VanMeveren Law Group's online newsletter for March 2018
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2017 was an off year for motorists in Fort Collins. We saw a notable spike in motor vehicle collisions, and experts are baffled as to why. Fourteen people died in auto accidents last year, which represents the most dramatic increase in over a decade. If we look at the data compiled by local law enforcement agencies, the Larimer County coroner, and the city’s traffic operations, we can get a closer look at those fatalities. Seven drivers and passengers, four motorcyclists, and three pedestrians were killed in Fort Collins in 2017. By contrast, Fort Collins had eight fatal crashes in 2016 and four in 2015. Engineers are looking at this data and data from all the nonfatal accidents to determine what might be causing the spike. They use the data to prioritize roadway safety projects. For instance, the intersection of N. Giddings Road and Richard’s Lake did not have a stop sign. This is where Kelly Cortez and her son, Joshua, were killed in a crash last November. In response, city and county traffic engineers added large stops signs to that intersection. They also installed thermoplastic stop bars for traffic on Richard’s Lake. As an additional precaution, they installed advance-warning signs and highlighted the upcoming intersection to warn approaching traffic. Joe Olson, head of traffic operation in Fort Collins, cites an increase in the area’s population as part of the reason behind the 22 percent increase in traffic accidents since 2012. The population of the city has risen more than 32 percent since 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The number continues to rise each year. The last documented population figure was 164,207 as of July 1, 2016.
So, what can you do to stay safe? Olson says, “These crashes are completely preventable with a bit of acumen,” and there is a lot of truth in that. Consider the following: Olson states that most crashes are car-against-car. The most prevalent of these are rear-end collisions. Cellphones and driving while intoxicated are some of the most common forms of inattentive or careless driving that lead to rear-end crashes. The next most common form of collision is motorists taking a left turn on a yellow light. Crash reports indicate that most people assume oncoming traffic will stop for the yellow light. Then, they proceed through. This is an incredibly unsafe assumption and, as a result, the situation turns into a high-speed accident.
Finally, car vs. bicycle collisions account for another 23 percent of crashes. Again, awareness is a key factor in those accidents, as well. Olson states that the city has worked to make both an infrastructure that accommodates roadway users and a public awareness campaign to make drivers more attentive to cyclists. Will the trend continue in 2018? That has yet to be seen, but it’s important to remain attentive and cautious when you head out on the road whether you are in a car, on a motorcycle, on a bicycle, or on foot.
–Bryan VanMeveren
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Wait—Screen Time Is Good for Kids?
If you Google the effects of screen time on children, you’re sure to be bombarded with horror stories. Numerous articles claim that, beginning in infancy, the more time a child spends in front of a TV, phone, or computer, the worse their developmental outcomes will be. At first glance, the research is utterly conclusive. It seems we should throw out every TV in our house, smash our kids’ smartphones, and usher our children into the great outdoors as soon as possible. But what most of these studies fail to take into account is the content of the electronic media. If a child spends two hours a day binging episodes of “The Big Bang Theory” or screaming obscenities into a headset while playing “Call of Duty,” it’s going to negatively impact their experience of the world along with their mental and physical health. But not all content is created equal. In the past, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended strict limits on electronic engagement for kids, following the old line of thinking that any kind of screen time would be better spent climbing
a tree or running in the backyard. But in October of 2016, they offered new recommendations for parents.
For infants and young toddlers, the research still sides pretty heavily against the use of iPads and television. Before 18 months of age, a child lacks the cognitive capabilities allowing them to apply the lessons of technology to real life, and even after that, the APP recommends that media consumption should be limited to “high-quality programming, such as the content offered by Sesame Workshop and PBS.” But for kids ages 5 and up, parents should avoid banning screen time outright, but function as their child’s media mentor. Instead of decrying time spent building complex structures in “Minecraft” as hours that could be spent on the soccer field, we should set expectations and boundaries to ensure that children can deepen their experience of the world through media, not hamper it. The problem starts not with the screen itself, but when the consumption of media becomes problematic, replacing regular face-to-face interactions and physical activity. But with a balanced media diet, kids can have the best of both worlds.
TESTIMONIALS
“I got hit while riding my bicycle a few years ago and suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries. All of the folks at VanMeveren Law
team got the maximum settlement amount from both insurance companies, seemingly with ease. They were able to negotiate with my health insurance and the treatment centers and significantly lower what I owed them. I can’t recommend using them enough. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to receive compensation for what I went through, let alone pay off my treatments. I never once had to worry about that side of the ordeal and was able to focus on restoring my health. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” –Z.F.
Group were encouraging and empathetic through that difficult time. They are a truly honest and upstanding firm, and they are the most capable of handling your case. Matt Fermelia took charge of my case and followed up with me each week to see howmy condition was progressing. I always left feeling encouraged by him while undergoing my treatments. His integrity is of the highest I’ve come across, and he truly cares about his clients no matter how small the case. With their inside knowledge of how insurance companies work, their
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Where Pain Meets Its Match
What can cold laser Rolfing treat?
When you lead an active lifestyle, injuries are usually a matter of when , not if . Or maybe you were injured in an auto accident. It’s not uncommon for pain and discomfort to persist long after. No matter the source of pain, Chris Hodel is here to help. Chris is the owner of 212° Wellness in Fort Collins and he’s a professional Rolfer. His goal is to help people improve their health and well-being when
faced with joint or muscular discomfort. He wants to help you return the life you know and love — and to get you back out there. What is Rolfing? It’s a form of manual physical therapy developed to help people achieve pain- free movement and efficiency in cellular health. It targets connective tissues and the sites of dysfunction and pain. Through therapy, as well as the use of a cold laser, Chris has helped many people find the relief they’ve been looking for. On top of that, Rolfing may be used as an alternative to medication or surgery. If you are living with joint or muscular pain, and you’ve been unable to find answers through traditional means, give Chris a call. Cold laser Rolfing is a therapy unlike anything else out there. Not only does it promote healing within the body, it helps you recover faster And much more. You can see more at 212wellness. com , where you can also learn more about Chris and 212° Wellness
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Sciatica
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Hip Pain Neck Pain
Nerve Damage
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Arthritis
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Plantar Fasciitis
212° Wellness 2038 Vermont Drive, Ste 207 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-744-9034
ENCHILADAS
Adapted from delish.com.
4 large zucchinis Ingredients
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2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 large onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
2 cups shredded cheese
Directions
1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a large skillet, heat oil. Add onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt to taste. Stir to combine. Add chicken and 1 cup enchilada sauce. 2. Use vegetable peeler to thinly slice
chicken mixture on top. Roll the zucchini “tortilla” and place on baking sheet. Repeat until all zucchini and chicken is used.
3. Cover the enchiladas with
remaining sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 minutes, and enjoy!
zucchini. Lay out three slices, slightly overlapping, and spoon
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Inside
Step Into Spring
2018 NOCOHBAHome and Remodeling ShowGreat Plates of Downtown March 9, 10, 11 The Ranch 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, CO 80538 Spring is right around the corner — and so is home remodeling season. If you’re in search of a little inspiration and you’re curious about the latest home trends (and you want to take a break from HGTV), head out to The Ranch for the 2018 Home and Remodeling Show. You’ll find something for the whole family, including the Kids Korner with building projects and games for the little ones. Don’t forget to enter yourself for the many giveaways! There are no fees for parking or admission. Visit nocohba.com/2018-home-remodel-show for more.
Spring Equinox Half-Marathon and 4-Mile Sunday, March 25 The Biergarten at Anheuser-Busch Brewery 2351 Busch Drive, Fort Collins, CO 8052 Ring in spring with a jaunt around Fort Collins. This year marks the third annual spring equinox event. Just like in previous years, you can choose between the half-marathon — a race over a (mostly) even route with paved and dirt roads — or the four- mile race on a completely paved loop around the brewery. The half-marathon starts at 9 a.m. and the 4-mile starts at 9:05 a.m. Both races begin and end at the Biergarten. Find out more information and register at equinoxhalfmarathon.com.
Lucky Joe’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Old Town Irish Party Saturday, March 17 Downtown Fort Collins 19 Old Town Square, Fort Collins, CO 805248 It’s that time of year once again — St. Patrick’s Day! This year, both the parade and party are on the big day — March 17. At 10 a.m., be ready as the parade makes its way through downtown. The party begins as the parade comes to an end. Downtown will be buzzing with live music, food, and a green beer garden for the 21 and older crowd. Both events are free and open to the public.
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