Bennington Twp, MI (February 7, 2026) – A serious two-vehicle crash injured both drivers Thursday evening along M-52 near Miller Rd in Bennington Township. One of the victims, a 17-year-old boy from Owosso, was ejected from his vehicle during the collision, according to Michigan State Police.
Key Details
- Location: M-52 near Miller Rd, Bennington Township, MI
- Time: Approx. 6:25 p.m. on February 5, 2026
- Vehicles: Northbound Jeep and southbound GMC SUV
- Injuries: 17-year-old male and 62-year-old female hospitalized
- Severity: Teen ejected; seatbelt not believed to have been used
- Reported: February 5, 2026 at 6:25 p.m.
What We Know So Far
- The Jeep, driven by the teen, lost control and crossed into oncoming traffic
- The vehicle struck a GMC SUV driven by a 62-year-old Perry resident
- Both drivers were transported to a local hospital following the crash
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The current medical conditions of the injured drivers
- Whether weather, speed, or road conditions contributed to the loss of control
- The precise cause behind the teen driver’s failure to maintain control
Local Context
The stretch of M-52 near Miller Rd in Shiawassee County sees a mix of rural traffic and local commuters. Crashes involving teens and older drivers on this highway often raise seatbelt and roadway safety concerns. Michigan State Police confirmed that the 17-year-old was ejected from his Jeep and was likely not wearing a seatbelt. The SUV driver, a 62-year-old woman from Perry, also required hospital treatment. Authorities do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved, and the investigation remains active as officials continue reviewing roadway evidence and crash dynamics.
What to Do Next
- Family members of the victims should stay in touch with hospital staff and local law enforcement for updates.
- Witnesses or local drivers with dashcam footage from the area are encouraged to share it with investigators.
- Teen drivers should be reminded of the critical importance of seatbelt use, especially on rural roads.
- Monitor local traffic updates for any related safety advisories along the M-52 corridor.
FAQ
Q: Is seatbelt use required by law for all drivers and passengers in Michigan?
A: Yes. Michigan law mandates seatbelt use for drivers and all front-seat passengers, as well as minors in the rear seats.
Q: Can someone be ejected from a vehicle without crashing at high speed?
A: Yes. Ejection can occur even at moderate speeds if seatbelts aren’t worn, especially during side or head-on collisions.
Q: How do investigators determine if a driver was wearing a seatbelt?
A: Police examine restraint systems, crash dynamics, vehicle damage, and occupant injuries to assess seatbelt usage at the time of impact.
