It is not terribly difficult to understand why children are more likely to be injured in pedestrian accidents on Halloween than on most other nights of the year. On Halloween, kids are dressed in costumes that may impede their vision and ability to walk normally. Kids are excited to be out and have most likely consumed a significant amount of sugar. There are a lot more people walking along the road than on a normal night. And, perhaps most significantly, many people are driving under the influence of alcohol as they travel between Halloween celebrations.
Who is to blame for California's high pedestrian fatality rate?
Recently, university researchers conducted a study on pedestrian accidents and fatalities in U.S. cities. For residents of Los Angeles and other large California cities, the results of the study probably did not come as a surprise.
Can fish oil help heal brain injuries? Part 2
Last week, we began a two-part blog series on the potential healing effects of fish oil on brain injuries. Comprised of omega-3 essential fatty acids, fish oil is believed to help brain trauma patients recover more quickly from their injuries by providing the brain with building blocks for recovery.
Can fish oil help heal brain injuries? Part 1
In 2010, a 17-year-old boy was driving on a winding road when he lost control of his car and careened off the road. When paramedics arrived at the scene of the car accident, the teen was in a coma as a result of the massive brain injuries he had suffered in the crash. He remained in that coma for several weeks, with doctors able to do little but keep him stable and simply wait for his brain to recover.
Who is responsible for elderly drivers' car accidents? Part 2
Last week, we began a discussion of the potential car accident risks posed by elderly drivers, and whether doctors or any other individuals have a responsibility to take away their patients' driver's license or otherwise inhibit their driving privileges if they feel that the patients may pose a danger to themselves or others on the road.
Who is responsible for elderly drivers' car accidents? Part 1
In 2010, an 85-year-old woman was driving in California with her 90-year-old longtime boyfriend in the front passenger seat. About a mile away from their home, the woman made a wayward left turn directly in front of an oncoming vehicle, which crashed into the woman's car. She suffered a head injury, and her boyfriend had a broken pelvis, lung damage and other injuries. About six weeks later, he passed away.
San Diego man suffers burns in boat accident
A San Diego boater is recuperating following an explosion on his boat that caused him to suffer serious burn injuries to his legs, hands and face. Local fire department investigators are not yet sure of the reason for the explosion, but they believe that it was caused by fuel fumes that ignited when the boater flipped his boat's battery switch on.
Dog bite prevention through early training
In recent years, several cities and states throughout the country have enacted breed-specific legislation, banning people from owning specific breeds - often pit bulls - in the municipality. These laws were created with the mindset that banning those so-called bully breeds would ultimately prevent dog bites and similar dog-inflicted injuries. However, the laws have been met with much resistance from dog owners and bully breed advocates who say that a dog is not inherently and automatically dangerous simply as the result of its breed.
20 injured in two truck-train accidents in California
Earlier this week, there were two accidents involving semi-trucks and trains within four hours and 20 miles of one another. Although more than 20 people were injured, it appears that no one was killed in the series of accidents. California police and federal investigators are still working to determine the cause of both crashes.
