ST. PAUL — More motorcyclists have died this year on Minnesota roads compared to last year at this time, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC). Twenty-six riders have lost their lives in 2013; there were 18 motorcycle deaths at this time last year.
Already in July five riders have died, including three on July 4 in two separate crashes. That follows a deadly June when 10 riders were killed, making it the deadliest month for riders in 2013.
So far this year, there have been 162 traffic fatalities in Minnesota, 16 percent of which are riders. There were 55 motorcyclist deaths in 2012.
DPS officials point to many of the same contributing factors for the rider deaths this year including motorcyclist’s error and failure to yield the right-of-way.
2013 Fatal Motorcycle Crash Facts
• Age: 46 percent of the motorcyclists killed were over the age of 50; 31 percent were under 30.
• Deer: Two of the fatal crashes involved a collision with a deer, a common trend within the last decade. During 2002-2012, 43 motorcyclists have been killed in a crash with a deer.
• Helmet Use: Of the 22 motorcyclists with helmet-use cited in crash reports, over half (15) were not wearing a helmet. Seven riders were wearing a helmet.
• Contributing Factors: Nearly half of the crashes involved another vehicle. In the motorcycle-only crashes, failure to negotiate a curve was cited eight times.
• Location: Over 60 percent of the crashes occurred in a rural area and over one-third in the 12-county metro area. Top four deadliest counties include:
o Hennepin: 4
o Dakota, Pine & Crow Wing: 2
MMSC Program Coordinator, Bill Shaffer, encourages motorists to share the roads, drive at safe speeds and look twice for motorcyclists.
He also says riders should wear full protective gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, brightly colored jacket, rider pants, boots and gloves. Most importantly, he encourages riders to get trained.
“Training is a life-saving option that teaches riders crash-avoidance techniques to stay safe on the road,” says Shaffer. “Any experience level is welcome; you can never get too much training as a new rider, returning rider or experienced rider.”
Fargo Fire
FARGO, N.D. (July14, 2013) – Fargo firefighters responded to a report of a fire at 702 21 St. S. at 7:10 a.m. The fire damaged the exterior of the single family home which was converted to a 3 unit apartment. The occupants of the main floor unit, two adults and a child, discovered the fire after smelling smoke and called 9-1-1. The upper and lower units were vacant.
Fire fighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. Fire damage was limited to the exterior of the rear of the building. The main electrical was damaged along with the rear entry and small deck. Fargo Fire responded with 16 personnel on 4 engines, 1 truck and a command vehicle. There were no injuries.
Fire investigators listed the fire as accidental and the cause as electrical. Damage is estimated at $25,000.00. Excel Energy was called to the scene to disconnect the electricity.
Family HealthCare to hold first HEALTH PITCH event at The Stage at Island Park Thursday August 15
Showcasing the region’s innovators in healthcare and wellness.
Keynote Scott Harrison, Founder, charity: water
(Fargo, N.D.) – Family HealthCare will be showcasing Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water and 15 regional thought-leaders to share their solutions that improve lives. The 15 leaders will have 3 minutes to “pitch” why their idea has the best chance to change the face of healthcare and wellness.
“Pitches” are challenging what “healthcare” and “wellness” are in our nation and taking big risks. Pitch topics range from healthcare mobile apps, to eco dentistry, walkable communities to affordable and fast ultrasound technologies.
Health Pitch will take place on Thursday, August 15 from 3:30 – 6:30 p.m. The event will be at The Stage at Island Park.
Tickets can be purchased at: http://healthpitch.eventbrite.com
Scott Harrison will begin the event with a keynote about his global non-profit organization. Harrison was named Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in 2013. Scott will be available for comments during the event or before. Please inquire for details.
Arthur Ventures’ managing partner, James Burgum and Family HealthCare’s CEO, Patricia Patrón will be emcees for the event. They will lead participants through the pitches and a variety of activities to provide hands-on experiences.
For more information visit http://healthpitch.eventbrite.com
or contact Sam Kundinger: skundinger@famhealthcare.org or 701-271-6385.
West Nile Virus Identified In Grand Forks
Grand Forks- A bird from Grand Forks has been positively identified as having West Nile virus. The Grand Forks Health Department urges citizens to take extra precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
The mosquito most common for transmitting West Nile virus is the Culex tarsalis. This mosquito is most active just before sundown and throughout the night into the early morning hours. To help reduce your risk of getting West Nile virus, the Health Department recommends the following protective measures:
• Use insect repellent that contains DEET.
• Limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts when possible.
• Eliminate standing water around homes (e.g., buckets, flowerpots, old tires, wading pools and birdbaths).
Grand Forks Mosquito Control operates as if the virus is always present and therefore will not be making any major changes to the daily operations of mosquito control.
West Nile virus is generally transmitted by mosquitoes. When a mosquito feeds on an infected bird, it can pick up the virus and transmit it to other noninfected birds. Occasionally, infective mosquitoes will feed on mammals such as horses, dogs, cats, and humans, and transmit the virus to them. Most people infected with the West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. Sometimes, though, mild illness results 1 to 2 weeks after exposure with symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Less than one percent of infected people may develop a serious illness that includes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). These persons might experience headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, convulsions, and muscle weakness. Infection may prove fatal, especially among the elderly, in a small number of those who develop encephalitis. West Nile virus is not transmitted directly from birds to humans.
For more information about West Nile virus and the Grand Forks Mosquito Control Program visit our web site at: www.gfmosquito.com