Dangers and Developing Solut MISSOURI’S ROADWAY RECK
When it comes to road safety, Missouri has its work cut out for it.
As we approach the halfway point of this decade, statistics from the past four years show that motor vehicle accidents and fatalities in the state are increasing at an alarming rate. Here is a brief overview of where Missouri ranks in terms of national roadway fatalities — and a look at where state laws aimed at curbing these tragedies may go from here. RISKY REALITIES According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Missouri was the ninth-highest state for fatal automotive collisions in the U.S. in 2022, with more than 1,000 people killed in auto accidents in that year alone. Kansas City was ranked third in roadway fatalities in the state, with 1.6 fatal accidents per 10,000 residents — approximately 1.4 times the national average. Missouri’s riskiest spot, St. Louis, reported 2.5 deadly crashes per 10,000 residents — more than double the national average. A SURPRISING CRASH CAUSE Although alcohol plays a significant role in many fatal accidents — likely contributing to 163 fatal crashes in our state in 2021, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol — impaired driving is not the leading cause of catastrophes behind the wheel. That
Cats are known for many things: their independence, impeccable balancing skills, and endless fascination with shoelaces. However, who would have guessed that our beloved feline friends have an innate GPS built into their brains? This furry tale all started when a California couple, Benny and Susanne Anguiano, decided to take their two cats, Rayne Beau and Starr Jasmyn, on their first trip to Yellowstone National Park. The couple says this wasn’t the cats’ first rodeo. In fact, they loved looking out the big windows of the RV at the different wildlife. However, their epic park adventure turned into a nightmare on this particular trip. Shortly after arriving at Yellowstone, something startled Rayne Beau, and he ran into the forest. The couple searched for him for four days, leaving out some of his favorite treats and toys to lure him back to them. Unfortunately, Benny and Susanne’s efforts were short-lived, and they had to return home to Salinas, California. Susanne never lost hope and recalls a moment during their trek home when she saw a double rainbow in the sky. “That’s a sign for our Rayne Beau that he’s going to be okay,” she said. The Anguianos finally got the call they had been waiting for about two months after their Yellowstone trip. Their microchip enrollment company called and said Rayne Beau had been found and turned in to the Placer SPCA in Roseville, California (over 800 miles from Yellowstone and 200 miles from their home)! The next day, Benny and Susanne drove to Roseville to pick up Rayne Beau. Upon arrival, they discovered he had lost 6 pounds, had minor paw injuries, and was malnourished. While seeing their beloved fur baby in such a condition wasn't easy, the Anguianos made it a point to fit their cats with AirTags and Rayne Beau with a GPS tracker. Rayne Beau's ability to find his way back home remains a mystery. However, it proves that love (and feline internal GPS) can overcome any obstacle, no matter the distance. LOST BUT NOT FORGOTTEN A DETERMINED FELINE FINDS HIS WAY HOME NO MATTER THE DISTANCE
SOUNDING
Few safety-related items have done more to save lives than full- frontal airbags. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), properly deployed airbags saved more than 50,000 lives between 1987 and 2017. Unfortunately, not
all airbags are created equal, leading to devastating personal injuries, the most extensive product recall of its kind in history, and a national push to curtail the sale of knock-off variations of these trusted automotive parts. Here are three airbag facts you need to know. UNIVERSAL RISKS UNCOVERED When building their vehicles, automakers use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, which often undergo rigorous testing to ensure the safety of their design and function. While OEM airbags are designed to protect vehicle occupants, the force of their deployment may harm small children placed in front car seats. Additionally, gases released by airbags during deployment may cause or exacerbate skin or respiratory issues for the occupant. CARMAKER CALAMITIES EXPOSED The major parts supplier, Takata, was once the go-to source for OEM airbags for 19 automakers across 34 vehicle brands. However,
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