Is It Murder?

Not sure what to say about this one ... CBS's 60 Minutes aired a story about drunk driving and asks if people who choose to drive drunk should be charged with murder in the event that a life is lost due to the crash. More importantly, the question is asked of Nassau County's District Attorney, Kathleen Rice, "Do you think that charging someone who's driving drunk and kills someone with murder is a deterrent?" With my training in public health/behavior change AND with my very personal and intimate experience in this topic - I was far from convinced by Kathleen's reply of why this is her solution to this problem. As of today almost 600 comments have been posted to this article - some with very thought provoking solutions. Maybe someday, I'll have a lot more to say about that. Bsafe.

The iPhone is Testing Me

Ok ... my iPhone could be putting me (and everyone else for that matter) at risk! Even when it is freezing cold outside, and I have my gloves on, and I am DRIVING ... I am sooo tempted to pull my glove off just to take a peek at my easy to access gmail, outlook, facebook, linkedin, skype ... FOR SHAME!! So - I will work to resist the urge ... as I shake my finger at those driving texters ... I'll desperately try not to be a driving iPhoner! Bsafe! (a subliminal message for myself!)

Stay Off the Roof

The TV is on tonight (strange for me) and I was flipping channels landing on my local PBS station and I heard a man (Dr.Daniel Amen) say "Stay off the roof! One of the leading causes of brain injury for men over the age of 40 is caused by falling off the roof." It reminded me of my own father's fascination with climbing on latters - and I cringe every time. As someone that focuses her career on behavior change ... I dont believe I have made much headway on this topic. Maybe some man out there that is over the age of 40 will give me a hint! Bsafe.

It's Not the Mouthguard ... It's What the Mouthguard Represents

Saturday night brought us to BLADIUM sports arena to watch the Rollergirls do their thing. Oh the fun we had ... and of course the topic of "roller derby safety" wasn't far from my lips! (And of course, they also promote safety with the Party Bus!) Andrea is hesitant to try out next week because the requirement of a mouthguard implies that the hard work she put into her smile might be undone ... but ... that's the reason for the guard! So, this SafetyGirl says "Go for it Andrea!" Bsafe.

Don't Ruin My Fun

Standing in front of the house today - there came the rumble (or more like buzzzzz) of a "mini-motorcyle" down the street. Miles said to me, "Don't look!" so, of course, I look and immediately freak out to see a youngster (maybe 4 years old) with a helmet on riding in front of dad on the motorbike. So - I sit hear thinking - was it all that bad? Is it okay to go at slow speeeds, with a helmet on a residential street? My "rigid safety" bone says NO WAY but my "try to have some fun" bone says what's wrong with that? HUMMMM - not making a decision either way right now. But a thought to ponder. Bsafe.

Pumpkin Safety

I have slacked in providing safety messages lately. So, as we strapped in our pumpkins for optimum safety - it occurred to me that seat belts have not been top of mind lately. Just a fact "41,000+ people die each year in car crashes, the leading cause of death for people age of 6 through 33. Safety belts can prevent death in about half of these crashes." So each time I take Alex to the train station, I will ALWAYS force him to put on his safety belt. Break the bad habit of not wearing it. Bsafe.

Does It Work?

Not much else to say! Bsafe.