2012

Cars being used to teach driver’s education in Illinois will have to adhere to new safety guidelines under a new law. A study found that many cars used in driver’s education programs were old and in unsatisfactory condition in regards to side airbag usage and crash test ratings. The new law will ensure safety conditions… read more

DriveScribe is a free smart phone application that purportedly turns a smart phone from a distraction into a coach by providing motivation for safe driving and instilling a sense of competition among drivers. After every jaunt in a motor vehicle, the application calculates how well the driver performed, providing them with a score that provides… read more

Beaufort, South Carolina want to educate the public through an awareness campaign before banning texting while driving. The first vote on the potential ban will be August 28. Six cities in South Carolina have a ban already in place, but a statewide ban failed failed last month when the Senate voted against it. If passed… read more

The FDA has announced that cantaloupes from Chamberlain Farm Produce have been recalled. This affects all cantaloupes from the 2012 season and is the result of a possible Salmonella contamination. Salmonella can be fatal for the young, frail, or elderly, and can cause serious illness even in healthy persons. Consumers who plan to purchase cantaloupes… read more

Undeclared sulfites in Del Campo Dried Potatoes has led to that product’s recall. The recall was announced by the Ridgewood, New York-based Optima Distributors.  The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets unearthed the threat via sampling. It is the 14 ounce size that has the issue.  Persons who are allergic to sulfites are… read more

General Motors has announced the recall of the Buick Rainier, the Chevy Trailblazer, the GMC Envoy, the Isuzu Ascender, and the Saab 9-7X vehicles of the 2006 through 2007 model years. There is an issue with the driver’s door wherein fluid might enter the module, lead to a corrosion-induced short-circuit, and potentially cause a fire…. read more

An assemblywoman seeks to enact a law in New Jersey requiring dogs riding in cars to wear animal-modified seat belts. The proposed law would fine drivers $20 for ignoring the law and charge them with possible animal cruelty. Some legislators, though, argue that this law is unnecessary and are pushing for less harsh consequences for… read more

In both the United States and Great Britain, officials have placed an increased emphasis on stringent licensing requirements that must be met in order for an elderly person to obtain a driver’s license.  Many people are under the impression that driving ability is likely to suffer as an individual gets older and faces deterioration of… read more

This next story is an oldie but a goodie.  A couple years back, the gang from Mythbusters decided to test out something that is still cause for much debate nowadays.  They attempted to determine whether or not talking on a cellphone while driving is actually as dangerous as being intoxicated behind the wheel.  This issue… read more

In an issue of The Advocate from last year, Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP’s own Rahul Ravipudi discussed the threat to safety posed on the docks by workers who engage in drug and alcohol use while on the job.  If this substance abuse leads to an injury of another party, the ensuing discovery process… read more

The Hardy Insurance Agency in Stoughton, Massachusetts is hoping that simulation technology will give teenage drivers a look at the dangers of texting and driving. The Arbella Insurance Foundation Distractology 101 tour is being hosted by the agency.  The tour is an interactive program that will be offered this August to teens in an effort… read more

AT & T has formed a program called “It Can Wait” which encourages drivers to put off texting until they are done driving. State and business leaders in Indianapolis are trying to dissuade drivers from engaging in this high-risk behavior and are partnering with AT&T in their efforts. TV ads will be used to show… read more