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Is hands-free just as dangerous? – Chris Lawrence reports
New apps may be posing a safety crisis on the road.
A new warning this morning that the very thing that was supposed to safely keep us connected, making hands-free calls while driving, may also be dangerous.
Chris Lawrence is in Washington with that story. He got a first hand look when researchers tracked his brain activity while he was on the road, driving and using new voice-to-text technology simultaneously. "You could be just as distracted with your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel," Lawrence reports.
"The more I tried to multitask, the less my brain could do," he says, deteriorating driving performance.
Massive recall by Japanese auto makers over faulty airbags – Shannon Travis reports
Japanese automakers Honda, Nissan, Toyota and Mazda are recalling around 3.4 million cars due to airbag defects.
Toyota (TM) said it was recalling 1.7 million cars around the world, including some popular Corolla, Matrix and Camry models. Nissan recalled around 480,000 cars, while Mazda added another 45,000. Honda (HMC), which is recalling more than 1.1 million autos, said the recall was necessary to replace passenger front airbag inflators.
Most of the recalled cars appeared to be from the 2001, 2002 and 2003 model years.
This morning on "Early Start," CNN's Shannon Travis reports on how this could affect consumers.
READ MORE: Honda, Nissan and Toyota in massive recall
Sales of bullet-resistant products for kids surging; CNN's Miguel Marquez reports: 'a disturbing sign of the times'
In light of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, people all over the country are concerned about the safety of our children at school. Many are asking whether schools should be more fortified to prevent such events in the future. Since the tragedy, there's even been a surge in demand for little-known products that can literally bullet-proof children. From backpack inserts to bullet-resistant toddler pants, parents are going to extremes to keep their kids from becoming statistics. CNN’s Miguel Marquez has that part of the story.
“It is a disturbing sign of the times,” Marquez says. Amendment II makes military grade, bullet resistant inserts for children’s backpacks. “COO Rich Brand says in the last week, sales have jumped 500 percent and they're still climbing,” Marquez reports. “Desperate parents seeking ways to protect their kids in the most extreme situations.”
Amendment II is not alone in the industry. “In Boston, Bullet Blocker promises ‘your peace of mind is our business,’” Marquez says. “In Austin, Texas, BulletProofMe.com says sales are up 50%. New customers: schools and daycare facilities.”
Needles found in sandwiches, Delta says; FBI to investigate – Sandra Endo reports
Washington (CNN) - The FBI says it has launched an investigation into the discovery of sewing needles in four turkey sandwiches on separate Delta Air Lines flights from Amsterdam to the United States.
The objects were discovered in food on planes as they were en route from Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands to Minneapolis, Seattle and two flights to Atlanta, according to Delta spokeswoman Kristin Baur. Two of the needles were found by passengers, she said, at which point Delta told all 18 flights from Amsterdam to stop serving the sandwiches.
Two more needles were discovered, including one found by a federal air marshal. One passenger on the plane going to Minneapolis was injured by the needle but declined medical treatment upon landing, according to Baur.
Federal agents have begun a criminal investigation, said Special Agent Stephen Emmett, an FBI spokesman in Atlanta.
Gate Gourmet, which provided prepared sandwiches to Delta, said the sandwiches originated at the firm's facility in Amsterdam. The company has been in business since 1992.
This morning on "Early Start," CNN's Sandra Endo reports on the latest in the investigation.
Washington Monument may stay closed until 2014 for repairs
(CNN) - The Washington Monument will remain closed for repairs for at least another year and possibly into 2014, National Park Service officials said Monday.
The 555-foot-tall monument has been closed since an earthquake struck the mid-Atlantic region near Richmond, Virginia, in August 2011. Repairs are expected to begin this fall.
The service said that huge scaffolding will be needed for the outside repair work, which will take 12 to 18 months to complete. Some of the repair work will include sealing cracks, removing loose pieces of stone and repairing joints. At least nine of the marble panels on the exterior near the top are cracked, according to a post-earthquake assessment. Others are chipped but not in danger of falling, the report said.
On "Early Start" this morning, Sandra Endo reports on the latest in the repair plans.
Will F-22 restrictions pinpoint problem? 'Air Force Times' writer Brian Everstine explains
"Air Force Times" writer Brian Everstine on if new F-22 flight restrictions will help pinpoint oxygen safety issues.
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