Go-kart And Motorcycle Involved In Drag Racing Accident

An accident in August 2017 in Detroit left one dead and one seriously injured. The accident was not a typical automobile collision however, as it involved a go-kart and a motorcycle. The drivers of the two vehicles were apparently drag racing (also known as street racing), along French Road on the Detroit's east side and according to the Detroit Free Press, were reaching speeds of up to 100 mph. Witnesses say the go-kart made a U-turn, ending up directly in the path of the motorcycle, which was what resulted in the automobile collision. The 21-year-old man driving the go-kart died and the 31-year-old man driving the motorcycle was seriously injured. Both drag racing and driving a go-kart on public streets are illegal in the State of Michigan.

Go-karts are not “street legal” vehicles. They are mostly driven on private tracks and in large backyards. In order for go-karts to be deemed street legal, they need to undergo thousands of dollars worth of modifications. These modifications include adding headlights, turn signals, a windshield, tail lights, seat belts, a parking brake, rear view mirrors, license plates, a speedometer, an odometer, and a horn. More so, a go-kart is not allowed to reach speeds over 25 mph, which would be achieved through engine modification. It would also need auto insurance. Due to the time and money required to make these modifications, most go-karts are usually not street legal.

Like go-karts, drag racing on public streets is also illegal in the State of Michigan, but is a relatively common occurrence throughout Detroit. Michigan law defines drag racing as “the operation of 2 or more vehicles from a point side by side at accelerating speeds in a competitive attempt to out-distance each other” or “for the purpose of setting a speed record.” It appears as though the motorcycle crash in Detroit was caused by the drivers of the go-kart and motorcycle racing to a finishing point.

It's for a good reason that drag racing is not legal, as it can be unsafe. There are many safety issues that arise from drag racing. Not only are the participating drivers at risk or being involved in a motor vehicle accident because there are no official rules and regulations, or any sort of safety provisions, but pedestrians are also at risk since there are no bleachers, guard rails, or any sort of crowd protection from powerful speeding vehicles. An additional cause of concern is that widespread use of drugs and alcohol that are typically known to be found at illegal drag racing events.

Unlike go-karts and drag racing however, operating a motorcycle is legal in the state of Michigan, but it still comes with risks. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), in 2015 there were 5,000 people killed in motorcycle accidents - a 10% increase from 2014. Also in 2015, motorcyclist deaths increased in 31 states. Currently, only 19 states plus the District of Columbia require motorcyclists to wear helmets. Michigan is not one of them. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC blog recently discussed how the state's motorcycle helmet law was repealed in 2012. Motorcyclists groups supported the repeal of the law, calling it an individual rights issue, even though wearing a helmet has been repeatedly shown to keep motorcyclists safer. The GHSA is one of the groups who supports mandatory helmet laws, and has provided the following safety tips for motorcyclists.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

  • Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, even when not required by state law.
  • Wear bright-colored clothing to make it easier to be seen by other drivers.
  • Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Obey posted speed limits.
  • When purchasing a new motorcycle, opt for a model with antilock brakes. These have been shown to decrease fatal motorcycle crashes by preventing a motorcycle's wheels from locking during braking, and assisting with maintaining the stability of the motorcycle.

While following these tips does not guarantee motorcycle accidents won’t happen, they may help decrease the likelihood of being involved in a motorcycle crash. Drag racing , unless it's on Roadkill Nights, and operating a go-kart on a public street, unless it's been modified and certified to be legal, however are big no-nos. These activities can be extremely dangerous and come with the risk of being involved in automobile crashes. Not only are the drivers of the vehicles put at risk, but so are other drivers, and pedestrian bystanders as well.

Drag racing is usually illegal and can have deadly consequences. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free personal injury or motor vehicle accident consultation.  Let our attorneys handle your legal situation while you focus on recovering. 

5 Years Later: Revisiting Michigan's No Helmet Law

Lawmakers and motorcyclists continue to rumble about the 2012 repeal of a Michigan law that previously required motorcyclists to wear a helmet at all times. The new version of the law gives motorcyclists the option to decide whether or not they want to wear a helmet. “Our perspective is that this is a freedom issue and an individual rights issue,” said Jim Roades of American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) of Michigan, a nonprofit cycling rights group that was vital in the push for the 2012 repeal. When asked about a potential return of the mandate, Rhoades said, “We would fight tooth and nail. We want people to know we’re not going anywhere.” 

The Republican-controlled Congress does not appear to be showing any signs of bringing back the mandate, although science and statistics reveal the price that’s paid when head meets pavement in a motorcycle crash. 146 people were killed in 2016 due to motorcycle crashes, according to Michigan State Police data, which is the highest number since 1985. MLive reports that from 2000 to 2011, an average of 112 motorcyclists were killed per year. From 2012 (when the law took into effect) to 2015, that number has averaged nearly 126 people. 

In a 2016 study of 345 motorcycle crash victims treated at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 10% of riders who were not wearing helmets died, compared to 3% of riders who did wear a helmet. The study also found that not wearing a helmet leads to more severe motorcycle crash head injuries, more days in intensive care, and more time on a ventilator. Additionally, getting into a motorcycle accident without a helmet and living to tell the tale will cost riders more, as the average hospital cost for non-helmeted riders was $27,760, 32% higher than for riders wearing helmets. 

Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, a trauma surgeon at the hospital, told MLive that he happened to be on call the first few days following the law repeal. “We had three or four really bad motorcycle crashes and all of them had not been wearing helmets. It made an impression on me. I thought, ‘Wow, this is more than we normally see.'” The study also found that the number of riders brought to the hospital who had not been wearing a helmet during a crash had quadrupled. 

In 2014, Senator Rebekah Warren, a Democrat from Ann Arbor, Michigan introduced a bill that would restore mandatory helmet use in Michigan. The proposal was so unpopular among the legislators that it never even came to a vote. Warren once again proposed a similar piece of legislation in 2015, but it faced the same fate as the 2014 effort. “It’s very disappointing. This is really a public health issue. We are seeing a lot more injuries and deaths for people not wearing helmets,” Warren said. Warren has also stated that she is seeing growing support for restoring the law from medical groups. However, public support means little if the public doesn’t get a chance to vote on the issue. “I feel like with an issue like this, if we could actually have a hearing on what it means in our emergency room, what this means to our loved ones and what it means to all of taxpayers, I think you could change some minds,” Warren expressed. 

Senator Warren isn't the only one concerned about the risks to one's health that are created by choosing to ride without a helmet. Dr. Nicholas S. Adams of the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids recently led a study that found the number of skull fractures and other head and facial injuries doubled in the first three years following lawmakers' decision to make motorcycle helmets optional. Researchers estimate that the risk of facial trauma may be reduced by half and facial injuries by more than 30 percent just by wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle. Despite these facts, a third of motorcyclists do not wear helmets, even in states where they are required.   

Under current law, riders 21 and older may ride a motorcycle without a helmet as long as they pass a safety course or have ridden a motorcycle in the past two years. They are also required to carry $20,000 in medical insurance. Michigan became the 31st state to allow motorcycles to ride without helmets when Governor Rick Snyder signed the bill that was twice vetoed by former Governor Jennifer Granholm. For the time being, it seems the laws will stay the same. Snyder reportedly does “not have any initiative underway to revisit the law," contrary to advice from doctors and researchers such as Adams, who say, "We urge state and national legislators to re-establish universal motorcycle helmet laws."

Motorcycle crashes can put riders, passengers, and other people on the road at risk of a severe injury or fatality. The easiest way to help prevent getting hurt from a motorcycle accident is to wear protective headgear. The endless discussion on whether or not helmets should be required will likely go on for years to come. Yet one thing remains clear: nothing bad ever came from wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle. 

Previously, The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC blog discussed helpful tips on how to safely ride a motorcycle. In this article, wearing a helmet was the number one tip. Wearing a helmet can be the difference between a trip to the hospital and a trip to the morgue, and in a state with poor road conditions like Michigan, you can never take too many safety precautions. If you or somebody you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident or an automobile crash involving a motorcycle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in working side by side with victims to identify possible legal solutions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Motorcycle Safety Tips

April showers bring May flowers. May sunshine brings motorcycles. Therefore, May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. In celebration of those who have been riding a motorbike for years and in concern for the safety of first timers, The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC would like to address the importance of motorcycle safety.

Motorcycle safety is a very serious concern. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely than other motorists to die in car crashes and 6 times as likely to be injured. For motorcyclists who are 60 years of age or older, the risk of serious injuries and death increase exponentially due to physical factors such as brittle bones, slower reflexes, and poor eyesight. Bearing this in mind, here are some important tips that could benefit riders who take their bikes for a spin over the next few months.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

How To Obtain A Motorcycle Endorsement

Along with a traditional automobile driver's license, motorcyclists mush obtain a state regulated motorcycle license endorsement, in order to legally operate a motorcycle. To gain this endorsement, people who are interested in driving motorcycles should invest in a motorcycle education course. As with basic driver’s education classes, bikers should make sure they are properly informed and instructed on their state's biker laws and how to properly ride a motorcycle.

Michigan motorcyclists have two ways that they can obtain a cycle endorsement on their license. One way is by taking a basic rider or returning rider course from an approved Secretary of State (SOS) training facility and instructor. Once the course is completed, the rider will receive a certificate of completion from the sponsor that they should then take to be submitted at a SOS branch. From there, a vision test is administered and if the rider passes, they must pay a small fee of $13.50 to obtain their motorcycle endorsement.

The second option is to go directly to an SOS branch and take the vision and written test, whereupon successful completion, the purchase of a temporary instruction permit is needed. In obtaining the temporary license, bikers are instructed to clock 180 days worth of driving time with a currently endorsed motorcyclist, before they can take the road test. Then, only if the rider passes the road test will they receive a completion certificate to take to the SOS where they are then obligated to pay an additional $9.00 for their motorcycle permit. 

How To Purchase A Safe(r) Motorcycle

Many people admit that the main thing they look for when purchasing a bike is speed and aesthetic appeal, right? Well, motorcycles are more than a beautiful and powerful machine to use on the road. They should also be safe, seeing as they offer much less protection than a car, when involved in a motor vehicle accident. First and foremost, riders should not even consider purchasing a bike they cannot handle. Is it too powerful? Too fast? Is the rider able to touch the ground when seated on the bike? Those are all valid questions to ask when purchasing a bike. Other important items to add to the checklist are:

Motorcycle Safety Feature Checklist

Source: Giphy, The Hangover

  • Make sure handlebars and other controls are easy to reach.

  • Is it easy to mount and dismount the bike?

  • Check the pressure and tread of the tires.

  • Make sure headlights and other indicators are working properly.

  • Make sure fluid levels are adequate.

  • Are the hand and foot brakes in working order and easy to grip?

After purchasing the bike, it's important to check for leaks, working brakes, traffic indicators, mirrors and tire pressure every time, before taking the bike for a spin. Making sure the motorcycle is well maintained will not prevent a car crash every time, but it could help reduce the the likelihood of involvement in a crash and/or limit the damage incurred in an accident.

Don't Forget Your Helmet

One look at a bike and it becomes glaringly obvious that it provides less protection than a car or a SUV. Without a top or sides, it's the opposite of a sturdier metal box car or truck. Although every state, including Michigan, does not require riders to have one, helmets are a biker's best friend. According to the NHTSA, "58% of motorcyclists killed in 2015 were not wearing helmets, as compared to 8% in states with universal helmet laws." That is a big difference in the lives that may have been saved if the biker was just wearing a helmet.

The best place to start when looking for a motorcycle helmet, is by looking for helmets that have the Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker of approval. They are usually no more than 3 pounds heavy, have thick interior lining, and come with a face shield that acts as a line of defense for the eyes. After securing a helmet which protects, arguably the most important part of a biker, the brain, it's time to start purchasing items that can protect the rest of the body. The body is essential to shield from the elements of the road or weather, when riding a motorcycle.

Motorcycle Safety Gear and Clothing

  • A heavy leather, denim, or long sleeve jacket or shirt are clothing items that may protect the rider's arms.

  • Full fingered gloves aide the riders grip.

  • Eye gear such goggles or glasses are imperative. 

  • Durable and heavy duty pants that completely cover the legs are a good idea.

  • Boots, especially ones that cover the ankle and have a hard or thick sole, will help protect the riders feet.

  • Bright and/or reflective gear is recommended, especially for night rides.

  • Pack or wear appropriate weather climate gear in case of driving long distances or as the weather forecast permits it.  

And yes, even during the summer time, thick and padded gear is expected to be worn to be as safe as possible.  

Passenger Motorcycle Safety Tips

For riders who are carrying extra cargo, balance is key. It is important that passengers mount the bike only after it is turned on. Then, both riders should adjust seating arrangements to where the passenger and the rider are both comfortably seated on the bike. Passengers should sit as close to the rider as possible to prevent throwing the bike out of equilibrium. Wrapping their arms around the rider's waist or hips, while keeping both feet planted on the foot pegs at ALL times, is highly advised to all passengers-even when the bike has stopped.

Motorcycle drivers should explain the importance of avoiding touching the muffler to the passenger, because it gets extremely hot and can cause severe burns. Passengers should also keep their movements to a minimum unless they are leaning at the same time and direction as the rider, in order to keep the bike balanced. Another precaution is that passengers should only dismount once the driver says so, to avoid them from accidentally tipping the bike or losing their grip while driving or parking the bike.

Driving A Motorcycle Safely

Riders of motorcycles are held under many of the same laws and expectations as any other motor vehicle operator. For instance, distracted driving, drowsy driving or falling asleep behind the wheel, and operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol are all serious driving offenses that can be punishable under law. Therefore, abiding by simple traffic laws, driving carefully during bad weather, always remaining vigilant and aware of the road, avoiding road hazards, and making sure to be as visible as possible to other vehicles, are all safe driving habits that bikers should utilize everyday. Some additional defensive driving tips the DMV.org list riders to use are:

Motorcycle Defensive Driving Tips

  • Be courteous to cars, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians, and any others who share the road with bikers.

  • Bikers should keep a car length worth of space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them.

  • When looking back, to the side, or over the handlebars,  it is best to do so by looking above or over the shoulder, and not below or under the arm.

  • Be assertive. Bikers who hesitate can cause other drivers to react nervously due to them expecting the motorcycle to make unexpected driving maneuvers. 

  • Don't be afraid to use a car as a shield when on the road. An example from the Road Guardians is for motorcyclists to remain close to a vehicle to avoid being hit by left-turning traffic from the opposing direction, when passing through stoplights.

  • Avoid riding aggressively. This includes changing lanes without a turn signal, aggressively swerving around traffic, and slamming on the brakes-all of which are behaviors that can cause a collision.

Since their choice of vehicle offers less protection than other modes of transportation, bikers must be twice as careful when hitting the road.Considering that motorcyclists are more likely to die in a fatal car crash than the occupants of a car, these tips, though they are not 100% effective in preventing motor vehicle accidents, could potentially decrease the number of fatalities and accidents that occur every year. 


With proper training, gear, a well-maintained motorcycle, and the above tips in mind, bikers should be ready to safely hit the road. Of course, no amount of safety tips can ever prevent a motor vehicle accident. Driving is a dangerous an unpredictable action. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our consultations are free and our firm is knowledgeable on Michigan motorcycle laws. We help victims of motorcycle injuries identify and obtain any benefits they may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM.

How To Interact With Motorcyclists

Thousands of accidents every year involve motorcyclists. Due to their small size and lack of protection these accidents are often serious and even life threatening. Although driver's education courses teach drivers how to interact with our two-wheeled friends, this knowledge is often forgotten or just simply neglected. Here are some friendly reminders to ensure motorcyclists are kept safe.

Detroit Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
  • Motorcycles can hide in blind spots. Because of their small size it is very easy for a motorcyclist to be hidden in areas drivers do not always check. To ensure that they do not hit a motorcycle, drivers need to always double check blind spots for cars, motorbikes, and obstructions.
  • Motorcycles cannot stop as quickly as other vehicles can. This means that it is very important for drivers to ensure that their stopping distance is significantly longer than that given to a car. This is important because if something obstructs the road or a motorist brakes quickly, a motorcyclist may need more time to brake than the cars around it.
  • Just as manual cars often shift gears to slow down, motorcyclists often slow down by downshifting. This means that their taillight will not illuminate as it would if the brakes were tapped, so drivers behind the motorbike may not be initially aware that the bike is slowing down. This goes hand in hand with keeping a longer following distance behind cyclists.
  • Rain effects motorcyclists far more than it effects car drivers. Motorcyclists are out in the elements and do not have a windshield, making it far harder for them to see and be seen. It is important to always use caution when interacting with motorcyclists when the weather turns for the worst, because they often are just trying to make it to their destination as quickly and safely as possible, to ensure their own safety and the safety of those around them.
  • Just because someone chooses to ride a motorcycle does not mean they are reckless. Motorcyclists are as legally entitled to the road as any vehicle is. Sharing the road with motorcyclists is the law.
  • Always be on the lookout for motorbikes, for the safety of everyone on the road!

Feel free to check out MSN’s article on interacting with motorcycles on the road, published in 2015, for more information.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents including motorcycle crashes. We help victims of motorcycle and car collisions deal with insurance companies and medical bills so that they can focus on recovering instead of handling frustrating legal issues.  Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Hands Free Technology in Cars Makes Driving Safer

Could driving while using your smartphone make the roads safer? Well, we are about to soon find out, as automotive companies are partnering up with Android and iOS operating systems, allowing consumers to start seeing some added technology to their driving experience. As people become more connected, so will the things around them, especially as a part of the "auto industry's strategy and new product development," says Project Manager Andrew Brenner from Google's Android Auto.

In January, in Detroit, Michigan, Brenner spoke at the Automotive News World Congress and said, "Consumers are finally starting to shop for cars with the expectation that the vehicles operate with the technology, design and pace of innovation that they are used to with their mobile phones."

 

Texting and Driving Car Accident

Digital technology is vastly changing the driving experience from “connecting” to being “connected.” Consumers, under the strain of trying to use their phones in the safest way possible while driving and being under the radar from law enforcement, can now gain better piece of mind that their mobile device will have full functionally on their dash.

Android Auto, for example, which launched back in 2015, already offers user many apps including Pandora, iHeartRadio and Skype. The platform, which has 60 partners as of January, 2016, and has plans of increasing by 20 more according to Benner, was designed “with safety in mind.” With future plans of adding Google Maps with voice-guided navigation, live traffic information, lane guidance, on-demand Google Play Music, and voice calling in addition to messaging abilities, Android Auto could potentially provide users with a better and safer driving experience.

"Anything we can do to reduce distraction for people in their cars-whether they have an Android or iPhone-I think is a huge benefit," says Brenner.

Like its competitor, Apple Carplay offers similar apps although with a slightly different interface. iPhone users can also expect to gain more connectivity and options in their motor vehicles in the years to come.

With more hands free access, lawmakers may have to adjusts the rules for driving while using a cellular device.

But the bigger debate may not be which platform is better for drivers, but whether this new technology will have an effect on smartphone related automobile accidents. The National Safety Council, a nonprofit organization that stands on advocating safety for over 100 years, seems to think so. Back in 2012, the organization published a study titled “Understanding the Distracted Brain: Why Driving While Using Hands-Free Cell Phones is Risky Behavior,” indicating that cognitive use is a form of “distracted driving,” pointing at hands-free phones as the risky behavior. It’s no secret distracted driving incidents inflate lawsuits, injuries, and deaths. Subsequently, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and the automotive industry should get ready as cognitive distraction may become a hot topic in the coming future.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident involving a distracted driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of car crashes. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.