Air bags vs. Seat belts

 
If you had to choose only one safety measure which would use choose:  The Airbag or the Seat belt? 

If I had to guess most would choose an Air bag because of it's "simplicity."  You don't have to worry about "putting it on" each time you get into a car, you don't have to worry about your clothes getting wrinkled from it and a police officer can't see that you "aren't wearing it."



I cannot say I wear my seat belt 100% of the time (if you are a police officer please ignore I just said that.)  I wish I could say I did but more importantly I wish I did wear my seat belt 100% of the time.  I wish that my car would not turn on until my seat belt was in place....but that is not the case and I will find myself, if I do not have to drive very far, listening to that annoying "dinging" sound because "I'm only going down the road."  I told myself...I have an air bag so I'll be "okay" these few miles. 

Well, not so true.  I never realized that the air bag was to work IN CONJUNCTION with the seat belt.  I also never realized that without your seat belt on that the air bag could actually kill you.  According to safercar.gov air bags that have caused deaths were not height, weight, sex or age related....the one factor they had in common:  too close to the air bag.

I also learned that you need to be 10" from your breastbone to the position of the air bag.  So I am off to my car with a tape measure to see where I "fit" into this.  Experiment: 10" from the air bag and...my feet cannot reach the pedals enough to drive safely.  Now what?  I am not going to go buy a new car that has the adjustments for my pedals.  Back to the Internet to do more research.  What I learn from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

"Air bags are designed to work with seat belts, not replace them. 
In fact, if you don’t wear your seat belt, you could be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal air bag; a movement of such force could injure or even kill you."

The seat belt will keep you from being thrown into the airbag which allows us "height challenged" people to be safe if we cannot be the suggested 10" from the air bag.  It's not the best solution for us height challenged people but it will keep us safer when we are behind the wheel.  (If you are in the passenger seat you do not need to worry about it...get 10" from the dash).

So now my thoughts have changed...those few miles I am going that I tolerated that annoying "dinging" sound because my air bag would save me....have changed.  When I get behind the wheel now and I hear that dinging sound it will remind me of this information and I hope now it will remind you also.

All children should be in the back seat and if you do not have one the air bag should be shut off if possible.  Next time we will discuss children and air bags.

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Children and Halloween Accidents

The Center for Disease Control says that children are four times more likely to be involved in a car/pedestrian car accident on Halloween than any other day of the year.  (Vincent Iannelli, M.D.)  





These statistics make sense but are senseless:  

• it gets darker sooner
• children are running around getting free candy
• children are often in costumes that are dark or do not have reflective colors on them
• children often wear masks and cannot "see" enough
• the list is endless of why

What can we do about it:

• Spread the word about the need for drivers to drive SLOW and pay extra attention
• PUT DOWN the cell phone
• Parents:  Drive or walk with your children trick or treating
• TALK to your children about safety
• Walk in large groups and cross the streets quickly and together
• Older children hold the hand of younger children AT ALL TIMES.  (This should be done when any young child crosses the street at anytime of the year)

I also want to suggest that children do not go out trick or treating during "rush hour" of people coming home from work.  Most people get off work at 5:00 PM, and let's be honest we are all tired when we come home from work.  Even though it is darker at 6:30 PM their will be less "non trick or treater vehicles) on the road.  There are also many Adult Halloween parties happening so try to be done with trick or treating by 8:00 PM. 

If we all spread the word, talk about the dangers with each other and our children, proceed with caution we can reduce the number of children hurt on Halloween by car accidents.

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Part of the problem or part of the SOLUTION: Animal Abuse

This topic is near and dear to my heart.  I cannot stress enough how horrible and sickening abusing animals is so please bare with me in this blog as it is going to be difficult to write.


A person who would abuse an animal has no soul!!  It is one of biggest types of abuse and one of the most preventable!!  The most common animals to face abuse are cats and dogs.  People use them for target practice, they use them for dog fights, they starve them, the list goes on and on.  Animal abusers come in all shapes, sizes and backgrounds.

The following information is copied from NowPublic.com

What to Look for in Animal Abuse and Cruelty in Cats and Dogs:

• Malnutrition
• Hair Loss
• Unexplained injuries, health problems or permanent disabilities
• Being left in extreme heat for more than 15 minutes
• Animal Hoarding
• Engaging in dog or cock fighting or attending the "games"
• Shock collar, electric fences and prong collar training

Animal Cruelty Statistics

• Each year, 10,000 bull dogs die in bullfighting.
• Women in abusive relationships often don't leave their abuser because they worry what will happen to their pet if they leave.
• 13% of animal abuse involves domestic violence.
• 70% of animal abusers also have records of other crimes.
• 3 to 4 million cats and dogs (young, healthy and adoptable) are euthanized every year in shelters. 
• Animals that aren't euthanized are often sent to no-kill shelters where the animals are caged for days, weeks, months or years and the animals risk becoming insane and dying of loneliness.

Ways to Prevent Animal Cruelty

• Know who to contact in your area if you suspect animal abuse. You can call your local police department for the information.
• Teach your kids and other children how to treat animals and to respect them as living creatures like ourselves.
• Support the local shelter or society and get to know the work they are involved in. 
• Take care of the animals you have. If you don't want kittens or puppies, spay or neuter your animals or don't let them around other animals while they are outside.
• Donate to local shelters, pet abuse organizations or the ASPCA.

I have to tell you a story.  A story of a beautiful dog named Corona.  Corona's owner shot her.  This owner opened her mouth and shot her.  I won't share the picture of her when she went into the shelter but I will share this video of her after many people stepped in to save her.  Although her story ended well, most don't. You can stay updated on her recovery here.  If you see any type of animal abuse PLEASE call the authorities.  Animal Abuse is a CRIME in all 50 states.  Anyone who will abuse an animal can start to abuse the people around them.  

Sign the petition today to expose animal abusers!!

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Click it or Ticket. 

Nationwide safety program that has focused on wearing your seatbelt.  We are all guilty, or have been in the past, of just running down the road so you don't wear your seatbelt.  I have to be honest as much as I think about the importance of wearing my seatbelt it often takes that annoying "beep" to remind me to put it on.



The click it or ticket campaign gave out over THREE million tickets over the last five years.  That is a ticket every other second.  (NHTSA)

Seat Belts: Your Single Most Effective Safety Step (Taken directly from the National Safety Council):

"Seat belts are the single most effective traffic safety device for preventing death and injury, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of crash injuries by 50 percent. They save lives:

• Seat belts saved more than 75,000 lives from 2004 to 2008.
• Forty-two percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2007 were unbelted. A 2009 NHTSA study estimates more than 1,600 lives could be saved and 22,000 injuries prevented if seat belt use was 90 percent in every state.

The good news is, in 2009, seat belt use averaged 88 percent nationally, compared with 69 percent in 1998. NHTSA attributes this increase to the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, originally created by the National Safety Council as part of its Air Bag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign.

Nationwide, seat belt use is higher than ever. Yet seat belt use remains lowest among young drivers. NHTSA also reports that, in 2007:

• Seat belt use was lower among blacks than any other race.
• Seat belt use was higher among females than males.
• Seat belt use was lower among drivers who drove alone than drivers with passengers." 

If you want to know what the laws are about seatbelts or child restraints in your state click here.





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Been involved in a car accident?  Tell me your story.   

What to do after a car accident: Who is the Insurance negotiator or adjuster?

We have talked about the secrets that the Insurance Companies don't want YOU to KNOW.

Here's another secret that you NEED to know about that they will NEVER tell you.

You get the call from the insurance company.  How they are so nice.  They tell you that they are glad that you are "okay" as that is their number one concern.  (Of course it is because you being okay means they don't have to pay you, right?)  Don't think for one moment their "care" of you being okay is because of you....it is all about the dollar.

Once the get your version (and it will be taped and they will try to "trip" you up or get you to admit fault...in a nice way of course) they will tell you that one of their adjusters will follow up with you. 

Here is the secret they don't want you to know:  Most adjusters and/or negotiators are ATTORNEYS and trust me they KNOW THE LAW!  What is even worse; they know the law so well that they can get you to say something that will reduce your future rights to any claims.  

I know what most people think when they hear the word "Attorney."  Depending on your experience (or the experience of a friend/family member) those thoughts could be "ugly fight," or "shyster" or "blood sucking" the list goes on and on and on.

I want to remind you of something:  There are bad people in EVERY profession.  We just tend to hear more about the "bad attorney" than we do the good ones...so the one's who fall into those thoughts give the good ones a bad name.....I mean Attorney jokes are some of the funniest because for some they are the truth.

Here's what YOU need to know:  The bad guys are on their side...the side of the insurance companies.   Their best interest, no matter what their job title is (Claims Adjuster, Negotiator, etc) is the INSURANCE COMPANY.  

YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY to fight them.  If you haven't already read past blogs about this situation, how to find a GREAT Attorney or what you need to know please click here and learn more about this.  

I hope you keep coming back for more information.


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Been involved in a car accident?  Tell me your story.

The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice.  Please consult an Attorney if you have any questions.  General questions about Colorado Personal Injury can be asked here and Carol Zeisler will gladly assist you in the proper direction for your situation

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer.  Those two words will take your breath away.  Those two words will make you stop what you are doing.  Those two words.....kill.

We in Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October 2012) and there are some facts that just need to be known:  Thank you to BreastCancer.org for this information:

• About 1 in 8 U.S. women (just under 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.
• In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 57,650 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
• About 2,140 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in men in 2011. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000.
• From 1999 to 2005, breast cancer incidence rates in the U.S. decreased by about 2% per year. The decrease was seen only in women aged 50 and older. One theory is that this decrease was partially due to the reduced use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) by women after the results of a large study called the Women’s Health Initiative were published in 2002. These results suggested a connection between HRT and increased breast cancer risk.
• About 39,520 women in the U.S. were expected to die in 2011 from breast cancer, though death rates have been decreasing since 1990 — especially in women under 50. These decreases are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection through screening, and increased awareness.
• For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.
• Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. Just under 30% of cancers in women are breast cancers.
• White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than African-American women. However, in women under 45, breast cancer is more common in African-American women than white women. Overall, African-American women are more llkely to die of breast cancer. Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.
• In 2011, there were more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the US.
• A woman’s risk of breast cancer approximately doubles if she has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. About 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member diagnosed with it.
• About 5-10% of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations (abnormal changes) inherited from one’s mother or father. Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common. Women with these mutations have up to an 80% risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime, and they are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age (before menopause). An increased ovarian cancer risk is also associated with these genetic mutations.
• In men, about 1 in 10 breast cancers are believed to be due to BRCA2 mutations, and even fewer cases to BRCA1 mutations.
• About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations.
• The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (being a woman) and age (growing older).

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How much will the quick settlement cost you?

You are driving down the street and someone backs into you.  Clearly their fault.  Each of you get out of your vehicle and exchange information, call the police for a police report and report it to your insurance companies.  




The next day (or maybe a couple of days but pretty quick):  Your phone rings and it's a representative of the other drivers insurance company.  Ahhhh they are calling to see if you are okay.  How nice of them.  You give them the details of what happened and they either offer to send an adjuster out to determine the damage to your vehicle or ask you to take it in and get several quotes because they want to make sure you are taken care of.  

A few days later you have the repair quote submitted to them.  They call you and offer you a settlement.  WOW, you have heard stories about insurance claims being difficult to get...it's not so hard and you didn't even need to hire an Attorney.  

BE CAREFUL!!  If an Insurance Company is offering you a quick settlement chances are they are trying to avoid what your accident is worth.  Many injuries from a car accident are not even apparent for a few weeks and if they can get you to "settle" on their initial settlement you may not be able to recover any future needs.  Don't gamble your money away.

So it's a week after your car accident.  You feel "okay" a little sore but you will live.  Your car is worth $10,000, you can replace it for $12,000 and they are offering you $15,000.  Wow, you can pay off your credit card, go on vacation, buy a better car with that "extra" $3,000 they are just "giving you."  Why do people say it's hard to get a settlement?  The truth:  because it is hard to get the Insurance Companies to do THE RIGHT THING!  They did not become a multi-billion dollar industry by doing the right thing.  They became a multi-billion dollar industry by doing the complete opposite.  Insurance:  the necessary evil.  

When you are involved in a car accident you need to call a Personal Injury Attorney.  Unless you are seriously hurt make this your FIRST call.  Personal Injury Attorneys are experienced in fighting the insurance companies.  They have a list of Doctors that the insurance company already "accepts" and can help you through the process.  Once you hire an Attorney the insurance companies cannot call you.  

If you are thinking of taking the early settlement think about this:

• You accept $15,000 and didn't have to pay Attorney fees.
• Your claim was actually $100,000 before Attorney fees.
• Personal Injury Attorney's on average are 35% contingency fee.

Take $100,000 minus the Attorney's contingency fee of $35,000 would have totaled $65,000 and you took the quick settlement of $15,000.  That's one big $50,000 OOPS!!  Not to mention should any injuries develop later the medical bills will be at your cost.

It will cost you NOTHING to meet with a Personal Injury Attorney!  It may cost you A LOT not to!


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Been involved in a car accident?  Tell me your story.

The information provided here is not to be construed as legal advice.  Please consult an Attorney if you have any questions.  General questions about Colorado Personal Injury can be asked here and Carol Zeisler will gladly assist you in the proper direction for your situation.