Transportation Departments Testing The Use Of Drones

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

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

Michigan Drone Lawyer

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

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

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

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


Drones in Michigan

The Michigan State Police have received authorization from the FAA to fly an Unmanned Aircraft System, or drone, to support "public safety efforts."  The Michigan State Police claim that missions for the drone aircraft may include "search and rescue, crime scene and crash investigations."  

The official authorization from the FAA was granted in February 25, 2015, but the Michigan State Police flew the drone on its first mission on March 4, 2015.  A representative for the Michigan State Police claims that the drone can assist with accident reconstruction, creating 3D images of crash scenes.

While the the impact on the civil rights of Michigan citizens remains to be seen, the additional documentation for auto accidents and motorcycle accidents may be important as this technology is implemented. 

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC will continue to monitor the impact of the usage of drones on automobile and motorcycle accident lawsuits.

The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC is a  civil litigation firm specializing in personal injury cases including auto and motorcycle accidents, dog bites, slip & falls, and medical provider claims.  Contact us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

 

Sources:

Michigan State Police March 9, 2015 Press Release