Articles and Information
Cisco Study: Consumers Desire More Automated Automobiles
By: Jeffrey Lapin
On May 14, 2013, Cisco released the results of its Cisco Customer Experience Report for Automobile Industry, May 2013, which focused on the automobile buying and driving experience. More than 1,500 consumers across 10 countries were surveyed and questioned about technology and buying and driving an automobile. The results were somewhat surprising especially about consumer preferences regarding privacy and driverless cars. […]
Study Indicates I-80 Deer Fence Effective
By: Jeffrey Lapin
Initial findings from a study of the deer fence that was placed along portions of Interstate 80 between Lincoln and Omaha seem to indicate that it had reduced the number of crashes vehicles and deer. The fence, along with wildlife undercrossings, were installed along I-80 in 2011 by the Nebraska Department of Roads. It was the first of its kind in Nebraska. […]
New York Judge Permits Legal Service Via Facebook
By: Jeffrey Lapin
On March 7, 2013, United States District Court Judge Paul Engelmayer, of the Southern District of New York, ordered that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can serve legal documents upon five defendants residing in India by email and Facebook. Courts in England, Australia and New Zealand have already permitted service via Facebook. This decision is likely the first time a United States court has approved service by Facebook. […]
GHSA Report: Teen Driver Deaths Increased in 2012
By: Jeffrey Lapin
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released its Teenage Driver Fatalities by State – 2012 Preliminary Data Report, on February 26, 2013. The Report indicates that the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes increased significantly in 2012 from 2011. The GHSA attributes a couple of reasons for this increase and offers some suggestions on reducing the fatality rate. While this is discouraging news, the total of number of driver deaths in this age group is still lower than it was from 2000 to 2007.
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The People Versus Former U.S. Olympians
By: Jeffrey Lapin
Oscar Pistorius, the “Blade Runner,” has been in the news this past week regarding whether he should get bail after he has been charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend. Mr. Pistorius is not the only former Olympian, whose name you probably know, that has been charged with one or more serious crimes since their Olympic glory. Here are some of the “notorious” U.S. Olympians that have made the crime page: […]
Legal News You May Have Missed (February 24, 2013)
By: Jeffrey Lapin
This week’s Legal News You May Have Missed covers the week February 17 through 24, 2013. The news items include cell phones, Facebook, mortgage servicers, arbitration and the FBI.
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Study Finds Alcohol Deaths Drop After Price Increase
By: Jeffrey Lapin
A Canadian study of alcohol price, availability and death, found that when the minimum alcohol price was increased, alcohol-related deaths decreased fairly quickly. A 10% price increase was enough to significantly lower the death rate. This Study was recently published in the American Journal of Public Health, The Raising of Minimum Alcohol Prices in Saskatchewan, Canada: Impacts on Consumption and Implications for Public Health. […]
Dramatic Increase in Fatal Vehicle Crashes Following Storm
By: Jeffrey Lapin
Last week there were 14 deaths in motor vehicle crashes in Nebraska. This is the most for a seven day period in more than 7 years. These deaths bring the number of fatalities for 2013 to 27, the most for the first 5 weeks of the year since 2008. Weather has been a major factor for these traffic fatalities as there was significant snowfall and much colder temperatures last week. […]
Going Beyond No Texting and Driving: Huron, South Dakota
By: Jeffrey Lapin
Cities and states have or are considering laws beyond just no texting and driving. One city, Huron, South Dakota, has adopted an ordinance that prohibits driver’s from activities that could be distracting, such as eating while driving. This is a good first step in trying to reduce distracted driving although enforcement could become an issue.
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AMEX Changing the Rules: Arbitration Instead of Court
By: Jeffrey Lapin
At least since October 2012, American Express (“AMEX”) has changed its Cardmember Agreement to permit it to select binding arbitration for consumer disputes. Before this change, cardmembers could select either arbitration or a trial by jury. Now, unless a cardholder opts-out, AMEX can require arbitration.
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