Why everyone should have an Emergency Car Kit

When you’re out driving, you never know when an emergency situation is going to strike. From poor weather conditions to mechanical failure, driving is risky business. Unexpected events can occur, and do, all the time. Every motorist should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario and have basic supplies and equipment in their car at all times.  These items should be things that can help you fix basic problems with your car as well as things that’ll keep you and your passengers safe and comfortable.

Here is a list of things you should have for you and your passengers:

·       Charged cellphone that has a flashlight and flash camera. Keep an extra battery and charger handy too.

·       First aid kit

·       Notepad and a pen that contains a list of emergency contact numbers and roadside assistance service numbers.

·       Rags, gloves and hand cleaner

·       Nonperishable snacks and water

·       Cash in small bills

For your car:

·       Jumper cables

·       Spare tire, jack, and lug wrench to switch out a flat or blow out.

·       Road flares to make yourself visible to passing motorists in case you need to pull over

·       Basic tools like an adjustable wrench and screwdrivers. These tools come handy for changing burned-out headlight bulbs or tightening battery cables.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.

Choosing a Safe Car for Teen Drivers

For many parents, trying to decide what car to purchase their teen is an overwhelming, stressful experience.  As a parent, your top priority is most likely safety and cost. This is with good reason, as car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers, according to information gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  (NHTSA).

Before buying a set of wheels for your teen, make sure they are properly educated on safe driving. Good driving practices and skills are just as important as a safe vehicle.

Here are a few tips on buying a safe car for teens:

• Avoid large vehicles. Many people believe that a bigger car means more safety, but that could be furthest from the truth. Vehicles such as trucks, full-size sedans, and larger SUVS can be unwieldy and difficult to manage, especially for an inexperienced driver.  Large SUVS and trucks tend to have higher centers of gravity, making them more susceptible to rollovers.

• Avoid tiny compacts and subcompacts. When it comes to crash protection, these miniature versions of their larger siblings don’t fare as well.

• Midsize sedans are the perfect balance.  Midsize sedans offer the right balance between safety and maneuverability for teens.  These cars offer enough protection in a crash but are also small enough to be handled easy.

• Go for the smaller engine. A lot of horsepower is too much temptation and danger for teens. With a bigger engine, teens are most likely to drive faster.  Four-cylinder engines offer limited acceleration capabilities while providing better fuel economy.

• Look for safety features and technology.  Many cars nowadays come loaded with safety features. When shopping for a car, look for cars that electronic stability control (ESC). This technology helps drivers maintain control of the car during extreme steering maneuvers by keeping it in the driver’s intended direction.  Blind spot monitoring, back up cameras, and crash-avoidance technologies are also extremely helpful features.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.

Dealing with Traffic Congestion

If you’re a motorist, chances are you’ve experienced traffic congestion at some point or another. It’s safe to say that most people don’t enjoy being stuck in traffic, no matter where they’re going. Whether it’s on a morning commute to work or running errands, being stuck in traffic can lead to stress, anger, frustration and even dangerous behavior.

Here are few tips that may help in dealing with traffic congestion and avoid an accident:

• Plan ahead of time. Leave for your destination early.  If traffic gets heavy, the fact that you gave yourself extra time to get to your destination will allow you to still arrive on time.

• Follow the speed limit.  Following the speed limit will ensure the proper flow of traffic. Streetlights in many areas are timed, so driving at the posted speed limit will help you get more green lights. In addition, driving the posted speed limit will help you maximize fuel economy. You car burns more fuel with quick starts and stops and will ultimately suffer extra wear and tear.

• Search for alternate routes. Go online and look for other routes that you could take to avoid high traffic prone areas. If you know of alternate routes before getting behind the wheel, you can save yourself a lot of time if you come across an accident or any other unexpected delay.

• Ignore rude motorists. It’s best to remain relaxed and take the “higher road” when someone is driving aggressively or poorly. If you engage by giving a rude gesture, shouting or driving aggressively, it will most likely make the situation worse and even dangerous.

• Allow yourself to be late. Sometimes you have to accept the fact that you’re late and you can do nothing about it. It’s better to arrive late and alive than be agitated, stressed or a victim of a car accident.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.

Workplace Safety Tips

Work-related injuries are a common occurrence in the workforce. People who work in the construction industry or use some form of machinery in their occupation are at greater risk. Sometimes workplace injuries are serious and result in fatalities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 4,485 workers were killed on the job in 2013. It’s important to note that work-related injuries can happen in any industry.

Common workplace accidents:

• Slipping/tripping without falling
• Slipping/tripping with falling
• Vehicle accidents
• Machine entanglement
• Falling from heights
• On-the-job violent acts
• Falling object
• Walking into an object
• Overexertion

In order to maintain as safe a workplace as possible, it’s important that employers and employees recognize and are aware of safety hazards. Once that is done, employers and employees can practice safety precautions to avoid accidents.

Here is a list of safety tips that may help prevent a work-related injury:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Wear the correct safety equipment (if applicable)
• Use machines and tools properly
• Maintain correct posture to protect your back
• Take regular breaks
• Stay sober
• Reduce your amount of work stress
• Keep emergency exits easily accessible
• Report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.

How to Prevent Vehicle Theft

Vehicle theft has always existed and is still prevalent even now with all the technologies that cars have to prevent theft.  According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were an estimated 721,053 motor vehicle thefts nationwide in 2012.

Most of the time, having your vehicle stolen is preventable. There are certain things you can do in order to make your vehicle less theft-attractive.

 Here are a few tips you can use that may protect your vehicle:

• Lock your vehicle at all times, even when driving.

• Never leave your keys in the car when parked. Always close all of the windows and the sunroof.

• Don’t leave your car running and unattended.

• Store any valuables away so they’re not in plain sight to a passerby. If you can, avoid leaving any valuables in your car altogether.

• Don’t leave your vehicle’s title in the car. Many times thieves that get pulled over get away from the police because they can present the auto registration.

• Avoid any areas that are prone to crime and choose an alternate route, even if it takes longer.

• If your vehicle doesn’t have an anti-theft system, have one installed. Vehicle thieves are more reluctant to steal a vehicle if they know it can be recovered quickly.

• Be extra cautious where you park your vehicle at night. Thieves prefer to work in darker times of the day. If possible, park in a well-lit area.

• Have etched on each of your windows your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).  Thieves are less likely to steal your car if you do this since they don’t want to go to the expense of replacing all that glass.

• When on an incline, put your car in park or in gear and turn the wheels toward the curb or other obstruction. Doing so will make it more difficult for thieves to have your vehicle towed.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.

Safety Tips for Runners

Running is one of the healthiest forms of physical exercise. There’s a myriad of benefits that come with running such as helping to build muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, build strong bones, burn kilojoules and help maintain a healthy weight.

If running is a part of your daily lifestyle, you should keep a few things in mind when it comes to your safety. A lot can happen when you go out for a run and it’s important to be prepared and remain alert of any potential danger.

Safety tips:

• Do not wear headphones. This one is tough to follow, as many people prefer to wear headphones because it motivates them. But it’s best to use your ears to be aware of your surroundings.  Your ears could help you avoid dangers that your eyes may miss.

• Run against traffic. Facing on-coming traffic helps you observe approaching vehicles and gives you the opportunity to react more quickly to any potential danger.

• Carry your info. Bring along your ID or write down your personal information in the sole of your running shoe. This includes your name, phone number, blood type and any pertinent medical information.

• Remain alert. Always be aware of what is happening around you. Remaining alert makes you less vulnerable.

• Carry your phone. Always bring your cellphone along or know places on your route where there’s a phone you can use.

• Run with a partner. Have a running buddy or join a running group. If neither is possible, run with your dog.

• Avoid unpopulated areas. Stay away from deserted streets or overgrown trails. Never run in unlit areas, especially during dark hours.  Stay clear of bushes or parked cars.

• Leave word of your regular routes. Write down the directions of your routes or let family and friends know of your usual running routes.


• Wear reflective clothing. If you have to run before dawn or after dark, wear reflective materials.

• Call 911. Report any incidents immediately.  If you see something or someone out of the ordinary, alert authorities.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.

Infant Bike Seat Safety

A great way for parents to bond with their child while still getting their exercise is by taking them on a bike ride. For parents of younger children who can’t yet ride their own bike, an infant bicycle seat is necessary. If a bike seat is to be used, there are certain precautions that parents (or caregivers) should take before going out for a ride.

First, parents need to consider what type of bike seat they will choose for their child. There are three types of infant bike seats: front bike seats, rear bike seats and trailers.  Front bike seats allow the child to be in touch with the rider but unfortunately expose them to the elements like rain and wind. Rear-style bike seats are the most commonly used ones and come in many different styles. Bike trailers are also an option and typically offer more stability than mounted seats.

When selecting a seat, make sure it contains stainless chrome fixings. In addition, the seat should have a fight-point harness system (two straps that go over the shoulder, a full waist strap and one in between the legs) as well as a footrest that can be extended as the child grows. Spare parts should also be included for any repairs in the future.

If a trailer is selected, there are a few safety points that should be addressed. The child should not be able to touch or interfere with the wheels while in motion. The trailer itself should have a low center of gravity and have a sturdy and secure hitch to the bicycle. Gravel and dirt may be thrown from the road so make sure the trailer offers the child protection. The harness should be designed properly and very secure.

In order to determine if a baby can ride with an adult is by considering the strength of the child’s neck. For the majority of babies, their necks are strong enough a few months after they gain the ability to hold their head up. Before going on the first bike ride with your child, consult with their doctor first. Parents should also look into their local laws because some cities require a minimum age limit of 12 months.

The child should always wear a helmet when riding. Helmets greatly reduce injury risk in the event of an accident. Make sure the helmet fits the child’s head and that it covers their forehead. The helmet should never be worn too far forward or tipped back.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.

Dangers of Wearing Ear Plugs

Made of plastic, foam or wax and designed to fit in the ear canal, earplugs are devices made to provide protection from noise or water. While they may offer the protection that many seek, prolonged or incorrect use comes with its risks. Someone that uses earplugs regularly should be aware of the risks in order to prevent causing damage to their ears or hearing.

On a daily basis, your ears drain earwax. Incorrect or prolonged use of earplugs impacts your ears’ ability to drain earwax properly. Side effects include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), discharge, pain or infection and hearing loss. In order to prevent this from happening, regularly clean your ears to encourage earwax removal when you’re not wearing earplugs.

It’s important to never wear earplugs when driving because you need your full hearing. You might not be able to hear a car horn alerting you of danger or an emergency vehicle approaching if you’re wearing earplugs.

If your job occupation requires the use of earplugs due to loud machinery, make sure you remove the earplugs when in other areas that need your hearing. Only wear them when absolutely necessary.

Proper cleaning of earplugs is important in order to eliminate bacteria and avoid painful ear infections. Foam earplugs are even more prone to bacteria because it provides a hospitable environment for them.  As an alternative, you can wear soundproofed headphones that are worn externally on the ears and thus have a lesser chance of harboring bacterial growth.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.

Prescription Medication Safety

Each year, adverse reactions to medications result in 700,000 emergency room visits, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The majority of these reactions are completely preventable.  People who use prescription medications should be informed about the drugs they are taking to avoid accidents.

Safety tips:

• If you’re prescribed different medications from several doctors, make sure every doctor has a complete list of your medications and drug allergies. This is to avoid potentially dangerous medication interactions.

If possible, have only one doctor prescribe all your medications and have only one pharmacy fill them.

• When you go visit your doctor, bring a medication “brown bag” that contains all your current prescriptions and any over-the-counter medicines, supplements or herbs that you might be taking. This is more effective than relying solely on medical records. It gives your doctor the opportunity to review each medication with you.

• Always keep medications in a safe location away from young children.

• If you take multiple medications or have trouble remembering, arthritis or poor eyesight, use a pill organizer.

• Always read the pharmacy information on how to take the medication. Find out if certain medications need to be taken with food or on an empty stomach or if specific foods cause significant interactions.

• Never crush pills unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. There are some pills that have a special coating that regulates the rate the drug is released.

• Never change your prescribed treatment plan unless you doctor tells you to. This includes increasing, decreasing or discontinuing use of your medication without first consulting with your medical provider.  Always report any side effects you feel to your doctor.

• Periodically organize your medications and discard any expired ones. Some medicines become toxic after their expiration date.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car crash or truck accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys by calling 1-800-411-PAIN. Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and Facebook. Join the conversation by using #MCAA.