Dallas, 03/05/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

According to a trucks.com report, six large trucking companies have asked the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to approve the use of hair analysis for drug screen tests among truck drivers. If allowed, the hair screening tests would replace urinalysis testing as a pre-employment requirement for tractor-trailer drivers.

The truck companies behind the request include J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc., Schneider National Carriers, Inc., Werner Enterprises, Inc., Knight Transportation, Inc., Dupre Logistics, Inc., and Maverick Transportation.

Truck Companies Say Hair Drug Testing Is Just as Good as Urinalysis

Per FMCSA rules, trucking companies are required to screen potential truck driver employees for drug use before hiring them. The companies making the request claim that data shows hair analysis for drug screenings is just as reliable as traditional drug screening methods, which include analyzing an individual’s urine.

One carrier, Schneider, even claims that a side-by-side comparison of hair analysis versus urinalysis reveals that testing the hair results in a positive rate that is four times higher than the positive rate for urinalysis.

Opponents Say Hair Testing Is Unreliable

However, not everyone agrees. According to the president of the National WorkRights Institute, hair analysis is “unreliable,” making it a bad option to replace urinalysis. He added that hair does, in fact, show the presence of drugs, however, “the problem is that hair testing can’t distinguish between the drug metabolizing inside the hair versus outside contamination in the air that gets into a driver’s hair.”

He also claimed it is difficult to clean the hair thoroughly enough to prevent outside contamination that can lead to false positives. Interestingly, some research has shown that individuals with darker hair colors also have a higher rate of false positives for drug testing.

In other words, opponents of the proposed rule change claim that a truck driver might test positive for drug use even in cases where his or her hair absorbed a drug simply by being around someone who was smoking a banned substance.

Amy Witherite explains, “The FMCSA has opened the proposed rulemaking to public comments through February 21, which gives interested parties the ability to comment on whether they believe hair testing for drug screenings should be permitted in the trucking industry.”

If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, don’t wait to speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer about your truck accident injury case.

Contact a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible for more information about your rights and options.  Learn more about 1-800-Truck-Wreck® Lawyers if you case is in Texas or Georgia.

Media Contact: 
Lucy Tiseo
Eberstein & Witherite, LLP 1800 Truck Wreck
Phone: 800-878-2597
Email: lucy.tiseo@ewlawyers.com
www.atlanta.1800truckwreck.com
Connect with Eberstein & Witherite on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

source: http://www.1800truckwreck.com/proposed-hair-drug-screening-test-truckers.html

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New York City, NY, SubmitPressRelease123/

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just an occasional air passenger, you are probably familiar with the safety announcements that take place prior to any flight. In most cases, flight attendants stand at various places in the cabin and give passengers a comprehensive safety briefing about what to do in a variety of emergency situations. This information may seem routine, but it can save your life in a crash.

But how often do charter buses instruct their passengers on safety procedures? Probably not too often, because there are no federal laws requiring them to do so. As reported by the Washington Post, motorcoaches – which are also called charter buses – are not as regulated as airplanes. Bus drivers are not required to give passengers safety briefings, nor do they have to instruct passengers on evacuation procedures. There are also no federal regulations requiring motorcoaches to have fireproofing or data recorders – two safety precautions found on all domestic aircraft and the majority of airplanes abroad.

Tragically, the push for these safety measures usually only comes after a disaster resulting in a major loss of life. In 2014, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create stricter safety regulations for motor coach and charter bus companies.

The NTSB recommendations came amid the agency’s investigation of a horrific California bus crash that killed 10 people, including five high school students who were on a trip to visit colleges. The crash occurred when a FedEx tractor-trailer crossed the median and first struck a car, then the motorcoach head-on. Diesel fuel from the semi-truck poured into the bus cabin, igniting in a fiery blast that immediately engulfed the bus. The majority of the fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation.

California’s New Motorcoach Safety Regulations

Although the NHTSA has yet to take action to increase charter bus safety, California lawmakers have approved new rules for all charter bus companies operating in the state. According to the Los Angeles Times, the new rules require all motorcoaches manufactured after July 1, 2020, and equipped to carry 39 or more passengers to have emergency lighting installed. The rules also require mandatory passenger safety briefings prior to any trip.

The proposed legislation would have also required motorcoaches to have a second exit door, however, that portion of the proposed bill was dropped when representatives of the motorcoach industry claimed it would be too expensive to implement.

Sadly, the 2014 charter bus accident is by no means an isolated incident. In May 2016, a charter bus crash resulted in eight deaths and dozens of injuries. According to NBC News, the crash occurred late in the evening, during a period of rain. The bus driver lost control of the bus, causing it to roll over.      

New York Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a charter bus accident, or you have lost a loved one in this type of accident, call New York bus and transportation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter for a free case evaluation.

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

?The Empire State Building

350 5th Avenue #6400

New York, NY 10118

T: (212) 736-0979

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Source: Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

source: http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2016/09/08/california-enacts-new-safety-rules-charter-buses/

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New Jersey, 03/02/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Addiction is a disease that affects millions of people – if not directly, then indirectly as the family and friends of those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Most of those addicts don’t want to live the way they are; rather they want to be free of addiction and all the negative consequences that it entails. But how do they do that? Learn to live a new way, free of their addiction?

If you would like to read more about this subject read this article recommended by the NJ drug addiction experts: Program Spotlight: 12 Step Program-Complete, Ongoing Healing.

Some attempt to go it alone, attempting to get clean and sober with their own willpower and without professional help. Others attend treatment facilities for addiction, either inpatient or outpatient, to begin their recovery. Still others turn to 12-step programs to try to break free of their addiction.

What is a 12-Step Program?

Twelve-step programs are programs that are designed to help people recover from various types of addictions. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was the first 12-step program, founded in the 1930s by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith. The AA program has been adapted to help other addictions including Narcotics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and many more.

The basic 12-step model operates under the premise that people can help one another attain and sustain abstinence from the substance or behavior to which they are addicted. This is done through meetings where they share their experience, strength, and hope with each other and offer support.

There are no requirements for membership in 12-step programs, except that the individual has a desire to stop using, drinking, or practicing harmful behaviors. Meetings are free and there are no leaders, no therapists or other medical professionals, and no accountability for attendance.

Members are encouraged, but not required, to work through the twelve steps of the program with a sponsor (someone with more sobriety who has been through the steps themselves). Only first names are used, so the member can remain anonymous if they choose to, and it is forbidden to talk about other members outside of the rooms.

What Are the 12 Steps?

The original 12 steps, written for AA, are as follows:

1.    We admitted we were powerless over alcohol–that our lives had become unmanageable.

2.    Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3.    Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4.    Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5.    Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6.    Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7.    Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

8.    Made a list of persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

9.    Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10.  Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11.  Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12.  Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

In some cases, for fellowships other than AA, the steps have been modified to emphasize the important principles of the program but with the gender-based or religious language removed.

The Pros and Cons of 12-Step Programs

Like any type of treatment or program, there are advantages and disadvantages associated with 12-step programs. Let’s take a look at the benefits first:

·         Cost – 12-step programs are free, although they are self-supporting so a member can make small donations to cover the cost of coffee if they want to.

·         Sponsorship – One of the only program models that uses sponsorship as a recovery tool.

·         Structured meetings – The meetings are on time and structured to a tee.

·         Accessibility – There are meetings available at all times of the day, in different areas (including internationally), and with different formats, so there is a lot of support available.

·         Fellowship – There is a strong sense of community in 12-step programs, there is usually very little judgment, and most members are helpful and supportive.

Now, let’s look at the drawbacks:

·         No accountability – Because 12-step programs are anonymous, there is no accountability for not attending.

·         Some attendees are court-ordered – Many courts require defendants of drug and alcohol related offenses to attend 12-step meetings, so they are not always there for the right reasons and they may distract other members from getting what they need out of the meetings.

·         No therapy – There is no therapy, psychiatric care, or medical professionals in 12-step programs.

·         Religious undertones – For those who are not open to religion or spirituality, the religious undertones of some 12-step programs may be off-putting.

Does the 12-Step Model Work?

Because 12-step programs are anonymous and there is no record-keeping of meetings and members, it’s hard to answer this question. Just how many people are able to get and stay clean using 12-step programs would be a guess, at best. However, the prominence of these programs and the stories of success from those in recovery suggest that it is effective.

Probably the most effective way to make good use of 12-step programs is to use them in conjunction with other recovery options. Nearly three-quarters of alcohol and drug addiction treatment facilities incorporate the 12-steps into their addiction treatment plans, so when patients complete treatment, it’s likely that they are already familiar with 12-step programs making it easy to continue with them in the future.

At the very least, 12-step programs provide members with support and encouragement from others who are battling addiction successfully, and it puts them near others who understand what they are going through.

If you are considering beginning a 12-step program, give it a try. Keep in mind, that effective and successful treatment for addiction is unique to each individual. While these programs don’t work for everyone, NJ drug addiction experts say they do work for many, so why not see if you’re in the latter group by contacting us now.

Media Contact HQ

Rene William

(908) 364-5755

source: https://www.summitbehavioralhealth.com/blog/nj-drug-addiction-experts-answer-12-step-programs-really-work/

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New Jersey, 03/03/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

Substance abuse and addiction is an issue that bridges all income levels, ethnicities, and backgrounds. People from all walks of life deal with addiction, including celebrities. For people whose lives unfold in the public eye, battling an addiction and committing to recovery can be especially challenging. When your private struggles including addiction treatment are scrutinized in the media, relapses can be particularly painful and emotionally exhausting.

However, celebrities can also be a source of inspiration to those working through the recovery process. Knowing that addiction is something that can happen to anyone can help you feel like you’re not alone. Here are six celebrities who are open about their struggles with addiction.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. has been vocal about his prolonged struggles with drug and alcohol abuse. Downey is today one of the Hollywood’s most successful celebrities, but his career suffered tremendously in the late 90s and early 2000s as a series of legal troubles related to his addiction made film studios reluctant to hire him. Downey has said his addiction began as a child, as his father—who also struggled with addiction—brought drugs into the home.

Daniel Radcliffe

The “Harry Potter” star literally grew up on camera, with all the pressures and expectations of a typical child actor. Radcliffe has been open about his alcohol abuse and says he decided to give up drinking entirely after completing treatment.

Kelly Osborne

There is no question that Kelly Osborne has had an unconventional life. The daughter of rock star Ozzy Osborne, Kelly was exposed to drugs and alcohol at an early age. She completed rehab four times before finally kicking an addiction to prescription painkillers.

Drew Barrymore

Like many other children of famous Hollywood parents, Drew Barrymore was exposed to drugs and alcohol during childhood. Additionally, both of Barrymore’s parents battled addictions. Her grandfather died prematurely at age 60 due to an alcohol addiction. Drew said she took her first drink of alcohol at the age of nine and tried cocaine at age 12. She is now an outspoken supporter of substance abuse treatment.

Trent Reznor

Now an award-winning composer, Trent Reznor began his career by fully embracing the rock-and-roll lifestyle, including substance abuse. As the lead singer of Nine Inch Nails, he battled a drug and alcohol addiction that led to a heroin overdose that nearly took his life. Reznor has said he also suffers from depression and that looking after his mental health has played a prominent role in staying clean and sober.

To read more about celebrity drug addiction struggles read Prince’s Opioid Demise & Famous Musicians’ Stories Who Have OD’d Featuring Expert Insight.

Begin Your Lasting Recovery with Summit Behavioral Health

Summit Behavioral Health has treatment centers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Get in touch with us to learn more about the treatment options we offer. Call 1-844-64-DETOX today.

Media Contact HQ

Rene William

(908) 364-5755

source: https://www.summitbehavioralhealth.com/blog/6-celebrities-got-addiction-treatment-now-celebrate-sobriety/

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ReleaseID: 22740

Vienna, 03/02/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

RiskSpan, the data management, data applications, and predictive analytics firm that specializes in risk solutions for the mortgage, capital markets, and banking industries, today announced the addition of Faith Schwartz, Senior Advisor of Accenture Credit Services (ACS), to RiskSpan’s Board of Directors.

Schwartz, formerly an SVP at CoreLogic, established a Washington office for CoreLogic’s government vertical. She created a public affairs office driving significant presence with the government, non-profits, and universities.

“Faith is a seasoned executive and recognized expert, having spent her career in housing and mortgage finance,” said Bernadette Kogler, CEO of RiskSpan. “After a thorough search, we felt Faith was the perfect addition to our board. Her experience in the industry will help drive RiskSpan’s growth.”

“Faith’s impressive resume is a testament to her deep understanding of the various facets of the mortgage finance industry, including government, consumers, and the private sector,” said Suhrud Dagli, Founder and CTO of RiskSpan. “Faith will bring new insights to the table that will allow us to solve problems across the industry.”

“I have always been impressed with RiskSpan’s work,” said Schwartz. “Our industry faces significant data challenges that RiskSpan is uniquely qualified to solve. I am excited to be a part of that and the impact RiskSpan makes on the Fintech landscape as a whole.”

While at CoreLogic, Faith was heavily involved in the development of a university data portal and co-hosted thought leadership events with the Urban Institute, including the annual symposium, “Data, Demand, and Demographics.”  Schwartz was also Executive Director of HOPE NOW Alliance, formed at the request of the Secretary of the Treasury to unite the industry following the housing crisis. Earlier in her career, Schwartz was at Freddie Mac as well as several independent mortgage banks and commercial banks.

Schwartz graduated from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania with a BSBA in Accounting and holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the University of Pittsburgh.

About RiskSpan

RiskSpan simplifies the management of complex data in the mortgage, capital markets, and banking industries. We transform seemingly unmanageable data—a very real source of risk—into productive business assets. By deploying our platform of industry experts and the latest technology, we make data beautiful.

Learn more at www.riskspan.com.

Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact

Shawn Eliav

Email: seliav@riskspan.com

Phone: (703) 956-5200

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ReleaseID: 22735

Juneau, AK, USA, 03/01/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

BestDamnCharters (Best Damn Charters), a fishing charter and whale watching company in Juneau, Alaska, declared that it is already accepting fishing reservations for the 2017 season. This includes ½ day, ¾ day, and full day for Halibut, Salmon and Rockfish species.

Aside from Halibut and Rockfish, these private shipping charters offered by BestDamnCharters target 5 species of salmon. The package for all fishing charters includes free use of fishing rod and reel, terminal tackle gear, and bait. Lunch is provided for clients who book the full and ¾ day packages while snacks are part of ½ day charters.

BestDamnCharters will take care of cleaning your catch as well as deal with processing and shipping arrangements after the charter. It has two 30-foot custom boats (Endeavor and Endurance) built for navigating Alaskan waters. The vessels are fitted with the most modern clean diesel technology, heated cabins, bathrooms, and sophisticated radar equipment.

Among the Salmon species are Chinook (King Salmon) which have an average weight of 20 up to 25 lbs and can even reach more than 70 lbs. On the other hand, Feeder King Salmon are considered immature or baitfish. The majority of these are below 20 lbs and not as plentiful as the King Salmon.

The Pink Salmon variety arrives during the latter part of June. These are the smallest of salmon species, which is from three to six pounds, but the most in terms of quantity. Pink salmon is the most desired by people for its mouth watering taste. Silver salmon arrive in large numbers in the middle of July. These are more than 20 lbs and jump high when caught by fishing hooks.

BestDamnCharters is best known for its private or exclusive sport fishing charters along with whale watching tours for local residents, tourists, and passengers of cruise ships. The whale watching expedition and wildlife tour takes around two and a half hours and 100% guarantees whale sightings.

Captains Duane and Nick of BestDamnCharters have more than three decades of navigating the waters in Alaska. “We are committed to providing the best experience for our clients. Our Salmon and Halibut fishing trips are unique and offer the best for adventurous individuals,” the two Captains said.
About BestDamnCharters

Skipper Duane (Captain of the Endurance) is licensed by the US Coast Guard. He has a degree in BS Engineering. Skipper Nick (Captain of the Endeavor) also possesses a US Coast Guard license and owns a degree in BS Biology.

BestDamnCharters is a family owned and managed fishing charter company that serves people visiting Juneau, AK. Their fishing charters originate from Auke Bay in Juneau. Interested tourists who wish to know more about the company can browse through our website or use the contact information below.

BestDamnCharters

9158 Skywood Ln

Juneau, AK 99801

(907) 957-4052

www.BestDamnCharters.com

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/bestdamncharters

Our Promo Video – https://vimeo.com/205605766

Trip Advisor Reviews

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ReleaseID: 22722

Linthicum, Maryland, United States, 02/28/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

NFM Lending is pleased to welcome Ben Burkett, Branch Manager, to NFM Lending. Burkett and his team will work out of NFM Lending’s Glen Allen, Virginia location, along with Branch Manager, Greg Cowart.

“Ben is one of the top loan originators in Richmond, and is respected in the real estate community for many qualities including industry knowledge, a kind, collaborative approach, and his impeccable character,” said Cowart. “We both follow the same coaching program and have a lot of similar beliefs in our expectations, vision, and systems for the branch we want to create. Through economies of scale and division of management duties, merging will help us both be better loan originators for our clients and referral partners and better managers for our staff. We are honored to work with Ben and his team and excited for the future of NFM Lending Richmond, Virginia.”

Burkett says he looks forward to this partnership as well.

“I could not be more excited to bring my team to NFM Lending!” said Burkett. “We pride ourselves on giving a great customer experience, and coming to NFM only enhances those efforts. In an industry that largely falls short on relationship-building and communication, NFM’s lending platform and culture will help my team reach new levels. I am thrilled to be merging with Greg Cowart’s team in Richmond, VA. He and his team are well-respected and I look forward to being successful together.”

The branch is currently hiring qualified Loan Originators for full and part-time positions. The branch’s goal is to provide top-notch service, commitment, and dedication to borrowers, ranging from first-time homebuyers to seasoned buyers looking for their next home, a second home, or investment properties. Visit the branch page to learn more: www.nfmlending.com/va318.

For more information, please contact:

Ben Burkett
Branch Manager
NMLS # 269591
Phone: 804-833-4303
bburkett@nfmlending.com
http://nfmlending.com/bburkett
About NFM Lending

NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 29 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.

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ReleaseID: 22650

Philadelphia, 02/28/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

According to an NBC 10 report, 1 two criminal suspects were captured taking almost identical tumbles on a Verizon store’s security camera in early January 2017.

Investigators report that the men stole cell phones from the store’s shelves before attempting to flee the store, which appears in the video to have a hardwood floor. As the men tried to run from the store, both slipped and fell within seconds of each other.

Tips to Avoid a Slip and Fall

Philadelphia residents are well aware that winter means ice and snow on the streets and sidewalks. When you enter a store or other building, it’s important to be extra cautious, as floors can often be slippery.

Falls are a serious health hazard around the world. According to the World Health Organization, falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury2 in the world. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries, 3 and one out of five falls causes a serious injury.

An accident can happen regardless of how careful you are, but there are several things you can do to decrease your risk of suffering a slip and fall:

Choose your footwear carefully — avoid shoes that are ill-fitting or difficult to walk in, especially in ice and snow.
Slow down — the thieves in the Verizon robbery were obviously in a hurry to flee the scene of the crime, which likely contributed to their slips and falls. Take your time when you walk, and pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for black ice, which can form quickly when temperatures swing from above freezing to freezing.
Use a flashlight in dark areas — if you can’t see where you’re stepping, you’re more likely to stumble over debris, loose carpeting, or another type of tripping hazard. Reduce your risk of a slip and fall by lighting up your surroundings. Many cell phones have flashlight apps built in. You can also purchase an inexpensive key ring flashlight to use when you have to walk outside in the dark or in a building where there is inadequate or no light.

The High Cost of Slips and Falls

Philadelphia slip and fall lawyer Rand Spear explains, “Slips and falls can result in thousands of dollars in medical bills. The CDC reports that the average slip and fall injury costs over $30,000 in hospital bills alone. Falls also rank among the 20 most expensive medical conditions in the U.S. Other costs associated with slips and falls include lost wages, physical therapy, prescriptions, and mental stress.”

If you have been injured in a slip and fall accident, you don’t have to face the high cost of a slip and fall injury4 alone. Call Philadelphia and New Jersey slip and fall and personal injury lawyer Rand Spear today at 888-373-4LAW.

Footnotes:

1 NBC 10 Report http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Verizon-Theft-Phones-Slip-Fall-Thieves-Caught-on-Camera-411153115.html

2 Second leading cause of unintentional injury   http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs344/en/

3 CDC reports that falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injuries https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html

4 High cost of a slip and fall injury   https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/fallcost.html

source: http://randspear.com/2017/02/27/philadelphia-slip-fall-lawyer-discusses-slip-fall-robbery/

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ReleaseID: 22648

Philadelphia, 02/28/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

According to reports by Fox News Tech1 and MotorTrend2, the case involved a two-car crash in 2015, in which a 19-year-old motorist was traveling 107 miles per hour when she struck another vehicle, causing the man inside to suffer permanent brain damage. At the time of the crash, the teen driver was using a Snapchat “speed filter,” which allowed users to clock how fast they were moving.

After the teen driver was attended by emergency personnel, she snapped a selfie with the Snapchat app of her strapped to a back board, wearing a neck brace, with blood dripping down her forehead. The “snap” was captioned, “Lucky to be alive.”

The man whose car she struck sued both the teen, her parents, and the Snapchat app, claiming the app’s makers should have predicted misuse of the app, including distracting driving.

Judge Says the Communications Decency Act Grants Snapchat Immunity

The judge in the case disagreed. He sided with Snapchat, ruling that the 1996 Communications Decency Act gives Snapchat immunity from liability.

The Act reads in part: “No provider or user or an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider.”

The judge reasoned that Snapchat is the publisher of the app and is thus immune from liability for any information published to the app by a user.

The man injured in the crash has said he will appeal the judge’s ruling. The case against the teen driver who allegedly caused the accident remains pending.

Distracted Driving Is a Serious Problem

New Jersey motor vehicle accident lawyer Rand Spear explains, “The Act in question was passed in 1996 — an era well before smartphones and mobile apps. Today, distracted driving has been called an epidemic, and it plays a role in a growing number of serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents.”

In 2015, traffic-related deaths rose 7.2 percent, which is the biggest increase in 50 years. 2According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving crashes jumped by 8.8 percent in 2015. In one survey, the average driver spent 0.4 miles on the phone for every 11 miles driven. Traffic safety experts point out that it is actually impossible for the human brain to “multitask.” Instead of performing two activities — such as driving and texting — simultaneously, the brain actually switches rapidly between the two tasks, resulting in a lower amount of concentration on both tasks.

If you have been injured in a car or truck crash caused by a distracted driver, call Philadelphia and New Jersey motor vehicle accident lawyer Rand Spear today at 888-373-4LAW.

Footnotes:

1 Fox News Tech    http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2017/01/23/judge-rules-snapchat-immune-from-distracted-driver-claim.html

2 Motor Trend http://www.motortrend.com/news/snapchat-cleared-distracted-driving-case/

3 Biggest increase in 50 years   http://fortune.com/2016/09/14/distracted-driving-epidemic/

source: http://randspear.com/2017/02/23/snapchat-cleared-liability-distracted-driving-case-says-new-jersey-motor-vehicle-accident-lawyer/

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ReleaseID: 22645

Dallas, 02/28/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

It’s no coincidence that many of the most lurid national headlines about inappropriate relationships between teachers and students are from Texas.

In 2016, Texas saw a boom in prosecutions for these types of relationships, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The trend has led to the drawing up of stricter rules and a call for new legislation in 2017 by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

Last month, the Senate Education Committee considered drawing up new laws to combat the rise in inappropriate student-teacher relationships in Texas schools.

According to the Texas Education Agency, the number of investigations involving inappropriate relationships between teachers and students rose from 141 in 2009-10 to 179 in 2013-14 and had reached 188 in 2014-15. The overall increase in prosecutions for these relationships from 2013 to 2016 has been almost 60 percent.

The most high profile case in 2016 involved Alexandria Vera, a 24-year-old former Aldine ISD teacher. Vera was impregnated by a 13-year-old student who she was having a relationship with.

Vera faces up to 30-years in prison after admitting aggravated sexual assault of a child, reported the Washington Post.  She reached a plea bargain after she was initially charged with continuous sexual assault of a child, an offense carrying a maximum punishment of life in prison.

Cases involving students and teachers frequently make news headlines in Texas.

The Texas Education Agency wants more money to hire new investigators who would look into inappropriate relationships between educators and students.

It has called for Texas lawmakers to pass legislation requiring school districts to immediately revoke the teaching licenses of sex offenders. In the past, it has been easier for districts to fire the teachers but not pursue the removal of their licenses.

Superintendents would face criminal penalties for failing to report improper relationships. The TEA has also requested the authority to compel witnesses to testify.

This is a fast-moving area and a likely priority for legislation in the new session. Although there has been high profile and blatant cases, educators are also vulnerable to false accusations from students in the current climate. If you have been charged with a crime of this nature, you are likely to be facing a long term behind bars and should contact an experienced Dallas criminal defense lawyer.

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source: https://www.brodenmickelsen.com/blog/texas-sees-increase-inappropriate-student-teacher-relationships/

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