Michigan ranks 32 on the list of safest states for motorists, with a car accident fatality rank of 19. Michigan's road network is extensive, featuring a well-developed system of highways, interstates, and state routes. Major roads include Interstate 75 (I-75), which connects cities like Detroit, Pontiac, and Bay City, and Interstate 94 (I-94), I-94 passes through cities such as Ann Arbor, Jackson-Blackman, and Kalamazoo. These roads are vital for transportation across Michigan, but some are notorious for their challenging driving conditions and, thus, high accident rates.
Like other states, Michigan faces winter storms and poor road conditions, which increase the likelihood of car accidents. Heavy rains, snow, and ice on the roads affect visibility and make the roads slippery, increasing the chances of accidents. These conditions are why most accidents in Michigan occur during the winter months (October to December). But reckless, impaired, and distracted driving are also prevalent issues in the state. In fact, Detroit drivers have been named the third worst drivers in the US.
Like other states, Michigan faces winter storms and poor road conditions, which increase the likelihood of car accidents. Heavy rains, snow, and ice on the roads affect visibility and make the roads slippery, increasing the chances of accidents. These conditions are why most accidents in Michigan occur during the winter months (October to December). But reckless, impaired, and distracted driving are also prevalent issues in the state. In fact, Detroit drivers have been named the third worst drivers in the US.
Navigating Michigan roads poses various challenges, and some routes have gained notoriety for factors such as heavy traffic, congestion, or a history of accidents. Some of the roads that stand out in terms of accident frequency include:
Individuals who get into a car accident in Michigan are encouraged to follow specific procedures that will help sort the issue quickly and legally. Some of the key steps an individual should follow include:
After an accident occurs, individuals involved are encouraged to move to a safe location to prevent further harm. However, those involved must stay at the scene since it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident in Michigan. It is treated as a misdemeanor with penalties such as jail time, fines, and suspension of the driver’s license.
Individuals involved in accidents are discouraged from administering medical help in case of an accident. Instead, they are encouraged to call 911 for law enforcement and emergency medical services.
Individuals are encouraged to get the names and contact information of witnesses of the accident. Ask them to wait for law enforcement or take their contact details if they cannot. In addition, it is advisable to take pictures of the scene, vehicles, and any injuries. Include all license plates involved in the collision and ensure the pictures cover the roadway where the accident occurred.
Michigan laws require all vehicle owners to purchase automobile insurance. Therefore, sharing insurance information among those involved after an accident is advisable. Drivers without insurance may face penalties.
State laws require individuals to file a police report after an accident. However, it is only required if any of those involved has sustained an injury, there has been a death, or if vehicle damage is more than $1,000. Individuals should report to the nearest or most convenient police officer or police station.
Individuals are encouraged to notify their insurance after receiving medical attention. This notification should include the name and contact information of the police officer who investigated the crash. In addition, individuals may provide the names of those involved and the location of the accident.
Individuals involved in a collision in Michigan will receive various records after the accident. They may include the police report of the accident and medical reports of injuries. Individuals are encouraged to keep these records in case of a court case or any other issues.
Michigan has a set of laws that cover various aspects of driving. Fundamental driving laws and facts include:
Seatbelt LawAutomotive operators and front-seat passengers must wear seat belts.
Children under 4 years old must be properly restrained in a child restraint system that satisfies federal safety requirements. In addition, they must be in a rear seat when one is available.
Children between 4 and 8 or under 4 feet 9 inches in height should be in a booster seat.
Headlight UseHeadlights must be turned on from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
Headlights must also be used whenever visibility is limited to 500 feet or less, such as during fog, heavy rain, snow, or other adverse weather conditions.
Hands-Free Law
Michigan has a hands-free law that prohibits drivers from texting while driving. Handheld electronic devices for texting, calling, viewing, recording, or emailing are banned for all drivers. The only exception is when calling or texting 911 for a crash, emergency, or hazard.
Registration
RenewalVehicle registration tabs and plates in Michigan must be renewed annually as they expire on the vehicle owner’s birthday. Drivers may renew their registration tabs and plates by mail, online, or through a self-service station.
Vehicle Inspection
Michigan requires vehicles to pass a safety inspection if the car is deemed a salvage vehicle.
In addition, all new vehicles must pass a safety inspection when they are getting registered.
Drunk Driving LawsThe permitted blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers in Michigan is 0.08%.
For drivers under 21 years old, the BAC limit is 0.02%.
Right Turn on Red
When there is a steady red light, drivers in Michigan must stop before joining the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or at a marked limit line. If there is no crosswalk or limit line, they must stop before entering the intersection. They may then make a right turn from a one-way or two-way street into a two-way street or a one-way street, allowing traffic to flow exclusively in the direction of the right turn. They may also turn left from a one-way or two-way street into a one-way route carrying traffic.
Move Over LawMichigan's Move Over Law requires drivers to move over to an adjacent lane, if possible when passing stationary emergency vehicles with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights on the side of the road. If moving over is not possible, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution.
While Michigan, like many states, has standard traffic laws, there are a few strange and lesser-known regulations that might surprise new drivers in the state. They include:
