Michigan’s 75 MPH Speed Limit: Does It Increase Car Accidents?

WHICH MICHIGAN ROADS WERE AFFECTED BY THE SPEED LIMIT INCREASES?

According to Public Act 445 of 2016, the speed limit in Michigan was increased from 70 to 75 mph (and from 60 to 65 mph for trucks) on 614 miles of rural freeways starting in 2017. The roads were selected based on extensive research by traffic safety experts to identify areas where accidents were less likely to occur despite higher speeds. As a result, most were rural thoroughfares with wider shoulders and fewer access points than freeways in more populated regions.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the speed limits were raised to 75 on portions of the following freeways:

• I-69 east of Flint
• I-75 in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the eastern Upper Peninsula
• US-10 running east-west through the middle of the state
• US-31 in Oceana and Mason counties
• US-131 running north-south through the western Lower Peninsula
• US-127 running north-south through mid-Michigan

These roads were the first in the Great Lakes region with speed limits higher than 70 mph. In addition, speed limits increased from 60 to 65 mph on approximately 900 miles of other Michigan highways. The combined total of 1,557 miles comprises about 16 percent of total state freeway miles in Michigan.

HOW DO HIGHER SPEED LIMITS INCREASE ACCIDENTS AND INJURIES?

The NHTSA cites speeding as a major cause of almost 30 percent of all crashes. However, traffic safety experts believe the percentage is actually higher because many accidents involving excessive speed are attributed to other causes such as drunk or distracted driving. 

Here are some of the ways speeding increases the likelihood of a deadly crash:

• Less time to react: When traveling at higher speeds, drivers have less time to react if another motorist swerves in front of them or stops suddenly.
• Longer stopping distance and time: The faster a vehicle is moving, the longer it will take to come to a complete stop. This increased stopping time may increase the likelihood of rear-end or multi-vehicle crashes.
• More speeding overall: Many people exceed posted speed limits, especially on freeways. A 75 mph speed limit increases the odds of drivers going 80 mph or higher, especially in areas with lighter traffic.
• Increased risk of severe impact: The impact of a crash when vehicles are traveling at high speeds is greater, which increases the chance of serious injury or death.    
• Greater risk with distractions: Cell phones and other diversions distract drivers and impair their ability to see and react to traffic situations. The risk of a deadly crash increases when distracted drivers are traveling at higher speeds.
• Added aggressive driving conditions: Aggressive driving and corresponding crash risk increase when vehicles are traveling at various speeds, which is more likely on roads where some cars are going 75 mph or faster while others are merging or exiting at slower speeds.

Even a small increase in speed can significantly affect the severity of a crash. Vehicles traveling at higher speeds leave less room for error and make it harder for drivers to react quickly and safely. This can turn what could have been a minor accident into something more serious or deadly.

CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY TODAY

If you or a loved one is injured in a Michigan traffic accident, we can help. Our experienced lawyers have the skills, knowledge and resources to win the compensation you and your family deserve.

Car accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan auto accident attorney is simple.

“Even the most careful driver can have a serious accident,” says Mark Bernstein of The Sam Bernstein Law Firm. “When that happens, call us right away. Our experienced legal team will make sure you get the compensation you deserve.”

Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.