$1 Billion I-75 Construction To Last Until 2030

Last month, a 14-year long project to improve and widen Interstate 75 in suburban Detroit, Michigan officially got started. 14 years is a long time for most anything, but when it comes to construction on a major highway, 14 years seems like an eternity.

Fox 2 Detroit talked to Bloomfield Hills resident Indigo Zuri, who said "It's needed but the flip side of that is 14 years is a really long time...Why so long? I'll be too old to drive in 14 years." CBS Detroit talked to Annie Rosenborough of Detroit, who was among motorists not happy to hear about any of it. “I’m going to have to get up a little bit earlier to get to work on time,” she told WWJ’s Charlie Langton.


The first construction of the project started with a 2-year, $90.8 million project to reconstruct both directions of I-75 between Coolidge Highway and South Boulevard in Oakland County. The project includes reconstructing pavement, replacing bridges and modernizing the Square Lake Road interchange. The Michigan Department of Transportation says lane closures are planned. 

A new traffic configuration is expected to last into early September, when additional work on the project is scheduled to begin. The first phase includes roadways in Bloomfield Township and Troy. The right lane of southbound I-75 from the Square Lake interchange to Coolidge Highway will be closed as road crews prepare for a traffic shift. That traffic shift will happen in mid-September. This first phase of the project will cover about three miles of the interstate and is set to be complete in November of 2017. Of course, with construction comes more traffic, and delays all along I-75. "It's going to be a pain. We acknowledge that; we understand that, but this work needs to be done. We have to improve safety. It's our responsibility to put out the safest freeway we can," says Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) spokesperson Rob Morosi.


Drivers will also see some single-lane closures on northbound I-75 from Coolidge Highway to South Boulevard, and on the north and southbound I-75 ramps to westbound Square Lake Road. This is just the beginning of the construction that is planned, as the work is taking place in phases through 2030. Overall, the construction will widen the roadway from 8 Mile all the way up to M-59 and the cost of the roughly 18-mile project is expected to top $1 billion. 

Waiting in traffic can make anyone impatient, but worse than having to wait in traffic is getting into an accident in traffic. Many drivers are so impatient that they will tailgate and push their and your luck to the limit. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident involving an impatient driver, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.

Study: Commuters Want Reliability over Technology Upgrades

A new report from research group TransitCenter suggests that amenities such as free Wi-Fi and comfy seats aren’t as important to riders as previously thought. The study concludes that people don’t care about the fancy features of public transportation, they don’t think that they convince more people to ride a bus, and funding would be more useful for other system improvements. 

Wired reports that TransitCenter surveyed more than 3,000 online respondents from 17 regions across the country about the type of upgrades they would like to see on their daily commutes. These choices included free Wi-Fi, outlets, more frequent service, faster travel times, cheaper fares, robust shelters built for bad weather, and updates on when their bus would arrive. The survey showed that features such as outlets and Wi-Fi were the least important to commuters. This survey proved that customers favor reliability and practicality over technology upgrades and flashy amenities. Earlier this year, New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was scorned by the public for adding Wi-Fi and USB charging ports to 75 new buses, which will cost between $2,000 and $3,000 per bus, The Wall Street Journal reported. 

“Many of the young people using our system today grew up with a smartphone in one hand a tablet in the other,” MTA chairman and CEO Thomas Prendergrast said when the unveiling of the new technology systems were rolled out. “They’re demanding more Wi-Fi, more real-time information, more charging stations, connectivity, more apps, and more screens. They aren’t luxury items anymore.”

Steven Higashide, TransitCenter’s Senior Program Analyst believes transit officials may not make the best decisions on behalf of the commuters because they aren’t the ones that are riding the bus and subway everyday. “We’re really not trying to criticize agencies for providing Wi-Fi, but it won’t improve service,” Higashide explained. Aarian Marshall from Wired believes that it’s a zero sum game, and either luxury or reliability takes precedence. “The stakes are higher for US cities where transit ridership-especially on the unglamourous but highly useful bus-is stagnant or declining. It’s new buses or a more robust, concentrated network. It’s a shelter with a countdown clock or a new tree next to the bus stop,” Marshall wrote. 

The Metro Detroit area is continuing to enhance the accessibility to public transportation for commuters so they can get to work or school on time. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident involving a public transportation vehicle such as a SMART Bus, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys will work alongside you to get you the help you need, so that you can focus on your recovery. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Autonomous Semi-Trucks Drive on Michigan Highway For First Time

For the first time ever, four autonomous semi-trucks were tested on Interstate 69 in Lapeer and St. Clair Counties in Michigan in July, 2016. The test was done by the U.S Army Tank Automotive Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) alongside the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). 

Paul Rogers, director of TARDEC, told MLive that the testing, which included tracking the response of the vehicles to commands, represented “an opportunity for the U.S Army to leverage the technology and capability within this state.” The testing is also helping set federal standards and expectations while government leaders continue to craft legislation to make the possibility of driverless cars a reality on the roadways.

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder called the event “the intersection of two wonderful initiatives we have going in the state to really talk the strengths of our state and the opportunities how we can help our country and the world...We’re moving forward on how we can deploy this is a safe fashion on our public roadways and bring this technology to bear to make Michigan a true leader,” Snyder said. Snyder also pointed out the progress being made at the University of Michigan’s MCity and the upcoming “Planet M” campaign. The growth of the driverless car industry will impact the Michigan economy as well. According to Lt. Governor Brian Calley the initiatives will employ approximately 100,000 residents and will allow Michigan to become a leader in the mobility industry outside of the auto industry. 

Janice Karcher, Vice President of Economic Development for the Flint and Genesee Chamber of Commerce, is excited about the possibilities of drawing the industry to the state. “We see opportunities for more research and development teams to be on the ground supporting that kind of activity,” Karcher said.

The obvious potential impact with the growth of driverless cars is increased safety. Kirk Steudle, Director of MDOT, said that autonomous technology can help cut down traffic deaths by 80%. MDOT has a goal of 350 miles worth of fiber optic lines being put in place by 2018, making Michigan the largest test bed in the United States for mobility research. 

While driverless cars may cut down on traffic accidents in the future, they are still too frequent on the road today. Injuries as minor as a few scratches or as severe as a closed head injury can change your day-to-day routine and your way of life. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will identify the help you are entitled too and will not rest until your case has been resolved. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Detroit Looks to Ressurect Once-Booming Transportation System

Detroit, Michigan has not had the best luck when it comes to earning a positive reputation around the country. The once-booming city has become infamous for its declining population and high crime rate, and now, its transit system is being called out. 

At the end of World War II, Detroit was home to the largest municipally owned streetcar system in the United States. State of Michigan records show that between regional streetcars, buses, and commuter rails, Detroit had an annual ridership of 490 million. Today’s Detroit tells a much different story as the annual ridership on urban and suburban transit systems is now 36 million. Until the QLINE opens up in the downtown area, Detroit stands as the largest American metropolis without a surface rail transit, according to Slate. For perspective, the entire city of Detroit has lower weekday bus ridership than two of the busiest individual bus routes in New York City. 

As Slate’s Henry Grabar explains, it’s not for a lack of need that the transit system has failed so miserably in the Motor City. Detroit, known for its autocentric economy, ranks 8th nationally in its percentage for car-less households. There are approximately 66,000 Detroit residents that are car-less, and many of them can’t find a way to get to work, or get anywhere else for that matter. Studies have shown that a lack of transit access can be linked to unemployment, low income, and low economic mobility.  The city spends $69 per capita on transit each year (Atlanta spends $119 per capita, Cleveland $177, and Seattle $471).

A BRIGHTER FUTURE 

Last week, the Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority (RTA) unveiled a $4.6 billion plan to connect Detroit, its suburbs, the Wayne County Airport, and nearby Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti into one large network. Following a public review period in June and a RTA board review next month, the proposal will be placed on the ballot for a vote this November across four counties in Southeast Michigan. 

“If it passes, the plan would double per capita transit funding in the region- and represent a rare instance of cooperation in the vitriolic political history of mostly black Detroit and its largely white suburbs. Its approval would signify popular recognition that Detroit and its surrounding counties share a common interest. And it would make it a whole lot easier to get around without a car,” Grabar wrote. 

It is still too early to tell if this type of proposal has a chance to pass come Election Day, but many of its supporters are feeling optimistic. The divide between Detroit and the suburbs still remains, but it does not run as deep as it once did. Millage for SMART bus service is consistently renewed by suburban voters, and the idea of transit connecting the counties is now more favorable to residents of Macomb and Oakland county. “The fundamental difference between now and even five years ago is that Detroit is rapidly becoming a city that the region can be proud and is proud of,” Sandy Baruah, CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, explained.

Navigating the roads of Southeast Michigan can be difficult, especially during rush hour times. As frustrating as it may be, drivers should be patient and cautious when making their way to and from work. The consequences of road rage far outweigh any positives. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident because of another driver's careless driving on the road, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys have experience handling cases of all scales and will work to get you the help you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Should Self-Driving Cars Hit a Pedestrian to Save the Driver?

There are a lot of questions researchers, engineers, and the general public are asking about the future of self driving cars. One of the more crucial ethical questions is: Should your driverless car hit a pedestrian to save the driver’s life? Well, a new research study shows that what people really want is to ride in an autonomous car that puts its passengers first, even if that means running a pedestrian over. 

In a recent issue of Science Magazine, a group of computer scientists and psychologists conducted several online surveys of United States residents, last summer and fall, which asked people how they think self-driving vehicles should behave. The survey results showed that respondents generally thought self-driving cars should be programmed to make decisions for the greater good, unless their own lives are at stake.

The New York Times writes that “through a series of quizzes that present unpalatable options that amount to saving or sacrificing yourself- and the lives of fellow passengers who may be family members- to spare others, the researchers not surprisingly, found that people would rather stay alive.”

As autonomous vehicles come closer and closer to the mainstream, serious ethical and moral questions like the one above are becoming an important factor in the manufacturing of self-driving cars. Should cars be programmed with a degree of mortality in them, depending on what consumers want? Should the government step in and mandate that all self-driving cars have the same value of protecting the greater good, even if that means putting its passenger’s lives at risk? 

“Is it acceptable for an autonomous vehicle to avoid a motorcycle by swerving into a wall, considering that the probability of survival is greater for the passengers in the car than for the rider of the motorcycle? Should autonomous vehicles take the ages of the passengers and pedestrians into account?” Jean-Francios Bennefon, of the Toulouse School of Economics in France, wrote.

Some researchers believe that teaching machines ethics may not be the best idea. “If you assume that the purpose of A.I. is to replace people, then you will need to teach the car ethics. It should rather be a partnership between the human and the tool, and the person should be the one who provides ethical guidance,” Amitai Etzioni, a Sociologist at George Washington University argued. 

Unfortunately, deadly accidents involving pedestrians take place every day. Even if the collision isn't fatal, the injuries sustained can be long-term and may not even present themselves until later down the road. If you or somebody you know has been in a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will work alongside you to help identify any benefits you may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

The Motor City Embraces More Bicycle Paths

What a difference a decade can make. Detroit, Michigan was vacant of any bike lanes just 10 years ago, today there are plans for nearly 200 miles worth of marked biking lanes for cyclists. 

WDET explained that the bike lanes which were “dreamed up, designed, approved, painted and protected is the work of citizens, community advocates, bicyclists, city officials and engineers,” are just getting started. “There’s a lot of stuff on the drawing board,” said Mike Darga, Senior Project Engineer at Giffels Webster Engineering.

In the southwest area of Detroit, the handful of bike lanes have now expanded to a larger network of pathways as roads are beginning to be maintained or improved, according to Teresa Zajac, VP at the Southwest Detroit Business Association. “The city of Detroit began looking at bike lanes as the asset that they are and can be, and so as they renovate different roads throughout the city of Detroit, including southwest Detroit, they’ve added bike lanes,” Zajac explained. 

This network of bike paths does not solely serve the purpose of recreation. According to the latest U.S Census, about 25% of Detroit households do not have access to a car, so many are turning to bicycles as a way to get to their workplace or local food store. “Most of the people I would say that we deal with are using bikes more so for transportation. They're trying to get to the store or trying to get to work. We have some recreation riders but they’re mostly riding their bike because they’ve got to get somewhere,” Alex Allen, CEO of the Candler Park Conservancy, stated. 

There is still a lot of work to be done, including figuring out how to build pathways for Detroit neighborhoods that don’t have any. “The next step is really to get the various public agencies that are responsible for the roadways and the sidewalks including the city and in our case the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to agree and buy into that same vision,” Tom Goddeeris, Executive Director of the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation stated. 

While out enjoying a bicycle ride, riders should be conscious of cars and traffic signals to avoid any dangerous accidents. Bicyclists are encouraged to wear a helmet during their ride to protect themselves against any type of severe head injuries. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident while riding their bicycle, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in handling bicycle collisions and will fight to help you identify and receive any benefit you may be entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Older Drivers Are Willing to Adapt to New Car Technology

Senior citizens are becoming more determined than ever to keep up with evolving technology in cars, in order to keep driving in their later years. According to a survey done by The Hartford, 76% of drivers 50 years old and up, would look for a car with the latest safety features. 

“Our findings indicate that some drivers, age 50+, would be more willing to drive in certain situations if they had particular technologies,” Jodi Olshevski, Executive Director of The Hartford Center, explained. The results show that seniors “associate advanced technologies with enhanced safety.” USA Today reports that some of these desired safety features include blind-spot warning, crash mitigation, lane-departure warnings, and advanced headlights. 

Perhaps even more surprising than the initial statistic is that only one in four older drivers is opposed to owning an autonomous vehicle, according to the study. 35% of respondents said they would be willing to give it a try, and 42% are informed enough about driverless cars to have an opinion. 

While a large majority of senior citizens are open to the idea of driving an autonomous vehicle, there are still some obstacles they would have to get through. The study found that 56% said they need to know that they would be as safe riding in a driverless car as they would be if they were driving themselves. Additionally, 48% would use a self-driving vehicle if their health prevented them from driving, 27% would use one if they helped them stay connected to friends, 27% if they were cheaper than a regular car, and 17% if somebody they trusted recommended a driverless car. 

In 2012, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) stated that there were almost 36 million licensed drivers age 65 and older in the United States. While driving can be beneficial to keeping senior citizens active and independent, it can also put seniors at higher risk for injuries and deaths in car accidents. An average of 586 elderly drivers are injured every day in crashes. 

How to Prevent Elderly Driver Injuries and Deaths (CDC)

  • Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Wear glasses and corrective lenses as required. 
  • Drive during daylight and in good weather conditions only. 
  • Find the safest route with well-lit streets, intersections with left turn arrows, and easy parking. 
  • Make sure to leave a large following distance behind the car in front of you. 
  • Exercise regularly to help increase strength and flexibility. 
  • Consider potential alternatives to driving, such as riding with a friend or using public transit, that you can use to get around. 

As stated above, injuries sustained by senior drivers can be serious even in the most minor of car collisions. It is extremely important that elderly victims of a car crash receive immediate medical attention. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in dealing with all types of motor vehicle accidents, including those involving elderly drivers. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Toyota's Braking and Steering Issues May Lead to Recall

Toyota is now under federal investigation after two crashes and five injuries have been linked to steering and braking problems in over 100,000 Toyota sport utility vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told Reuters that it has 135 complaints from 2001-2002 Toyota Sequoia SUV owners citing incidents of unexpected vehicle stability control activations which have resulted in automatic braking of the left or right wheel, as well as unexpected steering pull.

Before a recall is deemed necessary, the NHTSA will conduct a preliminary probe into the vehicle’s issues. About half of the complaints which have been filed said the problems were caused by a faulty sensor, and most complaints reported unexpected activation at highway speeds which led to drivers feeling a “jerk” from their steering wheel. According to the Reuters article, this is not the first time this decade that Toyota has had to consider recalling their vehicles. In 2010, Toyota recalled 50,000 2003 Sequoia SUVs because the vehicle stability control system could activate at low speeds. Toyota insisted at the time that the issue was not a safety issue, but the company agreed to recall the vehicles.

“We are aware that the NHTSA has opened a Preliminary Evaluation concerning the 2001 and 2002 model year Sequoia. Customer safety and satisfaction is a top priority for Toyota. We will cooperate with the agency in its investigation, as we have previously,” Toyota spokeswoman Cindy Knight said in a statement. Knight also requested that any drivers who may be experiencing similar issues with their vehicles should contact their dealers immediately. 

Is your car driving on its own but is not an self-driving car? Car defects that are not properly repaired or replaced can lead to severe injuries and even death. If you see a recall out for your vehicle, even if it's for a minor defect, it is important that you have your car fixed or replaced as soon as possible. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident which was caused by a car defect, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will fight to the fullest extent of the law to get you the help necessary for you to recover from your injuries. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Fiat Chrysler Gear Shift Recall

Fiat Chrysler is looking to fix a design issue in some of its gear shifts which may be found as the cause of death for “Star Trek” actor Anton Yelchin. The automaker notes that while drivers believe they have placed their cars in park only to have their cars rolling away, the car is actually in neutral. 

Yelchin died on June 19, 2016 when his 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled down his driveway and he was crushed between the car and a brick pillar. Chrysler said the company is still investigating the death and that it is too soon to determine the exact cause of the accident. This comes two months after it began sending recall notices to more than 1 million Jeep, Chrysler, and Dodge owners, but there is still no fix according to CNN Money. The company has said that it “anticipates having the software updates required to remedy the vehicles no later than July or August of 2016.”

Reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal more than 300 consumer complaints about the gear shift issue. Within those 300 complaints lie 212 accidents and 41 injures. Those injuries included three people who fractured their pelvis, ruptured their bladder, fractured a kneecap, broke their ribs and injured their right leg. 

As CNNMoney points out, it is not uncommon for a delay between when a problem is detected and when it can be repaired. An example of this has been highlighted in a blog post from The Michigan Law Firm regarding the recall of Takata airbags, which have a risk of exploding. At least 13 people have died from the defective airbags, making it the largest auto recall in history. But unfortunately, some drivers will have to wait until 2019 to get new air bags. And only on June 21, 2016 did Fiat Chrysler announce that it will stop building cars with the defective Takata airbags. 

“We continue to expedite this campaign in the best interests of our customers,” Fiat Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne said. Drivers who are confused about the operation of features as simple as a gear shifter should contact their car dealer with questions. 

Are you having issue getting your Fiat, Chrysler, or Jeep into park? Car defects that are not properly repaired or replaced can lead to severe injuries and even death. If you see a recall out for your vehicle, even if it's for a minor defect, it is important that you have your car fixed or replaced as soon as possible. While a small error with the vehicle may seem negligible, it can cause serious consequences down the road. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident which was caused by car defects, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys will fight to the fullest extent of the law to get you the help you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Labor Day Weekend: Arts, Beats, & Eats in Royal Oak, Michigan

The 19th year of the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival is right around the corner! This street fair, where nearly 200 musical acts come to perform, is located in Royal Oak, Michigan and will be going on from September 2 through September 5.

The festival demonstrates and displays artists' work and hosts multiple vendors from whom visitors may purchase unique pieces. Not only is there plenty of shopping but no one will leave hungry. Arts, Beats, and Eats is known for having plenty of food and drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. It is a celebration for local artists, music, food, and a good time!

Unfortunately, the good times should be taken with some precaution. After all, where there is alcohol, there should be responsibility. Every year about 10,000 people die and 290,000 people are injured due to drunk driving related crashes according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Having a great time at the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival is fine, but how much fun is too much?  Drinking and driving is no joke.

Getting home safely from Arts, Beats, & Eats

Ask A Friend

  • Call someone who hasn't been drinking such as a friend or a family member. Or better yet, appoint a designated driver. This is someone who attends the festival but doesn't drink. 

Call An Uber

  • Or Lyft, another ride-share service, or even a cab. What’s a $30-$50 cab fair when compared to thousands in DUI costs, prison, or even a life. 

Don’t Drink!

  • There are more than enough ways to enjoy the Arts, Beats, and Eats festival without involving alcohol. In fact, staying clear of booze might help you do more things at the event and help you remember them.

When attending the festival make the decision to prevent drunk driving. It has been reported that after an NFL game 40% of spectators are under the influence according to Stay Safe. Approximately there are 100,000 people at an NFL football game so that is about 40,000 people with alcohol in their system. The Arts, Beats, & Eats festival last year had nearly 380,000 and by using the football statistic it is clear to say at least 100,000 people will also be under the influence. Don't be another statistic and try to remember there is not only one driver on the road. 

Arts, Beats, and Eats festival is an integral part of the Royal Oak experience. Every year, thousands of people have great fun appreciating art, listening to music, and enjoying the food. And while some festival-goers may choose to drink alcohol to contribute to this fun, they should remember that choosing to drink and drive is wrong. Accidents happen but all drunk driving accidents are preventable. If you have been injured or know of someone who has been injured by a drunk driver, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of automobile accident cases including those involving drunk driving. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation. 

Labor Day Driving Tips

This Labor Day weekend is estimated to be the most dangerous, of any year, for driving on busy American roads. Just in the past six months there has been a 3.5% increase of automotive deaths compared to 2015, and a 9% increase of drivers on the road, according to Consumerreports. 

Labor Day traffic is always overwhelming with its mile long, bumper to bumper traffic. No one wants to spend their weekend on the side of the road or worse, involved and injured in a motor vehicle collision. Though it may seem like accidents are inevitable during this time, there are may preventative measures that drivers can take so that their Labor Day doesn't involve the labor of dealing with a car crash. Here are some tips and tricks from USA Today to making weekend travels a little smoother and safer.

Labor Day Driving Tips

Preparation Is Key

  • Make sure the driver knows how to get to the desired destination. Mark out the best route on a map or pre-program the GPS. Locate the nearest restroom stops, stores, and other destination detours ahead of time. Try and plan these stops according to highway access because no one wants to get lost in the middle of nowhere! Lastly, double check for traffic before leaving, because navigating heavy traffic is more likely to cause accidents. 

No Distractions 

  • Stay off the phones! Remember that it is illegal to text and drive, though it still doesn’t prevent other drivers from doing it. Make sure that the phone is synced to the vehicle before leaving, thereby ensuring that it is a hands-free device. 
  • Technology is not the only distraction. Always keep your eyes on the road in front of you. This means no gawking at the world's largest ball of string or at the unfortunate scenes of car accidents you pass. Remember that accidents can happen in a matter of seconds and not keeping eyes on the road for even one second puts the driver at risk. 

Vehicle Check List

  • Before leaving on a trip the driver should make sure their vehicle is in tip top shape, especially if the vehicle’s history isn’t the healthy. That means if the car needs an oil change, tune up, or even just new windshield wipers, get it done before leaving. If an engine light, break light, or any other light appears on your dashboard, take it in to a local mechanic or dealership to get it checked out. Lastly, fill up your tank before leaving; no one wants to be stuck on the highway with no gas.

Safety First

  •  Seat belts! Seat belts! Seat belts! When traveling on a long trip, make sure to buckle up. Seat belts save lives. 

Whether driving down the street for the neighborhood block party or to a relative's house in Florida, driving during the Labor Day weekend is dangerous. The large number of travelers on the road create congested traffic, breed road rage, and eventually cause thousands of motor vehicle accidents. Though there is no way to avoid this problem, drivers can be much safer by following these safety tips and tricks. 

Labor Day is best spent having fun and not dealing with a car accidents and their resulting injuries. It is best to plan any travels plans down to the smallest detail, before getting in the car, in order to stay. Once on the road, it's important to keep eyes peeled and alert and to follow road safety laws. Despite taking all of these preventative measures however, accidents may still occur. If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident over the Labor Day weekend, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.

Birmingham, Michigan Police Offer Tips for Preventing Crime This Summer

Though the summer is coming to an end, Birmingham, Michigan residents continue to be outside enjoying the warm weather and taking in the best that Birmingham has to offer. However, good weather also brings criminal activity to the city, especially related to theft. The Birmingham Police Department has shared Summer Crime Prevention Tips to help keep you and your property safe.

 

Lock your Vehicle Doors and Roll-Up Windows:

  • This may sound simple, but approximately 95% of all larceny from autos in the city are from unlocked vehicles. It is a very common crime for thieves to walk the streets at night checking vehicles for unlocked doors and then stealing property from inside the vehicle. 

Park Your Vehicle In Your Garage or Driveway:

  • Avoid parking on the street when possible. Thieves are more uncomfortable checking vehicles that are closer to a residence or building, than they are when they are parked in the street. 

Illuminate the Outside of your Home:

  • With the development of energy efficient lighting, it is now relatively inexpensive to leave outdoor lights on, which strongly deters thieves. 

Lock Exterior Doors:

  • Lock door especially at night and anytime you leave the building. This includes keeping your garage door down and securing any exterior doors of a garage.

Lock Exterior Windows:

  • While this is more challenging during the summer when we are all trying to feel enjoy some fresh air, do not leave windows open if you are not home. 

Network with Trusted Neighbor:

  • A sense of community truly develops when everyone watches out for their fellow neighbors. Be aware of your surroundings and do not hesitate to call the police if you observe suspicious behavior that could be related to criminal activity. 

          Vacations:

  • If you are going to be away from your residence, make sure the lawn is kept up, stop the mail and newspapers (or arrange for a neighbor to pick them up), leave the outdoor and indoor lights on timers, and of course make sure all doors and windows are locked prior to leaving. 

          Packages:

  • Do not have packages delivered and left on your front porch unattended. If possible, either have it delivered when you are home or ask for the assistance of a trusted neighbor to retrieve it for you.

In 2015, Birmingham was ranked #30 on the list of Michigan’s safest cities with a population over 5,000, by SafeWise, after the site calculated violent and property crimes per 1,000 residents. With a population of just over 20,000, Birmingham has 0.68 violent crimes per 1,000 and 11.63 property crimes per 1,000. “All citizens have a chance to pitch in and help protect their community in the verdant city of Birmingham. A robust volunteer police auxiliary unit provides extra security at high school sporting events, community festivals, and parades, and auxiliary officers can accompany regular officers on patrol as well,” Rebecca Edwards wrote on the site. 

Summer not only causes an increase in the crime rate, but it also leads to an increase in auto accidents on the road. Automobile Crashes involving cars, bicycles, or motorcycles can cause serious and long-term injuries. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an motor vehicle collision, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of car accident cases. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.