Deadly rollover crash on I

A deadly crash Sunday evening on Interstate 94 in Van Buren Township is a sobering reminder to slow down and wear your seat belt as families begin their holiday vacations and more than a million students return to school, authorities said.

"We had several preventable crashes this weekend," Michigan State Police 1st Lt. Mike Shaw said Monday, adding that drivers’ risky behaviors are leading to deaths. "Make sure you drive the speed limit, wear your seat belt and pay attention to what is going on around you."

The fatal rollover crash at about 7:20 p.m. near a rest area killed a 23-year-old Ypsilanti man, and sent the others, two 20-year-old women and another 23-year-old man, to the hospital. Police said there were a total of five people in the vehicle and none were wearing seat belts.

One of the 20-year-olds is in stable condition, the other two are in critical condition, police said. Moreover, a witness said that just before the crash, one of the people in the vehicle was standing up through the sunroof. The driver, police concluded, lost control of the vehicle.

More:Gas prices in Michigan fall ahead of Labor Day, a big travel day

The AAA Auto Club also warned drivers that the roads are getting more crowded with 1.4 million students returning to school, as new drivers get behind the wheel and others walk, bike and catch a bus to school.

In addition, transportation data company INRIX predicted from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday will be some of the the busiest times on the roads ahead of the Labor Day weekend as people travel to their vacation destinations.

“Drivers should have a heightened sense of awareness from the moment they leave the driveway," Adrienne Woodland, a AAA spokeswoman said. "You can reduce risk of injury by slowing down and avoiding distractions like using your cellphone or eating while driving."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or [email protected]