The Most Dangerous Intersections in Southfield, MI

With five of the 10 best driving cities in the country, Michigan drivers are some of the safest in the nation, according to a recent study. However, even safe drivers sometimes have accidents. About 30% of all crashes in Michigan occur at intersections. This makes safe driving practices critically important when driving through the most dangerous intersections in Southfield, MI.

Most Dangerous Intersections in Southfield, MI

Metro Detroit has most of Michigan’s most dangerous intersections, according to a recent report based on crash data from the Michigan State Police. Many of these perilous intersections are in areas with heavy traffic congestion or near freeway ramps. Of the 20 most dangerous intersections in the state, two are in Southfield, MI.

Telegraph Rd at 12 Mile Rd

The intersection of Telegraph Rd with 12 Mile Rd is the most dangerous intersection in Southfield and the 9th most dangerous in the state. In 2021, there were 95 crashes at this intersection, 15 of which caused injuries.

Southfield Rd at W 11 Mile Rd, Lathrup Village

The intersection of Southfield Rd and W 11 Mile Rd at Lathrup Village is the second most dangerous in Southfield and the 11th most in the state. 91 crashes that caused 28 injuries happened in this intersection in 2021.

Southfield area drivers may also want to take caution when driving through the other four area intersections to made the top 20 list.

Orchard Lake Rd at 14 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills

The Orchard Lake Rd at 14 Mile Rd intersection in Farmington Hills is the most dangerous intersection in the area surrounding Southfield and the 6th most dangerous in the state. 122 crashes that caused 15 injuries happened at this intersection in 2021.

Schoolcraft Rd at Telegraph Rd, Redford Township

If you are driving in the Redford Township area, be cautious when approaching the intersection at Schoolcraft Rd and Telegraph Rd. This intersection is the second most dangerous in the Southfield region and the 8th most dangerous in the state. 104 crashes that caused 21 injuries happened at this intersection in 2021.

Middle Belt Rd at Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia

If you frequently drive on Schoolcraft Rd, you should also be aware of the intersection with Middle Belt Rd in Livonia. This intersection was the 16th most dangerous in the state in 2021 with 78 crashes that caused 16 injuries.

6 Mile Rd at I 96/I 275, Livonia

The final area intersection in the top 20 dangerous intersections for 2021 is the intersection of 6 Mile Rd and I 96/I 275 in Livonia. The 73 crashes that caused 19 injuries made it the state’s 19th most dangerous intersection.

Why Intersections Are Dangerous

Driver error causes over 96% of intersection accidents, according to a study by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis. Why are some intersections more dangerous than others? The simple answer is that the more challenging an intersection is to navigate, the more likely drivers are to make a mistake.

The most common driver-related causes of intersection accidents are:

• Inadequate surveillance
• False assumptions of other’s action
• Turning with an obstructed view
• Illegal maneuvers
• Internal distractions
• Misjudgment of gap or other’s speed

The data suggests that many accidents happen at intersections because drivers are not observing their surroundings carefully enough or making judgment errors about what they think other drivers are going to do or how much space and time they have to make a maneuver before another driver enters the intersection. Additionally, intersections with obstructed views make it difficult for drivers to make safe driving decisions. Finally, unsafe driving practices, such as driving while distracted or executing illegal maneuvers also contribute.

How To Avoid Accidents at Intersections

If there is a known dangerous intersection on your regular route, it may be worthwhile to investigate alternative routes to avoid it. However, it is not always possible to avoid dangerous intersections. You can reduce your chance of getting in an intersection accident by practicing safe driving.

Allow Adequate Stopping Distance

If you are following another car that is approaching an intersection, leave enough space between your car and the car in front to give you plenty of time to stop. Safety experts recommend staying at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you and allowing more time if you are driving a heavy vehicle or the weather or road conditions are bad.

Drive Defensively

Be aware of what other drivers are doing around you. For example, if the car behind you is following too closely or not paying attention, you may want to change lanes, allow the driver to pass you or turn onto another road.

Avoid Distractions

Nine Americans die every day in traffic accidents related to distracted driving. Avoid common distractions, such as eating while driving, texting and talking on the phone.

Don’t Drive While Fatigued or Under the Influence

Driving while drowsy or under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another common cause of traffic accidents. Fatigue and intoxicating substances slow reaction times and impair judgment. If you are tired, find a safe place to pull over to take a nap. If you are intoxicated, call a friend, take a cab or consider public transportation. If you observe another driver who appears to be dozing off at the wheel or driving while intoxicated, take steps to avoid the driver and call the police.

Pay Attention to Traffic Signals

Some intersection accidents happen because drivers fail to see or properly follow traffic signals. Stay alert for traffic lights, stop signs, yield signs and other signals. Don’t try to beat a red light and keep an eye out for other drivers who may speed through an intersection to attempt to avoid a red light.

Pause for a moment when the light turns green to look for vehicles that may enter the intersection against the light. Michigan law requires drivers to yield to vehicles that are still in an intersection when the light turns green. Always come to a complete stop at stop signs and yield to oncoming traffic when you encounter a yield sign.

What To Do at an Uncontrolled Intersection

Uncontrolled intersections, which are intersections with no traffic control systems, can be particularly dangerous to navigate. When driving through an uncontrolled intersection, it is particularly important to be cautious and follow basic right-of-way rules.

The Michigan Vehicle Code instructs drivers to follow these basic right-of-way rules:

• Yield to vehicles already in an intersection 
• When you arrive at an intersection at the same time as another vehicle, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right
• Drivers intending to make a left turn must yield to drivers within or approaching the intersection

Additionally, if you encounter an intersection with a malfunctioning or missing traffic signal, treat the intersection as a four-way stop.

What To Do if You Are in an Intersection Accident

Driver error causes most intersection accidents, but drivers often disagree about who made the mistake. If someone else’s bad driving caused your accident, a car accident attorney can help you prove your case. The Mike Morse Law Firm is the largest personal injury law firm in Michigan. Our experienced car accident attorneys dedicate themselves to helping Michigan accident victims. We are available 24 hours a day and we guarantee you will never pay a fee if we don’t win. Speak with attorney Mike Morse and his team at 855-MIKE-WINS.