Township of Springfield, Michigan – A driver died overnight after speeding into an Oakland County construction zone, trying to pass another car by entering closed lanes and hitting a backhoe.
The crash happened at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, June 28 on southbound I-75 near Dixie Highway in Springfield Township.
Michigan State Police said a driver entered the construction zone at a high rate of speed and attempted to pass a car traveling in the left lane at the appropriate speed.
The speeding driver tried to pass on the right by going into the barrels and using the closed lanes, authorities said. Construction workers were on the scene at the time, according to authorities.
Police said the driver lost control, hit a backhoe and crashed into the car in the left lane. The collision forced the speeding car into the right ditch, where it struck a tree, authorities said.
The driver died in the crash, police said. That person was not wearing a seat belt.
“This is another example of risky driving behavior leading to a preventable traffic accident in one of our construction zones,” said Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw. “Drivers need to make sure they follow the speed limit, especially in a construction zone. Lives depend on it.”
A dog inside the car was also injured. This dog was turned over to Oakland County Animal Control.
The backhoe worker and the driver of the other car were not injured.
I-75 southbound was closed at East Holly Road during the investigation.
It is unclear if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash. Police are still investigating.
Copyright 2023 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All Rights Reserved.
