DRIVE Coalition Hits a Wall

DRIVE Coalition Hits a Wall

By on July 7, 2010

Last week, FairWarning disclosed plans for a powerful electronics industry coalition to counter tougher laws on drivers using cell phones and other mobile devices, which experts have linked to thousands of traffic injuries and deaths. An internal memo posted by FairWarning said the new group, the DRIVE Coalition, would seek to promote driver education as an alternative to regulations that could dampen demand for mobile devices and lead to billions of dollars in lost sales. In the aftermath of the story, organizers have pulled the plug on DRIVE.

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FairWarning Investigates

Lobbyists Target Distracted Driving Campaigns by Oprah, Ray LaHood

Lobbyists Target Distracted Driving Campaigns by Oprah, Ray LaHood

By on June 30, 2010

Wireless and mobile device companies should be afraid — very afraid — of Oprah Winfrey, Ray LaHood and rising public concern over driver distraction. An internal memo by Washington lobbyists calls for a broad industry coalition to push education as an alternative to stiffer controls on using cell phones and other devices behind the wheel.

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Protection Lags for Workers Who Report Hazards on the Job

Protection Lags for Workers Who Report Hazards on the Job

By on June 23, 2010

It’s illegal to demote or fire an employee for blowing the whistle on hazards at work. However, when government investigators have substantiated complaints of illegal retaliation against whistleblowers, often the cases have fallen into a black hole because labor department lawyers wouldn’t take them to court, undermining protections in the law. Critics cited other serious problems with Occupational Safety Health Administration’s whistleblower program, including inadequate staffing and bulging caseloads. FairWarning investigates.

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Wood Stoves Under Fire As Health Risk

Wood Stoves Under Fire As Health Risk

By on June 16, 2010

The wood fire has been a source of comfort and cheer since ancient times. Even today, wood stoves are widely considered a benign alternative to heating with fossil fuels. In fact, smoke from stoves and fireplaces contains many of the toxic compounds found in vehicle exhaust, power plant emissions and secondhand smoke. Amid growing awareness that wood smoke is hazardous and should not get a pass, regulators are cracking down. But California, traditionally a leader in environmental protection, has taken a scattershot approach. Deborah Schoch, a senior writer for the Center for Health Reporting, reports.

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Commentary

Unsafe at Any Meal

By "> on July 26, 2010

EVERY day, about 200,000 Americans are sickened by contaminated food. Every year, about 325,000 are hospitalized by a food-borne illness. And the number who are killed annually by something they ate is roughly the same ... Read more »

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The Hard Work of Gun Control

By "> on July 12, 2010

Thirteen days ago, the Supreme Court undermined Chicago’s ban on handguns by applying the Second Amendment to the states, ruling that people have a right to protect their homes with a gun. Four days after ... Read more »

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More Questions About Avandia

By "> on July 7, 2010

The safety of the diabetes drug Avandia looked increasingly suspect late last month after two major studies found that it raises the risk of cardiovascular ailments. Then a third study seemed to exonerate Avandia, sowing ... Read more »

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