Detroit, MI (June 4, 2026) – A person was injured on Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle while standing outside a disabled car on Interstate 96 in Metro Detroit.
The crash occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. on westbound I-96 near the M-39 highway, close to where the local and express lanes merge. According to Michigan State Police, a driver had stopped between the lanes after experiencing a flat tire.
While the vehicle was disabled, a person was outside the car when an oncoming vehicle struck them. The individual was seriously injured and taken to a hospital for treatment. Their current condition has not been released.
Further details about the drivers involved and the sequence leading up to the collision were not immediately available.
The circumstances surrounding the roadway crash remain under investigation as authorities continue reviewing evidence. We wish the injured person a full recovery.
Why Stopping Outside a Disabled Vehicle on High-Speed Roads Can Be Risky
High-speed interstates present significant hazards for people standing outside disabled vehicles. Traffic often moves quickly, and drivers may have limited time to react to stopped or partially stopped vehicles, especially in areas where lanes merge or traffic patterns shift.
Even when a vehicle is pulled over due to a mechanical issue, standing near active lanes can increase exposure to passing traffic. Reduced visibility in early morning or nighttime conditions can further raise the risk.
Safety experts often recommend moving a disabled vehicle as far off the roadway as possible and remaining inside the vehicle when safe to do so. If occupants must exit, positioning away from traffic lanes can help reduce exposure while waiting for assistance.
