Tips for Drivers Sharing The Road With The QLine

Readers of The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC blog may remember a recent post discussing the new public transportation system in downtown Detroit, the QLine. The QLine is a streetcar system that runs along Woodward Ave through downtown, Wayne State University, Midtown, and Foxtown. The QLine opened in May of 2017, and while it’s a great transportation option in Detroit, it may also cause confusion for drivers in the city.

The QLine tracks are on public roads, changing the traffic patterns drivers in the area are used to and requiring drivers to pay attention to the streetcars as well as newly posted traffic lights and signage. The QLine adds yet another element drivers need to be aware of on already busy city streets. One driver unfortunately learned this the hard way, colliding with a QLine streetcar. CBS Detroit reported that on Thursday October 5, 2017, the driver of a long-bed truck pulled out in front of the QLine at the intersection of Willis and Woodward Ave, colliding with the streetcar. The driver was found to be at fault, and will likely receive a citation. Luckily damage to the vehicle and the QLine was minor and no was injured.

M-1 Rail, the creators of the QLine, said that in the 5 months the QLine has been operating, it has been involved in about 6 minor accidents. The QLine is a large, relatively slow moving vehicle, being 66 feet long and traveling at 35 MPH. While it may be frustrating to be stuck behind the QLine, drivers need to be careful not to make any sudden movements, such as cutting out in front of the QLine at an intersection, or attempting to pass the QLine and cutting it off.m in order to avoid being involved in a motor vehicle accident. The QLine released this video to suggest safety tips for drivers.

While these driving safety tips cannot guarantee that QLine car accidents won’t happen, they can help drivers be more prepared when it comes to sharing the road with the QLine. While it may take some getting used to for drivers, the QLine is a great transportation option for those who don’t want to try and navigate Detroit themselves, and an excellent alternative to drunk driving for those who have had a fun night on the town. The QLine is still a relatively new system, and likely over time drivers will be more accustomed to sharing the road with the streetcars. In the meantime, drivers should be aware of their surroundings when driving in Detroit, follow all posted signage and traffic signals, and not try to outrun the QLine, no matter how slow it seems to be moving.

Public transportation systems like the QLine that operate on public roads require some time for drivers to get used to sharing the road with them. But regardless of how much time has passed and how comfortable drivers are with the Qline, car accidents can still happen. If you have been involved in an automobile accident involving a public transportation vehicle such as a SMART Bus or the QLine, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation. 

Detroit Submits Bid for Amazon's New Headquarters

A newly released ad campaign has taken social media by storm, all in the hopes that one of the biggest companies in the world will make Detroit its new home. A video entitled Detroit. Move Here. Move The World. hit social media on Thursday, October 19, 2017, as part of the official Detroit-Windsor bid to be selected as the location for Amazon’s next headquarters, which is being called HQ2.

Source: YouTube - Detroit Moves HQ

According to the Detroit Free Press, Amazon announced a request for proposals for HQ2 in September of 2017, and since then cities across America have gone into a frenzy hoping to win Amazon’s affection. WXYZ Detroit reported that upon hearing about the competition, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder asked Dan Gilbert to put together a proposal for Detroit. Gilbert is a Detroit businessman and downtown developer, who has been heavily involved in the rebuilding of the city. The deadline to submit proposals was October 19, and the winner will be announced in 2018. Amazon plans on investing $5 billion in their new location, and will employ over 50,000 workers. The full development of the headquarters would be spread out over 15-17 years, and could require as much as 8 million square feet of office space.

According to Crane's Detroit Business, in addition to Gilbert, a 60-person “Amazon committee” was assembled, consisting of business, education, political, and philanthropic leaders. Specific details of the bid regarding tax incentives, mass transportation for employees, and filling such a large talent pool are being held closely guarded by the committee. The video, which has been viewed over 100,000 times on Youtube alone, was put together by journalist and filmmaker Stephen McGee, with a voice over by Detroit-based poet, playwright, and performance artist Jessica Care More. The video features scenes of iconic Detroit locations, businesses, auto manufacturers, and nearby universities.

The Detroit News reported that Gilbert told the Associated Press that “we feel like we have a lot of advantages. One of them is we’re proposing international headquarters on the border of two North American countries. We’ve got a hedge against any kind of immigration issues that might be on either side because you have two countries. You also have a huge, deep talent base in Canada and special universities.” He also added “we have a lot of transportation advantages because Amazon is sort of a transportation company to some degree. All the stuff with autonomous vehicles and drones and aerospace, there is a lot of that in Detroit.” Detroit's history of vehicle manufacturing, as well as developments of autonomous technology, are central to the bid. The video states that Detroit is “where mobility is born.”

There is still a long and competitive process ahead, as Amazon says over 200 cities have submitted proposals. But should Detroit win the bid, it is hard to overstate how much of a boost to the local economy having a company as large as Amazon setting up shop would be. Detroit is in the middle of a revitalization, and what better way to catapult that by having one of the largest and most influential companies in world make Detroit their new home. For more information on Detroit’s bid, visit Detroitmovestheworld.com, or check out #MoveTheWorld on social media.

With a company as large as Amazon moving into Detroit, tens of thousands of people will be added to the daily commute, meaning more accidents are likely to happen. If you have been involved in an automobile accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free legal consultation with an expereinced automobile injury lawyer.

Detroit's First Legal Drag Race Is Happening Today!

The Motor City is getting its first legal drag racing event! The Motor City Showdown is happening on September 23, 2017 at the Coleman A. Young International Airport on the city’s east side. According to The Detroit Free Press, the event is being put on by professional Hot Rod Association Driver Brian Olatunji, a native of Detroit, in partnership with Leadfoot Events.

The Motor City Showdown boasts “wheel standing, fire breathing 2,000 plus horsepower cars and the fearless stars who drive them,” according to the event’s website. Gates open at 3:00 PM, beginning with a car show that runs until 9:00 PM. Racing activities will also be occurring from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with the event conclusion at 9:00 PM. The races will taking place on a ⅛ mile drag racing track.

There will be plenty for guests to do in addition to watching the events. Guests can get up close and personal with the cars and their drivers, as well as classic vehicles that will be on display. Taste of Detroit and local food truck vendors will also be on site to provide guests with food and drink options throughout the day.

If purchasing online, tickets for the event are $20 for adults, and free for kids under age 12. If purchasing onsite the day of, adult tickets are $25. Secure parking is $10. The event is located at 11499 Conner St, Detroit, MI 48213.

While this is the first drag racing event taking place within the city limits, Roadkill Nights in Pontiac, Michigan re-launched last year, was the first legal drag racing event to take place on Woodward Ave and was sponsored by Dodge.

While it is sure to be fun and exciting to watch the events at The Motor City Showdown, it’s important to remember that these drivers are professionals, taking place in a legal drag racing event. Drag racing on public roads is both illegal and dangerous. The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC blog, recently wrote about an illegal drag race between a go-kart and motorcycle that took the life of one of the drivers. Have fun, enjoy the shows, but don’t try this at home. A joy ride is not worth getting in a car crash and potentially risking your life and the life of others on the road.

Drag racing is illegal, and should never be attempted. Drag racing puts the lives of both the driver and others on the road at risk. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident involving someone who was driving dangerously or illegally, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free legal consultation. 

The 23rd Annual Woodward Dream Cruise Is Coming Up!

Residents and visitors to the Motor City are rejoicing as one of Metro Detroit’s most famous events is quickly approaching. The 23rd annual Woodward Dream Cruise will take place on Saturday, August 19th, 2017. For the first time, the Woodward Dream Cruise will be sponsored by Ford Motor Company because General Motors Co.’s Chevrolet brand discretely dropped their sponsorship after 6 years. Mark LaNeve, Vice President of US marketing sales and services for Ford, told the Detroit News, “(The) Dream Cruise is all about the sheer joy and freedom of the automobile, and Ford has always celebrated car culture. From Fiesta to GT, we’re obsessed with making driving fun, and we’re committed to celebrating that passion with enthusiasts of all ages in the birthplace of motoring.” 

The Dream Cruise originated as a fundraiser for a soccer field in Ferndale in 1995. Nelson House and a group of volunteers were hoping to recreate the old school car heydays of the 1950s and 1960s on Woodward Avenue, which was America’s first highway. To House's surprise, 250,000 people showed up! That was 10 times the expected number! Today, the Woodward Dream Cruise has evolved into the world’s largest one-day automotive event. The Detroit News describes how “spectators and cruisers travel to Metro Detroit, the birthplace of the American automobile, to demonstrate and participate in an event that celebrates an ongoing love affair with the automobile.”

The popularity of the yearly event only confirms the passion for old cars and connections to the auto industry’s long history that people everywhere enjoy. Each year, the Woodward Dream Cruise contributes $237 million to southeast Michigan's economy, along with attracting more than 1.3 million people to the event. The Detroit Free Press says 28% of these visitors are from outside the region. What keeps spectators coming back from more is the consistency of the old cars combined with the latest in motor vehicle technology.

President and CEO of the Dream Cruise, Tony Michaels, says, “There’s nostalgia, but we also have to think of younger generations,” other than the 1960s muscle car fans that first originated the event in 1995. Detroit automakers will display their latest performance and technology vehicles alongside the classics, appealing to all ages.  

The Woodward Dream Cruise itself might just be a one day event, but there are some other car related festivities happening in the Metro Detroit area in the days leading up to it. The week leading up to the Cruise will begin with Roadkill Nights on August 12, with Dodges drag racing down a part of Woodward Avenue in Pontiac, Michigan. Last year, the drag racing event was held the day before the Woodward Dream Cruise, but the hope is that moving it a week earlier will make it easier for more people to attend. 

As for the Woodward Dream Cruise attractions, the General Motors design staff will showcase their personal collector cars from 1 PM -7 PM on Tuesday, August 15, at Memorial Park, which is located at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak. There will also be displays in Royal Oak, Michigan at Duggan’s Irish Pub and at Normandy Plaza. Ford owner clubs will also show their vehicles at Memorial Park in Pleasant Ridge, Michigan. 

The City of Ferndale, Michigan also has its own plans for the Woodward Dream Cruise as they have planned 3 days of Dream Cruise festivities beginning on Thursday, August 17. The events include a live broadcast of Detroit Public TV’s “Dream Cruise Road Show,” vintage police, fire, and military vehicles, TV and movie cars including the Batmobile, Munster Koach, and Monkeemobile, monster trucks, Mustangs of all eras, and a free outdoor screening of 1984 “Ghostbusters” movie. 

The official start of the Woodward Dream Cruise will technically be on Friday, August 18, with a ribbon cutting at Woodward and 9 Mile in Ferndale, followed by a lights and sirens parade up the avenue in vintage emergency vehicles. As the countdown to the big day begins, The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC wants to encourage motor vehicle safety at all times for spectators and drivers alike, so as to help prevent any car crashes or pedestrian accidents. Now, polish your old ‘Stang and roll down the roof, because the Dream Cruise is about to shift into full gear! 

There's just something about driving around in an antique convertible, top down and hair blowing in the summer breeze, that attracts thousands of people to the Woodward Dream Cruise each year. With motor vehicles of every shape and make cruising around Metro Detroit, it is hard for anyone to not enjoy the classic Michigan event. However, having so many drivers and spectators around so many vehicles can also increase the risk of car accidents and pedestrain crashes happening. If you or someone you know have been injured in an automobile crash, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Detroit's Street Lighting Overhaul

In Detroit, Michigan more than 50 light poles became damaged and were in need of replacement every month due to vehicle collisions. This year alone, two fatal speeding car crashes on Detroit’s westside resulted in death and have respectively caused a damaged utility pole and a split pole. Car vs. pole collisions are one of the leading reasons why the Public Lighting Authority (PLA) worked diligently to replace the streetlights in Detroit. In fact, the streetlight project was one they had been working on since they were formed in 2013, following the Auto Industry Crisis during which the city fell on hard times causing many streetlights to be neglected and longer operating. In addition, during this economic downfall, an estimated 40% of the 80,000 streetlights within the city were scrapped for their metal.

In December 2016, Dr. Lorna Thomas told The Detroit Free Press that, "This is a symbolic project. It stands for the resurgence of Detroit," Thomas said. "They said it couldn't be done."

The symbolic lighting project has replaced over 65,000 streetlights since 2014 with LED light bulbs that save on energy while emitting a brighter light. The PLA also took it upon themselves to upgrade 85%-90% of the lighting systems and wiring to deter vandalism. Since the old lights using copper based wiring, scrappers would strip the light poles of the wiring to sell the copper linings for money. The PLA also hoped to put a stop to theft by changing the wiring to hang overhead instead of in the ground under the light poles.  

Another reason that citizens of Detroit have been pleased by these much needed repairs is because they didn't have to pay for them upfront. The repairs and upgrades were paid for in the form of bonds provided by Citicorp, a New York based banking corporation that agreed to have the money paid back over a 30-year-period, through Detroit’s utility tax.

The PLA was proud to announce that the lighting project had been completed ahead of time and under budget, at the end of 2016. Motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians can benefit from better lightning on Detroit roads as a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) attributed 40% of motor vehicle accidents to be the result of intersections that are poorly lit at night. The USDOT says those accidents can be reduced by 35% if streetlights were properly installed at intersections. So, the completion of the project could not come at a better time as the summer weather causes more cars to be on the road late at night. Also, the new and better lighting keeps users of Detroit's new bike share program MoGo, safer if people want to ride bicycles after dark. 

Detroit residents are urged to call 844LIGHT313, if a light in their area needs to be serviced. With Detroit undergoing a revitalization, it is up to the residents to help make sure the city keeps the momentum by making sure streets are lit well enough to potentially prevent crime and car accidents.

The PLA's efforts in redesigning the streetlights could help provide Detroit intersections with much needed lighting to help prevent accidents. In addition to this lifesaver, new streetlights may even deter criminal activity. If you or someone you know have been involved in an auto accident, call the Michigan Law Firm, PLLC at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. Our firm is highly experienced in dealing with motor vehicle accidents and will help you identify any benefits you may be entitled to under Michigan law.

Detroit Looks to Ressurect Once-Booming Transportation System

Detroit, Michigan has not had the best luck when it comes to earning a positive reputation around the country. The once-booming city has become infamous for its declining population and high crime rate, and now, its transit system is being called out. 

At the end of World War II, Detroit was home to the largest municipally owned streetcar system in the United States. State of Michigan records show that between regional streetcars, buses, and commuter rails, Detroit had an annual ridership of 490 million. Today’s Detroit tells a much different story as the annual ridership on urban and suburban transit systems is now 36 million. Until the QLINE opens up in the downtown area, Detroit stands as the largest American metropolis without a surface rail transit, according to Slate. For perspective, the entire city of Detroit has lower weekday bus ridership than two of the busiest individual bus routes in New York City. 

As Slate’s Henry Grabar explains, it’s not for a lack of need that the transit system has failed so miserably in the Motor City. Detroit, known for its autocentric economy, ranks 8th nationally in its percentage for car-less households. There are approximately 66,000 Detroit residents that are car-less, and many of them can’t find a way to get to work, or get anywhere else for that matter. Studies have shown that a lack of transit access can be linked to unemployment, low income, and low economic mobility.  The city spends $69 per capita on transit each year (Atlanta spends $119 per capita, Cleveland $177, and Seattle $471).

A BRIGHTER FUTURE 

Last week, the Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority (RTA) unveiled a $4.6 billion plan to connect Detroit, its suburbs, the Wayne County Airport, and nearby Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti into one large network. Following a public review period in June and a RTA board review next month, the proposal will be placed on the ballot for a vote this November across four counties in Southeast Michigan. 

“If it passes, the plan would double per capita transit funding in the region- and represent a rare instance of cooperation in the vitriolic political history of mostly black Detroit and its largely white suburbs. Its approval would signify popular recognition that Detroit and its surrounding counties share a common interest. And it would make it a whole lot easier to get around without a car,” Grabar wrote. 

It is still too early to tell if this type of proposal has a chance to pass come Election Day, but many of its supporters are feeling optimistic. The divide between Detroit and the suburbs still remains, but it does not run as deep as it once did. Millage for SMART bus service is consistently renewed by suburban voters, and the idea of transit connecting the counties is now more favorable to residents of Macomb and Oakland county. “The fundamental difference between now and even five years ago is that Detroit is rapidly becoming a city that the region can be proud and is proud of,” Sandy Baruah, CEO of the Detroit Regional Chamber, explained.

Navigating the roads of Southeast Michigan can be difficult, especially during rush hour times. As frustrating as it may be, drivers should be patient and cautious when making their way to and from work. The consequences of road rage far outweigh any positives. If you or somebody you know has been injured in an auto accident because of another driver's careless driving on the road, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys have experience handling cases of all scales and will work to get you the help you need. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Top 20 Most Dangerous Michigan Intersections

Everybody believes their local intersection is the worst of all, but now there are numbers to back it up. All but one of the Top 20 intersections for auto accidents in 2015 were located in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County (Washtenaw had one intersection listed). The list, compiled by the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting Unit listed Pontiac Trail and M-5/Martin Parkway in Commerce Township, a large roundabout, as the intersection with the most crashes (186) in 2015. The list defines intersections as “any road with a traffic signal, four-way stop or roundabout.”

According to a news release from the Michigan Auto Law firm, almost “30% of all Michigan car crashes and a staggering 26% of fatalities are stemming from just 20 intersections.” Patterns have consistently shown that areas with high traffic volumes see higher crash rates than less busy intersections. One of the reasons Pontiac Trail and M-5/Martin Parkway in Commerce Township saw a steady increase in traffic in 2015 was the closure of Haggerty Road in the area, for construction.

Craig Bryson, a spokesman for the Road Commission for Oakland County, doesn’t necessarily agree with the characterization of the county’s roads being “dangerous”. “Any time anyone puts a list together, there will inevitably be a ‘No. 1.’ That doesn’t necessarily mean that intersection is ‘dangerous.’ It just means it has slightly more crashes than other intersections. Essentially, this is a list of the busiest intersections in the state. It simply makes sense that intersections with the most traffic will have the most crashes,” Bryson said in an email to the Detroit Free Press. 

Bryson also believes that it would be more effective and accurate to use crash rate statistics, which considers the number of crashes compared to traffic volume. “For example, if an intersection that carries 100,000 vehicles per day has 100 crashes per year, it may not b e as ‘dangerous’ as an intersection that carries 5,000 cars per day but has 50 crashes a year. The second intersection has fewer total crashes, but the likelihood of getting in a crash is far greater,” Bryson explained. 

Interestingly enough, there was not a single intersection from Detroit listed. “It is likely due to several factors, although safer drivers in the City of Detroit is not one of them. What is more likely is that there continues to be under-reporting of car accidents, especially with approximately 50% of Detroiters driving without mandatory auto insurance,” the release noted. Other reasons for a Detroit absence includes lower traffic volume and lower speed limits in more urban areas. 

The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) released figures showing that the number of fatal traffic crashes in Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties has increased for five consecutive years, with 387 traffic fatalities in 2015. When looking for solutions, SEMCOG Executive Director Kathleen Lomako believes that “to stem the needless loss of life in our region, we must take a broad approach to improving the safety of our transportation system and to making small but potentially life-saving changes to our personal behavior.” 

TOP 20 MOST DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS 

  1. Pontiac Trail and M-5/Martin Parkway, Commerce Township (186)
  2. Telegraph Road and 12 Mile Road, Southfield (132)
  3. 11 Mile Road and Van Dyke Ave, Warren/Center Line (131)
  4. 18 ½ Mile Road and Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights (124)
  5. I-75 and Big Beaver Road, Troy (124)
  6. Ford Road and Haggerty Road, Canton Township (116)
  7. State Road and Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor/Pittsfield (114)
  8. Hall Road and Schoeherr Road (111)
  9. Metro Parkway and Mound Road, Sterling Heights (102)
  10. Southfield Road and 11 Mile Road, Lathrup VIllage (102)
  11. Hall Road and Romeo Plank, Clinton Township/Macomb (94)
  12. Orchard Lake Road and Maple Road, West Bloomfield (92)
  13. Big Beaver Road and Rochester Road, Troy (92)
  14. Ford Road and Lilley Road, Canton (89)
  15. 11 Mile Road and Gratiot Ave, Roseville (88)
  16. Metro Parkway and Van Dyke Ave, Sterling Heights (84)
  17. Farmington Road and Maple Road, West Bloomfield (84)
  18. 12 Mile Road and Mound Road, Warren (83)
  19. Garfield Road and Hall Road, Clinton Township (82)
  20. Dix Highway and M-39/Southfield Freeway, Lincoln Park (80)

Heavy traffic is nothing new to the residents of Metro Detroit, but the threat of a traffic accidents looms everyday for drivers on the road. Traffic accidents can cause minor bumps and bruises or severe and long lasting injuries. Our attorneys understand the challenges that can come from being injured in an auto accident, including finding a way to pay for medical bills as well as wage loss. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident and are looking for help, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM, for a free consultation.

The City Of Detroit To Spend $60 Million On Roadways

The City of Detroit is shelling out big bucks this construction season to fix the roads in the city that really need it. According to the Detroit News, the city is spending far more than it did around this time last year to fix roadway issues, especially in residential areas of the city. The funds to complete this work are coming from federal transportation funds and the City of Detroit’s share of the state gasoline tax revenue.

Detroit Construction Car Crash Lawyer

The current plans are to resurface 53 miles of roadway in Detroit neighborhoods and 26 miles of major roadway. Most of this work will be done by city work crews, which have hired extra seasonal workers to take on the extra load.

The current major projects slated include many major roadways. New landscaped medians and bike paths on East Jefferson and repavement of other parts is slated to be finished in late 2017. Improvements will be made to the Rosa Parks Bridge north of Lafayette, the Lafayette bridge west of Rosa Parks, and the bridge between Mount Elliot and Mound Road. Upgrades will also be made to four roads near the Rouge River to reduce storm runoff into the sewer system. Construction on many of these projects has already started and should conclude around November of 2016. The roads that were selected were chosen due to their condition, amount of usage, and density of surrounding neighborhoods. Although no roads will be closed during the duration of this work, traffic is expected. Crews ask for citizens of Detroit to be patient as they try and make the roadways safer for everyone.

Detroit is often known as one of the worst off cities when it comes to the state of its infrastructure, including roadways and bridges. This news should be met with smiles from many Detroiters, because these changes are long overdue. It is important to keep roadways safe for drivers because this limits the number of accidents and allows for traffic to run smoothly in regularly congested areas. While the roadwork is going on it is important to slow down and always be weary of workers. After the construction is finished, all the time spent allowing for it to be done will be well worth it.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an motor vehicle accident, including a crash caused by construction, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in handling all types of motor vehicle accidents. They will help you get teh help that you need while you recover from your injuries. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

GM And The US Government Agree to Extend Oversight One More Year

General Motors Co. will continue to be under the watchful eye of U.S auto safety regulators for another year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told GM in a letter. 

In 2014, the Detroit, Michigan based automaker agreed to a deal which included monthly meetings, enhanced regulations and transparency, as well as a $35 million fine from the NHTSA. All of this was a result of delayed action to an ignition switch defect in millions of vehicles that led to about 400 deaths and injuries. 

GM has had to pay out major money in the aftermath of the ignition switch case. Costs topped $2 billion, including a $900 million settlement with the United States Justice Department. Reuters stated that under the original agreement with NHTSA, GM is required to provide a written list every month of all safety issues under review by the automaker's investigators, even if the company decides it's not necessary to have a recall. 

In its letter this past week, the NHTSA believes the relationship with GM has been productive. "The meetings have been useful to proactively and expeditiously address potential safety-related defects and to facilitate," the letter reads. 

Car defects can be triggered by something as simple as having too much weight on a key chain or driving in extreme climates. These automobile faults may even cause drivers to lose control of the car and potentially cause injuries or fatalities. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident caused by a car defect, please call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Whether the accident resulted in a few broken bones or it caused head trauma, our attorneys are highly experienced in helping victims of all types of motor vehicle collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM.

GM Offering Reimbursement Plans for 2016 Crossover Owners

General Motors Company (GM) is looking to make amends for overstating the fuel economy of some of its 2016 crossover models. The Detroit, Michigan based auto company will be offering between $450 and $900 or an extended warranty to owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave. These vehicles featured a window sticker that overstated the fuel economy by 1 to 2 miles per gallon.  

GM is offering its customers a debit card or a 48-month/60,000-mile protection plan which is designed for high-mileage customers. The debit card will carry $450 for front-wheel drive vehicle customers and $900 for all-wheel drivers. While GM declined to comment on the Detroit Free Press article regarding the cost of these offers, if all eligible owners chose the gift card option, and the average card was worth $675, the cost would be somewhere around a $90 billion loss for the company. 

GM said that the difference in the predicted vs. actual fuel economy was related to new emissions-related hardware. While testing the 2016 system, engineers found that the actual fuel economy was 1 or 2 mpg lower than the 2015 models, yet the stickers for the 2016 models remained the same.

This might not even be the first year that this type of discrepancy took place. Consumer Reports has suggested that the same type of error regarding fuel economy may have also happened on past models for the crossover vehicles. Jake Fisher, Director of Automotive Testing for Consumer Reports reviewed their own fuel economy tests from as far back as 2007 models and found that they reached an average of 15 mpg in combined city and highway driving on the Enclave and 16 mpg on the Traverse. The EPA-Certified number for that model year was 18 m.p.g for both.

GM informed its dealers of the reimbursement plan this past Friday, and owners will be receiving letters in the mail regarding their options beginning Wednesday. Potential car owners should ask their dealer about the vehicle's fuel economy and how much it will save them at the gas pump.

While crossovers are seen as a safer option compared to cars, they are not immune from getting involved in a dangerous car accident. If you or somebody you know has been involved in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Accidents can be the result of recklessness, distracted or impaired driving, and can cause damaging injuries. Our attorneys are highly experienced and will give you the one-on-one consultation you deserve. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Stop-Start: Fuel Efficiency of the Future

Car companies are always looking for a new feature to advertise to potential customers, and a popular selling point is saving drivers money by improving fuel efficiency. One of the newest features for cars is the stop-start technology. Stop-start helps customers conserve fuel by automatically turning off the engine when a vehicle comes to a complete stop, such as stopping at a traffic light. When the driver takes his or her foot off the brake or applies the accelerator, the engine will automatically start back up again. According to a press release from Chevrolet, their 2016 Chevrolet Malibu’s city fuel economy improved 14% because of stop-start. While this new system has appealed to customers who are looking to save at the gas tank, there are still outlying questions about the overall impact stop-start has on a car. 

Some are asking if the constant stopping and restarting of the engine will damage the vehicle long-term. Gerhard Arnold, who is responsible for designing cars at Federal Mogul, says “A normal car without automatic stop-start can be expected to go through up to 50,000 stop-start events during its lifetime. With automatic stop-start being activated every time the car comes to a standstill, the figure rises dramatically, perhaps to as many as 500,000 stop-start cycles over the engine's life.” 

Potential car buyers may also be asking themselves if the extra wear and tear on the engine is worth the fuel savings in the first place. A test done by Edmunds involved a 2014 BMW 328i being driven around for 80 miles in three hours, once with the stop-start system engaged and once with it turned off. With the system off, the BMW used 3.1 gallons and 2.8 gallons with stop-start turned on. That results in a savings of about 91 cents saved every 80 miles. One of the factors that may have affected the results is having the air-conditioning system on while driving. It has been suggested that the stop-start system can run more efficiently in mild climates.

There has been resistance to the technology in the United States despite its popularity in European countries. Some drivers have complained about the jerking feeling that is experienced once the engine restarts, which may also lead drivers to believe that their car has stalled. Despite the resistance, North American Powertrain Forecaster, Devin Lindsay, told The Detroit News that stop-start will only grow from here. “It’s just a matter of time before the technology gets featured on more vehicles. From some of the stories I’ve been told, it’s kind of a slightly weird transition, especially if the customer isn’t aware,” Lindsay said. 

New car buyers should ask the dealer which cars have stop-start technology, as well as discuss the pros and cons of the system. Potential buyers are also encouraged to take a test drive in vehicles they may want to drive, in order to get a feel for the effects of stop-start, so that there are no surprises after they’ve purchased the vehicle.

Unfamiliar car features can make for unexpected car accidents. If you or somebody you know has been involved in an accident, including collisions caused by car defects, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are experienced in handing all types of car, motorcycle, and bicycle collisions. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

$21 Million Project Connects 20 Miles Of Detroit, Michigan Pathways

Detroit, Michigan has shown a lot of growth this Spring, with many projects coming to a close and and many starting anew. A project that is finishing up right now is one that is connecting 20 miles of walking, running, and bicycling paths through the city of Detroit. According to CBS Detroit, these paths cost about $21 million and were started in 2012. This project began due to funding from the city and the state, and from donations from groups like the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, The McGregor Fund, and the Kresge Foundation. A staple of this project is the Dequindre Cut Greenway, a path that is just over a mile long.

The new pathways and connector pathways now connect areas like Wayne State, Eastern Market, and Hamtramck. The main push for these pathways is to make Detroit a biker friendly city, which many believe in turn will make Detroit a family friendly city. Many city groups on both sides of the Detroit River hope that with the construction of the Gordy Howe International Bridge, which is scheduled to open in 2020, will allow bike paths to extend from Windsor, Canada to Detroit, which would be a unique, international connection.

Detroit Bicycle Accident Lawyer

A bike friendly city is very important for automobile drivers as well. Allowing bikers to get around without riding on roadways makes bicycling far safer and allows for drivers to focus on other traffic impediments. Bicycle crashes are often fatal, so this is a big win for cycling enthusiasts. This move will also hopefully inspire a new breed of Detroiters to start riding their bicycles to run errands, go to work, and for leisure, thereby keeping cars off the road. Fewer cars on the road makes driving safer for those on the road, and keeps down on traffic. The city of Detroit keeps investing in projects such as this and is seeing both short term and long term benefits, so many hope these projects will continue within the city limits.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto or bicycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm PLLC. Our attorneys are highly experienced in helping bicyclists who have been hit by cars, identify and receive any benefits they may be entitled to, under Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.