I-94 at Detroit Metro Airport Construction

If you are somebody who enjoys months long construction, you've probably been enjoying the Detroit Metro Airport construction. This $9 million I-94 repair project began on Monday, June 13th. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) told WWJ Detroit that work along I-94 near the airport, between Telegraph and I-275 will continue through mid-November. 

The news station reported that nearly 11 miles of freeway and ramps in the Romulus and Taylor area are being repaired with resurfacing, concrete pavement, drainage work, and pavement markings. The majority of the workload takes place during overnight hours and full-time during the weekends. MDOT plans on working overnight on the westbound lanes of I-94, just west of Telegraph Road, 8 PM to 5 AM and around the clock on the weekends. 

MDOT has planned both single and double-lane closures on I-94 which may leave only one lane open. The main ramps which lead to the airport will stay open as often as possible through mid-August, when concrete repair work will force the ramps to close. 

To avoid any delays with this construction, MDOT is strongly advising drivers to use the I-275 and Eureka Road airport entrance. To follow all of this summer’s construction work and their impacts on your commute, check out MDOT’s Interactive Traffic Map. 

Nobody likes traffic, and nobody likes getting into an accident. While stuck in a standstill on the way home from work, drivers will try anything to speed up their commute time, including breaking the law. If you or somebody you know has been in an accident involving a driver who just had to run that red light or turn without signaling, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Injuries can be minor enough to leave a bruise or major enough to leave you unable to go to work. Whatever the case, our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Top 20 Most Dangerous Michigan Intersections

Everybody believes their local intersection is the worst of all, but now there are numbers to back it up. All but one of the Top 20 intersections for auto accidents in 2015 were located in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County (Washtenaw had one intersection listed). The list, compiled by the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting Unit listed Pontiac Trail and M-5/Martin Parkway in Commerce Township, a large roundabout, as the intersection with the most crashes (186) in 2015. The list defines intersections as “any road with a traffic signal, four-way stop or roundabout.”

According to a news release from the Michigan Auto Law firm, almost “30% of all Michigan car crashes and a staggering 26% of fatalities are stemming from just 20 intersections.” Patterns have consistently shown that areas with high traffic volumes see higher crash rates than less busy intersections. One of the reasons Pontiac Trail and M-5/Martin Parkway in Commerce Township saw a steady increase in traffic in 2015 was the closure of Haggerty Road in the area, for construction.

Craig Bryson, a spokesman for the Road Commission for Oakland County, doesn’t necessarily agree with the characterization of the county’s roads being “dangerous”. “Any time anyone puts a list together, there will inevitably be a ‘No. 1.’ That doesn’t necessarily mean that intersection is ‘dangerous.’ It just means it has slightly more crashes than other intersections. Essentially, this is a list of the busiest intersections in the state. It simply makes sense that intersections with the most traffic will have the most crashes,” Bryson said in an email to the Detroit Free Press. 

Bryson also believes that it would be more effective and accurate to use crash rate statistics, which considers the number of crashes compared to traffic volume. “For example, if an intersection that carries 100,000 vehicles per day has 100 crashes per year, it may not b e as ‘dangerous’ as an intersection that carries 5,000 cars per day but has 50 crashes a year. The second intersection has fewer total crashes, but the likelihood of getting in a crash is far greater,” Bryson explained. 

Interestingly enough, there was not a single intersection from Detroit listed. “It is likely due to several factors, although safer drivers in the City of Detroit is not one of them. What is more likely is that there continues to be under-reporting of car accidents, especially with approximately 50% of Detroiters driving without mandatory auto insurance,” the release noted. Other reasons for a Detroit absence includes lower traffic volume and lower speed limits in more urban areas. 

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) released figures showing that the number of fatal traffic crashes in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties has increased for five consecutive years, with 387 traffic fatalities in 2015. When looking for solutions, SEMCOG Executive Director Kathleen Lomako believes that “to stem the needless loss of life in our region, we must take a broad approach to improving the safety of our transportation system and to making small but potentially life-saving changes to our personal behavior.” 

TOP 20 MOST DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS 

  1. Pontiac Trail and M-5/Martin Parkway, Commerce Township (186)
  2. Telegraph Road and 12 Mile Road, Southfield (132)
  3. 11 Mile Road and Van Dyke Ave, Warren/Center Line (131)
  4. 18 ½ Mile Road and Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights (124)
  5. I-75 and Big Beaver Road, Troy (124)
  6. Ford Road and Haggerty Road, Canton Township (116)
  7. State Road and Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor/Pittsfield (114)
  8. Hall Road and Schoeherr Road (111)
  9. Metro Parkway and Mound Road, Sterling Heights (102)
  10. Southfield Road and 11 Mile Road, Lathrup VIllage (102)
  11. Hall Road and Romeo Plank, Clinton Township/Macomb (94)
  12. Orchard Lake Road and Maple Road, West Bloomfield (92)
  13. Big Beaver Road and Rochester Road, Troy (92)
  14. Ford Road and Lilley Road, Canton (89)
  15. 11 Mile Road and Gratiot Ave, Roseville (88)
  16. Metro Parkway and Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights (84)
  17. Farmington Road and Maple Road, West Bloomfield (84)
  18. 12 Mile Road and Mound Road, Warren (83)
  19. Garfield Road and Hall Road, Clinton Township (82)
  20. Dix Highway and M-39/Southfield Freeway, Lincoln Park (80)

Heavy traffic is nothing new to the residents of Metro Detroit, but the threat of a traffic accidents looms everyday for drivers on the road. Traffic accidents can cause minor bumps and bruises or severe and long lasting injuries. Our attorneys understand the challenges that can come from being injured in an auto accident, including finding a way to pay for medical bills as well as wage loss. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident and are looking for help, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.

New Bill Requires Rental Car Companies to Repair Recalled Vehicles

A new federal law was put into effect in June which requires rental car companies to repair or replace any recalled vehicle before it’s rented out for service. Previous to this law, there were no regulations which stopped a rental car company from renting out recalled cars which had not been repaired. This piece of legislation was included in a transportation funding bill which passed in 2015 following a handful of fatal accidents which involved drivers and passengers of rental cars which were eligible for recall but never repaired. 

CNNMoney highlighted the case of Rachel Houck and her 20-year old sister Jacqueline, both of whom were killed in October 2004 when a PT Cruiser rented from Enterprise caught fire due to a defective power steering hose. Smoke began to filter through the cabin of the car which caused Rachel to lose control of her car and collide head on with a semi-tractor, leaving them both dead. “We were shocked that there was no regulation to prohibit renting out this kind of vehicle,” Cally Houck, the victims’ mother, told CNNMoney.

Hertz was the initial rental car company to support the legislation but eventually the entire industry got on board. Sharon Faulkner, Executive Director of American Car Rental Association, noted that the major rental car companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis had been complying with these regulations before the law went into effect. 

Small rental car companies had been resistant to the move, even though the automakers would be footing the bill for any repairs. In 2014, Jewel Brangman died in a Honda Civic which was equipped with a Takata airbag that exploded and killed her. According to Rosemary Shahan, head of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS), Brangman had rented it from a small company with only 55 cars available. Unfortunately, there is a loophole in the bill that excludes companies with less than 35 cars from having to comply, but CARS has said they will continue to push for regulation of all rental cars. 

As seen with Jewel Brangman's accident, car defects can come out of nowhere and cause fatal damage if they cause the driver to lose control of their car. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident caused by defective car equipment, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether you have suffered a broken bone or a closed head injury, our attorneys will help identify the best solution for your situation. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Proposed State Bills Allow for Public Sale of Self-Driving Cars

It appears that the State of Michigan is ready to dive into the world of self-driving vehicles. The U.S. auto capital is making preparations for the arrival of autonomous cars by passing legislation to allow for public sales and operation. Currently there are existing state laws that only allows testing on these types of cars. 

A package of bipartisan bills which would update 2013 laws to allow for sales and operation are in the works, the Detroit Free Press reports. Furthermore, Detroit based auto companies General Motors, Fiat Chrysler, and Ford would be authorized to run networks of on-demand self-driving vehicles. This piece of legislation is an effort from both the government and auto companies to reinvent themselves as “mobility companies”. Earlier this year, GM invested $500 million in Lyft and bought a start-up company that creates software for autonomous vehicles. 

“It’s coming. It’s coming fast. The technology is at a point where it will be incorporated into something that is mass-produced,” Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Kirk Steudle said. Michigan is not alone in having laws on the books related to self-driving vehicles. Nevada became the first state to authorize self-driving vehicles in 2011, and California, Florida, North Dakota, Tennessee and Utah followed suit. 

Testing of self-driving vehicles is getting closer to home as well. In July, a convoy of self-driving Army trucks were tested along a stretch of Interstate 69 in Michigan’s “Thumb” region. To follow Michigan state law, someone will be required to be at the wheel at all times as a precaution. MDOT has been working closely with state legislators to develop the bills, which the state’s economic development officials are supportive of. “I see the autonomous vehicles being tested on the road every day. It’s weird, but it’s what’s going to move the auto industry into the (next century),” Senator Mike Kowall, the lead sponsor of the proposed bill said. Governor Rick Snyder is also “very supportive” of the proposal, according to a spokesman. 

Not everyone is 100% on board with the proposal which will begin to be considered for adoption later this summer. Consumer Watchdog President Jamie Court is concerned that the auto companies are moving too fast and the necessary safety measures aren’t being put in place. “It’s foolhardy to rush into this without a plan just because it seems to be a way to stimulate jobs,” Court argued. Court also believes that there is a long way to go because “robots and humans don’t communicate.”

One of the Michigan bills that is being debated would end the requirement for a driver to be behind the wheel at all times, and another would provide funding to build a facility which would allow for testing of autonomous and wirelessly connected cars. The proposed facility would be located at the site of an abandoned GM plant that once produced World War II bombers. 

Traffic deaths in Michigan have seen an increase in the last year, as lower gas prices and a rebounding economy has led to more cars being on the road. Whether it is a trip to the super market or a road trip up north, drivers should always be focused on what's happening on the road. If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Car collisions may lead to physical, mental, and emotional damage. Our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Lyft Begins Testing Pre-Scheduled Pickups

Lyft, a popular transportation network company, which was founded in 2012, is adapting to the needs of its customers. Customers of services such as Lyft, like to know in advance that they have a future ride secured and scheduled. That is why the company is beginning testing on a new feature that allows passengers to book their ride up to 24 hours in advance. 

“Whether you have an early-morning flight and need to get to the airport or have a make-or-break business meeting cross-town, scheduled rides will get you out the door and off to your destination at your specific pickup time,” Lyft Blog writes. When customers are using the app to select their pickup location, they will be asked to set their desired pickup time by clicking on the clock icon which will appear on the right side of the screen. Lyft also allows riders to update or cancel their pickup up to 30 minutes prior to the requested time. 

This new feature to the service is seen as Lyft gaining an advantage over their rival competition, Uber, which has not yet allowed their users to schedule rides ahead of time. While pre-scheduling pickup times are seen as a customer-friendly move, it will also help the drivers, as this new feature will provide a more steady and reliable stream of money. 

“While on-demand rides remain core to our platform, we’re thrilled to offer even more options to passengers- as well as another opportunity for drivers to earn. Testing for scheduled rides begins shortly in San Francisco, and we look forward to making the feature available to more passengers this summer,” the company stated. 

Meanwhile in Detroit, a “Standard” ride via Lyft (up to 4 passengers) starts at 50 cents, tacks on 17 cents for every minute, as well as 70 cents for every mile. The minimum ride cost is $4, and it costs $5 to cancel a ride. 

Transportation services like Lyft and Uber are great ways to get around town if you are looking to save on gas or find a way home after a night out on the town. Unfortunately, there is a chance that the drivers of these cars may be distracted while driving, as they depend on a GPS map on their device to give them directions. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident caused by distracted driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today for a free consultation, at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Regulators Battle Advancements in Self-Driving Vehicles

One of the biggest questions facing the rise of the driverless car is “how safe is safe enough?” Government regulators and auto companies are working together to figure out the best way to create safety standards and regulations for driverless cars of different models and manufacturers. 

Many believe the answer to the previously stated question, “how safe is safe enough?” will be, constantly flexible. This meas that the standards and regulations will be changing as the technology becomes more advanced. “Today everybody expects a regulation comes out and that’s what it is forever. That will not work,” Mark Rosekind, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), said at a Telematics Update conference in Novi. Although the NHTSA will be releasing guidelines in the upcoming months that will serve as short-term rules of the road, Rosekind believes those will be changing quickly. 

Rosekind has admitted that the technology will change faster than regulator’s ability to make new rules, and that is one of the main challenges facing regulators. The Detroit Free Press reports that most vehicles that are testing for full autonomy (Level 4) are limited to testing grounds only, such as Mcity in Ann Arbor or other private test areas. One of the challenges to limited these types of self-driving vehicles to testing grounds is that a short drive around the track may not translate to a safe operating system for thousands of miles. 

Level 2, or semi-autonomous, features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and forward collision avoidance has proved to be effective and safe, but the path to full autonomy is long and winding. Tesla has been at the forefront of self-driving technology, and they recently introduced an “Autopilot” feature which allows the driver to relinquish control of the vehicle. The Detroit Free Press however reported an incident involving a Tesla Model X which crashed into a commercial building in Irvine, California. The driver claims that the car accelerated on its own from its parking space, but Tesla stated that the vehicle logs showed the Autopilot feature was not active at the time of the crash. 

One of the questions James Fackler, Assistant Administrator in the Michigan Secretary of State’s office, and Jude Hurin, head of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, are discussing is whether self-driving vehicles should change the standards for who can obtain a driver’s license. “Michigan is taking the approach of ‘Let’s start slow.’  If there is someone behind the wheel, let’s make sure they are not technically unable to operate it. Some people outside the regulatory community say ‘Well, you’re standing in the way of future technology.’ But I want to make sure that if something does happen to this car that the person who is there is ready to take over,” Fackler explained. 

Motor vehicle accidents can be life changing events. Many victims begin to see their medical bills start to pile up, and they are too injured to work in order to pay those bills. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys understand the financial and emotional burden that is put on auto accident victims, and they will work alongside you to find relief. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Michigan Sees Increase in Seat Belt Usage And Fatal Accidents in 2016

A study conducted by students at Michigan State University, in partnership with the Michigan State Police shows an increase in seat belt usage in 2016. The seat belt use rate climbed from 92.8% in 2015 to 94.5% so far this year. This comes as welcomed news, as there has been a significant increase in traffic deaths in the past two years. 

“Traffic safety programs are meant to reduce traffic deaths and mitigate the impact of injuries,” Michael L. Prince, Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Planning (MOHP) said in a statement sent out by the Michigan State Police. “The Click It or Ticket campaign remains our cornerstone effort to remind motorists about Michigan’s life-saving seat belt law.” MSP reports that since the state’s all-time belt use record of 97.9% in 2009, the rate has been declining or plateauing around 93%. 2016’s numbers are the highest it has been in five years. 

So what does a couple of percentage points mean? For every one percent increase in seat belt usage, there will be an estimated 10 fewer traffic deaths and 100 fewer serious injuries. Michigan ranks near the top in seat belt usage in the United States, as numbers range from 69.5% usage (New Hampshire) to 97.3% (California and Georgia). 

Cell phone usage was also tracked during this study, which found that the numbers remained the same from the previous year. 7.5% of respondents said they use some type of electronic device, including a handheld device or hands-free device. 

FATAL ACCIDENTS UP IN 2016

Even though seat belt usage has risen, MOHP reported that traffic deaths are 42 higher than this time last year with 440 traffic fatalities taking place as of June 28th. Electronic billboards have been spotted on Michigan highways displaying the fatal crash statistic in hopes that it influences drivers to be safer while out on the road. 

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and MSP are continuing their “Toward Zero Deaths” statewide safety campaign, which is looking to reduce traffic fatalities from 889 in 2011 to 750 in 2016. “As part of Operation C.A.R.E and the summer-long statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over drunk driving crackdown, troopers will take a zero-tolerance approach to motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, are unbelted or exhibiting other dangerous driving behaviors,” Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, Director of MSP, told MLive. 

One of the first things drivers should do when they enter a vehicle is buckle their seat belt. It can be the difference between life and death when you are involved in a car accident. Distracted driving habits such as texting or taking pictures can also be very dangerous, not only to yourself but also to other drivers on the road. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident caused by distracted driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether caused by distracted driving or drunk driving, our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of car crash cases. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

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.

Detroit Car Crash Lawyer

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

Michigan Workplace Safety Lawyer

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. 

Michigan Worker's Compensation Lawyer

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 

Detroit Worker's Compensation Lawyer

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.