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Government Bans Cell Phones For Train Operators

Government Bans Cell Phones For Train Operators
Following the horrible train crash on September 12th, the National Transportation Safety Board has banned train operators from using cell phones on the job, at least until a complete investigation can be preformed. Investigators in California found that Robert Sanchez, the engineer on the California commuter train, had been texting while operating the train. The accident occurred when Sanchez blew through a red stop light and plowed into a freight train. 25 people were killed in the collision (including Sanchez), and 135 were injured.

This is not the first transportation mishap to have possibly been caused by cell phones, either. In June, two San Francisco street cars collided, injuring 16, while one of the drivers was using his cell phone. Last August, a teen was hit by a train while texting, and he fortunately survived.

There are currently no federal safety regulations regarding the use of cell phones by train engineers, but most rail companies ban their use. Following a complete investigation, the emergency ban on cell phones may become permanent, which is probably a good thing. We frown upon texting while driving, so it only makes sense to ban the practice when hundreds of people's lives are in your hands. [From: Washington Post, Via: Textually.org]

Driver Crashes Car While Reaching For Cell Phone (But Saves Cup Of Coffee)

Using a cell phone while driving

Modern conveniences and technology allow us to do many things while driving. We can navigate our way along unfamiliar highways, avoiding traffic and finding random points of interest. We can save fuel by motoring along on steam. We can even juice the stereo in our car to the point that it turns all components and passengers into something resembling tapioca pudding. But none of these technological advances can help us if we're still refusing to use our brains while sitting behind the wheel of a fast-moving car.

Case in point: An Oakland driver decided it was more important to reach for her ringing cell phone than keep control of her car. The result? She dunked her automobile into the Oakland Estuary. She somehow escaped injury and even saved her cup of coffee. Onlookers reported that she emerged from the car's watery resting place still clutching her cup of morning joe. No word on the cell phone, though.

May we suggest a hands-free device? Or perhaps a suspension of her license?

From AOL News.

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New Smart Brake Lights Could Improve Safety

Smart Brake Lights Change Color for Safety

Getting rear ended sucks. Chances are it's happened to you, and maybe you've even done it to someone else. Quite often these fender-benders are caused when someone stops suddenly. If you happen to be paying attention close enough that you can stop in time to avoid the person in front of you, there's a good chance the person behind you wasn't, meaning you get creamed.

To improve auto safety in these kinds of situations, some students at Virginia Tech have developed a brake light system that could help make hard-stopping cars stand out from the steady red glow of the other cars, alerting absent-minded drivers that they need to get on the brakes.

The system uses a row of multi-colored LEDs to indicate the severity of the braking that a given driver is applying. Gentle pressure results in a yellow glow, while firm pressure means flashing red. In the luxury German car segment, it's already not uncommon to find cars that will automatically flash the hazard lights during a quick, panic stop. But, this hasn't exactly trickled down to the more economical autos out there.

Until then, keep your head up, put down the cell phone, and keep your eyes on the road.

From Engadget

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Las Vegas Marquee Crashes, Displays Windows Error Page For Hours

Windows Crashes Las Vegas Hotel Sign

If you've ever run Windows on a PC then you've certainly encountered the so-called Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), which is pictured above. For Mac fans, this Windows warning is a target of ridicule. For Linux fans, it's proof of their open source operating system's superiority. But for Windows devotees, the BSoD is a source of embarrassment and frustration.

Just take a look at the marquee outside the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. The sign, which usually touts the various performances and buffet specials at the French-theme casino-hotel, was down all night and into the morning, casting its eerie Microsoft blue glow on the strip.

Lest we single out the Paris marquee misfortune, we've compiled a gallery below of some of our other favorite BSoD moments. m



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