IONIA COUNTY, Mich. — Fast driving, along with drivers being distracted, has caused a sharp increase in deadly crashes on I-96 between the Lowell exit and Portland.

“Right now, crashes, property damage, and injury are at roughly 20," said Michigan State Police commercial vehicle enforcement lieutenant Jason Zylstra. "The biggest number, the most alarming, is nine fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles.”

Zylstra said that this alarming rise in injuries and deaths has prompted Michigan State Police to increase their patrol in the area, to help remind drivers to slow down and pay attention to the road.

“We have a very recognizable and traditional vehicle with the bubble on top and the specific paint scheme, people seeing that vehicle and then reacting to it," Zylstra said. "There's

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