It Figures

4.2 Million

Number of vehicles recalled worldwide by Toyota Motor Corp., prompted by sticky gas pedals, a problem the automaker says is rare and caused by condensation that builds up in the gas pedal assembly. The problem, first announced in mid-January, prompted Toyota to halt sales of eight different models of cars.

$10,000

Maximum fine insurance agents in New Jersey will have to pay for failing to notify the state if they have been disciplined by any non-governmental regulatory agency, such as thee Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The fines were signed into law last month and affect all insurance producers in the Garden State.

256

Traffic fatalities in New York City last year, the lowest level since records started being kept in 1910. One category where deaths were slightly up was pedestrian fatalities. There were 155 last year, compared with 151 in 2008. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the overall success is due to better enforcement and a focus on street safety by the transportation department.

$400

Minimum fee proposed by The Board of County Supervisors in Prince William County, Virginia for ambulance service – money that insurance companies would be forced to pay. Last month, the board moved forward with a plan to have insurers pay between $400 and $700 – plus $10 per mile of transport – for every ambulance trip. Currently insurance companies are not billed for ambulance transport. Prince William County Chairman Corey Stewart said insurance companies are “getting away with not having to pay” in his county while nearby Fairfax County, Prince George’s County and D.C. already charge the fees.

$2,750

Fine that will be levied on drivers of large commercial trucks and buses who violate a new U.S. government ban on hand-held “texting” while behind the wheel. The ban follows one issued in December for drivers of federal government vehicles.