(WWJ) If you've lived in Michigan long enough, you probably feel like a pro at driving in ice and snow.
Still, from 2014 to 2018, there were 248 people were killed in winter weather-related vehicle crashes on Michigan roadways — with speeding at the time of the crash a factor in 50% of those fatalities.
According to data analyzed by ValuePenguin.com, rural counties tended to be more dangerous for drivers than urban areas, and these five counties were found to be the worst for winter driving fatalities:
1. Calhoun County
Calhoun County, just east of Kalamazoo, ranks as the worst large county in Michigan for winter weather-related driving fatalities. Between 2014 and 2018 there were 7 deaths, or 5.20 fatalities per 100,00 residents -- more than double the Michigan average of 2.48.
2. Genesee County
Genesee County, home to Flint and the birthplace of General Motors, had the second highest rate of winter weather-related driving fatalities per resident among large Michigan counties -- seeing a total of 14 deaths over the five year period.
3. Allegan County
Allegan County is located just to the north of Kalamazoo and on Lake Michigan's eastern shore. Allegan County and many of its lakeside peers are frequently subject to lake effect snow in the winter.
4. Kalamazoo County
Kalamazoo County saw 9 winter driving fatalities over the period analyzed and shares a border with both Calhoun and Allegan counties, which had the first and third highest rates of winter driving deaths among large Michigan counties.
5. Muskegon County
Muskegon County, just north of Grand Rapids, saw the fifth-highest rate of winter driving deaths relative to population among large Michigan counties. Similar to Allegan County, Muskegon sits on Lake Michigan's eastern shore, and is often subject to lake effect snow.
Across Michigan counties of all sizes, many winter weather-related fatalities occurred in the western part of the state, particularly near the city of Kalamazoo, data shows. These areas included Calhoun, Allegan, Kalamazoo, Cass and Van Buren counties, many of which are on or near Lake Michigan, where lake effect snow is an issue.
In metro Detroit, treacherous travel could be in the forecast a day or two this week. Learn more HERE.