We usually do something different with our kids and have a fall harvest celebration.  If the weather is decent we will have a campfire and maybe we do something like put up a pinata with a minimum of candy to tickle their fancy; but, not enough to be obscene about how much candy they end up consuming.   It is a good idea to have some games planned and invite their friends.  Be prepared for loud and boisterous fun…but that is ok…they are supposed to be having a good time.

          My  main concern about this time of year  is safety and spiritual well-being.  Some Halloween revelers take things to a level glorifying evil and gore.    I don’t like all of the gore, the frightening costumes, the evil that seems to be celebrated by some.  Most of all, i don’t like how vulnerable the kids are to violence, to kidnapping, or to many of the other dangers that go along with the so called “holiday”.   I think it is a good time to remind parents to keep your kids close…minimize the danger that they are exposed to. 

       When it comes to costumes…make sure that they have some kind of reflective quality so that they can be seen in the low lighting conditions.  Have them carry a lighting device or a glow stick.  Go over reminders of safe street crossings and appropriate approaches to people’s homes and property.  There are some people who do not watch out for little ones crossing streets and sidewalks.  Then there are those who don’t appreciate kids and teens prancing across their lawns “begging for candy”. 

        Every year we hear of parties that have gone wrong and someone is killed or injured in a fight or in a case of over-reaction to a misunderstanding.  We hear about kids who go about doing destructive pranks and then their are the occasional people with emotional/anger/substance abuse issues who react violently.  We hear about teens horsing around and accidents happening where another in the crowd is injured or killed because things get out of control.  There are incidents of bullying or gang activity.  There are rapes…and kidnappings; children become lost or missing in communities; they are at risk for predators at this time of year especially when it is acceptable to be walking the streets with masks on and in disquise.  Large cities often have issues with “devil’s night” fires and looting. These things can be minimized if parents take steps to insure that they know where their kids are and what they are doing…as well as who they are with.

         It is wise to go out with your children if you are going to allow them to go trick or treating.   Don’t let them out of your site.  You really don’t know who to trust and who your child/teen will be meeting up with.  It seems weekly that there are reports of missing and or exploited children…noone wants their child to be one of them.  We have heard too any news stories recently about children who have been violated or murdered to just let them go off and wish them a good time.  Parenting responsibilities don’t end just because your kids may be able to go off with a crowd.  

        Even teens…God bless them can get caught up in situations that either are not in their best interest or that can endanger them.   Your teens probably won’t verbalize their appreciation if you take a protective stance about their activities…however, no one ever promised that parenting would win you any popularity contest, now did they?   Create an alternative environment for them to get together with their friends; but, still be supervised and protected.   Law enforcement officers will appreciate the help because they can’t be everywhere at once. 

         Extortion is usually about money; whatever the plan was…it is happening at a terrible time.   The family is still grieving the loss of their son Jett.   Some people seem to take joy in other people’s pain.  The Bahamas is a beautiful place to visit…but it is turning into a place associated with celebrities and their nightmares.  This could have a major impact on travelors or tourism if this investigation is not properly handled.  That would make me sad as it is one of the most beautiful places i have ever traveled to.

         Many Americans have already started to alter aimless driving habits.  I see nothing wrong with that…we all could do better in planning where we go and what we do while we are out and about.  Some people are in denial about the severity of the situation regarding supply and demand as well as all of the damage to our planet that our carelessness has brought.  

         Would the general population get behind a national drive 55 speed limit?  I think it is going to take some convincing as it will be viewed by many as an inconvience after being legally allowed to drive up to 70 mph on some highways.  After all, it will take longer to get where they are going.  I think more people would be willing to do it if they felt that the automakers were doing more to ensure that we were getting more miles to the gallon by the way that they factory set the computers on our vehicles to use the gasoline we spend our hard earned dollars on.

        Back in the seventies, I remember the drive 55 campaign; it was something like, Stay Alive…Drive 55.  The focus was on safety.  There are studies that show that driving 55mph saves up to 4,000 lives a year from traffic deaths.  That is a serious number of lives that could be saved.  Is it worth the inconvience of driving a slower speed on the highway if it saves families from prematurely loosing loved ones?  I think so.  Do i WANT to be slowed down…not necessarily, however; if i stop and think that maybe one of those loved ones that could be saved could possibly be one of my own family or friends…definately, slowing down is worth the inconvience.

        Senator Warner refers to the previously mentioned studies that show that 167,000 barrels of oil a day could be saved by driving 55 mph.  With the cost over $141.00 a barrel; that could be a significant savings of both oil and money.   Is that reason enough to lower the national speed limit to 55mph?   Driving 55 instead of 70 or 75 ( we all know people drive at least 5 miles over the limit because they get away with it) can save up to 25% of the United States oil consumption.  So, maybe driving 55 will work because the oil supply is not going to last forever; it is already becoming harder to pump out of the ground because of the heavy demand.

        Looking at the impact on the Earth’s atmosphere is another area of concern regarding our usage of gas and oil without regard for long term reprecussions.  Greenhouse gasses have been poo poohed for quite while now; people are in denial about the damage our planet has sustained because of our daily choices in how we conduct our lifestyles.  That denial no longer works.  Scientists, doctors, inventors, engineers and world leaders are now getting on board with many in the general population trying to come up with ways to cut down on the damage; and, coming up with ways to heal the damage that has already been done, by making greener choices.  Coming up with alternative energy sources is a must; in the meantime, we must support ideas of utilizing the resources we have in better ways.

      Today, G-8 or Group of Eight world leaders have decided to set a goal to half the greenhouse gasses in the world by the year 2050.  This is admirable to have the wealthiest industrial countries to set the lead.  Those countries include the US, Italy, Great Britain, Japan, Russia, Germany, Canada, and France; I am happy that they are taking the bull by the horns.  However, of great concern is China which is having a surge in people who are buying and using automobiles rather than public transportation.  In China, the population is growing and the demand for gasoline is growing as well.  China is developing their roadways and highway systems and that is going to enable more people to buy vehicles; which is going to add to the demand for gasoline and oil consumption.  Awareness and cooperation, as well as, education is going to be the key to limiting the demand by consumers.   Is that reason enough for the United States to lower the speed limit to 55 mph; probably not, many will say, why limit ourselves if China won’t or some other country won’t.

        When you stop and start tallying up the reasons to lower the speed limit in the US…you start to see a pretty compelling argument for the call to slow down.  Saving lives, saving money, saving the Earth’s resources of gas and oil, limiting the damage to our environment by limiting the production of greenhouse gasses that can destroy our quality of life…together, those are all pretty darn good reasons to take life a little slower and realize that each person, each city, each state, each country or providence can combine their efforts to change the world for the better. 

         I am going to make a committment to slow down to 55.  I will rewrite my expectations of myself and plan ahead for the sacrifice of speed by leaving a bit earlier instead of driving faster.  I will encourage others to realize that they too can make changes that will benefit us all.  How about you…are you willing to endorse a drive 55 national speed limit?

       There really are some great organizations and non-profits out there who really try to make a difference.  I love it when someone creates one when their hearts and minds get touched by an experience in their lives or the lives of someone that they care about.

         Today i read about another one that i think sounds wonderful and hopefully, other individuals will be inspired to create charities when they feel moved to do so.  The one i read about today was called, Kid One Transport.  Their website is:  http://www.kidone.org/index.php 

         I love the story behind it’s creation.  Russell Jackson was a firefighter in Alabama when he got a call to go to the aid of a two year old child who had somehow accidently hung himself trying to get to a toy in a vehicle.  The rescue team was unable to revive the two year old and Russell was never able to forget the experience.  While dealing with the memories in counseling…he was advised to go do volunteer work in a nearby community where he discovered a huge need in the rural areas of Alabama.

         In rural areas of Alabama, many families have no access to rides into town for medical services or for trips to the ER.  Many families are headed up by single mothers, or the families are living in areas where they don’t routinely have access to public transportation.  Russell Jackson decided to do something about that because he believes every child should have the ability to be able to get to and from medical care when they need it.  He created Kid One Transport…a non-profit organization.

       As we all know, everyone is struggling with the cost of gasoline…especially charities and non-profit organizations like Kid One Transport, http://www.kidone.org/index.php; or ones like Meals On Wheels, http://www.mowaa.org/Page.aspx?pid=212, which helps to support feeding the elderly in our communities who are often homebound; or, without funds to eat properly.

       Please, if you aren’t moved to create an organization to give back to the community…how about donating either your time, your skills, or even some money?  This is a great country that we live in…and we all need a little help now and then, right?

        It stands to reason that automakers, who are struggling to survive in the US economy, have to find a way to be the number one producer of vehicles that customers are standing in line to purchase.  Branding their vehicle as being able to keep them connected to the internet, entertaining them, allowing them to be reachable at all times with cellphone technology, guiding them with GPS systems, giving them real -time -up- to -date road conditions; as well as, sensors to prevent accidents is really a plan to meet their customer’s needs on all levels.  If they can do all of that and make it affordable…it is a no brainer…the auto industry will have a revival of sorts.

        Now, playing the devils advocate…with the high cost of gasoline…will these latest high quality cutting edge vehicle’s become anything more than top of the line, self- sufficient lawn ornaments?  Time will tell on that…but, there is definately a market of course…because there is always a customer, or two million who will HAVE to have the latest and the greatest on the market.

       As for those who are concerned about the driver of the vehicle using the technology while driving…i think that there will be some valid concerns there.  The laws of the land will have to be proactive, in this regard; to keep up with the quick evolution of technology in our daily lives; to keep the roads safe from those who will violate common sense.  Business people will appreciate the new gadgets; as not all hotels are reliable or consistent in the wi-fi that they provide their customers.

       Another serious concern is in the area of crime…carjacking is a terrible fact of life.  If the criminal element sees the value of moving towards higher end monetary rewards in stealing these vehicles; will that increase peoples vulnerability on the road? 

         There will have to be some serious thought given to how to protect the customer from becoming a victim from those wishing to profit from these vehicles that will be carriers of such expensive add on features.  Of course, one advantage will be that those same vehicles will be easier to track, if stolen, with the GPS systems in place …but it will also give some validity to those who are concerned with the ever growing parameters of “big brother who watches everything we do” these days.  One thing is for sure, this idea of keeping people connected, who choose to be, will definately have a huge impact on the auto industry.

            The national weather service has given warnings in 15 counties in Indiana because flooding is becoming a major obstacle for both residents and travelors alike.  In fact, residents in central Indiana have been being evacuated because of fear of dams failing.  This is massive flooding that endangers many people.

             In fact, major highways are being closed down because of flooding.  Highways, I-65, US- 31, and I-70,  all have portions of their roadways closed.  In Terre Haute, US-41 was the only option available and only one lane was open at that.  This is scary…where will that amount of people go for safety?  If in doubt contact the authorities if you are affected by flooding.

             To add to the confusion and difficulty, thousands upon thousands are without power in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan due to the storms that have been assaulting the area.  Businesses, hospitals, homes, nursing homes, and school buildings are all affected.

              This time of year it is wise to remind people of emergency safety precautions.  If possible prepare ahead of time.  Have available bottled water, blankets, extra clothing and non-perishable food items.  Keep medications and important documents in a handy place to make a quick exit if need be. 

             Also it is important to remind people not to go near downed wires.  Report any gas leaks immediately.  Never, never try to drive through areas where water covers the roadways; too many people end up stranded or dead from flash flooded roadways.  It doesn’t take much water to make a vehicle uncontrollable in these types of conditions.  Safety first.   Keep a cell phone handy to report any emergencies to the authorities.  Keep up to date on the latest weather conditions in your area.  www.nws.noaa.gov/.   Be safe everyone!

          Last week there was a horrible reminder of how easy it is for an accident to happen, with the loss of Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman’s 5 year old daughter.  She was killed when she somehow got in the path of a vehicle driven by her teenaged brother.  Our prayers go out to the whole family at their time of loss.  But, the period of grieving is going to be complicated because of their son being the driver of the vehicle.  There are so many emotions to deal with, in addition to loosing their daughter.

          Teen drivers have less experience watching out for the little ones.  They are new to driving and it only takes a second for a distraction to cause an accident.  With cell phones, radios and passengers along for the ride there is much to distract a driver these days.  Also, reminding elderly drivers about taking extra precautions around driving near young children is a good idea.  Every driver needs reminding about such things.   Teaching the little ones to play away from parking areas, away from the curb, or away from the roadways is very important. 

        Educating teens and reminding all other drivers about the extra dangers of the importance of watching out for kids at play…especially when balls, bikes, skates or skateboards are involved.  Quick decisions by young children aren’t based on …is it safe for me to chase my ball that just went out into the road, or is it safe for me to skate across the corner of the road…or am i fast enough to get by on my bike…they just make quick decisions that can put a driver in a bad situation.

         My adult daughter lives in a housing development in a cul -de- sac.  This is a housing development that has alot of young families; as well as a day care, right next door.  I am paranoid when i go to visit because of the parking available.  Whenever i arrive or leave, i take several exta moments to check where all of the little ones are because; they are riding little electric cars that are low to the ground, they are running and chasing each other, they are often riding little bikes and push toys.  It is hard to see them.  I am terrified that i will miss seeing one of them while backing out of the parking space.  Apartment buildings, beaches, parks and school zones are all areas that require extra focus and attention watching for children at play.

          The neighbor who runs the day care, in my daughter’s neighborhood, is very good about keeping an eye on the children and no-one plays out of doors without adult supervision.  However, it only takes a moment to be distracted as parents arrive to pick up, or, drop off their children.  There are other neighbors, who get visitors, who do not always watch their children vigilantly.  It only takes a few extra minutes to make sure where everyone is located; and, to make them aware that a vehicle is coming or going.   It could save a life and alot of legal responsibility.

          As long as we are talking vehicle safety and wee ones…let talk about the electronic windows.  It is so easy for little ones to accidently get trapped in the electronic windows.  Every year we hear of deaths or severe injuries caused by little arms or heads that somehow get rolled up in the electronic windows.  Please, please, please, make sure the children are strapped into their seat belts or their child restraint seats properly.  That way, you can be a little more confident that they are not playing with the buttons on the windows while you are driving.

          Children love playing and hiding in out of the way places.  Cars are a temptation. If there are abandoned cars in your neighborhood…get them removed or locked up.   Please, keep your vehicle locked when you are not using it…even if it is parked in a garage.  Children sometimes get into the vehicles and can’t get back out; or they climb into the trunk and the same thing happens.  Teach children not to play in a vehicle; but still, protect them and yourself by locking the vehicle.

          Communities are becoming much more pro-active about teaching and inspecting child seat restraints.  Often community police or rescue personnel will offer a safety inspection of your child safety seat.  They will make sure that they are properly installed and offer tips on how best to make sure that your child or grandchild is safe.

         Finally, now that summer is here…the warm weather is too.  The air in a closed vehicle quickly heats up and becomes unsafe for little ones to be left in a vehicle; even for just a few minutes.  Always, always take your child into the store or gas station.  For safety’s sake, do not leave them in the vehicle.  Even when the vehicle is empty, crack the windows a bit; or, open the vents in the back of the vehicle to let out excess heat so that the vehicle is not overly warm when you and your child get back into the vehicle.  That blast of heat can damage young lungs and it can be painful to the skin to touch hot seats.

          Every year we hear tragic reports, on the news, of another child that died as a result of being left in a hot vehicle.  When transporting your child to day care on your way to work…place your brief case, lunch bag, purse or some other such reminder in the back so that in your haste you don’t forget that your child is strapped in the back.

           Put a reminder in the front seat near you such as a toy or a bottle, to remind yourself that your child is in the back; especially if you are transporting your child in an out of normal circumstance of your daily routine.  Or, put a post it note in a bright color on your steering wheel; these reminders are important, because forgetting your child is not an option.  If the child falls asleep and is quiet, in your haste to get to work or whatever your routine is, if you normally dont transport your child at that time every day…it can happen that you “forget” that your child is in the vehicle with you. 

             It seems silly to go over these safety issues…but, take the time to remind yourself of them.  It is worth taking a few extra minutes to go over them if it saves one life…and a lifetime of guilt and regrets.  Have a safe and fun summer!