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.
On September 7, 2022, Margaret Tippen was killed in a crash on an unpaved road along her daily walking route in Springfield Township. Suddenly, a vulnerable road user became a crash fatality. Crashes like these may seem random in the moment, but they change lives forever, in ways we can never fully understand. To prevent life-threatening crashes and save lives, it is essential to learn what the data can tell us and work together on solutions.
The story of Margaret Tippen’s life is unique, but the story of her death is all too common. Pedestrians are involved in less than 1% of all traffic crashes, but they account for 19% of all traffic fatalities in Southeast Michigan. The higher the travel speed, the higher the risk of fatality. Regardless of whether it happens on a gravel road like the one in this story, in an urbanized intersection, or anywhere else, each crash fatality is a tragedy that could have been avoided.
Erin Hoffman (left), daughter of Margaret Tippen, speaks to the crowd gathered in honor of her late mother. Dave Hoffman (right), husband of Margaret Tippen, speaks to the crowd gathered in honor of his late wife.
The reason we know this story as something other than a data point is what happened next. Margaret’s family was moved to commemorate her memory and inspired to ensure her legacy could help others avoid the same fate. They reached out to their local leadership – Springfield Township Supervisor Laura Moreau – to ask for help. This decision was validated quickly as Moreau began organizing the Memorial Walk for Pedestrian Safety.
Supervisor Moreau reached out to SEMCOG, and we were fortunate enough to attend and participate in the Memorial Walk on September 30, 2023. Amidst the gathering, I joined SEMCOG staff in distributing safety materials and was honored to hear heartfelt stories from Margaret’s loved ones. Witnessing the community’s collective tribute to Margaret was nothing short of inspiring; hundreds joined in solidarity, offering their support to the Tippen family.
Amy O’Leary, SEMCOG Executive Director
The success of the walk was a testament to the collaborative efforts of Springfield Township, Margaret’s family, the Oakland County Road Commission, the Oakland County Sheriff, and SEMCOG.
Laura Moreau, Springfield Township Supervisor, leads a moment of somber reflection and determination, as community members mourn a loss and resolve to work toward making changes for the better.
“Managing travel speeds is critical in supporting safety and local units need more flexibility and input in the process,” said Springfield Township Supervisor Laura Moreau. “In Springfield Township where gravel roads are used for walking, biking, and recreation, speed limits should factor in roadway characteristics such width, curves, bumps, hills, and poor sight distance,” Moreau said.
To better leverage local understanding of crash trends, many have supported legislation to enable more flexibility in the parameters for setting speed limits, including more flexibility for communities. Margaret’s story is one example of committed leadership responding to a community need. The location of her death was just one street in Southeast Michigan, and the reality is that we can make all of them safer. Working together, our region can reverse the trends and create a safer mobility environment for everyone.
The memory of Margaret Tippen’s tragic loss serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced safety measures on our roadways. I know we can make our region’s roads safer for all users by working together, so let us unite in our commitment to creating safer, more aware communities throughout Southeast Michigan.
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