Detroit Submits Bid for Amazon's New Headquarters

A newly released ad campaign has taken social media by storm, all in the hopes that one of the biggest companies in the world will make Detroit its new home. A video entitled Detroit. Move Here. Move The World. hit social media on Thursday, October 19, 2017, as part of the official Detroit-Windsor bid to be selected as the location for Amazon’s next headquarters, which is being called HQ2.

Source: YouTube - Detroit Moves HQ

According to the Detroit Free Press, Amazon announced a request for proposals for HQ2 in September of 2017, and since then cities across America have gone into a frenzy hoping to win Amazon’s affection. WXYZ Detroit reported that upon hearing about the competition, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder asked Dan Gilbert to put together a proposal for Detroit. Gilbert is a Detroit businessman and downtown developer, who has been heavily involved in the rebuilding of the city. The deadline to submit proposals was October 19, and the winner will be announced in 2018. Amazon plans on investing $5 billion in their new location, and will employ over 50,000 workers. The full development of the headquarters would be spread out over 15-17 years, and could require as much as 8 million square feet of office space.

According to Crane's Detroit Business, in addition to Gilbert, a 60-person “Amazon committee” was assembled, consisting of business, education, political, and philanthropic leaders. Specific details of the bid regarding tax incentives, mass transportation for employees, and filling such a large talent pool are being held closely guarded by the committee. The video, which has been viewed over 100,000 times on Youtube alone, was put together by journalist and filmmaker Stephen McGee, with a voice over by Detroit-based poet, playwright, and performance artist Jessica Care More. The video features scenes of iconic Detroit locations, businesses, auto manufacturers, and nearby universities.

The Detroit News reported that Gilbert told the Associated Press that “we feel like we have a lot of advantages. One of them is we’re proposing international headquarters on the border of two North American countries. We’ve got a hedge against any kind of immigration issues that might be on either side because you have two countries. You also have a huge, deep talent base in Canada and special universities.” He also added “we have a lot of transportation advantages because Amazon is sort of a transportation company to some degree. All the stuff with autonomous vehicles and drones and aerospace, there is a lot of that in Detroit.” Detroit's history of vehicle manufacturing, as well as developments of autonomous technology, are central to the bid. The video states that Detroit is “where mobility is born.”

There is still a long and competitive process ahead, as Amazon says over 200 cities have submitted proposals. But should Detroit win the bid, it is hard to overstate how much of a boost to the local economy having a company as large as Amazon setting up shop would be. Detroit is in the middle of a revitalization, and what better way to catapult that by having one of the largest and most influential companies in world make Detroit their new home. For more information on Detroit’s bid, visit Detroitmovestheworld.com, or check out #MoveTheWorld on social media.

With a company as large as Amazon moving into Detroit, tens of thousands of people will be added to the daily commute, meaning more accidents are likely to happen. If you have been involved in an automobile accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free legal consultation with an expereinced automobile injury lawyer.

New Ambassador Bridge Coming To Michigan

Remember back in September 2015 when the Moroun family was against a second Ambassador bridge being built and filed a lawsuit to make sure their privately owned bridge stayed in business? Well, it looks like they are finally getting their way, sort of.

Despite the constant back and forth between Canadian officials and the Moroun family, Manuel Moroun to be specific, the family has received permission from the Transport Canada federal agency to build their second Ambassador Bridge. The permit has been at least a year in the making and comes with a few stipulations. Canada is requesting that the Morouns demolish their previous Ambassador Bridge once their new bridge is complete and ready for use. Additional requirements include environmental protection, protection of Canada’s indigenous people, infrastructure improvement, and the creation of green spaces.

Out With The Old, In With The New

In the late 1920s, the Ambassador Bridge was one of the biggest and daring bridges to be built, now it is old and showing it’s age. The bridge can barely sustain the amount of traffic and trade that comes across every day since it was built with only 4 lanes. According to the Detroit Free Press, in a statement on September 6, 2017 Manuel Moroun said that the new Ambassador Bridge is expected to have 6 lanes not including lanes dedicated to NEXUS, FAST, and bus traffic. Moroun also mentioned that the cost of the new Ambassador Bridge is about $1 billion in private funds, roughly half of which has already been spent.

On a side note, the Gordie Howe Bridge is still expected to open in 2023. This is the bridge the Government of Canada was trying to build before being wrestled into court to fight lawsuit after lawsuit from the Morouns. So while Transport Canada has given the Morouns permission to build a second Ambassador bridge, the Canadian government would much rather back thier own project. In fact, architects, engineers, and other contractors are still being interviewed to build  the Gordie Howe Bridge, not to mention millions of dollars have already spent on purchasing property and roadbeds. Even the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has spoken of how the Gordie Howe Bridge will be the country's primary infrastructure project, which comes as no surprise with the amount of bad blood between the Canadian Government and the Morouns.   

Gordie Howe Bridge vs Ambassador Bridge

Now that the Morouns have the green light from Transport Canada, people might expect the new Ambassador Bridge Project to break ground by the end of this year, but that's not hopeful. Additional permits are needed from both Canada and the US, so construction will most likely begin sometime in late 2018 or early 2019 and may be completed by 2023. It should also be noted that both bridges will utilize tolls. However, since the Morouns' bridge is privately owned it's unknown what their set toll price will be? The Gordie Howe Bridge, on the other hand, is expected to have a more ‘economic pricing’ since it is a Canadian government project.

Either way, the public will win. With 2 bridges in the works in addition to the already existing Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, a future economic boom and regional popularity are sure to follow. These new bridges will also allow for safer transportation between Michigan and Canada.  Back in 2016, the Transport Canada agency cited the current Ambassador Bridge with being a "risk to public safety." The citations included safety hazards such as not having railings and having crumbling concrete. Thankfully, no one standing under the bridge was killed or injured by having pieces of concrete falling on them and no motorists had driven off the side of the bridge without railing to hold them back. However, it the bridge hadn't been inspected and closed, it may have only been a matter of time before a pedestrian death or car crash occurred. 

Also, with the addition of two new, safer bridges, travel between Detroit and Windsor will be much quicker and less congested. While repairing the bridge to bring it up safety standards was the right call, during the time it was closed, traffic barriers limited drivers to a single lane at certain points, causing major traffic congestion. Also, since there are currently only two options to drive between Canada and Michigan, the bridge and tunnel routes tend to be extra congested during daily peak hours and especially on holidays. Plus, no one wants to keep raging Redwings and Maple Leaf fans away from travelling back and forth to hockey games! The problem with any kind of limited mobility is that it leads to aggressive driving and road rage. Aggressive driving and related aggressive driving car crashes and road rage car accidents are a big problem when according to The American Safety Council, 66% of traffic falatilies are casued by aggressive driving. Therefore, the construction of a new Ambassador Bridge and the new Gordie Howe bridge will be welcomed by citizens of Detroit and Windsor alike.

Considering the frequent backups on the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the current Ambassador Bridge, it is about time that another thoroughfare between Canada and Michigan is being built. Soon, Michiganders have the choice between 3 options to commute to Canada. Since 3 travel routes don't completely get rid of traffic congestion however, drivers still need to be on the look out to avoid getting into road rage car crashes or aggressive driving accidents. The attorneys at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC are here to help any victims of these and any other types of motor vehicle accidents. We know that the legal process can be hard and are here to fight for you. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Driving Road Rage Killing In Ada, Michigan

Road rage is once again to blame for claiming another victim in Ada, Michigan. In October 2016, ex-boxer Christian Hilman, 19, was driving his dirt bike home in front of General Motors retiree William McFarlan, 64, when McFarlan began honking his horn and flashing his lights at Hilman. Finally, Hilman had enough of McFarlan driving behind him and turned into a church parking lot where McFarlan decided to follow him. It is said the two engaged in a heated argument before McFarlan placed his hands on Hilman's neck and the two began to fight. Eyewitnesses say that the fight resulted in “McFarlan collapsing by his pickup truck and Hilman continuing to kick him.” After police were called, Hilman was arrested and McFarlan was rushed to the hospital for treatment of his injuries, including fractured ribs and a fractured skull. Unfortunately, nearly five weeks after the assault, McFarlan passed away due to the severity of his injuries.

At first, Hilman would have only faced 10 years in prison with an assault charge, but now in light of McFarlan’s death, Hilman has been charged with murder in the second degree and is facing up to 100 years in prison. “I think just because someone gets angry in a road rage incident, it doesn’t justify assaulting and killing a man,'' said Blair Lachman, Kent County Assistant Prosecutor. However, Michael Bartish, a defense attorney, argues that, “Whatever happened, Mr. McFarlan [followed] Christian into that parking lot...There is no reason for that vehicle to have followed him into that parking lot unless the intent was for a fight.’’ Bartish feels that, Hilman a voluntary manslaughter charge would be more appropriate thatn a second degree murder charge, since the crime occurred in the heat of passion.

Tips To Handle Road Rage

Unfortunately, road rage is starting to become a common behavior on American roadways, due to the increase in the number of motorists on the road, an uptick in aggressive driving maneuvers, and personal factors affecting individual motorists. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC does not condone road rage or aggressive driving behaviors. Neither does DMV.org, who provided the following tips for those drivers who find themselves in driving situations in which they become angry at another driver or another driver engages in aggressive driving behavior towards them.

  • Maintain your space. This tip does not only refer to keeping enough brake space between cars, but for drivers to do what they need to in order to distance themselves from stressful drivign situations and to remain calm behind the wheel. Playing calming music, a funny podcast, or simply planning ahead for their commute, can prevent drivers from becoming angry.

  • Avoid making eye contact. If the angry driver cannot make eye contact, they will hopefully fume for a moment and continue on their way.

  • Keep your hands on the wheel. Keeping hands busy at 10-and-2 and refraining from making obscene gestures can keep motorists from fanning the flames of anger from other drivers.

  • Show remorse. If a wrong was committed, be the bigger person and correct it by mouthing sorry, waving to the other driver to acknowledge the wrong, or moving out of their way so they can pass.

  • If all else fails - call the police. There may come a time when none of the above tips will help avoid an aggressive driving accident, and the agitated driver may proceed to commit bodily harm to a fellow motorist. In this case, if possible, drivers who find themselves in this situation should pull over and call the police.

Drivers who find themselves engaging in aggressive driving behaviors and have tried bullying someone off the road should remember that acting on violent urges, like what happened between Hilman and McFarlan, can lead to serious consequences. If police catch a driver in the act they could be fined, possibly face prison or jail time, not mention, the aggressive drive will will have to live with a severe assault or a road rage fatality on their conscience.

The altercation between McFarlan and Hilman should serve as a cautionary tale to those who feel they need to teach an aggressive driver a lesson. It is best that the proper authorities handle any road rage incidents, in order to prevent escalating a potential aggressive driving situation. Have you or a loved one been a victim of a road rage car accident? Contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation. We know going through the legal process can be scary, but our firm is here to help victims of car accidents every step of the way. 

Summer Construction Heats Up at Detroit Metropolitan Airport

It is almost the official start of Summer, and in Michigan, the hot and sunny weather would not be complete without a daily dosage of road construction. The harsh winter climate in the mitten state destroys pavement, forcing the state to hire construction workers to repair damage during the three months of the year when the weather is most tame. The latest local construction project could leave those looking to travel to the Detroit Metropolitan Airport needing some extra time to make sure they aren’t stuck in a sea of orange cones when they should be boarding a plane.

Detroit Metro Airport is the only major hub for air transportation for much of southeast Michigan and its surrounding areas. Construction has already begun on Lucas Drive, which gives drivers access to rental car parking lots close to the airport. Additionally, construction began June 12, 2017 on Rogell Drive, which connects I-94 to the northern area of the airport campus, as mentioned by the Detroit Free Press. When drivers exit I-94 onto Merriman Road, it turns into Rogell Drive near the airport. And with, Wayne County Authority Officials saying that 75% of people visiting the airport arrive via Merriman Road from I-94, this latest construction development becomes a road bump for the majority of visitors to the airport this Summer.

Construction improvements to these areas include the creation of “new overhead signs that are easier to understand and will improve wayfinding to the terminals,” Kelly Ferencz, Airport Authority Deputy Director of Facilities Design and Construction, said in a news release. “We’re also reconstructing the entrance of our parking structure near the North Terminal, the Big Blue Deck.” Hopefully, these developments will help modernize the airport roads and keep travel safe for drivers.

While most of the construction is expected to finish before Thanksgiving in November 2017, Summer travels to the airport will definitely require some planning ahead. The Airport Authority recommends the following tips for those driving to the airport:

Detroit Metropolitan Airport Construction Travel Tips

  • Arrive early and allow extra time to navigate through the campus.
  • Utilize cell phone waiting lots and short-term parking to reduce congestion.
  • Use Middlebelt Road to access the rental car facilities.
  • Beginning on July 5th, there will be lane closures on Rogell Drive, which will cause “Arrive 275” to be put into effect. This means that drivers should use I-275’s Eureka Road exit to reach the McNamara Terminal of the airport.

Drivers should always be cautious around construction, as reduced speeds and increased congestion alter normal traffic patterns. Watching for road signs and being mindful of construction cones and barriers can help drivers avoid becoming involved in a car accident. In addition, paying attention to construction updates throughout the Summer can help drivers plan ahead for extra travel time. It is also important that travelers to the airport allot extra travel time because the stress of making flights on time combined with construction caused congested traffic, is a formula for creating road rage. By leaving for the airport an hour earlier than planned, jetsetters may be able to avoid an aggressive driving car crash. The last thing someone wants, is to be stuck in construction around Detroit Metro Airport while their flight to Hawaii takes off in the skies above them.

Construction changes normal traffic patterns, forcing drivers to slow down, making commutes longer, and bringing out road rage in aggressive drivers. Construction sites themselves are also dangerous and contain elements that may cause injuries if drivers are not paying attention to construction signage. If you or someone you know has been involved in a traffic accident related to road construction, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Injuries and Fatalities Attributed To Road Rage Increase

From January 2014 to March 2017 a steady increase in road rage incidents, in Michigan and around the country, has been noticed by many road safety organizations. These incidents have been attributed to aggressive drivers escalating their behaviors to involve violence in their upset over various road annoyances. 

The Difference Between Road Rage and Aggressive Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that road rage is when a driver “commits moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property; an assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator or passenger of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger of another motor vehicle.” Aggressive driving on the other hand, is a traffic offense involving rude gestures, screaming, tailgating, cutting off traffic, and other violent actions.

So, while traffic congestion bothers every driver on the road, some people take offense to this and unnecessarily tailgate the car in front of them, honk, or curse, as if it will change the traffic pattern. These behaviors are examples of aggressive driving. Sometimes however, they take their actions to the next level by trying to injure others on the road. This response is an act of road rage. 

The Psychology Behind Road Rage Statistics

Aggressive drivers are more likely to become hostile during traffic jams, when they are running late, and during road closures or construction. Most of the time aggressive driving occurs due to some drivers having stress in other areas of their life and they take it out of the traffic. In fact, 66% of traffic fatalities are attributed to aggressive driving. Rather than just yelling or cursing however, some aggressive drivers venture into road rage territory by assaulting innocent people on the road way with their vehicle or by introducing another type of weapon into their rage.

Source: GIPHY, Fox's Lethal Weapon

In Detroit alone, The Trace reports there have been 14 cases of gun violence due to road rage. Add that with the American Safety Council (ASC) statistical evidence highlighting male drivers under the age of 19 being more likely to engage in road rage and the NHTSA's survey that found 37% of road rage incidents involve a firearm, Detroit finds itself in an alarming situation. Even more troublesome is the fact that in over a seven year period, 12,000 injuries and 218 lives were lost due to road rage. 2% of drivers have even admitted to trying to run an aggressor off the road!

Some psychiatrists attribute road rage incidents involving extreme violence to Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED). The disorder is believed to come into play in our society due to the common practice of wearing a “false face” like in internet settings where anonymity serves as a barrier. In a similar way, a car acts as a safety mechanism or barrier for those dealing with road rage and leads them to believe that there are no repercussions for their actions.

How To Decrease Road Rage

Source: GIPHY, The Fast and the Furious

The NHTSA along with the ASC says that it’s best for drivers to avoid participating in behaviors that encourage aggressive drivers to turn their attention onto them. Actions such as driving while distracted, turning on high beam lights, not checking blind spots, or not signaling turns and lane changes are all behaviors that incite rage. The NHTSA and ASC are warning drivers to take notice of their behavior in order to keep conflict down while on the road, no matter who is at fault. The ASC also recommends drivers to avoid making eye contact and to refrain from reacting and/or retaliating to an aggressive driver's actions, in order to neutralize a hostile situation.

Following the rules of the road should keep drivers safe and should keep other drivers from being annoyed by your road behavior. However, there are drivers out there who are easily annoyed when other motorists who are following the speed limit aren't going fast enough for them, or drivers who honk if the car in front of them doesn't move quickly enough after a light change. There may never be a way to avoid such situations. Hopefully however, following these tips may be enough to help some motorists avoid getting into a road rage incident.

Aggressive driving and road rage are serious problems in larger cities like Detroit where commuters can be stuck in rush hour traffic for hours on end. With so much congestion on the road, motorists can easily lose their calm and begin to drive aggressively, triggering negative reactions and responses from other drivers, and potentially causing car accidents. If you or somebody you know have been a victim of road rage, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our firm can help those injured in an aggressive driving car crash get the help they deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.