Stability Balls Safety

Even if you’re not a fitness aficionado, you more than likely know what a stability ball is as its become a popular fitness device since its development in the 1960s. Stability balls, sometimes simply referred to as exercise balls, provide an inexpensive way to gain muscular strength, improve core stability, balance, muscular strength and flexibility.

While stability balls provide many benefits, they can also cause harm if not used or maintained properly.  People have become injured as a result of a stability ball exploding, popping or bursting. According to the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the Federal Trade Commission, since 2004, nearly 900 people have suffered injuries while using exercise balls.

Common causes of stability ball explosions:

• Over-inflation of the ball

• Punctures

• High user weight

• Weak or worn out areas, especially on the ball seams

• Using the ball beyond the manufacturer’s recommended life


Stability ball safety tips:

• Keep the ball inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Over-inflating increases the chance of explosion.

• Always place the ball on top of a mat so it can cushion a fall

• In order to reduce the chances of falling or puncturing the ball, only place the ball on clean, smooth surfaces.

• Place the ball up against a wall to prevent the ball from rolling out from underneath you and keep you from falling backwards.

• Avoid performing sudden jerking movements such as bouncing on the ball. This can lead to loss of balance and falling.

• When using the ball in a seated position, place sturdy supports like chairs on either side to help with maintaining balance.

• Never clean it with chemical cleaners as they can degrade and damage the material of the ball. Instead use mild soap and a water solution.

• Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommended life of the ball and record it. Most stability balls have a lifespan of 12 months.

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.

Common Vehicle-Bicycle Collisions & How to Prevent Them

In a collision involving a vehicle and a bicycle, it’s not uncommon for people to place the blame on the motorist for not looking out for the cyclist.  But just like the motorist, cyclists should also take measures to look out for vehicles. Sometimes the fault is not on the driver, but instead on the cyclist.  In order to have a harmonious relationship, it’s important for motorists and cyclists alike to share the road safely.

Here is a list of the the common driver-cyclist driving situations and some tips on how to maneuver in them safely:

Turning right

• Drivers: Avoid cutting off cyclists by checking the curb lane and over your right shoulder before making the turn.

• Cyclists: Watch out for any vehicles that may not be able to see you and turn wide at intersections.

Turning left

• Drivers: Look ahead of you for any oncoming cyclists or vehicles. Make sure you also check the crosswalk for any pedestrians.

• Cyclists: Look for any vehicles that have the intention to turn left.

Passing

• Drivers: To pass change lanes. Never pass too close to cyclists. As a reference, cyclists need at least 3 feet on either side of them as a safety zone.

• Cyclists: be on the lookout for passing vehicles and be ready to slow down or stop, if necessary.

Opening car doors

• Drivers: Check your mirrors and over your shoulder for cyclists and pedestrians before opening the car door.

• Cyclists: Watch for people in parked vehicles who might open the door as you’re passing.

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.

Drowsy Driving & Prevention

One of the greatest hazards on roadways is drowsy driving.  At some point or another we have all been tired behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), crashes due to drowsiness result in more than 100,000 accidents each year.  That statistic may be even higher as this type of accident is under reported.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), the types of drivers that are at higher risk for driving drowsy are people who: work night shifts or long hours, don’t get an adequate amount of sleep, use certain medications, are commercial drivers, or people with untreated sleep disorders.

Sleep deprivation can lead to poor vision, slow reaction time, trouble staying in the lane, missed traffic signs or exits.  Many drivers when experiencing sleeplessness will resort to tactics such as playing loud music, opening the window and drinking caffeine.  Even though these tactics may work to a certain extent, the safest remedy is to pull over to a safe area and take a short nap.

Here are a few tips that may help prevent or reduce drowsy driving:

• Get enough sleep before driving

• If driving a long distance, take breaks

• If possible, arrange to have a travel companion so you can swap driving duties

• Never consume alcohol and avoid any medications that may cause drowsiness

• If you feel tired, pull off the road to a safe area and nap for 15-20 minutes

• Drink a good amount of water as it helps prevent dehydration that may cause drowsiness. It also requires you to regularly pull over and stretch your legs for bathroom breaks

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.

What You Should Never Put in the Microwave

Microwaves have been around for quite some time and offer a quick, convenient way to heat up food or beverages. Despite their versatility, microwaves cannot heat up certain foods (or the containers they come in) safely. Many people are unaware of items they are not supposed to heat up in a microwave, causing accidents.

Here is a list of foods or items you should never heat in a microwave:

• Chinese take-out containers. These containers have a metal handle and when heated in the microwave, could cause a flame. Never place any metal like utensils, cookware or containers in the microwave.

• Paper or plastic lunch bags. While they may seem harmless, paper bags, plastic bags or newspapers should never be heated in the microwave. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), these items are not sanitary, can emit toxic fumes and even cause a fire.

• Plastic containers.  Plastic containers for yogurt, margarine or sour cream are intended for one-time use and should never be used in the microwave. These containers are not designed to withstand high heat and can warp or melt in the microwave, releasing chemicals into your food.  Only hard plastic containers labeled for safe microwave use should be used.

• Travel mugs. Many travel mugs are not microwave safe.  If your travel mug is made form stainless steel do not place it in the microwave. The stainless steel will block the heat from warming up your beverage and instead can damage the microwave. If it’s a plastic mug, check to see if it’s microwave safe.

• Aluminum foil. This one may seem like common sense but accidents still happen. Leaving aluminum foil in the microwave could start a fire.

• Hot peppers.  Putting hot peppers in the microwave may cause them to catch on fire. When you open the microwave door after heating the hot peppers, the chemical that’s released from them will sting your eyes and burn your throat.

• Fruit. While some fruit may be able to withstand the heat, some do not. Grapes are a fruit that cannot handle heat. In the microwave grapes will explode and raisins will smoke.

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.

Driving after a Heavy Storm

Driving through a thunderstorm is extremely dangerous. With decreased visibility, slippery roads and the chance of road debris, there are many factors that could cause you to get into an accident.  Even when the weather clears up, driving around right after a heavy storm is still risky.

Here are a few safety tips that may help prevent an accident after a storm:

·      Try to avoid driving through standing water. Puddles from a heavy storm could conceal deep potholes or tire-puncturing debris.

·      Never assume that road debris is just leaves and sticks. After a storm, the roads may be covered with plant debris due to the wind, but it could also contain nails and other objects that won’t be good for your tires.

·      Never drive under fallen trees. Chances are the trees are resting across power lines. A tree that might be arching over the road may look safe, but the power line could just be holding it in place. Passing through could also cause your car to come in contact with an unseen wire.

·      Keep lower speeds.  Roads are wet and slippery and travelling at higher speed increases your chance of loosing control of the vehicle.

·      Use extra caution at dark stoplights and at intersections. The storm might have knocked out the power in the area leaving no form of traffic control. When approaching an off stoplight, come to a complete stop, survey your surroundings and then proceed if it’s safe.

·      Dry the brakes. Wet brakes may take longer to slow the car down. If you drive through a large puddle, lightly apply the brake pedal to dry them off.

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.

Kid Safety Around Open Windows

 The start of the summer season is just right around the corner, which means people will be opening their windows more often. For those with kids, opening windows poses a risk of injury and death for young children.  While windows may have screens, their main purpose is to keep bugs out, not children in.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year an average of 8 deaths occur to children aged five or younger.  In addition, an estimated 3,300 children aged five or younger are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms due to window falls each year.

Here are a few safety tips that may help prevent a window fall accident:

·      Safeguard your kids by installing window stops or window guards. For windows that are located on the 6^th floor and below, install window guards that older children and adults can easily open in the event of a fire. Install window stops so windows can open no more than 4 inches.

·      Screens will not keep children from falling out of a window. Never depend on screens for safety.

·      Whenever you can, open windows from the top instead of the bottom.

·      Keep any furniture away from windows.  This is to discourage children from climbing the furniture near the windows.

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.

Candle Safety Tips

The widespread use and popularity of candles in U.S. households has greatly increased the number of candle fires. Since 1990, the U.S. saw a 300 percent increase in candle-related fires. Between 2002-2004, candles were to blame for an estimated 23,600 residential fires, causing roughly 1,525 injuries and 165 deaths.

These types of accidents usually come from human negligence and error. Over half of all candle fires occur when candles come into contact with combustible materials. Fires can also happen if the candle is left unattended or the user fell asleep.

Here are a few safety tips that may help prevent a candle-related fire:

• Set burning candles about 4 inches apart and at least 3 feet below anything above them, such as a cabinet.

• Place the candles upright in a stable holder on heat resistant surfaces like ceramic tile or glass.

• Never put spent matches inside a candle, as they can become a secondary ignition source.

• Before each use, trim the candle’s wick to about 1/4 inch.

• Before leaving a room or going to bed, always make sure that candles are not still smoldering but instead completely out.

• Keep candles and matches out of reach of children.

• Never place candles on the floor or in a place where they can be knocked over easily.

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.

Treadmill Safety

Between the fast-spinning belts, dangling cords and powerful motors, using a treadmill greatly increases your risk of injury. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these workout machines cause tens of thousands of injuries each year with the majority of these injuries involving children.  In severe cases, treadmill injuries have even resulted in death.

Here is a list of safety tips that may help prevent a treadmill-related accident:

Keep the area clear. Some of the most serious treadmill-related accidents occur when people loose their footing and end up getting pinned between a wall and the machine itself.  The spinning belt can cause severe skin burns and shearing. Check the manufacturers recommendations for how much clearance you should leave as they vary by machine. If you cannot locate that information, it is recommended to leave at least 6 ½ feet of free space behind the treadmill and about 1-½ feet on both sides.

Always use the safety key. Found on all machines, the safety key has one end that plugs into the console and another end that attaches to your clothes. In the event that you fall, the key will pop out from the console and the machine should come to a safe stop. Even if there’s enough clearance around the treadmill, you should make it a habit to always use the safety key.

Straddle the deck. It’s not recommended that you start the treadmill when standing on the belt.  The motion of the belt starting up could catch you by surprise and cause you to lose your balance and fall off the machine. It’s best that you straddle the deck and allow the belt to begin moving before you step on it.

Head up. When using the treadmill, you might be tempted to look at your feet. Looking at you feet or off to the side is dangerous since it may cause you to lose balance and fall. Keep your head up and try focusing on the console or another focal point whenever using the machine.

Know your limits. Use the treadmill’s heart rate monitors to keep track of your heart rate as you run. Treadmills will usually have contact monitors to help the user keep track of their rate.  You can also use a separate chest strap monitor. Always check with your physician before starting an exercise routine and see if vigorous working out is for you. If while using the treadmill you feel dizzy, have chest pain, left arm or jaw pain, dizziness or numbness (symptoms associated with heart attacks) stop and immediately seek medical attention.

Come to a full stop. Never try to save time by hopping off the treadmill before it completely stops. Doing so increases your risk of injury. Always allow the belt to fully stop before you step off of it.

Keep the kids away. The age group that sustains more injuries from treadmills than any other are children between the ages of 1-6. Injuries are often caused by falls when the treadmill is accidentally turned on. Always remove the safety key and keep it away from reach when the machine is not in use. There have also been cases where children have died by asphyxiation after having their necks entangled in the electrical wires that hang from the control panel. It’s best to keep children away from treadmills at all times.

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.

Mall Parking Lot Safety Tips

With things like theft, vandalism, abduction and carjacking’s, shopping malls are no strangers to crime.  The most dangerous area of a mall is its parking lot. Walkers and drivers alike are vulnerable to theft when navigating the lot.  Any unattended vehicles with packages are at an even higher risk for break-ins. It’s important to remain alert whenever walking and avoid leaving shopping bags in your car.

Here are a few safety tips that may reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a mall-related crime:

• Be picky where you park.  Even though it might take a while, drive around until you find a spot that’s in a populated area as opposed to settling for a parking space that’s in a dark and remote location.

• Close your windows and lock your doors. Many parking lot thefts happen because drivers don’t secure their vehicle. If you leave your car unlocked, it makes it an easy target for thieves. Make your vehicle less attractive to thieves by cleansing it of anything that might be valuable to a thief.  This includes hiding things like GPS devices, laptops, cellphones, iPods or any other electronic device.  

• Keep focused. Nowadays, people are more distracted than ever.  When walking, people are texting, checking emails, making calls or checking their social media. This is dangerous, as it takes your focus and attention away from what’s happening around you. Whenever walking to and from the store, look to your front and rear. This will allow you to be alert and able to see any suspicious activity or any potential danger, like being struck by a car.

• Assume you’re being watched. Criminals observe shoppers who place purchases in the car or trunk, and then go back into the store.  Once you’ve left your car, it may take only moments to break in your car and grab items.  In the event that you must stow packages in your car while shopping, move your car to a different location, away from anyone who could have been watching. You can also find out if the mall has storage lockers available for shoppers to use or ask security if they can hold your packages until its time for you to leave.

• Avoid dallying. Try to walk like you have a purpose. Never wander, even if you can’t find your car. Before leaving the store, have your car keys in hand so you can be ready to open your car quickly, they can also be used as a weapon if necessary. Once you’ve gotten into your car, immediately lock the doors and drive away. Never sit and do other things, as it will lessen your chances of becoming a target.

• Stranger danger. If you are approached or being chased, scream and yell to draw attention to yourself or go back into the store and alert security. If you notice that you’re being followed, head to an open gas station or a well lit populated area.  In this situation, your best defense is a charged up cellphone so you can call 911.

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.