ZIP 49643 (Interlochen, MI) truck route planning & crash data
Plan safer truck routes around ZIP 49643: commercial truck and garbage truck crashes here and in Benzie County, dangerous roads, seasonality and route safety data for fleets.
Where fatal truck crashes happened
Risk scorecard
Key findings
Snapshot
Crashes by month
Garbage trucks vs all trucks
1 of 65 truck crashes since 2015.
Deadliest roads
How Benzie County compares with Michigan
Benzie County against Michigan and the US, 2015–2025 (years with complete crash reporting). Per-resident rates make big and small places comparable.
Where Benzie County stands out
Full comparison
| Measure (2015–2025) | Benzie County | Michigan | United States | vs state |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crashes per 100k residents / yr | 29.0 | 52.4 | 49.7 | 45% below the state |
| Deaths per 100 crashes | 6.8 | 2.1 | 3.4 | 3.2× the state |
| Injuries per crash | 0.20 | 0.30 | 0.49 | 33% below the state |
| Garbage-truck share | 1.7% | 3.2% | 2.3% | 48% below the state |
| On snow, slush or ice | 37.3% | 17.7% | 6.2% | 2.1× the state |
| Morning rush (6–10 am) | 30.5% | 25.5% | 23.7% | 1.2× the state |
| In rain, sleet or snow | 30.5% | 21.9% | 13.8% | 1.4× the state |
| Winter months (Nov–Mar) | 50.8% | 44.4% | 41.9% | 1.1× the state |
| After dark | 11.9% | 20.7% | 24.8% | 43% below the state |
Compared with Michigan, Benzie County is lower on crashes per 100k residents / yr, injuries per crash and garbage-truck share. It stands out for higher deaths per 100 crashes, on snow, slush or ice and morning rush (6–10 am).
The headline for Benzie County: 6.8 people killed per 100 truck crashes (Michigan: 2.1).
Overview
Benzie County has recorded 65 truck crashes since 2015, with 15 people injured and 4 killed.
Across the years with complete reporting, that is roughly one truck crash every 68 days.
When crashes happen
January has the most truck crashes, 18.5% of the yearly total, while March has the fewest (1.5%).
November through March accounts for 50.8% of truck crashes here, compared with 44.4% in Michigan.
The busiest hour is 11 am–12 pm, with 21.5% of truck crashes.
Snow, slush or ice was on the road in 37.3% of truck crashes, compared with 17.7% in Michigan.
Where crashes happen
Within this area, US-31 had the most fatal crashes involving a large truck since 2015 (3). Next come CR-SOUTH Long Lake Rd (1), CR-ZIMMER Rd (1) and SR-72 (1).
Garbage & waste trucks
1 crash involved a garbage or refuse truck, a 1.5% share (Michigan: 3.2%).
Route planning tips for ZIP 49643 fleets
- Review driver schedules for January, the month with the most truck crashes.
- Where you can, review stops along US-31; it has the most fatal large-truck crashes nearby.
- Morning starts matter: 30.5% of truck crashes fall between 6 and 10 am, higher than Michigan.
- 37.3% of truck crashes were on snow, slush or ice, above Michigan; plan winter equipment checks before the season.
- Paste your stops into the free Route Planner to see the risk score, safer alternatives and low bridges.
About the data
This report uses the FMCSA crash file (reported crashes of trucks over 10,000 lb) and NHTSA FARS (fatal crashes). It reports the numbers without guessing at reasons.
Truck crashes by year: all trucks vs garbage trucks
Seasonality: when trucks crash in Benzie County
By hour of day
Most dangerous roads for trucks
| Road | Fatal truck crashes since 2015 (within 10 miles) |
|---|---|
| US-31 | 3 |
| CR-SOUTH Long Lake Rd | 1 |
| CR-ZIMMER Rd | 1 |
| SR-72 | 1 |
| US-41 | 1 |
Roads named most in all truck crash reports
| Road | Truck crashes since 2015 (Benzie County) |
|---|---|
| Honor | 15 |
| Reynolds | 6 |
| Lake Ann | 4 |
| US-31 | 3 |
| Pioneer | 3 |
| Cadillac | 2 |
| Cinder | 2 |
| Crystal | 2 |
ZIP 49643 at a glance
| Population | 6,963 |
| Density | 45 per sq mi |
| Median household income | $81,222 |
| Median home value | $268,900 |
| Home ownership | 87% |
Waste facilities and haulers nearby
Historical data: truck crashes in Benzie County since the 1990s
Combines the FMCSA crash file (all reported truck crashes, real coverage from about 1990) with NHTSA FARS (fatal crashes involving a large truck, 1982–2024).
| Decade | Truck crashes / yr | Change | Fatal crashes / yr (FARS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 3 | — | 0.2 |
| 2000s | 4 | +43% | 0.2 |
| 2010s | 4 | -15% | 0.2 |
| 2020s | 6 | +71% | 0.4 |
Reported truck crashes averaged 3 a year in the 1990s and 6 a year in the 2020s. Reporting practices changed over time, so part of any change can come from reporting. Fatal large-truck crashes: 0.2 a year in 2016–19, 0.4 a year in 2020–24.
Nearby ZIP codes
Questions fleets ask about ZIP 49643
How common are truck crashes in ZIP 49643?
65 truck crashes have been reported in Benzie County since 2015, with 4 deaths and 15 injuries.
What is the most dangerous road for trucks in ZIP 49643?
NHTSA data shows US-31 with 3 fatal large-truck crashes within 10 miles of ZIP 49643 since 2015, the highest of any road.
What is the worst month for truck crashes in ZIP 49643?
Truck crashes in Benzie County peak in January, with 18.5% of the year's crashes.
Are garbage truck crashes common in ZIP 49643?
1 crash involving garbage or refuse trucks have been reported in Benzie County since 2015, 1.5% of all truck crashes.
How do truck crashes in ZIP 49643 compare with Michigan?
Benzie County records 29.0 truck crashes per 100,000 residents a year, against 52.4 across Michigan.
How can I plan a safer truck route in ZIP 49643?
Use the free Route Planner: enter your stops to get a risk score, safer alternatives and the low bridges on your route.
2026 is a partial year. Updated October 2026.