The Most Dangerous Intersections in Washtenaw County - Michigan Car Accident Lawyers

Washtenaw is not one of the most heavily traveled counties in Michigan, but it is one of the fastest growing. With many busy streets, intersections, and freeways, the county has a high number of car crashes and collisions every year. For residents, commuters, and anyone passing through, knowing where these high-risk areas are is a crucial part of staying safe on the road.

Below, we will highlight the most dangerous intersections in Washtenaw County, based on verified data from the Michigan State Police. We'll examine the factors contributing to the crash rates and explain why working with a Washtenaw County car accident attorney can make a difference if you’ve been injured at one of these locations.

Car Crash Trends in Washtenaw County, Michigan

Washtenaw County continues to rank as the most collision-prone county in Michigan. With a dense mix of commercial corridors, freeways, interchanges, and rural roads, the county experiences a high volume of daily traffic and a high number of crashes.

According to crash statistics from the Michigan Traffic Crash Facts database and reports from SEMCOG (Southeast Michigan Council of Governments), thousands of vehicle crashes occur in Washtenaw County each year, particularly in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. These collisions range from minor fender benders to severe multi-vehicle accidents.

In 2024, there were approximately 9,844 traffic accidents across Washtenaw County, resulting in 2,231injuries and 35 fatalities.

While fatal collisions are relatively rare compared to the overall volume, injury-causing crashes account for a significant share, especially in areas with heavy congestion or complex traffic flow. Intersection-related crashes account for a large portion of accident injuries, particularly where high-speed roads meet local streets with frequent stoplights.

Now, let’s review the most dangerous intersections for auto accidents in Washtenaw County over the past five years.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Washtenaw County

1. S. State St and W. Ellsworth Rd.
City: Ann Arbor
Avg. Crashes per Year from 2019-2023: 102.4

This is Washtenaw County’s most hazardous intersection, and it’s not even close. Every corner of this intersection is dangerous, with double-digit crashes almost every year. The installation of a roundabout several years ago has not appeared to help much either. With multiple retail complexes nearby, including a Costco, this is a high-volume traffic area with frequent T-bone crashes due to failure to yield. There are also numerous illegal left-hand turns.

2. Carpenter Rd and Washtenaw Ave.
City: Pittsfield Township
Avg. Crashes per Year from 2019-2023: 41.6

This intersection abuts US-23 and is a source of significant traffic travelling between Ann Arbor and downtown Ypsilanti. Multiple lanes are going each way with gas stations on two corners. Motorists are permitted to make left-hand turns, but the turn signals are well away from the area where cars must stop, making it easy to confuse drivers. This intersection sees a lot of commuter traffic and impatient drivers.

3. Carpenter Rd. and E. Ellsworth Rd.
City: Ypsilanti
Avg. Crashes per Year from 2019-2023: 37.4

Another listing involving either Carpenter Road or Ellsworth Road, this intersection ranks third on the list of most dangerous intersections, averaging more than 37 crashes annually over the past five years. That is more than one crash every other week.

This intersection is super busy, near a Meijer, Target, and Lowe’s Home Improvement store. It is also located right off the exit off I-94 and US-23. Vehicles are quickly trying to enter and exit the freeway ramps that extend in each direction. A suburban area, this is also a high-speed area where motorists often drive much faster than the posted 45 mph speed limit.

In August 2020, a man was tragically killed at this intersection when he swerved into oncoming traffic and hit a dump truck head-on. He died at the scene.

4. Carpenter Rd and Packard Ave.
City: Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti
Avg. Crashes per Year from 2019-2023: 35.4

Carpenter Road makes its third entrance onto this notorious list, this time at its intersection with busy Packard Ave. This intersection is hazardous due to the presence of multiple lanes of traffic traveling in both directions. Both streets are major thoroughfares that encourage speeding and quick lane changes. Traffic can get extremely heavy, and people are anxious to beat the light to get to their destination. There is also a lot of pedestrian traffic and bicycles crossing the street.

On January 6, 2025, a pedestrian was struck and killed crossing Carpenter Road at a crosswalk near Packard. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had a green traffic signal when the incident occurred. There have been multiple fatal crashes at this intersection over the past two years, and city officials are looking to make changes to increase roadway safety in this area.

5. Jackson Rd and Zeeb Rd.
City: Ann Arbor/Scio Township
Avg. Crashes per Year from 2019-2023: 35.2

This is another busy intersection, this time on the west side of Ann Arbor. Just south of I-94, Jackson Road runs parallel to the interstate at this location. Zeeb Rd also provides a means of entering and exiting I-94, creating a busy traffic area with high-speed cars and trucks. There are also multiple retail establishments at the corners, including a Meijer and multiple fast-food chains.

6. Carpenter Rd and W. Michigan Avenue
City: Ann Arbor
Avg. Crashes per Year from 2019-2023: 34.2

I think we are noticing a pattern emerging. There are a lot of crashes on Carpenter Road in Washtenaw County. This should not come as a surprise, given that the road runs parallel and next to US-23 for many miles. Motorists use the street to bypass the sometimes hectic freeway. Still, in doing so, they speed and cause violent collisions with other drivers.

This particular intersection is also near the entrance and exit ramps of US-23 at US-12 (Michigan Avenue). This major street connects Ypsilanti to Saline. This road is dangerous due to the speed of drivers on Michigan Avenue and the fact that the roadway bisects Carpenter Road at an angle, creating blind spots and more difficult visual conditions.

7. Jackson Ave. and S. Maple Rd.
City: Ann Arbor
Avg. Crashes per Year from 2019-2023: 29.4

Another intersection next to a freeway. This intersection is right off I-94 and directly west of downtown Ann Arbor. The intersection is the home to Zingerman’s Roadhouse, Veterans Memorial Park, and multiple bus stops. With traffic flying off I-94, the intersection experiences speeding cars, rear-end crashes, and lots of near misses. Jackson Ave. also acts to cut around the more residential side streets, leading to collisions on side roads.

Common Reasons Why These Intersections are Dangerous

1. Intersections with Residential and Commercial Traffic

The above intersections all have something in common. They are high-traveled intersections that attract both residential and commercial traffic. Intersections like Carpenter Rd and Washtenaw are especially busy during the morning and evening commute.

The problem is that these fast-moving roadways often include traffic lights, turn lanes, driveways, and local side roads, which can force sudden slowdowns or stops. Drivers moving at highway speeds sometimes fail to anticipate these interruptions, leading to rear-end crashes and even head-on collisions.

2. Multiple Left Turn Lanes

Almost all the above intersections have multiple left-turn signals. This means traffic is coming from both the left and the right, forcing drivers to check different viewpoints over a very short time. The left turn lanes also encourage drivers to enter gaps during the short green lights, creating a risk of T-bone crashes. These types of collisions are often severe, especially when involving SUVs or trucks.

Locations like Jackson Rd. and Zeeb Rd. or Carpenter Rd. and Ellsworth Rd. demand quick decisions. Drivers are often expected to exit, merge, or switch lanes in under a quarter-mile, sometimes across four or more lanes of traffic. During peak hours, the result is a steady stream of side-swipes and forced cut-ins, especially when the weather is poor or the driver is unfamiliar with the area.

3. Distracted Driving in Risky Environments

With five-lane roads, multilane turn options, and sometimes two or more traffic signals in view, Washtenaw County intersections require full attention. But distractions like texting, in-dash navigation, or even passenger interactions still hamper driver focus. When drivers glance down at a phone while approaching a congested signal or misread a light pattern, even a split-second lapse can cause a crash. In intersections like Washtenaw and Packard, where hundreds of vehicles cross per hour, distracted driving becomes a severe liability.

What to Do if You’re Injured at One of These Intersections

If you’ve been hurt in a car accident at one of Ann Arbor or Washtenaw County’s high-risk intersections, take the following steps:

Call 911 and Get Medical Attention:

Even if injuries seem minor, it is essential to get checked out. Some symptoms (especially from whiplash or concussions) do not appear right away. Go to a local hospital or urgent care as quickly as possible.

File a Police Report:

This motor vehicle accident report creates an official record of the crash. The police will get all pertinent information and assign fault to a driver. In some instances, like uninsured motorist claims, a police report is required to pursue a case for pain and suffering compensation.

Take Photos and Gather Information: 

Take photos on your cell phone of your vehicle and the other vehicles involved in the crash. Document the scene and take a video if necessary. Collect the contact info from witnesses.  

Contact Your Insurance Company: 

Start your no-fault claim and ask for a no-fault PIP application. Include lost wage information if applicable.

Talk to a Washtenaw County Car Accident Lawyer:

Injury claims involving intersections like Carpenter Rd and Ellsworth are not always clear-cut. Auto insurance companies may try to shift blame to you and dispute liability. The car insurance carrier may also argue your injuries are not accident-related and attempt to terminate or stop the payment of first-party no-fault benefits. It is vital to speak to an experienced Washtenaw County car accident lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.

Work with a Trusted Washtenaw County Auto Accident Law Firm

At The Lee Steinberg Law Firm, our auto accident attorneys have handled thousands of cases across Metro Detroit and in Washtenaw County. Our experienced car accident attorneys know how to reconstruct the intersection accident using traffic data and video footage, prove the at-fault driver’s negligence, and demand big compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured on a dangerous intersection in Washtenaw County, call 1-800-LEE-FREE, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney. There is no fee unless we win your case, so reach out today.