Increase in Fatal Accidents Worries AAA

Auto club urges drivers to focus on safety for Labor Day weekend.

Michigan Roads

AAA says there were twice as many fatal crashes on Michigan roads during last year’s Labor Day weekend as there were during the same period in 2014. The auto club reviewed Michigan State Police data and found that two out of three fatalities in 2015 were alcohol-related, and 25 percent of those killed who had seat belts available didn’t use them. AAA spokesperson Susan Hiltz tells WDET’s Pat Batcheller gasoline prices have been rising in Michigan as the holiday approaches. The auto club’s Fuel Gauge Report listed the average price of unleaded gas at $2.37 per gallon statewide. It’s $2.41 in Metro Detroit. Hiltz says about one million people will be on Michigan roads this weekend. She urges drivers to buckle up, avoid distracted driving, drive sober, and obey the speed limit. Click on the audio player to hear the conversation.

Pat Batcheller

 

Author

  • Pat Batcheller is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, presenting local news, traffic and weather updates during Morning Edition. He is an amateur musician.