Personal Injury Lawyers
Archive for April, 2010
The First Nine Months of 2009 Reports indicate Fatal Motorcycle Accidents down 9%
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010
In today’s headlines, April 22, 2010, The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that fatal accidents involving motorcycles in the US, were down over 9% the first three months of 2009. There are several theories floating around on why there has been such a huge decline. News reporting agencies attribute the decline to a decrease in weekend bikers and baby-boomer motorcycle enthusiast. Some are also attributing the decline to lower fuel prices, which in 2008 motorcycles were an option to save money on commuting to and from work. Another factor, The government has also increased funding to educate riders on safety and training.
- The NHTSA reported that 41 percent of motorcyclists and 51 percent of their passengers who died were not wearing helmets.
- Thirty percent of fatalities involved riders whose blood alcohol level was above the .08 legal limit, NHTSA said, and 35 percent of them were speeding.
Safety experts reiterate that from 1980 to 1997 motorcycle fatalities dropped nearly 60%, but the trend quickly shifted.
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Hampton Roads Resident and Suburban Propane Technician Injured After Gas Valve Left Open
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
Kalfus and Nachman, Norfolk, VA
On April 7, 2024 a Suburban Propane Technician was called to the 300 block of Sailfish Lane in the Sand bridge section of Virginia Beach, the resident reported a suspicious gas smell that was lingering over a six week period at the residence. The resident assumed the leak was secure by turning off the valve at the tank. The technician inspecting the propane tank turned the tank back on unaware that a valve was open on the third floor. The open valve caused a propane gas buildup in the fireplace, and a spark from an unknown source ignited and caused an explosion according to Battalion Chief Tim Riley of Virginia Beach, VA
The explosion caused fire damage to the home and the resident was flown via nighting gale to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and the Technician was transported to a local hospital via ambulance.
Kalfus and Nachman, would like to remind everyone please use caution when securing gas valves on propane tanks, in your home and outside BBQ grills this year. Please contact your local fire department if you have any suspicious gas smells in or outside your home. When refilling your propane tanks please have your tank inspected for dents, damage, rust or leaks. Thanks.
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Keeping Your Family Safe This Summer with Propane Gas
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
Kalfus and Nachman, Norfolk, VA
According to the National Gas Propane Association 11 billion gallons of propane are consumed annually in the U.S. by more than 50 million residents. Most in home usage includes: heating and cooling their homes, cooking and refrigeration, drying clothes, barbecuing, lighting, and fueling their gas fireplaces.
U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated annual average of 1,390 home structure fires involving LP-gas in 2000-2004. These fires resulted in 23 civilian deaths, 193 civilian injuries and $49 million in direct property damage. Source: NFPA’s Natural Gas and LP-Gas Home Structure Fires report by Jennifer Flynn, August 2007.
The National Association of Fire Investigators reports that users are 13 times more likely to be severely incurred or burned with Propane (LP Gas) vs. Natural Gas (Methane). Americans are more than 100 times more likely to be killed or severely incurred if there is a product failure using Propane (LP Gas) vs. Natural Gas (Methane).
As the season begins for increased recreation that requires propane usage with boating and barbecuing lets remind everyone of a few safety tips posted by the National Propane Gas Association for recreation usage of propane gas:
- Grill outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions
- Keep the cylinder valve closed when not in use.
- Please make sure grill is cooled before covering grill
- Store cylinders upright, vertical position away from sources of ignition.
- Before cylinder refills, have your supplier check for dents, damage, rust or leaks.
- After filling, take your cylinder home immediately. Do not leave the cylinder in your car.
- Never use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
- If there is a significant and uncontrollable release of gas or a fire, call the fire department immediately and move all people and pets away from the unit.
Don’ts:
- Do not smoke while handling the propane cylinder.
- Do not leave the cylinder in your vehicle.
- Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.
- Do not allow children to tamper or play with the cylinder or grill.
- Do not use, store or transport your cylinder where it would be exposed to high temperatures. (This includes storing spare cylinders under or near the grill.)
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