Motor City Accident Attorneys: November 2015

Monday, November 30, 2015

The Dangers of Intersections, Even During Green Lights

Green light at an intersection? Well it’s still a good idea to pay close attention around you. While you may have the right of way to cross the intersection, there have been times when severe accidents are caused by a vehicle in the opposite direction running the red light.

It is common knowledge that a yellow traffic light means to slow down, yet many drivers do the opposite of that and speed up in an effort to avoid catching the red light. The thing that many of these drivers don’t realize is that by doing this, you may end up crossing the intersection simultaneously while the cars perpendicular to your direction also begin to cross the intersection. Many drivers underestimate when that yellow light will turn red and therefore end up taking a red light. This is extremely dangerous because those whose light turns green can be tragically smashed into from the side.

This is why it is so important for drivers to keep a close lookout whenever they approach, enter, and cross through an intersection. It’s a good idea to wait even just one second when your light turns green before you cross that intersection. That second could be the second that another car runs that red light. You should look both ways before you pass through the intersection to make sure it is clear and that it is safe to go.

You should also be aware of intersections when driving late at night because that’s when there is most likely to be drunk drivers on the road, who may pass a red light even while the light for you has been green for a while. Unfortunately, driving comes with potentially having to be affected by the risky behavior of others and sometimes accidents will be inevitable. However, using caution can help you take some kind of evasive action that might turn a fatal collision into something a lot less severe. A large percentage of all accidents occur at intersections, so pay close attention and drive safely.

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.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Traffic accidents among leading causes of child deaths

Despite plenty of public service advertising campaigns and state enforced child restraint laws, many parents still need to do more to protect their children while driving. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are a leading cause of death in children. Following proper safety guidelines, however, can help prevent a great number of these deaths.

The proper use of car seats for infants reduces the risk of death by 71% and by 54% for toddlers. The use of booster seats for children aged 4-8, reduces the risk of serious injury by 45%, as compared with the use of a seat belt alone. And the use of seat belts for older children reduces the risk of serious injury and death by 50%.

According to a study by the CDC, 72% of 3,500 observed car and booster seats were incorrectly used in such a way that they actually increased the risk of injury to a child.

Parents need to practice and secure proper use of restraint. Following these tips can help reduce the risk of injuries and more seriously, death, if involved in a car accident:

- Use the proper restraint system every time, no matter how short the trip is.

- The middle of the back seat is the safest place in the car.

- Never seat children in front of an airbag.

- Use a rear-facing car seat for infants under the age of two.

- Use a forward facing car seat for children ages two to five.

- For children five and up, use a booster seat until a seat belt fits them properly. Seat belts should fit so that the lap belt lays across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt lies across the chest.

- Make sure you install and use the car and booster seats correctly. If you need help, you can contact certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians who can assist you.

The consequences for improperly using car seats can be severe. Therefore, it’s extremely important to make sure your child is well secured in their car seat. It could make all the difference in a life or death situation.

Monday, November 16, 2015

Tips For A Happy and Safe Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while it seems like a simple harmless holiday filled with an abundance of food and company, a lot of accidents tend to occur on Thanksgiving. Did you know what Thanksgiving Day has more than double the number of home cooking fires than an average day? Each year, more than 4,000 fires occur on Thanksgiving Day. Not only that, but many car accidents occur the day before and after Thanksgiving because people are traveling to visit their families, which means there are more cars on the highway. With that being said, here are some tips to help you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving:

Cooking Safety Tips

- Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the cooking area

- Clean all cooking surfaces to prevent grease buildup

- Stay in the kitchen while frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen, make sure you turn the burners off.

- Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby that you can use to cover the pan if it catches on fire.

- Place turkey fryers outside and away from the house, deck, and garage.

- Turn handles of pots and pans on the stove inward to avoid someone bumping into it causing the cooking pan to fall.

- Keep potholders and food wrappers at least three feet away from heat sources while cooking

Traveling Safety Tips

- Check air pressure in tires and top-off windshield fluid.

- Always wear your seatbelt and obey all traffic signs.

- Avoid distractions while driving such as using the phone or eating something while driving.

- Have a designated driver who won’t be drinking alcohol if you plan to leave after the celebration

- Make sure you are well rested and be careful about driving immediately after the big meal. A full stomach can cause drowsiness.

- Give yourself a little more time to get to where you are going, and be aware of the vehicles around you.

Keeping these safety tips in mind can help you prevent an accident, which would be a terrible way to spend your holiday. Thanksgiving is a great day to spend with your loved ones and enjoy a good feast; just remember to use precaution, be responsible, and be safe.

Monday, November 9, 2015

The 5 Most Deadliest Days Of The Year In America & Tips To Be Safe

The end-of-the-year holidays are just around the corner, and while they can be fun and great, they can also be dangerous days to be on the road, in addition to other days to be listed below. This isn’t meant to scare or discourage anyone from having a good time on these days, but to simply help drivers stay informed and use caution while on the road. Below are the five days of the year that are more likely for drunk drivers to be on the road.

New Year’s Eve

People are going to parties and events and staying there well after midnight and then attempt to go home in the early hours of the morning, after a long night of drinking. Reports have shown that drunk drivers cause 50% of all New Year’s Day car accidents.

Super Bowl Sunday

People like to have viewing parties for Super Bowl Sunday and it is very common for people to drink while watching the Super Bowl. They then go back home while still being legally intoxicated.

Fourth of July

This is another big holiday known for its festivities and drinking. Many people enjoy being outside and having a BBQ, but end up getting very intoxicated. This can go on throughout any hours of the holiday so always be aware of drivers on the road who could be intoxicated.

Labor Day

Labor Day weekend is always full of festivities due to it being an extended weekend. Drunk driving accidents take an almost 400% increase on Labor Day. It also means the end of summer, so many people like to go out to drink and celebrate. This is by far one of the most deadly days of the year.

Thanksgiving Day

Many people celebrate Thanksgiving not only with an extravagant feast, but by having a couple drinks with their friends and family. Many people go to their friends’ or other family members’ houses to celebrate together, which can be very dangerous when they are going back home afterwards.

Even if you know you’re not going to end up driving after drinking during these holidays, it is still dangerous just to be sharing the road with those who are. It is also important to consider your loved ones. Anyone can become a victim to a terrible accident when drunk driving is so common during these days of the year. The best way to stay safe is to try to stay away from the streets and not drive. But if you do, always wear your seat belt and make sure you watch other cars more carefully than usual, especially later in the day. If you are stopped at a red light, take an extra moment to check crossing traffic as your light turns green. There could be someone that takes a red light as yours turns green. Just remember to use extra caution.

Traffic deaths have increased 14% in 2015: Why?

According to new data from the National Safety Council, traffic fatalities have been up 14% in 2015. This year there have been over 18,600 motor-vehicle deaths from January to June. In 2014, there were 16,400 deaths during the same period of time. The estimated cost of the deaths, injuries, and property damage related to these crashes is $152 billion, which is up 24% from 2014. This has been the deadliest year for drivers since 2007.

So why would the percentage of accidents be higher this year? National Safety Council president Deborah Hersman says some reasons may be that because gas has been more affordable this year compared the recent past years (about 30% down from 2014), people are driving more, and therefore that produces more chances of accidents.

Another reason is that since the unemployment rate has also gone down compared to the past couple years, people are working more so there are more cars on the road. As stated earlier, more cars on the road means higher chances of accidents. Also, cell phone use has gone up; people are using their phones more and more now for more things – not just to talk or text. Social media use on phones while driving has gone up. The more distracted drivers and the more drivers there are, the more accidents.

While it’s difficult to measure exactly why fatalities this year have been on the rise, these are all probable causes. The best way that you can make sure you do not become part of this increased statistic is by practicing safe driving. You can’t control how many people are out on the road, but you can at least control how you drive your vehicle.