Archive for January, 2011

Black ice creates chaos on Connecticut roads. Get street smart. Stay safe.

You’re driving just after sunset in winter. You see what looks like a large puddle on the road. The next thing you know, your car’s sliding out of control, perhaps slamming into a tree or even another vehicle. How did this happen? Blame black ice. This nasty road condition results when melting snow re-freezes and instantly turns a wet road into an ice rink. That’s why the National Weather Service frequently issues black ice warnings in Connecticut. Black ice is dangerous!

Black ice can be deceptive. The road looks wet, but it’s really frozen solid. That’s often why drivers lose control of their car on black ice. They never even realize there’s ice on the road until it’s too late.

Black ice accidents happen all over the world. Listen to this woman’s horrific story of how she lost control of her vehicle on black ice and veered into an icy canal in Scotland. Watch this video to see how a small patch of black ice triggers one accident after another on this Asian highway. Notice how even the tow truck arriving at the scene of the accident cannot stop due to dangerous black ice.

Experts estimate that black ice covered roads result in five times more accidents than clear roads. Trying to stop on black ice can be extremely dangerous. It takes nine times as long to stop on black ice as it does on a clear road, according to road safety experts. That’s why it’s crucial you don’t slam on your breaks if you hit a patch of black ice. Don’t make any sudden steering changes either. Just ride it out.

Black ice accidents happen fast. What if you were injured in a black ice accident? What if you couldn’t work for weeks or months? How would you pay your bills? You need someone familiar with serious accidents. You need someone you trust to fight for your rights. You need the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.

Our skilled lawyers have years of experience defending people injured in weather-related car accidents throughout Connecticut. We know how to successfully navigate through such complicated cases. Don’t be a victim. Take action. Contact Salomone & Morelli today. We’re on your side.

Connecticut watchdog group warns about unsafe toys. Get the facts.

Think all your children’s toys are safe? Think again! A Connecticut consumer watchdog group recently released its list of dangerous toys for 2010. The dangerous toys identified by Connecticut Public Interest Research Group include:

  • Toy handcuffs made with unsafe levels of antimony, a carcinogen.
  • Handy Manny’s Let’s Get Building Construction Set, which has many small parts that pose a choking hazard.
  • Lokmock/Baby’s First Train, which has small parts children may choke on.

Every three minutes, a child must be treated in an emergency room for an injury caused by a dangerous toy. In 2009, an estimated 186,000 children under 15 years old were treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In contrast, 152,000 children sustained toy-related injuries in 2005. Dangerous toys were linked to 12 deaths in 2009, down from 24 toy-related fatalities in 2007 and 2008, the CPSC reports.

The CPSC recalled 44 toys in fiscal year 2010, which ended Sept. 30. Click here to find a complete list of recalled toys. And even toys that have not been recalled can be dangerous, notes Joan Swartz, co-founder of World Against Toys Causing Harm, or WATCH. Sharp-edged toys or ones with projectiles can be dangerous. That’s why WATCH cautioned against buying Spy Gear Viper Blaster. Eye injuries are a real risk. Watch this video to see WATCH’s 10 Most Dangerous Toys of 2010.

Has your child been injured by a dangerous toy? Unsure what to do? Don’t take on large toy manufacturers by yourself. You need someone familiar with handling such complicated cases. You need someone who understands federal safety regulations. You need someone experienced, determined, dedicated to getting results. You need the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli.

Our lawyers have years of experience fighting for victims of dangerous toys in Connecticut. When you choose us, we work tirelessly for you. Companies have a responsibility to make safe products. When they fail to do so, fight back. Contact Salomone & Morelli today. We mean business!