Category: food

Portland Sees Concerning Increase in Car Crashes and Injuries in Recent Years

New data from the Portland Crash Analysis and Reporting Unit reveals a troubling upward trend in motor vehicle crashes over the past year. Compared to the previous year,Portland saw a rise of 18.76% overall in crashes in 2021,including a 20% rise in fatal crashes and 22.67% more non-fatal injury crashes.

In raw numbers,Portland recorded 45,295 crashes in 2021,including over 550 deadly crashes and nearly 24,000 crashes that resulted in non-fatal injuries. An additional over 21,000 crashes resulted in property damage only. This translates to nearly 125 crashes per day on average in 2021.

More Crashes Leading to More Injuries and Fatalities

With the large increase in crashes,injuries and fatalities also rose significantly. 599 total people were killed in Portland traffic crashes in 2021,up 18.15% over 2020. Total people injured jumped by over 28% to 35,945.

Drivers accounted for the majority of fatalities and injuries,but vulnerable road users like pedestrians and bicyclists also saw high casualty counts. Eighty-eight pedestrians and 18 bicyclists were killed in crashes last year,with many more injured.

Errors Leading to Crashes

Driver errors were the top cause of most crashes in Portland last year. The most common mistakes included:

  • Failing to avoid stopped or parked vehicles ahead
  • Failing to yield right-of-way
  • Driving too fast for the conditions
  • Inattention/distraction
  • Following too closely

For pedestrians,the top errors were failing to yield right-of-way and crossing between intersections rather than at crosswalks. Bicyclists most often failed to yield right-of-way or rode inattentively.

Young Drivers at High Risk

The data shows young drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 were involved in a disproportionate share of fatal and injury crashes compared to their share of drivers. This age group was involved in over 18% of such crashes despite making up a far smaller portion of total drivers.

Call for Action

The alarming rise in crashes and injuries on Portland’s streets presents a major public safety issue. As the data makes clear,more must be done to improve driver awareness and skills,enhance traffic law enforcement,redesign dangerous roads,and protect vulnerable road users.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle crash,contact Beau Harlan,a personal injury lawyer in Portland,OR,at insert Law Firm. They have decades of experience winning compensation for crash victims in Portland and understand the impact these traumatic events have on victims’ lives. Work with a seasoned legal team to recover damages,hold negligent parties accountable,and help make the roadways safer for everyone.

 

Christmas in New Jersey: A Magical Garden State Celebration

As the holiday season approaches,there’s something truly enchanting about Christmas in New Jersey. Nestled between bustling New York City and the picturesque Pennsylvania countryside,the Garden State offers a unique blend of urban excitement and rural charm during this festive time of year. Join us as we explore the magic of Christmas in New Jersey,from its dazzling light displays to its heartwarming traditions. 

“The holiday lights,the festive ice skating rinks,and the delicious treats make this season truly magical. Whether you’re enjoying the historic reenactments or shopping at the local holiday markets,there’s a sense of community and tradition that makes Christmas here truly special.” – Brian Kent,Abuse Guardians New Jersey.

Dazzling Light Displays

One of the most enchanting aspects of Christmas in New Jersey is the breathtaking light displays that adorn the state. From north to south,communities come together to transform their neighborhoods into winter wonderlands. One of the most famous displays is the “Turtle Back Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular” in Essex County. With over 50 animal-themed displays and 100,000 sparkling lights,it’s a must-visit for families seeking holiday cheer.

Further south,in Cape May,the “Cape May Christmas Candlelight House Tours” offer a unique opportunity to explore the charming Victorian homes adorned with thousands of twinkling candles in their windows. It’s a step back in time that captures the essence of Christmas past.

Festive Ice Skating

New Jersey may not have frozen lakes and ponds,but it certainly knows how to create a magical ice-skating experience. The “PruCenter Winter Wonderland” in Newark,located outside the Prudential Center,offers a massive outdoor ice-skating rink surrounded by holiday lights,a Christmas tree,and even a winter carnival. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic date night or a fun family outing.

Holiday Markets

The holiday season is synonymous with shopping,and New Jersey doesn’t disappoint. Christmas markets spring up across the state,offering unique gifts,delicious treats,and a festive atmosphere. One standout is the “Asbury Park Holiday Bazaar,” where you can find handmade crafts,vintage treasures,and artisanal food and drink. The historic Convention Hall serves as a charming backdrop for this holiday market.

Historic Celebrations

New Jersey is rich in history,and Christmas offers the perfect opportunity to step back in time. The “Washington Crossing Reenactment” in Washington Crossing State Park is a beloved tradition that commemorates George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776. Visitors can witness the reenactment and explore the colonial-era buildings in the park.

Delicious Holiday Treats

No Christmas celebration is complete without indulging in delicious holiday treats,and New Jersey has its own special offerings. Bakeries throughout the state prepare traditional Italian Christmas cookies like pizzelle and rainbow cookies. Don’t forget to try a slice of “Tomato Pie,” a New Jersey take on pizza,and enjoy a hearty meal of “Pork Roll” or “Taylor Ham,” a local favorite breakfast meat.

Christmas Tree Farms

Venturing out to a Christmas tree farm is a cherished holiday tradition for many families in New Jersey. Farms like “Alstede Farms” in Chester offer the chance to cut down your own Christmas tree,take a hayride,and enjoy festive activities. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories with loved ones.

Holiday Shows and Performances

The performing arts scene in New Jersey comes alive during the holiday season. The “George Street Playhouse” in New Brunswick often hosts special Christmas-themed performances,while theaters like the “Paper Mill Playhouse” in Millburn present classic holiday productions like “A Christmas Carol.” Attending a live show is a great way to immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas.

Conclusion

Christmas in New Jersey is a delightful blend of tradition,community,and enchantment. From the dazzling light displays to the historic celebrations and delicious holiday treats,there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this special time of year in the Garden State. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor,Christmas in New Jersey is a magical experience that will warm your heart and create cherished memories for years to come. So,come and discover the beauty and wonder of Christmas in the heart of the Northeast.

Shopping For A Rock Polisher Kit This Year

Rock tumblers are rotary machines which work on glass,rocks,metals,and even some gemstones. They are also used to clean stones and cut edges and create tumbled cabochons. While many individuals enjoy using the great kit for rock tumbling for decorative and hobbies,some use them for more serious jewelry-making and lapidary (stone cutting) work. The best tumblers are robust and powerful. They are also quiet. They also have a massive capacity to tumble a huge variety of materials at the same time.

There are a few different kinds of rock tumblers that are available for consumers,including vibratory and the rotary. Most are small,and the majority of them tumble just the weight of a couple of pounds at a time. There are bigger models that are more professional designed to be used for jewelry-making or commercial use. The first tumblers were constructed out of metal,however the majority are made from rubber or plastic to provide greater durability and less noise. Most rock tumblers have three or more barrels that are able to be utilized for the tumble of various materials at the same time,or for a second phase of polishing. Some tumblers feature inlet and outlet rinsing ports that permit the user to add water or other cleaning solutions to the barrel as needed.

If you are a home-based hobbyist the single-barrel tumbler can suffice. It’s less expensive than a dual-barrel tumbler,and the majority of them are constructed from a plastic or rubber material specifically designed to cut down on the noise created by the rock crashing over one another inside the barrel. A lot of modern tumblers have a larger barrel and a much faster motor than earlier models,which may help them produce a higher level of polish.

A few manufacturers make tumblers with a dual-barrel design however it is crucial to be aware that these tumblers will require some extra maintenance. The model you choose will determine if there will be separate openings for inlet and outflow of water. Both need to be handled with care so that the rocks aren’t damaged by splashing.

The most well-known rock tumblers that are available come from two companies that came out of the hobby industry’s early days: Lortone and Thumler’s. Both manufacture models that are suitable designed for both professional and home use With some featuring two or more barrels,which allows for more versatility.

Although you can purchase a basic,low-cost tumbler,which uses paint cans for the barrel,these machines are loud and wear quickly out. The rough surfaces of the cans is easily scratched and scratches the stone when it hits them.

The Tumble-Bee TB-14 is a sturdy,quiet rotary tumbler that is suitable for novices and youngsters of all different ages. It comes with a brightly illuminated on/off switch and comes with pre-measured stones as well as three different kinds of grit,as well as four polishing grit packages. It also comes with an sifter as well as a full-color instructional guide.