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Last Modified on Oct 13, 2025
Not all collisions can be avoided, but being aware of the most common causes of collisions is crucial for staying safe on the road. Southfield is a unique community with its own set of Southfield, MI car accident statistics. These statistics highlight patterns in local crashes and give insight into factors that often lead to serious accidents. Understanding these trends can help drivers make safer choices and reduce their risk while traveling through the area.
Must-Know Car Accident Statistics
The state’s 2023 official crash summary offers a reminder of the risks faced by drivers and pedestrians alike. In total, there were 3,116 reported crashes across the city. Of those, 6 were fatal, resulting in 7 deaths, while 779 crashes led to injuries, affecting 1,027 people. Many incidents (2,331) were classified as property damage only.
Southfield neighborhoods such as Evergreen Hills, Cranbrook Village, and Northland Gardens experience traffic volumes that contribute to these numbers. Heavily traveled corridors often witness rear-end collisions, angle crashes, and intersection conflicts that can result in both injuries and financial strain. Michigan reported 15,852 crashes involving heavy trucks or buses in 2023.
Dangerous Roads in Michigan
Telegraph Road (US-24) is widely regarded as one of the most hazardous routes in Michigan. Known for its steady congestion and complex intersections, the corridor has been singled out in crash reports for elevated accident rates. With constant merging traffic, busy commercial access points, and multiple high-speed lanes, Telegraph creates a challenging driving environment that frequently results in serious collisions at key junctions.
General Driving Statistics
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 39,345 people died in traffic collisions in 2024. The figure represents a 3.8% drop from 2023, when 40,901 individuals lost their lives on the road. Accident and fatality levels spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic. More recently, the U.S. has seen 11 straight quarters of declining roadway deaths since mid-2022.
While Americans drove about 1% more miles in 2024, the fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled fell to 1.20, the lowest since 2019. The 2024 number remains higher than pre-pandemic averages, indicating room for improvement. Seat belt non-use, speeding, distraction, and impaired driving remain key contributors to crashes nationwide.
Why You Should Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
If you were hurt in a car accident in Southfield, your top priority should be to hire a Southfield car accident attorney who has years of experience handling car accident cases. The state’s car accident laws are complex and require claimants and plaintiffs to provide evidence to back their claim. An experienced Southfield car accident lawyer brings years of experience handling car accident cases and securing favorable settlements and court verdicts for clients throughout the Southfield area.
FAQs
What Are the Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Southfield, MI?
One of the leading causes of car accidents is distracted driving. When drivers take their focus off the road because they are texting, messaging, or eating in the car, they can cause serious collisions that leave other drivers and passengers with serious injuries. Distracted driving can leave drivers financially liable for causing collisions. Evidence such as phone records, dashcam footage, and other forms of evidence can be used to prove that the other driver was distracted.
Where Is the Accident Rate Highest in Michigan?
In Michigan and the Oakland County area, one of the most crash-prone corridors is Telegraph Road (US-24). Telegraph Road is frequently cited in traffic safety reports and “dangerous road” rankings for its high volume of collisions, particularly at major intersections. Multiple lanes, heavy traffic, higher speeds, and frequent turn movements, combined with numerous driveways, create constant conflict points that lead to rear-end, angle, and left-turn crashes.
What Month Has the Most Car Accidents in Michigan?
National data shows that death rates per 100 million vehicle miles peaked in October 2023. According to figures compiled from government data, while fatalities and miles traveled fluctuate, October stands out each year as having among the highest normalized crash death rates. The rise reflects heavier fall traffic, changing weather conditions, and day-to-day driving risks that increase after summer. Remaining vigilant in that month can help you avoid a collision.
Do Car Accidents Happen More Often on Rural Roads or Highways in Southfield, MI?
According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation, rural roads account for 43% of all roadway deaths. Most rural traffic deaths happen when vehicles leave the roadway, such as running off the road, crossing into oncoming lanes, or striking fixed objects. Speeding and alcohol use are common factors in these crashes. In 2022, 51% of rural passenger vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts, compared to 48% in urban areas.
How Dangerous Are Highways in Southfield, MI?
Michigan’s highways carry a high crash risk due to speed, heavy traffic, and complex driving conditions. Expressways and freeways see elevated crash severities, especially in poor weather or low visibility. Composite data from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts also shows that highway speeds amplify both the frequency and lethality of crashes. Alcohol consumption plays a significant role in amplifying the dangers of driving on the highway.
Injured in a Car Accident? Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Southfield drivers face unique risks on local roads, and accident statistics underscore the frequency with which negligence leads to serious harm. If you were injured in a collision, you have the right to pursue accountability. At Wigod & Falzon, we have represented injured drivers and passengers in Southfield for over 25 years and have a proven track record of securing compensation that accurately reflects the true impact of our clients’ losses.
When you work with our law firm, you are connected to one of our lead attorneys who will fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation that you are owed. We never settle for less than our clients are owed and are willing to take your case to court if needed. Our attorneys prepare every case with care and fight tirelessly to protect your rights from start to finish. Contact Wigod & Falzon today to schedule your consultation.
