Heat Related Child Car Deaths Have Doubled Since 2015

Tragedy struck Dallas this past weekend as a toddler became the 21st child to die in a hot car this year in the United States, according to the national safety advocacy organization KidsAndCars.org. That is nearly twice as high as the number of children who died due to being in the car under hot temperatures than this time last year. 

With temperatures in the mid-90’s on Sunday afternoon, the child’s father noticed that the boy wasn’t in his regular children’s Bible service class, according to CNN. A member of the Dallas Matu Christian Church stated that the boy’s father went to his car, found the boy inside and carried him into the church, shouting that someone needed to call 911. After paramedics performed CPR, the boy was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

A couple days before, 4-year old Samaria Motyka died in a car in Pennsylvania, where the temperatures rose to 97 degrees. CNN reports that a woman who takes care of the girl usually dropped her at daycare in the mornings but on Friday the woman drove to work. At the end of the day, she returned to her car and found the girl unconscious. Attempts of reviving the girl from paramedics were unsuccessful. 

“The biggest mistake people make is thinking that it can’t happen to them”

According to Jeanette Fennell, KidsAndCars.org founder and president, there are typically two sets of circumstances that lead to this kind of tragedy. Children will either get into a car on their own or an adult leaves them in the car because they were distracted or didn’t think the heat would have such negative effects on their child. The organization has given parents tips which will help prevent them from forgetting their child is in the backseat, including putting something they need in the backseat which will force them to look in the backseat where the child is sitting. Fennel says that an average of 37 children die every year from heat stroke in a vehicle. 87% of kids that die this way are 3 years old or younger. 

“The biggest mistake people make is thinking that it can’t happen to them,” Fennell said. “Everyone should practice those safety measures and do whatever they have to do to remind themselves to check the backseat.”

Parents please be aware of your child's presence in the car, especially during these summer months where cars can reach dangerous temperatures in a matter of 5-10 minutes. Tragedies like these are 100% preventable. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Michigan State Police Trooper Injured in Accident on I-696

A Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper was injured on Monday, July 25, 2016 on eastbound I-696 after his vehicle was hit by a large construction van. MSP reported to the Detroit Free Press that the crash happened around 7 A.M. when troopers responded to a vehicle in a ditch on eastbound I-696 near Lodge Freeway. 

“The trooper pulled over to the right shoulder and was struck by a large construction state van hauling a piece of equipment,” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said in a statement. The injured officer, who has yet to be identified, was rushed to Providence Hospital with injuries to the face, back, and head. Luckily, his injuries do not appear to be life threatening. The driver of the construction van vehicle was not injured and state troopers are still continuing to investigate the accident, Shaw reported. The crash caused all lanes of I-696 to be shut down around M-10, but the area has since been cleared and re-opened. 

The accident took place a week after MSP officials held a news conference to discuss Michigan’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over for stationary emergency vehicles with their lights activated or slow down and pass with caution if it’s not possible to safely change lanes, according to the Detroit Free Press. “It’s just kind of ironic that exactly one week ago we were standing in the same parking lot talking about the Move Over law...and now we have a smashed patrol car sitting here. The picture above was posted by the MSP Twitter account (@mspmetrodet) with the caption “This is why you need to pay attention while driving. Give a lane.”

According to MSP, a 2014 statewide survey commissioned by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning reported that 80% of motorists were aware of the move over law, but only 60% were aware that the law also applies to tow trucks. Shaw stated that it’s not uncommon for troopers to get hit while parked on the side of the road.

“One of the things we see all the time is the distracted driving on our freeway system. For us, we understand that humans are curious people by nature and everyone wants to take a peek. This is one of the reasons you’ll see us close two or three lanes for a crash, not only to protect our troopers, EMS and tow trucks, but also to protect the people at the crash scene,” MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw stated. 

Distracted driving, whether it's taking a Snapchat photo or sending a quick text, can affect your life forever. Taking your eyes off the road for even two seconds can be dangerous, potentially causing serious injuries or death. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident involving a distracted driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether it is a sore back, broken leg, or a Traumatic Brain Injury, Michigan drivers are entitled to reimbursement for auto accident related medical expenses, wage loss, and oftentimes pain and suffering compensation. Our attorneys will work alongside you to identify which areas of aid you need, and get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

I-75 Project Begins in Oakland County Michigan Next Month

If you live or commute in Oakland County and were already sick of the number of orange construction barrels on the roads, you will be in for a big treat come mid-August. The Michigan Department of Transportation announced on July 19th, 2016 that the first project in the rebuilding of I-75 in Oakland County will begin this August. 

The two-year $90.8 million investment, which will stretch from Coolidge Highway to South Boulevard, will include reconstructing pavement, replacing bridges, and modernizing the Square Lake Road interchange. The Square Lake Road project involves replacing the left lane ramps at northbound I-75, and this will continue throughout the winter months. The good news however is that according to MDOT, this project will not impact traffic flow, like most construction projects usually do. 

“Starting in mid-August, two lanes will be open in each direction of I-75 between Coolidge Highway and Squirrel Road, in order to safely allow crews to construct temporary crossovers. In September, two-way traffic will share the southbound lanes to allow for the reconstruction of northbound I-75, along with bridge replacement at Adams, Square Lake, and Squirrel roads,” MDOT said in a released statement. This roadwork will continue to impact commuters on I-75 and will remain in place until mid-December, when all lanes will be expected to open back up. 

Oakland County residents aren’t exactly pleased with the upcoming construction in their area. More specifically, residents are upset about the increased noise that will be present due to all of the road work. “The construction is something we know can’t be stopped, and in the long run it’ll be fine. But the noise has tripled in places in my condo I’ve never had it before,” Karen Mellot, a resident of a condo complex located along I-75, told C&G Newspaper. At a meeting held by Oakland County Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub and MDOT officials, residents caused an uproar, with many shouting at MDOT presenters and others walking out of the room.

As frustrating as ongoing construction may be, drivers are highly discouraged from runing their car right through those orange construction barrels and plowing their way through traffic. By not allowing frustration to turn into road rage drivers can avoid car accidents, crash related injuries, and a meeting with the police. If you or somebody you know has been injured in a car accident caused by aggressive driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you need and deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Laptops Are Being Used To Hack, Start, and Steal Vehicles

Car thieves are now going hi-tech it appears. Police and car insurance companies say that thieves are now using laptop computers to hack into new cars’ electronic ignitions to steal the vehicles. The issue came to light after a recent incident in Houston in which two thieves were caught on security cameras using a laptop to start a 2010 Jeep Wrangler and drive it out of its owner’s driveway. Local police added that this method has been used on four additional late-model Wranglers and Cherokees in the city, and none of which have been recovered yet. 

“If you are going to hotwire a car, you don’t bring along a laptop. We don’t know what he is exactly doing with the laptop, but my guess is he is tapping into the car’s computer and marrying it with a key he may already have with him so he can start the car,” Houston Senior Officer James Woods told The Wall Street Journal. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has said it recently has begun to see police reports that tie thefts of newer-model cars to “mystery” electronic devices. “We think it is becoming the new way of stealing cars. The public, law enforcement and the manufacturers need to be aware,” NICB Vice President Roger Morris said. 

Fiat Chrysler stated it “takes the safety and security of its customers seriously and incorporates security features in its vehicles that help to reduce the risk of unauthorized and unlawful access to vehicle systems and wireless communications.” Titus Melnyk, Senior Manager of Security Architecture, believes an individual with access to a dealer website may have sold the information to a thief. From there, a thief will enter the vehicle identification number on the site and receive a code which is entered into the car’s computer triggering the acceptance of the new key. 

Car manufacturers are starting to get involved with cyber protections for cars as the threat of car hackers continues to grow. “What we now need is multiple layers of protection to make the efforts of carrying out a cyber attack very costly and deter hackers from spending the time and effort,” Yoni Heilbronn, Vice President of Marketing for Argus Cyber Security Ltd. said. San Francisco-based Voyomotive LLC is currently developing an application that can prevent hackers from starting a vehicle, as well as repeatedly lock a car’s doors if they are triggered by a hacker. 

As hackers continue to innovate and find new ways to to get into vehicles, it's best if personal belongings and valuables aren't kept inside your car. Additionally, if you notice any suspicious activity taking place outside near your car or a neighbor's car, call your local police immediately. If you or somebody you know has been injured because of a car malfunction of any kind, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. You can work with an accident lawyer who will identify the help you need and will not rest until a settlement is reached. Call our experienced legal team today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Over 500,000 Hoverboards Recalled Due to Risk of Fire and Explosions

Issues pertaining to hoverboard malfunctions continue, as more than 500,000 of the balancing scooters are being recalled due to a risk of fire and/or explosions. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall Wednesday, and added that many hoverboard devices which were not included in the recall should be discarded for consumers’ safety. 

“There have been at least 99 incident reports of the battery packs in self-balancing scooters/hoverboards overheating, sparking, smoking, catching fire and/or exploding,” the CPSC told NPR. All of the recalled devices were sold within the last year, and ranged in price from $350 to $900. The CPSC has advised consumers who own a recalled hoverboard to stop using it immediately, and reach out to the manufacturer or retailer for a refund, repair or replacement, depending on what the company is offering. 

CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye is instructing consumers who don’t see their device on the list to “contact the manufacturer or retailer and demand that they give you your money back.” Kaye adds in a statement that unless the manufacturer can show that the device has been certified as safe by Underwriters Laboratories, it should be considered “a fire hazard waiting to happen.”

“a fire hazard waiting to happen...”

So what is causing all of these fires and explosions? Jay Whitacre of Carnegie Mellon University explained that lithium-ion batteries have a flammable electrolyte in them. Whitacre states: 

“I think a lot of (hoverboard makers (are using second-tier battery sources, which are going to have probably a higher rate of defects. These things have more lithium-ion batteries in them than most things because they’re used to move you around. It takes more batteries to get you the power…to do that and as such there’s just more energy in a small space. And so if something does go wrong, it’s a bit more catastrophic.”

Whitacre advised consumers not to overcharge their hoverboard’s battery, and to never charge or use them indoors. 

If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident because of a hoverboard malfunction, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC.  Speak to an experienced personal injury attorney who will identify the help you are entitled to and will not rest until you get the relief you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Pokemon Go Causing Havoc for Drivers & Pedestrians?

In case you haven’t heard, or haven’t “caught them all,” Pokemon Go has swept the nation. The immensely popular augmented-reality game played on a smartphone app and available on iOS and Android has captivated the attention of casual and dedicated young and old, but unfortunately there have been reports of dangerous side effects. 

The free game, which was launched on July 6, 2016 has already surpassed “Candy Crush Saga” as the biggest mobile game in United States history with millions of active daily users. Pokemon Go has separated itself from other video games because it encourages players to get outside and walk in an effort to find virtual characters based on a GPS-powered map that reflects the real world location in which players are standing. 

While you will see players venturing around the neighborhood park or downtown streets by foot, players are also driving to different locations which is causing major problems. On July 12, 2016 an illegally parked car on Texas A&M University’s campus was struck from behind after the driver had parked and exited the car to catch a Pokemon sustaining injuries in the process.

The following day in Auburn, New York, 28-year-old Steven Cary crashed his car into a tree while playing Pokemon Go.  The distracted driver suffered minor injuries but the vehicle sustained major damage due to the crash.

“a fun game can have tragic real-world consequences”

Incidents such as these have forced authorities to create new policies and guidelines for players. Due to a large amount of photos being taken of Pokemon characters from behind the wheel, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has been issuing public safety warnings. DMV Executive Deputy Commissioner Terri Egan reminded the public that “a fun game can have tragic real-world consequences,” and asked New Yorkers to “put their phones down instead of playing the popular Pokemon Go game while behind the wheel or walking near or across roadways.” According to The Daily Beast, local police departments are regularly posting reminders about the dangers of Pokemon Go, “Don’t catch and drive” messages have been posted on many public safety Facebook and Twitter feeds, and even highway emergency notices have read “Don’t Pokemon and Drive.”

Unfortunately, it’s not just car accidents that have public safety officials concerned. Last Wednesday, firefighters were called to rescue two men in North San Diego County, California who had walked off a cliff while playing the game, causing injuries. The two men were not playing the game together, but had the same result. Firefighters only found the second man, who was unconscious a few feet below. 

Catching Pokemon...and Staying Safe

The Frankenmuth (Michigan) Police Department released a full statement urging parents to talk with their children about the dangers of playing the game, and reminded drivers that it’s never a good idea to drive and play at the same time. They have also provided the public with safety tips for “catching them all”:

  • Be aware of your surroundings. Look up and be aware of who is around you besides Pokemon. 
  • Parents limit places kids can go. Set boundaries and timelines to avoid danger areas where children will venture unattended and require to routinely check in using their cell phone. 
  • Don’t “Pokemon Go” and drive: Catching Pikachu isn’t worth crashing. 
  • Tell people where you’re going and play in a group and stay with them. 
  • Don’t trespass it is not just disrespectful...it can be dangerous. People might call the police if you enter private property and your Pokemon can’t help you. 
  • If you are stopped by police: show them you are playing a game since more than likely they are responding to a suspicious person call which has been called into 911 by a citizen. 

Distracted driving is a big problem in the United States without Pokemon Go, but the game according to some, has added cause for drivers to be extra caution while out on the road. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident because the driver was distracted playing Pokemon Go or any other reason, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Speak to an experienced lawyer who will fight for you to get the appropriate aid needed, including wage loss recovery, medical transportation, and in many cases, pain and suffering compensation. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation. 

New Safety Features Combat Drowsy Driving

Auto companies are continuing to create safety features that prevent tired drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. Companies such as Mercedes, Nissan, and Toyota are looking to bring their safety technology and installing it in every vehicle in the future. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 people have died as a result of fatigued driving-related accidents. 60% of drivers in America have admitted to driving while drowsy. Drowsy drivers can be impaired in ways similar to driving under the influence of alcohol, as drivers tend to make poor judgement calls without realizing the possible effects of their decisions. 

The first automaker to debut a safety feature that was aimed at curbing fatigued driving was Mercedes in 2009. Today, more mainstream vehicles are being equipped with this technology, such as Nissan’s “Driver Attention Alert System” and Toyota’s “Safety Sense P” system. Toyota told AutoGuide that 25 out of its 30 cars will offer the safety feature by 2017. 

Nissan’s system monitors the driver’s behavior and sets benchmarks from there. If the driver begins to stray from that benchmark, the system will alert the driver that they are driving erratically. “Nissan’s DAA system adapts to each individual driver. DAA monitors steering input patters during a period of driving to establish a baseline. It continuously compares subsequent driving patters to a baseline using a statistical analysis of steering correction errors,” Paige Presley, a member of Nissan’s Technology Communications team said. The vehicle will alert the driver with a chime and message on the dashboard that recommends the driver takes a break. 

Toyota’s Safety Sense P (TSSP) have many different features that combat the potential mistakes drivers make when they are drowsy and behind the wheel such as a pre-collision system and a lane departure warning system. “Vehicles equipped with TSSP vehicle feature a sway warning system. They look at a number of inputs from the driver and can tell if the driver is driving abnormally,” Brian Williams of Toyota’s Safety Sense explained. 

While these safety features may help alert drivers that their tiredness may be leading to erratic driving behavior, the best safety feature comes from the drivers themselves. If a driver feels like they are too tired to drive, it is highly recommended that they pull off at the next opportunity and either take a nap or ask somebody to come pick them up. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident caused by fatigued driving, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you to identify your needs and find a solution that will get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Public Gets Chance To Drag Race at "Roadkill Nights" in August

For anyone who has ever driven has envisioned themselves driving a vehicle over 100 mph without any consequences, the opportunity is coming close to home. On August 19th in Pontiac, Michigan, thrill seekers will have the chance to drag race down Woodward Avenue at the “Roadkill Nights Powered By Dodge” event. 

“It is the first time ever that we know of that street-legal racing will be allowed to take place on Woodward Avenue,” Tim Kuniskis, head of Dodge and other passenger car brands for Fiat Chrysler told the Detroit Free Press. “This event is going to be big.”

This year’s event is modeled after last year’s drag racing festival which drew over 10,000 people to the parking lot of the Pontiac Silverdome. “After last year, when we started brainstorming…for this year, we said we really want to make it bigger- not only in Detroit, but we want to make it bigger across the country,” Eric Schwab, Chief Commercial Officer for The Enthusiast Network said. Roadkill Nights was staged in Kansas City on June 18th and that drew more than 12,000 automotive and racing fans. 

While fans in Pontiac will be entertained by activities on the M1 Concourse, which will include a racetrack, private luxury garages, restaurants, and retail space, the real attraction will be the street-legal drag racing. For $50, 350 drag racing fans will be able to register and compete in drag races that will run from South Boulevard to Rapid Street, a 0.8 mile strip. Drivers will be competing for various cash prizes: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second place, and $2,500 for third place. 

For non-thrill seeking spectators, the event is free and attendees will be asked to park in downtown Pontiac and will be shuttled to the event area. “We’re excited about hosting Roadkill Nights as one of the main events during our newly branded ‘Pontiac Power Week’ festival,” Mayor of Pontiac Deirdre Waterman said in a statement.  

We have all seen drivers on the road who think they are a drag-street racer on busy roads. Being involved in a car accident caused by a driver who was speeding can cause both short-term and long-term physical and emotional consequences. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Speak to an experienced car accident lawyer today who will work towards a settlement in order to get you the help you need. In the case that a settlement is not reached, we are ready to take your case to trial. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Don't Go Out With a Bang: Firework Safety Tips for 4th of July Festivities

With 4th of July weekend fast approaching, people across the United States are starting to plan their celebration for America's birthday. The weekend will surely be filled with barbecues, swimming, and parades.  It is also expected that fireworks will light up the sky all weekend long, and it is important that everyone stays safe while enjoying the show.

It is estimated by Statistic Brain that the firework industry takes in over $1 Billion in revenue every year, and a large portion of that revenue comes in during 4th of July celebrations. Unfortunately, the explosions in the sky can come at a human cost. There are nearly 10,000 injuries every year caused by fireworks, 40% of which are caused by illegal firework usage. Fireworks also cause a lot of property damage, including 20,000 fires every year. 

Heading into its fifth year, the Michigan Consumer-Grade Fireworks law is still controversial with residents. After 2015's Independence Day festivities, over 20,000 residents signed an online petition which was seeking an appeal of the law. "Either people say they have no problem at all or people are just outraged and irate over the amount of fireworks in their neighborhood. There doesn't seem to really be any middle ground there," Democratic Congressman Henry Yanez, a Democratic from Sterling Heights, told MLive.

AVOIDING FIREWORK INJURY ACCIDENTS

Below are several firework safety tips from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:

  • Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. 
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden house handy in case of fire or other mishap. 
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
  • Light fireworks one at a time then move back quickly. 
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass container.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.

It is also important to factor in the near-drought that has taken place in Metro Detroit, as many lawns and fields have not seen enough rain over the past few weeks. Conditions have become so dry that the Michigan Fire Marshall is considering enforcing a statewide ban on fireworks this weekend. According to the Detroit News, the ban would also include burning objects such as bonfires. A spokesperson for the Fire Marshall has told MLive that "discussions continue among state officials, but no action has been taken on either the potential fireworks ban or the potential burning ban." People who choose to light off fireworks should be aware of the ground conditions around where the fireworks will be lit.

4th of July weekend is one of the deadliest holidays for auto accidents in the United States. Whether you are driving home from your cottage or driving down to the beach, you should be extra cautious of extra drivers and NEVER drive while under the influence. If you or somebody you know is injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver this holiday weekend, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether the injuries sustained from the accident are minor or severe, our attorneys will work alongside you to get you the proper help you need. They will not rest until your case is settled. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.