Key Points of This Article:
- Roundabout construction is increasing all across Detroit and Michigan.
- Generally, experts believe roundabouts are a safer alternative to other dangerous intersections.
- Though roundabouts decrease the number of severe accidents, they can sometimes increase the number of minor crashes.
- Residents of Michigan are concerned about the increasing number of roundabouts.
- An experienced Michigan personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve after a roundabout-related car crash.
While car accidents can happen anywhere, experts claim that roundabouts are a safer alternative to intersections with stop signs and traffic signals. Generally, roundabouts are designed to improve the flow of traffic and reduce the risk of serious accidents—and because of this, many states are adopting a “roundabout first” mentality. One state in particular that seems to be moving in this direction is Michigan.
Manager Brad Kluczynski of the Grand Traverse County Road Commission claims that Michiganders should get used to roundabouts as they aren’t going away anytime soon. Kluczynski reports that several roundabouts are coming to the area—two of which include those at the Parsons and Airport Access and the Four Mile and Hammond intersections.
Additional roundabouts have been suggested for the following locations:
- Hammond Road and Three Mile
- Hammond Road and Garfield
- Keystone Road and Cass Road
- Keystone Road and West River Road
- South Airport and Garfield
- South Airport and Barlow/LaFranier
- South Airport and Park
- M-32 and Bagley Street
Unfortunately, not all residents of Detroit and Michigan are thrilled about the increase in roundabout construction. Many claim that using roundabouts is more nerve-wracking and unsettling as it can be difficult to merge into the oncoming traffic, especially when drivers are moving at higher speeds. While much of the data collected has shown a decrease in roundabout accidents, some intersections have seen an increase, such as the West Maple and Farmington intersection in West Bloomfield.
Michigan Roundabouts With The Most Crashes in 2020
While roundabouts do have their benefits and help decrease the likelihood of severe accidents, they sometimes increase the number of minor incidents. In Michigan, the dangerous roundabouts with the most accidents include:
- 18 ½ Mile Rd & Van Dyke Ave | Macomb County: 131 crashes / 8 injuries
- Martin Pkwy & N Pontiac Trl | Oakland County: 110 crashes / 4 injuries
- Orchard lake Rd & 14 Mile Rd | Oakland County: 89 crashes / 11 injuries
- State Rd & W Ellsworth Rd | Washtenaw County: 69 crashes / 6 injuries
- Farmington Rd & W Maple Rd | Oakland County: 43 crashes / 2 injuries
- Farmington Rd & W 14 Mile Rd | Oakland County: 37 crashes / 4 injuries
- Oakley Park Rd & Martin Pkwy | Oakland County: 37 crashes / 0 injuries
- Livernois Rd & W Hamlin Rd | Oakland County: 35 crashes / 5 injuries
- Lee Rd & Whitmore Lake Rd | Livingston County: 35 crashes / 2 injuries
- Sprinkle Rd & Cork St | Kalamazoo County: 33 crashes / 6 injuries
The Pros and Cons of Roundabouts in Detroit and Michigan
Roundabouts are increasing across the country as more and more states are seeing auto accident numbers dropping. However, as mentioned above, while roundabouts generally are a safer alternative, this is not always true in every situation. If drivers are negligent and don’t pay attention or speed through the roundabout, you can still have accidents occur.
The benefits of roundabouts are that they often:
- Improve traffic flow
- Are better for the environment (they decrease idling times which reduces vehicle emissions and fuel consumption)
- Are safer for pedestrians
However, there are disadvantages to using roundabouts as well:
- Increase driver uncertainty and stress when trying to pull into the flow of traffic
- Too many merge points in one location
- Drivers often disobey the speed limit in a roundabout and rush through so no one else will pull out in front of them.
- Some drivers will simply turn left through the roundabout to avoid having to go all the way around.
- Though meant to be safer for pedestrians, many roundabouts take up so much space that the lanes dedicated to bicyclists or pedestrians are too narrow if existent at all.
Pursuing Compensation After a Roundabout Accident in Detroit
If you are involved in a car accident in a roundabout, you have a right to pursue compensation for any injuries you sustained or other damages incurred. However, proving fault in a roundabout-related accident can be tricky. Generally, Michigan auto law states the car entering the roundabout is found to be at fault due to their failure to yield the right of way to vehicles already moving around the roundabout—but though this is typically the case, it is not necessarily true in every situation.
Because of the complex nature of roundabout accidents and proving fault, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is wise. A local Detroit and Michigan attorney will know the specific laws in your area and how best to prove your case. Their goal is to help car accident victims get the full amount of compensation needed to recover with peace of mind.
The Lee Steinberg Law Firm: Helping Victims of Car Accidents in Detroit and Michigan
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a roundabout crash, the team at Lee Steinberg Law Firm can help. For over 40 years, our attorneys have handled many car accident cases, including roundabout-related collisions. We care about the safety and comfort of our clients and will fight tirelessly for their cause.
Call our Detroit and Michigan personal injury lawyers at 1-800-LEE-FREE (1-800-533-3733) to speak with an experienced attorney. Our consultations are free and confidential, and you’ll pay nothing until we settle your personal injury case.
