Hit-and-runs take a rising toll on cyclists

Hit-and-runs take a rising toll on cyclists

LA Times
By Armand Emamdjomeh, Laura J. Nelson and Joseph Serna contact the reporters

Nov 29, 2014

[…] Hit-and-run collisions involving bicyclists surged 42% from 2002 to 2012 in Los Angeles County, according to a Times analysis of California Highway Patrol crash data. […] Between 2002 and 2012, the most recent data available, more than 5,600 cyclists were injured and at least 36 died in crashes in which drivers fled the scene. […]

Regulator Delivers Ultimatum on Recalls to Airbag Maker Takata

Regulator Delivers Ultimatum on Recalls to Airbag Maker Takata

NY Times
By DANIELLE IVORY
NOV. 26, 2014

[…] “Despite the severe consequences of airbag ruptures and mounting data demonstrating a safety defect, Takata responded that it did not agree with N.H.T.S.A.’s basis for a nationwide recall of driver’s-side airbags,” wrote Frank Borris, the director of the agency’s Office of Defects Investigation. “Takata has not provided any new information to support its position that a regional recall is appropriate, nor has Takata provided any explanation for driver’s-side airbag ruptures that have occurred outside the areas of high absolute humidity.” […]

Cops are usually wrong when it comes to bike accidents.

Cyclists faulted most in bike-car crashes

Records show 2,515 bicyclists hurt or killed in county in crashes with cars since 2011

[…] According to the 2,515 accident reports on crashes between cyclists and motorists resulting in the injury or death of a bicyclist in San Diego County from 2011 to September 2014, it was the cyclist who was most often found at fault, when fault was determined. […] “Investigators, however, have never provided a reasonable explanation how (the cyclist), struck from behind, shares responsibility for his own death,” the BikeSD website said. […]

Help us change the law to make cycling safer in California!

Help us change the law to make cycling safer in California!

Orange County Bicycle Coalition

Nov. 24, 2014

They need signatures and can use some donations to help fund getting even more signatures.
They just want to make it legal for a car to cross the double yellow line to pass a cyclist when safe to do so.

[…] Although the recent implementation of California’s 3 Feet for Safety Act has clearly informed motorists of the need to leave sufficient space when passing cyclists, it still does not fully address the needs of cyclists nor of motorists when it comes to narrow two-lane roads with long sections of double-yellow lines. Currently it is not legal for faster motorists to pass slower cyclists over a double yellow line, even when safe to do so. […]

Bus crashed twice in one day: Police ID passenger who died

Bus crashed twice in one day: Police ID passenger who died
LA Times
Nov. 24, 2014

A tour bus crashed twice on Sunday in Northern California — the second time killing one man and injuring 30 other passengers — and an investigation is underway.

The CHP said Monday the fact that the bus crashed into a Denny’s before the later deadly crash could point to fatigue on the part of the driver. […]

1 Killed, Dozens Injured in California Bus Crash

1 Killed, Dozens Injured in California Bus Crash
ABC news
REDDING, Calif.

Nov 24, 2014

[…] A tour bus ran off a Northern California freeway and overturned Sunday morning, killing one person and injuring 30 ? six of them seriously, authorities said. […] Earlier in the same trip and about 50 miles to the south, the bus had struck a Denny’s restaurant in Red Bluff, Borgen said. No one was injured in that crash. […]

Chemical in Antibacterial Soap Promoted Tumor Growth in Mice

Chemical in Antibacterial Soap Promoted Tumor Growth in Mice

Nov 19, 2014

ABC News

[…] Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine studied the effects of triclosan — an antimicrobial found in antibacterial soaps, toothpaste, body wash and other common household items — on mice, and said the results shocked them.

“It’s not a direct carcinogen,” said study author Robert Tukey, a professor of chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology at UCSD. “It’s a tumor promoter.” [..]

What are "regional recalls" – consumer protection groups long not favored these

Some automakers think regional recalls sufficient; consumer advocates disagree – Center For Auto Safety

06/19/02

Christopher Jensen
Plain Dealer Auto Editor

Consumer groups are demanding that the government prohibit regional automotive safety recalls, a practice they say puts motorists’ lives at risk while saving automakers money.

In a regional recall, the automaker limits the repairs to cars in states where the problem is most likely to occur, rather than carrying out the safety program nationwide.
[…] The NHTSA’s own Web site includes complaints from consumers that suggest that the regional recall system is not working. […]

Regional Recalls List Of regionally recalled autos and articles about regional recalls and consumer safety – Center For Auto Safety –