Bicycle Carrier Recall

   Since I just posted a page on Bicycle Safety I thought I would talk about a bicycle carrier that was recalled on 1/11/2012. This chariot bicycle carrier was recalled due to an injury hazard. You can find details below.

The information below was taken from

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Chariot Carrier Recalls Child Bicycle Trailers And Conversion Kits Due To Injury Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today (1/11/2012) announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Chariot bicycle trailers and bicycle trailer conversion kits

Units: About 44,000 bicycle trailers and 70,000 bicycle trailer conversion kits

Manufacturer: Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd., d/b/a Chariot Carriers, of Calgary, Canada

Hazard: The bicycle trailer’s hitch mechanisms can crack and break, causing the trailer to detach from the bicycle. This poses an injury hazard to children in the bicycle trailer.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 24 incident reports worldwide, three of which occurred in the United States, involving the bicycle trailers and the conversion kits. No injuries have been reported.

Description: Chariot Carriers convert to strollers, jogging strollers and bike, hike or ski trailers. This recall involves Chariot bicycle trailers and bicycle trailer conversion kits. Recalled trailers have serial numbers from 1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx (representing manufacture dates December 2005 through July 2010) located the left side on the frame. Recalled conversion kits have hitch arms that attach the carrier to the bicycle with model number “20100503” printed on a label attached to the aluminum tube next to the warning label. Older conversion kits without a label, but with a release push button located where the hitch arm inserts into the carrier, are also being recalled.

Sold at: Specialty bicycle stores nationwide and on various websites from December 2005 through August 2010 for between $400 and $925 for Chariot bicycle trailers and from October 2002 through August 2011 for between $40 and $70 for bicycle trailer conversion kits.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycle trailers and bicycle trailer conversion kits and contact Chariot Carriers for a free repair kit which the consumer can install.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Chariot Carriers at (800) 262-8651 between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.chariotcarriers.com

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

For more information on this recall visit http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12085.html.

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Bicycle Safety

   I posted a new page called Bicycle Safety with tons of safety tips on riding a bicycle. Please take a moment to read over it as some of the information on the page could possibly save a life of one of your family members or friends.

   According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - 500,000 people report bicycle injuries every year of that 700 of those cyclist die from their injuries. 62% of those deaths resulting from head injuries. In a typical year 15 year olds or younger account for half of the nations fatal bike accidents.

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Drinking and Driving!

   Last night my family and I went to a local Hockey game here in the Salt Lake Valley. We were having a good time when we seen a family of 5 come and sit in front of us. This family was a Mom and Dad with their 3 maybe 4 year old daughter and the mom and dads friends or family. All of the adults were drinking and we aren't talking about just one drink we are talking 3-4 maybe even 5 drinks during the game and they just kept getting louder and louder. They were very nice people but I couldn't stop thinking about that beautiful little girl that they had with them and how she was going to get home.

   Look I don't care what you do in your life if you are going to drink don't drive. You could easily get in a wreck hurting or killing yourself or someone else and nobody deserves to pay so drastically for someone else's stupidity. I try to put this nicely but it is really hard to when everyone knows how wrong it is and yet they still make the CHOICE to do it. This little girl doesn't have the choice on how she is going to get home. There is nothing that I could have done to change whatever happens. I could have told someone but I don't have any proof that they were above the legal limit. I could have followed them out to their vehicle and followed them home but in an area with 10,000 people its hard to keep an eye on your own family let alone someone else's. I have tried to get involved before and it hasn't worked. I wish there was more that I could have done other then saying how wrong it was and getting chewed out and told to mind my own business.

   This is not the first time that I have seen this and its extremely sad. I cant believe that some people have the thought that it would be ok to have a few drinks and then drive with their child in the car or not. When you drink and drive it is proven time and time again that you do not have full control of the vehicle. You have a chance of swerving off the road or into oncoming traffic hurting or killing not only you but others as well. There are families all over that loose innocent loved ones that are on their way home from church, stores, family events etc that don't deserve to be hurt or killed and yet they get hit by a drunk driver and now that family has to go through all of the horrible things (for lack of better words) that they shouldn't have to.

   So do all of us a favor and if you are going to drink be responsible enough to get a cab or a designated driver. If you cant afford a cab and you cant find a designated driver then you shouldn't be drinking its that simple. Drinking is to be done responsibly and I feel as though a lot of people show how irresponsible they are by drinking and driving. I hope that we can put a stop to all of this as this. We can get drinking and driving fatality rates to a 0% as it is not an accident it is a choice!

The Party Poem (Author Unknown)

I went to a party, Mom,

I remembered what you said.

You told me not to drink, Mom,

So I drank soda instead.

I really felt proud inside, Mom,

The way you said I would.

I didn't drink and drive, Mom,

Even though the others said I should.

I know I did the right thing, Mom,

I know you are always right.

Now the party is finally ending, Mom,

As everyone is driving out of sight.

As I got into my car, Mom,

I knew I'd get home in one piece.

Because of the way you raised me,

So responsible and sweet.

I started to drive away, Mom,

But as I pulled out into the road,

The other car didn't see me, Mom,

And hit me like a load.

As I lay there on the pavement, Mom,

I hear the policeman say,

"The other guy is drunk," Mom,

And now I'm the one who will pay.

I'm lying here dying, Mom...

I wish you'd get here soon.

How could this happen to me, Mom?

My life just burst like a balloon.

There is blood all around me, Mom,

And most of it is mine.

I hear the medic say, Mom,

I'll die in a short time.

I just wanted to tell you, Mom,

I swear I didn't drink.

It was the others, Mom.

The others didn't think.

He was probably at the same party as I.

The only difference is, he drank

And I will die.

Why do people drink, Mom?

It can ruin your whole life.

I'm feeling sharp pains now.

Pains just like a knife.

The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,

And I don't think it's fair.

I'm lying here dying

And all he can do is stare.

Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.

Tell Daddy to be brave.

And when I go to heaven, Mom,

Put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.

Someone should have told him, Mom,

Not to drink and drive.

If only they had told him, Mom,

I would still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mom.

I'm becoming very scared.

Please don't cry for me, Mom.

When I needed you,

you were always there.

I have one last question, Mom.

Before I say good bye.

I didn't drink and drive,

So why am I the one to die?

Please don't drink and drive!!!

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True Story and Tips to Cross Safely

   I have already talked about this a bit on the Street Smarts Page but we had an accident not to far down the road from me that made me want to talk about it again today. This is a very important issue as I see more and more children getting hit that don't need to be. I know that no matter what there is that chance due to accidents like accidentally running a red light or someone not paying attention or the occasional (non accident) drunk driver. But a lot of these children are getting hit in the middle of the road with NO crosswalk, NO light and in the dark. We can prevent a lot of these from happening. I am going to share a true story that just happened last night (1-28-2012).

    Last night in Millcreek Utah not far from where I live a 13 year old girl was hit by a police officer while she tried to cross the road. This accident happened at around 9:20 pm and involved a member of our Unified Police Officers and the Teenage girl. According to a local news station the girl was walking in a neighborhood that was poorly lit when she tried to cross the road were her Dad was waiting for her she was struck by the officer causing serious injuries to the teenager. The girl was not in a crosswalk and the officer did not see the girl until it was to late according to the Unified Police Department.

   The girl was transported to a nearby Hospital with serious injuries. Specific injuries were not immediately released but police say that they do not believe that they are life threatening. The Salt Lake Police Department is investigating the accident.

   We can only hope that this has a good ending and that this child recovers fully from her injuries. I will be pulling for her and her family in this horrible time as I am sure you will as well. I think we have a lot to learn from this story and we can take the "It will never happen to my child" out of our minds now when it can happen to this child in front of her Dad that was right there waiting for her and hit by a police officer non the less.... This can happen to anyone young or old. We should all be paying attention whether it be driving or walking and we should follow the rules when crossing the street. Here is a news clip about the accident and below that I will cover some of the Street Safety tips!


Crossing Safely

• If you are going to be out after dark (or even dusk) wear light colored clothing.
• Young kids are better when traveling with others not only for crossing safety but also for stranger danger. You can find more information on the Stranger Danger Page.
• Try to stay in WELL lit areas even if in your own neighborhood. Again this is not just for vehicles but also for Stranger Danger.
• Cross only at Cross Walks, Sky Walks and/or an appropriate light
• Only cross after you have done your checks and that should be Stop, Look and Listen
• Double Check
• If anything is blocking your view (bush, car, boat etc.) make sure you have a clear look around it before crossing.
• If you are crossing at a light and the traffic is stopped and it is your turn, make sure you have eye to eye contact with the drivers so you know that they are aware you are there before moving out in front of them. It is awfully easy for a child to be unseen after moving in front of a larger vehicle.
• Always use the Orange/Red flags if available.
• Don't just walk out in a crosswalk just cause you have the right of way, ensure that they are aware of you and that the drivers come to a stop before crossing.
• NEVER cross without a crosswalk or a light even if it means going down the street another block or so it just isn't worth it.
• Walk don't run to cross the street you are less likely to trip and cross safely.
• Walk don't ride your bike across the street.

   If we follow these rules we can prevent a lot of these accidents from happening. We should start teaching our children the importance of Street Safety and Stranger Danger from the time they start walking and talking in my opinion, It is ultimately up to you. I think we all need to have these talks all the time with our children. Practice these with your children, I do it with my nieces and nephews where we will go out to lunch and while I hold their hand and we get ready to cross the parking lot I do the stop, look and listen. We need to practice this all the time even if it is safe and we know it. If we do it every time we cross the street it will become the norm for them as well.

   I truly hope that this helps someone somewhere. I would appreciate your feedback, stories, suggestions or if you want me to cover anything just let me know by commenting below. Please share this with your friends and family.. 

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New Recalls for 1/24/2012

   On Jan 24, 2010 the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced 2 new child related recalls that I would like to share with you. Infant Rattles and Wrestling Action Figures, I will cover both products here.

Infant Rattles By Lee Carter Company

Infant Rattles by Lee Carter Co. are recalled due to a choking hazard. The CPSC with Lee Carter Co. announced the voluntary immediate recall on Jan 24, 2012 unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. This is an image of what the rattle looks like!

Product Information                     

Name of Product: Infant Rattles

Units: About 25,000

Distributor: Lee Carter Co. of San Francisco Calif.

Hazard: The rattles handle is small enough to fit in the child's throat posing a choking hazard and violating federal rattle standards.

Incidents/Injuries: None Reported.

Description: The recalled rattles are made out of multi-colored, woven plastic and have a bell inside. They measure about 4.5" long. "Made in Mexico" and "Lee Carter Company" are printed on a tag on purple plastic loop at the end of the rattles handle.

Sold at: Various Mexican specialty craft stores nationwide from Feb 2011 - Oct 2011 for about $4.00

Manufactured: In Mexico

Remedy: Customers should immediately take the recalled rattles away from their child and return them to Lee Carter Co. for a full refund or a credit towards a replacement product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should call Lee Carter Co. collect at (415) 824-2004 anytime, or visit the firms website at www.leecartercompany.com.

Information on this was taken from the CPSC

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12093.html

Mexican Wrestling Action Figures By Lee Carter Co

The US CPSC in cooperation with Lee Carter Co announced a voluntary immediate recall of the following product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. The following images are of the recalled product.

Product Information 

Name of Product: Super Luchamania Action Figures
Units: About 7,000 packs
Distributor: Lee Carter Company of San Francisco Calif.
Hazard: The surface paints on the figures contain excessive levels of lead which is prohibited under Federal Law.
Incidents/Injuries: None Reported
Description: The recalled figures were sold in 12 packs. The multi-colored action figures are plastic, have plastic capes and measure about four inches tall. "Super Luchamania" is printed on the action figures packaging.
Sold at: Various Mexican specialty craft stores nationwide from June 2000 - October 2011 for about $12.00-$14.00 a pack.
Manufactured: In Mexico
Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled action figures from the children and return them to the Lee Carter Company for a full refund or credit towards a replacement product.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should call Lee Carter Co. collect at (415) 824-2004 anytime, or visit the firms website at www.leecartercompany.com.

Information on this was taken from the CPSC
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml12/12092.html

Sledding Safety

   Well with snow on the ground I thought I would go after one of my favorite things to do as a child, Sledding and Tubing! Sledding/Tubing was always fun, I remember whenever it would snow I would always want to go so bad that I would run and try to slide across the front yard if we couldn't make it to a hill. Luckily I live in Utah and we rarely have a shortage of snow in the winter. With that being said we also have a lot of injuries here and deaths every year due to winter sports sledding, tubing, skiing, snowboarding etc. (This article is only going to cover sledding and tubing) So I thought I would do some sledding/tubing safety facts and tips.

Facts

   Although most areas can only enjoy the fun of Sledding/Tubing a couple months out of the year the United States sees upwards of 20,000 children in the Emergency room each year. The injuries range from minor bumps and bruises to the occasional death (approximately 5 a year). Most of the injuries are caused by the child sledding in their yard and into the road getting hit by a car/truck or by being pulled by a car/truck/ATV down the street on a sled or tube. 

   Safety Tips

• Supervise - Always be there to supervise your child as they do anything that could lead to such injuries.
• Face Forward - Children should always SIT (not stand or lay down) face forward when you sled. This way when you are going if you see a danger you have more of a chance of getting out of the way and preventing it.
• Under 5 - Children under 5 should always ride with someone.
• Artificial Jumps - You shouldn't allow your children to make artificial jumps.
• 1 at a time - You shouldn't allow your children to go down more then one at a time. Never pile onto a sled or tube.
• Vehicles - NEVER pull a sled or tube with a vehicle of any sort. This is extremely dangerous.
• Arms and Legs - Have your kids keep their arms and legs held inside the sled/tube to prevent injuries.

Choosing Where To Sled

• Avoid hills that are next to parking lots and road ways.
• Avoid hills that have a lot of trees
• Avoid hills that have a pond next to it
• Avoid hills that have fences or other hazards
• Select a hill that is not to steep and has plenty of stopping area at the bottom of the hill.
• Make sure the hill is cleared of any rocks, shrubs, trees, jumps and bumps before sledding/tubing
• Don't sled down an Icy hill just Snowy ones as a fall on the icy ones can cause more injuries.

   It is also recommended to wear a properly fit helmet as most serious injuries due to any winter sport is a head injury. Make sure you are dressed for the weather and have a dry set of clothing just in case you need it. Don't stay out after dark as it is harder to see the obstacles that might be in your way. Most of all go out and have fun but be safe doing it.

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Put a STOP to bullying!

   I don't know if anyone noticed but the other day I posted a page about Bullying. I want to raise awareness about how destructive and serious this truly is. I think all of us standing together can make a difference. I know that we can change lives for the better and we need to continue doing it. Stand up for what is right and stop those from doing wrong.

   I have listed a lot of wonderful links on the Bullying Safety Page as well as some phone numbers that we should share with anyone who is being bullied. Please take a minute to read over the page so that you can also see how serious of a problem this has become.

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