New Electronic Signs on I-94 Recommend Safe Speed Limits for Winter Drivers
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For decades, traffic safety experts have advised motorists to slow down when weather or traffic make driving hazardous. Driving too fast for conditions is a major cause of serious and fatal car accidents. To help keep the roads safer, electronic signs along I-94 post advisory speeds calculated for current weather and traffic. The system is meant to reduce crashes on a deadly stretch of I-94, but some accidents are still unavoidable.
If you or a loved one is injured, our experienced car accident lawyers will protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Case?WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ADVISORY SPEED LIMIT SIGNS?
Most winter accidents occur when drivers travel too fast for the road and weather. When roads are icy or snow is falling, the posted limit can be too fast. Michigan crash data show tens of thousands of crashes on snow and ice each year. In 2024 alone, MSP counted 15,491 crashes on snow and 10,969 on ice. The signs remind motorists to slow to a speed that fits the conditions.
The idea came from an MDOT safety look at about 143 miles of I-94 from the Michigan-Indiana border to U.S. 127 east of Jackson. The study followed a 2015 pileup of 193 vehicles that killed one person, injured 20 others and shut down both directions for two days.
The report found:
- Almost two-thirds (65 percent) of December–February crashes involved a vehicle going “too fast for conditions,” compared with 38 percent during the rest of the year
- The year-round crash rate on that stretch was similar to other Michigan 70 mph freeways, but the winter crash rate was 24 percent higher than those freeways, except I-196 and US-131
- Eastbound I-94 had a 16.3 percent higher crash rate than westbound
Speeding crashes are often deadlier because drivers have less time to react, and impact forces are higher at speed.
WHERE ARE THE ELECTRONIC SPEED LIMIT ADVISORY SIGNS LOCATED?
Fourteen signs were installed on both sides of I-94 between western Kalamazoo and Berrien counties:
Eastbound
- Boyer Road — mile marker 37.2
- Watervliet Rest Area — mile marker 41.9
- 60th Street — mile marker 47.7
- Territorial Road — mile marker 53.8
- Paw Paw Road — mile marker 58.7
- Near 30th Street — mile marker 63.0
- Sixth Street — mile marker 70.1
Westbound
- 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?
Suggested speeds come from an algorithm using sensors for air temperature, road temperature, wind, precipitation and visibility.
Most of the time the signs post a weather-based advisory speed. The full-color displays can also warn of crashes, low visibility and lane closures.
WILL MOTORISTS BE TICKETED FOR EXCEEDING THE ADVISORY SPEED LIMITS?
The speeds on the signs are advisory. They are not a separate posted legal limit.
They do not change Michigan law that lets officers cite a driver for going too fast for weather or traffic conditions.
SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING
- Never drive, ride a motorcycle or bicycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Do not drive when you are tired
- Keep your eyes and mind on the road and your hands on the wheel
- Follow the rules of the road
- Do not use a hand-held phone while driving
- Avoid other distractions such as eating, tending to children or reaching into the back seat
- Drive at or below the posted limit when conditions are bad, and heed advisory speeds
- Let an aggressive driver pass
- Wear a seat belt and ask adult passengers to do the same
- Use the correct car seat or booster for each child
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