Mackinac Bridge Is Closing For Labor Day

If you Labor Day plans included a trip to the Upper Peninsula, you might want to make a few adjustments to your plans before heading to Northern MIchigan. The Mackinac Bridge Authority decided to close the bridge this year between 6:30 am and 12 during the Annual Bridge Walk.  Officials are acting cautiously to ensure the event's safety.  The decision was made back in May of this year putting those looking forward to 60-year-old tradition in slight tailspin after looking forward to walking alongside the cars on the approximately 5 mile long bridge. Additional safety precautions at the event entail Michigan State Police (MSP), patrol squadrons, mechanics, and shuttle buses to quickly transport and protect those who are participating in the walk.

"There has not been any kind of specific threat against the bridge walk, this is just acting out of an access of caution trying to make it safe as possible," clarified the Communications Representative for the Michigan Department of Transportation, Dan Weingarten as reported by local news. “We ask everybody to be patient, pay attention to signs and obviously pay attention to law enforcement...They will be trying to keep people who are backed up parked on the shoulders of the road to give room for emergency vehicles."

With the Mackinac Bridge being closed, motorists who are traveling this Labor Day weekend should plan their travel times accordingly due to traffic congestion expected to  occur on US-2, US-23, US-31 and I-75. Thankfully the MSP and other traffic authorities will be out in full force willing and able to assist drivers or motorists can plan to delay their travel time or leave early.

2017 Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk

Those who are planning to participate in the free Annual Bridge Walk should arrive in St. Ignace where they can be shuttled for $5 to the start of the walking route. Tickets for the shuttle buses can be purchased in Mackinaw City. The bridge authority assures that portable toilets, water and food stations will be placed along the route to relieve walkers. Shuttle buses and MSP squad cars will also be on the bridge as a counterweight to the thousand of walkers expected to be in attendance and to safely transport them in case of personal injury or emergency. The Mackinac Bridge Authority’s website provides additional information (http://www.mackinacbridge.org/).

Have you or loved one been injured in a pedestrian versus motor vehicle accident? Speak with an experienced accident attorney from The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM. Our injury attorneys specialize in auto accidents, pedestrian accidents, insurance claims and more. 

Labor Day Weekend: Arts, Beats, & Eats in Royal Oak, Michigan

The 19th year of the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival is right around the corner! This street fair, where nearly 200 musical acts come to perform, is located in Royal Oak, Michigan and will be going on from September 2 through September 5.

The festival demonstrates and displays artists' work and hosts multiple vendors from whom visitors may purchase unique pieces. Not only is there plenty of shopping but no one will leave hungry. Arts, Beats, and Eats is known for having plenty of food and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It is a celebration for local artists, music, food, and a good time!

Unfortunately, the good times should be taken with some precaution. After all, where there is alcohol, there should be responsibility. Every year about 10,000 people die and 290,000 people are injured due to drunk driving related crashes according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Having a great time at the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival is fine, but how much fun is too much?  Drinking and driving is no joke.

Getting home safely from Arts, Beats, & Eats

Ask A Friend

  • Call someone who hasn't been drinking such as a friend or a family member. Or better yet, appoint a designated driver. This is someone who attends the festival but doesn't drink. 

Call An Uber

  • Or Lyft, another ride-share service, or even a cab. What’s a $30-$50 cab fair when compared to thousands in DUI costs, prison, or even a life. 

Don’t Drink!

  • There are more than enough ways to enjoy the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival without involving alcohol. In fact, staying clear of booze might help you do more things at the event and help you remember them.

When attending the festival make the decision to prevent drunk driving. It has been reported that after an NFL game 40% of spectators are under the influence according to Stay Safe. Approximately there are 100,000 people at an NFL football game so that is about 40,000 people with alcohol in their system. The Arts, Beats, & Eats festival last year had nearly 380,000 and by using the football statistic it is clear to say at least 100,000 people will also be under the influence. Don't be another statistic and try to remember there is not only one driver on the road. 

Arts, Beats, and Eats festival is an integral part of the Royal Oak experience. Every year, thousands of people have great fun appreciating art, listening to music, and enjoying the food. And while some festival-goers may choose to drink alcohol to contribute to this fun, they should remember that choosing to drink and drive is wrong. Accidents happen but all drunk driving accidents are preventable. If you have been injured or know of someone who has been injured by a drunk driver, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of automobile accident cases including those involving drunk driving. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation. 

Labor Day Driving Tips

This Labor Day weekend is estimated to be the most dangerous, of any year, for driving on busy American roads. Just in the past six months there has been a 3.5% increase of automotive deaths compared to 2015, and a 9% increase of drivers on the road, according to Consumerreports. 

Labor Day traffic is always overwhelming with its mile long, bumper to bumper traffic. No one wants to spend their weekend on the side of the road or worse, involved and injured in a motor vehicle collision. Though it may seem like accidents are inevitable during this time, there are may preventative measures that drivers can take so that their Labor Day doesn't involve the labor of dealing with a car crash. Here are some tips and tricks from USA Today to making weekend travels a little smoother and safer.

Labor Day Driving Tips

Preparation Is Key

  • Make sure the driver knows how to get to the desired destination. Mark out the best route on a map or pre-program the GPS. Locate the nearest restroom stops, stores, and other destination detours ahead of time. Try and plan these stops according to highway access because no one wants to get lost in the middle of nowhere! Lastly, double check for traffic before leaving, because navigating heavy traffic is more likely to cause accidents. 

No Distractions 

  • Stay off the phones! Remember that it is illegal to text and drive, though it still doesn’t prevent other drivers from doing it. Make sure that the phone is synced to the vehicle before leaving, thereby ensuring that it is a hands-free device. 
  • Technology is not the only distraction. Always keep your eyes on the road in front of you. This means no gawking at the world's largest ball of string or at the unfortunate scenes of car accidents you pass. Remember that accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and not keeping eyes on the road for even one second puts the driver at risk. 

Vehicle Check List

  • Before leaving on a trip the driver should make sure their vehicle is in tip top shape, especially if the vehicle’s history isn’t the healthy. That means if the car needs an oil change, tune up, or even just new windshield wipers, get it done before leaving. If an engine light, break light, or any other light appears on your dashboard, take it in to a local mechanic or dealership to get it checked out. Lastly, fill up your tank before leaving; no one wants to be stuck on the highway with no gas.

Safety First

  •  Seat belts! Seat belts! Seat belts! When traveling on a long trip, make sure to buckle up. Seat belts save lives. 

Whether driving down the street for the neighborhood block party or to a relative's house in Florida, driving during the Labor Day weekend is dangerous. The large number of travelers on the road create congested traffic, breed road rage, and eventually cause thousands of motor vehicle accidents. Though there is no way to avoid this problem, drivers can be much safer by following these safety tips and tricks. 

Labor Day is best spent having fun and not dealing with a car accidents and their resulting injuries. It is best to plan any travels plans down to the smallest detail, before getting in the car, in order to stay. Once on the road, it's important to keep eyes peeled and alert and to follow road safety laws. Despite taking all of these preventative measures however, accidents may still occur. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident over the Labor Day weekend, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.