Firm News

From the NHTSA [National Highway Safety Administration] Web Site:

Because 15-passenger vans have a higher risk of rollover under certain conditions, there is increasing concern regarding the safety of occupants

Rollover warning to users of 15-passenger vans

Latest ResearchThe Effects of Electronic Stability Controls

The Effects of Tire Pressure

Analysis of Crashes Involving 15-Passenger Vans

Watch the Tests

2003 Ford E-350 (streaming video)
2004 GMC Savana with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) (streaming video)
2004 GMC Savana with ESC disabled (streaming video)

Action Plan for 15-Passenger Van Safety (updated 11/17/2004)
Reducing the Risk of Rollover Crashes in 15-Passenger Vans
Reduciendo El Riesgo De Accidentes Por Vuelcos En Camionetas De 15 Pasajeros
Don't use 15-passenger vans for school transportation

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Research counters furor over malpractice lawsuits: [FINAL Edition]

Carl T. Bogus. USA TODAY . McLean, Va.: Mar 24, 2004. pg. A.13

In this article published in USA Today, the false claims and fabricated hysteria created by the insurance industry are soundly exposed. "The specter of spiraling, unjustified lawsuits forcing dedicated physicians from practice is alarming indeed. But it's a false image." Reports USA Today.

"There are problems in the health care industry, to be sure. But before making a diagnosis, a good doctor examines the facts, and we should do the same. In fact, a lot of data bear upon the relationship between malpractice litigation and the health care system, and little of it supports conventional wisdom. Moreover, trying to cure what ails the system by curbing lawsuits would make the health care system more dangerous."

"First, there is no explosion in medical malpractice litigation. Data complied by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners show that, from 1995 to 2000, new medical malpractice claims declined by about 4%."

***

"The unpleasant reality is that there is too much medical malpractice. According to the Institute of Medicine, 44,000 to 98,000 hospital patients die every year from preventable accidents, and many others suffer severe and permanent injuries.

Some malpractice is inevitable. Doctors are mortals; even the best make mistakes. About 5% of physicians account for the majority of all medical malpractice claims, according to reports filed with the National Practitioner Data Bank. Unfortunately, the medical disciplinary system is weak. Among doctors who have paid five or more malpractice claims, only 13.3% have been subject to professional discipline, according to Public Citizen's analysis of the data."

U.S. regulator stresses kids should ride in back seat

February 11, 2003

This article reports:

                   "Youngsters are at greater risk of severe injury or
                   death when they're involved in a crash while riding in
                   the front seat," Dr. Jeffrey Runge, administrator of
                   the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
                   said at a news conference.

In addition, with the advent of improvements in airbags and education programs --

                   The National Safety Council's Air Bag and Seat Belt
                   Safety Campaign reports that air bag-related child
                   deaths have dropped 94 percent since 1996.

To see the complete article go to: http://www.auto.com/industry/iwird11_20030211.htm

Child Passenger Safety Bill Tougher

By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press Writer

Tue Nov 19, 2002 5:31 PM ET

In an article published in the Washingtron Associated Press Nedra Pickler reported on the passage of "Anton's Law":

"The bill is called "Anton's Law" in memory of Anton Skeen, a four-year-old who was killed in a car crash in Washington state. Anton's mother, Autumn Skeen, thinks Anton's life could have been saved if he had been riding in a booster seat; she has pushed for tougher booster seat laws."

***

"Robert Strassburger, head of safety for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said Tuesday that automakers are installing the middle seat shoulder belt in an increasing number of vehicles. He estimated that at least a quarter of this year's models have it.

While lap and shoulder belts are required for the outer seating positions, only a lap belt has been required for the middle. But most child safety and booster seats are designed to be used with a lap and shoulder belt.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had been considering a change to the rule. The bill, which passed the Senate Monday night without objection, would require that the agency make the change. It also will expand booster seat testing requirements to cover children weighing more than 50 pounds."

***

Ms. Pickler noted, "The federal government recommends children ride in a forward-facing car seat until they weigh 40 pounds, then move to a booster seat until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall. Booster seats keep the vehicle's seat belt across the child's lap and shoulder instead of the abdomen and neck, but a study issued this year by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that only 13 percent of 4- to 8-year-olds used them."

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.