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The Maglite ML300L Is The Last Flashlight You Ever Need to Buy
The Maglite ML300L Is The Last Flashlight You Ever Need to Buy You get 1,000 lumens in a case that's practically bombproof BY BRADLEY FORD MAY 11, 2020 TREVOR RAAB The Takeaway: Maglite’s latest gives you the right amount of light for almost any situation, is manufactured in America, and offers legendary durability. · Bright 1002 lumen beam capable of reaching 558 yards · Five light functions: high, low, eco, momentary on, and strobe · Drop resistant from 1 meter · Popular Mechanics approved and co-branded · Use code "PM20" to receive 20 percent discount Price: $90 SHOP NOW WITH PM DISCOUNT CODE When Maglite flashlights were introduced, over 40 years ago, they were quickly adopted by police, first responders and mechanics, establishing a reputation they have to this day. It’s no small wonder that Mag Instrument, the makers of Maglite flashlights, got its start machining precision parts for the military and aerospace industries. The durability and performance we've come to expect of Maglite is reflected in the current LED ML300L D-4. We’ve been so impressed with it that we partnered with Maglite to create a limited-edition Popular Mechanics edition with our name on it. The “D-4” after ML300L, means the flashlight uses four D-cell batteries—Maglite suggests alkaline type. Those are the big batteries, and yes, they’re heavier than double A, triple A, or button-type batteries. On the other hand, they last a lot longer—both in runtime and shelf-life. D-cells can hold a usable charge for up to 5 years when not in use. While there are several ML300L options, the D-4 is made for people who need a durable flashlight and rely on having light when they need it. And whether that means daily, or waiting in the back of your car for the rare emergency, you won’t have to change batteries or recharge it constantly. Our tests show the ML300L’s 1,000 lumen beam reaches 1,674 feet. ML300L D-4 Features · 5 light functions: high, low, eco, momentary on, and strobe · 4 programmed function sets: general, outdoor, law enforcement, and tactical · 511-meter beam distance · 1002 lumens · 5 hour, 45 minute runtime on high · 434 hour runtime on eco · 65407 candela peak beam intensity · IPX4 water resistant · 1-meter drop resistant · Requires 4 alkaline D-cell batteries · Weight: 2 LB · Length 14 inches To really get a good idea how this model performed, we tested its runtime, beam distance, water resistance, and impact resistance. We spent a few moonless nights testing the Maglite ML300L 4-D at a rural 10-acre property to see how those specs compare in real world situations. Testing the practical beam distance of the ML300l D-4. Left: Searching for owls at 70 to 90 meters. Middle: Shining the beam across an open field to neighboring hill, 415 meters away. Right: Ponting beam down a straight section of road with multiple reflective reflective features, 576 meters. Beam Distance to Worry the Neighbors Maglite claims the ML300 has a beam distance of 511 meters. This is the distance a flashlight projects .25 lux—about the amount of light projected by the full moon. It is interesting to note that this distance is not actually measured, but is calculated by measuring the peak beam intensity, diving by .25 lux, and then taking the square root of the result. That’s some heavy math, so we took it into the field to verify those claims. We went out at midnight, on a moonless night, and directed the ML300L at various points we could measure to determine practical, useful beam distance. We used the flashlight to search for owls in trees on a rural property and found we could clearly see individual branches illuminated at distances of 70 to 90 meters. We did not see any owls, but that was more a function of the chattering of the five-year old accompanying us. Next we went to an open field. Shining the light across it, we could just make out the hill where the neighboring property starts, 415 meters away. On a straight section of road with no traffic lights, we found we could identify the outlines of shapes like trees, bushes, and buildings at a distance of 576 meters. It was our impression that reflective signs, lines on the road, and the road itself reflected light that might have extended beam distance. It is interesting to note, that although we tested in a somewhat rural area, there were neighbors within reach of the ML300L's powerful beam of light. While directing the light at various objects, we realized we had to take care to avoid shining it on houses and windows—lest someone think we were up to no good. Impressively Long Runtime Runtime is the amount of time it takes for the flashlight to drop from its original value at full power, with the manufacturer’s recommended battery type, to 10 percent of the original value. That is a wide range, but it’s intended to provide an estimation of useful light, rather than how long it can sustain the “original value.” A deep, narrow reflector throws a more focused beam from the LED light. Its D-cell batteries can hold a charge up to 5 years. For our test, we turned the ML300L on high, started a timer and left it. Eight hours in, well past the 5:45 advertised runtime, it still gave of a surprising amount of light—more than enough to navigate complete darkness in a windowless basement. At 10 hours, it was still bright enough to shine about 100 meters outdoors at night. Finally, at 16.5 hours it had dimmed quite a bit, but still provided enough light to read a book by. Just Enough Water Resistance This model comes with an IPX4 rating, which means that the flashlight can withstand water splashed on it from any direction, without intrusion. IPX4 is the lowest of the water resistance ratings, with IPX7 and IPX8 being ratings for submersion—it should survive moderate rain but not falling overboard from a runaway sailboat. To test it, we used a two and a half gallon bucket to splash water on the ML300L from the sides and each end. Then we dried the flashlight and disassembled it to see if any water made it inside—none did. Solid construction survived our drop test, and easy operation with a single button. Heavy-Duty Impact Resistance A light’s beam, no matter how bright, won’t do you any good if the bulb or other critical components fail. We wanted to make sure the ML300 withstood its 1-meter rating. To test it, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recommends dropping the light six times at difference angles, so that's what we did. We may have went a little overboard on this part of the test because the ML300L seemed so durable. We dropped and tossed it over 20 times from distances ranging from one to two meters. Examination of the light revealed many abrasions and gouges, but the lens and bezel remained intact, and the twist to focus functioned perfectly. Additionally, the light still functioned perfectly too, clicking through its function sets without issue. We did notice that using it some time after the test, that it would occasionally flicker and turn off. Upon inspection, we discovered that the batteries we actually damaged. The positive terminals had been dented, pushing them down and reducing the contact pressure between the batteries. Replacing the batteries solved the problem. Conclusions: An Impressive Light, Worthy of Space in Anyone's Home The ML300l D-4 is a high quality, durable flashlight with exceptional runtime. We found its function sets to be useful and easy to program. The practical beam distance was surprising, and the focusing capability had a larger impact the farther the beam of light was cast. With regard to beam distance, lumens are only one factor—reflector design is also important. The ML300L D-4 has a single LED in a deep, narrow reflector, as opposed to a broad, shallow one that would throw more of a spot pattern. Durability met our expectations based on previous experience and seems to significantly exceed its ANSI rating. One of our testers has had a halogen predecessor of the ML300l 4-D for over 25 years—we checked the serial number to confirm its age—and it still functions perfectly. There are a couple differences between our tester's old flashlight and the new LED model, beyond the light source. One is the reflector—the ML300L is much deeper which helps throw light farther. The other difference is the single on/off button. On the old halogen model the rubber covered button is bigger, sits deeper in the flashlight body, and requires significantly more effort to completely depress. The button on ML300L is smaller, flatter, and easy to press, which facilitates accessing the programmed functions. Twenty-five years is a long time to hold on to anything these days, let alone a flashlight—we expect the ML300L will last just as long as the old one and likely be the last flashlight you ever need to buy. Link to Original Article: Click Here
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Maglite honor Durham Fire Department and Chief Robert Zoldos with the Firefighter Hero Award
Durham, NC (Oct 29, 2019) – On October 29, at 10:00 a.m. at Fire Station 9, located at 1648 Midland Terrance Durham, The Durham Fire Department and Department Chief Robert Zoldos will receive the Firefighter Hero Award from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and MAGLITE®. Chief Zoldos will be honored in a ceremony on October 29 by MAGLITE® and the NFFF for his extraordinary efforts in battling carcinogen related cancer among firefighters. Firefighters have a much higher incidence of cancer and cancer related deaths than the general population due to their exposure to smoke and harsh chemicals in some fires and other carcinogens. The Durham Fire Department has served as a model to reduce exposure to their members and by partnering with the Duke Cancer Institute; the fire service will be able to expand its knowledge about the cancer problem. Furthermore, the Durham Fire Department has demonstrated its commitment by purchasing back up sets of gear for their members and implementing best practices immediately following a fire incident to further reduce exposures to carcinogens. Though purchasing gear and conducting decontamination measures on a scene isn't unique for fire departments, the extra measure of conducting a study with a local cancer institute makes the work of the Durham Fire Department stand out in its efforts to address occupational cancer. “It’s always a good day when we can take the time to acknowledge the great work being done by firefighters and fire departments around the country,” said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “Thanks to MAGLITE, more people will now know about the great efforts by the fire service to keep us all safe.” The National Firefighter Hero program is a joint effort between MAGLITE® and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The program periodically honors single firefighters, groups or whole departments for extraordinary commitment to upholding excellence in firefighting and related activities. “Our commitment to our firefighters and other first-responders is part of our culture and history at Maglite and we will never waiver from it,” said Anthony Maglica, Founder and CEO of Mag Instrument Inc. “This is why we are committed to supporting this program and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. I am very happy to honor these true heroes with this award and a donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in their name which will be permanently displayed on a brick at the National Fallen Firefighters Walk of Honor.” About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor and remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes, assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. For more information on the NFFF and its programs visit www.firehero.org.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Maglite honor the Harrisonburg, Virginia, Fire Department with National Firefighter Hero Award
Harrisonburg, Va., Fire Chief Ian Bennett, on behalf of all past and present members of the Harrisonburg Fire Department (HFD), will receive the Firefighter Hero Award in recognition of HFD’s Free Pizza for Fire Safety Program. The special celebration will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the City’s Fire Station 1, 80 Maryland Ave., and will include members of HFD as well as representatives from NFFF and MAGLITE®. The department is receiving this recognition for its innovative and extremely successful smoke alarm program, where firefighters deliver a free pizza to residents in exchange for letting them perform a home fire-safety inspection. This program has led to the discovery and remedy of unsafe conditions including the replacement of batteries in smoke alarms, installation of new smoke alarms when none are present, and identification of other hazards. Now in its 16th year, the program was started by Chief Larry Shifflett (ret.) and Life Safety Educator Wanda Willis (ret.). “This program goes a long way toward bringing our residents together with personnel dedicated to their health and safety, and we couldn’t be prouder of its impact in the community,” Harrisonburg City Manager Eric Campbell said. “Not only does this program provide community risk reduction by getting as many working smoke alarms in homes as possible, but it allows us to make connections that will last a lifetime between residents and the Harrisonburg Fire Department.” “We are so proud of the work that is being done by departments to educate our communities in fire prevention and help them to reduce the risk of tragedies,” said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “We are grateful to MAGLITE for working with us so that more people will now know about the great efforts by the fire service to keep us all safe.” The National Firefighter Hero program is a joint effort between MAGLITE® and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The program periodically honors single firefighters, groups or whole departments for extraordinary commitment to upholding excellence in firefighting and related activities. “Our commitment to our firefighters and other first-responders is part of our culture and history at Maglite and we will never waiver from it,” said Anthony Maglica, Founder and CEO of Mag Instrument Inc. “This is why we are committed to supporting this program and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. I am very happy to honor these true heroes with this award and a donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in their name which will be permanently displayed on a brick at the National Fallen Firefighters Walk of Honor.” About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor and remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes, assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. For more information on the NFFF and its programs visit www.firehero.org.
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National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Maglite honor Chief Thomas C. Mills of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department with Firefighter Hero Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Maglite honor Chief Thomas C. Mills of the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department with Firefighter Hero Award Chief Mills will be honored by Maglite and the NFFF for his leadership in response to a tragic fire that took the lives of civilians and nearly killed firefighters in his department Chesapeake Beach, MD (Feb. 27, 2020) – On February 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the North Beach Volunteer Fire Department (NBVFD), 8536 Bayside Road, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, Chief Thomas C. Mills of the NBVFD will receive the Firefighter Hero Award from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and MAGLITE®. Chief Mills will be honored in a ceremony on February 27 by MAGLITE® and the NFFF for his leadership in response to a tragic fire that took the lives of two civilians and nearly killed firefighters in his department. Chief Mills personally led the effort to ensure the incident and the lessons learned were shared with local response partners, as well as the fire service at large and worked alongside local government leaders to assist the community in its recovery. On April 3, 2019, a fast-moving fire erupted in a row of townhouses, quickly trapping two occupants in their home. Firefighters arrived on the scene and encountered “heavy fire conditions in multiple townhouses and occupants trapped.” They immediately initiated a search for the occupants and summoned backup from nearby fire departments, reaching out to units as far away as Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties. During the first few minutes, one townhouse collapsed, killing the two occupants, and a second townhouse collapsed, nearly killing two firefighters conducting a search for the trapped occupants. The blaze was under control approximately two hours later. The fire tragically took the lives of the civilians, destroyed five townhouses and damaged several others. In addition, several firefighters were injured, including the two caught in the collapse. Some of the lessons learned include: automatic and mutual aid response support is essential for successfully battling large incidents; good training, experience and teamwork are critical to effective operations; proper use of Personal Protective Equipment minimizes injuries and saves firefighter lives; sharing lessons from incidents is an obligation to make all firefighters better. “It’s always a good day when we can take the time to acknowledge the great work being done by firefighters and fire departments around the country,” said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “We hope that sharing lessons learned from a tragic fire that took civilian lives, injured numerous firefighters, and destroyed property will have a profound impact on firefighters around the country. Thanks to MAGLITE, more people will now know about the great efforts by the fire service to keep us all safe.” “Chief Mills is a highly motivated leader of our department and on a daily basis he is a strong supportive presence within the community”, said Deputy Chief Stephen Stanton. “Mills’ leads through innovative actions, constant dedication, and a genuine care for the personnel of our department and the fire service as a whole. We are forever grateful for the leadership of Chief Mills, and the dedication he has for sharing our lessons learned. We appreciate MAGLITE and the NFFF for the honor and recognition of our Chief”, Stanton said. The National Firefighter Hero Award program is a joint effort between MAGLITE® and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The program periodically honors single firefighters, groups or whole departments for extraordinary commitment to upholding excellence in firefighting and related activities. “Although it is always tragic when people are injured or killed in a horrific fire like this it is important to recognize the heroism of those who battled the blaze and have used it to learn from and prepare for future incidents like Chief Mills,” said Anthony Maglica, Founder and CEO of Mag Instrument Inc. “This is why we are committed to supporting this program and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. I am very happy to honor these true heroes with this award and a donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in their name which will be permanently displayed on a brick at the National Fallen Firefighters Walk of Honor.” The award presentation on February 27th at 7:00 p.m. … About Mag Instrument: Mag Instrument, manufacturer of the Maglite® flashlight, is proud to be a U.S.A. manufacturer. Each flashlight is a result of an obsession with fine engineering, craftsmanship and a commitment to perfection. Founder, owner and president Anthony Maglica has guided his company’s growth from a one-man machine shop in 1955 to an enterprise that has proudly employed thousands of American workers since it produced its first flashlight in 1979. For more visit: http://maglite.com/ About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor and remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes, assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. For more information on the NFFF and its programs visit www.firehero.org. MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: Lou Desmond for Mag Instrument, Inc. +1-951-258-6466 lou@dandlpr.com
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10 TRAVEL ESSENTIALS FOR MEN BY ERIKA SZUMEL
Packing travel essentials is always easier with a list. This week we focus on the guys (ladies next week it’s all you). Whether you or a guy you know is planning a beach getaway, a mountain escape, or a week in the desert, there are always essential items to pack. This week we’ll focus on some key travel essentials that all guys should pack on their next trip and we’ve got a list of recommendations for you too. From laundry bags to cord organizers, here are 10 travel essentials for men. MEN’S TRAVEL DOPP KIT It shouldn’t surprise you that a travel organizer bag is on our list. It is a hands-down essential. It’s important to stay organized during travel and a rugged Dopp Kit is sure to help you do just that. This beauty is available in our shop here! FOLDABLE FLIP FLOP SANDALS Whether you’re wearing them on the beach, in the hotel, or simply in the shower, a pair of flip flops are essential when you need to throw on a pair of shoes fast. This ARSTART pair are ultra lightweight, ultra soft, and ultra wear resistant. You can even fold them up! Flip flops come in handy for the shower or at the pool, something you might not even think about! MAGIC HEADBAND An item like this Magic Headband is super versatile, stylish, and just convenient when you need it. You can wear it as a scarf, a headwrap, like a bandana, or over your eyes when you need to sleep. It’s great to bring on hikes or adventure days outdoors. It’s sweat-wicking, breathable, and soft. TOM BIHN LAUNDRY BAG This laundry bag from Tom Bihn will keep your clean clothes clean and your dirty clothes dirty. But how? It’s an easy drawstring bag on both sides so you can put dirty clothes on one side and clean clothes on the other – keeping them completely separated. CORD CASE ORGANIZER You won’t have to worry about getting tangled up in cords with Cord Case Organizer by Journo Travel Goods! It’s perfect for cables, accessories, phones, tablets, hard drives, chargers, USB, memory cards and more. It’ll fit perfectly in your suitcase and it’s made tough to last. 3 IN 1 SPORK This spork is definitely the one travel essential you didn’t know you needed. This titanium 3 in 1 spork is ultra lightweight, eco-friendly, and versatile. It’s a bottle opener too! When in doubt, pull your sporkout. MAGLITE This Maglite flashlight (Solitaire® LED) is essential for any suitcase, backpack, or hiking pack. It’s tiny, simple, and easy to use. It’s drop resistant, water resistant, and uses LED to help you see anything and everything. E-READER For many of us, reading is essential when we go away. It could mean reading on a flight or bus ride, reading on the beach, or just reading during downtime. Consider purchasing an e-reader like this Kindle version – it’s got a high resolution, completely waterproof, thin, light, and has double the storage with 8GB. Keep reading! FOLDABLE WATER BOTTLE It’s so easy to forget to pack a water bottle and to get dehydrated when we travel. Do you know we actually lose a lot of water when we go on long flights? That’s why it’s always recommended you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to keep you hydrated. This flexible, foldable water bottle by Vapur is durable, portable, and reusable. You can clip it to your bag or backpack while you travel. RAIN PONCHO Prepping for rain is essential. Here’s a great way to do it: add this rain poncho to your list. This Charles River Apparel Poncho features heat-sealed seams, a hood with snap neck and drawstrings for added wind and rain protection. Won’t take up much room either! SOURCE: https://www.journohq.com/blog/10-travel-essentials-for-men/PUBLISHED BY Erika Szumelhttps://www.journohq.com/blog/
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POLICE AND SECURITY NEWS – MAR_APR 2019 – PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT – MAGLITE
Police and Security News – March/April 2019 – Product Highlight – Maglite® The right lighting tool is crucial for all officers and specialized units.Catch the new Maglite ML150LR/LRX LED Rechargeable System, featured in the latest issue of Police and Security News Magazine #PSN.Learn more about our featured all-purpose, next-generation #Maglite flashlights here: bit.ly/PSN-MARAPR-19-2 ____ Shop our Maglite ML150LR and additional LED Rechargeable flashlights >>> here
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Firefighter Hero Award (August 2019) - Chief Dave Moore
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Maglite honor Chief Dave Moore with the Firefighter Hero Award Chief Moore will be honored by Maglite and the NFFF for his extraordinary efforts to save lives through the Africa Fire Mission Cincinnati, OH – On August 22nd, former Village of Glendale Ohio Fire Department Chief and current Africa Fire Mission Executive Director, Dave Moore will receive the Firefighter Hero Award from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and MAGLITE®. Chief Moore will be honored in a ceremony on August 22nd by MAGLITE® and the NFFF for his extraordinary work saving lives of firefighters and civilians in Africa as leader of the Africa Fire Mission. The Africa Fire Mission provides free training and personal protective equipment to under-resourced fire departments all over the continent of Africa. Robert Rielage, the former Fire Marshal of the State of Ohio and current Reserve Fire Officer and Special Projects Manager for the Colerain Township Department of Fire and EMS said, “My friend and colleague Chief Moore as the founder and Executive Director of the Africa Fire Mission has helped save countless lives on the African Continent. He walked away from a successful career and toiled for years as an unpaid volunteer to run the Africa Fire Mission to help save both firefighter and civilian lives far away from his home and richly deserves this honor. The training and equipment provided by the Africa Fire Mission has reduced firefighter and civilian deaths from traffic-related accidents, equipment failures and other dangers present in today’s firefighting.” “It’s always a good day when we can take the time to acknowledge the great work being done by firefighters and fire departments around the country,” said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “Thanks to MAGLITE, more people will now know about the great efforts by the fire service to keep us all safe.” The National Firefighter Hero program is a joint effort between MAGLITE® and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The program periodically honors single firefighters, groups or whole departments for extraordinary commitment to upholding excellence in firefighting and related activities. “Our commitment to our firefighters and other first-responders is part of our culture and history at Maglite and we will never waiver from it,” said Anthony Maglica, Founder and CEO of Mag Instrument Inc. “This is why we are committed to supporting this program and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. I am very happy to honor these true heroes with this award and a donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in their name which will be permanently displayed on a brick at the National Fallen Firefighters Walk of Honor.” The event honoring the department will take place on Thursday, August 22nd at 10 a.m. at the Great Oaks FireTraining Academy located at the Great Oaks Career Campus, 3254 E Kemper Road, City of Sharonville Ohio. Media Note: Fire academy trainees will be training during event. Equipment to be donated to the Africa Fire Mission will be on display for B-Roll purposes. Interviews with presenters and honorees will be available. Interviews can also be scheduled in advance. ### About Mag Instrument: Mag Instrument, manufacturer of the Maglite® flashlight, is proud to be a U.S.A. manufacturer. Each flashlight is a result of an obsession with fine engineering, craftsmanship and a commitment to perfection. Founder, owner, and president Anthony Maglica has guided his company’s growth from a one-man machine shop in 1955 to an enterprise that has proudly employed thousands of American workers since it produced its first flashlight in 1979. For more visit: http://maglite.com/ ### About the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: The United States Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation to lead a nationwide effort to honor and remember America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the nonprofit Foundation has developed and expanded programs to honor fallen fire heroes, assist their families in rebuilding their lives, and reduce firefighter deaths and injuries. For more information on the NFFF and its programs visit www.firehero.org. MEDIA ONLY CONTACT: Lou Desmond for Mag Instrument, Inc.+1-951-258-6466lou@dandlpr.com
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National Roadside Safety Awareness Month (July)
Maglite is a proud sponsor of National Roadside Safety Awareness Month. Every July, we put extra focus on this important matter for our customers. With the release of our Roadside Safety Packs and Traffic Wands and other add-ons, we hope to help our customers be prepared for any possible roadside emergencies. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics going back 40 years, the deadliest months of the year, for drivers and pedestrians alike, have been the “vacation months” -- July through October.[1] Of the year’s four deadliest holiday weekends, three occur in summer, and the fatal crashes involve higher-than-average numbers of alcohol-impaired drivers. Here, for example, were the nationwide statistics for 2015[2]: Labor Day Weekend -- 460 killed, 33% of the involved drivers alcohol-impaired; Memorial Day Weekend -- 424 killed, 40% of involved drivers impaired; Fourth of July Weekend -- 409 killed, 36% of involved drivers impaired. (For comparison, the overall rate of alcohol-impaired-driver-related fatalities was 29%)[3]. Despite the fact that traffic volume typically is far higher during the day than at night, more than a third of all fatal crashes occur during the dusk/night/dawn hours.[4] And probably not by coincidence, drivers involved in nighttime fatal crashes are far likelier to be alcohol-impaired than those involved in daylight fatal crashes – nearly 60% in the midnight-to-3 a.m. time period, versus fewer than 15% in the noon-to-3 p.m. time frame.[5] For pedestrians – whether they’ve stepped out of their cars on the roadside for some reason or whether they’re just traveling on foot -- the traffic fatality numbers associated with low-light conditions are truly alarming: The hours of night (74%), dusk (2%) and dawn (2%) together yield 78% of all pedestrian fatalities.[6] Along with the 5,376 pedestrians killed by vehicles in 2015 (amounting to 15% of all vehicle accident fatalities), some 70,000 were injured.[7] MAGLITE is urging people to be safe during this deadly time on the road and offers the following statistics and safety tips available here on this web page as a small part we can play in helping save lives. MAGLITE Declares July "National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month" MAGLITE wants to bring awareness and reduce injuries and fatalities along our roads and highways — especially of pedestrians — in the Deadliest Months of the Year MAGLITE is urging motorists and pedestrians to be extra vigilant to save lives during the “vacation months” — which statistically have the most traffic fatalities of any time of the year — by promoting a public education campaign for the newly minted National Roadside Traffic Safety Awareness Month. The goal is to reduce fatalities and injuries that occur on our roads and highways in vehicle traffic accidents and especially among pedestrians. This campaign is timely because the 4th of July Weekend consistently ranks as one of the deadliest times to be on the road, and other summer holiday weekends (Labor Day and Memorial Day) also rank very high. Night-time safety is particularly critical. Despite much lower traffic volumes at night, more than 1/3rd of all fatal crashes occur during the hours of dawn, dusk and nighttime. And nighttime crashes tend to be more serious than daytime crashes: In the evening hours (6 p.m. to 6 a.m.), the fatality rate (per 1,000 crashes) is more than double the daytime rate, rising to nearly 4 times the daytime rate for crashes occurring in the after-midnight hours.[8] A significant number of those killed are classified as pedestrians, people who are struck and killed while not in vehicles – whether they were traveling on foot or had simply gotten out of their cars (e.g., because of a fender-bender or a breakdown). 5,376 pedestrians were struck and killed by vehicles in 2015, according to NHTSA figures, and nearly 8 in 10 of these fatalities occurred when light was poor: 74% at night, 2% at dusk, 2% at dawn. When a car becomes disabled at night it is a much more dangerous situation then during the daylight hours, and pedestrians, whether they are occupants who have stepped out of their cars or people traveling on foot by the roadside, are in particularly acute danger at night. Having a good light source to make oneself visible to traffic is a basic safety measure. What is ideal is a flashlight that has a traffic/safety wand attached – a translucent plastic cone that fits over the flashlight’s head and glows when the light is turned on. A red color traffic/safety wand is generally best for roadside safety. Most people have seen light wands at airports, where ground crews routinely use them to guide planes into and out of gates; and they are used by many police departments to direct traffic. A flashlight with a traffic/safety wand should be considered an essential item of safety equipment for every vehicle, and should be carried by everyone who walks by the side of a road at night. Having a traffic/safety wand, and knowing some basic safety tips, would assist in saving lives in emergency roadside situations. The United States experiences about 30,000 fatal traffic accidents per year. An overall 29% of fatal accidents involve alcohol-impaired drivers, a percentage that becomes much higher at night. About 5,000 of these accidents – that’s about 15% of all vehicular fatalities -- involve pedestrians struck by vehicles. (“Pedestrians” includes not only people who were walking by the roadside but also people who got out of their cars for any reason). Nearly 3/4ths of all fatal pedestrian accidents happen at night. About 1/3rd of all auto fatalities happen at night. Three of the year’s four deadliest holiday weekends happen in the summer – Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day Weekends. On summer holiday weekends, the rate of drunk-driver involvement in fatal accidents is significantly higher than the overall average (29%) rate. 33%, 40% and 36%, respectively, of the fatal accidents in 2015 on Labor Day, Memorial Day and Fourth of July Weekends involved drunk drivers. SAFETY TIPS… MAGLITE would like to share with you a few common sense tips for being safer on the road in case of a breakdown or minor accident: Move to Safety - Never get out of the vehicle to make a repair or examine damage on a busy highway. Get the vehicle to a safe, out-of-the-way spot, and then get out of the car if at all possible. And if a dire emergency forces you to get out of your car on a highway (e.g., if the car is on fire), do not stand at the side of the car nearest the traffic; position yourself on the “shoulder” side of the vehicle, so that your vehicle is between you and the traffic. Call for Help - If your car won’t run or if it’s so badly damaged that it can’t be driven, stay in the vehicle and use a cell phone to call for help. Don’t stand outside the vehicle unless absolutely forced to do so; and even then, don’t stand near the flow of traffic. Be Prepared - Carry a strong flashlight with a traffic/safety wand, flares or reflective triangles in your vehicle so you can mark your location in the event of an emergency, even during the day. Remember to turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers have advanced warning of a problem ahead. To be safe, be seen. Be sure to always carry roadside safety kits for emergencies. Your kit should include: First aid kit Flashlight with traffic/safety wand Jumper cables Canned instant tire inflator Heavy-duty rope Gloves and warm blanket for winter breakdowns Water and non-perishable food items If you must walk in busy roadside conditions: Walk on a sidewalk or path when one is available. If no sidewalk or path is available, walk on the shoulder, facing traffic, as far away from the traffic lane as you can get. Never assume a driver sees you; try to make eye contact. Drivers don’t see as well at night so if you must exit your vehicle, wear reflective materials or use a flashlight, ideally with a traffic/safety wand, to alert other drivers to your presence. [1] National Center for Statistics and Analysis (2017), Traffic Safety Facts 2015, Report No. DOT HS 812 384, Washington, DC, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (hereafter “Traffic Safety Facts 2015”), p. 64. [2] Traffic Safety Facts 2015, p. 45, Table 14. [3] Traffic Safety Facts 2015, p. 105. [4] Traffic Safety Facts 2015, p. 67, Table 26. [5] Traffic Safety Facts 2015, p. 73, Figure 12. [6] National Center for Statistics and Analysis (2017, February). Pedestrians: 2015 data. (Traffic Safety Facts, Report No. DOT HS 812 375). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (Hereinafter “Pedestrian Safety”). See chart and text on p. 2. [7] Pedestrian Safety, p.1. [8] Traffic Safety Facts 2015, p. 114, Fig. 21.
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Firefighter Hero Award (June 2019) - Aurora Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Wendy Lippman
Aurora Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Wendy Lippman will receive the Firefighter Hero Award from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Maglite. On June 25, the Aurora Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Wendy Lippman, will receive the Firefighter Hero Award from the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) and MAGLITE®. Lippman will be honored in a ceremony on June 25th by MAGLITE® and the NFFF for her extraordinary commitment to the emotional health of firefighters. In her letter nominating Chief Lippman, Sherri Jo Stowell said, “Battalion Chief Wendy Lippman has dedicated herself to protecting the emotional health of her fire department family. She truly recognizes the need to address the stress and emotional trauma that firefighters experience on the job and the strain it has on their personal lives. She refuses to allow this issue to be pushed aside because it is uncomfortable for many to face. She has been willing to push back against the resistance, to say it’s time to be pro-active, it’s time to prevent the next tragedy related to firefighter mental health.” The National Firefighter Hero program is a joint effort between MAGLITE® and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The program periodically honors single firefighters, groups or whole departments for extraordinary commitment to upholding excellence in firefighting and related activities. “It’s always a good day when we can take the time to acknowledge the great work being done by firefighters and fire departments around the country,” said Chief Ronald Siarnicki, Executive Director of the NFFF. “Thanks to MAGLITE, more people will now know about the great efforts by the fire service to keep us all safe.” “Our commitment to our firefighters and other first-responders is part of our culture and history at Maglite and we will never waiver from it,” said Anthony Maglica, Founder and CEO of Mag Instrument Inc. “This is why we are committed to supporting this program and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. I am very happy to honor these true heroes with this award and a donation to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in their name which will be permanently displayed on a brick at the National Fallen Firefighters Walk of Honor.” The event honoring the department will take place on Tuesday, June 25 at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Aurora Municipal Center, 15151 E. Alameda Parkway, Aurora, CO 80012.
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