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THE SLG ADVISOR
OCT 2022 PICK UP A BOOK AND LEARN! Infinite Knowledge Awaits on Those Pages
his information rather than reading about it in a book. He’ll Google things he’s interested in and quickly falls down the rabbit hole. It’s a new way to learn that wasn’t available when I was younger. I was brought up on books, whereas Jake is able to listen to the experts speak on topics that interest him. He’s always listening to physicists talk and learning more about weather patterns, so I can’t give him too hard of a time. He’s always learning something new, which is something I gain from reading. When I choose a new book, there’s a 99.9% chance I’m picking up something nonfiction. Every once in a blue moon, I’ll pick up a spy novel by James Patterson or something by Daniel Silva, but most days, I’ll be reading nonfiction. I love learning about Winston Churchill, so I’ve read plenty of his biographies. I also enjoy reading about the Revolutionary War and some of the biggest players in it.
decorator who cringes whenever they see the wall, but it’s a must-have in my opinion. To me, the wall just shows that the people who live in the house are literate and like to read. Some of my favorite places in the world are independent bookstores. I could easily get lost in them. There’s something about heading to a bookstore on a rainy day, grabbing a coffee, and finding the perfect book to read. Whenever my wife and I travel somewhere, I’m always on the lookout for a new bookstore to check out. Surprisingly, my kids did not necessarily inherit my love for reading. They are both incredibly smart, highly educated, and talented, but neither is passionate about reading, specifically my son. It almost seems like he’s allergic to reading. I’ve had plenty of conversations with him about it as I was curious how he was learning if he wasn’t reading. He has the same level of curiosity as me but will turn to podcasts and YouTube videos to get
Books are nothing short of magical. Whenever you pick up a book, regardless of genre, you’re opening yourself up to learn about new environments, historical situations and figures, and different cultures. If the book is really good and speaks to you, you may even learn something about yourself. There’s no limit to what we can learn from books, and this October we get another opportunity to explore the world of reading as we celebrate National Book Month. I’ve always enjoyed reading. It’s essential that I get physical books, but I also like to get the audio versions of any books I’m reading. That way, I don’t have to stop if I need to go somewhere. I just start listening to the book instead and will move my bookmark whenever I pick up the physical book next. While this works great for me, nothing can compete with reading a physical copy of the book. I have a wall in my home composed solely of books. I have a friend who works as an interior
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SOMEONE IS ALWAYS WATCHING YOUR DRIVING What Is an Event Data Recorder? An Event Data Recorder (EDR) is a device installed on a motor vehicle that records technical vehicle information and occupant information for seconds before, during, and after a crash. Specifically, the devices record information related to “events,” often meaning car crashes. The primary purpose of an EDR is to monitor and assess vehicle safety system performance. EDRs constantly record driving and car system information but only save it after some type of physical event, like a crash or hitting a pothole or curb. You might not even realize your car has one but most new vehicles have EDR devices installed. Some estimates indicate that about 64% of passenger vehicles after 2005 have some EDR capability. Starting in 2005, most car companies placed a statement in the vehicle owner’s manual source of reliable, empirical evidence. In a criminal context, EDR evidence has directly led to some drivers’ convictions, but it has also led to exonerations for others. EDR data cannot be accessed by anyone other than the owner or lessee of a car unless a court order authorizes retrieval, the owner consents to retrieval for any purpose, or to determine the appropriate emergency medical response to a car crash. The data can also be anonymously retrieved for traffic safety research. Since EDRs are electronically triggered by sensing problems or faults in a vehicle’s engine, airbag deployment, or sudden change in wheel speed or velocity, they can house information that is vital to understanding a car accident, what caused it, and who was at fault. Accident reconstructionists can use EDR data to provide a clearer picture of an accident. We’ve used EDR data to help us with numerous cases including some involving serious pedestrian injury. Even some motorcycles have EDRs that can help settle a case. If you’ve been involved in an accident, give us a call or text today. to indicate if the vehicle has an EDR. EDRs are integral parts of the airbag control system, so the EDR cannot safely be removed from cars that have them. Using EDR data in civil cases, such as personal injury cases for car accidents, is on the rise as the data is largely accepted as a
KEEP THE PHO DEADLY ACCIDENTS ARE ON THE RISE Deadly car accidents were on the rise nationwide last year when compared to the previous year. In the state of Massachusetts, there was a 20.4% increase in the number of deadly car accidents. In 2020, there were 343 traffic deaths, but in 2021 there were 413 fatal traffic accidents. So, what’s causing the increase in fatal accidents? Experts
report that the increase in traffic injuries and deaths is largely caused by an increase in dangerous driving habits, including speeding, distracted driving, drug- or alcohol-impaired driving, and not buckling up. Students who admitted to texting or emailing while driving were also more likely to report other risky behaviors such as not wearing a seat belt,
riding with a driver who drank alcohol, and driving after drinking alcohol, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey. Distracted drivers kill at least nine people each day in the U.S., according to the CDC.
Review of the Month
“My name is John C., I just recently had a car wreck case handled by Spada Law Group from Chelsea, MA. Right from the start, everyone associated with the law firm treated me with the utmost respect and courtesy. All my phone calls to Leonora and Joan were answered and returned promptly. They were professional and friendly, and very accessible. My particular case was handled faster than I expected. Being a retired law enforcement officer for over 33 years, I have met many attorneys and Spada Law Group was the best choice for me.” –John C.
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Distracted driving is anything that takes the driver’s attention away from driving. About 3,000 people die in car crashes involving a distracted driver each year. In addition to 3,141 people killed by distracted driving in 2020, 400,000 people were injured by distracted driving. The three main types of distraction are visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions involve taking your eyes off the road, manual distractions involve taking your hands off the wheel, and cognitive distractions involve taking your mind off of driving. It is illegal for drivers to have a hand-held phone conversation in Massachusetts and illegal to text while driving. If you are driving at 55 mph, sending or reading a single text message is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed, according to the CDC. Despite the risks, more than half of drivers admit to using their phones while on the road. Distracted driving makes roads dangerous for
Maple Syrup Glaze for Any Occasion Use It on Meat or Fish! Throughout the fall season, people will be heading up to New Hampshire to watch the leaves change. It’s a beautiful sight you should try to go see if you have an opportunity. While you’re there, you can pick up some delicious New Hampshire maple syrup. When you return home, you can use that syrup to make a delectable glaze for ham, fish, or chicken with this fantastic recipe!
everyone who uses them. If you’ve been involved in an accident and don’t know what to do next, we can help. Spada Law Group has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Car Accident Attorneys in Boston for 2022. Call or text us today to schedule your free consultation.
INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup maple syrup • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 2–3 tbsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp black pepper DIRECTIONS
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I’m hoping to expand my knowledge of the Civil War over the next few months. When I’m not reading historical nonfiction, I’m usually reading business books about staff development or leadership. Books are an excellent avenue to learn new things about the world around us. Whether you read self-improvement books in an attempt to better yourself, historical nonfiction to learn more about polarizing figures and the past, or reading fiction to invoke your creative side, there’s a good chance you’ll walk away from each book with a new perspective. I hope you all can find some time to enjoy a good book this month!
1. Whisk all ingredients together. 2. Cover meat or fish with glaze. 3. Refrigerate for 1-6 hours. The longer it sits, the more you will taste the glaze. 4. Cook as usual. 5. Brush the remaining glaze on before serving. 6. Enjoy!
Leave some to apply when serving.
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617.889.5000 | SPADALAWGROUP.COM
111 Everett Ave., #1F Chelsea, MA 02150 INSIDE The Joys of Reading and Learning
Understanding Event Data Recorders
Why the Rate of Deadly Accidents Is Increasing
Testimonial
Flavorful Maple Syrup Glaze
Fast-Food Hero
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Teenager Saves a Woman’s Life AFTER TAKING ONE FIRST- AID TRAINING CLASS
go unnoticed by Paul Ostergaard either, the owner-operator of the McDonald’s where Raley worked. He told CNN, “Sydney truly personifies what it is to be a hero.” In addition to this recognition, Raley also received $100 from a fund first-responders use to reward people who do brave work within the community. Thank you, Sydney, for showing us that not all heroes wear capes — they are in our community everywhere we go. We encourage everyone to take a first-aid training course, so all of us can become the heroes of tomorrow.
unable to take action. Luckily, Raley knew what to do.
It was a typical day at work for 15-year-old McDonald’s worker Sydney Raley — she was taking orders, engaging with customers, and delivering food. Everything went as planned for Raley until the unexpected happened. After handing a woman part of her order, Raley left the drive-thru window to retrieve the rest of her food. But when she returned, something strange happened. “She was coughing like crazy, and I noticed she was gagging … I immediately knew, ‘Oh, no, she’s choking,’” Raley told CNN. The woman’s daughter freaked out because she felt so scared for her mother. Even some of the McDonald’s employees seemed shocked and momentarily
She immediately told her colleague to dial 911 as she dove through the drive-thru window to help the choking woman. Besides working at the fast- food chain, Raley was also a babysitter and had taken a first-aid class through the Red Cross. In this class, she learned the Heimlich maneuver, which Raley used to dislodge the chicken nugget the woman had eaten.
Although the woman was in shock after what she endured, she felt grateful for the teen and
Plus, you never know when that knowledge will come in handy.
her act of heroism. Her bravery didn’t
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