Virginia passed a law banning drivers from using handheld cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Holding a cell phone while operating a vehicle is a $20 primary offense. Second offense is $50. By 2011, the fine will increase to $200. Virginia is one of only approximately 20 states that [...]
Feb
9
2010
9
2010
Jan
20
2010
20
2010
Proposed Florida Bill Bans Indoor Tanning For Youth Under 16 Years
In follow-up to Monday’s blog post regarding tanning bed risks and inadequate warnings, comes today’s timely story regarding legislative efforts to protect the unknowing from serious health risks.
“Florida’s Palm Beach Post (1/20, Cerabino) reports, “A national health group called Aim at Melanoma is backing a statewide legislative effort to institute what would be a tough [...]
Jan
9
2010
9
2010
NFL Goes To Supreme Court on Antitrust Allegations
Next week the US Supreme Court will be hearing oral argument in American Needle v. NFL, a case that will have permanent affect on NFL football as a business – which will directly affect fans, players and the game overall.
The issue before the Court is does the NFL constitute just one entity, or 32 independent [...]
Dec
31
2009
31
2009
Cell Phone Distraction: Government Launches Awareness Campaign
Following The New York Times series on driver distraction and Obama’s October 1st Executive Order forbidding federal employees from texting while driving federal vehicles, the federal government has launched a website exclusively dedicated to raising drivers’ awareness of the serious dangers of distracted driving: distraction.gov.
Compelling research reveals that drivers using a cell phone reduces the [...]
Dec
14
2009
14
2009
Employees’ Right to Privacy Extends to Texts & Emails in Workplace
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide shortly whether to hear the employer’s appeal of the matter, Quon v. Arch Wireless, wherein a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that employees have a constitutional right to privacy in their text messages, even those containing sexually explicit content sent to co-workers. The case concerned two police officers [...]
Dec
7
2009
7
2009
First Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Cell Phone Manufacturer and Carrier
A daughter is suing Sprint Nextel and Samsung in Oklahoma District Court on behalf of her mother’s estate, for failing to adequately warn consumers that driving while talking on a cell phone can cause fatal collisions.
Fatal Collision
On September 3, 2008, then 61 year-old, Linda Doyle, was fatally hit by 20 year-old Christopher Hill. Mr. Hill [...]
Oct
30
2009
30
2009
Airplane Passenger Bill of Rights: U.S. v. E.U.
With increasing passenger complaints against airlines, including tarmac delays, missed arrivals, and more, a U.S. Passenger Bill of Rights is greatly needed! Congress has a proposed bill, which covers only tarmac delays, whereas the European Union (E.U.) has a more comprehensive bill that also compensates passengers for over-bookings and cancellations.
The bill has been in effect [...]
Oct
1
2009
1
2009
Texting While Driving – Illegal For Federal Workers
President Obama signed an Executive Order forbidding federal workers to text while driving government vehicles. This order is an attempt to decrease the number of serious collisions caused by inattentive driving. The federal law only applies to federal workers while they are on the job using federal government vehicles.
In comparison, Washington State law only prohibits [...]
Sep
22
2009
22
2009
Food & Drug Administration Seeks Public Opinion – Online Marketing
In a release today on National Public Radio (NPR), the FDA announces that it seeks public input on how to regulate company’s marketing and online advertising of FDA approved products.
A lack of regulation has led to false, deceptive and misleading ads that pose a potential harm to consumers. Earlier this year, a host of pharmaceutical [...]
