Posted On: March 27, 2009

IIHS Roof Strength Rating

IIHS Rates Vehicles Based on Roof Strength and Rollover Protection

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is launching a new rating system for vehicle roof strength to help consumers pick vehicles that will protect them during rollover crashes. According to an article in the Auto Channel, IIHS put 12 small sport utility vehicles to the test first and out of these 12 SUVs, only four earned a "good" rating. The Kia Sportage received the worst or weakest roof rating among the 2008-2009 models tested by the Institute and the Volkswagen Tiguan had the strongest rated roof. IIHS' recent research demonstrated the fact that stronger roofs can protect vehicle occupants much better in the event of a rollover crash. The Institute determined that vehicles rated good must have roofs that are more than twice as strong as the minimum required by federal safety standards.

Here's a break-up of how the 12 SUVs tested by IIHS fared:

"Good" rating: Volkswagen Tiguan, Subaru Forester, Honda Element and Jeep Patriot.
"Acceptable" rating: Suzuki Grand Vitara, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Outlander
"Marginal" rating: Honda CR-V, Ford Escape
"Poor" rating: Kia Sportage

The IIHS embarked on these tests because inadequate federal roof strength standards fail to give consumers a true picture of what is available in the market. We are still waiting for a federal roof strength ruling to replace an outdated standard that has not been modified for the last 35 years. That weak standard has basically allowed auto makers to get away with manufacturing vehicles with weak and unsafe roofs. In a rollover accident, these roofs cave in on the vehicle's occupants causing catastrophic and fatal injuries. Bisnar | Chase has represented numerous victims of SUV rollover crashes over the years. Bisnar|Chase has also conducted independent tests at our own expense, which clearly showed that many sport utility vehicles were nothing but death traps because they lacked roof strength.

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Posted On: March 27, 2009

Riverside County Seatbelt Failure

Seatbelt Failure a Factor in Riverside County Rollover Crash?

A woman suffered major injuries in a Palm Springs rollover accident the afternoon of March 20, 2009. According to an article in the Desert Sun, the woman was driving a Chevrolet Avalanche traveling east on the Interstate 10 near Jefferson Street, when she lost control of the vehicle and it rolled over. California Highway Patrol officials say that the woman was wearing her seatbelt, but was still partially ejected from the car and sustained major injuries. She was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. CHP officials still don't have details about how or why the rollover crash occurred.

I'm relieved that this woman survived this horrific Riverside County rollover accident although she suffered serious injuries. I hope and pray that she has a speedy and complete recovery.

Rollover accidents can be deadly and statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) prove that. According to the federal agency, at least 10,000 people die in rollover accidents each year. That constitutes 25 percent of the total number of fatalities in the United States caused by traffic accidents.

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Posted On: March 26, 2009

Defective Fisher-Price High Chairs

Fisher-Price Recalls Defective High Chairs for Serious Injury Hazard

Fisher-Price is recalling close to 24,000 3-in-1 defective high chairs sold at Target stores nationwide. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the seat of the high chair can fall backwards from the frame if the booster seat release is unlatched while the child is in the seat. Also, the seat back can detach if not fully snapped in place. This poses a fall hazard and risk of serious injury to young children. So far Fisher-Price has received one report of serious head injury after a seat back detached and a child fell out. That child suffered a skull fracture.

This product recall involved the 3-in-1 High Chair to Booster brand, which converts from a high chair to a toddler booster seat. The chair also includes a removable tray, height adjustment and folds for storage. The product number (P5369) is printed on the side of the seat as well as on the product's packaging. These high chairs, manufactured in Mexico, were sold exclusively at Target stores nationwide from December 2008 through March 2009 for about $100.

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Posted On: March 25, 2009

Defective Hummer Recall

GM Recalls Defective Hummer H3T Pickup Trucks

General Motors is recalling 1,738 new 2009 Hummer H3T Pickup trucks to fix a problem that may cause the fuel tank to separate from the truck, according to a news report and a recall alert by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Apparently, these Hummer trucks have two support straps and a skid plate to hold the fuel tank in place. But there is a possibility that the front strap may break, leaving only the shield and rear strap to support the tank. Further use of the truck should cause the remaining restraints to break as well, and the tank to drop from the truck.

General Motors officials say the strap fracture problem has only been seen in durability tests conducted with fleet trucks. Dealers will swap the current front support strap with a redesigned strap free of charge when the recall begins Consumers are asked to call Hummer at 1-800-732-5493. You can also get more information from NHTSA's Web site by entering the recall ID number: 09V080000.

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Posted On: March 24, 2009

San Diego SUV Rollover Accident

San Diego County Fatal SUV Rollover Accident On I-5

Leslie Sheila Foster, 67, was killed in an Oceanside SUV rollover crash after the sport utility vehicle in which she was a passenger was struck by another vehicle on the Interstate 5. According to an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Foster and her husband were driving back from Orange County the night of March 22, 2009 when their Toyota RAV4 was struck by a Chrysler PT Cruiser just north of Oceanside. The RAV4 skidded on impact, veered off the highway and rolled over. Foster's husband escaped with minor injuries in the rollover accident, but Leslie Foster died before she could be taken to a hospital.

The driver of the PT Cruiser, identified as a 43-year-old man was uninjured. California Highway Patrol officials say drugs or alcohol were not involved in this San Diego rollover crash. But the driver was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor manslaughter. Officials say he was driving recklessly and drifted into the Toyota's lane.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Leslie Sheila Foster for their tragic loss. I'm relieved that her husband escaped this horrific rollover crash with minor injuries. I wish him the very best for a physical and emotional recovery. I offer my deepest condolences to him and everybody who knew and loved Leslie Foster. Please keep them in your prayers

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Posted On: March 23, 2009

San Diego Ford Bronco Rollover

San Diego County Ford Bronco Rollover Crash Injures 11

Eleven people were injured in a Ford Bronco rollover accident in East San Diego County the afternoon of March 22, 2009, CBS News reports. The vehicle was possibly involved in smuggling undocumented immigrants, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection officials said. The Ford Bronco rolled over less than a mile away from the U.S.-Mexico border in a rugged area. Two victims suffered moderate injuries in the single-vehicle rollover crash. Nine occupants were also treated for other injuries. The driver of the Bronco was taken into custody on suspicion of attempting to smuggle undocumented immigrants illegally across the border. It is not clear what caused the rollover accident.

I'm relieved that this San Diego County SUV rollover accident did not result in any fatal injuries. I wish all the injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery.

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Posted On: March 22, 2009

Dodge Ram Truck Defect

Dodge Ram Trucks Recalled for Defective Clutch

Chrysler is recalling its defective Dodge Ram 2500/3500 trucks from the 2009 model year because these vehicles have a defective clutch. According to this news report in Consumeraffairs.com, this auto product recall involves trucks with the heavy duty cab chassis equipped with manual transmissions and power-adjustable pedals. Dodge officials say that the clutch pedal connecting rod may separate from the master cylinder, not allowing the disengagement of the clutch. This could result in unintended vehicle movement, which may in turn cause an auto accident.

Once this vehicle recall begins, dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder hydraulic system free of charge. If you have any more questions about this recall, please call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. You may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236.

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Posted On: March 20, 2009

General Motors Defective Vehicles

General Motors Recalls Defective Vehicles

General Motors is recalling more than 275,000 cars and sport utility vehicles to fix a problem with the vehicles' automatic transmission. According to a news report in Consumeraffairs.com, the vehicles are cars and SUVs from the 2009 model year and include: Buick Enclave, Chevy Cobalt, HHR, Malibu and Traverse; GMC Acadia; Pontiac G5 and G8; Saturn Aura and Outlook.

Company officials say the recalled vehicles don't comply with federal regulations regarding transmission braking, theft protection and rollaway prevention. On some of these defective vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged; the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. If that happens, the driver might move the gear to "park" and remove the ignition without realizing that the transmission gear is not actually in the park position. This could result in the driver not being able to restart the vehicle or the vehicle rolling away without warning.

When this recall begins, dealers will inspect the shift cable clip. If you have any questions, you may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236.

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Posted On: March 18, 2009

Defective Fire Extinguishers

Kidde Recalls Defective Fire Extinguishers

Kidde has recalled about 167,000 defective fire extinguishers, which company officials say, could lose pressure and fail to operate in the event of a fire. According to the Consumer watchdog Web site, Consumeraffairs.com, this defective product recall involves the Kidde XL fire extinguishers with model numbers FX340SC, FX340H, FX340GW, XL5MR, FX210R, FX340SC-2, FX210W, XL2.5TCZ-4, E-340-3. These defective products were reportedly manufactured between October 2007 and April 2008.The brand name "Kidde" and the model number can be found on the label on the front of the extinguisher. These products, made in Mexico, were sold at department, home and hardware stores nationwide for about $35.

Consumers are first asked to check the pressure gauge of the Kidde fire extinguisher they own. If it points to the red zone, they can contact Kidde and receive a free replacement extinguisher. If the gauge is not in the red zone, and the fire extinguisher is one of the recalled models, please contact Kidde at 1-888-345-4407 or visit their Web site at www.Kidde.com for more information.

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Posted On: March 18, 2009

iPod Product Liability

Apple iPod Touch Product Liability Lawsuit

Apple is facing a product liability lawsuit from the mother of a 15-year-old boy who said his 16 GB iPod Touch exploded in his pants pocket, resulting in severe burn injuries to his leg. According to a report in CNET, the lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. According to court filings, the boy apparently heard a loud popping sound and immediately felt a burning sensation in his leg. His iPod had exploded and caught fire in his pants pocket. The teenager immediately ran into a bathroom and removed his burning pants with help from a friend. The Apple iPod Touch had incinerated his pants pocket burning his leg.

The boy suffered second-degree burn injuries as a result of the explosion. His family is seeking in excess of $225,000 in compensatory and punitive damages on the teenager's behalf. The CNET article states that mobile device explosions that cause injuries unfortunately occur quite commonly and in many cases occur because of defective batteries that were put in by the user. With the iPod Touch, the battery is not replaceable by the user and so must have been an original Apple battery that may have been defective. I'm sure the details of what went so terribly wrong with this particular product will unfold as the case progresses.

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Posted On: March 18, 2009

Los Angeles Rollover Accident

Los Angeles Rollover Crash

Alexander Mendez, 41, was killed in a Los Angeles County rollover accident on the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, the Los Angeles Daily News reported. The accident occurred in the Arlington Heights area the afternoon of March 16, 2009 on the eastbound freeway near Arlington Avenue, California Highway Patrol officials said. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Alexander Mendez for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to everybody who knew and loved this man. Please keep them in your prayers.

Rollover accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities in auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 40,000 auto accidents that occur each year in the United States. Out of these, 25 percent or 10,000 traffic accidents involve rollovers. These types of motor vehicle accidents can be devastating for the vehicle's occupants because of their intensity. Rollover accidents have the potential to cause deaths and catastrophic injuries such as brain and spinal cord injuries.

Over the last three decades, Bisnar|Chase has represented numerous victims who have been severely injured in rollover accidents or family members who have lost loved ones in rollover crashes. In many of these cases the accidents were caused by product defects. These tragic accidents involved unstable vehicles, seatbelt failures, airbag defects or poor roof strength.

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Posted On: March 16, 2009

Los Angeles County Rollover Crash

Rollover Crash Injures Two In Los Angeles

Two people – 22-year-old Tze Shyu of Irvine and his passenger, 24-year-old Karen Fung of El Monte – suffered injuries in a March 14, 2009 Los Angeles County rollover crash. According to a news report in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Shyu and Fung were traveling in a Porsche Boxter east on Valley Boulevard near Brea Canyon Road near Walnut when Shyu lost control of the vehicle. The Porsche flipped over several times. California Highway Patrol officials say both injured victims are "lucky to be alive." Both were wearing seatbelts and that may have saved their lives, CHP officials said.

Based on a preliminary investigation, officials say excessive speed caused the rollover accident. Shyu apparently braked hard for a red light and lost control of the convertible. The car rolled over several times, striking trees and knocking down a sign. In spite of the intensity of this rollover accident, both the driver's and the passenger's side airbags did not deploy. The officer who arrived at the scene told the newspaper that he thought he would find two deceased people in the car. Before rescue crews arrived, passers by helped free the injured driver, Shyu, from the overturned car. Shyu suffered major injuries while Fung is said to have sustained minor injuries.

It is most certainly a miracle that both Tze Shyu and Karen Fung survived this horrific rollover crash. As CHP officials said, Shyu and Fung are lucky to be alive today. I wish them both the very best for a quick and complete recovery

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Posted On: March 15, 2009

Propane Barrels Recalled

Burn or Explosion Hazard for Propane Barrels

Valero Marketing & Supply Company is recalling about 920,000 barrels of propane gas because it can pose a serious fire and burn hazard. According to this safety alert issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the barrels apparently lack the recommended level of odorant. An odorant is usually added to propane to help alert consumers to a propane gas leak. But because the recalled barrels of propane gas may not have the recommended levels of the odorant, it may result in a failure to detect leaking gas. This could lead to a fire or explosion causing severe or fatal burn injuries. However, no product defect injuries have yet been reported as a result of this serious recall.

The defective propane barrels were sold through several retail propane dealers across the United States from January 2008 through October 2008. Consumers who purchased propane during this time are asked to immediately contact their propane gas suppliers or retail locations where home propane tanks or portable cylinders were filled. Consumers should have their supplies tested and receive additional odorant as needed. For more information, please call 1-866-940-8235.

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Posted On: March 14, 2009

Hooded Sweatshirts Recalled

Hooded Sweatshirts with Drawstrings Recalled for Strangulation Hazard

Seattle Cotton Works is recalling about 40,000 hooded sweatshirts with drawstrings because of a product defect which poses a strangulation hazard, according to a consumer safety alert issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The Seattle-based company is voluntarily recalling these defective clothing items that have a drawstring through the hood that can pose a strangulation hazard to children. So far no injuries or deaths have been reported in connection with this recalled product.

The defective sweatshirts manufactured in Pakistan are hooded and long-sleeved with full-length zippers and drawstrings along the neck line. The products were sold under the Seattle Cotton Works brand in six different designs. The name "Seattle Cotton Works" appears along the inside neck line. These recalled sweatshirts were sold exclusively at Kohl's Department Stores nationwide from January 2009 through February 2009 for about $17. Consumers who own or use these products are asked to immediately remove the drawstrings from the sweatshirts to eliminate the hazard or call the manufacturer to return the product for a full refund. If you would like more information, please call Seattle Cotton Works at 1-800-533-8922.


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Posted On: March 13, 2009

Motorcycle Accident In San Diego County

A man suffered major injuries in a motorcycle accident in San Diego County, the North County Times reports. The motorcyclist, who has not been identified, apparently crashed down a 40-foot embankment off Interstate 15 the morning of March 8, 2009. The injury auto accident took place south of Rainbow Valley Boulevard, California Highway Patrol officials said.

The injured victim who was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash was taken to an area hospital. There is no other information about how or why this motorcycle accident occurred.

I'm relieved that this motorcyclist did not suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries in this accident. I wish him the very best for his quick and complete recovery.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,810 motorcyclists were killed in the year 2006 across the United States, which is a 5 percent increase over 2005. Los Angeles County is experiencing an all-time high in terms of Los Angeles motorcycle accidents, according to recent statistics released by the California Highway Patrol.

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Posted On: March 12, 2009

Maytag Recalls Defective Refrigerators for Fire Hazard

Maytag is recalling 1.6 million defective Maytag refrigerators that officials say pose a serious fire hazard because of electrical failure that can cause overheating. According to this MSNBC News report, the Newton, Iowa-based company is recalling the defective products because of an electrical failure in the relay. Maytag officials say the component that turns on the refrigerator's compressor can overheat and cause serious fires. So far, Maytag has received 41 reports of refrigerator relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from smoke damage to extensive damage.

This recall includes some of Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley brand of side-by-side and top-freezer refrigerators. The fridges included in this recall were apparently manufactured in black, bisque, white and stainless steel. For more information about the list of model numbers and brands included in this recall, please visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commissions Web site. The refrigerators were manufactured in the United States and were sold in department and appliance stores as well as by homebuilders nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004 for between $350 and $1,600.

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Posted On: March 11, 2009

Fatal San Diego Aviation Accident Concerns Lawyer

U.S. Marines caused multiple errors in a December 8, 2008 crash of F/A-18D Hornet into a residential neighborhood in University City that killed 36-year-old Young Mi Moon; her daughters, 15-month-old Grace and 2-month-old Rachel; and her mother Suk Im Kim, 60. According to this Associated Press news report the Marines apparently knew five months before this military jet crash that the aircraft may have problems with the fuel delivery from tanks to its engine. This ignored warning and subsequent bad decisions caused the terrible tragedy.

According to an internal investigation, low oil pressure killed the first engine shortly after takeoff. The jet crashed with about 340 gallons of fuel causing a fiery explosion that burned two homes and came frighteningly close to a high school. Although the Marines received this warning about the defective aircraft months before the catastrophic crash, maintenance personnel became complacent after a series of flights that were successful even after the warning, the investigation found.

Military investigators have placed the blame on officers at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar for clearing the pilot, Lt. Dan Neubauer, to land at the inland base instead of the closest landing at a coastal Navy base, a route that would have avoided flying over homes. The pilot, Neubauer, has also been criticized for neglecting to consult a checklist of emergency procedures and "failing to grasp the severity of his problems." This investigation ended with disciplinary action against 13 members of the U.S. Marines and Navy for a series of missteps that led to the crash, including four officers who were relieved of their duties. Investigators, however, found no proof of criminal wrongdoing.

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Posted On: March 11, 2009

Palmdale Defective Garage Door Death

A 3-year-old boy was killed in his Palmdale home after a defective garage door fell and struck him in the head, KTLA News reports. The fatal Los Angeles County accident occurred in the 38500 block of 22nd Street East near Palmdale Boulevard around 6 p.m. March 10, 2009. L.A. County Sheriff's Department officials said the toddler's mother opened the motorized sectional garage door as she prepared to leave the house with her two boys.

When she tried to close the garage door, the malfunctioning door came down hitting the boy in the head. The child, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead an hour after the accident at an area hospital.
The garage door apparently failed again and came slamming down, as authorities tested it out later for product defects.

My heart goes out to this child who was so tragically taken away from his family. I offer my deepest sympathies to the boy's parents and other family members. This must be heartbreaking for the child's mother and brother who witnessed the incident. Please keep this family in your prayers.

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Posted On: March 9, 2009

Defective Child Car Seats Recalled

Recaro is recalling about 5,400 of its Signo child car seats for a defective restraint system that could fail in the event of a crash and cause catastrophic injuries. According to this news report in Consumeraffairs.com, a defective spring in the car seat could allow the central front adjuster strap to slip, keeping the harness from being securely tightened. In the event of an auto accident, a child may not be properly secured and could be injured or killed as a result.

Recaro will start notifying consumers immediately and replace the defective restraint system free of charge. If you have more questions, please call Recaro at 1-888-473-2290. Consumers may also call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at 1-888-327-4236.

So far there have been no reports of injuries or deaths as a result of these defective child car seats. But it is very important that this manufacturer get the word out so consumers do not continue to use this product. Recalling this defective product was an important first step to take and I'm glad that Recaro has already done that.

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Posted On: March 9, 2009

Camp Pendleton Plane Crash In San Diego County

Three men – Allan Jacobson, 48, of Costa Mesa, David Menne, 50, of Oregon and Scott Jones, 49, of Lake Forest – suffered severe injuries after their Cessna 172 crashed the evening of March 7, 2009 at Camp Pendleton. Jacobson, who was the pilot, is said to be in serious condition. Menne is in critical condition while Jones is said to be in good condition and recovering from his injuries, according to this news report in The Orange County Register. Witnesses told officials that the plane suffered most of its damage on the right side when it crashed close to a helicopter pad near Las Pulgas Road at the U.S. Marine Corps base. Menne, who was the front seat passenger, seems to have suffered the greatest injury.

Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating this Camp Pendleton aviation accident. A preliminary report is expected in about a week. The plane, which was registered to the pilot Jacobson, was on its way from John Wayne Airport in Orange County to Montgomery Field in San Diego when it crashed. Witnesses told investigators that the aircraft seemed to have had engine trouble before it crashed and broke apart at the tail when it came down.

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Posted On: March 6, 2009

Wyeth Liability Case

In a landmark decision the U.S. Supreme Court this week ruled against drug manufacturer Wyeth holding that pharmaceutical companies can be held liable for harmful medicines that carry warnings approved by federal regulators. According to the Reuters news report, the high court ruled that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling approvals do not pre-empt state laws and shield these companies from damages as part of liability claims.

The issue came before the Supreme Court after Wyeth appealed a Vermont jury’s decision to award $7 million to Diane Levine, a guitarist whose arm had to be amputated after she was improperly injected with the anti-nausea drug Phenergan. Levine got the injection to treat a migraine.

With this ruling, the Supreme Court has flatly rejected Wyeth’s argument that a drug company cannot comply with both state law duties and federal labeling requirements. It has also thrown out Wyeth’s argument that requiring a drug company to comply with a state-law duty to provide a stronger warning label interferes with Congress’ purpose in establishing the FDA’s authority.

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Posted On: March 5, 2009

Mazda Recalls Defective Power Seat

Mazda has recalled about 30,000 CX9 model vehicles from the 2007-2009 years because of a problem with the power seat’s position memory function that could pose a crash hazard. According to this news report in Consumeraffairs.com, Mazda officials say there is a possibility that a short circuit under the seat cushion could cause the seat to move uncontrollably increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will inspect the seat harness free of charge when the recall begins this month. Consumers who own these vehicles are asked to call Mazda at 1-800-222-5500. They may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 41,059 fatal traffic accidents in 2007. There are a number of reasons why auto accidents occur such as driver error or negligence. But thousands of motor vehicle accidents also occur because of various auto product defects. Some of the most commonly known auto product defects include problems with tires, seat belt defects, seatbacks, vehicle roofs, engines and airbags. An inherent product defect in a vehicle can trigger a mechanical malfunction that could even cause the most experienced driver to lose control of a vehicle and crash.

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Posted On: March 4, 2009

Riverside County Rollover Accident Kills Teen

A 19-year-old man died recently from the injuries he sustained in a March 1, 2009 car accident near Thermal, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. The Riverside County Medical Examiner’s office has not yet released the identity of the man. California Highway Patrol officials say the rollover accident occurred along 73rd Avenue near Lopez Road when the vehicle overturned, ejecting the driver and also injuring his passenger.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of this teenager for their tragic loss. I offer my deepest sympathies to them. I also wish the injured passenger a quick recovery.

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2006 statistics there were a total of 316 auto accident deaths and 10,514 injuries related to motor vehicle accidents in Riverside County. Nationwide, there were a total of 41,059 motor vehicle accident fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal agency estimates that on an average, about 25 percent of auto accident fatalities each year in the United States can be attributed to rollovers.

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Posted On: March 3, 2009

Kern County Rollover Accident Kills Two

John Michael Romnick, 34 and Sheryl Muncy, 45, of Bodfish, California, died in a single-vehicle rollover accident near Bakersfield the night of February 27, 2009, The Bakersfield Californian reports in this article. Jeffrey Tolle, 46, survived the horrific crash and was in fair condition, California Highway Patrol officials said.

Muncy, the driver, and the two men were going west on Highway 178 in a 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Muncy took an off-ramp to Highway 155 but failed to stop at an intersection. The vehicle hit a center divider and then a curb on the east side of the Highway 155, became air-borne and landed in an embankment in a flat area. The car eventually came to rest on its roof in a drainage ditch. Muncy was wearing a seatbelt, but Romnick was not. Tolle, who was also wearing his seatbelt, became unconscious and did not call authorities until hours after the accident.

My heart goes out to the families of John Michael Romnick and Sheryl Muncy, who were tragically killed in this California rollover accident. I offer my deepest condolences to them. I’m glad that Jeffrey Tolle survived this rollover crash. I wish him the very best for a speedy and complete recovery – both physically and emotionally.

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Posted On: March 2, 2009

Toys Recalled for Choking and Lead Hazards

CBB Group Inc. is recalling about 39,000 toys sold at dollar stores and toy stores across the country. The recalled toys include items such as rattles, pull cars, fishing games and cartoon bubble guns. The fishing games, baby rattles and cars apparently contain small parts, which can detach and pose a choking hazard to young children. The card and bubble guns have surface paints that contain excessive levels of lead that violate the federal lead paint standard. Our source for this blog was this news report.

The recalled toys, manufactured in China, were sold at dollar stores as well as toy stores nationwide from July 2007 through December 2008 for between $1 and $5. Those who have any of these recalled products at home are asked to take them away from young children right away and return them to the store where they purchased it for a refund. If you would like more information about this recall, please call the CBB Group, Inc. at 1-866-628-6238.

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