A version of this article was originally featured in SEMCOG’s Putting Safety First. It illuminates regional data that underscores the gravity of fatal and serious crashes in Southeast Michigan. As we reflect on the many lives impacted by preventable tragedies, it becomes evident that concerted action is imperative. SEMCOG’s Southeast Michigan Transportation Safety Plan identifies key safety needs and guides investment decisions to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries for all road users.
A transformative wave of transportation safety initiatives is reshaping the landscape across Southeast Michigan’s communities. Local leaders prioritize safety through innovative infrastructure such as roundabouts and engaging education programs.
Oakland County Utilizing Roundabouts to Enhance Operations, Safety
The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is one of the agencies leading the way in the use of roundabouts – which can increase capacity (the amount of traffic that can flow through) from 30-50% and help to ease traffic congestion. One example is the roundabout at M-5/Pontiac Trail/Martin Parkway.
“This is a high-volume intersection, where a state highway dead-ends into a county road. We actually built this roundabout, in part, as a way to deal with all the serious injury/fatality crashes that were occurring at the intersection when it was signalized. People would come cruising down M-5 at 60-plus miles an hour and not be able to stop at the intersection. While that remains a problem today, the design of the roundabout helps to slow them down and we are, at least, having no fatalities and few serious injury crashes. So, this roundabout has accomplished what it was intended to do. Immediately following our ribbon cutting ceremony to open that roundabout, an Oakland County Sheriff’s deputy pulled a couple of us aside and thanked us for building the roundabout. He said he was getting very tired of having to respond to fatalities at the previous traffic signal at the intersection. There have not been any fatalities there since the roundabout was built in 2011.” – Craig Bryson, Senior Communications Manager, RCOC
Northville Township Blends Education, Enforcement to Improve Safety
Scott Hilden, Northville Township Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, shared insights into the township’s initiatives regarding community education and engagement. The police department has placed a strong emphasis on local engagement through initiatives like the Partners in Your Safety program. Programs like these play a vital role in fostering better police-community relations while also educating residents on how to prevent future crash injuries and fatalities. Chief Hilden emphasizes the importance of community involvement, stating, “the more eyes and ears that we have in the community, the more effectively we can collaborate to ensure the highest level of safety in traffic enforcement and road safety.”
Nine Mile Redesign and Linear Park – City of Oak Park
The City of Oak Park earned SEMCOG’s 2023 Regional Showcase Award for its Nine Mile Redesign and Linear Park Project. Road diets, like what has been accomplished in Oak Park, can improve safety while also redefining a place or corridor in positive ways. The Nine Mile Redesign and Linear Park project reduces the number of traffic lanes on Nine Mile Road and adds several enhancements, including enhanced pedestrian crossings; bike lanes; a linear park with public gathering spaces; public art; play equipment, and green infrastructure. These elements encourage safer driving behavior lower speeds, reducing pedestrian injuries and fatalities. They also serve to increase economic development and recreation opportunities. This project was developed based on public input and collaboration with Oak Park’s surrounding communities and stakeholders. Partnership with Oakland County, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Southfield, Farmington Hills, and Farmington has enabled an ongoing multi-community corridor vision.
Nine Mile, Oak Park – Before
Nine Mile, Oak Park – After
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