Michigan Car Accident Lawyers

What Makes Michigan Intersections So Dangerous

According to MDOT, millions of drivers travel the 120,000+ miles of Michigan roads each year, which includes driving through more than 107,000 intersections. Of those travelers, at least 60,473 suffered an accident in a Michigan intersection, according to the most recent Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Report.

Why do so many accidents occur in intersections, even though they are so commonplace? To put it simply: intersections require us to process a lot of information very quickly.

The US Department of Transportation wants drivers to recognize that intersections are unique areas where pedestrians, bicyclists, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and public transportation can all come together in one space.

That means Michigan drivers have to process the traffic that’s all around them, who has the right of way, and what to do in each situation–not to mention how to respond if another driver in the intersection doesn’t obey the traffic laws.

With so much activity, so many variables to process, and so little time to make a decision while driving through an intersection, it’s no surprise that many Michigan drivers end up getting involved in a car accident while driving through them.

Knowing this, it’s important to learn which intersections are the most dangerous to help Michigan drivers avoid an accident.

The Most Dangerous Intersections in Wayne County, MI

Our lawyers have handled thousands of Michigan accidents involving intersections. As a result, we know precisely where the most accident activity occurs in Michigan.

Not surprisingly, Detroit’s own Wayne County has some of the most dangerous intersections in Michigan, according to the most recent Michigan State Police Year End Report.

This report mentions that there were 50,697 accidents in Wayne County alone, with the worst intersections for accident injuries being:

• Telegraph Rd & Schoolcraft Rd
  Redford Charter Township, MI

With roadway, freeway, and bus traffic all converging in one area, the intersection of Telegraph Rd and Schoolcraft Rd is one of the most dangerous intersections in all of Michigan.

• M-39 & Dix Hwy
  Lincoln Park, MI

Not only is there heavy traffic on the roads from nearby I-75, but there is also heavy traffic brought on by the concentration of businesses near the intersection of M-39 & Dix Hwy.

• Joy Rd and M-39
  Detroit, MI

Eight lanes of traffic converge atop a busy freeway at Joy Rd and M-39, making for dangerous congestion at this Detroit intersection.

Macomb County’s Most Dangerous Intersections

Just above Detroit sits Macomb County, where the most recent Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Report reported that 22,628 accidents occurred.

Here are some of the most dangerous intersections that Michigan drivers should avoid when traveling through Macomb County:

• Van Dyke Ave & Eleven Mile Rd
  Center Line, MI

Traffic entering and exiting I-696 will have to maneuver around twelve lanes of vehicles at the intersection of Van Dyke Ave & Eleven Mile Rd.

• Dequindre Rd & Twelve Mile Rd
  Warren, MI

Drivers often struggle to safely pass through eight lanes of traffic, multiple turn lanes, and buses at the intersection of Dequindre Rd & Twelve Mile Rd.

• Dequindre Rd & Eleven Mile Rd
  Warren, MI

The intersection at Dequindre Rd & Eleven Mile Rd has passenger, pedestrian, and bus traffic converging in one spot.

Oakland County’s Worst Intersections for Accidents

Even though Oakland County lies nearly ten miles away from downtown Detroit, it was still the location of 34,185 accidents according to the previously mentioned Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Report.

Smart drivers avoid these dangerous Oakland intersections:

• Southfield Rd & W Eleven Mile Rd
  Lathrup Village, MI

A driver crossing through the Southfield Rd & W Eleven Mile Rd intersection has to navigate through 16 lanes–not to mention the heavy traffic resulting from its proximity to I-696 just beneath it.

• Telegraph Rd & W Twelve Mile Rd
  Southfield, MI

Passenger vehicles, pedestrians, and buses have a constant presence in the 16 lanes of traffic at the intersection of Telegraph Rd & W Twelve Mile Rd.

• W Square Lake Rd & Franklin Rd
  Bloomfield Township, MI

Intersection traffic at W Square Lake Rd & Franklin Rd near M-24 is very heavy due to many people passing through on foot, in buses, or in passenger vehicles.

How to Navigate Dangerous Intersections

Knowing which intersections in Michigan are the most dangerous can help you avoid these sections of road to help you avoid an accident. However, there may be some situations where you have no other choice but to drive through them.

If you must navigate through a dangerous intersection in Michigan, follow these tips from our accident lawyers:

Stay focused

One of the most effective ways to avoid an accident in an intersection is to avoid distractions. This includes not using your cell phone, eating, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio while driving through busy intersections.

Be aware of your surroundings

Safe drivers focus on the road ahead while also paying attention to who is next to them and behind them as well. So maintain awareness of everyone around you: other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists when navigating busy intersections.

 Obey traffic signals

Michigan traffic signals are there to keep you safe, not to inconvenience you or make you late. Follow all traffic signals and signs, and try to anticipate changes in light patterns. For example, safe drivers get ready to brake for a green light that has been active for a long time, since they know it is about to turn yellow.

Signal early

Helping others around you know what you’re about to do can help them make safe driving decisions with you. That’s why it’s important to use your turn signals early and consistently to communicate your intentions to other drivers.

Maintain a safe following distance

When drivers keep enough space around them, they prevent accidents from occurring and prevent single accidents from turning into multi-car pileups. So keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow for sudden stops.

Watch for pedestrians

Some pedestrians take risks, assuming that drivers always see them. Even though this is a mistake on their part, you can avoid accidents in intersections by being especially cautious around crosswalks and pedestrian signals.

Be patient

Heavy traffic and congestion can cause some drivers to make irrational decisions and make risky maneuvers that result in accidents. But remember: recovering from an accident takes a lot more time than having to sit in traffic. So to prevent any problems to begin with, avoid aggressive driving behaviors and give other drivers time to react.

While these tips can help you avoid an accident in a dangerous Michigan intersection, even safe drivers may still end up being involved in an accident. If this happens to you, follow these important steps after your car accident.

Want to Know More About Michigan’s Most Dangerous Intersections?

The car accident lawyers at Kajy Law are local Michiganders who know our state. This includes knowing where the most dangerous intersections are and how to use Michigan laws to help drivers like you get the settlement they deserve after an accident.

As a result, we’ve provided the legal assistance drivers need after a Detroit car accident, Southfield car accident, or accident anywhere else in Michigan.

If you’re looking for answers to your accident questions, get them for free from Kajy Law. Call us today or fill out our contact form to get a personal accident consultation.

Contact Our Auto Accident Lawyers Today

Kajy Law is ready to show you the meaning behind ‘Kajy Cares’: we’ll provide you with the practical help you need after your Michigan car accident while working hard behind the scenes to maximize your settlement.

Having won over $40 million for Michigan clients like you, we’re ready to handle every step of your accident case. Call us at 248-702-6641 today or use the contact form below to schedule a free accident consultation with our attorneys.