The Greater Detroit Metropolitan area stretches for miles and includes many townships and suburbs, including Bloomfield Hills. The area also has some roads that are among the most dangerous routes in the state.
Detroit is arguably the most dangerous municipal region in Michigan when looking at motor vehicle collisions. High levels of traffic, including international traffic coming across the bridge from Canada, contribute to the degree of risk motorists have on the road.
Drivers in Bloomfield Hills and across the southeast Michigan region need to watch carefully for signs of unsafe traffic conditions and dangerous drivers nearby. If they end up traveling on some of the deadliest roads in the region, they may want to redouble their effort. Where is crash risk the highest?
Highways and interstates tend to be more dangerous
Factors including the overall amount of traffic and the general speed at which traffic travels can influence the likelihood of deadly collisions on different Southeast Michigan roads. According to a review of fatal crashes between 2018 and 2020, certain roads are far more dangerous than others. The deadliest roads in Southeast Michigan include:
- I-94 – The Ford Freeway
- I-75/Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Hwy/ Fisher Fwy Detroit, MI/ Chrysler Freeway
- M-59/Hall Road
- US-23
- I-696 – The Reuther
I-94 had several stretches on the list of most dangerous local roads, including the section between Exit 222A and 227 and between Exit 198A and Exit 202. Many of the fatal crashes reported involved drunk drivers or distracted motorists. Speeding and fatigue at the wheel are also among the top risk factors for major wrecks.
Obviously, drivers in Southeast Michigan can’t just avoid I-94 and other highways crisscrossing the region. These roads see heavy traffic volumes for a reason. They are the most direct and efficient routes available in many cases. When drivers do need to travel on more dangerous thoroughfares, they may want to reduce their speed and be more proactive about monitoring the behavior of others.
Knowing what to do if a crash occurs can be as important as making smart choices about reducing motor vehicle collision risk. Drivers may need help negotiating complicated no-fault insurance claims and holding other drivers accountable for crashes that produce injuries or lead to people dying, and needing that help is okay.