MSN reported today that over 50 Million Roman and roll-up shades are being recalled due to risk of strangulation. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced Tuesday that about 50 million window coverings need to be repaired to make them safe for kids. About 5 million Roman shades and 3 million roll-up blinds are sold each year. They reported that 8 children have died and 16 have been injured since 2001. It was reported that the CPSC has issued so many recalls for different types of Roman shades and blinds, the agency is now considering new mandatory design standards to keep kids safe. This is an example of a product that should have undergone rigorous study and testing before it hit the market.
Washington DC train crashes into stopped train
June 29, 2009
Addressing the deadly Washington D.C. train crash Debbie Hersman of the National Transportation Safety Board said the operator of the train that “slammed into a stationary train in front of it apparently had activated the emergency brakes in a failed effort to stop before the accident.” as reported