Declarations – Midwest

Not Encouraging

“This study is not encouraging people to drink.”

—University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health injury epidemiologist Lee Friedman, who authored a study finding that injured patients were less likely to die in the hospital if they had alcohol in their blood — and the more alcohol, the more likely they were to survive. Alcohol intoxication — even minor inebriation — is associated with an increased risk of being injured, Friedman said, but “after an injury, if you are intoxicated there seems to be a pretty substantial protective effect.”

More Exchange Time

“We are confident governors will have enough time to decide whether they want to establish an exchange, work in partnership with the federal government or have a federally facilitated exchange in their state.”

—U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The Obama administration has given states more time to say whether they plan to operate their own health insurance exchanges. Many governors asked for an extension after the Nov. 6 election, which ensured the survival of Obama’s healthcare overhaul.

Demographic Implications

“The changing gender demographics will have major implications on the extent and nature of vehicle demand, energy consumption and road safety.”

—Michael Sivak, with the University of Michigan’s Transportation Research Institute, who co-authored a study that found that more women than men now have driver’s licenses. The study looked at gender trends in driver’s licenses between 1995 and 2010. Women are more likely than men to purchase smaller, safer and more fuel-efficient cars; to drive less; and to have a lower fatality rate per distance driven, Sivak said.

Fertile Ground

“Crowded parking lots are fertile ground for fender benders. Don’t suspend your good judgment in the rush to shop. Please drive defensively.”

—Bill Windsor, associate vice president of Consumer Safety at Ohio-based Nationwide Insurance. According to Nationwide 2012 claims data, about 13 percent of auto accidents occur in parking lots. During this shopping season, the company is reminding motorists to stay focused while driving and to practice defensive driving especially in parking lots where traffic is heavy and drivers are often the most distracted.