Driver killed on I-94 near Chelsea after losing control on black ice, police say
A driver was killed on I-94 near Chelsea early this morning when he lost control of his car on suspected black ice, and it struck an unoccupied car resting against a guardrail, authorities said.
The accident occurred at about 6:10 a.m. on eastbound I-94 near Kalmbach Road in Sylvan Township, a curve that's been a hotspot for crashes over the years.
Michigan State Police Sgt. Tony Cuevas said a 56-year-old Munith man lost control on black ice on the curve. His vehicle spun into a parked car that that had struck a guardrail.
Cuevas said the woman driving the car that hit the guardrail got out of her car minutes earlier and was walking down the freeway when she saw her car get hit.
"She recognized she was in a bad spot, so she was trying to move away," Cuevas said.
The Jackson County man was the sole occupant in his car. His identity has not yet been released.
The two eastbound lanes of I-94 are closed, and traffic has been able to pass on the right shoulder only, state police said. Troopers are conducting an investigation and hope to have the roadway re-opened soon, Cuevas said at 10:30 a.m.
The fatal crash was one of many accidents around Washtenaw County blamed on icy road conditions.
Ann Arbor Police Lt. Renee Bush said city police handled at least three multi-vehicle crashes between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m., including a 10-car pile-up on South State Street over I-94. Two people were taken to the hospital with minor injuries in that crash.
Lee Higgins of AnnArbor.com contributed to this report.
Comments
Shellie
Mon, Nov 30, 2009 : 11:56 p.m.
It is my understanding that the railroad owns the land where the lanes would normally be that is why it curves and why it is not consistant with the rest of the highway. The railroad has been contacted and they refuse to re route their tracks. I am by no means an expert, that is just what I have been told by a trooper. As far as details there aren't many more than what has been reported. My uncle drove a Honda with all working airbags and side curtains. It was just and unfortunate accident that has taken quite a toll on our family. His children will bury their father, and not one of those kids is over 25. They are in College and working. His son is a pre law student and his daughter is an education major. His oldest daughter has 2 small daughters under the age of 4. It has been a huge shock. Dave was a wonderful man who loved his family and was SOOOOO proud of his children. He will be missed greatly to all who knew him. Thanks to everyone for following this and keeping his memory alive! *Shellie*
aa_real
Sat, Nov 28, 2009 : 9:49 p.m.
Why don't the eastbound lanes run parallel to the westbound lanes through this section? It would make the curves less sharp and the section near the bridge could be straight. What were the vehicle models and rates of speed - more details in the stories would be appreciated.
A2voter
Sat, Nov 28, 2009 : 6:34 p.m.
@751 It's no surprise there continues to be 'sudden' black ice conditions on this stretch of I-94; It's WINTER. All the regulars know that it will be there (the road commission qualifies it as a 'normal condition'), and the regulars also know it will ONLY be reactively treated, not proactively. I don't feel I am misinformed, as I can see with my own eyes an untreated road surface compared to a treated one. I reviewed the link you provided and this is what it says in part: Normal winter conditions are identified as temperatures above 20 degrees, light to moderate winds and snowfall amounts from one to five inches in a 24-hour period. During normal conditions, the Road Commission can generally keep the state highways and paved primary county roads free of ice and snow. Just for the record, I appreciate what these crews do and have to tolerate; I only wish the admin would be brave enough to sit in their own car on the shoulder of this stretch of I-94 and watch what happens during 'normal conditions'.
Shellie
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 8:09 p.m.
As part of this family I know his children will appreciate your kind words. The man killed this morning was Dave Hinz, he was my uncle. He was a wonderful father to 3 grown children and grand father two beautiful grand daughters. His children were the light of his life and thankfully they got to spend time with him last night for Thanksgiving. Dave was a smart, witty man who had a passion for marathon running. He will be missed dearly.
751
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 4:35 p.m.
My sympathies to the family and friends of the gentleman who lost his life. @A2voter: I suggest you read the following regarding the WCRC's winter maintenance plan. Based on your comment, you seem somewhat misinformed about the specifics. Subdivisions and secondaries are the only roads which will not be plowed overnight and weekends until the 4" threshhold is met. http://wcroads.org/news/articles/2009-11-09-winter-driving.htm
A2voter
Fri, Nov 27, 2009 : 4:11 p.m.
I'm very sorry this family suffers the loss of this man. I watched those I-94 repairs (all summer long) and can't believe there's been no change or improvement in the inadequate ramp signage and frightening medians. Wonder if Wash. Cnty is still not planning to plow unless we get 4" or more of snow?