Archive for the ‘Michigan car accidents’ Category

Safety First When Changing a Tire on a Busy Street

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

Driving on a flat tire can ruin the tire and the rim. Therefore, if you can safely pull to the side of the road when a tire is going flat, do it! Sometimes you may not be lucky enough to realize that a tire is losing air. Remember, as you try to stop, your safety is more important than a tire or a rim; they can be replaced.

If you have a blow out while driving on a busy street, first thing is to stay calm.  Next, turn on your hazard lights and slow down gradually while watching traffic.  Carefully steer the car around the other drivers to the side of the road or the exit.  If it’s possible pull into a parking lot or somewhere with very little traffic. If you have to pull over on a busy street and the flat tire is on the driver’s side of the car, use extra caution.  If you can’t pull over far enough to safely change the tire, call for road assistance.

Safety Tips:
If you have to change a tire on a busy road, the most important thing to remember is to exercise caution while you are doing so.

  1. The first step is to make sure that your vehicle is as far off onto the side of the road as possible. You want to make sure that there is a lot of room between your vehicle and the cars driving past you on the road.
  2. Next, parking on level, solid ground is essential for a quick change on a busy street.  If you can’t get to a safe area, call for help.
  3. Turn off your engine and turn on your hazard lights .
  4. Make sure that the car is in park (if it’s a manual transmission put it in first gear or reverse) and that the emergency brake is on before you get out of the car.
  5. Put your keys in your pocket (so you don’t misplace them) and get out of the car on the non-traffic side of the road. If you have flares, set them at the front and rear of your vehicle.
  6. Next, you will need something to block the tires. Use bricks, wooden blocks, or look for something that is very sturdy in your trunk that will keep the car from rolling when you jack it up.  Block both rear tires if you are changing a front tire, and both front tires if you are changing one in the rear.
  7. You should never begin the process of changing a tire if you feel that you will not be safe. If you think your car is too close to oncoming traffic, then you should stop the process and call for help.

Driving a car safely is a big responsibility.  When problems come up, you can reduce your risk of being in a car accident if you stay calm and be careful of other drivers.

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Automobile Safety Recall Update

Thursday, January 26th, 2012

Car manufacturers claim that every detail on their vehicles are just right. However, with the thousands of parts and suppliers, sometimes things are not perfect.  This is why smart drivers watch for reports from organizations that test and report on consumer products, like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Consumer Reports.

In the past few weeks, Consumer Reports News reported that NHTSA issued recall notices for several vehicles.  These recalls included two General Motors cargo vans, the GMC Savana and the Chevrolet Express, both of which were recalled for faulty air bags.

NHTSA announced that these defective air bags were found in approximately 1,798 vans that were made from June through October. Both the 2012 GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express vans are full size cargo vans equipped with dual stage air bags, which may not inflate properly in severe front end collisions. NHTSA stated that the recalled vans violate the federal safety standards for protection of drivers and passengers.

GM will immediately notify owners of the recalled vehicles and instruct them to take their vans to dealers for free replacement of the air bags. If this affects you or someone you know, you can get more information by calling GMC at 800-462-8782 or Chevrolet at 800-222-1020.

Chrysler Motor Corporation also has two cars affected by recalls this month. NHTSA issued a recall for the compact 2012 Fiat 500 and the midsize SUV 2012 Dodge Journey.  The recall includes a combined total of approximately 500 of these two vehicles.

Both vehicles have a possibility of the loss of braking power, increasing the chances of auto accidents. They may have contaminated hydraulic brake fluid which can deteriorate the brake seals.

Chrysler began notifying owners of these models in December. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicles into a local dealership where the bad brake fluid and all of the brake components that have come into contact with it will be replaced for free.

You can contact Chrysler’s toll-free customer support line at 800-853-1403.

For more information on these and other product safety issues, visit the NHTSA website www.SaferCar.com.  For daily updates on consumer product news, visit Consumer Reports website www.consumerreports.org.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, due to a defective product or a negligent driver, visit http://www.callsam.com/michigan-personal-injury-cases/bad-accidents/car-accidents

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Full Service for Your Car

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

A long time ago, there were no self service gas stations, only Service Stations.  These were full service all the time.  The driver would pull in, park next to the appropriate pump, and turn off the car.  An attendant would come to the window, ask you which grade of gas you needed and how much you would like, and then fill your tank.  You never left your car!  Doesn’t this sound great on a rainy day?

Service station attendants did so much more than pump gas; they helped take care of our cars.  While the gas was filling the tank, the attendant would wash all the windows and side view mirrors, check the oil and other fluids, and check the tire pressure and treadwear.  Now that most full service stations in the U.S. have been converted to self-serve gas stations, these services are no longer easily available.

While most of us know how to pump our own gas,  we also need to learn how to maintain our cars as well as the full service attendant. Routine maintenance is good for your car and it’s an important step in preventing car accidents, so follow these steps when you stop for gas:.

  • Wash the windows every time you fill up!  Anything on the windows will block your vision, whether it is dirt, debris, dead bugs, ice, or anything else. Keeping windows clean is an easy way to prevent an auto accident.
  • Check the fluids every other time you fill up. This includes checking the oil level and windshield wiper fluid.  If you’re not sure how to do this, have your mechanic teach you. It’s easy and a simple safety rule.
  • Check your tires once a month. Tire pressure and treadwear are important factors in gas mileage and traction.  Ensure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation and that treadwear is never less than a 16th of an inch. Tires should be checked by a professional and rotated each time you have your car in for service or an oil change.

Make these things a habit at the pump and help keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe from easily avoidable accidents.

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Shopping for a Car? Figure Out the Best Car You Can Afford

Monday, December 5th, 2011

There is no doubt about it, these are difficult economic times and many of us are on very tight budgets.  The cost of cars, no matter how good the deal, is a lot of money.  Even used cars are not inexpensive.

If you are looking for a car, new or used, it’s a good idea to find out all of the costs up front.  One way to do this is by calculating how much it costs per mile to drive a car.  As you know, it’s not just the purchase price, but many other factors that also add to the overall cost.  To plan for all the expenses of vehicle ownership, review the potential costs and make an informed decision about which vehicle you can afford.  Ownership costs will vary significantly depending on the make and model of the vehicle and other factors.

  • Fuel: Manufacturers are required to state the fuel mileage for all models.  With the price of fuel likely to remain high, this is an important item to consider.  Depending on the amount of driving you do, the fuel efficiency of the vehicle could be worth hundreds of dollars each month.
  • Insurance: Most states, including Michigan, require auto insurance. If you take out a loan, your lender may require a greater insurance coverage.  Some factors that determine the price of insurance are your driving record, whether you have been in an auto accident, where you live, and the value of your vehicle.  More expensive cars can cost more to insure.
  • Interest on your loan: If you are depending on a loan to buy your car, it pays to shop around because interest can really add up.  For example, a five year loan of $20,000 at 7% interest will cost approximately  $8,500.00 in interest, while the same loan at 4% will cost around $4,500.00.
  • Maintenance and Repairs: Normal car maintenance costs include regular oil changes, seasonal adjustments, cleaning, brake checks, etc.  These costs may also vary by model and should be estimated before making a purchase.  You may also want to factor in a “best guess” for yearly repairs.  Remember the first year there may be no repairs, but as the car ages, the repair cost will increase.
  • Taxes: Most states charge sales tax and the amount will be a percentage of the sale price.  You may also have to pay title or transfer fees.
  • Value: Your car will lose value as you drive it.  If you’re planning to sell the car in a few years, it is important to compare the rate of depreciation of different models.  Different makes and models will lose their value at different rates. Making an educated guess of the car’s worth in a few years will help you to determine the cost of ownership during that time.
Once you know all of these costs, you will be able to estimate the actual cost of owning a car, and the cost per mile to drive it.  Then you will know enough to buy the best car you can afford.

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Driving Safely When Heading South the Winter

Monday, November 28th, 2011
Perhaps you are thinking it’s getting too cold and feel like it’s time to flee to warmer climates, or maybe you just want a short get away for the holidays. Regardless of your reason for traveling south, your winter road trip needs preparation.  Here’s a simple checklist to follow to get your car ready for the trip.

  • Buy a road atlas or GPS.  These will help you find your way, navigate a detour, and provide options for new routes.  A GPS can help you find restaurants or lodging, and check on traffic conditions.  Having either one of these is an essential for any road trip.
  • Put together an emergency road kit. Your kit should have jumper cables, tire gauge, flashlight, basic tools like screwdriver and pliers, engine oil, coolant, and first aid kit.  If you are driving in a cold climate, include an ice scraper, blanket, and flares.  In the south, make sure you have extra water for you and your radiator. In addition, make sure you have your car registration, insurance certificate, and owner’s manual.
  • Check your fluids.  Starting your trip with an oil change is a good idea.  Also check the levels of power steering fluid, engine coolant (antifreeze), windshield wiper fluid, and automatic transmission fluid.
  • Equipment check. Make sure that battery cables are connected snugly and the terminals are clean, and that all engine hoses and belts fit correctly and are not cracked. Do you remember the last time you replaced your air filter?  Now would be a good time.   How about the horn, the lights, and mirrors?  All of these need to be working properly for safe driving. It’s a good idea to add a spare headlight bulb to your road kit as well.
  • Tires.  Make sure the tires are inflated to the correct pressure.  Check for uneven wear and rotate or replace them if necessary.  Be sure that you have an inflated spare, a sturdy car jack, and a lug wrench, in case you need to change a tire.
  • Windshield wipers should be working properly. Replace the blades if they are worn or don’t clean your windshield well.

Taking the time to get ready for your road trip is well worth it.  Whether you are fleeing the icy winter for a few months or just thawing out for a long weekend, your car should be ready to get you there.  These simple steps are easy to follow and will help avoid an auto accident.

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U.S. Motor Vehicle Deaths Decline in 2009 – Michigan Auto Accident Fatalities Down 11%

Friday, November 5th, 2010

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently reported that motor vehicle deaths dropped in 2009 to the lowest level since 1950.

A 9.7 percent overall decrease in deaths caused by auto accidents from 2008 to 2009 covered a variety of motor vehicles and related auto accident injuries, including:

The total number of motor vehicle injuries decreased from 2.35 million in 2008 to 2.2 million in 2009. The U.S. Department of Transportation report suggested several reasons for the overall declines in traffic-related injuries and deaths, including:

  • The state of the economy – People may be carpooling, using public transportation or alternative methods of transportation (bicycling) to cut down on motor vehicle costs, such as gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and even parking costs.
  • A rise in unemployment – Fewer people overall are commuting or have a need to travel to a job. Additionally, less money earned means less financial ability to go out to restaurants, shopping centers, or entertainment.
  • Improvements in vehicle design – Recent vehicle product recalls, stiff fines and close public attention to auto manufacturers may have created safer vehicles.
  • Highway safety programs – Awareness of traffic safety may be heightened by increased and improved safety campaigns and programs.

In 2009, Michigan auto accident deaths declined by 11 percent, or 1.3 percent over the national average. The total number of fatalities dropped from 980 to 871, with the greatest decline of 13 percent found in alcohol-impaired driving deaths.

Despite the state and nation-wide decline in auto accident deaths, there are still thousands of Michigan car accident victims suffering from injuries.

The Sam Bernstein Law Firm supports Michigan traffic safety and awareness, and protecting your rights. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a Michigan auto accident, contact an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer for a free, confidential legal consultation immediately.

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National and State Distracted Driving Legislation Could Help Prevent Auto Accidents

Monday, October 25th, 2010

The U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, recently reported on the alarming nationwide incidence of auto accident injuries and deaths resulting from distracted driving. During the past year, nearly 6,000 people died, and half a million were injured in accidents involving inattentive drivers.

Each day, more than 800,000 vehicles are driven by people using hand-held cell phones. However, cell phones are not the only distraction, especially for many teenagers, who also use iPods and video games while they are behind the wheel.

Distracted driving is not a problem limited to personal motor vehicles. Commercial and public transportation operators have also been known to allow dangerous distractions to cause major accidents.

At the 2010 National Distracted Driving Summit, LaHood announced new anti-distracted driving regulations to combat auto accident injuries and deaths. These regulations will ban commercial truck drivers from texting while transporting hazardous materials.

Many other private and public organizations are supporting the campaign against distracted driving. The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety reported that 1,600 U.S. companies and organizations have instituted anti-distracted driving policies, covering approximately 10.5 million workers nationwide. An additional 550 organizations made commitments to adopt these policies, which will cover another 1.5 million employees within the next 12 months.

More than 200 distracted driving bills have been introduced in 46 state legislatures in the past year. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia currently ban cell phones for new drivers, while 6 states and the District of Columbia ban cell phone use by all drivers.

Michigan auto accident law also has changed to combat the trend of distracted driving. The Michigan Legislature recently passed a state ban on texting, to help prevent Michigan car accidents. Earlier this year, lawmakers agreed to make it a primary offense to text while driving, so that police could pull over drivers for texting and only texting. The traffic fines for violators – $100 for the first offense and $200 for each subsequent offense – indicated the Legislature’s determination to decrease Michigan auto accident injuries.

Michigan auto accident attorney Mark Bernstein said: “Operating a motor vehicle requires a driver’s complete attention. Unexpected events, traffic congestion, changes in highway conditions, or sudden actions by other drivers or pedestrians, can lead to a tragic accident in a split second. By avoiding cell phone use and other distractions, Michigan motorists can protect themselves and others from serious auto accident injuries.”

The Sam Bernstein Law Firm is dedicated to increasing awareness about the dangers of distracted driving to prevent Michigan auto accidents, as well as protecting the legal rights of auto accident victims. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an auto accident involving a distracted driver, contact an experienced Michigan car accident attorney immediately.

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Michigan Construction Zone Safety Tips

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

As summer travel plans commence, Michigan automobile and traffic safety is a concern with the numerous road construction projects in progress.

As your family travels to and from popular Great Lake and Northern Michigan vacation destinations, they need to be aware of numerous road construction projects in progress.

To stay safe and protect yourself from a Michigan car accident this summer, the Michigan Department of Transportation provided the following information about Michigan construction projects:
- I-69 reconstruction extends 10 miles from M-15 to M-24. Watch out for concrete pavement, shoulder work, guardrail/drainage improvements, and bridge rehabilitation. In 2010, 1-69 westbound traffic is shifted to eastbound lanes, with one lane in each direction open to motorists.
- Major bridge rehabilitation and concrete pavement repair affects I-75 and I-275 in Monroe County. A split-merge traffic system will keep at least three lanes open.
- I-75 freeway reconstruction at 9 Mile in Oakland County will keep all four lanes of I-75 South and three lanes of I-75 North open. Take caution as there will be some nighttime closures of I-75 due to bridgework.
- Corridor improvements on I-94 in Jackson County will include single-lane closures during off-peak times. Two lanes will be maintained in each direction during weekdays. There are no expected lane closures on holidays, but allow some extra time for traffic.
Driving through work zones can be dangerous, especially as traffic increases on the weekends.
Keep these traveling tips in mind to avoid a Michigan auto accident:
- Slow down, pay attention to signs and drive the posted speed in work zones, to keep workers safe and avoid doubled traffic violation fines.
-Avoid distractions like cell phones and eating. Obey the law prohibiting texting while driving. Distracted driving is a significant cause of Michigan auto accidents. Don’t put your family at risk.
- Plan for all possible problems – fill up your gas tank and stock coolers with drinks and food in case of long delays to avoid fatigue and automobile breakdowns.
- Drive at a safe distance from trucks to give them more time and room to stop or change lanes. They often need extra space to navigate narrow construction zone lanes. By giving them twice the normal amount, you may be able to avoid an auto accident.

Sometimes accidents are unavoidable – nearly 2 million non-fatal, but disabling, injuries occur in auto accidents every year. Victims of auto accidents in work zones especially need to protect their legal rights. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries due to an auto accident, contact an experienced Michigan car accident attorney immediately.

The Bernstein Law Firm wishes all Michigan drivers safe and pleasant travels to and from their summer vacation destinations.

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