The research has developed out of the quest for answers about traumatic brain injuries suffered by combat veterans and professional athletes who play contact sports. Autopsy results showed very similar brain damage for those two groups, even though the cause of their initial trauma seemed quite different.
]]> For combat veterans, the initial trauma is usually caused by an IED, which emits high powered wind during the blast that causes brain damage. The professional athletes sustained brain injuries as a result of repeated hard hits during their careers. These two groups share many of the same symptoms of brain injuries, including some very pronounced cases of depression and impulse control problems. The condition has been diagnosed as chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and displays similar unhealthy protein buildup compared with Alzheimer's patients.The quest for a solution to some of these potentially avoidable injuries has led researchers to examine the affect of stabilization on a brain during a blast or hard hit. In early trials, mice who had their heads stabilized during a blast did not suffer from the same injuries as mice whose heads were not stable. These results, although very basic, show a lot of promise for improved helmet technology to help prevent brain injuries.
Source: CBS News, "Soldiers brain damage similar to football players', study of chronic traumatic encephalopathy shows," Ryan Jaslow, May 16, 2012.
]]>Federal regulations require truck drivers to get ten consecutive hours of rest and limit total driving hours in a day to 11 hours. The large, multi-ton vehicles can cause serious injuries and fatalities and drivers are much more likely to be involved in an accident when they are fatigued.
]]> At the time of the accident in this case, the driver had put an entry in the log book indicating that he was resting in a different state. When the obvious discrepancy was discovered after the accident, officials examined his other entries and found 15 false entries. Along with the 18 month sentence, the driver will also pay fines.The United States Department of Transportation says that the logbooks are one element of a regulation scheme that is designed to keep the public safe and reduce trucking accidents.
Fatigue is a problem for commercial drivers in many different industries, and has recently gotten a lot of attention as more instances of accidents resulting from fatigue are discovered. Regulators are continuing to press both drivers and employers to comply strictly with rest requirements to avoid accidents and other errors.
Source: NBC, "Truck Driver Sentenced for Falsifying Log Books: Investigators," David Chang, May 7, 2012.
]]>These issues have come to the forefront in the wake of another recent suicide by a former NFL player who had been complaining about symptoms related to repeated concussions and brain injuries. Former professional football players have a higher rate of substance abuse, depression, and dementia than the general population, and many experts believe that is a result of traumatic brain injuries.
]]> A study of 15 former NFL player's brains showed brain damage in 14 of those individuals linked to a condition known commonly as boxer's dementia. The damage often affects the part of the brain that governs impulse control, memory, and emotions.Researchers are now waiting anxiously for the opportunity to examine the brain of Junior Seau, who sadly committed suicide recently. His brain may hold some additional clues about these brain injuries and help improve treatments for sports-related brain injuries.
Seau was the third player to end his own life since February of 2011. Experts say that one contributing factor to the suicides could be the deterioration of white matter in brains that have suffered from many concussions. Loss of white matter can reduce the brain's ability to control impulses.
The NFL has disputed the allegations that they do not adequately care for concussions.
Source: Chicago Tribune, "Seau's brain could hold clues about NFL injuries impacts," Sharon Begley, May 4, 2012.
]]>Law enforcement officers are devising new tactics to try to reduce fatalities on roads in the state. The state Department of Transportation has started posting signs along the highway that display fatality rates of the year to try to remind drivers of the importance of safety.
]]> According to state officials, many of these crashes could have been prevented. Males aged 18 to 34 are the most likely to get into be injured in a car accident and are also more likely to choose not to wear a seatbelt or to drink and drive.On one day last month, the police department focused on nothing but seat belt enforcement. Authorities were shocked when they pulled over 1,101 drivers in a single day for that one violation. These results show that seat belt use is not as pervasive as it should be. People who are not wearing seat belts at the time of a car accident have a higher likelihood of serious injuries.
Another area of concern is motorcycle riders. As we discussed in our previous post, motorcyclists have an increased risk of injury from an accident. There have been about 41 more fatalities so far this year than at the same time last year due to motorcycles and people not wearing seat belts.
Source: The Tennessean, "Death toll soars on Tennessee's roads," Brian Haas, May 9, 2012.
]]>Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is an initiative piloted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to accident statistics gathered by the NHTSA, a rider is about 25 times more likely to die in a car crash than a person in a car. Motorcycle riders are also five times more likely to be injured on the road.
]]> The dramatic increase in fatality rates reflects that motorcycles are significantly less safe in the event of an accident than a car, which many riders already know. Most riders are also clear on the proper safety precautions to take while on the road, but some choose to ride without protective clothing or helmets anyways. The NHSTA recommends that riders closely follow the instructions given in motorcycle safety courses in order to reduce the likelihood of an accident.Safety on the road for bikers is also dependent on awareness on the part of drivers. The NHTSA encourages drivers to be more vigilant in checking for motorcycles, especially since they can become invisible for a car with a large blind spot. At the same time, riders should be aware of when they might not be visible to cars and should make sure to follow at a safe distance in case of a sudden lane change or a driver swerving.
Source: Consumer Reports, "Motorcycle Awareness Month reminds drivers, riders to share the road," May 1, 2012.
]]>Prom night car crashes are a significant cause of avoidable injury and death in the Nashville area each year. As we discussed in our last posts, teens in Tennessee experience a higher rate of car accidents throughout the year than other segments of the population, and drunk driving is a contributing factor.
]]> The Dickson County Sherriff's office is also stepping in with a safety and awareness education program that partners with local students to address underage drinking and tobacco use. The Sherriff's office participated in the staging of a mock crash at Creek Wood High School this year, providing emergency responders to enact a realistic chain of events after a crash occurs.As in many real-life drunk driving car crashes, the mock crash at Creek Wood resulted in serious injuries and one fatality for the passengers, but left the driver without significant harm. The volunteer police officers staged an arrest of the young man playing to driver to emphasize to students that causing a fatal car accident can lead to serious criminal penalties. Negligently causing a car accident can also lead to civil liability for injuries and deaths. Victims of car accidents are entitled to compensation from a driver who was drunk at the time of the accident.
Source: The Tennesean, "Pupils, teachers, law stress sober driving for prom," Josh Arntz, April 24, 2012.
]]>One issue that safety advocates have pointed out is the long, winding rural roads common in the south. These roads can be poorly lit and far away from the nearest trauma center, which increases the likelihood that a serious crash will be fatal.
]]> Another factor is the car culture in Tennessee. Many teens choose cars that may have high aesthetic value but are not particularly safe, and many choose to drive at high speeds for fun.There are also issues with driver education in the state. Public high schools are not required to offer drivers an education class, which means that there is little ongoing discussion about safe driving habits as teens gain more freedom on the road. In addition, many teen drivers do not abide by graduated licensing requirements that limit night time driving and driving with large groups in the car.
Experts say that teens driving with a full car can be indicative of other unsafe behavior such as distracted driving, underage drinking, and not using seat belts. A local hospital spokesperson said that 46 percent of those kids were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the accident.
Car crashes are the most common cause of hospitalization for kids age 10 to 19. While 10 years old may seem young to be involved in a car accident, consider than many families allow their children to ride ATVs before they are able to drive a car. These recreational vehicles pose serious risks to kids and can cause serious injuries just like a car can.
Source: WBIR, "TN's teen drivers pay price for inexperience," April 24, 2012.
]]>One area teen has become outspoken about teen driving behavior, after she was seriously injured in a car accident in 2008. She was driving with her boyfriend in his Mustang when he lost control and hit a tree. Her boyfriend did not survive the crash. She says that before the accident, she felt indestructible and engaged in more reckless behavior.
]]> Despite the intensive treatment needed to recover from the accident, she graduated high school on time. The woman is now a senior in college and is pursuing a degree in recreational therapy, helping other patients with serious injuries recover from accidents. Her own recovery required 21 surgeries and is ongoing. As a volunteer with the Trauma Survivors Network, she works with others who have experienced traumatic injuries.Schools are also working to educate teens about safe driving habits. A recent event at Cross Plains School featured a presentation about texting while driving and drinking while driving. Administrators said that they feel it is their duty as educators to teach the kids life lessons beyond math and science.
In addition to the pain and suffering that comes from these types of car accidents, there are also other high costs associated with reckless driving such as medical expenses.
In our next post, we'll discuss some of the factors that contribute to teen car accidents.
Source: WBIR, "TN's teen drivers pay price for inexperience," April 24, 2012.
]]>Sleep apnea frequently leads to chronic fatigue, since people who suffer from the condition are often unable to sleep through the night. Chronic fatigue, in turn, can cause slow reaction times, distractibility and other concentration problems that are highly hazardous for drivers.
]]> Truck accidents are 242% more likely for a driver with sleep apnea than for one without the condition. This extreme difference has caused industry regulators to take notice and add sleep apnea to a set of health standards that truck drivers must meet.The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing that doctors automatically screen a truck driver for sleep apnea if they have a body mass index of 35 or higher. Body Mass Index (or BMI) is one of the strongest indicators of a risk of sleep apnea.
Regulators say that the problem of sleep apnea and chronic fatigue are become more well known but are not well understood among drivers themselves. Still, many companies have recognized the danger of severely fatigued drivers and are implementing different types of programs to screen employees for sleep apnea.
Source: Trucking Info, "FMCSA proposes guidance for sleep apnea," Oliver B. Patton, April 20, 2012.
]]>A new study evaluated whether or not there was a significant difference for patients who were transported to the hospital by air versus those transported by ground. After controlling for factors such as age and injury severity, researchers found that those taken in a helicopter had a slightly higher survival rate than those taken by an ambulance. The difference was about one to two percent. One factor that researchers pointed to was the risk of getting in a car accident in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.
]]> In fact, car accidents are a leading cause of injury among transported patients. However, helicopters are more costly than ambulances and may not be a feasible alternative for all patients. The difference may be a result of a variety of factors, but that it was likely a combination of the speed of the transportation and the medical team on the chopper, along with the decreased risk of a secondary injury from a crash. Patients who are injured on their way to the hospital by the negligence of a nearby driver may be able to recover for those injuries.Source: Reuters, "Trauma patients taken by chopper may fare better," Andrew M. Seaman, April 17, 2012.
]]>"The brain is the organ that is least able to heal, so prevention is the best medicine," said the lead author of the report. Lawmakers and researchers agree that a graduated licensing system is one effective way to prevent car accidents among teen drivers. Surveys have shown that states with graduated licensing laws have a lower rate of brain injuries and traffic fatalities among teen drivers.
]]> Seatbelt laws have also been shown to be effective ways to prevent brain injuries in the event of a crash. There are also some initiatives in graduated licensing systems to limit the number of passengers a teen driver can transport, restrictions on cell phone use, and restricted nighttime driving.About 55,000 teenage drivers and their passengers sustained injuries in 2009 and 2010. Of those, approximately 30 percent had acute head injuries. These injuries include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
The graduated licensing laws help encourage teens to exercise additional care while driving, and to pay attention to potentially dangerous situations. Drivers who do not exercise a reasonable level of care behind the wheel may be liable for any injuries that they cause.
Source: Forbes, "Car Crashes Are The Leading Cause of Fatal Head Trauma Among Teens," Jim Gorzelany, April 2, 2012.
]]>The complaint says that the detective attempted to flee, but was held by one of the homeowners. At that point, he called a friend on his cellphone and asked to be picked up. Emergency call records reflect that a state trooper was dispatched to the scene initially, but a call from an unidentified county officer told troopers to disregard the request and not to come to the scene. The detective was then removed from the scene without questioning or sobriety testing or any other form of investigation.
]]> The couple is seeking compensation for damage to their property as well as punitive damages. Punitive damages are for non-material or non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional trauma.The attorney representing the couple told reporters that "there are still many unanswered questions regarding this conspiracy and cover-up." Investigation will continue as discovery proceeds in this case.
Both the detective and the officer that removed him from the scene were fired shortly after the accident for violating department policies. However, the department has not provided information as to the specific policies violated or whether the firing had any relation to the crash.
Pursuing an action such as this against a government entity or employees can be difficult. Government employees are eligible for official immunity if they were acting within the scope of their duties and following protocols. This case seems to be outside the bounds of official immunity based on the facts currently available.
Source: Knox News, "Couple sues Campbell County Sheriff's office for living room crash," Natalie Neysa Alund, March 23, 2012.
]]>According to the study, there are significant traffic safety benefits to using technology to electronically monitor and limit the top speeds of trucks. The study found that commercial trucks that are equipped with devices known as speed limiters are much less likely to be involved in truck accidents, thereby decreasing the risk to both the truck driver and other motorists on the road.
]]> Specifically, researchers examined data from 20 different trucking companies for three calendar years and compared the crash rates of trucks with and without speed limiters. Trucks that were equipped with the devices were involved in about 11 crashes per 100 trucks per year, a significantly lower rate than trucks without speed limiters, which were involved in 16.4 accidents per 100 trucks per year.The study was completed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the American Transportation Research Institute and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.
About six years ago, the American Trucking Association (ATA) petitioned the FMCSA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, asking the agencies to order trucking companies to install speed limiters on all commercial trucks manufactured since 1992. Although that request was unsuccessful, ATA officials hope that this study will help transportation officials see that speed limiters need to become mandatory.
What do you think? Should speed limiters be required in commercial trucks?
Source: Trucking Info, "New Study Finds Safety Benefits of Limiting Truck Speeds," Mar. 29, 2012
]]>Brain injuries at a young age can be very damaging, and high school coaches have a duty to pursue adequate safety measures to protect kids. Still, many schools reuse helmets for years before replacing them, which can result in decreased effectiveness and worn down padding.
]]> One high school in Georgia started using a gel-filled helmet cover last year, becoming one of the first schools in the nation to seek out new technologies to help prevent these injuries. The coach from the school told reporters that they had a lot of players showing signs of concussions before they started using the gel packs. He said that as many as 10 to 12 kids missing practice and games because of head injuries. Since they started using the new helmet pads, they have had zero reports of concussion symptoms and kids are not missing practice for that reason.Student athletes who have been injured by repeated concussions may be entitled to recover from the school if the athletic program failed to take adequate steps to protect them from injury.
Source: Reuters, "Football turns to helmet technology to tackle head injuries," Scott Malone, April 2, 2012.
]]>Although there were no injuries to either the driver or the residents of the home as a result of the car accident, photos and video from the scene show extensive damage to the house. News reports indicated that crews had to work through the night and the next day to stabilize some structural elements that were compromised in the crash. There was also significant damage to a gas line that led to significant leakage.
]]> The driver was not interviewed for the local news report and it is unclear if there were any other factors contributing to the accident. A variety of factors can cause a car accident, often in aggregate. Issues such as low visibility, distractions while driving, intoxication, or driver fatigue, can all play a role in causing accidents like this. If any of these factors are found to have been a cause of the accident, then the driver may be liable for the damage to the house.One of the people inside the house at the time of the crash was a disabled man, who said he fell out of his bed when the impact happened. Luckily he was not hurt, but a family member told reporters that he was recovering from surgery at the time of the crash.
Source: News Channel 5, "Car Crashes Into House in Hermitage," March 20, 2012.
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