Winter driving in Michigan can feel like a survival of the fittest competition on the roadways. Snowy road conditions compounded by ice can send a 4,000 lb. object hurdling uncontrollably at your vehicle from out of nowhere. Defensive driving is essential for safety.
The damage from winter driving accidents in Michigan can create a maze of mangled metal, resulting in severe trauma and death. Work with an experienced Michigan personal injury lawyer at White Law PLLC to pursue recovery of the damages you have suffered while allowing time for recovery.
Michigan Annual Crash Summary
After 2020 saw a marked decline in traffic accidents, recent years have experienced an increase in driving accidents. Recent numbers by the Traffic Crash Reporting System (TCRS) show that Michigan is nearing the 300,000 mark again in total driving accidents. While driving accidents increased by 4%, fatalities and injuries in these crashes decreased by 1%.
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Tracking Michigan Winter Driving Accidents
The Michigan State Police collect winter traffic data from October 1 to April 30. As we note in the data below, the number of accidents in Michigan trends upward as the season changes to winter across the state, with many major highway corridors impacted by lake effects. Your chances of being injured in a Michigan car accident also increase during this period, according to the same study cited above:
- 32,560 accidents occurred in November, the month experiencing the most crashes
- Accident numbers jumped in October from previous warmer months, reaching 29,704 accidents
- December had the third-highest number of accidents at 27,384
Surprisingly, fatalities increased as the weather improved, with June, July, and September experiencing the most fatal accidents. As highway conditions improve, more automobiles are on the roadways. Though winter accidents are not broken down by the day they occurred, Fridays posed the highest risk of being in an accident, and the most fatalities occurred on Saturdays.
Road Surface Conditions and Number of Accidents in Michigan
The final data cited from the above report describes crash totals in relation to road conditions. A road condition is defined as the single most significant condition present at the time of an accident. The numbers were attention-getting:
- Dry road crash numbers reached a staggering 208,806 accidents.
- Snowy road surface conditions saw the fourth-highest number of accidents, totaling 22,105 incidents.
- Icy road surface conditions resulted in 14,831 driving accidents in Michigan.
Dry roads were also the scene of 812 fatalities. Icy and snowy road conditions contributed to a combined 76 deaths. No matter the conditions involved, White Law PLLC will sift through the details of a Michigan driving accident to offer the highest level of service and experience, as expressed in our clients’ testimonials.
Winter Accidents Are Impacted by When and Where You Drive
Similar statistics to those above were echoed in a report by the Michigan Department of State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) Winter Weather Crash Facts. The hazardous action most related to winter driving accidents was driving too fast, resulting in 15,610 accidents, followed by being unable to stop within a clear distance. The time of day and the counties of most accidents were also described.
- Over half, 53.8%, of the accidents occurred during daylight conditions.
- The top three counties experiencing winter driving accidents were Wayne, Oakland, and Kent.
- Roadways with posted speed limits of 55 mph or below were the location of 79.4% of winter driving accidents in Michigan.
Over the years, certain highways and interstates continue to stand out as the most dangerous areas to travel. Congestion and construction contribute to these conditions, along with winter lake effects that make driving hazardous. Read more about these dangerous highways and interstates in Michigan.
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Being Proactive During Michigan Winter Driving Months
The statistics demonstrate that winter accidents are a genuine concern for Michiganders. Driving in the snow is dangerous, and the hazards are compounded with elements such as black ice. Being prepared for winter driving and taking essential precautions, such as packing a vehicular winter safety kit, can help protect you if an accident occurs.
Speed and Other Factors in Winter Driving Accidents
Roadway conditions during a Michigan winter do not compliment speed. According to the Michigan State Police, speed-related crashes have seen an annual increase of 10.3%, with driving too fast contributing to 24,555 accidents during winter months. The Michigan State Police recommend these tips for arriving safely wherever your travels carry you.
- FWD, AWD, and 4WD vehicles are no quicker in slowing down than RWD vehicles. Stopping on snow and ice-covered roads can take up to ten times longer than on clear roads.
- Avoiding distractions, such as a cell phone, is imperative. Driving distracted can result in too little space being left between you and the car in front of you, resulting in a rear-end accident.
- Setting cruise control during winter months can increase the chance of an accident. When tires skid or slide, the cruise control will accelerate for speed continuity, causing drivers to lose control of steering capabilities.
- Black ice is nearly invisible, making bridges, overpasses, and ramps particularly dangerous. Learn how to steer into a skid if you slide on black ice.
- Ensure you have winter-ready tires. One annual statistic reported by the Michigan State Police noted that tire-related issues contributed more to winter weather accidents than cell phone distraction.
It is as imperative to know what behaviors to avoid following an accident as it is to know what behaviors to practice to prevent accidents. Arriving safely is the ultimate goal in every venture away from home. It only takes seconds for lives to change forever due to a winter driving accident.
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Speak with an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in Michigan
White Law PLLC takes winter driving accidents seriously, and we are ready to guide you through the financial recovery process. To keep our clients safe throughout the year, we utilize the most up-to-date technology, corresponding with you and ensuring vital documentation is available through the cloud, meaning you never have to leave the comfort of your home unless necessary. Request a free consultation today and let White Law PLLC work for you.
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