New Electronic Signs on I-94 Recommend Safe Speed Limits for Winter Drivers

For decades, traffic safety experts have advised motorists to slow down when weather or traffic make driving hazardous. In fact, driving too fast for prevailing conditions is a major cause of serious and fatal car accidents. To help keep the roads safe, a series of electronic signs along I-94 posts “advisory speed limits” calculated for current weather and traffic conditions in each location. While this system is intended to reduce crashes on one of the deadlier stretches of I-94, some accidents are unavoidable.

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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ADVISORY SPEED LIMIT SIGNS?

Most winter accidents occur when drivers travel too fast for the road and weather conditions. When roads are icy or snow is falling, driving at the posted speed limits can be dangerous. According to Michigan traffic crash data, tens of thousands of accidents happen due to snow and ice each year. The signs are designed to remind motorists to slow down to the speed limit deemed safe for the current conditions.

The idea of installing electronic signs with advisory speed limits arose from a MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation) safety audit of the 143-miles stretch of I-94 from the Michigan-Indiana border to U.S. 127 on the east side of the city of Jackson. The study was initiated in 2015 after a 193-vehicle crash that killed one person, injured 20 others and shut down both sides of the highway for two days.

The report contained several statistics that reinforced the need for advisory speed limit signs:

• Almost two-thirds (65 percent) of crashes occurring from December - February involved a vehicle driving “too fast for conditions,” compared to 38 percent of crashes during the rest of the year.
• The overall year-round crash rate (101.12 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled) on that stretch of I-94 was similar to the statewide average for other Michigan freeways with 70 mph posted speed limits. However, during the winter months, the crash rate was 24 percent greater than the other freeways, with the exception of I-196 and US-131.
• Vehicles traveling east on I-94 had a 16.3 percent higher crash rate than those on the westbound side.

Crashes involving speeding vehicles are often deadlier because drivers have less time to react when another car swerves in front of them or stops suddenly. Furthermore, the impact of a crash is greater when one or both vehicles are traveling at high speeds, increasing the likelihood of serious injuries or death.

WHERE ARE THE ELECTRONIC SPEED LIMIT ADVISORY SIGNS LOCATED?

A total of 14 signs were installed on both sides of I-94, between western Kalamazoo and Berrien counties, at the following locations:

For eastbound traffic

• Boyer Road - Mile marker 37.2
• Watervliet Rest Area - Mile marker 41.9
• 60th Street - Mile marker 47.7
• Territorial Roar - Mile marker 53.8
• Paw Paw Road - Mile marker 58.7
• Near 30th Street - Mile marker 63.0
• Sixth Street - Mile marker 70.1

For westbound traffic

• Fourth Street - Mile marker 69.0
• Near 30th Street - Mile marker 63.0
• Near Paw Paw Road - Mile marker 58.7
• Territorial Road - Mile marker 53.8
• Near 60th Street - Mile marker 47.7
• Near 66th Street - Mile marker 44.7
• Boyer Road - Mile marker 37.2

HOW ARE THE RECOMMENDED SPEED LIMITS DETERMINED?

The suggested speeds are calculated by an algorithm based on data provided by sensors that evaluate various factors such as air temperature, road temperature, wind speed, precipitation levels and visibility.

Although the majority of the signs will post advisory speed limits based on weather conditions, the full-color electronic displays can also be used to inform drivers about other traffic situations such as accidents, low-visibility and lane closures.

WILL MOTORISTS BE TICKETED FOR EXCEEDING THE ADVISORY SPEED LIMITS?

The speed limits shown on the signs are intended to advise motorists of the safest speed for the current driving conditions in a specific location. They are not legally enforceable.

However, the electronic signs do not change the existing Michigan traffic law allowing police officers to issue citations when someone is driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions.

SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING

These tips can help prevent accidents in wintry weather and throughout the year:

• Never operate a car, motorcycle or bicycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Do not drive when you are tired
• Don’t be a distracted driver; keep your eyes and mind on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times
• Follow the rules of the road regardless of what mode of transportation you are using
• Do not use a cell phone or other electronic devices while driving
• Avoid other distractions such as loud music, eating and drinking, attending to children and reaching for items on the floor or the back seat
• Drive at the posted speed limit or below when weather and road conditions are hazardous
• Let an aggressive driver pass instead of engaging in risky behavior
• Wear seat belts regardless of how far you are driving and encourage adult passengers to do the same
• Make sure children have the appropriate car seat or booster for their age and size

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