Car accidents remain an unfortunate risk in major metropolitan areas across the United States. In Detroit, traffic collisions have continued to cause fatalities or serious, sometimes lifelong, injuries over the years. Understanding where and why these crashes occur can lead to targeted prevention measures.
According to traffic crash data from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), more than 500 people were killed and over 2,000 seriously injured in Detroit car crashes between 2014-2018. These sobering statistics show there is room for improvement when it comes to traffic safety here.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Detroit car accident, speaking with a Detroit car accident attorney can help you understand your legal options and whether you have grounds to pursue financial compensation.
As we examine the hotspots and trends related to Detroit traffic collisions in this article, do keep in mind that human lives are at stake. Understanding where and why these crashes happen puts you one step closer to preventing them and being safe in the future.
Intersections with Heavy Traffic
You are likely to experience a car accident in Detroit’s busy very intersections due to the convergence of multiple traffic streams. The more dangerous parts that you need to be very careful of include intersections in downtown areas like Corktown, Hamtramck, or major thoroughfares.
Some of the most dangerous intersections in Detroit, according to Michigan State Police annual traffic crash data, include I-696/Van Dyke Avenue/11 Mile Road interchange, Warren Avenue, and 8 Mile Road, all with 100 plus reported car crashes in 2022. These numbers dwarf all the other accident hotspots in Detroit and its environs.
Detroit Construction Zones Prone to Car Accidents
Construction zones throughout Detroit introduce additional hazards to the city’s roads. Areas of the city undergoing infrastructure updates or repairs may have changed traffic patterns, narrowed lanes, construction equipment near roadways, and workers present—all of which can increase the chances of collisions.
As an example, In March 2021, a minivan crashed in an Interstate 75 construction zone near Nine Mile Road in Detroit. The vehicle lost control, hit a barrier, and became wedged between walls in a way that fully obstructed both southbound lanes. The incident caused injuries to the vehicle occupants and traffic backups for hours.
Detroit Residential Areas with Speeding Issues
Residential neighborhoods in Detroit like Palmer Park and Lafayette Park see more than their share of speeding issues and traffic accidents. Despite lower posted speed limits designed to protect pedestrians and cyclists, many drivers exceed those limits on neighborhood roads.
Excess speed reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of a crash should it happen. This poses heightened risks in residential areas, where residents step into crosswalks, children play near streets, cyclists share roads, and cars back out of driveways – sometimes unexpectedly.
Commercial Districts and Shopping Centers
The commercial districts and shopping centers of Detroit see heavy traffic volumes and significant foot traffic, leading to increased risks for vehicle collisions. Areas such as big box store parking lots, intersections near malls or restaurants, and downtown shopping areas experience high activity from those driving through and those walking from store to store.
Contributing risks include pulling in and out of parking spaces, cars blocking crosswalks, distracted driving, failure to yield properly, and limited visibility due to vehicles parked along the road. During peak days and times for shopping, like weekends or the winter holidays, the chances for fender benders, pedestrian collisions, and other crashes are higher due to traffic density.
If you happen to be traveling through Detroit’s busy commercial zones, you can attest to the crowded conditions. Be cautious, avoid distractions, watch for pedestrians, and drive defensively to help reduce the likelihood of accidents in shopping districts despite the inherent risks in these areas.
Highways and Expressways
The network of highways and expressways in Detroit also pose accident risks, especially during high-traffic periods. Many factors on these high-speed roadways contribute to the elevated crash risk. Rush hour congestion also leads to stop-and-go conditions, short tempers, and driver frustration.
Aggressive behaviors like speeding, tailgating, improper lane changes, and weaving through dense traffic often ensue. At 65-70 mph speeds, even momentary lapses in attention can have grave consequences.
Detroit has multiple lanes of vehicles, so the repercussions extend beyond just two cars. You play the most vital role in preventing these types of accidents by remaining calm, avoiding aggression, and operating your vehicle prudently amid heavy traffic.
Bonus Tips: What to Do If Involved in A Detroit Car Accident
Sadly, even the most careful road users can end up involved in a crash through no fault of their own. If you have been injured in a Detroit traffic collision caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of another driver, contacting a Detroit car accident attorney should be your next step.
Reason: You will be advised on fault and liability, your legal options based on the specific circumstances, and get help on pursuing maximum financial compensation from insurers via settlement or jury award. Stay safe on the road!
