Michigan Drivers Warned During Work Zone Awareness Week

If you’ve been driving anywhere in Michigan lately, you already know…construction season is in full swing. It almost feels like we never really even got a break.

Now the state is stepping in with a pretty important reminder…one that far too many drivers tend to forget. The numbers don’t lie, and that’s exactly why the state is pushing this message hard right now.

According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, last year alone, 25 people were killed in work zones across the state. That includes 22 drivers and 3 construction workers. On top of that, there were around 6,000 crashes and more than 1,000 injuries.

That’s exactly why officials are pushing this hard right now.

Why Is Michigan Warning Drivers During Work Zone Awareness Week?

National Work Zone Awareness Week runs April 20 through April 24, and the message is simple: “Safe actions save lives.”

Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

It’s not just a slogan. It’s aimed at drivers, workers, and everyone on the road. But let’s be real…most of this falls on drivers, especially the ones who are distracted behind the wheel.

How Dangerous Are Work Zones in Michigan?

We’re talking thousands of crashes every year in Michigan work zones, and yeah…people are still losing their lives.

The problem is that work zones are unpredictable. Lanes shift, traffic can stop out of nowhere, and workers are sometimes just feet from moving cars. One bad decision like speeding, texting, or not paying attention, and it can go sideways fast.

What Michigan Drivers Need to Do Right Now

This is pretty simple
Slow down
Give workers space
Stay off your phone

And yeah…the last one is worth repeating…STAY OFF YOUR PHONE.

I'm so sick and tired of seeing people on their phones while driving.

Honestly, it’d be interesting to see what these numbers looked like before smartphones became part of everyday life…because it sure feels like things are getting worse.

Also, as part of Work Zone Awareness Week, officials are asking people to wear orange on Tuesday to show support for road workers and help spread the message.

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Why Michigan Wants You Wearing Orange This Week

Also, as part of Work Zone Awareness Week, officials are asking people to wear orange on Tuesday to show support for road workers and help spread the message.

We all want better roads, but nobody should be risking their life to fix them.

10 Michigan Roads With the Most Fatal Crashes

Based on fatal crash data from the past five years, these are the 10 Michigan roads where deadly accidents happen most often. This isn’t about total crashes or traffic volume, just where fatal crashes show up again and again across the state.

Gallery Credit: Tony LaBrie

The Worst Michigan Counties for Deer Crashes Ranked

Below is a breakdown of the Michigan counties with the most deer crashes in 2024. These rankings show where drivers face the highest risk during peak deer season.

Gallery Credit: Tony LaBrie

12 Animals You Must Report If You Hit Them in Michigan

Ever hit an animal while driving in Michigan? Well, it turns out some of them need to be reported. We'll break down the animals you have to call in if you hit them. It’s not just about doing the right thing; it’s also about avoiding any legal issues.

So, who do you call? If you hit one of these animals, you’ll want to contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or local law enforcement. If it’s an actual emergency, call 911; otherwise, just dial the non-emergency number. They’ll handle the situation and make sure everything's squared away. Just don’t forget to report it.

Gallery Credit: Tony LaBrie