31 July

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Michigan Roundabouts – Dangerous Intersections or a Step Toward Safety?

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...

04 April

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The Dangers Of Semi-Truck Driver Fatigue

Posted by lmurphy

in Motor Vehicle Crashes, Safety Information, Semi-Trucks

The arrest of a truck driver who traveled from Washington State to Massachusetts without any sleep recently made national headlines, leading to increasing concerns about the dangers of semi-truck driver fatigue. Semi-truck drivers are usually paid based on miles, which is why they often attempt to travel long distances in short periods of time. Federal trucking regulations, however, limit the number of hours a driver can travel within a 24-hour period. Federal rules also mandate when, and for how long, a semi-truck driver must take breaks. But despite federal regulations, semi-truck driver fatigue continues to be one of the common causes of...

19 October

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Parents: Talk To Your Teenagers About Distracted Driving

Posted by lmurphy

in Fox 47, Safety Information

Distracted driving is involved in 6 of 10 crashes that seriously injure teenagers. Each October, National Teen Driver Safety Week is held across the country, helping to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and teen driver safety in general. It also offers parents an excellent opportunity to talk to their teens about safe driving habits. Studies show that only about 25 percent of parents have talked to their teens about driving safety. This is unfortunate because parents actually have more influence than they think over their teenager's driving habits. The bottom line? Parents need to talk with their teens about distracted driving...

17 October

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Bills Regulating Ride Sharing Regulations In Michigan Don’t Do Enough

Posted by lmurphy

in Safety Information

*** Note: This blog post was updated 3/13/2017 to reflect Michigan's new ride-sharing laws (Public Acts 345, 346, 347 and 348 of 2016). For several years, ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft have been operating in Michigan without any state oversight. But on March 21, 2017, this changed when Public Acts 345, 346, 347 and 348 went into effect. Until now, it has been unsettled exactly how the auto no-fault insurance system works when Uber or Lyft drivers are in a Michigan car accident. There have also been liability concerns because drivers are considered independent contractors and not ride-sharing company employees. In...

12 August

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Steve Sinas Talks Pokémon Go Legal Concerns With Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Posted by lmurphy

in Announcements, Safety Information

Lansing personal injury lawyer Steve Sinas explains the dangers and legal issues associated with playing Pokémon Go, in an article that's featured in Michigan Lawyers Weekly (MiLW), a statewide legal publication. In "Pokémon Go presents virtual fun, real legal issues," (August 12, 2016), Steve first discusses the Pokémon Go app's terms of service, which cautions users to play the virtual reality game at their own risk and have insurance, in case they're injured while playing. Users who download the game also agree to not violate any laws, and not to cause others emotional distress or to trespass on private property. The...

13 July

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“Pokemon Go” Presents Distraction, Public Safety Concerns

Posted by lmurphy

in Safety Information

Pokemon Go is sweeping the globe. Nearly 21 million daily users are playing the game on their smartphones, hunting for virtual Pokemon creatures that pop up in some rather unusual locations. But while the app might be fun, it has also become a major distraction for players, and a genuine public safety concern. Here's the deal. Pokemon Go users are not only walking and looking down at their smartphones while playing the game, but are also driving and bicycling. A Pennsylvania mother claims her 15-year-old daughter was hit by a car on July 12 while playing Pokemon Go. Bicycling magazine has...

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

The Dangers Of Semi-Truck Driver Fatigue

Parents: Talk To Your Teenagers About Distracted Driving

Bills Regulating Ride Sharing Regulations In Michigan Don’t Do Enough

Steve Sinas Talks Pokémon Go Legal Concerns With Michigan Lawyers Weekly

“Pokemon Go” Presents Distraction, Public Safety Concerns

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