CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- For many businesses, Small Business Saturday is a lot different for stores around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic.  "In comparison to last year it's very different, but everything is different in comparison to last year," said Ellen Joy, owner of Alakazam Toys on the Downtown Mall.  Joy said business at Alakazam remained steady throughout Saturday.  Their online store has been a huge boost for their business. They launched their online store in March when the COVID-19 pandemic began.  "Less foot traffic for sure, but we have our store online now so that's making up the difference," said Joy. "We've been doing probably as many sales online as we have in store, so that's really helping us keep crowds under control and everybody is having a good time." She said parents are buying many toys, games and various activities to keep their children occupied.  "Outdoor toys have been a really big deal this year," said Joy. "I find more information feel like with virtual schooling, people are like oh man, I got to get my kids busy. Puzzles are huge, games have been a really big deal this year and big this season as well." Thadd McQuade, co-owner of Market Street Wine, said they've received some business, but things are slower.  Market Street Wine has only been doing curbside delivery and home deliveries during the pandemic. "It's not like a normal year obviously, it's not like a normal fall," said McQuade. "These three months, October, November and December are usually are busiest months of the year and there's so many things that aren't happening now." McQuade said customers are choosing quality over quantity this year.  "People who are trying to downsize their gatherings are maybe trying to upscale their experience, so rather than buying a couple cases of wine for a bunch of people, they're buying a couple of nicer bottles of wine" said McQuade. Despite the constraints, both stores remain thankful for the community's support.  "My family's made the commitment to shop locally this year for our holiday gifts and I really appreciate the people who take that same mindset," said Joy. "Charlottesville understands how important it is to have locally owned businesses," said McQuade.

https://www.cbs19news.com/story/42976966/businesses-seeing-less-traffic-for-small-business-saturday

The size and weight of commercial trucks are much greater, and in a crash, the bigger object will win. Commercial trucks can completely decimate cars and SUVs, so it’s no surprise that the injuries they cause require significant compensation to treat and manage. One of the greatest changes to road safety during the current reality of life during COVID-19 is the suspension of trucking safety regulations . This suspension was extended yet again to ensure that essential supplies, including medicine and food, are delivered on schedule during the pandemic. Unfortunately, the regulations that have been suspended include those that restrict commercial truck drivers from being on the road for more than 11 hours in a 14-hour period. Because this rule has been suspended, more drivers and passengers are at greater risk for crashes due to truck driver fatigue. The safety regulations are designed to protect truck drivers and the motoring public from exhaustion and promote road safety; fatigue is a cause of many crashes, so allowing semi-truck drivers to be on the road for longer periods without requiring a break has raised valid safety concerns. Victims were already facing costs that aren’t adequately covered by the current liability minimum, and the suspension of key regulations only adds to this problem. More accidents mean more insurance claims and jury awards. While the bill to increase trucking insurance minimums has yet to be implemented, it’s a positive step towards addressing the gap.

https://murrayandmurray.legalexaminer.com/transportation/the-importance-of-increasing-trucking-insurance-minimums/