What many people don’t realize is that Lansing is the capital city of the state of Michigan. While the population of the city is just over 100,000, there’s plenty to see and do in this wonderful city. The Michigan State Capital building is located in Lansing – it’s a large, beautiful building that plays home to state lawmaking in the state. If you live in Lansing, you most likely use a vehicle – public transport doesn’t cover every corner of the city. If you’re looking to save money on your auto insurance, it’s important to understand what’s on the market. Our company helps you estimate car insurance cost and find some of the best auto insurance rates in the country. We also provide advice for people who are driving in different regions of the nation. Check out our content on Lansing, Michigan below!

Lansing: Driving Conditions in the City

Lansing has a surprising amount of traffic for a city with a relatively small population. Perhaps much of this is due to it being the state capital – there is plenty of business going on throughout the year. But there are other hazards that play a bigger role within the city. As with all of Michigan, winter can be a hectic time in Lansing. You have to be careful on the roads if you want to avoid icy conditions. If you’re someone who is not used to wintery conditions, you need to be especially careful. Make sure to keep your eyes on the weather at all times.

Another major hazard on roads in Lansing is deer. While it might seem surprising, there seems to be uptick in the amount of deer involved in accident in and around Lansing. If you’re someone who has seen deer in the area in the past, you might be in a hotspot. It’s important to be aware of this risk – deer can cause serious damage to vehicles. They’re even more deadly at high speeds – they also cause other drivers to react in weird ways, which can cause further accidents.

Driving Safely in Lansing, Michigan

If you want to drive as safely as possible, you need some knowledge of local road laws. Every city and state is different – you can’t assume you know the rules if you’re new to the area. This section of our article is meant to help drivers better understand the road rules in Lansing. If you’re someone who doesn’t have experience driving in the area, this portion of our article will be particularly useful. Check it out below!

Phone/Handheld Laws in Lansing

Many people in Michigan don’t realize that a law recently passed that prevents individuals from texting and driving. You are no longer allowed to use your phone for texting if you are operating a vehicle. This law was brought into place to combat the major issue of distracted driving in Michigan. While you may still talk on your phone while you’re driving, it is highly recommended that you avoid this practice.

Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws in Lansing

If you are in the front seats of a vehicle in Michigan, you have to wear a seatbelt. Those who are in the back seats and are over the age of 16 are legally permitted to go without a belt. If you are under 16, you have to wear a seat belt no matter where you are sitting in the vehicle. Those under the age of four must be securely fastened in a car seat in the rear of the vehicle. Children between the ages of four and eight need to be secured in an appropriate booster seat. Children should remain in a booster seat until they reach the height of 4’ 9”.

Helmet Laws in Lansing

People under the age of 21 in Michigan need to wear a helmet at all times while on a motorcycle. This applies to both drivers and passengers. If you are over the age of 21, you need to have at least $20,000 in personal medical insurance to go without a helmet. Regardless, not wearing a helmet greatly increases your chances of a brain injury or death – make sure to strap one on if you plan on riding a motorcycle in Lansing.

Alcohol and Drug Laws (Driving)

Driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road – intoxicated driving is responsible for thousands of deaths around the country each year. In Michigan, those over 21 will receive a DUI if they go over the .08 BAC limit. If you are under the age of 21, this limit is reduced to .02. There are harsher punishments for individuals who are over .17 – this is considered extremely intoxicated. If you receive your first DUI, you can expect a range of punishments which may include $500 in fines, 360 hours of community service, license suspension for up to 30 days, 93 days in jail, a vehicle ignition interlock, and a range of other penalties. Don't forget the SR22 insurance you will be required to have to legally drive any vehicle. As you can see, there is a heavy price to pay if you drive while drunk!

Lansing Statistics

Want a clear idea of how dangerous the roads in Lansing and surrounding areas are? Just have a look at the state statistics. In 2016, there were over 314,000 crashes on roads in Michigan – there were more than 2,000 additional crashes in 2017. In addition, there were over 1,060 fatalities on the roads in Michigan in 2016 – there were exactly 1,028 fatalities on the roads in 2017. Don’t underestimate the dangers on the roads in Lansing and surrounding areas.

Verdict

Finding the cheapest car insurance in Michigan can help you save money in the long term. It will protect you against serious costs and ensure that you don’t find yourself in a financial pickle. You just want to make sure that your policy comes at an affordable price. Check out some of the lowest car insurance rates and different insurance companies on our site if you want to find good deals in Lansing, Michigan. We also have some other great articles on our site if you’re looking for more information on auto insurance.