Starting July 1, 2020, Michigan motorists will enjoy a significant cost savings when it comes to auto insurance, especially motorists who choose to stop buying the lifetime, no-fault medical benefits that are presently mandatory. Nevertheless, every driver must be prepared to make critical decisions regarding medical coverage to adequately protect themselves and their families on the roads in case of an auto accident.

Do a Google search for car crashes in the Detroit area during coronavirus and plenty of results will appear. Fatal car accidents. Drunk driving car crashes. They may not seem to be directly related to COVID-19, but they could be. Let’s look at all the possible ways that this deadly virus is impacting safety on Michigan highways, and how you can stay safe.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) now urges people to call traffic collisions “crashes” instead of “accidents.” By definition, the word accident implies that there is nothing that can be done to prevent a car crash – as it turns out, however, there are plenty of factors that affect whether or not a car crash occurs.

There were 10,511 deaths from drunk-driving crashes in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2017, 29% of motor vehicle traffic fatalities were caused by drunk driving, where 220 of the victims were children age 14 and under. December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, and while knowing the terrifying statistics that result from drunk driving is important, it’s action that makes all the difference in these numbers.

Perhaps in homage to Black Friday as the day after Thanksgiving, the day before Turkey Day has earned the nickname of Blackout Wednesday. One of its other monikers further clarifies the name: Drinksgiving. It’s the night when college kids come home and reconnect with friends, when family meets up in happy reunions, when the holiday season officially kicks off – and the alcohol is plentiful. Sadly, drunk driving car accidents abound too.

It’s dark, it’s cozy in your bed, the last thing you want is to emerge from your cocoon to start a cold, Michigan fall day. Sunday, November 3, however, is the end of daylight saving time for the year. “Falling back” gives you that extra hour of blissful sleep and more light in the morning. Unfortunately, this time change also creates hazardous driving conditions and increases the chances of auto accidents.