When I was a younger man, the time of day didn't matter when it came to nearly anything. Grab a bite to eat at 2:30 a.m.; it's not a problem. Get up at 5:00 a.m. for a day of fishing; it sounds great! As I've matured, I realize that eating in the middle of the night also requires antacids, getting up at 5:00 a.m., and leaving for a day out of the house requires several alarms and a plan for the dogs. When I was a young Michigander, I never thought about the time of day I'd be driving or if there was a safer to leave.

Related: Deadly Drive: This Vehicle Leads Michigan in Fatal Crashes

Now that my eyes have matured, I've noticed that my nearly flawless night vision has a few kinks. I used to be able to spot a deer from several hundred yards away by the glint of my headlights in their eyes. Now, they practically have to climb into the passenger seat before I spot them. Between poor vision and poor life choices, Michigan ranks as one of the countries most dangerous for driving after dark.

Michigan Ranks as One of America's Worst for Fatal Nighttime Crashes

Revealing Michigan's Shocking Overnight Driving Fatality Rate
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Nightvision aside, there are several dangers that lurk in the shadows cast by your headlights while hurdling down Michigan's highways and backroads. According to new research conducted by the Omega Law Group, the Mitten State has one of the nation's highest rates of fatal nighttime crashes.

The Omega Law Group study looked at fatal crashes over a 5-year period and looked at the hours they occurred. During that time, 4,835 people lost their lives in crashes in Michigan, with the majority of those happening after dark. What is the percentage of nighttime fatalities vs. daytime, and what states are more or less dangerous? Read on for the full 50-state ranking.

America's Most Deadly States to Drive After Dark

The Omega Law Group analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Motor Vehicle Crash Data to determine which states you are more likely to get into a nighttime accident (using data from 2017-2021). Here's a look at America's Most Deadly States to Drive After Dark, beginning with the safest and counting down to the deadliest.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow