Woodland Twp., MI – Fatal Head-On Crash on M-66 Near M-43

Woodland Twp., MI (March 16, 2025) – A three-vehicle collision on Michigan 66 near Michigan 43 in Barry County claimed the life of a 70-year-old Hastings man Friday morning, March 14.

State police responded to the crash at approximately 8:21 a.m. Investigators determined that a southbound Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck crossed the center line, sideswiping a northbound Ford Econoline van before colliding head-on with a Chevrolet Colorado pickup driven by the victim. Emergency responders transported the victim to Corewell Health Pennock Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Police reported that he was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.

The 34-year-old Corunna man driving the Avalanche was properly restrained and did not sustain injuries. The driver of the Ford Econoline van was also wearing a seat belt and was unharmed. Authorities believe driver fatigue contributed to the crash but have ruled out alcohol and drug involvement. Woodland and Sunfield Township firefighters, along with Castleton Maplegrove Nashville Area EMS, assisted at the scene.

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time.

Fatal Car Accidents in Michigan

Car accidents are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities across Michigan. According to the Michigan State Police, hundreds of fatal crashes occur annually, with many resulting from human error, including fatigue, distracted driving, and failure to obey traffic laws.

Understanding key risk factors can help drivers take precautions to prevent accidents. Some common causes of fatal crashes include:

• Driver Fatigue – Drowsy driving impairs reaction time and judgment, similar to alcohol impairment. Long hours behind the wheel without rest can lead to drifting between lanes or failing to react to obstacles.
• Crossing the Center Line – Head-on collisions often happen when a driver drifts into oncoming traffic. This can result from distractions, fatigue, or medical emergencies.
• Seat Belt Non-Use – Failing to wear a seat belt significantly increases the risk of fatal injuries in a crash. Seat belts reduce the force of impact and prevent ejections during collisions.
• Speeding – Driving at excessive speeds makes it more difficult to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. High-speed crashes tend to result in severe injuries or fatalities.
• Weather Conditions – Rain, snow, and fog can create hazardous road conditions. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed and maintain a safe following distance in poor weather are more likely to crash.

Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is heartbreaking. Families may have legal options to pursue compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills, and other losses. A compassionate Woodland Township wrongful death attorney can help navigate the legal process.

At Christopher Trainor & Associates, we understand the immense challenges families face after a tragic accident. Our firm has secured over $250 million in settlements and verdicts for clients across Michigan. If you have lost a loved one due to another driver’s negligence, call (248) 886-8650 today for a free consultation. We are here to help you seek justice.

Note: Our firm utilized outside sources when creating this post. We have not independently verified the facts regarding this accident. If you find information that is incorrect, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates immediately so that we correct the post to reflect the most accurate information available about the accident. This post can be removed upon request.  

Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. The photograph used in this post was not taken at the actual accident scene. This post is not a solicitation for business.