Study Claims Midwesterners Are More Likely To Drive Drunk

As exciting as Oberon season is for Michigan residents, some people might need to consider cutting back, especially if they plan on driving. According to a study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, people who live in the Midwest region are most likely to drive drunk. An estimated 30% of drivers in the Midwest admitted to driving while inebriated. The three leading Midwest states are Nebraska, North Dakota, with Wisconsin and Iowa tied for third. Though Michigan ranks near the bottom of the region, the rate of self-reported alcohol-impaired driving episodes is still a whopping 497 per 1,000 people. Therefore, Michiganders should keep the beer at the lake and the tailgate, and make other driving arrangements if they find themselves drinking before getting behind the wheel.

Following the Midwest in the study is the Western region, with an estimated 20% of driving respondents admitting to driving while intoxicated. The Northeast region comes in at the lowest with about 11.3% of admitted drunk drivers. If Boston sports fans can pull themselves together and make the responsible decision to not drink and drive, we Detroiters need to step up our game!

The drunk driving study goes on to reveal that the majority of those drivers who admit to driving drunk are between the ages of 21 to 34. Another factor in the study was the number of binge-drinking episodes a person had undergone. Binge-drinkers admitted to drinking four alcoholic beverages a month, accounting for 85% of alcohol-impaired episodes. This is an alarming number, especially when taking into account the risk for severe injury or fatality from being involved in a motor vehicle accident where drunk driving was the cause.

Simply having just two drinks can affect a person's judgment. The CDC states that having a blood alcohol content of 0.2% can affect anyone's ability to perform two tasks at the same time, as well as cause a change in mood and a decline in visual functions. Having three drinks can affect muscle control, reduce coordination, lower alertness, and a release of inhibition. All the more reason to just stay sober if one plans on driving home.

The important distinction to make here is that driving after any amount of drinking is not a good idea. Most of the public doesn't consider buzzed driving to be drunk driving due to their belief that a few drinks doesn’t impair their judgement. These people do not realize that it only takes one drink to impair a person’s ability to drive. The CDC's drunk driving study has highlighted the gap of misinformation and lack of education the public has when it comes to drunk driving. With 28 people dying every day from intoxicated drivers, police officials and communities are informing people about the serious consequences for alcohol related car accidents on the road. 

Michigan has a lot to be proud of, but being a member of the most-likely-to-drive-drunk region is definitely not an honor. If a person plans to drink, they should take safety precautions beforehand to help reduce the number of drunk drivers in the Great Lakes State. Calling a taxi or an Uber, or taking turns among friends to be the designated sober driver are some safe driving methods to lessen the number of drunk driving car crashes. Tigers fans may have to duck out after the 7th inning, but at least everyone can count out causing a drunk driving accident on the way home.

Buzzed driving is drunk driving. The best practice to avoid getting a DUI and to avoid being involved in a drunk driving car crash, is to avoid driving even after consuming just one drink. If you have been drinking, have a designated driver ready, take public transportation, or call for an Uber or a friend, to avoid any fatal drunk driving accidents. If you or somebody you know has been the victim of a drunk driving crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our firm is experienced in handling accidents caused by negligent drivers. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Detroit's Street Lighting Overhaul

In Detroit, Michigan more than 50 light poles became damaged and were in need of replacement every month due to vehicle collisions. This year alone, two fatal speeding car crashes on Detroit’s westside resulted in death and have respectively caused a damaged utility pole and a split pole. Car vs. pole collisions are one of the leading reasons why the Public Lighting Authority (PLA) worked diligently to replace the streetlights in Detroit. In fact, the streetlight project was one they had been working on since they were formed in 2013, following the Auto Industry Crisis during which the city fell on hard times causing many streetlights to be neglected and longer operating. In addition, during this economic downfall, an estimated 40% of the 80,000 streetlights within the city were scrapped for their metal.

In December 2016, Dr. Lorna Thomas told The Detroit Free Press that, "This is a symbolic project. It stands for the resurgence of Detroit," Thomas said. "They said it couldn't be done."

The symbolic lighting project has replaced over 65,000 streetlights since 2014 with LED light bulbs that save on energy while emitting a brighter light. The PLA also took it upon themselves to upgrade 85%-90% of the lighting systems and wiring to deter vandalism. Since the old lights using copper based wiring, scrappers would strip the light poles of the wiring to sell the copper linings for money. The PLA also hoped to put a stop to theft by changing the wiring to hang overhead instead of in the ground under the light poles.  

Another reason that citizens of Detroit have been pleased by these much needed repairs is because they didn't have to pay for them upfront. The repairs and upgrades were paid for in the form of bonds provided by Citicorp, a New York based banking corporation that agreed to have the money paid back over a 30-year-period, through Detroit’s utility tax.

The PLA was proud to announce that the lighting project had been completed ahead of time and under budget, at the end of 2016. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can benefit from better lightning on Detroit roads as a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) attributed 40% of motor vehicle accidents to be the result of intersections that are poorly lit at night. The USDOT says those accidents can be reduced by 35% if streetlights were properly installed at intersections. So, the completion of the project could not come at a better time as the summer weather causes more cars to be on the road late at night. Also, the new and better lighting keeps users of Detroit's new bike share program MoGo, safer if people want to ride bicycles after dark. 

Detroit residents are urged to call 844LIGHT313, if a light in their area needs to be serviced. With Detroit undergoing a revitalization, it is up to the residents to help make sure the city keeps the momentum by making sure streets are lit well enough to potentially prevent crime and car accidents.

The PLA's efforts in redesigning the streetlights could help provide Detroit intersections with much needed lighting to help prevent accidents. In addition to this lifesaver, new streetlights may even deter criminal activity. If you or someone you know have been involved in an auto accident, call the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. Our firm is highly experienced in dealing with motor vehicle accidents and will help you identify any benefits you may be entitled to under Michigan law.

Detroit Earns Poor Traffic Congestion Ranking

Detroit, Michigan was recently ranked 128th in the top 200 cities with the worst traffic congestion in the world, and 24th nationally. The ranking was compiled by INRIX, a global company that provides mobile applications and internet services. They conducted their study on more than 1,000 cities from around the world and found that Detroit motorist spend an average of 33 hours in traffic. 

According to the report, “Based on the findings, the U.S. ranked as the first most congested developed country in the world, with drivers spending an average of 42 hours a year in traffic during peak hours...For the first time, the INRIX Traffic Scorecard also includes the direct and indirect costs of congestion to all U.S. drivers, which amounted to nearly $300 billion in 2016, an average of $1,400 per driver."

Michigan Cities' Rankings

MLive says that INRIX's report that drivers in Detroit were found to spend 6% of their driving time in traffic compared to the average 104 hours motorists spent in traffic in 2016. However, other major cities in Michigan such as Ann Arbor, Saginaw, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo were also included in the study. Ann Arbor came close on Detroit’s heels finishing at number 257 worldwide and 40 in the US. Overall. INRIX found that Ann Arbor drivers spent 24.4 hours on average in congestion versus the 13 hours motorists in Grand Rapids would most likely spend behind the wheel of their vehicle. Lansing drivers spent 9.5 hours on average in traffic, followed by Flint with 8.9 hours, Saginaw at 3 hours, and Kalamazoo clocking in at 2 hours.  

How to Avoid Traffic Congestion

With traffic congestion becoming a growing problem on Michigan roadways, MLive offers a few tips that drivers could follow to make their commute a more enjoyable one.  

  • Plan Your Commute. Gauge how much time your traffic route takes during rush hour. Drivers can simply plug in the address of their destination on Google Maps or another mapping service to discover alternative routes and their estimated times of arrival. Also, taking the time to decide on clothing attire for the next day, making lunches beforehand, packing, etc. can all aide in making sure motorists leave the house without rushing and becoming flustered. 
  • Be Productive - Safely. During time in congestion when traffic is at a complete stop or when at a red light, make that appointment that has been postponed, learn a new language, send a quick email or text or even read up on some of The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC blog posts that were missed. However, when traffic is moving, even if it's at a snail's pace, all eyes and attention must be on the road. 
  • Choose Your Station Wisely. If the other two options fail at making time move faster, try putting on a favorite podcast, comedy station, or playing a soothing playlist to calm any agitated nerves. 

Road Rage and Car Crashes 

Incidents of road rage can occur during times of rush hour. People are irritated and ready to get home but are prevented from doing so because so many others are trying to do the same thing at the exact same time. Even thinking about tailgating, cutting people off, incessant honking, weaving in and out of traffic, lane blocking, and all of the irritating aspects of traffic congestion are enough to make a saint angry. These irritating aspects are also actions that may cause dangerous and injurious car accidents. So, motorists should keep in mind that all drivers are in the same boat, that sharing the road is proper etiquette, and that adhering to traffic laws will assist with making roadways safe and easy for everyone to use.  Hopefully using the tips listed above can also help with safely commuting during rush hour.

Detroit is called the Motor City for a reason. Cars are made here, driven here, and are an essential piece to the culture. With so many motorists on the road, possible agitations can arise and lead to accidents caused by aggressive driving. If you or someone you know have been a victim of road rage, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM today. Our offers free consultations to help victims of car accidents figure out the next step in their case.

Detroit Ranked #1 in Pedestrian Fatality Accidents

Citizens of Detroit, Michigan have many gripes about the city including construction, decay, and of course traffic. While, the city itself is going though some improvements, citizens still have every right to be upset about traffic however, as the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA) just issued a report showing that Detroit has the highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 population. In fact, the NHTSA calculates that in 2015 alone, 5,376 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes - that’s the highest it’s been since 1996.

Alcohol Kills Pedestrians

The NHTSA contributes that most of the pedestrian accidents are caused by alcohol consumption. To be exact, 48% of the accidents involved either the pedestrian or the driver consuming alcohol before the crash occurred. Also to be noted is that fact that most of the accidents occurred during the winter months (December, January, and February) and predominantly at night time. 

NHTSA Safety Precautions 

Safety Precautions For Pedestrians:

  • Pedestrians should use crosswalks when they are available and walk in the direction against traffic. 
  • Be cautious! Electronic devices such as cell phones and music devices play into 'inattention blindness’ in which wearing headphones can make the wearer tune out of their surroundings. Also, pedestrians should keep in mind to not wear any headgear that may rest too low on their face or cover the eyes.
  • Drivers won't always see pedestrians due to distractions, blind spots, sun glare, or poorly lit areas. So, it should go without saying that wearing reflective gear or bright clothing to improve visibility is also advisable. 
  • Most importantly, avoid using drugs and alcohol before going out. As the NHTSA study shows, drugs and alcohol play a major role in pedestrian deaths.

Safety Precautions For Drivers:

  • Abide by state set speed limits.
  • Keep in mind that stopped cars could possibly be stopping to allow for pedestrians to cross the road, especially at crosswalks. 
  • Be alert! Pedestrians won’t always walk or be visible in places that motorists usually expect them to be. 
  • Don’t drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Both will hinder coordination and judgement when driving. 

Safety Reminder

With summer fast approaching, citizens of Detroit should remember that both motorists and pedestrians play a part in sharing the road and keeping it safe for everyone. By following the safety precautions listed above, the people of Detroit can work together to make Detroit safer and to bring down Detroit's traffic fatiality ranking. 

Police can only do so much in catching and preventing drivers or pedestrians from getting behind the wheel while under the influence. Loved ones must also do their due diligence in making sure friends and family arrive at their destination unharmed and alive. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a pedestrian accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC for a free consultation. Our firm will fight to help you identify and receive any benefits you may be entitled to under Michigan Law. Call us today, at 844-4MI-FIRM. 

Camero, Challenger, And Mustang Fail to Meet Safety Standards

Sport cars attract thrill-seeking car enthusiasts because of their high speeds and bold performance, but they can also lead to increased risks for car accidents to occur. If drivers believe that car manufacturers build these types of cars to have more safety features than normal cars, they might want to think again. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted tests on three of the most popular sports cars in the United States: the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger. The IIHS put these vehicles through its full crash-test circuit for the first time ever, and concluded that none of the cars reached the standard threshold for safety recognition. All three sports cars came up short of both "Top Safety Pick+" and "Top Safety Pick" status, a standard that 65 other 2016 models reached. “These vehicles have high horsepower and they’re driven at higher speeds, and they’ll crash at higher speeds, so you’d like them to have strong protection, but none of them earned Top Safety Pick,” IIHS President Adrian Lund told Autoblog.  

On the IIHS’s small-front overlap test, which recreates the impact of the front of the car with a fixed object such as a parked vehicle or a tree as if the car was traveling at 40 miles per hour, the Camaro was the lone vehicle to earn a “good” ranking. The Challenger had “limited survival space for the driver” according to researchers. The small-front overlap is a vital indicator of a vehicle’s safety performance because “when these vehicles go off the road in a single-car crash, it’s often in a small-overlap configuration,” Lund stated. 

After taking the performance cars through each of the five crash tests, the Challenger was deemed the worst-performing car out of the three. The Mustang was the closest to earning Top Safety Pick status, according to Lund. A key safety feature for these types of cars is basic crash-warning systems installed to alert drivers when a collision is imminent. Both the Mustang and the Challenger were equipped with this technology, while the Camaro was not. “What we’re seeing here is these vehicles are lagging behind on the crash-avoidance features that are being built into family-type cars,” Lund explained. 

This type of revelation about the safety performance, or lack thereof, for these sports cars will hopefully get manufacturers attention going forward and will become a priority in designing the sports cars of the future. In the meantime, it can be difficult for potential car buyers to sift through the different safety features that vehicles offer, as terminology can be wildly inconsistent. Car shoppers should remember to ask their dealership about a vehicle's safety features and make sure they understand what it means and how it works. 

Whether it's a sports car or mini-van, auto accidents can happen in a split second. Unfortunately, the physical and mental damage from an accident may carry on for a lifetime. Broken bones, brain injuries, memory loss, and nerve damage are some of the possible long-term effects from a crash. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident, including those that may have been prevented by better safety measures, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.