There is no disputing just how much of a scourge distracted driving has become on U.S. roads and highways. Indeed, numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that distraction was behind 3,179 crash-related fatalities in 2014 alone and that this dangerous practice actually triples the risk of an accident. While states have taken action to address this issue, with 44 banning texting while driving and a smaller number banning hands-free devices, it's clear that more needs to be done. Interestingly enough, Washington, the first state to implement a texting ban ten years ago, recently saw a new distracted driving law take effect, one that the Governors Highway Safety Association indicated "has the potential to be a game-changer and serve as a model for other states." What does Washington's new distracted driving law do exactly? The new law prohibits non-electronic distractions, such as grooming, eating, having a pet on…

While heading to the local dealership to purchase a new car, truck, or sport utility vehicle is always exciting, it often pales in comparison to the feeling that comes from shopping for a new motorcycle. That's because would-be purchasers know just how freeing and exhilarating it will ultimately be to take their new purchase out on the open road. As thrilling as walking the showroom floor can be, those who are buying a motorcycle for the first time will want to keep some important safety points in mind as they search for the perfect model. Power Thanks to everything from internet ads to movies, many novice riders automatically assume that bigger is better when it comes to engines. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration instructs "buy the power you need, but only as much as you can handle safely." Indeed, bikes with more horsepower naturally have bigger engines and, as such,…

A hit-and-run car accident can be a very traumatic experience. What do you do when the person responsible for your incident disappears? Can you do anything? Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to possibly get help for your accident in the case of a hit and run. A claim for a motor vehicle accident is a personal injury case. In short, to prove such cases, you must show that due to the negligent act of the accused party, you suffered certain losses or damages. Thankfully, this can still be proven even if you do not know who the negligent party is. To do this, there are a few steps you need to take. First, you should report the accident by calling the police. Be sure to note everything you can remember and collect information from witnesses, if possible. Once you document the report, you should seek medical…

When a teen secures their driver's license, parents may feel some relief as they are suddenly off the hook for trips to and from school, work, extracurriculars, and other social engagements. However, this relief may prove short-lived, as they suddenly find themselves having to worry about their child's safety out on the roads and highways. Unfortunately, parents are right to be concerned. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that young people between the ages of 16 to 19 present the highest crash risk of any age group. More significantly, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among this demographic. Interestingly enough, the financial website WalletHub recently released a study ranking the best -- and worst -- states for teen drivers. Here, researchers examined 21 key metrics relating to safety, economic environment, and driving laws using both federal and state data. This, in turn, enabled them…

While most of us might not have realized it, a seismic change took place at hospitals around the nation this past weekend. Indeed, the change affects not just patient care, but the experience and education gained by treating physicians. Specifically, as of last Saturday, the nation's roughly 30,000 first-year medical residents, meaning interns who have just graduated from medical school, can now work longer shifts under a new rule. What exactly does this new rule dictate? The new rule changes the number of hours that first-year residents can work in a given shift from a limit of 16 hours to 24 hours. Furthermore, they are also permitted to work an average max of 80 hours per week, meaning they can exceed the 24-hour limit. Why did they change the limit from 16 hours to 24 hours? The issue of the number of hours first-year residents should be permitted to work has…