California Car Accidents on the Rise According to Most Recent Reports

The Golden State is bucking national trends in car accident deaths. While the majority of the country recorded a drop in serious car accidents, California's rate reportedly is on the rise. Since the mid-1990s there has been a marked drop in deaths due to traffic related accidents. 2011 was the lowest rate of accidents in recent years, dropping about 2 percent from the previous rate in 2010.

Unfortunately, California saw a 2.6 percent increase in the fatal accident rate. There were 2,791 fatal car crashes in California. Since nationally the fatalities numbered 32,367, California accounts for about 8.6 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States last year alone. That's the second most traffic fatalities in the nation.

Perhaps that's partially due to the pedestrian fatality rate in Los Angeles. A recent report found that over 30 percent of all deaths related to car accidents in the city were due to hit-and-run pedestrian accidents. That's three times the national average for pedestrian accidents, which are decreasing nationally.

The only state that recorded more traffic fatalities than California was Texas. There were 3,023 deaths due to car accidents in 2011 in Texas. That's 9.3 percent of all traffic fatalities in the country. Granted, California and Texas are two of the largest and most populous states. Still, these two out of 50 states make up 18 percent of all traffic deaths.

Overall, 36 states saw a decrease in traffic fatalities. There were some types of road accidents that also bucked the downward trend. Both motorcyclist and bicyclist accident deaths are on the rise. Bicyclist death increased by about 8.7 percent while motorcyclists increased by 14 percent.

Further study to the motorcycle statistic reveals certain factors that account for the upward trend. Older Americans are picking up motorcycles as a later in life hobby and they are more vulnerable to injuries from a crash. Safety laws vary by state and may not require helmet use. Additionally, motorcyclists are more likely to speed, lose control and crash.

Partially related is an increase in the rate of accident related deaths both in motorcycle and other vehicle crashes. While discerning the root of this problem is trickier, it is an alarming fact that requires a solution. Drunk driving is dangerous and illegal, but somehow is on the rise. This is especially true of motorcyclists, but accounts for about a third of car accident deaths.

Self Interest and Vote Bank Politics In International Relations

Pakistan & USA (Osama Bin Laden)

Pakistan was not aware that Osama Bin-Laden was in their cantonment.

We had to believe that, with a pinch of salt.

US did not trust fully its ally, in war against terrorism,

But it tolerated, its nuisance.

It conducted a secret raid, in Pakistan,

Killed Osama Bin-Laden and dumped his body in sea,

Pakistan kept its eyes and ears closed,

But protested against US for its local public's consumption,

For violation of its sovereignty.

Pakistan & USA (Hafiz Saeed)

USA announced 5 million US$ reward for Hafiz Saeed, brain behind 26/11,

Then kept quiet, knowing fully well, he is in Pakistan,

Because Pakistan needs him for militancy in India.

US needs Pakistan in its short-term goal,

To fight Talibans in Afghanistan.

Will US marines ever raid Pakistan for Hafiz Saeed?

Not likely,

It does not serve self-interests,

26/11 is not as important to US as 9/11.

There are no absolute principles; yes there are absolute self-interests.

Principles are flexible, to suit self-interest.

US vote bank policy favoured elimination of Osama Bin Laden;

Hafiz Saeed survives, to keep Pakistan happy.

Italy, Diplomatic Immunity and Morality

An ideal utopian approach:

A civilised nation,

Must uphold morality,

and not take shelter behind man-made,

Diplomatic immunity and Geneva Conventions,

For,

Morality is God ordained,

Diplomatic Immunity is man-made.

A practical, pragmatic approach:

A smart move by a developed nation, in a developing country,

Its diplomat, swore in the local court, and assured,

" Please allow the accused to go back to native land for a month,

They will comeback."

When permitted,

The developed nation smartly refused to send them back,

quoting International Laws.

It suited their vote bank politics,

As election were round the corner.

When court restrained the diplomat, from leaving the country,

It cries foul,

Claims diplomatic immunity for the diplomat's false assurances.

After, the elections, it sends back the accused,

As vote bank politics was irrelevant now.

Our civilised society is still imperfect,

'It has miles to go' still.

Diplomat lacked morality, the foreign nation lacked morality,

Its supporters, too lacked morality.

When integrity of diplomats is doubtful,

When we can not trust diplomats' at their word,

Degeneration of Ambassadors as a separate class in society, is complete.

Reputation of morality in developed nations is at stake.

A cunning move and morality will always stay miles apart.

Do We Belong to Humanity?

No,

We belong to our own specific sub-group only.

Will the new world, belong to humanity,

or it will belong to Christians or Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus;

or to China, US, India, Brazil or Germany,

or to Whites, Yellow or Coloured.

The only welcome change is:

gender equality in society, is progressing all over the world,

Will be a reality soon,

in underdeveloped countries too.

God created Humanity,

We partitioned it into subgroups,

Let us learn to undo our past mistakes.