State Police Investigate Fatal Accident

The Metro North post on the Michigan State Police is investigating a fatal accident that occurred on I-696 near Bermuda Ave in Royal Oak Sunday night. A Livonia woman, 32, was struck and killed after getting out of her crashed car on the highway. Dec 31, 2017 at about 11:55 p.m., State Police say witnesses saw the woman driving her 2018 Jeep Compass erratically. The Compass crashed into the left median wall, coming to rest in a position that blocked the blocking the left and center lanes.

A pair of other motorists stopped to help the Compass driver. The pair saw another vehicle approach in the left lane, and jumped over median wall when they realized it wouldn’t stop. The Compass driver stepped from behind her vehicle, dying instantly when struck by a 2005 Ford Ranger. The driver, a 22-year-old Oakland man, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, according to State Police Lt Michael Shaw.

Police believe alcohol and or drugs may have factored into the incident. The investigation continues as police await the medical examiner’s report and blood tests. No one else was injured. Lt Shaw advises people to wait for assistance after a highway accident - they should stay in their cars.

“If your vehicle comes disabled, stay inside of it with your seatbelt on and call 911,” Lt Shaw said. “If you are involved in a traffic crash, the same rules apply. Stay in the car. If you can move it out of traffic do so. Keep your seatbelt on and call 911.”