Safety and Accident News

LAS VEGAS - Dozens of U.S. and Canadian police fleet managers introduced to Ford's Police Interceptor at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway event last week were impressed by the vehicle's power, safety features, and ergonomics, according to POLICE magazine.

Tags: Ford, patrol vehicle, Police Interceptor

SAN JOSE, CA - The cost of a ticket for texting or using a hand-held phone in California would be among the toughest in the nation if a bill introduced in the state senate becomes law.

Tags: texting ban

WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood recognized Wyoming yesterday for becoming the 20th state to enact a statewide ban prohibiting drivers from texting while behind-the-wheel.

Tags: NHTSA, texting

HARRISBURG, PA - Self-reporting of accidents when using Pennsylvania state fleet vehicles is being called into question by some legislators and other observers.

Tags: Accident Management, Accident Reporting, Pennsylvania

PHOENIX - City of Phoenix vehicles are involved in at least one accident a day on average, and the city paid claims for 2,339 accidents in the past five years involving police cars, fire trucks, buses and other city vehicles, costing taxpayers about $15.7 million.

Tags: Accident Claims, Accident Management, Phoenix

SOLON, Ohio - Government workers are some of the most dangerous drivers, according to insurance.com's "Top 10 Most Dangerous Drivers by Profession" list. Government workers were ranked No. 3, while attorneys/judges and financial professionals took the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively.

Tags: government workers, insurance quotes

LOS ANGELES - Toyota's continuing problems with sticking gas pedals, even after supposed repairs were made, prompted Los Angeles County to remove 13 Toyota vehicles from its fleet until the automaker can determine the cars are safe.

Tags: Toyota recall

BASTROP, TX - Sheriff Terry Pickering said the department is waiting for its 13 new black and white patrol cars to be outfitted with the needed equipment.

Tags: Bastrop County, Ford, Police Interceptor

WEST SENECA, NY - West Seneca Police Chief Edward Gehen's personal use of a town-owned vehicle has prompted discussion on creating a detailed policy for take-home vehicles.

Tags: Take-Home Vehicle, West Seneca

PHOENIX - County workers were held responsible for about 10 percent of tickets received from 2008 to early this year while driving in a county vehicle, according to the Arizona Republic.

Tags: accident, county vehicle, driver safety, Maricopa County

FORT WAYNE, IN - A new review committee will determine if at-fault county employees must attend safety training courses based on the total amount of damage fees.

Tags: Allen County, Safety, training

CHARLESTON, WV - Gov. Joe Manchin requested for a federal disaster declaration Feb. 10 to assist several counties affected by the winter storm.

Tags: disaster relief, federal disaster, West Virginia

LIGHTHOUSE POINT, FL - Driver's Alert has been awarded under contract number 052109 to participate in the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA), through an addendum agreement with Federal Contracts Corp. (FCC), an awarded vendor to NJPA.

Tags: Driver's Alert, Federal Contracts Corp., NJPA

FORT WORTH, TX - The Texas Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians and the Oklahoma Association of Emergency Vehicle Technicians will host the annual Southwest EVT Conference Feb. 28-March 5 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Tags: conference, emergency vehicle technician, training

HOLDEN, LA - The City of New York has awarded another large contract to supply the New York City Fire Department five heavy rescue trucks.

Tags: City of New York, fire truck

SAN ANTONIO - In an effort to cut costs, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus initiated a three-phase plan to take 74 patrol cars off the streets and save more than $1.05 million.

Tags: cost-cutting, San Antonio Police

FITCHBURG, MA - With a $2 million cut in state aid last year, the Fitchburg Fire Department will greatly benefit from two grants that will help its fleet and staff remain intact.

Tags: Fitchburg Fire Department, grant

WASHINGTON - Effective Jan. 26, all drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses are prohibited from texting while driving, with a civil or criminal penalty up to $2,750.

Tags: commercial vehicles, DOT, FMCSA, texting ban

BLOOMINGTON, MN - In response to the earthquake that devastated Haiti, The Toro Company announced it would donate $10,000 to the American Red Cross International Response Fund to aid in the relief efforts.

Tags: American Red Cross, disaster relief, Haiti, The Toro Company

MIDWEST CITY, OK - Any employees who violate the policy will be "subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination."

Tags: cell phone policy, City of Midwest City, texting ban

BOSTON - The City of Lowell's proposal to install GPS devices in police vehicles has been rejected by the police union.

Tags: City of Lowell, GPS, police union

SACRAMENTO, CA - The State of California has adopted a used oil recycling program that promotes and develops alternatives to the illegal disposal of used oil.

Tags: California, Department of Toxic Substances Control, used oil

HOUSTON - With the new additions, the City of Houston's fleet of Ferrara vehicles will number approximately 70.

Tags: City of Houston, Ferrara, fire trucks, Houston Fire Department

NEWARK, NJ - The Newark Police Department recently added 40 new Ford Crown Victoria Interceptors and the department's first Segway to its fleet.

Tags: Ford Crown Victoria, Newark Police, police cruisers, Segway