(NewsUSA) - Auto insurance costs have risen significantly over the last few years. This can be attributed to several factors, including higher repair costs associated with new vehicle technology, the potential impact of tariffs, and a growing number of incidents involving distracted driving and speeding. One of the keys to curbing the rising cost pressures is accurate data. This knowledge can assist insurers and employers in developing effective risk management strategies.

To help organizations understand the driving factors, SambaSafety, the leading provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions, has issued its 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Safety.

The report’s findings can help everyone, including employers, insurers, and brokers, identify the root causes of dangerous driving risk. This information can help address the underlying issues and improve safety. This year’s report delivers insight into the behavioral trends behind crashes and claims, exploring the distinctions between age groups, fleet sizes, and industry segments.

“Risk isn’t random — it’s behavioral, and overwhelmingly predictable,” said Matt Scheuing, chief executive officer at SambaSafety. “The volatility in commercial auto insurance reflects the systemic risk that builds when unsafe behaviors go unaddressed. The opportunity for real improvement starts upstream, with better visibility, targeted intervention, and sustained behavior change.”

Drawing on SambaSafety’s extensive network of telematics integrations, court connections, motor vehicle records, and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) data, the report’s key findings include:

• An 11.1% year-over-year increase in auto premiums, with vehicle complexity, nuclear verdicts and dangerous driving behavior as contributing factors.
• An increase in speed violations, which now make up nearly 40% of major driving violations in the United States.
• A violation rate of 30.3% in the Southeast.
• South Carolina increased nearly 4 percentage points over the prior year and had the highest violation rate nationwide at 50.3%.
• A violation rate of 62.7% among younger drivers (ages 18-30 years) in South Carolina, 90% of which were for speeding.
• Violation rates for monitored fleets across Construction, Government and Transportation and Logistics were more than 15 percentage points lower than the overall population, proving the effectiveness of proactive risk management.
• The report examines the impact of these trends on different aspects of driver risk management, including rising insurance premiums, hiring and retention trends, and regulatory compliance, and offers a comprehensive assessment of the factors shaping driver risk and safety.

The 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Risk is available for download. For more information and to access the report, visit SambaSafety.com.

(NewsUSA) - Recent news has raised concerns about the safety of items that may be in your kitchen, including plastic utensils and nonstick cookware (commonly made with Teflon).

“The concerns about Teflon primarily relate to PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which was historically used in manufacturing Teflon coatings until 2013,” said David Nadler, Ph.D., a professor in the Occupational Health and Safety graduate program at New York Institute of Technology.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. These coatings can be in a variety of products, such as clothing, furniture, food packaging, and non-stick cooking surfaces, among others.

“PFAS are getting a lot of attention right now, but they are just a few of many chemicals in our environment that can cause health issues,” said Nadler, who previously worked as a director within the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, and at New York Tech is researching the breakdown of forever chemicals.

PFAS exposure has been linked to certain health effects, including cancer, developmental and reproductive problems, and immune system dysfunction. However, Nadler noted that more research is needed to determine how the potential effects of PFAS compare to other more prevalent chemicals.

Meanwhile, Nadler explained that newer Teflon cookware is safe to use.

“Modern Teflon cookware is produced without PFOA, using alternative manufacturing processes. But when using any non-stick cookware, it's important to avoid overheating and replace pans when the coating shows significant wear,” Nadler said. He suggests examining your Teflon cookware for signs of scratching, peeling, or other blemishes, and replacing it if you see damage. He also recommends keeping Teflon cookware in good shape by eliminating abrasive cleaning products and avoiding use of the cookware in extremely high temperatures (such as 500 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).

In addition, while plastic kitchen tools are generally safe, it is important to know what they are made of. For example, black utensils can contain potentially carcinogenic hydrocarbons. “Silicon and nylon are high-quality, stable, and safe for contact with food. Lower quality plastics, especially those containing Bisphenol A (BPA), have the potential to leach out chemicals, particularly when exposed to higher heat or highly acidic ingredients,” said Nadler.   

“Manufacturers have phased out much of the BPA in plastic utensils after public concern over the past decade,” he added. The best way to choose a utensil is to check for food-grade certification by the manufacturer. Metal, silicon, nylon, and wood are all better than black plastic utensils, Nadler states.

Nadler is one of many New York Tech researchers tackling real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.

(NewsUSA) - Auto insurance costs have risen significantly over the last few years. This can be attributed to several factors, including higher repair costs associated with new vehicle technology, the potential impact of tariffs, and a growing number of incidents involving distracted driving and speeding. One of the keys to curbing the rising cost pressures is accurate data. This knowledge can assist insurers and employers in developing effective risk management strategies.

To help organizations understand the driving factors, SambaSafety, the leading provider of cloud-based driver risk management solutions, has issued its 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Safety.

The report’s findings can help everyone, including employers, insurers, and brokers, identify the root causes of dangerous driving risk. This information can help address the underlying issues and improve safety. This year’s report delivers insight into the behavioral trends behind crashes and claims, exploring the distinctions between age groups, fleet sizes, and industry segments.

“Risk isn’t random — it’s behavioral, and overwhelmingly predictable,” said Matt Scheuing, chief executive officer at SambaSafety. “The volatility in commercial auto insurance reflects the systemic risk that builds when unsafe behaviors go unaddressed. The opportunity for real improvement starts upstream, with better visibility, targeted intervention, and sustained behavior change.”

Drawing on SambaSafety’s extensive network of telematics integrations, court connections, motor vehicle records, and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) data, the report’s key findings include:

• An 11.1% year-over-year increase in auto premiums, with vehicle complexity, nuclear verdicts and dangerous driving behavior as contributing factors.
• An increase in speed violations, which now make up nearly 40% of major driving violations in the United States.
• A violation rate of 30.3% in the Southeast.
• South Carolina increased nearly 4 percentage points over the prior year and had the highest violation rate nationwide at 50.3%.
• A violation rate of 62.7% among younger drivers (ages 18-30 years) in South Carolina, 90% of which were for speeding.
• Violation rates for monitored fleets across Construction, Government and Transportation and Logistics were more than 15 percentage points lower than the overall population, proving the effectiveness of proactive risk management.
• The report examines the impact of these trends on different aspects of driver risk management, including rising insurance premiums, hiring and retention trends, and regulatory compliance, and offers a comprehensive assessment of the factors shaping driver risk and safety.

The 2025 Driver Risk Report: Current Trends Shaping Roadway Risk is available for download. For more information and to access the report, visit https://sambasafety.com/free-2025-driver-risk-report?utm_source=usanews&utm_medium=press&utm_campaign=10149515-Driver-Risk-Report-Q2-25

(NewsUSA) - Storm seasons are getting stronger, longer, and more unpredictable. Whether it’s a thunderstorm knocking out neighborhood power lines, a tornado carving through a region, or a major hurricane threatening the coast, extreme weather can leave millions of Americans in the dark with little warning.

National forecasters are pointing to another above-average hurricane season in 2025, and experts are urging homeowners across the country, not just in coastal areas, to take action now. From spoiled groceries and flooded basements to sweltering homes and equipment failures, power outages can quickly go from inconvenient to dangerous.

In 2024, the U.S. experienced nearly 1.5 billion hours of power outages – the highest year since 2010 when Generac first started tracking this figure.

Now, just one year after Colorado State University predicted a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, 2025 is expected to be nearly as powerful with an anticipated above-average season. Now is the time to prepare with a plan to protect your loved ones and your home. This season is predicted to be an above-average hurricane season with an expected nine hurricanes. Four hurricanes are expected to reach major hurricane strength of a Category 3 or higher storm, which creates sustained winds of 111 miles or greater and the great risk of significant loss of life and property damage. But whether you're in the path of a hurricane, a derecho in the Midwest, or ice storms in the Northeast, the reality is clear: every home is vulnerable to outages.

“For many people, the first time they learn about backup power is when they’re already in a crisis,” said Kyle Raabe, president of Consumer Power at Generac Power Systems, a global energy technology company. “Having a plan before severe weather strikes can make a major difference in safety, comfort, and peace of mind.”

Five Ways to Prepare for Power Outages - No Matter Where You Live

Power outage experts from Generac have provided tips on how to prepare for any storm-induced power outages during hurricane season and beyond:

1. Create a Storm Safety Plan. Identify the safest spot in your home to shelter in place. Review local evacuation routes and establish a meeting location for family members in case you're separated or need to evacuate.
2. Build a Real Emergency Kit. Stock up on essentials: at least seven days of non-perishable food per person, three gallons of water per person, a fully stocked first aid kit, flashlights, extra batteries, and necessary medications.
3. Stay Connected During Chaos. Keep phones and electronics fully charged before a storm. Have a battery-powered emergency radio on hand to stay up to date with local alerts and weather updates.
4. Secure Backup Power. Consider investing in a portable generator or a whole-home standby system. If you already own one, ensure it’s maintained and ready. Backup power can keep lights on, refrigerators running, operating.
5. Know How to Use Generators Safely. Never operate a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Keep it far from your home, away from doors, windows, and vents to prevent deadly carbon monoxide exposure.

It Only Takes One Storm

While forecasts grab headlines with big numbers, the truth is that it only takes one storm in the right place to cause life-altering damage. Power grid reliability is already a concern in many parts of the U.S., and storm-related outages are expected to rise with climate shifts.

To help residents and communities prepare, Generac offers readiness resources, including its Hurricane Preparedness Guide that has printable inventory checklists, comparisons on backup power options and power outage safety tips, available at https://www.generac.com/hurricane-prep.

(NewsUSA) - More than two-thirds of U.S. adults say they would rather file their taxes than get a colonoscopy, according to data from a new survey commissioned by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending the disease.

In the survey, which included a national sample of 1,000 American adults, approximately half of respondents said that they prioritize household chores, such as laundry and childcare, over lifesaving colorectal cancer screenings, and 57% said they were unaware that these screenings can actually prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps. If Americans knew this, 98% reported they would be more likely to undergo the screening, illustrating the need for greater awareness.

The majority (63%) of adults don't know that colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men under 50 years of age, according to the survey. Even more concerning, 58% don't know that colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Compounding the misconceptions, 61% incorrectly believe that screening should begin at age 50, but in fact it should start at age 45. Another alarming statistic: 58% of adults would not immediately seek medical attention if they noticed constipation, diarrhea or blood in their stool, which can be signs of colorectal cancer.

“These results reveal a life-threatening gap in public awareness of colorectal cancer,” said Christopher Lieu, M.D., medical oncologist and advisor to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “It’s imperative that everyone understands the importance of screening and makes it a priority, so more lives can be saved,” he said.

The need for more education and awareness is even greater in minority populations, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Black adults were less likely than white adults in the survey to recognize that colorectal cancer is often not detected until the late stages because symptoms are mild (35% vs. 52%) or colorectal cancer is among the most preventable cancers (29% vs. 46%).

Black adults also reported less familiarity with the colonoscopy procedure than white adults, according to the survey. Approximately half of Black adults versus three quarters of white adults knew that the procedure involves inserting a camera into the colon, and that a day of preparation is needed to ensure an empty stomach. In addition, 23% of Black adults said they thought a colonoscopy required an in-patient hospital stay versus 8% of white adults.

Hispanic adults showed the highest knowledge gap when deciphering colonoscopy myths and facts, with 34% answering three or more statements incorrectly, compared to White and Black adults (23% for both). Hispanic adults also were the most likely to say that finding time for health screenings is difficult, with 60% citing time as a barrier.

The benefits of colorectal cancer screening are well-documented, but more than a third of adults who haven’t been screened say they are simply afraid, according to the survey. However, only 17% of those who have been screened say that fear about the experience would keep them from being screened again. 

Although colonoscopies allow doctors to remove suspicious pre-cancerous polyps immediately, people at average risk of colorectal cancer can choose from a variety of screening options that are convenient, quick and easy, including at-home stool tests like Cologuard and FIT. A doctor can provide advice on screening tests based on age, personal preference, risk factors and symptoms.

Visit getscreened.org for more information and take a free screening quiz (available in English and Spanish) to receive a personalized recommendation to share with your doctor.

(NewsUSA) - Historically, athletic eyewear was mostly relegated to high-impact sports—goggles for the slopes, wraparounds and shields for cycling, or protective frames for basketball. In today’s performance-driven world, it’s no longer just about function or fashion—it’s about both. As the eyewear industry continues to evolve, optical frames are being designed with movement in mind, catering not only to elite athletes but to anyone living an active, on-the-go lifestyle. More brands, like Flexon Eyewear, are creating functional and timeless eyewear styles that will seamlessly fit in an active lifestyle.

In March, Flexon Eyewear introduced its Motion collection, where sleek masculine designs meet performance and functionality. From chasing the kids in the backyard and working out to balancing long workdays and screen time, people need eyewear that adapts. The sporty-inspired Motion collection incorporates key elements like memory metal, a material that bends and returns to its original shape, and rubber temples to create eyewear that moves with you. Each element ensures a secure fit through sweat, movement, and long hours, all while offering an aesthetic that’s sleek and versatile enough for everyday wear.

The latest optical styles lean into the active design, featherlight construction, and silhouettes that nod to athleticism without being overly technical. FLEXON style E1157 is a dynamic, oval-shaped optical style that offers a sleek and modern design. Featuring a Flexon memory metal bridge, rubber temples, and adjustable nose pads for distinctive style and everyday comfort. FLEXON style E1158 is a rimless, easy-to-wear optical style that offers a lightweight and effortless look. The style is crafted with durable memory metal, to ensure flexibility and comfort, and is enhanced by rubber temples and adjustable nose pads for a personalized fit.

As consumers continue to look for gear that keeps up with their dynamic lives, athletic eyewear is becoming more than a niche—it’s becoming essential. To shop the performance-driven styles like the Flexon Motion Collection, visit eyeconic.com.