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Transportation Feed

Stop using scooters whose battery was linked to a fire that killed two, safety agency recommends

It’s important to consumers to watch for announcements from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in addition to the agency’s recalls. The CPSC is warning consumers about the risk of fire from Toos Elite 60-volt electric scooters after two people died in a fire tied to the scooter’s lithium-ion battery. Read more →


DOT fines American Airlines a record $4.1 million for tarmac delays

Do you know your rights on tarmac delays? American Airlines will pay $4.1 million for violating federal laws prohibiting tarmac delays of three hours or more on domestic flights without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane, DOT said Monday. DOT’s investigation found that American kept dozens of flights stuck on the tarmac for long periods of time. Read more →


Bloggers venturing out as spring unfolds

It’s been the second coldest April in history here in the Seattle area. And, then, there’s the rain, rain, rain. Even hail at times. Since I’m a photojournalist, I like to take photos of our state Capitol when the cherry blossoms are blooming. Many years it’s tricky to get a blue sky with the iconic building. Read more →


Stop using $13 bicycle helmets sold at Walmart, the CPSC advises

In addition to recalling products, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issues warnings about hazardous products. A recent warning from the agency is to immediately stop using black TureClos bicycle helmets. The helmets don’t comply with federal safety standards. They can fail to protect riders if a crash occurs, posing a head injury risk. Read more →


Safety of e-bikes for kids comes under scrutiny

Until this week, I hadn’t heard about a potential safety problem with electric bicycles or “e-bikes.” An article in The Washington Post, “A Child’s Death Prompts Questions About Brake Safety on E-bikes,” caught my attention. A lawsuit has been filed against Rad Power Bikes by the parents of a 12-year-old girl who was killed in an e-bike accident. Read more →


Watch out for deceptive loan practices when you buy a used car

Don’t get tricked into signing up for a high-cost loan when you buy a used car. Credit Acceptance Corp. misrepresented the cost of credit and turned the car-buying experience into a nightmare for many of its borrowers, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and New York Attorney General’s Office charged in a lawsuit. Read more →


As inflation weary voters head to the polls Tuesday, oil companies are chortling all the way to the bank

It’s one of the biggest frauds unleashed on the American public: high gas prices despite falling oil prices. As consumers prepare to vote, it’s often the high gas prices that are on their minds. Recently, I wrote about price gouging: about one-third to half of the current inflation in the U.S. is being caused by corporations making excessive profits. Read more →


Boeing agrees to pay $200 million to settle SEC charges that it misled investors about the 737 MAX

Like most Washingtonians, I admire the accomplishments of The Boeing Co. However, when allegations were made about a “culture of concealment” and a flawed regulatory system, which led to two crashes, I was shocked. The SEC charged Boeing and a former CEO with making misleading statements after crashes in 2018 and 2019. Read more →


The new Inflation Reduction Act will benefit consumers in many ways

It seems like a miracle. The Democrats finally came together and passed major legislation to benefit American consumers. It’s called the Inflation Reduction Act. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said the law will have a lasting impact on the planet and will help lower costs for Americans across our country. Read more →


Hover-1 Superfly hoverboards are being called by DGL Group due to fall and injury risks

DGL Group is recalling about 93,000 Hover-1 Superfly hoverboards. A software malfunction in the electrical system can cause continued movement when the rider isn’t controlling the hoverboard, posing fall and injury risks. The company has received 29 reports of the software issue. Read more →