Michigan Underage Driver Crashes Into Work Zone While Drunk

It’s not winter, so you know what that means—it’s construction season here in the Great Lakes State. Whether you’re heading out on a quick commute or a long road trip, dodging construction zones in Michigan seems impossible.

Construction Zones Still Face Dangerous Drivers

Keeping our road workers safe is critical. That’s why you’ll see reduced speed limits, those familiar orange cones, and signs reminding you that fines and penalties are higher in work zones—especially if you’re driving carelessly.

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But speeders aren’t the only threat. Drunk drivers continue to put construction crews, police, and other drivers at risk. In fact, the Tuscola County Sheriff's Office reports this was one of three drunk driving arrests on Monday night alone.

READ MORE: High Speed Chase through Genesee and Livingston Counties

In this case, an underage driver from Caro plowed into a construction zone. The 20-year-old claimed his brakes had gone out—but deputies at the scene suspected something else was behind the crash.

Deputies Share Details of the Crash

According to the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened around 7:15 p.m. Monday night on Shay Lake Road. The driver failed to stop for construction barricades and crashed into a CAT Telehandler construction vehicle, causing minor damage. The truck then rolled over an embankment before finally getting stuck—just short of dropping off into a body of water.

Here’s what the Sheriff’s Office shared on Facebook:

“Deputies determined the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Shay Lake Rd when it failed to stop for a construction zone barricade. The vehicle struck a CAT Telehandler, causing minor damage. The vehicle came to a stop on an embankment just prior to going off a large drop off and into the water.”

Deputies noted clear signs of intoxication, and the 20-year-old driver was arrested on the spot.