The Kalfus Nachman Blog

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In today's headlines,April 22, 2010, The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that fatal accidents involving motorcycles in the US, were down over 9% the first three months of 2009. There are several theories floating around on why there has been such a huge decline. News reporting agencies attribute the decline to a decrease in weekend bikers and baby-boomer motorcycle enthusiast. Some are also attributing the decline to lower fuel prices, which in 2008 motorcycles were an option to save money on commuting to and from work. Another factor, The government has also increased funding to educate riders on safety and training.
Statistics on the riders that have been involved in fatalities in 2008:
The NHTSA reported that 41 percent of motorcyclists and 51 percent of their passengers who died were not wearing helmets. Thirty percent of fatalities involved riders whose blood alcohol level was above the .08 legal limit, NHTSA said, and 35 percent of them were speeding.
Safety experts reiterate that from 1980 to 1997 motorcycle fatalities dropped nearly 60%, but the trend quickly shifted.
Please be safe on the roads and remember safety first. Kalfus and Nachman

Kalfus and Nachman, Norfolk, VA
On April 7, 2010 a Suburban Propane Technician was called to the 300 block of Sailfish Lane in the Sand bridge section of Virginia Beach, the resident reported a suspicious gas smell that was lingering over a six week period at the residence. The resident assumed the leak was secure by turning off the valve at the tank. The technician inspecting the propane tank turned the tank back on unaware that a valve was open on the third floor. The open valve caused a propane gas buildup in the fireplace, and a spark from an unknown source ignited and caused an explosion according to Battalion Chief Tim Riley of Virginia Beach, VA

The explosion caused fire damage to the home and the resident was flown via nighting gale to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and the Technician was transported to a local hospital via ambulance.

Kalfus and Nachman, would like to remind everyone please use caution when securing gas valves on propane tanks, in your home and outside BBQ grills this year. Please contact your local fire department if you have any suspicious gas smells in or outside your home. When refilling your propane tanks please have your tank inspected for dents, damage, rust or leaks. Thanks.

Kalfus and Nachman, Norfolk, VA

According to the National Gas Propane Association 11 billion gallons of propane are consumed annually in the U.S. by more than 50 million residents. Most in home usage includes: heating and cooling their homes, cooking and refrigeration, drying clothes, barbecuing, lighting, and fueling their gas fireplaces.

U.S. Fire Departments responded to an estimated annual average of 1,390 home structure fires involving LP-gas in 2000-2004. These fires resulted in 23 civilian deaths, 193 civilian injuries and $49 million in direct property damage. Source: NFPA's Natural Gas and LP-Gas Home Structure Fires report by Jennifer Flynn, August 2007.

The National Association of Fire Investigators reports that users are 13 times more likely to be severely incurred or burned with Propane (LP Gas) vs. Natural Gas (Methane). Americans are more than 100 times more likely to be killed or severely incurred if there is a product failure using Propane (LP Gas) vs. Natural Gas (Methane).

As the season begins for increased recreation that requires propane usage with boating and barbecuing lets remind everyone of a few safety tips posted by the National Propane Gas Association for recreation usage of propane gas:

At Kalfus and Nachman we are happy to share encouraging information on our highways:
On March 11, 2010 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced (NHTSA) traffic fatalities for 2009 were at a record low. Highway fatalities are at the lowest level since 1954.
As stated in the Press Release, The projected fatality data for 2009 places the highway death count at 33,963, a drop of 8.9 percent as compared to the 37,261 deaths reported in 2008. The fatality rate for 2009 declined to the lowest on record, to 1.16 fatalities per 100 million Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) down from 1.25 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2008. The final counts for 2009 will be made available in the summer of 2010. To view the preliminary fatality statistics visit: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811291.PDF
The decline in fatalities is due to several factors; safer road design, seat belt usage, and marketing campaigns dedicated to making our highways safer.
Thanks for continuing to keep our highways safe.