Dangers of Driving in the Summer
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Summer is a favorite season in the Midwest, and it is also a heavy season for traffic deaths. Vacations and long weekends put more people on the road. If you or a loved one is in a crash, our car accident lawyers can help. Here is how Michigan crashes break down in the warmer months, plus safety tips.
Do You Have a Case?WHEN DO MOST SERIOUS MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENTS HAPPEN?
Michigan crash data shows patterns by month, day and hour. Figures below are from the 2024 MSP year-end report.
Month of the year
Nationally, fatal crashes often rise from late spring through early fall. In Michigan in 2024, August had the most fatal crashes (115). August also led in alcohol-involved crashes (790), drug-involved crashes (235) and bicycle-involved crashes (257).
Day of the week
The most crashes occurred on Friday (48,770), then Thursday (45,530), Tuesday (45,294) and Wednesday (43,240).
The most fatal crashes were on Saturday (184), then Thursday (165), Friday (146) and Wednesday (140).
Time of day
The most crashes (65,506) happened between 3 and 5:59 p.m., then noon–2:59 p.m. (46,804), 6–8:59 p.m. (45,308) and 6–8:59 a.m. (43,570).
The most fatal crashes (174) were between 3 and 5:59 p.m., then 9–11:59 p.m. (168) and 6–8:59 p.m. (159).
Wayne County had the most fatal crashes (166), followed by Macomb (68), Oakland (61) and Kent.
DO MORE MICHIGAN CAR ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN HAZARDOUS WEATHER?
Usually, no. Of 288,880 crashes in 2024, most happened in clear weather. The same was true for fatalities. Michigan State Police data undercuts the idea that rain, fog and snow cause most wrecks. Those conditions are still dangerous; there are simply more clear-weather miles driven.
| Conditions | Total Crashes | Fatal Crashes |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Weather | 191,124 (66.2%) | 721 (71.2%) |
| Cloudy | 44,779 (16.5%) | 165 (16.3%) |
| Rain | 20,999 (8.0%) | 66 (6.5%) |
| Snow | 20,388 (7.1%) | 34 (3.4%) |
| Blowing Snow | 1,712 (0.6%) | 3 (0.3%) |
SUMMER DRIVING SAFETY TIPS
Many crashes come from speeding, impairment, distraction and drowsiness. Unused seat belts and, for riders, unused helmets also show up in fatal-crash data.
NHTSA-style summer tips:
- Do a basic safety check. Maintenance, tire pressure, wipers, fluids, lights and A/C before a long trip.
- Check for recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Buckle everyone. Use the correct car seat or booster. Children under 13 should ride in the back seat when the vehicle has one.
- Share the road. Leave extra space for motorcycles and watch for bicyclists and pedestrians.
- Stay alert. Stop, eat and rest on long trips. If you are too tired, get a room.
- Pack a roadside kit: first aid, flashlight, flares, jumper cables, water, blanket, phone charger.
- Don’t drive after drinking or using drugs. Use a designated driver or a rideshare.
- Avoid distraction. NHTSA attributes about 8% of fatal crashes to distraction, including phones, eating and in-car screens. Michigan bans hand-held phones.
LET OUR EXPERIENCED CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS HELP YOU TODAY
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash, contact an experienced auto accident attorney as soon as possible. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case.
“Whether you’re a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, bicyclist or walker, we want you to have safe travels this summer,” says Mark Bernstein. “If you’re in a car, wear your seat belt. If you’re on a motorcycle or bicycle, wear a helmet. Follow the speed limit. These simple steps can help save lives.”
Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan auto accident attorney is simple.
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