Rain causing crashes on Ann Arbor freeways
Ann Arbor-area motorists have had a bit of trouble negotiating wet roadways this morning.
State police were on their way to a crash on M-14 at Barton Drive on the north side of Ann Arbor just after 8 a.m. The dispatcher said it was not believed to be blocking the road.
Another crash was reported on the eastbound I-94 ramp to eastbound M-14 on the west side of Ann Arbor. It also was not blocking traffic.
A third crash, reported on on eastbound I-94 near Pierce Road west of Chelsea had been cleared by 8 a.m.
Further information was not immediately available.
The National Weather Service said fog may create some problems for drivers this morning. The forecast calls for rain throughout the day with high temperatures in the 40s.
Traffic slowdowns are shown in yellow and red.
Comments
Holy Cow
Thu, Dec 15, 2011 : 2:28 a.m.
Tired of being tailgated by people on days like this who couldn't be bothered to wake up a few minutes early like I did.
Sallyxyz
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.
A little rain causing crashes? Nope. It's the distracted drivers on their cell phones, texting, and otherwise not paying attention, speeding and driving under the influence. Here are some statistics for Michigan: There were 282,075 total auto crashes in 2010. Of the 9,883,640 persons living in Michigan, one out of every 10,548 was killed in a traffic crash and one out of every 140 was injured. There were 937 persons killed and 70,501 persons injured in 282,075 reported motor vehicle traffic crashes in Michigan during 2010. And we wonder why our auto insurance rates in Michigan continue to increase every 6 months. Slow down, pay attention, and drive defensively. A little rain is not the problem.
a2phiggy
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 6:17 p.m.
I was stunned to see how many drivers were out today without their headlights on - in this weather, cars become invisible without them. Lights on, everyone (and it's a good time to check your brake lights, too).
K32
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 5:46 p.m.
Just wait'll it snows! We ain't seen nothin' yet.
SonnyDog09
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
I once heard it said that the most significant safety issue in any automobile is the nut that holds the steering wheel.
sbbuilder
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 3:56 p.m.
Rain doesn't cause crashes, nor do cell phones, nor does the dark , nor do iced up roads. Of course, the main cause of all crashes is the person holding onto the steering wheel. That, and pedestrians who venture out into roadways, or bicylists who claim equal right to the road, or, if you really want to know the biggest cause here in Ann Arbor, it's probably the nincompoops who keep tinkering with traffic engineering. Stobe light? Sheesh.
PhillyCheeseSteak
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 6:11 p.m.
Nowhere in this article did it mention pedestrians being part of these crashes, and all were on highways. Your point?
Peregrine
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 4:41 p.m.
How dare pedestrians use a crosswalk! They should either stay on the block they're already on or buy a car. The sense of entitlement of some drivers is truly astounding.
pvitaly
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
It's so annoying that people actually expect every driver in the world to be a perfect driver. Humans aren't machines. When it rains/snows/sleets/sunshines, people will still fail and get into accidents. Don't be surprised that people have not "adjusted" to the "consistent" weather we have in Michigan.
Sallyxyz
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 6:44 p.m.
Slow down and pay attention. It's the drivers that are causing accidents. The road conditions contribute to accidents, especially in Michigan with the inadequate plowing and salting, but drivers are still the primary cause of traffic accidents.
pseudo
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 2:22 p.m.
I"m with the rest - Rain doesn't cause crashes. I part ways with some of the characterizations. Drivers who have not adjusted to the road conditions (or have faulty/unrepaired equipment) causes crashes. I share other's frustration that we seem to have these crashes so much when the conditions are fairly routine.
Usual Suspect
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 2:11 p.m.
Error: rain does not cause crashes. In most cases, idiots cause crashes.
RTFM
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 5:13 p.m.
Agreed!
justcurious
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 2:09 p.m.
Something happened involving a school bus as well. I didn't catch the details however.
xmo
Wed, Dec 14, 2011 : 2:02 p.m.
You would think that with all of the rain we get in Michigan that people would learn how to drive in it! Maybe we need a law to ban driving when it rains!