Earphones Connected to More Injuries and Deaths

A report last week, as published on http://www.myfoxdc.com, states that there is an increase in the number of both pedestrians and bicyclists being killed or seriously injured, as a result of wearing earphones.  The article refers a warning issued by the American Automobile Association (AAA), whose officials state that this troubling trend is occurring across the United States:

Local officials are seeing a rise in the number of pedestrians and bicyclists who are being killed or seriously injured while wearing earphones.              

Transportation officials say several people have been killed in the Washington, DC area. Recently, a 51-year-old jogger was killed by a tractor-trailer truck while crossing Constitution Avenue. DC police say the woman was wearing headphones.

AAA officials say across the United States the number of pedestrian injuries and deaths are increasing because people wearing earphones are not aware of their surroundings.

This is a good time to remind everyone of the rules of the road, as cherry blossom season is upon us, and our local traffic significantly increases.  Please remember, regardless of whether you are a pedestrian, bicyclist, or operator of an automobile, be safe and follow all applicable safety and traffic laws.

Do It Best Recalls Bicycle Bells Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Approximately 1,000 bicycle bells were placed under a recall this past week by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)  The following are some of the relevant details, and the full recall information can be located at the following link: recall notice.

Name of Product: Bicycle Bells                        

Units: About 1,000

Distributor: Do It Best Corp., of Fort Wayne, Ind.

Manufacturer: Botou Baite Bike Bell Co. Ltd., of Botou City, China

Hazard: The red paint on the bicycle bells contains excessive lead levels, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Description: This recall involves children’s bicycle bells. The bells are red, black and white and has “I ♥ My Bike” printed on the top. The green and white packaging reads “bike bell” and “$1.”

If you or your child has a bicycle bell, please make sure it is not one of the recalled bells.  Thankfully, as of today’s date, there have not been any reported injuries to the CPSC.