In a series of unfortunate events, two separate crashes have disrupted traffic along Interstate 69 (I-69) near Illinois Road. These incidents, occurring on different days, highlight the importance of road safety and vigilance for both drivers and authorities.
Monday Morning Collision
Early on a Monday morning, Imlay City Police Chief Brett Selby found himself in the right place at the right time. While driving to work, he encountered an accident scene at the intersection of Van Dyke Road (M-53) and I-69. The stoplight at the intersection appeared to have failed, leading to a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles. One motorist, suspected to be under the influence, rear-ended another vehicle, setting off a series of impacts. Fortunately, there were no serious or life-threatening injuries, but the incident is under investigation by the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Department.
Friday’s Escalade Mishap
On a different occasion, Chief Selby witnessed a cloud of dust that turned out to be a Cadillac Escalade pulling a 35-foot travel trailer. The vehicle lost control, jackknifed, and rolled over, resulting in the closure of I-69 for several hours. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for caution and proper handling of large vehicles on the highway.
Another Incident: A Drowsy Driver
Just days before, a 2020 Freightliner weighing around 39,000 pounds was traveling eastbound on I-69 near the Newark Road overpass in Attica Township. The driver, hauling for a company out of Illinois, admitted to falling asleep. The semi-tractor struck a barrier, crossed over the median, and came to rest on the north side of the expressway. Thankfully, injuries were not life-threatening, but the incident caused a shutdown of the expressway for over five hours.
These crashes underscore the importance of attentive driving, regular rest breaks for long-haul truckers, and proper maintenance of traffic signals. As we navigate our roadways, let’s remain vigilant and prioritize safety.
