Three Grand Rapids intersections made the list of the 20 most dangerous intersections in Michigan, according to recent research.
The annual list is based on police accident report data in Michigan for 2020.
The Grand Rapids intersection of U.S. 131 and Wealthy Street ranks third in the latest survey of Michigan’s 20 worst crash intersections. That local spot saw 114 crashes and 23 injuries in 2020.
The intersection of Burton Street SW and U.S. 131 was sixth in the state with 89 crashes and 23 injuries.
And at Number 19 was the Grand Rapids intersection of 28th Street SE and Division Avenue. That location was the scene of 66 crashes and 17 injuries.
The totals represents a drop from last year’s Michigan traffic volume, due primarily to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The state saw roughly a 22% decline in crashes when compared with 2019. In addition, the crash-related injuries in Michigan also fell nearly 19%. However, there was about a 10% increase in deaths, with 1,084 traffic fatalities in 2020. That’s the highest number in the state since 2007.
In addition, while the number of motor vehicle crashes was down in 2020, fatal accidents involving bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians all were at an increase. In fact, preliminary research in March from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows a surprising 20% uptick in the pedestrian fatality rate per billion vehicle miles traveled during the first six months of the year.
The Michigan data showed that the most crashes occurred in metro Detroit, which is likely because of the higher population of the Tri-County area. In addition, other intersections on the list were also in higher-population counties, such as Washtenaw and Kent.
The very worst intersection is 18½ Mile and Van Dyke Avenue in Sterling Heights with an average of five crashes every two weeks. The worst intersection for injuries was in Warren.
The Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center reported that in 2020, Kent County had a total of 17,056 accidents, 3,162 resulted in injuries and 55 in fatalities. The county also had a total of 210 motorcycle accidents—152 resulted in injury and eight in death.
With three Grand Rapids intersections on the list of the most dangerous in the state, it’s important to concentrate on driving and pay attention to what’s happening on the road. This can help you avoid accidents. Mind your manners and be courteous. Try to ignore small annoyances and issues with other drivers. And slow down and drive defensively to avoid accidents and injury.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in an auto accident in Michigan, contact the accident lawyers in Grand Rapids at Buchanan Firm. We will help you pursue compensation against those who are responsible.
For a free consultation with an experienced auto accident attorney in Michigan, contact Buchanan Firm. Our firm proudly serves people all across Michigan, including personal injury lawyers in Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Detroit, Lansing, Holland, St. Joe, and Ann Arbor, and rural towns such as Lowell, Ada, Fremont, Newaygo, Grand Haven, Rockford, and Cedar Springs. We will meet you after-hours, at home or in the hospital, to accommodate you.
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