Can’t See At Night? Maybe It's Your Headlights

A new study revealed some shocking information about car headlights. The Miami Herald reported that a recent study found that only one out of the 31 mid sized car models tested received a headlight rating of ‘good.’ This means that most mid sized car models have sub-par headlights. Out of those 29, one third came in at ‘acceptable,’ one third ‘marginal,’ and one third ‘poor.’ The difference between good and poor was very substantial, affecting not only how far drivers could see into the night, but how well they could see, as well.

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The only vehicle which received a "good" rating was the Toyota Prius V, which comes with LED headlights. The headlights on this vehicle were so spectacular that they were able to see a pedestrian, bicyclist, or other obstacle, over 380 feet ahead of them on the road. This would leave the driver enough time to completely stop if they were traveling 75 miles per hour. The worst rated vehicle was the BMW 3 Series with halogen headlights. This car could see obstacles only 128 feet ahead, only giving drivers traveling 35 miles per hour enough time to stop completely.

These headlight statistics are important because about half of the deaths that occurred last year, in car-related crashes, happened at night. That is over 16,000 deaths in night or dusk crashes. Drivers with poor headlights sometimes cannot stop in time to avoid collisions due to fast travel speeds, but if vehicles had higher quality standard headlights, these crashes may have been avoidable.

It is always important to pay more attention when driving at night, especially if there are other variables such such as rain, snow, or fog which make driving harder. If drivers are able to afford it and their cars are able to be refitted, upgrading headlamps is a good solution for fixing sight issues on older or basic model vehicles. Also, it is important for drivers to remember that high-beams are always an option if conditions are very dark and there are not many other vehicles around.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents including night time car collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Honda Rolls Out New Pocket Breathalyzer

Over the past few decades, most of the new technology we have seen in automobiles has been related to safety. Automotive companies and government agencies have been obsessed with making cars safer for everyone, in an attempt to lower fatality rates for drivers of all ages. All of these have been curbed except for many one of the most important ones, drunk driving. The Car Connection reported that almost 10,000 deaths per year are related to drunk driving. That is significantly more lives than technology such as back up cameras or automatic brakes have been able to save so far.

Yes, this technology is important, but to a point. Drivers and lawmakers have to wonder what is going to be done about lowering the risk of being struck by a driver who is under the influence. Many believe it is foolish to hope that lawmakers can stop people from driving drunk. They think that there are not enough police, some areas do not have services to enable drinkers not to drive, and a number of other negative reasons. However, auto manufacturers and tech companies like Honda and Hitachi have other ideas.

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Although the design will not be unveiled until next month, the a new idea which may curb drunk driving, has been released. The two companies have created a pocket-size breathalyzer that drivers can use to monitor their drinking to help determine whether they have had much to drive. Although drivers do not have all the details about the technology yet, a few things have been promised by the designers.

First, it's very simple. It’s small. According to sources it can fit easily into your hand or pocket for use on the go. Second, it's fast. It can give readings in as little as three seconds for quick access and ease of use. Lastly, it can be configured to work with smart key technology. This means that it can be enabled within a vehicle to only allow the vehicle to start when a blood alcohol content level is below a certain level, meaning driving drunk would actually be physically impossible.

Technology like this is a breath of fresh air for those directly affected by drunk driving. Someone is finally doing something about a problem which leads to thousands of deaths every year. It’s important to remember the basics to preventing drunk driving deaths however. If planning to participate in any sort of drinking, it is never safe to drive. Always arrange a designated driver if you plan to drink or call a cab or Uber. If a driver appears to be intoxicated, give them space and do not get into a position where said driver can cause harm. Choosing to not drink and drive can be the difference between life and death, literally.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident involving a drunk driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced helping victims of drunk driving motor vehicle accidents identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Toyota & The University Of Michigan Autonomous Car Collaboration

Toyota Autonomous Car

Bloomberg Technology reported that the Toyota Motor Company will be collaborating with the University of Michigan to focus on autonomous vehicles. The initiative has been sparking among all automakers to try and curb the some 1.2 million deaths per year in auto accidents, worldwide. This will be the company's third center focusing on the technology, all of which are a part of their initial $1 billion investment in autonomous technology. The other two centers are in Palo Alto, California and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Both of these centers are very close to very influential colleges, Stanford University in California, and The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard College in Massachusetts. With the University of Michigan added to that prestigious list, Toyota will be working in close quarters with some of the best and brightest students in the country.

This joint venture is only one of many ways in which automobile manufacturers are attempting to gauge the waters of other industries. Companies like General Motors have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in ride sharing companies like Lyft. General Motors also started a new ride-sharing app called Maven recently, offering a cheap alternative to Zip Car in major cities to increase brand awareness. Automobile companies are thinking differently and citizens are reaping the benefits.

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In fact, the University of Michigan center is far from the first of its kind in the area. General Motors and Ford both have plans for autonomous vehicle centers in the Metro Detroit area. MCity, the University of Michigan’s autonomous vehicle testing area, has been operational since July. The part of the country that once made almost every car which was produced in the world is now leading the research going into self driving cars. This technology could be paramount for preventing lives lost to automobile accidents. Automobile technology has been erupting from the motor city for over a century and it does not appear to be slowing down today. The safety benefits that research like this will bring is yet to be seen, but one can imagine it will be almost as huge as the invention of the automobile itself.

Autonomous car technology may be on the way, but it has not quite arrived yet, and accidents still happen. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, call the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

State Police Crack Down On Distracted Driving

With the summer on the way state troopers are buckling down on distracted driving. ABC 7 News reported that Michigan State Police will now be patrolling with the intent of looking for distracted drivers, in particular. One might ask what they plan to do differently to ensure they can curb this dangerous trend, and the answer is simple. Undercover police cars.

The Michigan State Police plan to start patrolling in plain site, making use of undercover cars to catch distracted drivers. The habit of distracted driving has been becoming more and more common, leading to more and more auto related deaths. Texting and driving is a serious offence, some police say, almost as bad as drunk driving. Looking down for even a moment to check a text or take a call can lead to the death of the cell phone user and the death of whoever they strike with their vehicle.

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This is just one of many initiatives around the country being started to curb distracted driving. Not only are states making the use of cellular devices while driving illegal, many states are cracking down even further on drunk driving. More and more sobriety checkpoints and increased night patrolling have been many states' answer to heightened drunk driving related deaths in recent years.

Many cities are also investing in their public transportation systems to offer drunk drivers alternatives and also to try and keep drivers off the road in general, to curb traffic issues. In an unrelated but positively correlated field, many automakers are currently investing in ride-sharing and autonomous vehicle programs. This will make driving safer for all, and will eliminate the issue of drunk or distracted driving completely. With a network of computers behind the wheel, cars will be able to do almost all of the work.

While all of this technology and hard work of Michiganders is making our roads safer, accidents still happen. If you or someone you know has been in an accident involving a car collision or motorcycle crash, call the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Towing Fee Struggles

Towing companies, such as Goch and Sons in Detroit, Michigan rake in big profits by towing dozen of cars each day. Secret spotters, who are similar to meter cops but with big trucks, are paid to sneak around to find cars without parking passes or cars which are illegally parked, and call in a tow.

Their job, according to a towing insider is to "Get as many cars as you can, and put money in everybody's pocket." Since towing companies and spotters are paid in cash, they “can’t waste time” and “go in for the kill,” the spotter says.

No one is except from these tickets. Whether they are a legitimate visitor who step inside to get their parking validated or a senior citizen who needs to par closer to the entrance of the building, these spotters don't hesitate in calling in a tow. They don't care about understanding the situation.

 

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Goch and Sons account manager, Kate Pope however, feels that they and other towing companies are just enforcing the rules. "You hear the word scam or scheme or predatory towing, but were not out there with a flag waiving people in," Pope said. "We put up signs throughout the complex saying don't park here."

Goch and Sons, who are reviewed online as “towing cars unfairly,” explains that they legally do not have to wait to tow vehicles.

Towing, although very frustrating, is only the beginning. What really slam people are the fees, which can climb up into the hundreds! Goch, according to Pope, charges $390 in addition to a $20 per day fee, even on weekends. But when taken to Detroit courts, judges usually say they are reasonable.

Need advice on avoiding towing cost?

The best way to keep from having your car towed and pockets drained is to avoid private parking altogether. An easy way to accomplish this is to just call ahead. Many businesses and residential complexes have alternative parking and are willing to disclose that they will have your car immediately towed. 

Another thing to remember is that by parking in spots in which parking is allowed, people can avoid getting into car accidents. When parking in illegal spaces, you run the risk of the towing company damaging your car when they remove it. Also, other drivers may not notice your car in the illegal spot and may hit it. 

 Contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC if you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident. We are experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases including car collison. Call us today at 844.464.3476 for a free consultation. 


Teens, Drugs, and Driving: A Recipe For Disaster

Turning 16 is a huge part of the American high school experience. Not only do teens gain the ability to drive, but many are also experimenting with drugs around that same age. The University of Michigan conducted a experiment in 2014 and found that over 11% of 8th graders had tried Marijuana in the past year, and over 35% of 12th graders had as well. With larger and larger amounts of the youth population smoking, this makes getting on the road even more dangerous. According to The National Institute of Drug Abuse, the use of Marijuana can slow down reaction time, impair judgement of time and distance, and hinder motor coordination. This is an issue for all those who choose to drive under the influence of marijuana, not just those who have only been driving for a few years.

Marijuana street sign
According to the Pew Research Center, almost 50% of adults in American have tried Marijuana

Not only are more and more teens smoking marijuana, but they are also the most at risk age group when it comes to auto accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for every mile driven, teen drivers age 16-19 are almost three times as likely to be in a fatal crash than those 20 and over. Teens have less experience behind the wheel and this inexperience leads to more opportunities for them to make mistakes, especially when drugs and alcohol are part of the equation. In 2014, Michigan alone had 54,935 crashes, 115 of which were fatal, for drivers between 16-20, according to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts.

There are currently many groups taking petitions around the state of Michigan to attempt to get Michigan's Congress to vote on legislation that would make recreational marijuana legal. Although most likely Michigan would copy states such as Colorado and Alaska where the legal age to posses marijuana is 21, this would likely make it easier for minors to get marijuana, just as youth currently do with alcohol. With this on the not too far off horizon it is very important to educate our youth on the facts of distracted driving. Whether that be impairing yourself with drugs such as marijuana or alcohol, texting and driving, eating and driving, or many other things that teens are especially susceptible to. By keeping ourselves and our youth informed, we will be able to lower the amount of teen car crashes, injuries, and fatalities. 

Be sure to educate yourself on Michigan driving laws, and if you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of automotive injuries receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

GM Introduces New Car-Sharing Service

General Motors has joined the ranks of Ford, Audi, and BMW in introducing its new car-sharing service, Maven. Fortune reported that Maven is really three car-sharing services in one. First, it is a city based service that rents GM vehicles out by the hour using an app, secondly, it's an app for urban apartment dwellers in New York and Chicago, and lastly it's a peer-to-peer sharing service that began in Germany last year. This isn’t the first time GM has gone out of it’s usual realm of just manufacturing cars. Recently, the motor company paired up with the app Lyft, a service similar to Uber, and invested $500 million in the service.

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Maven is taking an interesting approach in starting the service, only allowing the service to be used in a few major cities that already have great public transportation systems. They began marketing the product to students in Ann Arbor, Michigan, holding information sessions on how become representatives for the company, explaining how it works, and why it is important for General Motors to invest in this kind of company.

Maven was explained to students as  a simpler and cheaper version of Zip Car, with an Uber/Lyft feel to it. General Motors also informed students that is, in a way, trying to curb the use of cars in cities, and in turn enabling the use of public transportation. By providing cheap cars available for rent, people are able to live in the city without owning a car and only renting a vehicle when they need to, and using public transportation when the need is less dire. This is a great marketing technique for General Motors, because people are driving their vehicles and they are enabling cleaner, safer, and more green cities.

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The idea behind Maven could be a relief to drivers as well, because with potentially less vehicles on the road, there is less traffic, lessening the chance of a car crash. This also comes at a perfect time for the city of Detroit, Michigan, because of the rapid expansion of public transportation that is occurring in the currently city. As The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC blog has informed readers, several bus routes are being extended and the QLine is due to be completed in the next year or so. If an application like Maven could successfully be implemented in Detroit, this would be huge for the public transportation sector of the city and could really cut down on traffic and accidents, due to less drivers on the road and more in public transportation.

Hopefully applications like Maven are successful in decreasing our carbon footprint, increasing public transportation usage in cities, and lessening your likeliness of getting stuck in traffic or into an automobile accident. But, if you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of motor vehicle accidents identify and receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

How To Drive During Michigan's Spring

Bad Weather Car Crash

Over the past few weeks Michiganders have seen an influx of every kind of weather imaginable. Only a few weeks ago it hit the 70 degree mark, two weeks ago it rained for days, and last week we got slammed with snow, sleet, and ice. However, Spring is finally here! Though the weather is sunny and warm this week, it can still make it difficult for drivers to commute and stay safe while doing so. When the weather can change on a dime, so can driving conditions, so it is important for drivers to stay aware of the ever changing road conditions surrounding the state. Here are a few types of driving weather conditions and how to drive safely during them. 

Condition One - Sun. It is very easy for drivers to get distracted when the sun comes out. Enjoying the weather too much can be dangerous as it often leads to loud music, speeding, and reckless behavior. It is important to stay in control when behind the wheel, and to shield your eyes form the sun, so that the road remains visible. It would be wise for citizens of Michigan to invest in a pair of sunglasses, as they can also be useful to avoid glare from snow, in the winter.

Condition Two - Rain. April Showers bring May flowers, especially in Michigan. Spring brings the Mitten lots of rain, which can make driving difficult. It is important for drivers to keep their speeds low when driving in the rain, because rain makes it harder to stop quickly and hydroplaning is always possible. Hydroplaning is when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on water on top of the road surface. Rain also brings out oils on top of the road that have been left behind by other vehicles, making it very slippery. It is important to slow down and be very careful when driving in the rain, especially later in the day, because Spring temperatures can fall below the freezing point. And, water on the road can turn into ice, and rain can turn into snow in minutes.

Condition Three - Wintry Mix. The wintry mix is probably the worst of the three conditions. During Spring in Michigan you can experience sun, rain, snow, sleet, and ice within moments of one another, making it very hard for drivers to transition from one driving style to the next. When driving in a wintry mix, it is very important to have large following distances between vehicles. Roads may become slick and other drivers may need to stop quickly and if following too closely, accidents can occur. Also, excess water from Spring rain can turn into ice very quickly, so it is important to constantly evaluate road conditions to ensure you are driving as safely as possible. In the weather we have been having, it could be the difference between getting in an accident and getting home safely.

If you or someone you know has gotten into an accident this Spring, call the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accident cases, all year round, no matter the weather. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Detroit Artist Arraigned In Deadly Drunk Driving Accident

Local artist Marcus Glenn was arraigned for his involvement in a car accident that killed a woman two months ago, The Detroit Free Press reported. Glenn was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and causing death. The crash happened on February 4, 2016 near Jefferson and Griswold, right in the heart of downtown Detroit, Michigan, after 11 P.M.

Glenn has sold his artwork in over 60 countries worldwide to thousands of clients and was featured in the 2014 Grammy Awards Show. Glenn, a local Detroiter since birth, attended the College for Creative Studies and has had a studio in Corktown for years. His work is scattered throughout the city, the most prominent being his permanent piece in the collection of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Warren Ave in Detroit.

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Stories like this make locals sick, not just because Glenn was so beloved by the city of Detroit, but because it is so easy to not drink and drive in the city. The city offers many options both in the public and private sector to deter people from drinking downtown and driving home. Many hotels, both budget and luxurious, are available. The Detroit people mover can carry people almost anywhere within the downtown vicinity. Uber is also very popular within the city, and cabs are also very easy to catch and are only a call away. The bus system is not perfect, but has many lines that run at night and can get people to many of Detroit’s less accessible areas. The city is currently even working on a light-rail on Woodward Avenue that will take riders from downtown out past Highland Park, which will be another way for people to stay out of the driver's seat.

The bottom line is that if you have been drinking, you should not be behind the wheel of a vehicle. You become a hazard to yourself, your passengers, and everyone on and around the road as soon as you turn on the car. Buzzed driving is also dangerous, and you can be arrested for it. Always try to avoid drivers who appear to be under the influence, and never drive drunk. If you have been injured in an auto accident involving alcohol, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of automotive injuries identify and receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

General Motors Rolls Out Android Update

General Motors is finally catering to millions of Android users across the country by updating their cars to use Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay on a number of model vechicles, Android Police reported. Android users can now with a simple 30-minute trip to any General Motors dealership connect their phones to their car using bluetooth, a luxury that only iPhone users were able to use until this point. This is a big win for Android users and Android Auto, because the service is now available to over 30 General Motors car models in the US, and over 40 worldwide.

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According to their website, Android Auto allows hands free usage of Google Maps, Google Play Music, calling and texting, and other apps such as Pandora, Spotify, and Skype all with the click of a button on your steering wheel. The applications make every day tasks far easier due to their ease of access and hands free capabilities.

The software also does not let you do certain things while driving such as watch videos or doing too many things at one time. With texting and driving becoming such an issue for drivers and especially teens, using hands-free applications such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are very helpful and help create safer driving environments. The issue was that only some phones worked with the software, because certain vehicles only had Apple CarPlay and some only had Android Auto, leaving drivers with the opposite cell phone device in the dust. The universality of being able to equip both is a win for drivers safety, music lovers, and road-trippers everywhere.

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Although it is becoming far safer to drive with new technology such as Android Auto, accidents still do happen and you may run into others who still text and drive. If you have been injured in an auto accident, speak to an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys are highly skilled in helping victims of automotive injuries identify and receive any compensation they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

New Detroit-Windsor Bridge OK’d By Coast Guard

Detroit, Michigan's race for a new bridge to Canada is coming closer and closer to reality. Billionaire and current owner of the Ambassador Bridge, Manuel Maroun, has been trying to fund and start construction of a new bridge for years now, and the plan is finally picking up steam. The Detroit Free Press reported that The US Coast Guard approved a permit for the bridge on Tuesday, March 15th, 2016, finding that the new bridge would not have significant environmental impacts. The current plan is to build the second bridge alongside the Ambassador Bridge, a bridge that has been owned by the Marouns for decades. Although the US Coast Guard has approved the plan, there are still many roadblocks for the billionaire to overcome.

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For this bridge to be constructed, the Maroun’s would not only have to get permits from the United States but from Canada as well, as it is an international bridge. The bridge also has to pass a number of tests from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and U.S. National Park Service before starting construction and the equivalent of those national services in Canada. Many citizens of Detroit are unhappy with the Coast Guard's approval, due to health reasons, so receiving said permits in Canada may be much harder for the Marouns due to the stricter safety laws in the country. Therefore, many are hoping the bridge will get denied by the Canadian side due to environmental reasons and are very upset that the United States Government did not do a more thorough environmental impact study.

The Ambassador bridge is currently one of the busiest crossings in North America. Not only is the Maroun family trying to build a new bridge, but so is the state of Michigan. A publicly funded bridge has been in the works for years, and the plans for that bridge are currently in Delray, a poorer neighborhood in Detroit’s Southwest neighborhood. A new bridge would lessen the traffic and travel time when crossing, but may also lead to some serious health effects for those living near the bridge and in the buffer zones.

The Ambassador Bridge has seen better days, often being closed for maintenance. The bridge is over 80 years old and a new bridge would be significantly nicer and easier to maintain, which would be good news for drivers. Less traffic and nicer driving conditions seem like a wonderful idea, but some in Detroit are rallying to try and educate those in power about the environmental issues the bridge could have on neighborhoods close in proximity to the bridge. It will be a number of years before Detroit sees a new bridge, but until then drivers and citizens of Detroit anxiously wait to see who will build it first, the billionaire or the government.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to poor traffic conditions, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases including car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and bridge collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

$80 Million Michigan Driverless Car Project Sees Movement

Recently, The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC blog informed drivers about many new projects that have been progressing in the autonomous car industry. Today, we follow up and speak on some local stories that are influencing this new and growing industry.

A number of well respected and intelligent leaders have been selected to be a part of a new driverless car project in our own, Willow Run, Michigan. Crains Detroit reported that a nonprofit organization and a board of directors have been selected to handle the $80 million investment, called the American Center For Mobility. The site of the project is at the old General Motors Willow Run Powertrain Plant in Ypsilanti Township, a site which has been vacant for a number of years.

John Maddox was chosen to head the project as CEO. This is not Maddox’s first stab at driverless car projects, seeing as he was the assistant director of the University of Michigan’s Mobility Transformation Center and test site, Mcity. Although not leaving the facility completely, Maddox will work on the two projects simultaneously.

Maddox, among other leaders, will work to create what is hopefully a national testing site for self driving and connected cars for years to come. The 335 acre site will be funded $20 million from the state of Michigan and the newly appointed board and nonprofit are currently working to secure the other $60 million from other areas.

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The current plan for the center is to build a 2.5 mile loop with highways, ramps, merge lanes, signs, changes in elevation, and potentially a tunnel. The goal is to simulate a number of different potential road conditions, similar to urban and suburban areas, for cars to be tested in. If the current plans go through, autonomous cars will be able to drive up to 80 miles per hour within the completely closed facility.

This news comes in the wake of many announcements about autonomous cars and connected cars. General Motors recently invested $500 million in Lyft and started a new ride sharing service called Maven. Google, General Motors, and Lyft executives plan to visit with congress about changing laws to allow self-driving vehicles on public roads.

There is a lot happening in terms of the technology driverless cars use, as well. Overall, the idea is becoming far more feasible. Not only would self-driving cars and connected cars make driving overall safer than regular cars, but ideas such as ride sharing put less people on the road, which is good for the environment and safer for drivers as well. There are still many strides to make, but the autonomous auto industry is no longer just an idea, but a plan that is in motion and will be making driving safer for citizens, within the next couple years.

Just because the technology exists and is making its way to the mainstream however, doesn't mean that all car accidents will become nonexistent. The transition of introducing autonomous cars onto the roads and overtime making sure that regular cars are eliminated, will take several years. Even at the point, the may still be human driven cars on the road, meaning that human error will still exist. And, as long as human error exists, motor vehicle collisions will occur.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of automobile accidents including car crashes. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Detroit And Ann Arbor Transit Systems To Connect

A transit group is working on plans that would connect the transit systems of Detroit, Michigan and Ann Arbor, Michigan with the potential for a light rail in the coming years. MLIVE reported that this system would not only connect the Detroit and Ann Arbor communities, but Pontiac and Mt. Clemens as well. The plans hope to help connect these communities, as well as offer a cheaper and easier way to get to Detroit, the state’s largest city, which has been seeing a comeback in recent years.

The plans will include numerous rapid transit bus routes and a commuter rail. The rapid transit bus routes would run from Pontiac to Detroit, Mt. Clemens to Detroit, and Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Detroit. There would also be a commuter rail from Ann Arbor to Detroit which would link up with the new QLine. Bus routes would also cater to this new rail and the new high speed routes, conjoining stops to ensure it is easy to use these new features. The Regional Transit Authority is doing a lot of work, collecting data for the new transit plans, and hope to have data for how much use these new routes would actually see, soon.

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Although it may seem a long way off, these lofty plans may change how the entirety of southeast Michigan gets around, if they are put into effect. Cars will not be as necessary, which is something that has never been an option in the Motor City. These changes would be monumental for the area, and would make commuting far easier and cheaper. This would also offer a drunk driving alternative, which is a key to making the city safer. Hopefully the public transportation expansion will allow for less drivers and cars on the road, preventing several thousands of accidents a year.

These plans may not seem realistic to some pessimists in Michigan, but with projects such as the new QLine, and the expansion of bus routes in Detroit and Ypsilanti currently in the works, it feels like anything is possible. These changes are necessary and would be highly beneficial for the rise in automobile safety and tourism in Detroit, Michigan and the Metro Detroit area.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of automobile accident cases, including car collisions, motorcycle crashes, bus accidents, train accidents, and rail crashes. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Detroit Ranks 15th For Worst Traffic

Detroit, Michigan may not be the bustling metropolis that it once was, but it sure seems like it during early morning and afternoon commutes. A recent study by Xfinity showed that Detroit ranked 15th overall when looking at cities with the worst traffic. The study showed that Detroiters spend an average of 33 hours in traffic every year, which equates to almost a day and a half of lost time. This study also approximated that the average Detroit citizen wastes 24 gallons of gasoline, enough for two full tanks in some vehicles, annually. The site also approximated that spending so much time in traffic cost each Detroiter almost $800 per year, just due to traffic conditions on Detroit roads.

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There are many issues that cause Detroit’s traffic problems, but there is not much Detroiters can do to avoid this traffic. Many Detroiters work outside of Detroit and many people working in Detroit do not live in Detroit, which makes driving inevitable. Many of these drivers are going to the same area, such as suburbs as the Birmingham/Bloomfield/Troy area, Plymouth/Canton/Northville/Novi area, or the Ann Arbor area, causing traffic buildups on the few highways that service those cities. There are public transportation projects in the works, such as the newly named QLINE or the expanded bus routes the city of Detroit is providing, but for the time being, there is no solution to curb this traffic issue.

When driving in traffic, drivers need to remember to always pay attention to the road. Fender benders often occur due to a lack of attention and a lack of stopping distance, in speedy stop and go traffic buildups. It is very easy to allow for such small stopping distances because of such slow speed, but if a driver takes even a second to be distracted this can cause damage to their own vehicle and vehicles around them. It is very important to ensure that drivers are always paying attention when driving in traffic, keep a large enough stopping distance, and do not put their car into neutral or park when stopped. These three suggestions may be the difference between a safe ride home and a couple hundred dollars in fender bender repairs and possibly hospital bills.

If you or someone you know has been in a traffic related accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys help victims of car crashes identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a  free consultation.

Ford Issues Three Recalls Including Over 45,000 Vehicles

This past week The Ford Motor Company announced that it would be recalling 48,300 vehicles. The Detroit News reported that these recalls included 2015-16 low-roof Ford Transit vans. The recall is due to an issue with the airbags in the side-curtain, an issue that could lead the bags to not fire in an accident. 2015-16 model-year Lincoln MKC and 2016 Ford Explorer SUVs were also recalled for an issue related to the heaters, with the potential to overheat and even cause a fire. In addition, F-650 and F-750 heavy-duty trucks were also recalled due to a parking brake issue, an issue that could allow the parking brake clips to break and render the parking brake somewhat useless.

Ford Car Crash Lawyer

Most of the recalls only affect cars in the United States but some were also sold in Canada. Ford is unaware of any injuries that have been caused or were related to these recalls, but they are committed to ensuring that none happen if they can help it. These issues will be fixed by licensed dealerships around the country, at no cost to the owners. The Ford Motor Company will begin notifying those who own the vehicles, as soon as possible, to ensure they are fixed in a timely manner.

Michigan Car Crash Lawyer

Car recalls have been plentiful in the news lately. Between the nearly million automobiles recalled by Ford and Volkswagen, it is very likely that a reader of this blog may be facing a recall themselves. Typically, car owners are informed by mail if their vehicle has been recalled. Drivers can check to see if their car has been recalled at SafeCar.gov or at their car dealership. 

Keeping up with recall information is vital to road safety. By ensuring that vehicles are in top condition, drivers are preventing potential accidents and injuries to themselves and other drivers on the road.

If you or someone you know has been in an automobile accident involving a recall, call the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes, motorcycle collisions, and bus accidents. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Volkswagen Recalls Almost 100,000 Passats

Volkswagen announced this week that they will be recalling over 90,000 diesel Passat vehicles, due to a wiring issue. CBS Money Watch reported that Volkswagen issued this recall over a wiring issue that may lead to corrosion, overheating, and a potential fire hazard. Because water can access the wire terminals, these wires must be fixed for safety reasons. This recall covers many diesel models of the Passat from 2012 to 2014. 

The wiring defect was discovered in a Volkswagen factory and the recall company induced. As such, Volkswagen will be sending out mail citing this recall and informing owners what to do about the wiring issue. Sources stated that Volkswagen dealers will be replace the connector and any damaged wires, starting in June. 

This news comes in the wake of many other large recalls from Volkswagen. Volkswagen and Porsche have seen a few recalls, in vast quantity, over the past few months. So, it is very important for drivers to check that their vehicle has not been recalled, and if it has, to fix it as soon as possible. This ensures that vehicles are in tip top shape and will perform to the best of their abilities, making the road safer for the owner and for other drivers.

Recall information is typically sent out in the mail. However, as it is difficult for companies to keep the most up to date addresses on their consumers, sometimes, people don't receive recall notices. Therefore, drivers need to be made aware that recall information can also be found at SafeCar.gov or at local dealerships.

Volkswagen Accident Lawyer

Not only is it important to ensure that drivers keep up with relevant recall information, but it is very important to make sure that those on the road keep up with all safety checkups on their vehicles as well. Routine car checkups can prevent accidents and damage to vehicles that costs significant amounts of money. By keeping cars in good condition, the likelihood of getting into an accident is far less and keeps the road safer for everyone. This is just one of many things drivers can do to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

If you or someone you know has been in an accident involving a recall, call the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes which have been causes by defective cars. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Man Hit By Car While Helping Another Highway Accident

An Oakland County man was lucky to walk away after he was struck by a vehicle on eastbound I-696 west of Greenfield Road, on Monday, March 28th. The Oakland Press reported that there was a two car crash blocking the left lane and a man got out of his vehicle to attempt to help those hurt in the accident. Unfortunately, while assisting, he was struck by another vehicle which was also travelling eastbound. Fortunately, the driver of the car who hit him, stopped and checked to see if the man was okay. Miraculously, he walked away from the scene. Only one member of the original accident party was sent to the hospital. The investigation is ongoing, but all parties are currently doing well.

Car Accident Lawyer

It is very important for drivers to know what to do if they are involved in an accident on the highway. It can be very difficult to know what to do in the moment, especially if there are a lot of cars around. If the accident is not minor, and you feel that there may be lives at risk, it is always important to try to help, but not at your own risk. Calling 911 is usually the best and simplest way to help, if someone's life may be at risk. Never step out into traffic or put anyone in a position where you may be further injured by another vehicle. In many areas police patrol the highways diligently, so help normally is not far away.

If the accident is smaller in scope and the vehicles are in working condition, drive to a crash investigation site. These are often close by and provide an area to park damaged vehicles for inspection and also offer a waiting area for police or insurance vehicles to arrive. Never attempt to drive a vehicle that is too damaged or attempt to drive to a crash investigation site if someone is seriously injured. Emergency vehicles are never too far away and will be able to help with any injuries or car issues. 

By practicing safe driving methods drivers are less likely to get into car crashes, but accidents do happen. If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including car collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Transportation Departments Testing The Use Of Drones

The Detroit News reported that a number of states' transportation departments are looking into drone technology to inspect bridges, monitor traffic, and even to clear car accidents. Michigan, is one of the states, along side Minnesota, Vermont, and Massachusetts, testing the use of drones for transportation purposes. In fact, to date, 33 states in total have considered the idea.

One of the biggest positive influences drones could have is on bridge inspections. A typical bridge inspection costs over $4.5 thousand. However, the same inspection can be done with a drone for about $250. The savings would be huge for states with multitude of bridges, such as Michigan, which has an abundance of rivers and lakes. Michigan also has an infrastructure system that is not doing spectacularly well, and saving money on inspecting these bridges would be a savior for overall costs. This lower cost in bridge inspection may even add up in time and create room in the budget, making way for a number of new bridges to be built. 

Michigan Drone Lawyer

Drones and other technologies are beginning to make their way into the public sector, and with the general knowledge of their existence, more and more people are using this technology to save money and to create safer environments. The usage of drones could save transportation departments hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that's just for the inspection of bridges.

If these departments can learn how to use these drones in other ways, such as traffic control or clearing car accidents, there would be even more savings. This leaves more money for these departments to do their actual jobs, keeping our transportation systems safe.

Fixing roads, bridges, and other transportation aspects is an expensive job, and with this extra money to spend on roads, drivers can expect a safer driving experience. Not only would this create a safer driving experience but it would save drivers. Potholes and other infrastructure faults cost drivers hundreds of dollars every year. Blown out tires, alignment issues, and other issues add up to cost drivers millions of dollars annually. If these infrastructure issues are fixed, in turn, this money will not be spent on the problems the infrastructure issues once caused.

Although technology is making it safer and cheaper for drivers to be on the road, accidents do still happen. If you or someone you know has been in an accident due to an infrastructure issue, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of auto injury cases, including car crashes and motorcycle collisons. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Driver Goes The Wrong Way On The Highway, Ends In Death

Just before midnight on Thursday, March, 17, 2016, a driver drove the wrong way down eastbound I-94 in Harper Woods, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Michigan State Police officers said that a woman driving a PT Cruiser westbound on the eastbound side of I-94 struck another vehicle that was going the correct way. The woman was quickly taken to St. John Hospital and was pronounced dead.

At the current time authorities are unable to tell whether alcohol or other drugs were a reason for the crash, but an autopsy will soon be conducted to determine the cause of the impairment they believe the driver to be suffering from. The other driver was left anonymous by CBS Detroit.

Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

This accident should come as a stern reminder to all drivers about stern awareness when on the roads, especially at night. Just because a driver chooses to be safe and not drive while impaired does not mean they cannot be effected by those who do choose to. Always be on the lookout for rogue drivers and drivers who do not follow safety instructions. Being aware that coming into contact with these drives can be the difference between life and death. Especially at night, when chances of running into drunk or impaired drivers is higher, drivers need always be aware of their surroundings.

As we have stressed many times before in our articles, never drink and drive. There is always an alternative to drunk driving and the decision to not drink and drive can be the difference between life and death. It is therefore the law, for good reason.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of personal injury cases, including car collisions and motorcycle crashes involving drunk drivers. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Detroit Police Officer Struck By Driver, Alcohol Likely Present

An accident on Detroit, Michigan's West Side left an officer injured on the morning Friday, March 18, 2016. Fox 2 Detroit reported that the suspect made an illegal u-turn in front of a Detroit police officer around 4 in the morning, causing the crash and subsequent injury. The officer who is an 18 year veteran of the Detroit Police Department, was taken to the hospital after the crash to assess his back, neck, and knee pain. He is expected to be fully recover as he was just a little shaken up due to the crash. The driver of the car that struck the police officer was given a citation for OWI (operating while intoxicated). The car accident occurred on Joy Road near Grandmont Avenue. The officer was driving with his lights on and was headed to a domestic situation when the crash occurred.

Car Crash Lawyer

Police especially stressed the dangers of drinking and driving following this car crash. "In this day and age, it's absolutely ridiculous anybody would think they can drink and drive," Sgt. Michael Woody said. Police across the country and in major cities like Detroit have been taking a very strong stance on driving while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, implementing programs such as ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.’ These campaigns are working, but some drivers still choose to drive drunk or under the influence of drugs such as marijuana.

There is no way drivers are unaware of  the consequences of drunk driving, but here is a refresher. For a first offender, an OWI can land you up to a year without a license, 6 points on your driving record, potential alcohol treatment programs, up to a $700 fine, up to 180 days in jail, and up to 360 hours of community service. The terms only get worse if it is not your first offence, too. It is always smarter to not drink and drive, for your safety, wallet, and livelihood. And of course, drinking and driving can always result in death too.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident involving a drunk or impaired driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced helping victims of drunk driving car crashes identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to, under Michigan Law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.