30 March

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When Home Isn’t Safe – Domestic Violence Resources During COVID-19 Michigan Shelter-In-Place

Victims of domestic violence often feel trapped in their relationship, and under the current Michigan shelter-in-place order, that is a prominent reality for many. A recent statement from the Executive Director of the Safehouse Center explains concerns posed by COVID-19 for domestic violence victims, including isolation, lost access to help, and fear of exposure to the virus when leaving the home. If you are stuck at home with an abusive partner, there are still resources and services available to help you during the COVID-19 pandemic. Update: On April 27, 2020, the Michigan Supreme Court enacted Administrative Order No. 2020-11 to provide...

16 July

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Recreational Marijuana Is Legal, Driving While High Isn’t

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Safety Information

[vc_row triangle_shape="no"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Authored by Michigan personal injury attorney, Brian McKenna. While Michigan voters opted to legalize many aspects of marijuana consumption in a November 2018 ballot initiative, driving while high remains illegal. Means of prohibition enforcement, however, remains murky. Michigan law adheres to a strict “zero-tolerance” policy for drivers who have any amount of the drugs listed on Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act in their system. These substances include marijuana and its active ingredient, THC. However, in People v Koon, the Michigan Supreme Court carved out an exception to the strict rule. That decision considered the legalization of marijuana for medical...

30 May

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Are Trampoline Parks Safe? Everything Parents Should Know

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Safety Information

In recent years, the popularity of trampoline parks has grown significantly. Less than a decade ago, there were only three trampoline parks across the United States. Today, that number has increased to over 800. The rise in popularity of trampoline parks and attractions can be cause for concern for many parents. Are trampoline parks safe? With such a rapid expansion of trampoline park attendance, it is not surprising that injuries at these establishments have increased dramatically among children as well. Trampoline Injuries on the Rise The number of serious injuries that occur from trampoline use each year is astonishing. It estimated that...

11 March

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St. Patrick’s Day Safety – Michigan Designated Driver Services

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Safety Information

St. Patrick's Day is a holiday notoriously celebrated in the United States with the excessive consumption of green beer. In fact, in 2017, MSP reported the most alcohol-related car crashes in Michigan occurred on St. Patty's Day. For those who choose to go out and celebrate, it's important to know the risks involved and research available designated driver services in your area to ensure St. Patrick's Day safety for yourself, your friends, and other Michigan motorists. Zero-Limit Policy for St. Patrick's Day Safety While the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08 grams per deciliter of blood, this St. Patrick's Day, make...

04 December

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Drive Safe Michigan – Private Property Stop Signs and Emergency Vehicle Passing

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Motor Vehicle Crashes, Safety Information

Update: New emergency passing law goes into effect on February 13, 2019. Anyone who's taken a driver's training class knows the basic laws that govern Michigan roads. But most of us fail to keep ourselves up-to-date as these regulations change. As part of our commitment to helping Michigan residents better understand the law, we're starting Drive Safe Michigan. This campaign focuses on sharing traffic law information in an effort to improve Michigan roads and driving. Michigan car accident attorney, Steve Sinas, recently appeared on Fox 47's Morning Blend to kick off the campaign. He covered two very relevant and timely topics in the...

31 July

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Michigan Roundabouts – Dangerous Intersections or a Step Toward Safety?

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Safety Information

As part of our ongoing Understanding Dangerous Roads campaign, we're turning our focus momentarily to roundabouts and their prevalence at dangerous intersections in Michigan. The first Michigan roundabout – a circular road design that requires entering traffic to yield to vehicles already in the circle traveling counterclockwise – was built by the Oakland County Road Commission in 1999. Today, there are more than 100 roundabouts along our state’s roads. Crash Reduction Rates at Dangerous Intersections Michigan roundabouts were introduced as a means to improve safety. Recent statistics show they reduce severe accidents at otherwise dangerous intersections previously controlled by a two-way stop...

14 May

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Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet – Dangerous or a Rider Necessity?

Posted by Steve and Tom Sinas

in Motorcycles, Safety Information

In an increasingly connected world, it’s no wonder hands-free communication is essential for operators of both automobiles and motorcycles. And for motorcyclists, the newest player on the scene is the Bluetooth motorcycle helmet. These helmets wirelessly connect rider-to-rider, or rider to their mobile device. Once connected, riders are alerted to incoming calls, can listen to music, or receive navigation instructions. Without a doubt, hands-free connectivity is important for keeping eyes on the road. After all, nothing is scarier than seeing someone operate such a powerful bike with one hand, and a cell phone with the other. But the question begs to be...

20 November

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Semi-Truck Side Guards: Do They Reduce Crash Fatalities?

Posted by lmurphy

in Motor Vehicle Crashes, Safety Information, Semi-Trucks

Michigan semi-truck accident injuries can be devastating, and are often fatal. This is not only due to the sheer weight and size of the trucks, but also because smaller vehicles can slide underneath these large trucks, resulting in even more catastrophic injuries. There are, however, ways to help reduce this type of tragedy, including the use of semi-truck side guards. Right now, long-haul commercial trucks in the United States are only required to have rear under-ride guards. These devices (also called "Mansfield bars" after the death of actress Jayne Mansfield in a rear-end collision with a semi-truck) are designed to keep...

27 April

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Michigan Speed Limit Increase: Will Roads Become More Dangerous?

Posted by lmurphy

in Michigan Laws, Safety Information

The speed limit on certain stretches of Michigan interstates is increasing to 75 mph, while it jumping to 65 mph on other state highways. This Michigan speed limit increase began taking effect gradually on May 1, 2017. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the speed limit on more than 600 miles of freeways is being boosted from 70 to 75 mph, while it going up to 65 mph on another 938 miles of state roadways. Speed limit signs started changing May 1, and the higher speed limit is official when the roads are actually signed. The speed limit in the mid-Michigan...

05 April

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Cell Phones: A Leading Cause Of Distracted Driving Accidents

Posted by lmurphy

in Safety Information

Police officers throughout Michigan are stepping up traffic enforcement in an effort to draw increased attention to risky driving behaviors -- particularly cell phone use -- and help curb distracted driving accidents. What is distracted driving? It is any activity that diverts the driver's attention away from operating the vehicle. It includes using a cell phone, eating and drinking, talking to passengers and messing with a vehicle's radio, entertainment or navigation system. Cell Phones And Distracted Driving Accidents Cell phones are a leading cause of distracted driving accidents and car accident injuries in Michigan. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, some...

When Home Isn’t Safe – Domestic Violence Resources During COVID-19 Michigan Shelter-In-Place

Recreational Marijuana Is Legal, Driving While High Isn’t

Are Trampoline Parks Safe? Everything Parents Should Know

St. Patrick’s Day Safety – Michigan Designated Driver Services

Drive Safe Michigan – Private Property Stop Signs and Emergency Vehicle Passing

Michigan Roundabouts – Dangerous Intersections or a Step Toward Safety?

Bluetooth Motorcycle Helmet – Dangerous or a Rider Necessity?

Semi-Truck Side Guards: Do They Reduce Crash Fatalities?

Michigan Speed Limit Increase: Will Roads Become More Dangerous?

Cell Phones: A Leading Cause Of Distracted Driving Accidents

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