tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38715199122270841872024-03-05T11:19:28.313-08:00Dangerous Trailers ViedosRon Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-83032372969774452702010-04-28T13:22:00.001-07:002010-04-28T13:22:37.389-07:00testRon Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-51247013017047709022010-02-15T16:03:00.001-08:002010-02-15T16:03:27.477-08:00Test To see if video worksRon Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-56274615459763791832009-07-22T11:51:00.000-07:002009-07-22T11:56:01.869-07:00Trailer On Hungary Road in Henrico County.. NO SAFETY CHAINS<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='381' height='317' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyYtyX_DP3s18WfOItSWAYZ1aTdTeBpPW4BPyDJRBjc0xwAbtkRaJF-D2-v7hciqXV8QllrwVkl61HWcAIgRg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Video Taken By Ron Melancon In Henrico County<br />Hungary Springs Road</span><br /></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-22766725127284987782009-07-21T10:44:00.000-07:002009-07-21T10:51:12.230-07:00Dangerous debris becomes deadly problem on Valley freeways<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='376' height='313' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw78NuhjapkY0J-NslHtdYf8QtEnQilb4G6HGBO0wn5RaS8T-ddKjrLy8RBY_Py4-0A24aBBEHnMRs5hBvzxw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Click Play To View Video<br /></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-34460647484614997512009-04-30T12:35:00.001-07:002009-04-30T13:16:57.064-07:00Stunning News Report From 1997Note: Someone Sent this video to me.....<br /><br />Why have we not addressed this on a Nationwide level?<br /><br />It is the same story over and over again.<br /><br />No inspections, No standards, No training and No Penalty...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='406' height='337' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dylKTVZob9N4-SyA9e_th5yAciaubVpLwaZAHxmjYm9K5cD6y4Q-kNzW5yp4ZPpU2T3hAd4db14EBNcUBhlNg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-4361975479174075352009-03-01T12:35:00.000-08:002009-03-01T13:03:29.375-08:00Updated Dangerous Trailers Video<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='350' height='286' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx-AJNtrJ1wCb_uBOHjRy5ELrtOcxpIhgL8hNT-afZ_2Zj8_QmmuEjSbTygG-K4O7YGSR7yRDpeIu0j6nMUPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-3056841233037812182009-02-25T20:47:00.000-08:002009-02-27T12:43:57.169-08:00Documentary Featured In The BBC The Finlay Family<h2 style="text-align: center;"><span>Trailer safety</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;">Small trailers are popular with road users but just how safe are they? A number of accidents involving defective trailers has led safety campaigners in Derbyshire to ask for a tightening up of<br />the law<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='595' height='426' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwngmmYeXdoWD6AvgZ_hPWf9fSrfQct8VGs6hmm-Onl2nb9fwYgEhHdfij_A0iOKBl83cZjYvKLJwLtKLK6' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI7LkdWc95ahpIWX-Y2DbfpPA_zo0Hs-igyVuipG-kaZIYXKxkWbS9Rvlr03pNCl7Rh9YdJugJPIjg0QX6H6TBvpT3J2sMXiTywMFQdvTZNW830yElYCtaELDDCmVQb7wGFjmxUYzqxjC/s1600-h/Zoe+Martin.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 203px; height: 152px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggI7LkdWc95ahpIWX-Y2DbfpPA_zo0Hs-igyVuipG-kaZIYXKxkWbS9Rvlr03pNCl7Rh9YdJugJPIjg0QX6H6TBvpT3J2sMXiTywMFQdvTZNW830yElYCtaELDDCmVQb7wGFjmxUYzqxjC/s400/Zoe+Martin.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306963858647141346" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><p>Around 300,000 small trailers are sold in the UK every year but it's thought there are many millions in occasional use.</p><div class="float-wrapper"><div class="image width209 body position-b"><img class="photo" src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/content/images/2009/01/30/finlay_martin203_203x152.jpg" alt="Finlay Martin c/o Martin family" width="203" height="152" /> <p>Finlay Martin - died in a trailer crash.</p></div><p>Trailers under a weight of 3.5 tonnes currentl</p> <p>y do not need to undergo an annual MOT test.</p></div><p>The family of four-year old Finlay Martin, from Heage in Derbyshire, is campaigning for that to be changed after he was killed by a defective runaway trailer.</p><p>The Martins were hit from behind by a trailer which had broken free from a car.</p><p>Finlay's mother Zoe was also critically injured in the accident. But she's been able to recover - and summon up the strength t</p> <p>o fight a safety campaign.</p><p>When it first happened, many thought it was a tragic one-off. But you don't have to look far to find details of other similar deaths in recent years.</p><p>The trailer which hit Finlay had brakes - but they didn't work. Its owner - and the driver who'd borrowed it - were both fined.</p><h3>Tougher checks</h3><p>Finlay's family want annual checks on traile</p> <p>rs - just like an MOT for a car.</p><p>They've been supported by their local councillor for Heage and by an internet site calling for a change in the law, both in the UK and in America.</p><p>After Finlay's death Derbyshire police began looking into the state of trailers used to take rubbish to local tips.</p><p>At the moment, the law says only those built afte</p> <p>r 1997 need a chain to stop them running away if the main hitch fails.</p><div class="float-wrapper"><div class="image width209 body position-b"><img class="photo" src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/content/images/2009/01/30/trailer203_203x152.jpg" alt="A runaway trailer" width="203" height="152" /> <p>A runaway trailer.</p></div><p>Over a year into the Martin family's campai</p> <p>gn a breakthrough has been made.</p></div><p>The government is going to include checks on tow bars as part of the MOT for cars and vans - as a direct result of what happened to Finlay.</p><p>But it is already a reality in other countries. In New Zealand, the equivalent of just over £10 gets your trailer checked and on the road for half a year.</p><p>If the law gets changed in England, it will be 'Finlay's Law' - something positive which has come out of a tragic accident that could have been prevented.</p><h3>SAFETY ADVICE</h3><p>Anyone who uses a small trailer is already required by law to ensure it's in a road-safe condition.</p><div class="link-set"><!--ER Link set--><ul class="links"><li class="weblink nth-child-1 last-child"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/insideout/content/link_sets/trailer_crash_youtube_bodylink/ext/-/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkDjmSrI1Pg" title="YouTube Video - a trailer crashes into a parked car" class="external-link">YouTube video - Trailer crash</a> ></li></ul><p class="disclaimer-text">The BBC is not responsible for the cont</p> <p class="disclaimer-text">ent of external websites</p></div><p>The Vehicle and Operators Services Association (VOSA) issues the following advice for drivers using trailers...</p><h3>BEFORE LOADING</h3><p>* Where the trailer has brakes, it's recommended the trailer and load does not exceed 80-85% of the weight of the towing vehicle.</p><p>* Where the trailer does not have its own braki</p> <p>ng system, the trailer and load should not be over 50% of the weight of the towing vehicle and up to a maximum weight of 750kg.</p><h3>AFTER LOADING</h3><p>Before the start of any journey, the driver of the towing vehicle needs to ensure that:</p><p>* the load is distributed evenly and secure;</p><p>* the lights are undamaged and working correctly;</p><p>* a breakaway cable or second</p> <p>ary coupling is used;</p><p>* the tyre pressures are correct and the tyres are undamaged and the tread depth is legal (remember to also check the towing vehicle);</p><p>* the wheel nuts/bolts are tightened to the correct torque (remember to also check the towing vehicle);</p><p>* the trailer is correctly coupled to the tow ball or pin;</p><p>* the coupling height is correct;</p><p>* there are secure mudguards on the trailer.</p> <h3>ON THE ROAD</h3><p>* Always keep within the legal speed limits, your capabilities and the road and weather conditions.</p><p>* If the trailer starts to snake or swerve, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently. This is an indication that you are going too fast or the trailer is wrongly loaded.</p><p>* Do not brake harshly on a bend as this will make the trailer unstable. </p><p>* Reduce speed in plenty of time when a</p> <p>pproaching any hazard.</p><h3>Source: VOSA</h3><!--ER Link set--><ul style="text-align: center;" class="links"><li class="weblink nth-child-1 last-child"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/insideout/content/link_sets/trailer_vosa_linkset/ext/-/http://www.vosa.gov.uk/" title="VOSA website" class="external-link">VOSA website</a> ></li></ul><br /><p><b>New Study of Americans Who Tow Finds Many Lack Recommended Safety Precautions While <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">Towing</a> Accidents, Deaths are on the Rise </b></p> <p>MILWAUKEE, Aug. 25 -- You've seen them on the highway -- the oversized <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">boat</a> on a too-small trailer, the overloaded pickup with its cargo ready</p> <p> to topple into the roadway and the rickety camper swaying across the lanes. But did you know the danger they present to motorists around them? Or that many of the Americans who tow don't follow recommended safety precautions?</p> <p>A new study, "<a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">Towing</a> Troubles: Danger on America's Road", from Customer Profiles, Ltd., and Master Lock, tracks the safety -- or lack thereof -- of the <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">vehicles</a> and trailers being towed on the roadways of America. While sales of campers, boats, ATVs and motorcycles are all on the rise, so are accidents involving the towing of these recreational <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">vehicles</a>.</p> <p>Some 57,000 crashes involving <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">passenger vehicles</a> towing trailers occur annually, according to five-year averages of accident analysis by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. In 2003 alone, accidents with trailing vehicles resulted in </p> <p>364 deaths, 14,484 injuries and 40,080 instances of property damage. Both the numbers of deaths and property damages increased in 2003 from the previous year.</p> <p>The primary dangers on the roadways include towed trailers that get loose, trailers that sway and cause the towing <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">vehicle</a> to lose control, trailers that blow tires and cause the towing <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">vehicle</a> to wreck and improperly tied-down cargo that breaks loose and falls into the roadway, causing accidents for other motorists.</p> <p>According to Sherline Products Inc., which manufactures trailer tongue weight scales for the towing industry, a customer reported this harrowing experience: "I had a small travel trailer and loaded a number of heavy 5-gallon drinking water bottles in the very back where they would be out of the way during a trip," he said. "After speeding up to pass a truck, I pulled back into my lane and the trailer went into an uncontrollable oscillation. My family was terrified as the car and trailer pitched from one shoulder to the other. I was v</p> <p>ery lucky to regain control before the rig flipped or went head-on into another vehicle. I just didn't know how dangerous it was or how to load the trailer correctly."</p> <p>Many Americans Don't Know How to Tow</p> <p>The study, which included more than 500 safety ins</p> <p>pections of campers, boating trailers and RVs around the country, found that many Americans who tow don't follow recommended safety precautions and don't properly prepare their towing vehicles before they hit the road. Key findings include:</p> <pre class="list"> -- A majority (51%) of Americans who tow campers, <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">boats</a> or trailers with<br /> ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles do not use the recommended security methods<br /> of a locking device for their coupler and hitch.<br /><br />-- Nearly 50 percent (48%) of respondents towing boats use only a non-<br /> locking receiver pin to connect their trailer, which is susceptible to<br /> tampering.<br /><br />-- Respondents towing campers had the best approach to safety, with 69<br /> percent using both locks and pins to secu</pre> <pre class="list">re their vehicles, 69 percent<br /> using weight distribution systems, 71 percent using appropriately<br /> crossed security chains and 52 percent having a properly leveled<br /> trailer.<br /><br />-- Nearly 50 percent (47%) of those towing boats didn't properly cross<br /> their safety chains under the coupler. Properly crossed safety chains<br /> form a cradle to catch a trailer if it becomes unhitched and prevent<br /> it from falling onto the road where it can cause severe vehicle and<br /> trailer damage as well as accidents and injuries.<br /><br />-- A majority of respondents towing boats or ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles<br /> achieved a moderate or worse ranking on the levelness of their<br /> trailer. For ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles, 15 percent were ranked poor<br /> or extremely poor. An unleveled trailer will reduce the driver's<br /> control of the vehicle and may cause the trailer and consequently the<br /> vehicle to fishtail.<br /></pre> <pre class="list"><br />-- More than 50 percent (53%) of towing vehicles and trailers received<br /> only moderate or poor rankings on their electrical systems, which<br /> means that brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights may not work<br /> properly. Additionally, frayed and exposed wires pose a significant<br /> danger. <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">Boat</a> trailers presented the greatest danger, with 17 percent<br /> of their electrical systems in poor or extremely poor condition.<br /><br />-- Trailer tires are one of the biggest dangers on the road, with 41<br /> percent of tires in only moderate or worse condition. Some 10 percent<br /> of boat trailers had tires in poor or extremely poor condition. Worn,<br /> under-inflated and dry-rotted tires can blow under highway conditions,<br /> leading to dangerous accidents. Forty percent of accidents involving<br /> a passenger vehicle towing a trailer are due to faulty tires.<br /></pre> <p>Cargo strapped to vehicles also is an issue. From ite</p> <p>ms carried in the back of pickups to coolers latched to the back of campers to luggage on the top of the family minivan, carrying cargo requires properly placed tie-downs and high-quality bungee cords.</p> <pre class="list"> -- Security of cargo on the trailers also is an issue, with more than 54<br /> percent of campers, 28 percent of ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles and 49<br /> percent of <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Towing%20Troubles%20on%20America%27s%20Road.htm#" style="border-bottom: 1px solid darkgreen; text-decoration: underline; color: darkgreen; background-color: transparent; padding-bottom: 1px;" class="iAs">boats</a> ranking as moderate or worse in their cargo security.<br /><br />-- The security of additional cargo -- loaded in the boats or campers --<br /> was a significant issue, with 32 percent of respondents ranking<br /> moderate and 40 percent ranking poor or extremely poor. This means<br /> coolers, lawn chairs, bicycles, and other typical cargo could easily<br /> fall into the path of an oncoming car.<br /><br />-- The condition of bungee cords was a </pre> <pre class="list">major issue -- while 56 percent<br /> were in excellent condition and properly located to hold the cargo, 44<br /> percent were in moderate or poor condition and improperly located --<br /> meaning cords could easily snap or come unhooked and release cargo<br /> onto the roadway.<br /><br />-- Ratchet tie-downs were a problem for 39 percent of respondents, as<br /> those towing boats or ATVs/jet skis/motorcycles received moderate or<br /> worse marks for the condition and location of the tie-downs securing<br /> their cargo.<br /></pre> <p>The "Towing Troubles" study was conducted with a representative sample of 523 respondents. Master Lock Tow Pros conducted inspections of vehicles towing a trailer, camper, or other items at NASCAR facilities, campgrounds, and boating destinations in June and July 2005. A copy of the inspection checklist was provided to the vehicle owner with safety recommendations.</p> <p>About Master Lock</p> <p>Master Lock is the leader in towing innovation and is the world's largest manufacturer of padlocks and related security products for automotive and outdoor needs, home and yard, contractors, campus, power sports and bike needs.</p> <p>Master Lock Company is an operating unit of Fort</p> <p>une Brands, Inc., a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $7 billion. Headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., Fortune Brands , is included in the S&P 500 Index.</p> <p>For more information on Master Lock products and more safe towing and cargo tips, visit http://www.masterlock.com/ .</p><br /><br /><br /></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-26204572762347909852008-11-04T08:26:00.000-08:002008-11-04T08:31:34.461-08:00Security Camera Captures A Loose Trailer!<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='363' height='302' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwPcS7w8OhJKg2HOoLxiA3-LNkd_bXec5_PgMNa4THRgmDlmaFpnR_P0Q7F1g9b4gdBDrl9eOoahiYzgvhfIg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-30950387451172059982008-09-16T20:58:00.000-07:002008-09-28T20:34:50.378-07:00The Gunter Family (Paul A. Gunter)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGWWJXFWKbn6YobARuWlsu1KW6a9B-o7mE3xCTnpZn-aJ-4Wf8LalwyOB6P_eYuoeleGD9o6UDjfGPc-xxct-7251-RvQApRn8CqANK7aD26XF4d7E4-SUfNaIaF-bhwC1_ZnqwgXcA3v/s1600-h/update971.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtGWWJXFWKbn6YobARuWlsu1KW6a9B-o7mE3xCTnpZn-aJ-4Wf8LalwyOB6P_eYuoeleGD9o6UDjfGPc-xxct-7251-RvQApRn8CqANK7aD26XF4d7E4-SUfNaIaF-bhwC1_ZnqwgXcA3v/s400/update971.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246835424965880210" border="0" /></a><table id="common_center_content" width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr align="center"><td style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 19px;"><b>Fatal Motorcycle Accident</b> </td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; font-size: 9pt;"> <br /></td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td class="story_date_label" style="padding-top: 5px;"> Last Edited: Friday, 12 Sep 2008, 7:27 PM EDT </td> </tr> <tr align="center"> <td class="story_date_label"> Created: Friday, 12 Sep 2008, 7:27 PM EDT </td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz9UcG8dwpCn6TXvnbou6ZBHRcdKbwDVe0utzAYC0-SnV0VI2nMThsEVOegF5ENRn0GotexKQO9ZfuBxaZmlg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><br />Loose Trailer Kills Motorcycle Driver<br /><br /><span valign="top">Was it a freak accident or operator error? Lake County deputies are investigating a fatal crash involving a motorcycle and a water pump. 36-year-old Rebecca Paulos, a passenger on the motorcycle, is in critical but stable condidion at MetroHealth Medical Center. The driver of the motorcycle died from severe injuries. Investigators tell Fox 8's Dray Clark he had to steer clear of the accident. </span><br /></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-87299116646897487002008-06-02T11:55:00.000-07:002008-06-02T12:06:25.696-07:00The Coburn Family Video Three<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzhJoX76GVVxMzlMUiC6Ev6QQwvDUN4Pr1gbCyqQYIb6dVoBLrxGSEVbBKFXiam4KhlZo8vl-sasP-8t6JyhA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-63350041963084532932008-06-02T11:41:00.000-07:002008-06-02T11:55:19.709-07:00The Coburn Family Video Two<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzMazgB91riVdoZUiaoTRnQKMy_uWEiK0ITpSoBRrsUrhmKy7bTSKpoFQTD5O4HZBMsqkHREPOMU1RnExVhLA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-74956380058399299082008-06-02T11:12:00.000-07:002008-06-02T11:40:40.164-07:00The Coburn Family Video One<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxly_WNaJvNiTTca7BBDGyzHjLuWsymP2qG6r0X9vT6EPG31YnGHA88TUsZGXuhG3YcyQfRHNtZ7bsyqDkAWA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-70468833033641223402008-04-23T09:18:00.001-07:002008-04-23T09:25:00.054-07:00Man Continues To Recover From December Crash On MLK<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF0tuO29J4gSHMc8ecwSQLfIf0RwsHmv5eY4nFED_lNU5bwfY4sBhRs46mbUkhmbTUXGg9-jlTS93fiofaFF5suUJ8OtfWahltlDa1wZGYR4GPe_QfAnIlM-XnPqX2KDz_qph5VU6uOYM/s1600-h/lasvegas423a.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOF0tuO29J4gSHMc8ecwSQLfIf0RwsHmv5eY4nFED_lNU5bwfY4sBhRs46mbUkhmbTUXGg9-jlTS93fiofaFF5suUJ8OtfWahltlDa1wZGYR4GPe_QfAnIlM-XnPqX2KDz_qph5VU6uOYM/s400/lasvegas423a.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192475998593336978" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZU4E8Q7O_-q-_JE1joTLO-Khub3LZypmfP7Z1fOHirjidHBRClMFiD61XHFH8PZsen9cx-0Z5UflxFTwvSA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H56IbE47x_VT-QNvx-S2VgMQZXAa5uIh2Mf-7Wp7Xlhyphenhyphenda9WPTi6UxbhGwngiATgcTSR3rVBoMdy9nh2OwKLS7-km_U4YCt6-slJ4MpvP5mwwfcb_hPkw96TPyElpew7EO0yyUx9lBdN/s1600-h/lasvegas423.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H56IbE47x_VT-QNvx-S2VgMQZXAa5uIh2Mf-7Wp7Xlhyphenhyphenda9WPTi6UxbhGwngiATgcTSR3rVBoMdy9nh2OwKLS7-km_U4YCt6-slJ4MpvP5mwwfcb_hPkw96TPyElpew7EO0yyUx9lBdN/s400/lasvegas423.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192477540486596290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span class="headline"><b>Man Continues To Recover From December Crash On MLK</b></span> <p style="margin: 5px 0pt;"> <span style="font-size: 9px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Posted: <script language="JavaScript">var wn_last_ed_date = getLEDate("Apr22, 2008 11:28 PM EST"); document.write(wn_last_ed_date);</script>April 22, 2008 11:28 PM </span> </p> <div style="text-align: left;"><span class="body"><p>He almost lost his life while waiting at a bus stop back in December. </p></span></div><span class="body"> </span><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="body"><p>Now, four months later the injured man told his story to Action News. </p> <p>As Tania Reyes reports his family is demanding justice. </p> <p>"I was really hurt," explained Duane Sconiers.</p> <p>Duane Sconiers was a healthy self sufficient man who never knew a simple trip to a bus stop would change his life forever. </p> <p>"You think off all the reasons and you do not know why something like this happens," said Sconiers. </p> <p>In December, Duane and two of his friends were heading to the store. </p> <p>While sitting at a bus stop, a truck pulling a trailer on MLK came loose and plowed right into them. </p> <p>The impact of the trailer was so strong Duane lost his leg. </p> <p>About half a dozen surgeries later, doctors managed to save his other leg. </p> <p>Duane has been in the hospital since that tragic day. </p> <p>"It hurts inside to know that I am not going to be the same Duane that I used to be," said Duane. </p> <p>According to police reports, the driver was cited for not having safety chains on the trailer. </p> <p>He was also cited for not having insurance.</p> <p>"He was not being responsible, he put people's lives in danger and we just want justice," explained Duane's sister.</p> <p>She feels the punishment was a slap on the wrist. </p> <p>The family says they have tried to sue the driver, but have not been successful. </p> <p>They say Duane is in debt to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars. </p> <p>Stay tuned to Action News as we monitor developing news around the Valley.</p></span><br /></div><br /></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-52860356322365320432008-03-25T11:29:00.000-07:002008-03-25T20:50:31.473-07:00Float accident disrupts Homedale's homecoming parade<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8SMUOafhWbHYOWRnCB_iUownP9ZW-eH5QVpS6OQMjlGuFfLbUPxLHtqUnNL4bn_p1Gy2ynTCcD5JDoXOZrw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /><span class="vitstorybody"></span><h2 class="vitstoryheadline"><span class="vitstoryheadline"><span><b><span style="font-size:85%;"><b> Float accident disrupts Homedale's homecoming parade</b></span></b></span></span></h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="vitstorybody"><span class="vitstorybody"> HOMEDALE - Homedale High School students are recovering after a float accident during their homecoming parade Friday. Six students were injured in the float accident and one was taken by Life Flight to Boise in critical condition.</span></span><br /><span class="vitstorybody"><span class="vitstorybody"><p> The freshman float came off the hitch from the truck pulling it and then smashed into a parked car. The float didn't even make it to the parade it came loose in route. </p> <p> Before the football game, the crowd gave a moment of silence for those injured in the accident </p> <p> It was a very scary time for a community, and especially for nearly 20 freshmen students on the float when it became unhitched from the truck. </p> <p> "My feet were hanging off the side so I moved into the middle of it because I didn't want to jump off and get my stitches ripped out," float rider Jessica Henry said. </p> <p> As the float made a turn on its way to the homecoming parade, it crashed into a parked car. </p> <p> Aiesha Zenor is one of the five students injured. </p> <p> "I just remember like flying off and sliding on my side and then I... when I woke up or whatever everybody was like screaming and I looked down and my wrist was bleeding and I couldn't move my arm,” Zenor said. </p> <p> Zenor along with four other of her classmates were taken to West Valley Medical Center in Nampa with minor injuries. </p> <p> Unlike her classmates, Martha Benitez wasn't able to make it to the homecoming festivities. </p> <p> She was transported by Life Flight to St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center with a fractured skull, and was later transported to another hospital for further treatment. </p> <p> Superintendent Tim Rosandick says this unfortunate event clearly had an impact on the day's festivities. </p> <p> "We care a great deal about our students, and it saddens us that we had this accident today,” Rosandick said. “I am pleased with the kind of reaction that the safety professionals performed for our kids, and I think we've done a good job of responding appropriately." </p> <p> They built the float Friday morning and Aiesha and Jessica said they had a rough go with the float from the beginning.</p><p><span class="vitstorybody"><span class="vitstorybody"> When they were welding it together, it caught on fire torching the whole thing. They ended up having to start over from scratch.</span></span></p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-54482690583183588512008-03-19T11:20:00.000-07:002008-03-19T11:30:12.160-07:00The Bay Bridge Accident<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwWmA3wOF9Aa-KisRIsxyhBEQKqEVSSttuhwE5U0BSo8NSbicaYawUUUrrIVMupqpNnAflpw1WNU6Z-JZP_ew' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-79892545187693069582008-02-10T23:32:00.000-08:002008-02-10T23:41:34.242-08:00Loose Trailer Kills 1 On Hwy. 50<h1 style="text-align: center;" class="Headline"><br /></h1><h1 style="text-align: center;" class="Headline"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx9zhbpI2p1ycTOFFckVFfTzdixZkKuSVXgDEXUUh3taeA9qKAcS49v_HAf1s_uSlcqI3JdqfEPVhxUuIrXMQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></h1><h1 class="Headline"><br /></h1><h1 class="Headline">Loose Trailer Kills 1 On Hwy. 50</h1><h2 class="SubHead"><i>Trailer Came Loose From Pickup, Crossed Median</i></h2><div class="posted">POSTED: 10:49 am CST January 4, 2006</div><div class="updated">UPDATED: 6:46 pm CST January 4, 2006</div><script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.kmbc.com/js/13260191/script.js"></script><!--startindex--><b class="Dateline">LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. -- </b>One person was killed in a wreck on U.S. Highway 50 just south of Northwest Chipman Road Wednesday morning.The accident was reported at about 8:45 a.m.Police said a flatbed trailer came loose from a pickup truck, crossed the median and hit an SUV in the eastbound lanes. Then, the SUV hit another vehicle.The driver of the SUV was killed. Officials identified him as 59-year-old Charles E. Lewis, from Independence."It's too early to tell why (the trailer) became dislodged; it may take a couple of weeks before we have an answer on that," said John Boenker, with Lee's Summit police.A section of Highway 50 was shut down for more than four hours while crews cleared the wreck.Police said crossover accidents seem to be happening more frequently."Unfortunately, these median crossings are becoming all too common; nothing strange about this one ... Just unfortunate," Boenker said.Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-30322749327063448982008-02-05T23:22:00.000-08:002008-02-05T23:40:14.483-08:00Trailer Towing Safely<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgiM2vG0cH9evKODUh-_ECHXsNOGzrU-axk4KVj7H6GDzXQUgBD6gjqcOyfCYWMxayY8O1GFnl41ZcwfcCRr2B6HQNiQIaL0rmTb8zkXL0FJDTqlyB0Ci6VY0uqzDBHI_3hyU-EIVSk0f/s1600-h/kait.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgiM2vG0cH9evKODUh-_ECHXsNOGzrU-axk4KVj7H6GDzXQUgBD6gjqcOyfCYWMxayY8O1GFnl41ZcwfcCRr2B6HQNiQIaL0rmTb8zkXL0FJDTqlyB0Ci6VY0uqzDBHI_3hyU-EIVSk0f/s320/kait.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163764441058641634" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzuF0t3ZsdDxw-qyPjF16Te1fEXrkP13w4YLooyO1IRrCqMz-AbAYrNQvpGLm1BE5hVRes03YgenEzuCMpnYQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Jonesboro - Keith Boles, reporting<br />Trailer Towing, Safely<br /><br />Posted: Feb 4, 2008 07:42 PM<br /><br />Updated: Feb 4, 2008 07:42 PM<br /><br />Jonesboro (kait) - Trailer accidents resulting from the trailer becoming unhitched are on the rise. But it doesn't have to happen to you.<br /><br /> A lot of us here in Region 8 have trailers in our backyards. We hook them up once a year and haul stuff to the dump but when we do that, do we use the safety chains and do the lights work? are we being really safe when we haul them on those roads out there?<br /><br /> To some a trailer is a necessity.... To the rest of us, an occasional trip to the land fill or hauling the horses to a show.<br /><br /> A recent study has shown that trailer usage is on the increase and runaway trailer accidents are on the rise also, sometimes resulting in injury or deaths on the highways.<br /><br /> The study says that most accidents occur with occasional use trailers, like boat trailers or medium or small utility trailers.<br /><br /> These accidents occur when the trailer unhitches from the towing vehicle.<br /><br /> Rodney Sims the service manager at Mashburns, RV, "You get these people out who say "so and so" knows they've done it before, they think they know but they don't"<br /><br /> A runaway can be prevented by following a few simple steps.<br /><br /> Sims, "Need to make sure you got the proper ball for the trailer you're carrying, be it a 7/8 inch, 2 inch, 2 5/16."<br /><br /> The proper electrical connections for turn signals and brake lights.<br /><br /> Sims, "Make sure you have safety chains for the trailer. It's one of the mandatory deals to where if the trailer does come loose from the vehicle it does have a chance to help protect it and stop it."<br /><br /> Sims says the balls that are mounted right on the bumper aren't a good idea as the bumper might not be as strong as you think. "Really get to looking at that tag. It may be stamped a thousand pounds weight carrying capacity but only a hundred pound tongue weight."<br /><br /> Tongue weight means how much weight on the tongue of the trailer at it's hook up.<br /><br /> And remember, even the biggest vehicles have limitations. Just because you've got an sport utility vehicle it doesn't mean you can haul something this big. Check your owners manual.<br /><br /> Using the right stuff to hook up your trailer will make your tow easy and safe. New trailer owner Charles Billman even takes one more step with his hitch. "I have a lock that goes through it so it won't even come off."<br /><br /> Take a few miles to get used to driving with a trailer hooked on, with a smaller trailer it's easy to forget it's there. Taking that five extra minutes to make sure you've got the right sized ball, the right sized hitch, and hooking up the safety chains can be the smartest thing you've ever done.<br /><br /> Safety chains and signal lights are mandatory on all trailers, if it weighs over 3000 pounds you must have electric trailer brakes and a breakaway switch.Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-42284458691731697772008-01-10T13:53:00.000-08:002008-01-10T14:02:21.945-08:00It was one of the worst accidents ever on Maryland's Bay Bridge.<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzQ_IMcY7EEEfGWYMf7QaFsB65mfoovMjsRgmesfAhV6zL19vO_K2FnTBwjbNbOVgSbHCR296M1uQSW12sL0Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><h2>Bay Bridge Crash Investigation Concludes</h2> <div id="ctl00_ctl00_ContentModulesPlaceHolder_ContentModule_47977_divPhotoByline" class="cbstv_photo_byline"> <i>by Derek Valcourt</i> </div> <br /> <span class="cbstv_attribution" style=""> BALTIMORE (WJZ) ― </span> It was one of the worst accidents ever on Maryland's Bay Bridge.<br /><br />Less than six months ago, three people died in a massive seven car collision on the westbound span of the bridge.<br /><br /><strong>Derek Valcourt</strong> reports police have released the complete accident report investigation highlighting exactly what was to blame.<br /><br />It's a lengthy crash report by Transportation Authority Police, full of details on the horrendous crash. But bottomline investigators say this may have been a pure accident with no one criminally responsible.<br /><br />Utter chaos erupted on the bridge after a homemade trailer came loose. It caused a chain reaction crash as vehicles behind it swerved to avoid it.<br /><br />The pileup included two pick-up trucks, one tanker carrying animal fat, a tow truck, a van, one car and an SUV.<br /><br />There were three fatalities, including volunteer firefighters Randall Orff and his 19-year-old son Jonathon who were inside the red Ford pick-up truck.<br /><br />Their deaths are symbols of pain to much of Queen Anne's County.<br /><br />Now the newly released crash report finds the fault lies solely with the driver of the SUV, which was pulling the homemade trailer.<br /><br />According to the report, there was no safety hitch pin used. That would have prevented the trailer from coming loose.<br /><br />Also, the safety chains meant to help in case the trailer did come loose were too long, according to the report.<br /><br />Despite the faulty trailer hitch, the report indicates it was a horrible accident that could not have been predicted.<br /><br />The Anne Arundel County state's attorney's office says there's nothing they could do, and they confirm that no charges will be filed in this case. That's because they say right now there is no law on the books in Maryland regulating how a trailer should be hooked up to a vehicle.Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-42242092602930910762008-01-10T13:37:00.000-08:002008-01-10T13:47:09.130-08:00Trailer, Car, Sign Crash into living room<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKgChAyXGhSay0KSudEv6oVIAxfp592EF4kqmktNdhSrundSZ4GaLql7HbvPkKrszFs59KhNL6ZIsGDqhB_w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><h1 class="Headline">Trailer, Car, Sign Crash Into Living Room</h1> <div class="posted">POSTED: 11:40 am CST November 10, 2006</div> <div class="updated">UPDATED: 1:03 pm CST November 10, 2006</div> <div id="storytools"><div id="toolbox"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.click2houston.com/rss/"><br /></a></div></div> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.click2houston.com/js/13260191/script.js"></script><!--startindex--><b class="Dateline">HOUSTON -- </b>A toddler escaped injury when a trailer, car and street sign crashed into the living room she was in, KPRC Local 2 reported.Houston police said the crash happened when a trailer came unhooked from a truck on Blankenship Drive near Bingle Road at about 8 a.m."The trailer became detached from the truck as it was traveling, hopped a curb and then ended up in the ladies' living room," Officer Glen Dickerson said.<br /><br />The trailer pushed the family's car and a street sign into the living room, narrowly missing a little girl in a crib."She was just sitting there like she was in shock," mother Nova Hicks said.No one inside the home was injured.The home sustained significant damage and the family's car was destroyed.The family said accidents are a regular sight at their intersection."There's a wreck every week here," grandmother Theressa Mikelait said. "Not in this house, but on this corner."Police said the truck driver was ticketed for an improperly secured trailer.<!--stopindex-->Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-46319739681235247672008-01-10T11:56:00.000-08:002008-01-10T13:14:14.550-08:00Car Hit, Totaled By Loose Landscaping Trailer<h2><br /></h2> <h2><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwdJIXrRzKP5rXRhoMyEfrx30sxOGO6viIV8dA2NyBZVoaKCNTzd4gSsVU1VFxFANuNjBybuSydHIZVybM4LA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></h2> <h2>Car Hit, Totaled By Loose Landscaping Trailer</h2> <div id="ctl00_ctl00_ContentModulesPlaceHolder_ContentModule_38674_divPhotoByline" class="cbstv_photo_byline"> <i>by Ralph Iannotti</i> </div> <br /> <span class="cbstv_attribution" style=""> ETNA (KDKA) ― </span> In April, a father and two of his triplets were killed when a wood chipper came loose from the back of a truck on oute 8 in Richland Township and slammed into their mini-van.<br /><br />Spencer Morrison, along with his children Garrett and Alaina, died in the accident.<br /><br />Four year-old Ethan was the only one to survive the crash.<br /><br />Investigators said the accident happened because the wood chipper was not properly secured to the truck.<br /><br />Now, police are investigating a similar accident.<br /><br />"I saw this thing hit the car," said Lora Johnson. "It was like something from the sky fell, and hit my car."<br /><br />It wasn't a piece of aircraft that crashed into Johnson's car last Thursday.<br /><br />It was a trailer that became detached from a landscaping truck in Etna.<br /><br />For Johnson, it brought back memories of that wood chipper crash that claimed the lives of a man and two of his small children.<br /><br />"How could this happen again," asked Johnson. "I couldn't believe that this could have happened again in Western Pennsylvania... so close in time to what had happened on Route 8."<br /><br />Johnson was driving up Grant Avenue Hill and the landscaping truck was coming downhill.<br /><br />Etna police say the ball on the landscaping truck was loose.<br /><br />There was no pin in the receiver mechanism.<br /><br />The trailer's brake lights weren't working properly.<br /><br />In fact, police say the lights weren't even hooked up.<br /><br />And, those safety chains between the trailer and truck, well there weren't any chains, just some cables.<br /><br />The driver of the truck and the owner of the lawn service company now face multiple motor vehicle violations.<br /><br />"This accident was something that should not have happened at all," said Johnson. "I think personally that these vehicles should be spot checked. We have spot checks for seat belts, for children in car seats. It seems to me this kind of vehicle should be spot checked."<br /><br />Steve Stakes runs S&G Repair in the North Hills.<br /><br />He says he could write a book about the problems he's seen involving trailers.<br /><br />Many of them are because safety pins aren't locked in place correctly.<br /><br />"This pin comes out - you open it up, you attach your trailer, or wood chipper - close this back down," said Stakes. "This pin has to go in this hole to lock it in place."<br /><br />Besides those motor vehicle violations, Etna police say they are now considering criminal charges in the case.Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-36637508802649654302008-01-09T09:18:00.000-08:002008-01-09T09:29:21.335-08:00<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDcdy_HpOsSgt0dSrCRUWDCOmj6AYsqNEH1n_9MfVr4eI5ces4bWftu-tUlwqOxP7UOzfXD7qb9Y7OeK5FwA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3871519912227084187.post-85059899028621572192008-01-09T09:04:00.001-08:002008-03-19T11:31:30.382-07:00Random Victims of Negligence<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwYgoeco-fmfQfh_e5kY4wDhFbUjlYu47d5KIe_3Bmsd0-wBDTKgoeF0di1thz4bLinlphY7I9eBfD1xtjBog' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Ron Melanconhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07856693100553559754noreply@blogger.com0