Michigan’s 3 Deadliest Highways: The Trifecta of Terror

Driving in Michigan should be considered a sport. Seriously. Navigating our state's roads is like an ever-changing obstacle course lined with orange barrels, construction workers, and potholes the size of small villages. Michigan's highways are particularly nerve-racking due to their high speed and volume of other drivers who may or may not know what they're doing. Though you should exercise caution whenever you're behind the wheel, there are three Michigan highways on which you should never let your guard down.

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Michigan's State Police Traffic Crash Report for 2021 paints a pretty grim picture, with 282,640 crashes, 1,131 deaths, and 71,246 injuries statewide. Wayne County may be the accident epicenter of Michigan, as each of the most dangerous freeways leads to or through Detroit.

Michigan Interstate Nightmares: The Trifecta of Terror

Interstates promise fast travel, but they also come with inherent danger. Three Michigan highways accounted for 23,388 crashes in 2021, with 89 drivers losing their lives. Wayne County tallied 19 of those fatalities.

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Driving on Michigan highways requires constant vigilance. The moment you relax or take your eye off the road, you open yourself up to a myriad of Michigan accident possibilities, including potholes that can damage your car and cause you to lose control. These distracted drivers are too busy texting to drive, snow, ice, and flooded roads.

The Third Most Dangerous Highway in Michigan: I-96

Did you know that I-96 only runs through Michigan? From Muskegon to Detroit, it ranks as Michigan's third-most dangerous highway due to high traffic volume, frequent construction, and city congestion.

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According to White Law, the most common accidents on Interstate 96 include rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, and rollovers.

The Second Most Dangerous Highway in Michigan: I-75

The longest route-numbered highway in Michigan stretches from the Ohio border, through Detroit, across the Mackinac Bridge, and ends on the Upper Peninsula's eastside. If you've traveled I-75 during peak traffic hours, you will understand how congestion and distracted driving lead to accidents.

Focusing on where all four corners of your vehicle are on I-75 is the best way to avoid a high-speed collision. The traffic volume and frequent construction add another layer of danger, so keep your head on a swivel when driving on Michigan's longest highway.

The Most Dangerous Highway in Michigan: I-94

This doesn't surprise you if you've ever traveled to Detroit Metro Airport. Driving on I-94 isn't for the faint of heart, especially as you enter Wayne County. Having lived in the area, I can tell you that being behind the wheel on I-94 near Detroit is an entirely different experience than you have driving through Jackson.

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Wayne County drivers are faster, more aggressive, and less patient than most counties, so if you feel at all out of place, hug the right lane and go with the flow. Exercise the same caution on the west side of the state as well, as winter on I-94 near Lake Michigan can develop icy patches and whiteouts thanks to lake-effect snow.