What to Do if your Car is On Fire

Although they don’t occur frequently, car fires do happen and they’re one of the deadliest emergencies. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, in 2010, firefighters responded to more than 200,000 car fires. In that same year, car fires took the lives of 285 people. There are measures that you can take to avoid injuries and even save your life or someone else’s.

If you see flames or smell smoke coming from your car while driving, you need to remain calm and act fast. Car fires not only break out in the engine compartment. Fires can occur near the brakes or wheels, under the vehicle, or even inside your vehicle. Interior fires can be the most terrifying due to your close proximity to the flames and smoke.

Follow these steps from the National Safety Council if a fire starts while you’re driving: Signal and immediately move to a safe spot to stop. After stopping the car, turn off the ignition. Get you and everyone out of the car and make sure no one goes back in to retrieve any personal items. Move as far as possible (at least 100 feet) from the burning vehicle to avoid toxic fumes and flames and keep any bystanders back. Call 911 immediately and if possible, alert any oncoming traffic.

It is not recommended that you attempt putting out the fire yourself. Opening the doors or hood increases air supply and can accelerate the fire. After the fire has been put out, take photos of the damage if possible and collect basic information (name and number) from any witnesses. Ask the firefighters when it is safe to get personal items from the car. Before attempting to operate the vehicle again, have it inspected at a repair shop.

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

Signs Your Brakes are Giving Out

One of the most vital safety features of your vehicle is its braking system.  Its primary job is to keep you and your passengers safe while keeping your car out of the body repair shop. It’s important you recognize the signs when they’re about to give up on you and how to react if they do.

There are number of reasons that brakes experience damage or failure. Low levels of brake fluid and worn out rotors and/or brake pads all contribute to the demise of your brakes. Infrequent or improper maintenance is dangerous and can result in serious consequences. If you haul a heavy trailer that lacks trailer brakes, realize that this may also contribute to accelerated wear and damage to your brakes by overheating them. Weather extremes, like corrosion from road salt, also play a role on the wear and tear of your vehicle’s brakes.

If every time you tap on the brakes you hear a high-pitched squeal noise, you need to visit a mechanic as soon as you can. Basically any scraping, grinding, or scratching sounds that you may hear coming from your brakes warrants a visit to the mechanic. If you find that your vehicle pulls hard to one side when you stop, this could be an indicator that one side of your brakes is functioning properly and the other is not. Shaking of the steering wheel, brakes that pulsate before functioning, or sink to the floorboard, are all red flags.  Notice that you’re unable to stop quickly or that your stopping distance has increased? This could be also be a sign that your brakes need a checkup.

In the unfortunate event that your brakes do fail, follow a few steps in order to ensure you make it out of the situation safe and without harm to others. If your brakes fail as you’re driving, remain calm, stay focused and immediately take action. Turn on your hazard lights and honk your horn so you can warn other drivers. Remove your foot off the accelerator pedal so you’ll be able to slow down and try to maneuver your car to the shoulder or right lane. Downshift so the engine can help slow down the car. If your car comes equipped with anti-lock brakes, press down on the brake pedal firmly. If your vehicle does not come with this feature, pump the pedal instead. Once at a decreased speed, slowly and gradually engage the parking brake. Doing this with too much pressure or too quickly could cause your wheels to lock up.

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.

Using Hazard Lights

When it comes to using hazard lights, there is confusion as to when it’s okay to use them and when it’s not.  The truth is, each state has their own rules regarding when and how to use them. In Michigan, hazard lights are permitted in all or most cases but in states like California or Tennessee, it is only permitted in hazard or emergency situations. 

Generally, it’s okay to turn your hazards on if you are parked and need assistance. If you’re driving, that all depends on where you live. In some states, driving with your hazards on is not permitted at all. In others, you are free to drive with your hazards on.  Some states permit it as long as there is an emergency or hazard on the road and you want to alert other drivers (like if there’s a rockslide).  A common exception, even in states that barely allow hazard light use, is for funeral processions. 

When there’s bad weather, people tend to turn on their hazard lights in order to be more visible to other drivers. Although your hazard lights may make you stand out more in rainy or snowy conditions and alert other motorists that you’re driving slower, it can actually put you at risk. In some vehicles, the turning signals are disabled whenever the hazard lights are activated. Even if the turn signals on your vehicle still work, it may be hard for other drivers to differentiate a turn signal from a hazard light. Drivers might not be able to anticipate your next move, and thus, the risk of having an accident is increased. 

When people see hazard lights flashing, they might believe there is some form of danger they should look out for. If motorists are preoccupied looking for the hazard or danger, they can become distracted from the road and disrupt the flow of traffic. If you are unsure about the use of hazards where you live, you should find out what rules your state has regarding their use. 

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.

Witnessing a Car Crash: What to Do

Car accidents happen suddenly and without warning. Depending on the severity of the crash, you might either keep going or stop to help. If it’s only a fender bender, the chances that someone is going to stop are very slim. If it’s something more serious, basic human decency dictates that people will stop to help.

If you witness a serious accident, you might be confused as to what you should do. If you’re the first person to reach the accident scene, completely pull off the road. You should try to position yourself at least 100 feet or more away from the collision so you can leave enough room for emergency vehicles.  Turn on your hazard flashers to alert other drivers of the situation and to help emergency personnel see the collision.

Keeping your distance from the vehicles involved in the wreck, check to see if anyone is injured. It’s important that you don’t touch any of the victims. What you’re trying to do is only assess the situation.  Call 9-1-1 and if another person arrives to help, ask that person to dial 9-1-1 as well.  Whoever is dialing 9-1-1 must be prepared to provide as much information as they can and answer questions. This may include, the location of the accident, and the number of people requiring emergency assistance.

Go to the aid of anyone who is not already talking and walking around. Remember not to move a person who is injured unless the individual is in a burning vehicle or other type of danger.  Moving someone the wrong way can make an injury worse. If you can, help the driver of the wrecked vehicle move the car out of the traffic lane. Do not attempt to drive the vehicle unless a police officer or emergency worker has instructed you to do so. You can further help the victims of the accident by taking pictures of the scene. Be ready to give these photos to law enforcement or to the crash victims.

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.

Wildlife Traffic Incidents: Staying Safe

There’s a certain level of awareness and caution that should be utilized while driving in wildlife areas.  Areas that are prone to wildlife traffic are wetland, wooded or agricultural areas.  Roads that cross streams are also areas where wildlife is most likely to be found.

In places of heavier wildlife traffic or in wildlife-vehicle collision hot spots, crossing signs are usually placed. You should always take notice of these crossing signs. If these signs are on a regularly traveled route, avoid yourself from becoming habituated to them. When you’re driving, scan from side to side, as this will allow you to pay attention to both sides of the road. If there are other passengers in the vehicle, ask them to also keep an eye out for any animals.

You should never drive distracted, even more so in wildlife areas.  If you have other passengers with you, try to keep the chat to a minimum. When entering these areas, decrease your speed and increase the distance between you and any other vehicles. If you are traveling at higher speeds, your ability to take action is reduced. Driving at a slower, cautious speed will help you respond in time to avoid colliding with a crossing animal.

If you can, avoid or at least limit your driving in wildlife areas at night. During dusk and dawn hours, wildlife traffic is highest and driver visibility is at its lowest. If you are on a motorcycle, be especially careful when passing through wildlife areas.  Only 2% of car and deer collisions result in human fatalities, but 85% of motorcycle and deer collisions result in human fatalities.

Make sure to keep up with your car’s maintenance and that you’re windshield is clean. Clear your dashboard of any objects that could obstruct your view of the road.  If you live or travel regularly in wildlife areas, you should try investing in brighter headlights.

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

Handling Road Rage

A growing problem on our highways is road rage. There are many factors that contribute to road rage and they can range from insignificant to deeply serious. While you can never control the behavior of another driver, you can always make sure that you remain calm and not contribute to the problem. By being smart about it, you may be able to avoid violent interactions and/or having an accident.

If there is an aggressive driver in your midst, how you react to their actions will determine what will occur next. Before you learn how to handle the road rage of others, you should first do a self-assessment to see if you are the aggressive driver. Usual behaviors of an aggressive driver include: tailgating, using the horn, changing lanes quickly and often, flashing headlights, and gesturing to other drivers. If this is you, changing and altering your driving habits can be done with practice. If you need help, you can sign up for a driver’s education course or personalized training.

If the aggressive driver isn’t you, you can follow some tips on how to drive when in the presence of such a driver. Usually people who are angry on the road are in a hurry. If someone is tailgating you, swerving into your lane or just driving aggressively around you, you can move over, slow down or allow them to pass. If someone is giving you obscene gestures like the finger, remain calm by turning it into a humorous situation and pretend they’re letting you know that you are number one. You can also just laugh off their gestures or yelling and continue on your way. Another way to stay calm and collected in a stressful road environment is to imagine what you will be doing when you’re out of it. If you’re headed home, just imagine about crawling into bed, a hot bath or reading.

Sometimes there are drivers that bring the road rage out of you. They instigate by driving too slow, hogging up the lane, skipping turn signals or braking frequently without cause. In these situations, it’s important that you do not become the aggressive driver because it will increase your chances of being involved in an accident or getting into an altercation.  If you’re around such a driver, wait for an appropriate opportunity to pass them by or patiently wait until they are out of your way.

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 Escape a Sinking Car

Most accidents are frightening.  An accident where your vehicle becomes submerged in water and you’re trapped inside, is even more terrifying. Surprisingly, the majority of deaths are the result of panic and not having a plan.  The first thing you should do is brace yourself for impact. To get into a brace position, place both of your hands on the steering wheel in the nine and three positions. The impact your car makes when it hits the water could activate the airbag and if you’re in any other position, you can sustain a serious injury.  

The next thing you should do is remain calm. Panicking uses up valuable air, reduces energy, and may cause you to blank out.  Undoing your seat belt should be done immediately. If there are children in the car, unbuckle them starting with the oldest (who can help you with the younger ones). Avoid trying to call for help on your cell phone. Unfortunately, many people have lost their lives trying to make a call. As soon as you hit the water, open the window. Many people concentrate on the door, but you should really be concentrating on the window. A vehicle’s electrical system should be able to work for up to three minutes when in water.

In the event that you’re not able to open the window, you will have to break it. Try to find some object that you could use to break it. If you can’t, then your foot will have to be used. You should aim to kick near the front area of the window or the hinges. Since breaking a window is difficult, use those breaking point areas. It’s important to avoid attempting to break the windshield as they are made from safety glass and virtually unbreakable.  To think ahead, you can also purchase a window-breaking tool from an auto supply store and keep it in your car. Most window breaking tools also come equipped with a seatbelt cutter.

Once you break the window, take a deep breath and swim out. Since water will be gushing in, use all your strength to push yourself out and swim up. Tend to any children and help them stay near the surface.

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.