Good Hands Community

 As a kid growing up, one of my favorite memories was riding in the bed of my grandfather’s pickup truck and hanging on the steel racks while the truck drove along the road. Looking back, however, cruising along the road riding in the bed of a pickup truck is extremely dangerous and I was lucky that I wasn’t seriously injured.

Unfortunately, this incident is not isolated to my childhood. At construction sites and in many Southern states, such as Texas, it is much more convenient and fun to transport several people in the bed of a truck rather than taking multiple cars. Although there are federal standards in place to protect car passengers during a crash, there are no such standards in place for the bed area of pickup trucks because they are designed to carry cargo, not people.

Currently, 30 states and the District of Columbia have laws in place to restrict riding in cargo areas of pickup trucks. Although most of these laws were passed to protect children, they serve as a stark warning for adults as well. As a parent, neither you nor your child should ever ride in the back of a pickup truck, even if you are traveling a short distance.

Here are three facts about the dangers of riding in the bed of a truck:

1.    No Seat Belts
Because pickup truck beds are designed to store cargo, not people, there are no seat belts, meaning that minor bumps or swerves can be fatal. In fact, according to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, most non-collision deaths in a pickup truck are caused by swerving, braking or rough roads—ordinary road conditions and occurrences that would not be dangerous if passengers were properly restrained.

2.    Risk of Ejection
In the event of sudden braking, riding in the bed of a pickup truck significantly increases the risk a passenger will be ejected, turning a minor non-life threatening accident into a fatal collision. Even at slower speeds, falling out of a pick up truck can be deadly.

3.    Carbon Monoxide
According to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, children in covered pickup beds can be exposed to carbon monoxide, a toxic chemical that can cause headaches, vertigo, depression and even death.

So remember, people are not cargo. Buckle up, every time and every trip.

nbsp; On average, five children are killed in accidents involving power windows according to an analysis of 2003–2004 data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The NHTSA also estimates that accidents involving power windows injure 1,000 children* as a result of an analysis of 2003–2005 data. While this number seems low compared to the number of children injured or killed in car accidents or other unfortunate circumstances, as a parent, it is still an issue that you should be concerned about.

Most of us have experienced the pain associated with a window unintentionally closes on our finger, hand or arm but for children, injuries associated with power windows can be much more serious.

Unlike power-operated devices such as elevators or garage doors, most power windows do not have an automatic stopping mechanism when it senses something in its way.  In 2004, eleven major consumer, auto and child safety groups petitioned the NHTSA to require automatic reverse technology for all new passenger vehicles. This technology would stop a power window from closing when a child is in its path. Unfortunately, the NHTSA did not implement this recommendation.

As a parent, you should understand the risks related to power windows. Here are four FAQs about the dangers of power windows.

1.    How do power window-related injuries occur?
In many reports of accidents involving power windows, an unsupervised child typically has his or her head out the window of a car and accidentally leans on the window switch. The glass moves up, chocking the child.
2.    What are the various kinds of power window switches?
There are three types of switches: rocker, toggle and lever (push-pull switches). Rocker and toggle switches are activated when downward pressure is applied to it. Rocker and toggle switches can be inherently riskier if mounted horizontally on the door’s armrest.  Lever switches, on the other hand, must be pulled up to move the window.
3.    Which switches are more risky?
Because toggle and rocker switches are activated by downward pressure, it is easy for children to accidentally power the window. According to Kids and Cars, a non-profit group that tracks auto-safety issues involving children, lever switches have generally not been implicated in fatal injures.
4.    What can I do to reduce the risk of an accident?
As a parent, you should never leave your child unsupervised in a car. Talk to your child about the dangers of power windows and why they should never stick their head, or any other body parts out the window, regardless of whether the car is moving or not.  When you are purchasing a new car, you should pay special attention to the type of window switch and the design of the window switch.

* The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration analysis categorizes children as 14 years old and younger.

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May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! As the weather begins to warm up and more motorcyclists get back on their bikes, it’s important to first take the proper precautions to ensure that their riding experience is both safe and enjoyable. Here are some tips for you to take into account before you hit the road again:

(All tips taken from: http://www.allstate.com/motorcycle-insurance/safety-tips.aspx)

Get Ready for Riding Season
•    Test the lights, brakes, and turn signals.
•    Check the oil and fuel levels.
•    Make sure the mirrors are positioned correctly.
•    Check the cables to make sure they aren't worn or frayed.
•    Lube the chain and adjust it according to the manufacturer's specs.
•    Try a rider-training course to brush up on your skills.

Invest in Good Gear
When you're on the open road, there's not much between you and the pavement. Wearing tough gear is always a smart move.
•    Pick a high-quality helmet that fits well. If it doesn't have a face shield, pair it up with goggles or glasses with safety lenses.
•    Use safety as your excuse to shell out for that leather jacket. Get the pants while you're at it. (We know black and bikes are a perfect match, but a bright color will help other drivers see you better.)
•    Wear durable non-slip gloves.
•    Invest in boots or sneakers that cover your ankles.

When You're Out on the Road
Let's be honest: There's a lot of stuff out there that's bigger than your bike. But there's a lot you can do to help keep yourself safe while riding.
•    Always wear a helmet that fits right. Pick one that has the DOT label, which shows that it meets federal safety standards.
•    Know your bike's limits.
•    Stick to the speed limit.
•    Don't tailgate other vehicles.
•    Use your signals.
•    Be respectful of other drivers. Don't weave through traffic or drive on the shoulder.
•    Make sure other drivers can see you. Don't ride in blind spots and always use your headlights.
•    Brake smart. Use both brakes at the same time, slow and steady.

Have a smart and safe motorcycle season!

http://www.allstategarage.com/

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauricedb/1345801234/ / CC BY 3.0