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Many states have relaxed marijuana laws during the last few years. As a result, recreational marijuana usage has significantly increased in many areas. Unfortunately, the use of this drug, like alcohol, doesn't just occur at home or in a controlled setting. It can happen just before or while a person operates a motor vehicle as well.

Studies have had mixed results concerning whether an increase in recreational marijuana use results in more auto collisions. In Colorado, one study found an elevated rate of auto deaths due to motorists' consumption of this drug, however. The numbers were unaffected in Washington state.

Parents expect school buses to safely take their children to school and bring them back home. Unfortunately, things do not always work out that way. School bus manufacturers aren't required to equip these vehicles with seatbelts per federal law. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, only eight states mandate that school buses have seatbelts. Michigan isn't one of these states.

Researchers recently filled a school bus with 15 crash dummies as part of a simulated rollover scenario. Eight were strapped in with seatbelts and seven others went unrestrained. One unbelted test crash dummy went flying through the air in the crash, snapping their neck. Two other passengers without seatbelts slammed into other riders' seats. All eight belted passengers remained in their seats during the rollover.

You don't think much of it, but you probably walk through parking lots almost every day of your life. This happens after you park your car at work in the morning (and when you leave). It also happens when you visit the grocery store or shopping mall. And that's just the start.

While it doesn't necessarily seem like a dangerous place, parking lot accidents injure and kill many people every year. And for that reason, you must know how to protect yourself. Here's what you should do:

• Keep your head on a swivel: The most challenging part of navigating a parking lot is that cars are driving every possible direction. And in many cases, they aren't obeying the law. For example, someone may drive the wrong way down a one-way aisle in order to secure an empty spot close to the building.
• Watch where you walk: If possible, walk on a designated sidewalk or directly behind parked vehicles.
• Watch for parked vehicles: Parked vehicles are just as dangerous as those that are moving. As you navigate the lot, watch for anyone who may be backing out of their space.

Riding a bike is an excellent form of exercise, yet it can also be hazardous to your health. Sharing the road with motor vehicles can be very dangerous and unpredictable. Bicycle accidents have been on the decline in the last few years. Unfortunately, fatal accidents associated with bike riding have been on the rise.

As bike riding has become more popular, advocacy groups have become more successful in getting safety features added to the roadways to reduce the number of bicycle accidents. Some of those enhancements include bike lanes and protective medians. These safety precautions aren't uniform, however. They vary by jurisdiction.