February 02, 2010
 Not an LOL Matter!
New Law: No Texting While Driving!
The New Year started out with some important legal changes for drivers who text or use their computers / PDAs to communicate while driving!
As of January 1, 2010, it is no longer legal to text while driving. The law reads as:
"A person may not operate a motor vehicle on a roadway while using an electronic communication device to compose, send, or read an electronic message"
By electronic communication device, the State of Illinois means:
" 'Electronic message' includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, or a command or request to access an Internet site."
Additionally, it is now illegal to surf the internet while driving. The ban on surfing, texting, e-mailing and IMing while driving includes PDAs, cell phones and computers, but does not extend to the use of GPS or navigation systems. One exception to this law is using devices in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. Fines start at $75.
No Cell Phones in School Zones Law
Illinois allows local cities and villages to enact their own ordinances regarding cell phone usage while driving. However, as of January 1, 2010, cell phone usage in school zones is against the law throughout the State of Illinois. The only exceptions to this law are for highway maintenance or construction crews, emergencies and when a device is in voice-activated mode. Also, remember, that Chicago is a hands-free city, meaning that cell phone usage is illegal while driving, with the exception of using a hands-free device.
Recent Product Recalls
In addition to new state driving laws, the New Year has also been accompanied by some important new recalls. Most consumers are aware of the voluntary recall of about 2.3 million newer Toyota models that are endanger of sticking accelerators. These models include:
• Certain 2009-2010 RAV4s
• Certain 2009-2010 Corollas
• 2009-2010 Matrix
• 2005-2010 Avalons
• Certain 2007-2010 Camrys
• Certain 2010 Highlanders
• 2007-2010 Tundras
• 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus or Scion vehicles are subject to the recall. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids. Finally, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers that begin with "J" are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
What to Do If Your Accelerator Pedal Is Stuck
The current Toyota recall offers all drivers an opportunity to brush up on solutions to problems that were probably learned in Driver's Ed and forgotten over the years.
If your accelerator pedal is ever stuck—in a Toyota or any other vehicle—you should try to use a firm and steady application of the brakes. Brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete the vacuum assist, which would require stronger brake pedal pressure. Upon coming to a stop, shut your engine off. A second method of stopping is to shift into neutral, steer your car to the side of the road and then turn your ignition off.
Other Recent Recalls:1.28.10 STARBUCKS RECALL: Starbucks is recalling about 11,000 glass water bottles. The bottles and/or their stoppers can shatter when the consumer is removing or inserting the stopper, posing a laceration hazard to consumers. This recall involves clear glass water bottles with SKU number 11003503. The 20-ounce water bottles have the words “Glass Water Bottle” printed on a blue label affixed to the bottle.
1.15.10 McNEIL CONSUMER HEALTH (MAKERS OF TYLENOL): In consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., is voluntarily recalling certain lots of OTC products. The company is initiating this recall following an investigation of consumer reports of an unusual moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor that, in a small number of cases, was associated with temporary and non-serious gastrointestinal events. These include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. This precautionary action is voluntary and has been taken in consultation with the FDA.
Click here for a complete list of recalled McNeil products.
Based on this investigation, McNeil Consumer Healthcare has determined that the reported uncharacteristic smell is caused by the presence of trace amounts of a chemical called 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA). This can result from the breakdown of a chemical that is sometimes applied to wood that is used to build wood pallets that transport and store product packaging materials. The health effects of this chemical have not been well studied but no serious events have been documented in the medical literature. A small number of the product lots being recalled were associated with the complaints of an unusual moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor, and some of these lots were found to contain trace amounts of TBA. In December 2009, McNeil Consumer Healthcare also recalled all lots of TYLENOL® Arthritis Pain 100 count with EZ-OPEN CAP related to this issue. McNeil Consumer Healthcare has now applied broader criteria to identify and remove all product lots that it believes may have the potential to be affected, even if they have not been the subject of consumer complaints. 1.14.10 MERRICK BEEF FILET SQUARES DOG TREATS: The U. S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs distributed by Merrick Pet Care with a package date of “Best By 111911” because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.
1.13.10 HAPPYTOT STAGE 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 & Stage 2: Nurture, Inc., is voluntarily recalling selected varieties and date codes of HAPPYTOT Stage 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 and Stage 2 pouch meals with date codes expiring between November 2010 and January 2011. These products are being recalled due to a packaging defect that potentially could cause the pouches to swell or leak. Swollen or leaking pouches could indicate that the products may contain bacteria that could potentially cause illness.
Recent Achievements by Our Injury Attorneys
We know that a settlement itself will not heal the
emotional trauma of a catastrophic injury or wrongful death. However, a financial
recovery can bring stability to families struggling to make ends meet
while recovering from the devastating effects of an accident or injury. With 35 years of experience working for clients in personal injury and workers' compensation matters, firm founder and attorney Loren B. Siegel has obtained and collected substantial awards in jury trial verdicts and insurance company settlements on behalf of victims throughout Chicago land, including clients in Cook, Lake, McHenry,
Will, and DuPage counties:
- $900,000 settlement for a mentally ill VA patient who jumped out of a second-story window
- $850,000 settlement for an auto accident victim who lost a leg below the knee
- $356,000 recovery for the victim of a fall down an outdoor staircase
- $300,000 compensation for a car accident resulting in a broken thigh bone
- $179,000 for a fire fighter's emotional trauma resulting from not being told of a terrorist drill at a fire station
- $100,000 for an elbow fractured in a car wreck
- $100,000 for a pedestrian accident that involved three children
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