Elevator riders in West Virginia and around the country are protected by a variety of sophisticated safety devices, but accidents can and do still happen. One such accident claimed the life of a 30-year-old New York man on Aug. 22. The man died after becoming trapped between the elevator cab and the shaft wall. He was exiting the elevator at approximately 8:30 a.m. when the cab began to move. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
What drivers and motorcyclists can do to keep each other safe
Throughout May, which is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the National Safety Council reminded both drivers and motorcyclists of their responsibility toward one another. Motorcyclists composed 14% of all traffic fatalities in West Virginia and across the U.S. in 2017 even though motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles on the road.
Drawing blood the best way to measure CO2 in pediatric TBI cases
When a child incurs head trauma, doctors measure and regulate the child's level of carbon dioxide to ensure that enough blood oxygen reaches the brain. If too much carbon dioxide is allowed into the brain, it puts pressure in the skull, yet if too little passes through, it weakens blood circulation in the brain. West Virginia residents should know that there are two main ways of measuring carbon dioxide, one non-invasive and the other invasive.
Outbreak at Georgia hotel confirmed to be Legionnaire's disease
West Virginia residents may be aware that an Atlanta area hotel was evacuated on July 15 when guests started getting sick. It was quickly determined that the guests were suffering from an extreme form of pneumonia known as Legionnaire's disease, and the Georgia Department of Public Health eliminated any remaining doubt when it found Legionella bacteria in water samples collected from the hotel's cooling tower and an ornamental fountain in its lobby. A 49-year-old woman died after contracting the disease at the hotel, and the GDPH has positively identified at least 13 other cases.
Wayne Newton sued by mother of victim in pet monkey attack
Entertainer Wayne Newton is now facing a lawsuit because his pet monkey allegedly bit a girl who was touring his former estate. Residents of West Virginia should know that this Las Vegas estate, called the Casa de Shenandoah, is a 40-acre mansion with stables, gardens and exotic animals. It had been sold to investors in 2010 and is now a museum and tourist attraction.
When efforts to avoid a weaving truck result in a rollover
A vehicle rollover is among the most frightening accidents anyone can have and one that often results in devastating injuries and death.
The Safe Roads Act would make automatic truck brakes mandatory
Automatic emergency braking systems would become mandatory safety equipment on all heavy commercial vehicles in West Virginia and around the country if a bill currently being considered by the House Highways and Transit Subcommittee is signed into law. Road safety groups, like the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety and the Truck Safety Coalition, say the passage of the Safe Roads Act would prevent deadly truck crashes caused by impaired, distracted or fatigued truck drivers. However, some organizations that lobby for the logistics industry oppose the legislation.
What to do immediately after a motorcycle accident
Motorcyclists in West Virginia should know that certain steps must be taken in the wake of an accident with someone else. Staying calm, as difficult as it may be, is generally the best policy. If a motorcyclist can fulfill the following steps smoothly and with an attention to detail, it will be a lot easier for them when they file their claim with their insurance company.
Ways drivers can reduce distractions while driving
West Virginia drivers may be interested to learn that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 3,166 people died in fatal car accidents in 2017. A significant number of the fatal accidents involved distracted driving, which is often caused by smartphone use, using navigation/infotainment systems and eating while driving. However, there are ways that drivers can make the roads safe for everyone.
