't recognize transponders that aren't fixed to a stationary point on a windshield, Boynton said. That means transponder wavers sometimes aren't getting charged as they drive through. Although toll evaders in the cash lane face up to a $144 fine, E-ZPass users who get through without paying only are subject to a $25 administrative fee.
But Boynton said there's a more serious reason not to wave those transponders. That's the second problem: If a driver is holding a transponder in one hand, that means there's only one had on the steering wheel, and that's dangerous.
Linda Cate, a supervisor at the Bedford tolls, says she has even seen drivers stop in the E-ZPass lane, get out of their cars and wave their transponders in the air to try to get a reading.
That's not safe, Cate said.
"They could be hit by a car," she said.
Boynton said he doubts most transponder wavers do it to intentionally avoid paying the toll. Some still haven't got the hang of the program that has only been around for two years; some people don't like the look of transponders attached to their windshields and others just forget to attach them when they buy a new car, he said.
"To guarantee the accuracy of transponder activity, we have to be sure that it is done correctly," Boynton said.
New Hampshire's E-ZPass program has grown to 180,000 accounts since the program began; today more than 50 percent of cars passing through the state's tolls use E-ZPass. New Hampshire collected $80 million in cash and electronic toll payments in 2006.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
1) We talked about these things in class and how they save you time and money. But if people are not using them the right way then they are never going to save any time. People need to just put them in the spot that the manual tells them to. If they don't do that then is there is less chance of it working and then people are not paying for their trips through the tolls.
2) Smart Car Comes To Boston
Smart Car Price Starts At $12,000
POSTED: 5:42 pm EDT June 28, 2007
UPDATED: 6:50 pm EDT June 28, 2007
BOSTON -- The Smart car is coming to America. This weekend, Bostonians will have a chance to test-drive the pint-sized mobile.
"The head room is 4 inches above your head. The car sits high so you will be eye-to-eye with the guy next to you," said Ken Kettenbeil of Smart USA.
NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that there is a lot packed into the 104-inch long car -- a six-disc CD player, two cup holders and an iPod connection in the glove box. The car gets an estimated 40 mpg. The door panels are removable, so owners can easily change the colors.
But can something so small be safe?
"The silver outline is the Triden Safety System -- similar to the roll cage in NASCAR," said Kettenbeil "(The car has) electronic stabilizing, four airbags and anti-lock brakes."
People who have driven the car said it drives pretty well.
"It drives like a regular car. Powerful," said Nick Edraos, who took a test drive.
The small car comes with a relatively small price tag -- starting at $12,000.
"I reserved a cabriolet. No wind noise. I could put the top down while driving. I can't wait to get it," said Debbie Edraos, who took a test drive.
The Smart Fortwo makes its American debut in January.
2) This car is energy efficient and is safe. It is an awesome car for 1 person, and will even fit 2 people, comfortably. It has electronic stabilizing, 4 airbags, and anti-lock brakes. These help this extremely small car stay on the road, and "competing" with other small size sedans. This car also has the electronic equipment that for $12,000 it is practically a steal.
3) Ohio Ambulance Crash Kills 5
(AP) VAN WERT, Ohio An ambulance headed to a hospital was broadsided by a semitrailer at a rural intersection and caught fire Friday night, killing three emergency medical technicians and two patients, the State Highway Patrol said. The patients were being treated for injuries from an earlier car wreck when their ambulance was struck in Crane Township, about 65 miles southwest of Toledo. A fourth Antwerp Emergency Medical Services worker, Matt McDougall, 31, of Antwerp, and the driver of the semitrailer, Gerald Chapman Jr., 54, of Bryant, Ind., were taken to a hospital for treatment, the patrol said. Their conditions were not immediately available. The crash remained under investigation. The ambulance was traveling south on a county road that had stop signs posted for north-south traffic, said patrol Lt. Shawn Davis. No stop signs were posted for the semitrailer heading east, Davis said. Authorities have not said whether the ambulance's emergency sirens and lights were turned on. "It's very sad. Very tragic," Antwerp Village Council President Ronald Farnsworth told The (Toledo) Blade. "Right now, we need all the prayers we can get. Right now we're grieving." Several dozen fire and emergency workers gathered at the village's fire hall with a pastor Friday night. "They aren't in very good shape right now," Farnsworth said. The village planned to arrange for counseling, he said. Killed in the accident were EMS workers Sammy Smith, 64; Heidi McDougall, 31; and Kelly Rager, 25. All were from Antwerp. The patients killed were identified as Robert Wells, 64, and Armelda Wells, 60, both of Hicksville.
3) This article is about an accident that happened when a Semi crashed into an ambulance. The ambulance had 4 EMTs and 2 patients. The 2 patients were being treated for injuries resulting from a car crash earlier that evening. The 2 patients, and 3 of the EMTs were killed in the crash. 1 EMT and the driver of the semi were taken to the hospital for treatment, their conditions were unavailable. This Crash is kind of ironic, because the patients had just survived a crash and had to die in one that was not anywhere near their fault they were just in the wrong car crash at the wrong time. It is kind of scary that the Semi did not stop for the Ambulance, with all of the lights and sirens going they are kind of hard to miss.
Assignment 2)
How to time arrival for a green light:
See light in your target area. See red light as a closed front zone. Check rear zone. Alert rear - Tap brakes. Begin constant braking. Time arrival into open zone. at 10 mph, go or stop. Green light, search intersection at 45 degree angles. If its still a red light stop smoothly.
Assignment 3)
The benefits of keeping a 4 second following distance are space to react if the car in front of you slams on their brakes, and a better view of your surroundings to the front. By having time to react to others actions you reduce your risk of crashing into them, you also take pressure off of yourself and other drivers making your driving a little less stressful and making other drivers happier with you. Having a better view of your surroundings makes it so that you can see when someone is going to pull in front of you or the car in front of you, it also helps you see what is coming up, such as an intersection or some other problem.
1) Drivers: Stop Waving E-Z Passes
Signs Posted at Toll Booths
POSTED: 7:55 am EDT July 22, 2007
UPDATED: 8:02 am EDT July 22, 2007
DERRY, N.H. -- The state Department of Transportation has a message to turnpike drivers: Stop waving those E-ZPass transponders!
After observing a third of E-ZPass users holding and waving their transponders back and forth, toll plaza attendants posted new signs: "Transponder Waving Causes Violations."
Properly used, E-ZPass transponders are attached to car windshields so they can be electronically read. Drivers who treat transponders like hand-held devices, waving them to and fro as they drive through the tolls, cause a couple of problems, said Transportation Department spokesman Bill Boynton.
First, transponder readers often can't recognize transponders that aren't fixed to a stationary point on a windshield, Boynton said. That means transponder wavers sometimes aren't getting charged as they drive through. Although toll evaders in the cash lane face up to a $144 fine, E-ZPass users who get through without paying only are subject to a $25 administrative fee.
But Boynton said there's a more serious reason not to wave those transponders. That's the second problem: If a driver is holding a transponder in one hand, that means there's only one had on the steering wheel, and that's dangerous.
Linda Cate, a supervisor at the Bedford tolls, says she has even seen drivers stop in the E-ZPass lane, get out of their cars and wave their transponders in the air to try to get a reading.
That's not safe, Cate said.
"They could be hit by a car," she said.
Boynton said he doubts most transponder wavers do it to intentionally avoid paying the toll. Some still haven't got the hang of the program that has only been around for two years; some people don't like the look of transponders attached to their windshields and others just forget to attach them when they buy a new car, he said.
"To guarantee the accuracy of transponder activity, we have to be sure that it is done correctly," Boynton said.
New Hampshire's E-ZPass program has grown to 180,000 accounts since the program began; today more than 50 percent of cars passing through the state's tolls use E-ZPass. New Hampshire collected $80 million in cash and electronic toll payments in 2006.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
1) We talked about these things in class and how they save you time and money. But if people are not using them the right way then they are never going to save any time. People need to just put them in the spot that the manual tells them to. If they don't do that then is there is less chance of it working and then people are not paying for their trips through the tolls.
2) Smart Car Comes To Boston
Smart Car Price Starts At $12,000
POSTED: 5:42 pm EDT June 28, 2007
UPDATED: 6:50 pm EDT June 28, 2007
BOSTON -- The Smart car is coming to America. This weekend, Bostonians will have a chance to test-drive the pint-sized mobile.
"The head room is 4 inches above your head. The car sits high so you will be eye-to-eye with the guy next to you," said Ken Kettenbeil of Smart USA.
NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill reported that there is a lot packed into the 104-inch long car -- a six-disc CD player, two cup holders and an iPod connection in the glove box. The car gets an estimated 40 mpg. The door panels are removable, so owners can easily change the colors.
But can something so small be safe?
"The silver outline is the Triden Safety System -- similar to the roll cage in NASCAR," said Kettenbeil "(The car has) electronic stabilizing, four airbags and anti-lock brakes."
People who have driven the car said it drives pretty well.
"It drives like a regular car. Powerful," said Nick Edraos, who took a test drive.
The small car comes with a relatively small price tag -- starting at $12,000.
"I reserved a cabriolet. No wind noise. I could put the top down while driving. I can't wait to get it," said Debbie Edraos, who took a test drive.
The Smart Fortwo makes its American debut in January.
2) This car is energy efficient and is safe. It is an awesome car for 1 person, and will even fit 2 people, comfortably. It has electronic stabilizing, 4 airbags, and anti-lock brakes. These help this extremely small car stay on the road, and "competing" with other small size sedans. This car also has the electronic equipment that for $12,000 it is practically a steal.
3) Ohio Ambulance Crash Kills 5
(AP) VAN WERT, Ohio An ambulance headed to a hospital was broadsided by a semitrailer at a rural intersection and caught fire Friday night, killing three emergency medical technicians and two patients, the State Highway Patrol said. The patients were being treated for injuries from an earlier car wreck when their ambulance was struck in Crane Township, about 65 miles southwest of Toledo. A fourth Antwerp Emergency Medical Services worker, Matt McDougall, 31, of Antwerp, and the driver of the semitrailer, Gerald Chapman Jr., 54, of Bryant, Ind., were taken to a hospital for treatment, the patrol said. Their conditions were not immediately available. The crash remained under investigation. The ambulance was traveling south on a county road that had stop signs posted for north-south traffic, said patrol Lt. Shawn Davis. No stop signs were posted for the semitrailer heading east, Davis said. Authorities have not said whether the ambulance's emergency sirens and lights were turned on. "It's very sad. Very tragic," Antwerp Village Council President Ronald Farnsworth told The (Toledo) Blade. "Right now, we need all the prayers we can get. Right now we're grieving." Several dozen fire and emergency workers gathered at the village's fire hall with a pastor Friday night. "They aren't in very good shape right now," Farnsworth said. The village planned to arrange for counseling, he said. Killed in the accident were EMS workers Sammy Smith, 64; Heidi McDougall, 31; and Kelly Rager, 25. All were from Antwerp. The patients killed were identified as Robert Wells, 64, and Armelda Wells, 60, both of Hicksville.
3) This article is about an accident that happened when a Semi crashed into an ambulance. The ambulance had 4 EMTs and 2 patients. The 2 patients were being treated for injuries resulting from a car crash earlier that evening. The 2 patients, and 3 of the EMTs were killed in the crash. 1 EMT and the driver of the semi were taken to the hospital for treatment, their conditions were unavailable. This Crash is kind of ironic, because the patients had just survived a crash and had to die in one that was not anywhere near their fault they were just in the wrong car crash at the wrong time. It is kind of scary that the Semi did not stop for the Ambulance, with all of the lights and sirens going they are kind of hard to miss.
Assignment 2)
How to time arrival for a green light:
See light in your target area. See red light as a closed front zone. Check rear zone. Alert rear - Tap brakes. Begin constant braking. Time arrival into open zone. at 10 mph, go or stop. Green light, search intersection at 45 degree angles. If its still a red light stop smoothly.
Assignment 3)
The benefits of keeping a 4 second following distance are space to react if the car in front of you slams on their brakes, and a better view of your surroundings to the front. By having time to react to others actions you reduce your risk of crashing into them, you also take pressure off of yourself and other drivers making your driving a little less stressful and making other drivers happier with you. Having a better view of your surroundings makes it so that you can see when someone is going to pull in front of you or the car in front of you, it also helps you see what is coming up, such as an intersection or some other problem.
Assignments Due, 7/14
Assignment 1)
1) http://www.ou.edu/oupd/seatbelt.htm
2) http://auto.howstuffworks.com/seatbelt.htm
3) http://www.nsc.org/traf/sbc/sbcwhy.htm
Assignment 2)
The three parts of the zone control system are
1) http://www.ou.edu/oupd/seatbelt.htm
2) http://auto.howstuffworks.com/seatbelt.htm
3) http://www.nsc.org/traf/sbc/sbcwhy.htm
Assignment 2)
The three parts of the zone control system are
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Assignments Due, 7/13
1)
Fat, Sleepless, Smoking Truckers Targeted
Smoking Rate, Work Injuries Far Above U.S. Average
POSTED: 6:33 pm EDT July 9, 2007
UPDATED: 7:19 pm EDT July 9, 2007
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Truck drivers -- the people who deliver our food, cars and clothing -- have one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, accounting for almost 15 percent of U.S. work-related deaths.
And that's only counting the accidents.
They are also more at risk than average Americans for a number of health problems. Obesity is rampant. Many don't bother to wear seatbelts because their stomachs get in the way. About one in four have sleep apnea. Half of them smoke.
The latest research in an upcoming report drives home those points and may help influence government regulations for truck drivers' health, which are under review. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering tightening its rules for conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. And many companies are stepping up their own efforts at improving health.
"It takes a while to undo years and years and years of unhealthy behavior," said Christie Cullinan of the American Trucking Associations, which represents about 2,000 companies and suppliers. "But I think companies are having to look at this because of the skyrocketing health care costs and related workers compensation costs."
Drivers are tested every two years to maintain their licenses, which are issued by states. Waivers can be granted, but generally commercial drivers can't be licensed if they have severe high blood pressure or severe heart conditions. Other aspects of drivers' health, like weight and smoking, aren't regulated.
Education Is Key
"They can't say, 'You can't be obese' and they can't force you to stop smoking,"' said Gerald P. Krueger, a psychologist who compiled the latest research by the Transportation Research Board. "The government shouldn't regulate that. But we've been trying to educate people to the linkage between being a healthy person and a safe driver."
Krueger said trucking companies need to do more to foster better health among their employees, whether it's to reduce health care costs or hang onto employees in an industry where turnover is high and shortages growing.
It's not clear how many companies are making efforts. The trucking associations group says it is planning a survey. The group estimates there are 1.3 million long-haul drivers nationwide. An Associated Press spot check of companies revealed these initiatives:
Celadon Group Inc. has stationed nurses at its main facility in Indianapolis and encourages its 3,200 drivers in the U.S. and Canada to get blood pressure and cholesterol checks. Doctors are on call if needed, and Celadon pays all expenses. The company says it's helped trim its $10 million annual health care bill.
Melton Truck Lines Inc. replaced sodas in the Tulsa, Okla., headquarters vending machines with green tea, water and diet drinks. The company also offered a 12-week weight-loss series.
Con-way Freight of Ann Arbor, Mich., saw annual workers compensation claims plunge 80 percent and lost work days drop 75 percent in Los Angeles after its trial of a wellness program two years ago. Now leaders of such programs are being hired at other hub offices.
Schneider National Inc. of Green Bay, Wis., screened 10,000 of its 15,000 drivers for apnea, a disorder that interferes with breathing during sleep and can leave the sufferer groggy and exhausted. The company provided the 10 percent who had the disorder with special air masks to help them sleep.
Response Varies
Some drivers are responding to all the health campaigns, working out at loading stations, cooking for themselves and even walking laps around their rigs. (Thirty-two times around an 18-wheeler is a mile.)
Sammy Belvin, a driver for Oklahoma-based Melton Truck Lines, has been getting advice from a wellness coordinator with the company. He carries weights in his truck, and for meals, he eats cereal and cooks chicken breasts on an electric grill in his cab.
A driver for 23 years, Belvin says these days he's not the only one jogging around in the mornings before he drives off for the day.
Lisa Miles, an independent driver based in Fort Wayne, Ind., lifts weights in the cabin of her semi, too, while her partner driver takes the wheel. She gave up smoking three years ago and now is trying to lose 30 pounds.
"It's real easy to let your personal health be the last of your priorities," she said.
As many as half of drivers are regular smokers, compared to about one-fifth of all Americans. Many truckers are obese, and only about one in 10 get regular aerobic exercise. More details will be available in a soon-to-be-published study for the Transportation Research Board, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences. All those bad habits can fuel high blood pressure and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Sleep apnea, which is linked to obesity, is rampant too. An industry study a few years ago found 28 percent of drivers had it; that compares with about 4 percent in the general population who have the disorder.
Government numbers say the trucking industry has the most fatalities of all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says truck drivers account for nearly 15 percent of all worker deaths in the most recent data available, from 2005. (The death rate per 100,000 is higher for other occupations.) Of those trucker deaths, 80 percent involved traffic accidents, the bureau said.
Truck drivers also report more injuries, such as sprains, than workers in any other category, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Many of them unload the goods they carry, risking back injuries.
The medical review board of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will discuss updating medical guidelines at a meeting this month, but any changes are at least a year away, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Teamsters union wants to ensure that truckers don't lose their jobs if health rules are tightened, said Lamont Byrd, director of safety and health for the union.
"We see some real changes coming down the pipe that suggests the bar may be raised," he said.
Challenges Are Unique
Truckers pose unique challenges when it comes to improving health, said Ilene Masser, director of such a program for faculty and staff at New York University Medical Center. They sit for long periods, are out on their own, eat a lot of fast food and most of them are men, who often need more prodding than women to make changes, she said.
Changes are worth it. About three-quarters of employers with at least 1,000 workers have a wellness program, she said. And for every dollar invested, they get about $3.14 back, including savings on health care costs and added productivity.
William Rundle is one of the drivers for Schneider National who benefited from his company's aggressive effort to treat sleep apnea.
"It's wonderful to be able to function during the day now," he said, adding that he has more energy and makes his deliveries on time. He said his company has also persuaded him to quit smoking and eat better.
In the past year he's trimmed 15 pounds from his formerly 300-pound, 5-foot-7 frame. It's difficult, he said. He wants to eat salads but they often come with hard-to-resist cheese and bacon. He wants to exercise but counts few safe places to walk close to the highway.
"You don't see very many truck drivers that look like they're in good shape. We're just like anybody else," said Rundle, 43, who lives in Woodbourne, N.Y.
For at least seven years, Schneider has worked to improve drivers' health. Twice a year, the company takes a "discomfort" survey on driving ergonomics and aches and pains. Physical therapists follow up with drivers to address problems before they become severe.
Krueger, the Transportation Research Board psychologist, said younger drivers know more about healthy behaviors because they've heard it in school. But the problem lies in convincing the drivers already on the road that they need to exercise, see a doctor regularly and eat better. He has spent decades researching occupational medicine and he's heard all sorts of excuses, especially from drivers.
"My favorite line is, 'Dr. Krueger, I get off work at 3 in the morning. You want me to go to Gold's Gym and do what?"'
1) This article talks about the growing health problems for truckers and what they have been doing about it. Truck companies are considering raising the bar on health regulations. But they don't want to raise the bar to the point where they lose their drivers. Even though the Drivers have to get a physical and take a test to renew their liscense every year, there are ways around the test, such as a waiver. Some drivers are really trying to work out and lose weight, get better sleep and quit smoking. Which will help them when their bosses raise the expectations of health among drivers.
2) Man, 49, Hit, Killed On Bicycle
Police Searching For Vehicle
NORTON, Mass. -- Police are searching for the vehicle that hit and killed a 49-year-old man who was riding his bicycle on West Main Street in Norton Thursday night.
NewsCenter 5's Steve Lacy reported that the accident happened about 10 p.m. on Route 123 near the Norton Middle School.
The bicyclist's name has not been released. He was traveling eastbound on the roadway when he was hit.
When officers arrived, the driver of the vehicle that hit the bicyclist had left the scene. They found a mangled 10-speed bicycle.
"Emergency personnel went to the scene and he was pronounced dead at the scene," said Norton Det. Sgt. Brian Clark.
"We are currently looking for a, possibly white, Dodge Ram pickup truck that may have front-end damage," Clark said. "We are also interested in speaking to an operator of a gray or white Econoline van that may or may not have information regarding this accident."
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Norton Police Department.
2) Something like a hit and run can get you thrown into jail. It also is not good that the 49 year old man was riding his bike at night. I actually saw this story on the news and looking at the bike they recovered from the scene, it did not have good reflectors on it.
3)
Fat, Sleepless, Smoking Truckers Targeted
Smoking Rate, Work Injuries Far Above U.S. Average
POSTED: 6:33 pm EDT July 9, 2007
UPDATED: 7:19 pm EDT July 9, 2007
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Truck drivers -- the people who deliver our food, cars and clothing -- have one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States, accounting for almost 15 percent of U.S. work-related deaths.
And that's only counting the accidents.
They are also more at risk than average Americans for a number of health problems. Obesity is rampant. Many don't bother to wear seatbelts because their stomachs get in the way. About one in four have sleep apnea. Half of them smoke.
The latest research in an upcoming report drives home those points and may help influence government regulations for truck drivers' health, which are under review. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering tightening its rules for conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure. And many companies are stepping up their own efforts at improving health.
"It takes a while to undo years and years and years of unhealthy behavior," said Christie Cullinan of the American Trucking Associations, which represents about 2,000 companies and suppliers. "But I think companies are having to look at this because of the skyrocketing health care costs and related workers compensation costs."
Drivers are tested every two years to maintain their licenses, which are issued by states. Waivers can be granted, but generally commercial drivers can't be licensed if they have severe high blood pressure or severe heart conditions. Other aspects of drivers' health, like weight and smoking, aren't regulated.
Education Is Key
"They can't say, 'You can't be obese' and they can't force you to stop smoking,"' said Gerald P. Krueger, a psychologist who compiled the latest research by the Transportation Research Board. "The government shouldn't regulate that. But we've been trying to educate people to the linkage between being a healthy person and a safe driver."
Krueger said trucking companies need to do more to foster better health among their employees, whether it's to reduce health care costs or hang onto employees in an industry where turnover is high and shortages growing.
It's not clear how many companies are making efforts. The trucking associations group says it is planning a survey. The group estimates there are 1.3 million long-haul drivers nationwide. An Associated Press spot check of companies revealed these initiatives:
Celadon Group Inc. has stationed nurses at its main facility in Indianapolis and encourages its 3,200 drivers in the U.S. and Canada to get blood pressure and cholesterol checks. Doctors are on call if needed, and Celadon pays all expenses. The company says it's helped trim its $10 million annual health care bill.
Melton Truck Lines Inc. replaced sodas in the Tulsa, Okla., headquarters vending machines with green tea, water and diet drinks. The company also offered a 12-week weight-loss series.
Con-way Freight of Ann Arbor, Mich., saw annual workers compensation claims plunge 80 percent and lost work days drop 75 percent in Los Angeles after its trial of a wellness program two years ago. Now leaders of such programs are being hired at other hub offices.
Schneider National Inc. of Green Bay, Wis., screened 10,000 of its 15,000 drivers for apnea, a disorder that interferes with breathing during sleep and can leave the sufferer groggy and exhausted. The company provided the 10 percent who had the disorder with special air masks to help them sleep.
Response Varies
Some drivers are responding to all the health campaigns, working out at loading stations, cooking for themselves and even walking laps around their rigs. (Thirty-two times around an 18-wheeler is a mile.)
Sammy Belvin, a driver for Oklahoma-based Melton Truck Lines, has been getting advice from a wellness coordinator with the company. He carries weights in his truck, and for meals, he eats cereal and cooks chicken breasts on an electric grill in his cab.
A driver for 23 years, Belvin says these days he's not the only one jogging around in the mornings before he drives off for the day.
Lisa Miles, an independent driver based in Fort Wayne, Ind., lifts weights in the cabin of her semi, too, while her partner driver takes the wheel. She gave up smoking three years ago and now is trying to lose 30 pounds.
"It's real easy to let your personal health be the last of your priorities," she said.
As many as half of drivers are regular smokers, compared to about one-fifth of all Americans. Many truckers are obese, and only about one in 10 get regular aerobic exercise. More details will be available in a soon-to-be-published study for the Transportation Research Board, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences. All those bad habits can fuel high blood pressure and chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Sleep apnea, which is linked to obesity, is rampant too. An industry study a few years ago found 28 percent of drivers had it; that compares with about 4 percent in the general population who have the disorder.
Government numbers say the trucking industry has the most fatalities of all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says truck drivers account for nearly 15 percent of all worker deaths in the most recent data available, from 2005. (The death rate per 100,000 is higher for other occupations.) Of those trucker deaths, 80 percent involved traffic accidents, the bureau said.
Truck drivers also report more injuries, such as sprains, than workers in any other category, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Many of them unload the goods they carry, risking back injuries.
The medical review board of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will discuss updating medical guidelines at a meeting this month, but any changes are at least a year away, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Teamsters union wants to ensure that truckers don't lose their jobs if health rules are tightened, said Lamont Byrd, director of safety and health for the union.
"We see some real changes coming down the pipe that suggests the bar may be raised," he said.
Challenges Are Unique
Truckers pose unique challenges when it comes to improving health, said Ilene Masser, director of such a program for faculty and staff at New York University Medical Center. They sit for long periods, are out on their own, eat a lot of fast food and most of them are men, who often need more prodding than women to make changes, she said.
Changes are worth it. About three-quarters of employers with at least 1,000 workers have a wellness program, she said. And for every dollar invested, they get about $3.14 back, including savings on health care costs and added productivity.
William Rundle is one of the drivers for Schneider National who benefited from his company's aggressive effort to treat sleep apnea.
"It's wonderful to be able to function during the day now," he said, adding that he has more energy and makes his deliveries on time. He said his company has also persuaded him to quit smoking and eat better.
In the past year he's trimmed 15 pounds from his formerly 300-pound, 5-foot-7 frame. It's difficult, he said. He wants to eat salads but they often come with hard-to-resist cheese and bacon. He wants to exercise but counts few safe places to walk close to the highway.
"You don't see very many truck drivers that look like they're in good shape. We're just like anybody else," said Rundle, 43, who lives in Woodbourne, N.Y.
For at least seven years, Schneider has worked to improve drivers' health. Twice a year, the company takes a "discomfort" survey on driving ergonomics and aches and pains. Physical therapists follow up with drivers to address problems before they become severe.
Krueger, the Transportation Research Board psychologist, said younger drivers know more about healthy behaviors because they've heard it in school. But the problem lies in convincing the drivers already on the road that they need to exercise, see a doctor regularly and eat better. He has spent decades researching occupational medicine and he's heard all sorts of excuses, especially from drivers.
"My favorite line is, 'Dr. Krueger, I get off work at 3 in the morning. You want me to go to Gold's Gym and do what?"'
1) This article talks about the growing health problems for truckers and what they have been doing about it. Truck companies are considering raising the bar on health regulations. But they don't want to raise the bar to the point where they lose their drivers. Even though the Drivers have to get a physical and take a test to renew their liscense every year, there are ways around the test, such as a waiver. Some drivers are really trying to work out and lose weight, get better sleep and quit smoking. Which will help them when their bosses raise the expectations of health among drivers.
2) Man, 49, Hit, Killed On Bicycle
Police Searching For Vehicle
NORTON, Mass. -- Police are searching for the vehicle that hit and killed a 49-year-old man who was riding his bicycle on West Main Street in Norton Thursday night.
NewsCenter 5's Steve Lacy reported that the accident happened about 10 p.m. on Route 123 near the Norton Middle School.
The bicyclist's name has not been released. He was traveling eastbound on the roadway when he was hit.
When officers arrived, the driver of the vehicle that hit the bicyclist had left the scene. They found a mangled 10-speed bicycle.
"Emergency personnel went to the scene and he was pronounced dead at the scene," said Norton Det. Sgt. Brian Clark.
"We are currently looking for a, possibly white, Dodge Ram pickup truck that may have front-end damage," Clark said. "We are also interested in speaking to an operator of a gray or white Econoline van that may or may not have information regarding this accident."
Anyone with information was asked to contact the Norton Police Department.
2) Something like a hit and run can get you thrown into jail. It also is not good that the 49 year old man was riding his bike at night. I actually saw this story on the news and looking at the bike they recovered from the scene, it did not have good reflectors on it.
3)
Teen Killed In Car Crash
Police: Excessive Speed May Be To Blame
POSTED: 6:51 pm EDT July 8, 2007
UPDATED: 7:09 pm EDT July 8, 2007
ELLENBURG CENTER, N.Y. -- New York State Police said a teenager was killed Saturday morning after crashing his car. Barry Trombley, 19, died when his Volkswagen Golf went off the the road, striking a utility pole. Trombley was driving just a few miles from his home, on Brandy Brook Road in Ellenburg Center.
Friends said Trombley was a great guy, who enjoyed fishing and hunting. "Everybody will remember Barry forever. I'll always remember him. It's like a piece of your heart was taken away, definitely," said friend Brad Malark. Police said speed was likely the cause of the accident. Trombley graduated from Northern Adirondack Central School in 2006. He spent the past year working at a trucking company in West Chazy.
3) This crash was probably caused by the driver being inexperienced, also a lot of crashes occur less than 20 miles away from home. This is where this collision occured.
3) This crash was probably caused by the driver being inexperienced, also a lot of crashes occur less than 20 miles away from home. This is where this collision occured.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Assignment due, 7/11
The graduated licensing system, is a system where you must acquire a Learners Permit and meet all of the requirements for "graduating" to the Junior Operators license. Then after a certain amount of time (6 months), you "graduate" again to a Full Operators license. I think that this law is good for keeping younger drivers under countrol. But from the perspective of a teenager who has to go through this process I wish that there was some way to speed it up.
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