(WWJ) More snow on the way means more slick conditions on Michigan roadways — and, inevitably, more crashes.
And while drivers can get into a wreck anywhere in winter weather, some spots are well-known as problem areas when conditions are treacherous.
Based on crash statistics, Michigan Auto Law has put together a list of top 10 Michigan roads to avoid due to increased risk for crashes during wintery road conditions.
As you might imagine, a number of the roads are on Michigan's west side and up north where there's greater snowfall.
1. US 31 Between 4 Mile Road and State Park Entrance, East Bay Twp, Grand Traverse County, 45 Total Crashes, 18 Injuries
2. Westbound I-94 Between County Road 681 and 62nd Street, Hartford Twp, Van Buren County, 45 Total Crashes, 8 Injuries
3. Northbound I-475 Between Atherton Road Ramp and S Grand Traverse Street, Flint, Genesee County, 40 Total Crashes, 12 Injuries
4. Eastbound I 94 Between County Road 653/Almena Dr. and 30th Street, Antwerp Twp, Van Buren County, 39 Total Crashes, 6 Injuries
5. Eastbound I 94 Between Red Arrow Hwy and Red Arrow Entrance Ramp, Lincoln Twp, Berrien County, 37 Total Crashes, 5 Injuries
6. US 41 Between Brickyard Road and Northwoods Road, Marquette Twp, Marquette County, 36 Total Crashes, 10 Injuries
7. Stadium Drive Between Rambling Road and Howard Street, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, 36 Total Crashes, 7 Injuries
8. Eastbound I 96 Between Cheney Avenue and Plainfield Avenue, Grand Rapids, Kent County, 35 Total Crashes, 8 Injuries
9. Razorback Drive Between Memorial Road and Ridge Road, Houghton, Houghton County, 35 Total Crashes, 4 Injuries
10. Eastbound I 94 Between Main Street Entrance Ramp and Amtrak Tracks, Mattawan, Van Buren County, 35 Total Crashes, 4 Injuries
Michigan Auto Law, which has offices in Southfield and Grand Rapids, used Michigan State Police data to compile the list. The statistics refer to crashes that occurred from 2015 through 2019 where the Michigan winter road conditions were reported to be snow, slush and/or ice.
"By sharing this information, we hope we can make drivers aware of the road conditions and road segments that put you and your families at higher risk for a winter car crash," said Michigan Auto Law President Steven Gursten. "It is important to slow down on all icy and snowy roads."
Some other stats to keep in mind:
From 2015-2019, more than 1.5 million total car crashes reported in Michigan were weather-related. Of those accidents, 65 percent involved drivers driving too fast for the conditions. The most current winter driving accident statistics available for fatal, injury and overall car crashes indicate that in 2019:
· 8% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes occurred on roads covered in snow, ice and/or slush.
· 11% of all injury motor vehicles crashes occurred on roads covered in snow, ice and/or slush
· Almost 15% of all motor vehicle crashes occurred on roads covered in snow, ice and/or slush.
Get more information on these statistics at THIS LINK.
