Most drivers in Hazel Park don’t think about crash data until they are already dealing with the fallout from a car accident on I-75, 9-Mile Rd., Woodward Heights Blvd., or anywhere in between. The numbers tell a clear story that can raise awareness of the dangers that come with driving in this community.
Hazel Park car accident statistics show a concentrated pattern of collisions tied to I-75, high-traffic intersections, and everyday driving mistakes that continue to cause preventable injuries.
Recent data reveals 586 crashes in a single year within a city that spans just 2.8 square miles. This high volume of incidents, given the small area, is a stark indicator of the driving environment. It reflects how quickly routine commutes can turn into serious accidents.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash, a Michigan car accident lawyer can help you act on the rights these numbers represent.
Key Takeaways
- Hazel Park recorded 586 total crashes, including 2 fatal and 8 serious injury collisions, according to Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) data.
- I-75, which runs through the center of the city, is the primary hotspot for crashes in Hazel Park.
- Oakland County logged 35,951 total crashes, with 61 fatalities and 431 serious injuries.
- Statewide, Michigan recorded 288,880 crashes in 2024, with distracted driving responsible for more than 15,000 of them.
- Drivers aged 15 to 20 account for 10.3% of all crashes despite making up only 6.7% of the driving population.
Car Accidents in Hazel Park Are Shaped by I-75
Hazel Park sees more collisions than you might expect for a city of just over 16,000 residents. The Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) tracks crash data across the region, and Hazel Park's numbers reflect a city shaped by one major factor: I-75.
The freeway bisects the city from north to south, funneling regional commuters and commercial trucks through a 2.8-square-mile residential area. That mix of highway speed and local traffic drives crash volume well above what the population alone would suggest.
If you have been in a crash and need to obtain a copy of your police report, the Hazel Park Michigan police department can provide one. Having that report on file is an important step in building your claim. If you are working with a lawyer, they can obtain a copy of the accident report for you.
Hazel Park Crash Data at a Glance
The table below breaks down recent crash data for Hazel Park, Michigan.
Table 1: Hazel Park, Michigan Crash Summary
| Category | Count |
| Total crashes | 586 |
| Fatal crashes | 2 |
| Serious injury crashes | 8 |
| Other injury crashes | 137 |
| Primary hotspot | I-75 corridor |
Source: SEMCOG (Southeastern Michigan Council of Governments)
How Does Hazel Park Compare to Oakland County Crash Statistics?
Hazel Park sits within Oakland County, one of Michigan's most populated and heavily traveled counties. The county-wide numbers provide important context for Hazel Park's data.
Table 2: Oakland County Crash Breakdown by Type
| Crash Type | Total | Fatal | Serious Injury |
| All crashes | 35,951 | 61 | 431 |
| Commercial truck | - | 4 | 21 |
| Motorcycle | 304 | 16 | 66 |
| Pedestrian | 229 | 10 | 45 |
| Drunk driving | 871 | 13 | 62 |
| Bicycle | 201 | 1 | 22 |
Source: SEMCOG data; Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting
Where Do the Most Crashes Happen in Oakland County?
In Hazel Park, the highest-crash locations are the I-75 and 9 Mile Road interchange and the I-75 ramp at 019A. These areas combine highway speeds with merging traffic, which creates a recipe for collisions.
Across Oakland County, Michigan State Police crash data identifies the most dangerous intersections:
Table 3: Most Dangerous Intersections in Oakland County
| Intersection | Location | Crashes | Injuries |
| Martin Pkwy at N. Pontiac Trail | Commerce Twp. | 151 | 9 |
| Orchard Lake Rd at 14 Mile Rd | Farmington Hills | 109 | 5 |
| Telegraph Rd at 12 Mile Rd | Southfield | 106 | 23 |
| Dixie Hwy at I-75 | Springfield Twp. | 80 | 19 |
| Southfield Rd at W. 11 Mile Rd | Lathrup Village | 76 | 38 |
Source: Road Commission for Oakland County
Notice that Southfield Rd at W. 11 Mile Rd had the highest injury-to-crash ratio. Fewer total collisions but 38 injuries indicate that the crashes there tend to be severe.
What Time of Day Are Accidents Most Common in Michigan?
Michigan traffic safety data shows clear patterns that every Hazel Park driver should be aware of.
Rush hour between 3:00 and 6:00 PM accounts for more than 22% of all Michigan crashes. This window overlaps with high school dismissals and peak commuter traffic on I-75.
The deadliest hour on Michigan roads falls between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, when fading daylight and driver fatigue compound rush-hour congestion.
Fridays see the most total crashes, while Sundays have the highest rate of fatal collisions. Seasonally, October and November bring the highest crash volume due to reduced daylight, while summer months from June through August produce the most fatalities.
These patterns are especially relevant for Hazel Park commuters who routinely must merge onto I-75 during the afternoon and early evening rush.
Who Is Most at Risk on Michigan Roads?
Crash data reveals that certain groups face higher risks behind the wheel. Men account for about 71% of traffic fatalities in Michigan, despite driving a comparable share of total miles.
Young drivers aged 15 to 20 are disproportionately represented. Although they make up just 6.7% of the driving population, they account for 10.3% of all crashes and 7.7% of fatal crashes.
Drivers over 65 also contribute disproportionately, representing 11.1% of drivers involved in crashes. Age-related factors such as slower reaction times and reduced visibility play a role.
These risk factors converge in Hazel Park, where young commuters, senior residents, and commercial truck drivers all share the I-75 corridor during peak hours.
What Causes Most Car Accidents in Hazel Park and Michigan?
The leading causes of traffic accidents in Hazel Park largely mirror state and national trends. In Michigan, the top contributors to crashes include:
- Distracted driving: Distracted drivers were the top cause statewide, contributing to more than 15,000 crashes in 2024.
- Drunk driving: Drunk drivers caused 871 crashes in Oakland County alone, with 13 fatalities.
- Speeding remains a factor in roughly 29% of all traffic fatalities nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Michigan’s numbers reflect this.
- Weather-related conditions play a heightened role during Michigan's October-November peak crash season.
- Failure to yield at intersections and highway on-ramps, particularly along the I-75 corridor.
For Hazel Park specifically, the I-75 corridor introduces highway-speed risks into a compact urban area. Merging, lane changes, and rear-end collisions are common at the 9 Mile Road interchange.
Ask Kajy Law About Hazel Park Car Accidents
What are 90% of accidents caused by?
Most accidents are caused by human error. According to a National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey by NHTSA, driver-related factors are the critical reason for approximately 94% of serious crashes.
Those factors include distraction, poor decisions, impairment, and fatigue. The remaining causes involve vehicle malfunctions and environmental conditions.
What is the number one cause of car accidents in Michigan?
Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in Michigan. In one recent year, distracted driving contributed to more than 15,000 crashes in Michigan, making it the single largest factor. Texting, phone calls, eating, and even adjusting a GPS can pull a driver's attention away long enough to cause a collision.
What age group speeds the most?
Drivers aged 15 to 20 tend to speed more than other age groups. NHTSA data shows that 37% of male drivers and 19% of female drivers in this age group involved in fatal crashes in a recent year had been speeding.
These rates drop steadily with age, with drivers over 75 having the lowest speeding involvement.
Michigan Statewide Crash Statistics: The Broader Picture
Michigan recorded 288,880 total crashes in the last annual reporting period, a 2.2% increase from 2021. Of those, 1,012 were fatal crashes resulting in 1,099 deaths.
Distracted driving topped the list of contributing factors statewide, with more than 15,000 incidents. Drunk driving, speeding, and failure to yield followed as leading causes.
Hazel Park's 586 crashes may seem small against a statewide total of nearly 289,000. But for a city that covers just 2.8 square miles, the crash density is significant.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Hazel Park?
If you have already been in a crash and are home recovering, there are steps you can take right now to protect your claim, especially if you need to pursue compensation outside of your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
Michigan is a no-fault auto insurance state, so your own insurance pays for your medical expenses and 85% of your lost income after a car accident, regardless of fault. If your injuries exceed the PIP limits, you may seek additional compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
- Hire an attorney. Insurance companies begin building their case against you immediately. Having a lawyer early gives you the strongest position.
- Keep all medical appointments. Gaps in treatment give insurers a reason to argue your injuries are not serious.
- Document your pain and recovery. Write or record a video journal describing your daily pain levels, limitations, and how the injury affects your life.
- Save all records. Medical bills, repair estimates, pay stubs showing missed work, and any communication with insurance companies.
- File your PIP claim promptly. Michigan law gives you one year from the accident date to file for no-fault benefits (MCL 500.3145).
These steps apply whether your crash happened on I-75, at 9 Mile Road, or anywhere else in the Hazel Park area.
Hazel Park Car Accident Statistics Questions Answered by Our Michigan Attorneys
Is Hazel Park dangerous for drivers?
Hazel Park's crash rate is elevated relative to its small size, primarily because I-75 runs through the city and carries high volumes of regional traffic. The interchanges at 9 Mile Road are the highest-risk locations.
How many fatal car accidents happen in Oakland County?
Oakland County has recorded about 50 to 70 fatal car accidents every year over the past ten-year period, according to SEMCOG data.
How does weather affect car accidents in Michigan?
Michigan sees its highest crash volume in October and November, when reduced daylight, rain, and early snow create hazardous conditions. Speed plays a role in 45% of fatal crashes on wet roads and 41% on icy surfaces.
What percentage of crashes involve distracted driving in Michigan?
Distracted driving contributed to more than 15,000 of Michigan's 288,880 crashes in one recent year, according to Michigan state data. That makes it the leading cause of crashes statewide. The actual number may be higher, because distraction is difficult to prove after the fact.
How long do I have to file a car accident lawsuit in Michigan?
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a third-party lawsuit for pain and suffering (MCL 600.5805). For no-fault PIP benefits, the deadline is one year. Acting quickly protects your ability to collect evidence and build a strong case.
Are roundabouts safer than traditional intersections in Oakland County?
Roundabouts typically reduce fatal and serious injury crashes because they force drivers to slow down. However, Oakland County data shows that several roundabouts still rank among the highest-crash intersections.
Martin Parkway at N. Pontiac Trail, a roundabout, leads the county with 151 total crashes. The collisions tend to be less severe but more frequent as drivers adjust to the traffic pattern.
Behind Every Statistic Is a Person Who Needs Help
These numbers are not just data points. They represent real people, real injuries, and real families trying to put their lives back together after a crash.
Kajy Law Firm helps accident victims throughout Hazel Park, Oakland County, and Metro Detroit fight for the compensation they are owed.
With 10 attorneys, 35+ staff, and a 98% success rate across more than 5,000 cases, our firm has recovered more than $100 million for clients in car, truck, and motorcycle accident cases.
Every consultation is free, and we come to you if traveling is difficult. Whether your crash happened on I-75, at the 9 Mile Road interchange, or on one of Hazel Park's neighborhood streets, our team is ready to review your case.
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. Visit our testimonials page to hear from past clients, or review our case results.
Call 248-702-6641 or contact us online for a free consultation.