Why Are Michigan Highways So Dangerous?
Highways are all dangerous and high-risk locations. However, it seems that Michigan roads and highways are notoriously famous for being dangerous.
Highway safety is one of the most challenging issues that Michigan and the other states face, with tens of thousands of deaths caused by highway auto accidents and crashes. Of course, driving risks depend on many factors, not just on the highway alone. For instance, the weather and seasons can affect the risk levels of highways. The warmer months are actually more dangerous than the cold months since more people are on the street, including inexperienced and young drivers. Thus, with more vehicles on the road, the higher the risk of car crashes.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for 2019, there were 35 fatal car crashes in Michigan’s freeways and expressways, 59 in the urban interstates, and 25 in the rural interstates.
The top three most dangerous highways in Michigan are:
- M-94/I-95 with total car crashes of 11,824
- M-75/I-75 with total car crashes of 9,675
- M-96/I-96 with total car crashes of 9,351
Of course, it’s not the highway’s fault entirely – various factors come into play that makes these highways dangerous.
In 2019, there were 903 fatal crashes in Michigan, where 985 people lost their lives. In the same year, there were 74,963 injured in car crashes in the state.
What Makes Some Michigan Highways Prone to Accidents?
High traffic density, multiple intersections, and speeding drivers make some Michigan highways dangerous. The Michigan highways with high fatalities include the Dort Highway, Gratiot Avenue, I-75, Grand Rapids, I-94, US127 and I-96.
The Culprit of Car Crashes in Michigan
It is not the fault of the highway alone. According to the NHTSA, 9,748 people were killed in the United States due to speeding. It resulted in 1/3 of car crash fatalities in over 20 years. Speeding is dangerous, not just for the driver and his passengers but also for other motorists and pedestrians.
Life has become fast-paced over the years, with everyone always in a hurry to get somewhere. As a result, drivers step down on the gas pedal and crank up the speed for various reasons. Here are some of the most common reasons drivers choose to speed up while on the road.
- Traffic – Avoiding traffic congestion is one reason that leads drivers to become more aggressive on the road by speeding up and changing lanes too quickly.
- Running Late for Work – Running late for work, school, meetings, and other appointments is another reason why many drivers choose to drive aggressively on the streets. Many of these drivers are also distracted, taking calls or texting their colleagues as they rush to work.
- Driving Under the Influence – Drivers intoxicated with alcohol and illegal substances are more likely to be displaying aggressive and high-risk behaviors when driving. In fact, around 30% of car crashes in Michigan are due to drunk driving. Intoxicated drivers feel more invincible and detached from their surroundings than usual, making them prone to engaging in risky driving behaviors.
Consequences of Over Speeding
Over speeding has many dire consequences, and here are just some of them.
- It is against the law.
- Risk of losing control of the vehicle
- A higher degree of crash severity in case of collisions
- Higher severity of injuries in case of collisions.
- More severe damage to the vehicles involved in case of collisions.
- Increased consumption of fuel.
Injuries That May Result from Car Crashes
Serious car crashes can result in major bodily injuries. Some of these injuries can last a lifetime, affecting the quality of life of the victims. They may also lose the ability to work and support themselves and their families in the future.
Some common serious injuries resulting from a highway car crash include the following:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
- Shoulder Injuries
- Herniated Discs
- Internal Organ Injuries
- Fractures
- Facial Injuries
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Emotional Distress
Medical bills due to car crash injuries are not cheap. The loss of any potential earnings in the future also makes life more difficult for the victims and their families.
Involved in a Highway Accident in Michigan? Call us at The Clark Law Office Now!
The Clark Law Office has over three decades of experience serving clients in Michigan. We help victims of car crashes get the compensation and support they deserve so they can focus on recovering. If you or a loved one got injured in a road accident, contact our Lansing auto accident attorneys to schedule a free consultation at (517) 347-6900 or info@theclarklawoffice.com.
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