Study Argues for 20 MPH Speed Limits for City Streets

ProPublica, an investigative news nonprofit, published an interactive graph last week that makes the argument that lowering the speed limit on city streets even slightly could be the difference between life and death. ProPublica’s Lena Groeger created a chart which showed the chances of survival decreasing as motorist speeds increased.

According to the data, the average pedestrian struck by a driver traveling at 20 miles per hour has a 93% chance of surviving. “Once cars reach a certain speed (just above 20 mph), they rapidly become more deadly. A person is about 70% more likely to be killed if they’re struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 mph compared to 25 mph” Groeger explained. 

About 1 out of 5 pedestrians will not survive a collision which takes place at 30 mph. While the statistics for the average-aged person are high enough, the statistics related to elderly people are even more staggering. “While it might be common sense that faster cars are deadlier, what’s particularly striking to me is how much more deadly they are for older folks. A 70-year-old hit by a car going 35 mph is about as likely to be killed as a 30-year-old hit by a car going 45 mph (in both cases it’s about a 50/50 chance),” Groeger wrote. 

As you can see in the graph below which was published by ProPublica, when a pedestrian collides with a car that is travelling at 40 mph, 45% of people of all ages will not survive, and 70% of older pedestrians will also not survive. ProPublica’s study not only points out the dangers of collisions at high speeds, but it also points out the advantages to lowering the speed limit in areas with high foot and bicycle traffic. Slower speeds reduces stopping distances, which can make it easier for drivers to come to a complete stop before striking somebody on the road. 

In 2010, citizens of Warrington, England created a “20’s Plenty” campaign, which was aimed at getting speed limits in the city down to 20 mph. In the time since the start of the campaign, more than 14 million residents of the UK now live on streets with speed limits of 20 mph or less, according to 20’s Plenty founder Rod King. 

While campaigns around the world are looking to reduce speed limits, the Michigan state legislature has been debating the merits of raising the highway speed limit since February. The Republican-controlled Michigan House began to discuss a package of bills that would allow for speed limits of 75 to 80 mph on rural freeways. Discussion of these types of speed increases has hit a speed bump however, as a May 2016 report came out to reveal a 10 percent increase in traffic fatalities in 2015. 

Drivers should always be aware of speed limits and traffic signs while on the road, but they should be especially cautious when driving through a busy city street or residential area. As the data shows, it doesn't take much speed to inflict serious harm on a pedestrian. If you or somebody you know has been struck by a car, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Pedestrians have rights and our attorneys will fight to get them the help they need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

New Study: Concussion Symptoms Still Present Up To Six Months After Injury

A new study has revealed that the worst of concussion symptoms and consequences may not present themselves until six months after the injury occurred. This is concerning because many athletes at young ages are sent back into action far sooner than the six month time frame. 

The American Academy of Neurology ran studies on 18 high school and college football players who had experienced a concussion. All of these student athletes showed signs of brain damage six months after the injury. Following current medical protocol, all of these players were cleared to return to the field in seven to ten days. Because symptoms such as headaches, difficulty balancing, and memory or thinking problems usually reveal themselves in the immediate hours and days following the brain injury, current guidelines suggest that players are good to go when those symptoms have dissipated. 

"The findings generally add to the growing body of science to suggest that the tail of physiological recovery after concussion extends beyond the time point of clinical recovery," Michael McCrea, Director of Brain Injury Research at the Medical School of Wisconsin, explained. 

The student athletes will be studied for two years, and researchers are hopeful that it can help shed light on whether some athletes may be returning to sports too soon. "As odd as this sounds, we want to know not only when is the athlete ready to return to an activity functionality but when is their brain ready to return physiologically," McCrea told The Washington Post. 

With football season right around the corner, parents who have children playing the sport should pay attention to their child's behavior and report if they notice any of the following symptoms according to the Mayo Clinic: persisting headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness, and excessive fatigue. Concussions caused by playing sports aren't always obvious during the game. Even a player's head hitting the ground awkwardly may cause a brain injury. When in doubt, it's always best to call a doctor and seek medical treatment. 

While traumatic brain injuries are a big issue facing athletes, they also can be an effect of auto accidents. As stated, brain injury symptoms may not be apparent even months after a motor vehicle accident. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a collision that may have caused brain damage or a closed head injury, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Our attorneys will work alongside you to uncover any and all benefits you may be entitled to under Michigan law, even if it has been months after the accident. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Safety Organizations Concerned As Traffic Fatalities Rise

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and State Highway Safety Office members are becoming alarmed over the increase in motor vehicle fatalities in the United States. In 2015, 35,200 individuals lost their lives while on the road, representing the largest year-over-year percentage increase (7.7%) since national record-keeping began. 

“Although that figure is well below the more than 40,000 people killed annually just a decade ago, each death on U.S roadways is unacceptable, and, after many years of progress, this increase is troubling,” Claims Journal wrote in an article this past week. The safety organizations say there are clear solutions to this increasing problem. Solutions include strong road laws with highly-visible law enforcement and more in depth public education campaigns. When these tactics have been used in the past, the nation has seen a nearly 25% drop in the number of fatalities between 2005 and 2014, including a record low in 2011. 

The GHSA has repeatedly stated that they are determined to keep the most at-risk road users safe. While auto accident fatalities have risen quite dramatically in the past year, pedestrian and motorcycle fatalities have increased even more. Those groups have seen a 10% increase each in fatalities over the past year. The Claims Journal points out that while “improving vehicle safety has increased the likelihood for passenger vehicle occupants to survive a crash, pedestrians and motorcyclists lack these same benefits and remain just as susceptible to serious injury or death in the event of a collision.”

The GHSA has a similar goal to what the Michigan Department of Transportation and Michigan State Police have been promoting, a “Towards Zero Deaths” campaign. Part of the campaign reminds drivers on the expressway how many motor vehicle fatalities there have been so far in 2016 by updating electronic highway signs. 

As accident fatalities continue to rise across the United States, drivers must become more cautious when out on the road. Next time you think you can make that yellow light going on red, think about the people you could be putting in danger, including yourself. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident caused by reckless or aggressive driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents, including collisions caused by careless driving. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

New Uber Software Tracks Drivers' Habits to Prevent Distracted Driving

One of the expectations that comes with getting a ride from an Uber driver is that they will be following all traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits. However, that is not always the case, as some Uber drivers have been seen holding the wheel with one hand and their cell phone in the other hand for directions. In an effort to promote safer driving habits for its drivers, Uber has announced a new software rollout which will send daily reports of a driver’s driving patterns back to the company, will remind drivers to take a break before getting drowsy, and will send drivers a message which reminds them not to hold their phone in their hands while driving.

While Uber has said the measurements won’t be used to penalize drivers, the metrics do track activities that are often seen in some of the lowest rated drivers. “To get the measurements, Uber will track the movement of the phones’ gyrometers and accelerometers to assess the speed and movement of the phone. This raises some privacy questions, especially as Uber still categorizes its workers as independent contractors, rather than employees,” Karis Hustard wrote for ChicagoInno.

While the program will run for two months in only 11 cities across the United States, the company says that it will evaluate after that and decide if it wants to expand elsewhere.

UBER AND DRUNK DRIVING

As we gear up for the end of summer, which is infamous for drunk driving accidents, Uber ran a poll of its users across the country to see how the service interacts with intoxicated driving. 95% of respondents said that Uber helps reduce drunk driving in the community, and an additional 84% said that Uber allowed them personally to avoid drinking and driving. “We’ve seen again and again that when people have a reliable way to get home safely at the push of a button — no matter the time or place —they make safer choices,” Uber wrote on its website. 

If you feel there is even a slight chance you might not be in the right condition to drive, calling a public transportation service such as Uber may save your life and the lives of others. Additionally, if you have been in an auto accident caused by a driver who was impaired or distracted at the time of the accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will fight to get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Vehicle

Vehicle turnaround for families is becoming somewhat of an issue, as it seems they are back at the dealership, looking for a new car, after just a few years. While the turnaround is often due to safety reasons, there is a lot drivers can do themselves to extend the life of their current vehicle, to prolong spending money on a new car. Below are some tips that can help get the most out of your vehicle:

Change Oil Regularly

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Without engine oil, a car motor is running dry and can cause damage by overheating. By ensuring your engine oil is always full and clean, an engine's life may be significantly prolonged, extending the life of a car significantly. Sources differ on how often oil changes are necessary, but somewhere between every 5,000 and 7,500 miles, an oil change is recommended. If driving in strenuous conditions, it is recommended to get an oil change every 3,000 miles or less. If synthetic oil is used, an engine  may only need changing every 7,500 miles due to its durability. Many new cars will monitor oil life automatically, but it is always best to ensure you stay on track with oil changes.

Make Sure Tires Are Properly Inflated

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Not only will this help extend the life of a car, but it will also save drivers financially. By ensuring that tires are properly inflated, vehicles will give the most miles per gallon. If tires are under or over-inflated, drivers have a higher risk of a blowout occurring, increase their tire ware, have lesser car handling, increased fuel emissions, and increased risk of an accident. Most cars inform drivers of the proper PSI levels on the inside of the drivers-side door, but all information can be found in the owner's manual. 

Check Transmission Fluid Regularly

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Transmission fluid essentially ensures that the transmission in the car shifts well. Without transmission fluid, a transmission does not shift properly and can lead to damage. Drivers will have trouble shifting when accelerating, experience poor gas mileage, and may even have to replace their transmission. 

Keep Power Steering Fluid Full

Not many drivers have driven without power steering, and for good reason. It is very difficult to maintain control of the vehicle, and the steering wheel may even lock up on the driver, which can lead to even bigger issues. By keeping the power steering fluid topped off, drivers literally gain a better grip on their driving.

Maintain A Clean Air Filter

A dirty air filter can cost drivers in gas mileage and also in harm to the engine and other core aspects of the vehicle under the hood. Air filters are easy to check up on and can be found at almost any auto-repair shop for a fair price. Plus, no one wants to breathe in dirty air and potentially get sick.

Stock Up On Coolant And Anti-Freeze for Harsh Weather

In warm climates, a car without coolant can overheat within minutes of being turned on. This can cause damage to a vehicle. In colder climates, cars can acutally freeze while sitting in the driveway without antifreeze. Both of these are very important to keep stocked because without them a vehicle can be damaged by the elements.

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Schedule Routine Car Checkups

It is always important to take vehicles in for checkups, because the trained professionals at auto repair shops often catch things drivers may have missed. Routine checkups are important to ensure a car lives to its full potential, even if nothing is discovered at most of them.

Even with all these precautions for maintaining the life of a car, even the most cautious drivers can't prevent some accidents from happening.  Injuries can range from bumps and bruises, to Traumatic Brain Injuries, and can have life long effects. 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 crashes which have been caused by defective cars. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Workplace Accidents Are On The Rise

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For those who work in the comfy confines of an air conditioned office space, the idea of being injured or even dying seems outlandish at best. Unfortunately, for many occupations, the threat of a workplace accident happening is something employees must consider every day. This past April, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics finalized its data on worker fatalities in 2014. The report found that the U.S workplace fatality rate increased for the first time since 2010, and the total number of an-the-job deaths were at their highest since 2008. 

Out of the nearly 5,000 work-related deaths, 4,454 were men and 367 were women, and most of the victims fell between the ages of 45 and 64-years-old. The industries that saw the most deaths occurred in construction (899 deaths), transportation and warehousing (766), agriculture (584), government (435), as well as professional and business services (425). The most common cause of workplace fatalities are car crashes, which resulted in 1,984 worker deaths in 2014. Unfortunately, a vast majority of those deaths were caused due to distracted driving. The National Safety Council encourages every professional organization to put safe driving policies in place, and to remind their employees that making a client call or taking part in a meeting over the phone isn’t worth the potential risk. 

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The Huffington Post reports that for every seven seconds that passes, a worker in the United States suffers an injury which requires medical assistance. These injured workers combined for 99 million work days in 2014, and the leading cause of these injuries were overexertion, being hit by an object, or injuries resulting from falls. Works should remember that overexertion or ergonomic injuries don’t always happen in blue collar industries. “Whether lifting heavy loads or spending too much time typing on your computer, be aware of your body’s limits. Make sure you take regular breaks, avoid repetitive tasks and set up your workstation to fit your body,” the article reads.

PREVENTING WORKPLACE INJURIES 

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Arbill, a website which focuses on safety in the workplace, has provided the following tips for preventing serious injuries or death while on the clock: 

Shortcuts and Shortcomings 

While it might be tempting to cut a few corners in order to get the job done quicker, it’s not always the safest bet. Taking shortcuts means that the worker did not do their due diligence, which can lead to big consequences down the line. Additionally, if there is something unclear about the instructions, it’s best to hold off on starting the task until getting clarification. 

Safety In Transit 

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, workplace-driving accidents cost employers an average of $60 billion a year. It’s important to make sure that all company vehicles are inspected each month and the necessary repairs are made as soon as possible. 

Weather The Weather

Michigan Work Accident Lawyer

Before heading out on the job in the morning workers should take a look outside and check the upcoming forecast for an idea of what type of weather they can expect. If it’s going to be a cold one, it’s best to dress in layers and properly cover the head, feet, hands and face. If possible, keeping an extra change of clothes in case clothes get too wet, is a good idea. Conversely, if it’s scorching hot outside, wearing loose-fitting clothes, taking frequent breaks and drinking plenty of water, can help to avoid injuries. 

Make PPE A VIP

Personal Protective Equipment is crucial to prevent injury, so it needs to be worn properly at all times in the work area. The PPE includes: Goggles and other face protection gear, gloves, hard hats, safety shoes, and ear plugs if necessary. Employers are encouraged to not only make sure this safety equipment is provided, but that all employees know how to properly use it. 

Shipshape Safety 

Workplace cleanliness can go a long way in making sure workers are in a safe environment. Poor housekeeping like scattered paper, debris, clutter and spills can happen on a daily basis and when they aren’t taken care of, it can become a real hazard. Workers should pay attention to their work space and make sure it’s organized and out of the walking path of other workers. 

Even if all of these preventative steps have been taken, injuries in the workplace can still occur. If the injury is severe enough, a worker can find themselves without a source of income for months and even years. That's where The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC can help. Our experienced attorneys will not only make sure you get reimbursed for any medical services you may be entitled to, but they will fight to recover any wages lost due to the injury. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

United Kingdom May Legalize Self-Driving Semi-Truck Platoon System

The United Kingdom may have exited the European Union, but they are about to dive head first into the world of autonomous vehicles. There’s just one obstacle however: getting the government to go along with it. 

A proposal has been made, which would clear the way for self-driving truck technology called “platooning.” Platooning refers to multiple trucks being connected by wireless technology, similar to Wi-Fi, and following a manned lead vehicle in a tight convoy, thereby saving fuel economy and potentially manpower according to Quartz. This system was tested in April 2016 when dozens of trucks drove thousands of kilometers across Europe.

Approval of the platoon hinges upon the tweaking of Highway Code Rule 126, which states drivers must leave a two-second gap between their vehicle and the vehicle in front as a way to prevent rear ending a car. Quartz reports that the trucks which were tested in the April trials by automakers Volvo and Scania, were driven in platoons with gaps of less than one second between them. The benefit of these platoons is the reduction of “thinking distance” because the trucks further back in the convoy can react immediately to speed changes with the leading vehicle. Logic follows that the tighter the platoon, the less fuel is used and the less carbon is put into the air. 

“There is an opportunity to reduce the separation distance required between these vehicles, and hence to maximize the efficiency gains through reduced aerodynamic drag,” the government’s Center for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles said in a statement. 

Introducing these platoons aren’t the only technology-related changes the United Kingdom is exploring. The country wants to change laws which "would allow other technologies that are commercially available such as automated remote-control parking, and motorway assistance that would allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel temporarily." 

There are around 400,000 accidents involving semi-trucks annually in the United States. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident with an eighteen wheeler, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Collisions with large vehicles of any kind may result in severe and irreversible damage, leaving victims in need of medical attention and a way to pay to their bills. Our attorneys will fight to get you the help and answers you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

U.S. Safety Regulators Pumping the Brakes on Self-Driving Technology

There a few speed bumps that innovators and manufacturers of self-driving cars are going to face before they become mainstream, and it appears one of those will be the government. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx said that he would like to see government regulators and the auto industry work closely together to vigorously test the safety standards of autonomous vehicles before people entrust their safety in the car. 

The Detroit News reported that Foxx told about 1,200 people at a self-driving convention in San Francisco that robotic controls need to be reviewed more to make sure the DOT and manufacturers are “in sync” before the vehicles hit the road. “This could help assure consumers that the vehicles that they are getting into are stress tested." Foxx also warned automakers to assume drivers will be tempted to take foolish risks while on the road when they activate the autonomous features in a car, which makes it extremely important to design vehicles that minimize the opportunity for disaster. “Sometimes the coolness of technology may drive people to try to push the limits of what the manufacturers intended,” Foxx explained. 

Self-Driving technology has come under some pressure as of late. Three weeks prior to Foxx’s remarks, Joshua Brown of Canton, Ohio died in May after his Tesla crashed into a truck while using a semi-autonomous feature called “Autopilot.” Brown died after neither he nor the Autopilot feature braked for a truck which was making a left turn near a highway, according to Tesla and federal investigators. Many are pointing to Brown’s death as a prime example of why self-driving cars are simply not ready to go out on the streets. “Autopilot’s failure is a poster child for why enforceable safety standards are needed, not useless voluntary guidelines,” Joan Claybrook of Consumer Watchdog wrote in a letter to Tesla. 

Tesla has consistently defended it’s self-driving features, citing that Brown’s crash was the first death in more than 130 million miles of driving with the Autopilot feature activated. Even with more testing, Foxx is doubtful that self-driving cars will eliminate all accidents. The goal, he stated, is an 80% reduction in the frequency of accidents, which are mostly caused by human error or negligence. Foxx has said that he plans to propose federal government guidelines for self-driving vehicles later this summer, and self-driving cars are still being tested in several states. 

Self-Driving cars aren't predicted to be the norm on the roads for another decade or two, so it's important that drivers are always aware and paying attention to the road. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident caused by distracted driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work with you to identify the help you need as they work towards settling your case. If a settlement can't be reached, our team is ready to take your case to court. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Department of Transportation to Beef Up Cybersecurity Efforts

A set of guidelines will be released soon which will aim to beef up cybersecurity efforts in the automotive industry, according to U.S Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. In July, Foxx made the announcement at the Billington Cybersecurity Summit in Detroit, where automakers and cyber security experts discussed the importance of better cybersecurity measures to prevent cars from getting hacked. 

“There is no one company that can do on its own what all companies can accomplish together,” Foxx reasoned. Foxx told The Detroit Free Press that the government’s guidelines will encourage the industry to collaborate and share information about how to design software and also learn from other industries. “For better or worse, government has a reputation for moving slowly...but we hope that our guidance, when it is released, will break new ground. 

The Detroit Free Press says that the issue of cybersecurity has been rapidly gaining traction in the auto industry. Due to the nature of today’s technology inside of vehicles, including assisted navigation and Bluetooth capabilities, it has become easier for connections to be made from outside of the vehicle. This issue will only continue to grow, as the innovation of self-driving cars will rely heavily on connected technology that will allow vehicles to communicate with each other. “We cannot underestimate the risk,” Mark Reuss, GM’s Executive Vice President of Global Product Development, said. Reuss added that auto companies are working alongside the U.S Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop the new guidelines. 

Casey Ellis, who is the CEO of Bugcrowd, has said that the automotive industry deserves credit for making a lot of progress in a short amount of time. Bugcrowd is a firm which hires hackers to try and find security weaknesses for their clients. “Automakers are very focused on the security of their products,” Ellis said. 

With advancements in hacking capabilities, car owners should take precautionary steps like not leaving valuable items such as their wallets, purses, or laptops in the vehicle overnight. Any suspicious activity should also be reported to the police immediately. Hackers are also capable of remotely hijacking vehicles while they are being driven, which could cause drivers to lose control of their cars. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident caused by a technological error, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.  

Despite Safety and Legal Controversies, Auto Industry Booms Post-Recession

While the United States auto industry has taken its fair share of bumps and bruises with recalls and fines, that doesn’t necessarily mean the industry is financially hurting. Consumers have seemed unfazed by the controversy as they continue to buy cars and trucks at record levels and at record prices. 


“The fact of the matter is, there is a plethora of recalls, and after a certain point in time people become numb to them,” John Humphrey, Senior VP of J.D. Power’s global automotive practice, told USA Today. “We have more recalls now than we have ever had and yet the industry is selling more cars than ever.” Consumer Safety advocate Ralph Nader believes the industry has improved, but there are still significant improvements that need to be made. “Today, the cars are much safer, less polluting, modestly more fuel efficient...but there is still a long way to go,” Nader explained. “We’ve ceased to see just carelessness, ignorance and indifference. These are increasingly criminal acts, now prosecuted because there is no criminal penalty in the motor vehicle safety law.”

Despite the recent shortcomings of the auto industry, Americans are buying more cars than ever before at higher prices than ever before. In 2015, automakers sold more than 17.47 million new cars and trucks, the most in United States history. All the meanwhile, the automotive industry is currently in the middle of the largest recall crisis in United States history. For example, the Takata airbag recall affects 32 million vehicles made by 33 automotive brands. While the media focuses on the recall and automakers send out recall notices directly to owners, it doesn’t grab the attention of the general public. According to a recent study, by Kelley Blue Book, which surveyed 1,000 vehicle owners, only 52% were aware of the Takata recall. That percentage ranked lower than the Zika Virus (84%) and Hillary Clinton’s email issues (87%). 

“Consumer opinions on the Takata airbag recall seem to be another unfortunate case of people thinking ‘it won’t happen to me,’ but this is easily the largest, most expensive automotive safety issue in United States history,” Karl Brauer, Senior Analyst for Kelley Blue Book, expressed. 
 

With the economy continuing to rebound and the summer months rolling on, the roads will be humming with cars. Because of the increase in cars on the road, drivers should be extra cautious to make sure they arrive at their detestation safely. If you or somebody you know has been injured in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Injuries can range from bruises to closed head injuries, many of which may not even present themselves immediately following the accident. Our attorneys can help you deal with stressful insurance companies while you get the rest and medical attention you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

General Motors May Pay $550 Million For Airbag Replacement

General Motors Company (GM) could be pulling out their checkbook soon, and it’s going to be for a hefty cost. If U.S. auto safety regulators require GM to recall an additional 4.3 million of its vehicles in order to replace Takata-made airbag inflators, the company stands to lose up to $550 million according to Fortune. 

However, the automaker will not be paying up without a fight. GM reported in its second-quarter earnings report that the Takata airbag inflators in GM vehicles are performing as designed and will not pose an unreasonable risk through 2019, if at all. If regulators decide that GM is responsible for paying for the replacement air bags, the company estimates a cost up to $320 million for the initial 2.5 million vehicles that could be at risk. Additionally, 4.3 million vehicles have been classified as potential danger risks because of Takata defects, which could bump the price tag up to $550 million in total. 

Takata has been in the national spotlight for the past few years with airbag defects causing numerous problems including serious injuries and fatalities. Takata airbags have been deemed dangerous because they can explode violently under extensive heat conditions, sending pieces of metal shrapnel everywhere, including into drivers. These incidents have led to a steady rise in recalls and lawsuits against the company. Fortune reports that while GM doesn’t believe there is a safety issue in any of its vehicles, the company filed a preliminary defect report in May which covered 2.5 million of trucks and sport utility vehicles. 

The ball is now in GM’s court, as they have a chance to prove to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) that the inflators do not pose a risk to safety for drivers. If GM can’t convince the NHTSA by September, they will be required to foot the bill. 

If your vehicle has been identified as one of the vehicles that have been recalled due to the Takata airbag defect, or any other vehicle defect, its important that you get your car replaced. Car defects can serve as a serious threat to drivers and passengers, as they may cause the driver to lose control of the car. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident which was caused by a car defect, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work with you to get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Study Says There Is No Link Between The Rise of Uber and The Fall of Drunk Driving

You’ve just spent a night out with your friends, had a few drinks, and need a safe way to get back home. What’s the most popular solution these days?

Uber.

The popular ride-sharing service has become well known across America as the best way to avoid driving home after having a few too many drinks. The company even promotes on their website that cities with Uber have “fewer drunk drivers on the streets.” However, a new study in the American Journal of Epidemiology has found no noticeable impact on the number of drunk driving deaths in cities where Uber provides its services.

“Obviously the rise of Uber and Lyft has been incredible, and we were curious about potential implications,” David Kirck, co-author of the study from the University of Oxford, told CNNMoney. To conduct the study, Kirck and his partner Noli Brazil examined drunk driving numbers in the Top-100 most populated metro areas in the United States from 2009 to 2014. The study found that the rise of Uber has not correlated with a decrease in deaths overall or during peak hours such as weekend nights.

Kirck points to a number of reasons why Uber hasn’t helped slow the number of drink driving deaths. First, drunk drivers, who are already not thinking clearly, may not feel like waiting and paying to be picked up, and they like their odds of making it home safe without getting caught (Out of 121 million incidents of drunk driving in the United States, only 1.1 million are arrested). Additionally, there are simply not enough Uber drivers in the United States to make a real dent in the 10,000 people who die every year in drunk driving accidents. While there are hundreds of thousands of Uber drivers working each month in the United States, there are still 4.2 million people who decide to drive drunk every month.

CNNMoney pointed out that Uber continues to claim its service can help decrease drunk driving, as it often refers to another study that shows a 3.6% to 5.6% decrease in drunk driving deaths in California. “We’re glad Uber can provide an alternative to drunk driving and help people make more responsible choices. Our ridership numbers show that trips peak at times when people are more likely to be out drinking and 80% of riders say that Uber has helped them personally avoid drinking and driving,” an Uber spokesperson said in a statement.


Kirck offered that companies like Uber can have a more substantial impact in the future. “It will be important to revisit the findings in a few years, assuming Uber and Lyft have even greater presence in the United States and beyond. And if Uber and Lyft can find a way to have greater appeal to drunk drivers, then there is a possibility of bring fatalities down.”

Make no mistake about it: there is NO good excuse for getting behind the wheel while being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not only do you put yourself in harms way, you also endanger everyone else on the road. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in helping victims of drunk driving car crashes receive the help they deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

iPhone Explodes in Bicyclist's Pocket, Causes 3rd-Degree Burns

A bicyclist from Sydney, Australia has been recovering from serious burn injuries after his iPhone suddenly exploded while he was on a ride. 36-year-old Gareth Clear was riding his bike this past weekend, on a bike trail that he says he has ridden hundreds of times before.

When Clear fell off of his bike, he first noticed scrapes and abrasions to his upper right thigh, but then he noticed something else had gone wrong. “The first thing was just complete bewilderment about why smoke was coming out of- excuse my terminology - coming out of my behind,” Clear explained. “I realized it was my phone and I was just flailing to get my trousers off and my phone had caused my two layers of shorts, my Skins and my cycling shorts, to melt." Clear also suffered blisters on his fingers from touching his phone. 

Luckily, Clear managed to get himself to the nearest hospital before being transferred to the burn unit at Royal North Shore hospital, where he was informed that he suffered third-degree burns on his upper-thigh and would need skin graft surgery. “It was like a black ring around it, with my shorts material around the outside and the lithium material inside,” Clear described. He is worried that the lithium chemical inside of the phone may have gotten inside of him, which could cause other side-effects. “I’m not a chemist, I’m not an electrical engineer, so I don’t really know what the impact of that would be if it got into my body.”

Clear has been disappointed with the response from Apple. “No one’s asked me how are you? How’s your body? How’s the hole in your leg that’s just exploded, how’s that?” Clear pointed out. “It was a very technical-driven response, which surprised me. But look, I bear no grudges against Apple. It’s an iPhone, I purchased it. At this point, Clear says it’s Apple’s responsibility to make sure the same incident doesn’t happen to other people. “What if it was my face? What if that was someone else’s face? What if that’s a young kid that’s left alone with an iPhone, and is banging away and is left unsupervised and something happens?” Clear questioned. 

Unfortunately, Clear isn't the only one to experience his iPhone battery exploding. In 2014, a Maine 8th grader was burned by her iPhone 5C when it started to overheat in her back pocket. According to Digital Trends, she went to sit down in her chair when she heard a pop, and the phone started to heat up. The student was forced to take off her pants when the phone started to smoke, causing minor burns. In another incident, two people from the Czech Republican reported that their iPhones didn't explode, but started to balloon up, causing the casing of the phone to split open. The lithium ion battery inside expanded to more than twice its original size. 

Apple has not yet claimed any responsibility for these incidents. Instead they have blamed "external forces" putting stress on the devices as the the cause of these malfunctions. To prevent explosions, iPhone users should avoid overheating, overcharging, and applying large amounts of pressure to their devices.

There are a lot of things bicyclists should be cautious of while riding, but exploding iPhones shouldn't be one of them. If you or somebody you know has been injured through no fault of their own while riding their bike, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our highly experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights according to Michigan law and can get you the help that you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Virtual Reality: Coming to a Courtroom Near You!

Virtual reality is becoming more prevalent when it comes to playing video games or watching a movie at home, but it could also start playing a role in the courtroom in the not-so-distant future. Recently, researchers from Staffordshire University in England were announced as the recipients of a $200,000 European Commission grant to create ways of presenting crime-scene evidence to jurors and lawyers through virtual reality. 

“A number of novel, digital non-invasive methods, have the potential to...permit access to difficult and/or dangerous environments, create a more accurate record of buried or concealed evidence and provide more effective means of presenting evidence in court,” Caroline Sturdy Colls, the leader of the project, said in a statement. 

Staffordshire University told The Wall Street Journal that one technique being coordinated and tested with the Staffordshire police department, uses virtual reality motion-capture headsets, which have become popular in the video gaming world. The Head of Justice services for Staffordshire Police told the BBC that these new developments could “bring to life” complicated crime scenes. 

Not everyone is thrilled about the idea of bringing virtual reality into the legal world however. Jason Holt, a barrister at Steven Solicitors told the BBC that “we don’t have a very good track record with bringing technology into courtrooms." The debate on the merits of reenacting crime scenes has been played out before. In 2001, the National Institute for Trial Advocacy released the Federal Judicial Center-funded guidebook that outlined the potential advantages and drawbacks of transporting jurors to “virtual environments”: 

“This kind of equipment is used for recreating scenes where it is important for the viewer to feel a part of the action. If compensation for fear, anxiety, peril, or the like are at issue, lawyers may want the jury to feel what the plaintiff or defendant felt. Virtual reality equipment comes the closest to that goal.  Because a full recreation of the relevant scene (from the point of view of the people involved) is usually impossible there remains a good deal of possibility for unfair prejudice.” 

A decade ago, William & Mary Law School’s Center for Legal and Court Technology researched ways to integrate virtual reality into law practices, according to Law Professor Fredric I. Lederer. The project involved a mock trial where expert witnesses in a medical negligence case used virtual reality to visualize the scene in the operating room. “It left us with the certainty that you could do it," Lederer said. Although the door was left open for future use, there were some lingering concerns including the accurate recreation of crime scenes and making sure jurors, lawyers, and judges were all viewing the same thing. Oddly enough, nausea was also a noted concern. “I wouldn’t want to lose a quarter of my jury because they’re trying not to throw up,” Lederer added. 

While virtual reality hasn't reached the courtroom quite yet, other industries are putting it to full use. Last summer, the University of Michigan's Athletic Department became the first collegiate athletic department to utilize virtual reality for recruiting and fan engagement. Players and fans will be able to wear HeadcaseVR's as glasses and see first hand what it's like to practice during the week, get ready in the locker room, and run out of the tunnel in front of the largest crowd in the United States.

While virtual reality has yet to play a role in the courtroom, the attorneys at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC will work with you to create an accurate description of what took place in your case. Our attorneys are committed to doing thorough research and investigation in order to get you the help you need. If you or somebody you know has been in an accident, call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation. 

Volvo Projects Completely Autonomous Cars by 2020

Volvo is hoping to put its money where its mouth is, in the very near future. The Swedish car manufacturer told Tech Insider its autonomous systems will have the capabilities and safety features to be able to operate without driver supervision by the year 2020. This prediction differs from those of many other auto companies who have promised semi-autonomous vehicles (cars in which the driver still needs to pay attention to the road), in the same time frame. 

Volvo is using Nvidia’s GPU-based “Deep-Learning” system with its “DriveMe” program, which will be launched in London, Gothenburg, Sweden, and a handful of cities in China, by 2017. Families who wish to participate in the program will be asked to drive the Volvos in varying road and traffic conditions, as well as different terrains. During their drive, the Deep-Learning system will be able to capture data and sync it with the software, allowing the vehicle to learn and become smarter the more it drives. Drivers will need to supervise the driving during the test runs, but it will be a major step towards having completely autonomous vehicles. 

“What is unique with DriveMe, is that we are not only building a concept car or doing demos, we are really doing research to help us understand how we can bring self-driving cars to the real world, to public roads with ordinary customers behind the wheel,” Erik Coelingh, Senior Technical Leader for Safety and Driver Support Technologies told Digital Trends, “...by accomplishing that objective, we will learn about the reality of self-driving cars, that it’s not just a fantasy. We will learn about technology, we will learn about the human factors, and how self-driving cars will impact society.” 

According to Volvo, their projections show that by 2020 no one will be killed or seriously injured in one of its new cars. The car company also believes advantages of self-driving cars will be in the areas of safety, congestion, pollution, and time-savings. “Autonomous driving represents a leap forward in car safety. The sooner (self-driving) cars are on the roads, the sooner lives will start being saved,” Volvo CEO and President Hakan Samuelsson said. 

Unfortunately, for those living in the United States Volvo has stated that there are no plans at this time to include road testing in America due to the different laws and guidelines in the 50 states, which make it near impossible to complete thorough testing. 

Self-Driving cars are well on their way to becoming a mainstay in everyday transportation. In the meantime, drivers are at risk of being injured in an auto accident every time they get behind the wheel. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Injuries from these accidents can range from bruises to head injuries, and they may not even present themselves immediately following the crash. Our attorneys will work with you to identify the appropriate help you may need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

New University of Michigan Alcohol Policy

This past school year at the University of Michigan (U of M), the world-renowned university tried something a little different when dealing with underage drinking. It was the first year that they decided to inform the parents of first year students if they were caught with alcohol twice during the year. Even though the vast majority of first year students are legal adults (18+) and therefore their parents are not required by law to be informed of anything, this was something that other Big 10 universities had put in place. By having this policy, the University of Michigan hopes to curb the use of alcohol in the student body, and therefore keep its students safer.

 

Vice president for Student Life, Evan Royster sent out the following email regarding the new school policy. "We will notify parents of first-year students when a student under the age of 21 has had a second alcohol or drug violation or when a first-year student has committed a violation accompanied by other serious behavior such as needing medical attention, significant property damage or driving under the influence," the email read. "At U-M, we strive to create a caring community. The safety of our students is our No. 1 priority. Our actions are intended to reduce the risk of harm and increase the safety of every student."

One of the reasons for this policy being put in place was due to the spike in alcohol and drug related matters. During the 2013-2014 school year, there were 404 alcohol and drug incidents, while the following year jumped up to 465 incidents. These incidents could range anywhere from a student being hospitalized for alcohol poisoning to a student being arrested for being in the possession of illegal narcotics. Of course, these numbers are only of the students that got "caught" and not the entire use of the substances at the university.


Even though the University of Michigan put this new policy in place, other universities in Michigan have not been reported to follow suit. According to the Michigan State University (MSU), the school is not expected to put any policy like U of M's anytime soon. Michigan State University spokesman Jason Cody has said the school does not see contacting parents as a form of prevention. He has said that the school has other programs targeted to first year students about underage drinking/drug use, and he doesn't believe contacting parents will be a deterrent. 

MSU should consider however, that implementing this policy may also be a good idea because it may help deter drunk driving accidents. Some first year students come to campus with vehicles given to them by their parents. If parents are informed of their student's illegal drinking, they may be able to provide consequences to the student by taking back their cars, even if they can't stop them from drinking. This not only serves as a punishment, making it so that students may give up drinking to get their driving privileges back, but this also helps parents prevent their students from becoming involved in dangerous drunk driving car crashes.

The policy that the University of Michigan has put in place will hopefully deter underage drinking at the school. Although it won’t completely solve the problem, it will cause some first year students to think twice about drinking alcohol if they don't want to risk their parents being contacted. Thus this is an important step taken in order to keep everyone safe at the university. After all, a mother's disappointment is the oldest trick in the book to getting people to do the right thing.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a motor vehicle accident due to underage drinking, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in handling many types of auto accident cases, including those involving alcohol. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Ride Sharing Apps Won't Decrease Car Sales

 

Recently there has been a rise in online transportation companies like Uber and Lyft. Due to the easy access of smartphones, with one click of a button, people can have a ride to wherever they want. This can eliminate the problems of finding an empty taxi or having to worry about finding parking while driving.

While these ride share companies have proved to be convenient and popular with citizens, many companies have taken issue to them. This is because places like Metro Detroit thrive on the business of car sales. Therefore automotive companies might see Uber and Lyft as a threat. More people taking Uber and Lyft means that people will be less inclined to lease or buy a car. However a couple of studies have recently seemed to disprove this notion. 

According to a study by Kelly Blue Book people use the ride sharing apps for various reasons. For some people it could be due to city living and the inconveniences of driving a car, while others were reported to only use the apps for their nightlife.That is why the study mainly determined that people that use Uber and Lyft were looking for an alternative to taxis or other public transportation. One way or another, they were not planning on using a car of their own to get to their destination. Moreover, the study determined that 74% of consumers surveyed said that driving is their preferred mode of transportation. 

Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. said that, “While there are numerous benefits to ride sharing and car sharing, our data reveal that owning a car still reigns supreme, with reliability, safety and convenience all being major factors.”

In addition to companies like Uber and Lyft, which are essentially taxis in peoples' own cars, there are also other ride sharing companies. About 5.8 million people worldwide use services like Zipcar, Daimler’s car2go, and Turo. These companies allow car owners to rent out their vehicles to others. Instead of someone being chauffeured around, they can drive other peoples' cars to get to where they want. 

However, that doesn't mean the users of these type of companies don't necessarily want to buy a car either. The Kelley Blue Book did a survey on the habits of these users.

Kelley Blue Book Car Ride Sharing App Statistics

1. According to the survey 81% said that vehicle ownership is more reliable.

2. 76% of these users said that they plan to buy or lease their own vehicle within two years time.

3. 80% thought that owning their own car was safer.

All of this data shows that despite the boom of ride sharing apps, car companies don't need to worry about their sales being affected. Uber, Zipcar, and other ride sharing companies are alternates to public transportation, not to buying or leasing a car. The vast majority of their users are planning on getting a car of their own in the near future.

Having the opportunity to use Uber or Lyft might decrease someone’s chance of getting to a car accident. Nevertheless that doesn’t mean that accidents don't occur. Whether you are driving your own car or using someone else's’ car with Turo, there is always the possibility of a motor vehicle collision occurring. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an car accident of any kind, call the The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Actor Anton Yelchin's Parents File Lawsuit Against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles

The parents of late actor Anton Yelchin have spoken out after filing a wrongful death and product liability lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this week, according to the Detroit Free Press. “Anton was our only son and was a remarkable human being. It is wrong, it is against nature when parents bury their own child,” Victor Yelchin, Anton’s father, said at a media conference. 

The 27-year-old actor, who was most recently a part of the highly successful and popular film, Star Trek Beyond, was killed by his own vehicle June 19th, 2016 when he left his California home for rehearsal. According to the police report, Yelchin had exited his Jeep Grand Cherokee, leaving it parked in his driveway. The car, which was subject for a recall from Fiat Chrysler, started to roll down the steep driveway, and pinned Yelchin against a brick pillar and security fence. Los Angeles County medical examiners determined that Yelchin’s death was accidental and was caused by “blunt traumatic asphyxia.” 

The actor’s SUV was included in a global recall of 1.1 million vehicles by Fiat Chrysler. Gary Dordick, the family’s lawyer says that a May recall notice sent out by the car company to notify the public of the recall wasn’t found in Yelchin’s possession, and a second letter was mailed to Yelchin’s home seven days after he had died. “The safety recall was way too little and way too late,” said Dordick. “We hope this lawsuit will teach them a lesson.” 

Dordick also said that the type of vehicle Yelchin was driving had over 700 rolling incidents and dozens of people injured, but there was a lack of response from the automaker. “The problem with the gear shift is that people mistakenly think it’s in park and there’s no warning,” Dordick explained. A government investigation into the gear shift found 266 crashes which injured 68 people, as of late June 2016. 

The Detroit Free Press reported that at the time of Yelchin’s death, Fiat Chrysler extended it’s “most sincere condolences” to his family and friends. However, on Tuesday, the Yelchins said the company had not directly apologized for the incident. Within an hour of the family’s press conference, Fiat Chrysler sent out another statement: 

“We extend our sympathies to the Yelchin family for their tragic loss. The company has not been served with a lawsuit and cannot comment further at this time. FCA US urges customers to follow the instructions in their owners manuals and the information cards sent with their recall notices. These instructions include advising customers to set the parking brakes in their vehicles before exiting.”

Car defects and malfunctions can cause drivers to lose complete control of their vehicle, which can put their lives and the lives of others at risk. Therefore, any notices of recalls should be evaluated seriously. It is important to make sure that your car dealer or the maker of your automobile has your most current address, to ensure that you receive notification of any recalls in the mail. If you or somebody you know has been injured in a car accident which was caused by a car defect, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you need, including any reimbursement for medical services, wage loss, or pain and suffering that you may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

The Dangers of Leaving Children and Pets In A Hot Car

As the summer is currently in full effect, this is a friendly reminder that parents should always make sure NOT to leave their kids or pets in a hot car by themselves.

While local news constantly covers the horror stories of parents forgetting about their kids when they go to work or go back into their house, sometimes parents intentionally leave their kids in a hot car. This is not because the parents intend to harm their child or dog, but because they rationalize that they will only be gone for a minute. Whether popping your head into a store to just grab one item or unloading a car full of groceries, it is wrong to leave a child in the car. A few minutes in a hot car could lead to death for a child, if hot enough. 

Recently, Kars4Kids sponsored the Hot Car Challenge in Lakewood, New Jersey, to see how long adults could last in a hot car. They were offered 100 dollars if they could sit in a hot car for ten minutes with the windows rolled up. The temperature was over 90 degrees Fahrenheit and though many probably thought the challenge would be a piece of cake, none of the adults could successfully complete the challenge. 

Although people who did not partake in the challenge could remark that they could have survived the ten minutes or that the challenge was staged, they are missing the point. Many people don't realize how hot a car can get. Greg McKay, director of the Department of Child Safety did another demonstration on how hot a car will get within 10 minutes of the windows being rolled up. On the day of McKay’s demonstration it was also 90 degrees Fahrenheit. outside. However, after 10 minutes the temperature inside the car became 108 degrees because of the rolled up windows. And after 25 minutes the temperature rose to a whopping 124 degrees. This shows the serious danger of leaving a child or a pet in the car on a hot day. 

If the sheer temperature isn't enough to ship people from leaving children unattended in hot cars, here is an even scarier number. More than 750 children, mostly toddlers and younger, have died of a heat stroke in the back seats of cars since the mid-1980s, which is about an average of 38 kids per year.

The Hot Car Challenge was performed to remind people how easily it is for a child or a pet to die due to being left in a hot car. If adults can’t handle staying in a car for ten minutes, there is no reason to think that children can.

Tips To Prevent Hot Car Deaths

In order for people to ensure the safety of their child, here are some more old-fashioned methods that can help prevent hot-car deaths:

  1.  Leaving a purse or briefcase in the backseat with the child.
  2.  Removing your shoe, wallet or cellphone to put with your child.
  3.  Keeping a stuffed animal in the back seat car seat. When a child is in the seat, place the toy in the passenger seat as a reminder.

All of these tip help remind adults to check the backseat so that no helpless passengers are left behind when the adult exits the vehicle.

It is also important to note however, that exposure to extreme temperatures and their resulting symptoms are not the only way that children and pets may be harmed when left unattended in a vehicle. Motor vehicle accidents are very common with parked cars. Whether stopped on the side of a road or in a parking lot, collisions happen. While the vehicle is unoccupied the only concern may damage to the car and the hassle of dealing with auto insurance companies, however, when the vehicle has a child or a pet in it, the situation becomes very serious. In the case of a hit and run, a child or dog could be injured and could go unnoticed until the owner of the car comes back. 

The bottom line is, DO NOT leave children or pets unattended in a car.

As summer reaches it's peak, it is important to be mindful of protecting children and pets from the heat. Children and pets should NEVER be left a hot car by themselves, for any reason. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident due to occupying a parked car, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling any time of motor vehicle collision, including those involving parked cars. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.