A CAT’S NOSE KNOWS
A DOG’S INTUITION: HOW BABU SAVED HER HUMAN FROM A TSUNAMI
The tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011 was unimaginable; the natural disaster killed nearly 20,000 people in minutes. But amid the chaos, there was at least one tiny miracle: an 11-year-old Shih Tzu named Babu. Tami Akanuma, an 83-year-old woman living in the coastal city of Miyako, had her typical morning interrupted by a 9.0 earthquake that shook her house roughly 200 yards from the coast. When it stopped, she breathed a sigh of relief, but Babu became extremely agitated. The small dog began frantically pacing around the living room, moaning, and jumping at the door. Though it was early for Babu’s morning walk, Akanuma decided to appease her. Sources differ on what happened next. Some say officials broadcast a tsunami warning, and Akanuma realized she must
evacuate, while others state she knew nothing of the impending disaster. But everyone agrees that Babu jumped into action. She instantly headed for a large hill near Akanuma’s home — the opposite direction of the pair’s usual walk. Akanuma did not dismiss the dog’s instincts. Babu tugged urgently at her leash, running as far as she could before turning to her owner. Akanuma said Babu seemed to be encouraging her to move faster, and the dog ran ahead every time Akanuma caught up. Akanuma later estimated they walked more than half a mile in a few minutes. Only moments after the duo finally reached the top of the hill, they watched an enormous wave wash over their home. The house was destroyed, but Akanuma and Babu escaped with their lives.
How did Babu do it? People have long suspected that animals can predict natural disasters, but the truth is elusive. Scientists agree that animals aren’t psychic but disagree on whether something else might be at play. Some attribute the supposed phenomenon to the “psychological focusing effect,” or a human tendency to emphasize one detail in our memories while discarding others. But others point to dogs’ heightened senses of hearing and smell, suggesting animals may be able to detect small atmospheric changes that humans can’t.
No matter the explanation, Akanuma credited her dog with saving her life, and the two gratefully celebrated Babu’s 12th birthday from an evacuation shelter only weeks later.
The Hidden Dangers of Illegal Lane Changes DON’T LET A MINOR INFRACTION END YOUR CAREER
Everyone slips up on the road, and commercial drivers have much
Though unsafe lane changes may only be a “minor infraction” in California, the Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (DOT FMCSA) considers it a “serious offense.” A second offense within three years can lead to a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder being disqualified for 60 days. Further, the California DMV adds 1.5 points to an operator’s driving record for an unsafe lane change. These penalties seriously risk a commercial driver’s ability to stay employed or find new work. Even when employment is not affected, take-home pay might be due to increased insurance costs. That’s why every commercial driver facing any driving infraction should hire a qualified traffic attorney to work on their case. The right representation can make all the difference in the outcome of any charge. The legal landscape around traffic violations is often confusing and difficult to navigate alone, so Bigger & Harman is here to help. As your law firm, we are here to help. If you ever have any questions about an illegal lane change, call us at (661) 859-1177. We’ve got you covered!
more opportunity to make a mistake than most. An
illegal lane change may not seem like a big deal; California considers it a minor infraction and imposes a fine of only
$238. But the other consequences are
much more significant and can risk a driver’s ability to work.
Every truck driver knows unsafe lane changes pose a variety of hazards. They put other drivers on the road at risk and disrupt traffic. In the worst cases, they also
cause collisions. Car crashes are particularly devastating when a large truck connects with a smaller passenger vehicle, so driving authorities take it particularly seriously.
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