Summer Driving Safety Tips for West Michigan Drivers

Staying Safe on Busy Roads All Season Long

Summer is one of the best times of the year in West Michigan, but it’s also one of the busiest times to be on the road. Families are heading up north, students are home for the summer, road construction is everywhere, and weekends are packed with people traveling to lakes, festivals, and vacations. With more traffic comes more opportunities for accidents.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed, and a little preparation can go a long way. Before you hit the road, make sure your vehicle is ready for the extra miles by checking things like your tire pressure, fluid levels, and windshield wipers. Once you’re on the road, remember that you’re sharing it with a lot more people than usual. Vacation traffic, construction crews, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians are all part of summer in West Michigan. Give yourself a little extra time, stay off your phone, and don’t let the rush of getting somewhere take away from getting there safely.

If you’ve driven through 28th Street, Alpine Avenue, or the East Beltline during the summer, you’ve probably noticed just how quickly traffic can back up. Those busy roads see thousands of vehicles every day, making patience and awareness even more important.

The same is true throughout the communities we serve. In Big Rapids, traffic increases around Ferris State University and Perry Avenue. In Holland, US-31, Washington Avenue, and the downtown 8th Street area stay busy with tourists and local events. Around Cedar Springs and Sparta, roads like M-57 (14 Mile Road) see more weekend traffic as people head north for camping, cottages, and summer activities.

No matter where you’re driving this summer, the best safety tip is often the simplest: slow down. Leave a few minutes earlier than you think you need to, give yourself extra space in construction zones, and stay focused on the road. Those small decisions can make a big difference for you, your passengers, and everyone else around you.