Key Points of This Article:
- Michigan’s most problematic intersections are often due to drivers who speed through traffic signals, are distracted, or disregard four-way stop rules.
- In Sterling Heights, Farmington Hills, Ann Arbor, Southfield, and Bloomfield, intersections, including roundabouts, continue to top the state’s list for most crashes.
- The Michigan intersection with the highest increase (62%) in car crashes year-after-year is located at 18 ½ Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in one of Detroit’s core suburbs.
- When approaching an intersection, drivers should always check for stoplights, turning lanes, one-way signs, construction signs, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicycle lanes.
20 of The Most Accident-Prone Intersections in Michigan
Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting unit has identified which intersections had the highest number of car crashes in 2019. The causes of these intersection accidents remain to be changes or poor layout of roads, and disregard for traffic laws which increase crash risks among motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. According to the most recent data, the most crash-prone intersection in Michigan, also a roundabout, is in Sterling Heights, just outside Detroit. The cross-traffic lanes saw a 62% increase in car crashes year-over-year with an alarming 229 wrecks in 2019 compared to 141 in 2018.
- Sterling Heights: 18 ½-Mile Road @ Van Dyke Avenue
- 229 Total Crashes
- 14 Injuries
- Redford Township: Schoolcraft Road @ Telegraph Road
- 210 Total Crashes
- 41 Injuries
- Farmington Hills/West Bloomfield: Orchard Lake Road @ 14-Mile Road
- 178 Total Crashes
- 22 Injuries
- Commerce Township: M-5/Martin Parkway @ North Pontiac Trail
- 161 Total Crashes
- 12 Injuries
- Pittsfield Township in Ann Arbor: State Road @ West Ellsworth Road
- 154 Total Crashes
- 8 Injuries
- Center Line: 11-Mile Road/I-696 @ Van Dyke Avenue
- 129 Total Crashes
- 31 Injuries
- Southfield: Telegraph Road @ 12-Mile Road
- 128 Total Crashes
- 17 Injuries
- Grand Rapids: US-131 @ Wealthy Street
- 123 Total Crashes
- 18 Injuries
- Troy: I-75 @ Big Beaver Road
- 113 Total Crashes
- 17 Injuries
- Canton Township: Ford Road @ Haggerty Road
- 101 Total Crashes
- 35 Injuries
- Shelby Township: Hall Road @ Schoenherr Road
- 96 Total Crashes
- 16 Injuries
- Chesterfield Township: 23-Mile Road @ I-94
- 94 Total Crashes
- 24 Injuries
- Roseville: 11-Mile Road @ Gratiot Avenue East
- 94 Total Crashes
- 23 Injuries
- Lathrup Village: Southfield Road @ West 11-Mile Road
- 93 Total Crashes
- 31 Injuries
- Dearborn: Ford Road @ Mercury Drive
- 91 Total Crashes
- 30 Injuries
- Clinton Township: Hall Road @ Romeo Plank Road
- 86 Total Crashes
- 27 Injuries
- Canton Township: Ford Road @ Lilley Road
- 80 Total Crashes
- 20 Injuries
- Springfield Township: Dixie Highway @ I-75
- 79 Total Crashes
- 13 Injuries
- Lincoln Park: Dix Avenue @ M-39
- 78 Total Crashes
- 18 Injuries
- Bloomfield Township: Telegraph Road @ Square Lake Road
- 78 Total Crashes
- 15 Injuries
Our Michigan car crash lawyers also took a closer look at ten Michigan roundabout intersections that caused the most accidents in 2019.
What Makes an Intersection Dangerous and Safety Tips for Motorists and Pedestrians
Dangerous intersections can also be identified by having heavy traffic congestion, poor signage and street lighting, discontinuous sidewalks, a reputation for allowing aggressive and speeding drivers, and heavy bicycle and pedestrian traffic. It remains imperative Michigan drivers become more aware of their surroundings when driving through an intersection and travel patiently, using the safe intersection driving lessons outlined below.
- As you approach an intersection, check for stoplights, turning lanes, one-way signs, construction signs, pedestrians, and bicycle lanes.
- Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection.
- Stay out of your “blind spots” but also those of the other drivers, including motorcyclists.
- If you are in a congested area, keep your actions predictable and make your intentions clear to other drivers by utilizing your turn signal.
- Pay attention to brake lights and allow for plenty of space behind the vehicle in front of you.
- Keep your foot firmly on the brake while you wait to cross or turn at an intersection.
- Never intentionally run or coast through a stop sign or light, even if it appears that there is no one else entering the intersection.
- When stopping at an intersection, stop at the painted line or behind the curb.
- If a traffic light is out, the right of way goes to the driver who reaches the intersection first and proceeds to each driver to the right in succession. If you are confused, let the other driver go first.
- There can be several types of distractions that can hinder a driver’s performance but using your cell phone and texting while driving is still a challenge for Michigan drivers. Put your cell phone away while driving.
- Don’t speed.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Always buckle up!
Like most driving accidents, intersection and crossway traffic crashes are quick and tend to happen with no warning, leaving little time to react.
What to Do If Involved in an Intersection Crash
The first thing to do is to make sure everybody that you are traveling with, either in the car or on the road, is accounted for and checked. If a cell phone is nearby, call 911 immediately and wait for the police and medical personnel to arrive. Make sure everybody in your party explains in detail to the authorities;
- how the accident occurred, and
- the injuries or pain they have sustained
Exchange information with the other motorist/s. Make sure you take down the license plate numbers, make and model of the vehicles involved. Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including the vehicle damage for all vehicles involved in the crash and any injuries. This evidence will be valuable when the car insurance companies are evaluating your claim or in the case of you being involved in a lawsuit.
Even if you don’t appear to be injured, it is essential to be evaluated by a medical professional on the scene and later by a physician. Always avoid posting any information or photos to your social media accounts related to your injuries, daily activities, or the accident. As innocent as it may feel, your online sharing could be used against you.
Have You Been Injured in a Michigan Intersection Accident?
If you have been injured in an intersection-related accident at a location listed or in another community, the Michigan car accident attorneys at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. understand your situation well, and we have a long history of representing similar clients. With support around the state, our attorneys can be right there when you need us. Please call to speak to an experienced Michigan accident attorney at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) as soon as you are ready. And remember, you pay nothing until we settle your case.
Also read: Michigan’s Most Dangerous Highways and Interstates
