VanMeveren Law Group's online newsletter for October 2018
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TRAPPED
In 2014, Kristen Hopkins, a single mother of four, was found 65 miles southwest of Denver after her vehicle went off the side of Red Hill Pass on Highway 285. Remarkably, Ms. Hopkins had survived for six days without food or water. Sadly, however, exposure and severe lower-leg injuries required that both of her feet be amputated. Since then, this amazing story has inspired the development of new road technology — technology that, in part, will help shorten emergency response times for crash victims. Following Ms. Hopkins’ accident, an important question arose: How could a disabled vehicle go virtually unnoticed for nearly a week on the side of a busy highway? Only after six days did a couple driving by see the car upside down in a heavily- wooded ravine. The couple was able to get help. While Ms. Hopkins’ story of survival is inspirational, it’s tragic that she went so long without anyone noticing. It’s just as tragic that her feet had to be amputated due to the delay in locating her vehicle and getting appropriate medical treatment. The good news is that Ms. Hopkins’ story has spurred the Colorado Department of Traffic (CDOT) to start testing new underground sensors that make up what’s called “smart pavement.” “Smart pavement” is designed to detect accidents that involve cars leaving the roadway and then immediately notify emergency responders. This new wireless technology could be a lifesaver for victims like Ms. Hopkins.
Interestingly, this new approach to roadside technology will not only alert emergency responders, but it will also be used to improve traffic safety in other ways. This includes connecting drivers to the internet, supporting driverless vehicle technology, and providing connectivity between smart cars. Today, we have smartphones, smart appliances, smart cars, and smart cities. This new long- lasting “smart pavement” will allow for real-time notifications to all connected vehicles. As part of this story, General Motors is now under scrutiny for the crash-avoidance system in Ms. Hopkins’ 2009 Chevy Malibu — a system that may have been defective before the crash.
While she was recuperating and learning to walk on her prosthetic legs, Ms. Hopkins received a recall notification from GM. The notice involved the vehicle’s crash-avoidance system and power steering. The vehicle recall prompted a lawsuit filed in federal court in Denver. Hopefully, CDOT’s initial testing of the new “smart pavement” will prompt expanded use on dangerous interstates, mountain highways, and country roads throughout the state. Though motor-vehicle crashes have been on the rise in Colorado, new road technology and better-designed vehicles are on the verge of helping us make a leap forward when it comes to our safety and the safety of our loved ones.
–Bryan VanMeveren
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Best in Showor HalloweenHazard?
For many kids, picking out a costume is the best part of Halloween. Will they be a spooky witch, a wildcat, or their favorite superhero? There are so many options! But in all the fun, it can be easy for parents to overlook certain risks that Halloween costumes can pose. Here are important safety tips to remember when choosing the best Halloween costume. Look for fire-resistant costumes. Candles inside jack-o’- lanterns and other open flames are everywhere on Halloween night, so make sure your child’s costume isn’t a fire hazard. Most store- bought costumes are made from fire-resistant materials, but you should still check
the labels on all costumes, wigs, and accessories. The same goes when you’re buying fabric for homemade costumes. And remember, fire-resistant is not the same as fireproof . While fire-resistant material takes longer to burn and can be put out quickly, it can still catch fire and cause serious injuries. Remind your child to use caution around open flames and avoid costumes with flimsy, hanging components, like flowing sleeves, long skirts, and capes. Test makeup first. Halloween is a great time to have fun with face paint, and makeup is a good alternative to masks, which can obscure a child’s vision. However, a lot of costume makeup isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Before letting your child cover their face in makeup from the Halloween store, test their skin for allergic reactions by putting just a little bit on the back of their hand first. Practice prop safety. What’s a Jedi Knight without her lightsaber or a wizard without his magic wand? The right accessories can really bring a costume together, but it’s important that props — especially weapon props, like swords, knives, or guns — are not mistaken for the real thing. Choose props that are obviously fake, with round edges made from soft, flexible material. And if your child wants to wear their Halloween costume to school or some other event, check the rules on props beforehand to avoid any trouble.
Halloween is a night for ghosts and goblins to come out to play, and with these tips, your kids can safely dress up and join in the fun.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
“Bryan and his team are truly amazing. Their knowledge and level of professionalism are absolutely exemplary. I highly recommend the VanMeveren Law Group!”
“VanMeveren Law Group exceeded every expectation of the case. They were very informative and really helped guide me with information on how to proceed.” –Anonymous
–Kelly K. “My experience with VanMeveren Law Group was wonderful. They were helpful throughout my whole case and kept me in the loop every step of the way. I’m very thankful for their help and definitely made the right decision choosing them for my case.” –Emma R.
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Scare Up Safety!
Follow the lights. As a rule of thumb, most kids already know to only visit homes with the lights on. But to take this one step further, avoid poorly lit or completely dark areas altogether. When it’s difficult to see where you are stepping, you can easily trip and fall, which may result in an injury and an untimely end to the night’s festivities. For anyone in a cumbersome costume or wearing a mask with poor visibility, venturing into dark areas can be especially hazardous. Throw out mysterious treats. If your kids or grandkids bring home any homemade or unwrapped treats, throw them out. While some neighbors may have good intentions when they decide to make something truly special for the ghoulish revelers,
Halloween is a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. Kids get to go door-to-door, scaring up treats, while the adults get to kick back and check out the inventive costumes of the kiddos who are out trick-or-treating. You never know who will knock next — Iron Man or Kylo Ren. But as every parent knows, Halloween comes with its fair share of risks. It’s dark and streets are filled with kids focused on filling up their bags with all kinds of sweet loot. Here are three quick tips to stay extra safe this Halloween. Make a game plan. If you have trick-or-treaters heading out without adult supervision, designate neighborhoods they can visit. Pick a few places you and your kids are familiar with. Google Maps is a great tool for planning out the evening and creating a trick-or-treat game plan. This way, if
there are simply too many risks associated with these kinds of treats, including food allergies and the potential for food-borne illnesses.
something does come up and your costumed crew needs assistance, everyone knows where to go and how to get there quickly.
Seed Crunch
Ingredients
• • • • •
1 large egg white
• • • •
1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds 1/4 cup raw cashews, coarsely chopped 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 teaspoon light agave syrup 1/2 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
Directions
1. Heat oven to 300 F. 2. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. 3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg white, agave, salt, and spices. Add nuts and seeds and toss until evenly coated.
4. Using a slotted spoon, strain
spoonfuls of mixture over bowl and transfer to baking sheet. Discard excess egg white mixture. 5. Bake 20–25 minutes, tossing once. 6. Let cool and serve.
Inspired by Bon Appétit magazine
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Inside
3 Things to Do This Month in Fort Collins Jay Leno When: Sunday, Oct. 14 Where: The Lincoln Center
Studio Fort Collins holds family-oriented classes regularly. To find out more about The Cooking Studio Fort Collins and to register, see eventbrite.com/e/parent-child-class-halloween- registration-48933630807 . Avalanche Awareness Clinic When: Thursday, Nov. 8 Where: New Belgium Brewing Company As the snowpack builds, avalanche danger increases — especially in Colorado. And with more and more people heading out to take advantage of our amazing slopes, education is more important than ever. That’s why New Belgium Brewing Company is hosting a one-hour avalanche awareness clinic. The free class will cover several avalanche-related topics, including trip-planning and ways to identify potential avalanche danger. You can register online at eventbrite. com/e/avalanche-awareness-clinic-new-belgium- tickets-49155902628 .
Jay Leno is back on stage and behind the mic. Spend an evening enjoying the “Fête de 40,” in which The Lincoln Center celebrates 40 years in Fort Collins. The former host of “The Tonight Show” is in town to help ring in the next 40 years of The Lincoln Center with comedy, stories, and more. To learn more about the event and to buy tickets, visit lctix.com/jay-leno . Parent &Child Class: Halloween When: Saturday, Oct. 27 Where: The Cooking Studio Fort Collins The Cooking Studio Fort Collins brings Halloween to the kitchen. At this hands-on class, kids and adults will learn a few spooky cooking techniques. Due to the focused nature of the class, spots are limited. But don’t worry — The Cooking
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