Traveling through any busy intersection increases the risk of being in a traffic accident. While you can take steps to avoid causing a crash, other drivers may be more careless or less attentive. So how can you avoid crashes in the most dangerous intersections in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan?
At Jay Trucks, we realize that despite your best efforts, accidents can, and do, still happen. If you suffered an injury because of another’s negligent driving, we are here to help. Call to schedule your FREE, no-risk case review today to learn about your legal options.
Which Intersections Are the Most Dangerous in Michigan?
The recent list of dangerous intersections is based on Michigan’s State Police 2020 crash data. Accidents in this report include crashes that:
- Occurred within 250 feet of an intersection (four-way-stop, roundabout or traffic signal)
- Caused any damages or injuries – from minor fender benders to more serious or fatal collisions
According to last year’s crash data, the most dangerous intersections for the state included:
- 18 1/2 Mile Road at Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights – 131 collisions and eight injuries
- 11 Mile Road/I-696 at Van Dyke Avenue, Warren – 124 crashes with 33 reported injuries
- US 131 at Wealthy Street, Grand Rapids – 114 crashes and 23 injuries
- Martin Parkway at Pontiac Trail, Commerce Township – 110 crashes and 4 injuries reported
- Schoolcraft Road at Telegraph Road in Redford Township – 108 collisions and 27 injuries
- Burton Street SW at US 131, Grand Rapids – 89 crashes with 23 reported injuries
- Orchard Lake Road at 14 Mile Road, Farmington Hills – 89 collisions and 11 injuries
- 12 Mile Road at I-94, Roseville – 88 collisions with 31 injuries
- Telegraph Road and 12 Mile Road, Southfield – 88 crashes and 20 injuries
- Conner Street at I-94, Detroit – 79 crashes and 21 reported injuries
- Southfield Road at W 11 Mile Road, Lathrup Village – 70 crashes and 16 injuries
- 10 Mile Road at I-94, St Clair Shores – 70 collisions with 12 injuries
- Middlebelt Road and Schoolcraft Road, Livonia – 69 crashes, 16 injuries
- State Road at Ellsworth Road in Ann Arbor – 69 collisions and 6 reported injuries
- Joy Road at M-39, Detroit, 68 crashes with 28 injuries
- Ford Road at Haggerty Road in Canton Township – 68 crashes and 24 injuries
- Metropolitan Parkway at Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, 68 collisions and 8 injuries
- Hall Road at Schoenherr Road, Sterling Heights, 67 collisions with 17 reported injuries
- 28th Street SE at Division Avenue in Grand Rapids – 66 crashes and 17 injuries
- Hall Road at Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township – 64 crashes, 24 injuries
The most dangerous of all of the intersections were in Macomb County last year – the roundabout at 18 1/2 Mile Road and Van Dyke in Sterling Heights. Although 2020 saw fewer crashes overall than in 2019, these numbers are still concerning.
Worst Intersections in Grand Rapids, Kent County
While 75 percent of the state’s worst intersections are in or near Detroit, there are many just in Grand Rapids. These top ten most dangerous intersections in Kent County include:
- US 131 at Wealthy Street – 114 crashes and 23 reported injuries
- Burton Street SW at US 131 – 89 collisions and 23 injuries
- 28th Street SE at S Division Avenue – 66 crashes and 17 injuries
- 28th Street SE at Breton Road, SE – 55 crashes with 24 injuries
- 28th Street SE at Kalamazoo Avenue SE – 54 collisions and 6 injuries reported
- 28th Street SE at Broadmoor Avenue SE – 51 crashes and 10 reported injuries
- 54th Street SW at Kellogg Woods Drive SE – 48 crashes and 27 injuries
- 28th Street SW at Clyde Park Ave SW – 47 crashes and 18 injuries
- 28th Street SE at Eastern Ave SE – 46 crashes and 14 injuries
- I-196 at US 131 – 44 crashes and 3 injuries
The Wealthy Street interchange on US 131 is not just the worst intersection in Grand Rapids. It has also been deemed by officials as one of the most dangerous intersections in the state.
Common Causes of Dangerous Intersection Crashes
Some intersection accidents may be due to poor road design, confusing signage or a lack of road maintenance. However, most crashes, including those at dangerous intersections are caused by some form of driver error, including:
- Running a red light or failing to obey a stop sign
- Trying to beat a yellow traffic signal
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Not making driving adjustments to account for bad weather
- Misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic
- Getting pushed into the intersection after being rear-ended
- Making a right turn at an intersection where it is not allowed
- Trying to beat oncoming traffic when making a turn
How You Can Drive Through Intersections More Safely
Intersections will always pose a certain risk for drivers. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that over 50 percent of serious or fatal crashes happen at or near an intersection.
While you cannot account for how others drive, you can navigate through dangerous intersections more safely by following these tips:
- Pay attention to potential hazards around you: This includes watching for drivers in other lanes, obstructions blocking your view, oncoming traffic and more.
- Never drive while distracted or tired: Checking a text, dozing off or zoning out may only take a second. However, that is all it takes to miss a red light, drift into oncoming traffic or hit a pedestrian.
- Always signal: This simple device, when used as intended and required by law, helps you and other vehicles to travel more safely. Not signaling may cause you to get hit by another driver.
- Maintain a safe following distance: Traveling too close (tailgating) to the vehicle in front may not give you time to stop to avoid a crash.
- Never speed through an intersection: Going too fast through an intersection does not give you time to notice your surroundings or avoid a potential hazard.
Injured in an Intersection Crash? Our Trusted Law Firm Is Here to Help
Many drivers take precautions and try to follow traffic safety laws. However, it is impossible to always predict what other drivers may do.
At Jay Trucks, we have extensive experience and a history of proven results. Our car crash attorneys in Grand Rapids have recovered millions for our clients. This history includes a $1.9 million recovery for the estate of a crash victim who suffered fatal injuries when a propane truck blew through a stop sign.
If another driver’s negligence causes you to be injured in an intersection, our law firm has the staff and resources to fully investigate and handle your claim. Call to learn about your legal options today at no cost or obligation to you. We are available to take your call anytime, night or day.
